cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopy-based triage significantly reduces hospitalization rates and costs of treating upper GI bleeding: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background: Many patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding have a benign outcome and could receive less intensive and costly care if accurately identified. We sought to determine whether early endoscopy performed shortly after admission in the emergency department could significantly reduce the health care use and costs of caring for patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding without adversely affecting the clinical outcome. Methods: All eligible patients with upper GI bleeding and stable vital signs were randomized after admission to undergo endoscopy in 1 to 2 days (control) or early endoscopy in the emergency department. Patients with low-risk findings on early endoscopy were discharged directly from the emergency department. Clinical outcomes and costs were prospectively assessed for 30 days. Results: We randomized 110 consecutive stable patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding during the 12-month study period. The baseline demographic features, endoscopic findings, and the clinical outcomes were no different between the two groups. However the findings of the early endoscopy allowed us to immediately discharge 26 of 56 (46%) patients randomized to that group. No patient discharged from the emergency department suffered an adverse outcome. The hospital stay (median of 1 day [interquartile range of 0 to 3 days] vs. 2 days [interquartile range of 2 to 3 days], p = 0.0001) and the cost of care ($2068 [interquartile range of $928 to $3960] versus $3662 [interquartile range of $2473 to $7280], p = 0.00006) were significantly less for the early endoscopy group. Conclusions: Early endoscopy performed shortly after admission in the emergency department safely triaged 46% of patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding to outpatient care, which significantly reduced hospital stay and costs. (Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:755-61.)
Species difference in sensitivity to ethanol's hedonic effects

Recent research suggests that rats and mice differ in their sensitivity to ethanol's rewarding effect in the place conditioning paradigm. However, these species have not previously been examined in a comparable manner. The present study compared genetically heterogeneous rats and mice using an identical place conditioning procedure. Each animal received four pairings of a distinctive tactile floor stimulus with injection of ethanol (1.5 g/kg); a different tactile stimulus was paired with saline injection. Ethanol suppressed activity in rats but elevated activity in mice. As in most previous studies with drug-naive animals, rats showed aversion whereas mice showed preference for the ethanol-paired stimulus. This difference cannot be attributed to differences in housing conditions, apparatus, stimuli, or temporal parameters. Rather, it appears to represent a species difference in initial sensitivity to ethanol's hedonic effects. If one assumes that ethanol is both rewarding and aversive, this outcome might be explained by a species difference in tolerance/sensitization, the time-course of the biphasic hedonic response to a single ethanol exposure, or selective association. Together with other recent studies from this laboratory, the present findings suggest the mouse may well be the species of choice for studying preferences conditioned by ethanol.
THE SOLUTION TO THE WORD PROBLEM FOR THE RELATIVELY FREE SEMIGROUPS SATISFYING Ta = Ta+b WITH a ≥ 6

In this article the word problem for certain Burnside semigroups is shown to be decidable. For each word W ∈ A* a nondeterministic, finite-state automaton is constructed. This automaton accepts a word iff it is equivalent to W under the relations Ta = Ta+b, where a and b are fixed positive integers and T is an arbitrary word in A*. The method decides the word problem for those cases where a ≥ 6. The maximal subgroups are shown to be cyclic groups of order b.
Stimulation of marine free‐living and epibiotic bacterial activity by copepod excretions

The influence of marine copepod exudates (amino acids and NH4+) on activity by free-living bacteria, and the relative activity of epibiotic bacteria living on copepods were examined. Samples that contained copepods (100 copepods 1−1) were estimated to have leucine concentrations (K+S) that were higher by factor of 4.4, and leucine Vmax's that were higher by a factor of 1.8 relative to samples without copepods. NH4+ additions stimulated bacterial activity in samples that did not contain copepods, but had no effect in samples that contained copepods, suggesting that free-living bacteria were N-limited. Epibiotic bacteria accounted for about 20% of total bacterial activity. These results suggested that high-density copepod aggregations may liberate nutrients in sufficient quantity to significantly stimulate bacterial activity, and that epibiotic bacteria may be optimally positioned to exploit these resources.
Hypermagnesemia associated with catharsis in a salicylate-intoxicated patient with anorexia nervosa

While clinicians have raised concerns about giving multiple doses of a cathartic as a part of therapy for acute poisoning, fears of excessive magnesium absorption or fluid or electrolyte imbalances have been largely unrealized. We present the case of a 19-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa and long-term laxative abuse who, despite a normal baseline serum magnesium concentration, developed hypermagnesemia during treatment with multiple doses of activated charcoal-magnesium citrate for acute salicylate intoxication. The peak serum magnesium concentration, after two doses of magnesium citrate, reached 9.8 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L). It fell to normal levels when sorbitol was substituted as a cathartic and after the patient had been hemodialyzed for symptoms of salicylate toxicity that continued despite conventional therapy. While disordered magnesium metabolism in one patient with a severe underlying medical condition should not interdict the use of repetitive doses of magnesium citrate as a cathartic, patients requiring such therapy should have serum magnesium concentrations measured serially to monitor for signs of magnesium loading.
Chemical and isotopic composition of gases released by crush methods from organic rich mudrocks

Abstract We report on the composition of mudrock gases released under vacuum by ball-mill rock crushing and pressure induced fracturing. Nine core samples from organic rich Barnett Shale were used in this study. TOC content varies from 3.3–7.9%; thermal maturity varies from 0.58–2.07 % R o . Our results show that both thermal maturity and gas desorption contributes to changes in the CH 4 /CO 2 ratio of gases released during rock crushing. CH 4 /CO 2 ratios of these gases are lower at low thermal maturities and higher at high thermal maturities because more CH 4 rich gas is generated at higher maturity levels. CH 4 /CO 2 ratios decrease with longer rock crushing times because of the increase in the CO 2 rich gas contribution. However, no obvious compositional fractionation occurs among C 1 , C 2 and C 3 of crushed-rock gas and C 1 /C 2 and C 2 /C 3 ratios remain nearly constant during crushing although these ratios are greatly increased overall when the level of thermal maturity is high. Gas geochemical parameters (C 1 /C 2 , C 2 /C 3 , and i -C 4 / n -C 4 ) of released gas are good indicators of thermal maturation of organic rich shales. The CH 4 /CO 2 ratio is a function of selectivity, partition coefficients and (possibly but less likely) sorption kinetics between CH 4 and CO 2 molecules in shales. Trends in released gas yield and gas chemistry during rock crushing relate to gas storage states and pore connectivity. The δ 13 C 1 , δ 13 C 2 and δ 13 C 3 values of gas released from particles of coarser size (> 250 μm) are similar to values of gas produced from Barnett shales after hydraulic fracturing. CH 4 dominated gas appears to be stored in larger connected pores and is therefore released during the initial stages of crushing. The carbon isotope values of methane, ethane and propane are heavier in the more thermally mature samples, suggesting that this released gas is representative of the gas chemistry of subsurface rocks. Retrieval of gas chemistry data from existing core samples provides information of great relevance for understanding deep shale gas reservoirs.
Childhood abuse is associated with increased startle reactivity in adulthood

Background: Understanding the neurobiological correlates of childhood maltreatment is critical to delineating stress-related psychopathology. The acoustic startle response (ASR) is a subcortical reflex modulated by neural systems implicated in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ASR is conserved across species and is increased in rodent models of developmental stress. Methods: We measured ASR to a 40 ms noise probe as well as fear-potentiated startle using electromyographic recordings of the eyeblink in a primarily African American sample (N=60) from a highly traumatized civilian population. We assessed self-reported history of abuse with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and current symptoms with the PTSD Symptom Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: We found that subjects reporting a history of high levels of physical or sexual abuse had increased startle on all trial types relative to those with low abuse (P Language: en
Control of Calcium Carbonate Nucleation and Crystal Growth by Soluble Matrx of Oyster Shell

A calcium-binding soluble protein extracted from oyster shell suppresses calcium carbonate nucleation and decreases the rate of crystal growth in vitro. These findings suggest that soluble matrix may regulate shell growth.
Crystallization and Solid-State Polymerization of Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) Facilitated by Supercritical CO2

Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) was synthesized by solid-state polymerization (SSP) using supercritical CO2 to induce crystallinity in low molecular weight polycarbonate beads. The CO2-induced crystallization was studied as a function of time, temperature, molecular weight, and pressure. There was an optimum temperature for crystallization which depended on the molecular weight of the polymer. The molecular weight and percent crystallinity of the polymer produced by SSP were determined as a function of time and radial position in the bead. The molecular weight and percent crystallinity were strong functions of the particle radius, probably because of the slow diffusion of phenol out of the polymer particles. Nitrogen and supercritical CO2 were used as sweep fluids for the SSP process. The polymerization rate was always higher in supercritical CO2 at otherwise comparable conditions. We hypothesize that supercritical CO2 plasticizes the amorphous regions of the polymer, thereby increasing chain mobility and the...
Practice and Persuasive Frame: Effects on Beliefs, Intention, and Performance of a Cancer Self‐Examination1

Many behaviors are performed less frequently than intended because they require knowledge and skill to overcome behavioral barriers. This experiment tested effects of two factors, direct experience and message frame, that were hypothesized to affect men's intention to perform the testicle self-exam for cancer (TSE) and their actual exam performance, in part by affecting their knowledge and beliefs about overcoming TSE performance barriers. Men's experience performing the TSE on a life-like model and the frame (negative, positive, or neutral) of the recommendation promoting the exam were manipulated factorially. Consistent with prediction, men who practiced (vs. did not practice) the self-exam: (a) endorsed stronger beliefs about behavior-specific knowledge (e.g., ability to imagine a lump), (b) held more positive intention, and (c) translated that intention more consistently into self-reported action, in part because their behavior-specific knowledge increased their tendency to act on their intention. Consistent with action phase theory (Gollwitzer, 1990), intention related more strongly to behavior-specific beliefs than to general, long-term beliefs, and more strongly than attitude related to behavior-specific beliefs. These findings have practical and theoretical implications for promoting healthful and other intended behaviors.
Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding human preproinsulin

Insulin consists of two polypeptide chains, A (21 amino acids) and B (30 amino acids), linked by disulphide bonds. Both chains are derived from one precursor, proinsulin, which includes a connecting peptide (C) between the A and B chains, and which is excised before the secretion of insulin from the pancreatic B cells1. The observation that the C-peptide varies between species, in contrast to the highly conserved A and B sequences1–3, is consistent with the theory that it serves a purely structural function in insulin synthesis. During in vitro translation of insulin mRNA, a larger peptide containing about 25 additional residues at the N-terminal end (preproinsulin) is the primary product4–7. The prepeptide is cleaved to leave proinsulin during transport into the endoplasmic reticulum and is thought to direct this process specifically8. Using automated amino acid sequence analysis, the partial amino acid sequences of the prepeptide regions of bovine, rat, sea raven and anglerfish preproinsulin have been established4,5,7. The nucleotide sequences of the cloned cDNA and gene coding for rat insulin I have confirmed the amino acid sequence of rat proinsulin I, and have also predicted the sequence of the prepeptide9–11. Like the prepeptides of other secreted proteins, this prepeptide has a prominent hydrophobic region12. We report here the cloning of a cDNA prepared from human insulin mRNA and an analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the cloned molecule including the region coding for the prepeptide and portions of the 5′- and the 3′-untranslated regions of the molecule. We also compare the structure of the human molecule with the previously reported rat mRNA9–11.
Vessel dilator, long acting natriuretic peptide, and kaliuretic peptide increase circulating prostaglandin E2.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases in the circulation of persons with congestive heart failure (CHF), but the cause of this increase is unknown. Prostaglandins are not stored, therefore, they cannot be released in response to congestive heart failure itself but rather need to have their synthesis stimulated by a hormone or some other substance. Prostaglandin E2's biologic properties are nearly identical to four peptide hormones originating from amino acids 1–30 [long acting natriuretic peptide], 31–67 [vessel dilator], 79–98 [kaliuretic peptide] and 99–126 [atrial natriuretic peptide, ANP] of the 126 amino acid ANP prohormone. ANP previously has been found to have no effect on circulating PGE2 concentrations in persons with CHF. The present investigation was designed to determine if one or more of the other three atrial natriuretic peptides might increase PGE2 when infused at their respective 100 ngkg body weight/minute concentrations for 60 minutes in persons with congestive heart failure. Vessel dilator increased PGE2 8-fold (P < 0.001) in the first 20 minutes of its infusion with PGE2 remaining 2–3 fold increased (P < 0.05) for 60 minutes after stopping its infusion. Long acting natriuretic peptide did not increase PGE2 until 40 minutes of its infusion but it caused the maximal increase (27-fold; P < 0.001) of PGE2 of the three peptide hormones tested. Kaliuretic peptide's stimulated increase of PGE2 also began in a delayed fashion but its effects lasted the longest, with PGE2being increased (P < 0.05) for two hours after the cessation of kaliuretic peptide's infusion. This investigation demonstrates that 1) three endogenous peptide hormones increase PGE2 in the circulation and 2) suggests that the known increase in PGE2 in CHF may be in part secondary to these peptides.
Tibial Osteotomies for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Insufficiency in Dogs

Objective— To review the biomechanical considerations, experimental investigations, and clinical data pertaining to tibial osteotomy procedures for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency in dogs. Study Design— Literature review. Methods— Literature search through Pub Med, Veterinary Information Network, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, and conference proceedings abstracts (November 1977 to March 2007). Results— Reported tibial osteotomy procedures attempt to eliminate sagittal instability (cranial tibial thrust) in CrCL-deficient stifles by altering the conformation of the proximal tibia. Functional stability can be achieved by decreasing the tibial plateau slope (cranial tibial closing wedge osteotomy [CTWO], tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [TPLO], combined TPLO and CTWO, proximal intraarticular osteotomy, chevron wedge osteotomy), altering the alignment of the patellar tendon (tibial tuberosity advancement), or both (triple tibial osteotomy). Clinical reports assessing the efficacy of these procedures frequently use subjective outcome measures, and the periods of follow-up evaluation are highly variable. Satisfactory results have been reported in most (>75%) dogs irrespective of the type of tibial osteotomy procedure. Conclusions— Currently available data does not allow accurate comparisons between different tibial osteotomy procedures, or with traditional methods of stabilizing the CrCL-deficient stifle. Carefully designed long-term clinical studies and further biomechanical analyses are required to determine the optimal osteotomy technique, and whether these procedures are superior to other stabilization methods. Clinical Relevance— Limb function in dogs with CrCL insufficiency can be improved using the currently described tibial osteotomy techniques.
High-Dose Intravenous Vancomycin Therapy and the Risk of Nephrotoxicity

Abstract Purpose National guidelines recommend higher serum trough concentrations when using vancomycin to treat certain clinical conditions, but there is concern that higher-dose vancomycin therapy causes nephrotoxicity. We evaluated risk factors associated with nephrotoxicity in patients receiving high-dose intravenous vancomycin. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical outcome of 80 hospitalized adult patients with normal baseline renal function who received ≥4 g/d of intravenous vancomycin for ≥48 hours between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011. After abstracting clinical risk factors, we used an analysis by methods of best clinical subsets to develop a multivariable model predicting nephrotoxicity in patients receiving high-dose vancomycin. Findings The overall rate of nephrotoxicity in the study population was 6%. Trough concentrations >20 mg/L were identified in a similar proportion of patients who did and did not develop nephrotoxicity. Patients who developed nephrotoxicity trended toward having a lower body mass index, higher daily dose, longer duration of therapy, and greater exposure to intravenous contrast and nephrotoxic medications. In a multivariable model, the combination of intravenous contrast and nephrotoxic medications was a significant predictor of nephrotoxicity, and duration of high-dose vancomycin was a significant confounder. Implications Administration of high-dose intravenous vancomycin may have less associated nephrotoxicity than previously reported, although duration of vancomycin therapy may play a role. Concomitant exposure to intravenous contrast and other nephrotoxic medications is a more significant predictor of developing nephrotoxicity than vancomycin dose or trough.
Prediction of activity for nonnucleoside inhibitors with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase based on Monte Carlo simulations.

Results of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for more than 200 nonnucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTIs) representing eight diverse chemotypes have been correlated with their anti-HIV activities in an effort to establish simulation protocols and methods that can be used in the development of more effective drugs. Each inhibitor was modeled in a complex with the protein and by itself in water, and potentially useful descriptors of binding affinity were collected during the MC simulations. A viable regression equation was obtained for each data set using an extended linear response approach, which yielded r2 values between 0.54 and 0.85 and an average unsigned error of only 0.50 kcal/mol. The most common descriptors confirm that a good geometrical match between the inhibitor and the protein is important and that the net loss of hydrogen bonds with the inhibitor upon binding is unfavorable. Other physically reasonable descriptors of binding are needed on a chemotype case-by-case basis. By i...
One-Year Temporal Stability of Delay-Discount Rates

The temporal stability of delay-discount rates for monetary rewards was assessed using a monetary choice questionnaire (Kirby & Marakovic, 1996). Of 100 undergraduate participants who completed the questionnaire at the initial session, 81 returned 5 weeks later and 46 returned 57 weeks later for subsequent sessions. The 5-week test—retest stability of discount rates was .77 (95% confidence interval 5 .67—.85), the 1-year stability was .71 (.50–.84), and the 57-week stability was .63 (.41—.77). Thus, at least when similar testing situations are reinstated, discount rates as individual differences have 1-year stabilities in the range that is typically obtained for personality traits. Discount rates index an attribute of the person that is relatively stable over time but that is moderated by aspects of the situation, such as reward type and deprivational state.
FUNCTIONAL SUBAORTIC STENOSIS PRODUCED IN ANIMALS.

Abstract Important systolic pressure gradients between the left ventricle and the arterial system were intentionally reproduced in dogs with closed pericardium, when their cardiac output was diminished and the contractile strength of the heart was maintained or increased. Pressure patterns reverted to normal when the pericardium was widely opened or when the cardiac output was increased while other factors remained constant.
Constitutive Behavior of Mixed Sn-Pb/Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder Alloys

During the transition from Pb-containing solders to Pb-free solders, joints composed of a mixture of Sn-Pb and Sn-Ag-Cu often result from either mixed assemblies or rework. Comprehensive characterization of the mechanical behavior of these mixed solder alloys resulting in a deformationally complete constitutive description is necessary to predict failure of mixed alloy solder joints. Three alloys with 1 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 20 wt.% Pb were selected so as to represent reasonable ranges of Pb contamination expected from different 63Sn-37Pb components mixed with Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu. Creep and displacement-controlled tests were performed on specially designed assemblies at temperatures of 25°C, 75°C, and 125°C using a double lap shear test setup that ensures a nearly homogeneous state of plastic strain at the joint interface. The observed changes in creep and tensile behavior with Pb additions were related to phase equilibria and microstructure differences observed through differential scanning calorimetric and scanning electron microscopic cross-sectional analysis. As Pb content increased, the steady-state creep strain rates increased, and primary creep decreased. Even 1 wt.% Pb addition was sufficient to induce substantially large creep strains relative to the Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu alloy. We describe rate-dependent constitutive models for Pb-contaminated Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys, ranging from the traditional time-hardening creep model to the viscoplastic Anand model. We illustrate the utility of these constitutive models by examining the inelastic response of a chip-scale package (CSP) under thermomechanical loading through finite-element analysis. The models predict that, as Pb content increases, total inelastic dissipation decreases.
Interest group strategies in multi-level Europe

This article analyzes the political responses of French and Italian business associations to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in the EU. I propose and test the empirical relevance of a multi-level lobbying model for multi-tiered systems, a model assumed by, but never systematically examined in, the pluralism literature. Data for this ten-sector cross-national panel study come from personal interviews with the presidents of French and Italian business associations. The interviews were held at the beginning and the end of the euro implementation process. The research shows that organized groups routinely overstep their territorial jurisdictions to lobby across multiple levels of government in multi-level Europe. The degree of state political decentralization is a statistically significant variable in explaining the choice of lobbying target. This ‘crucial comparative case study’ finds that, in adjusting to deeper economic integration, regional associations in France focus their energy on the central government, while Italian groups favour the regional government. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charting the course: assessing technology skills to steer the technology training program

The assessment of technology skills is a necessary step in the technology training process. If technology staff is to meet the needs of faculty, staff, and students, campus customer needs must first be identified. The InfoTech Training team offers computer application training for MU campus customers (faculty, staff, and students).Matching MU's strategic goal of maximizing the use of technology with measurable outcomes is critical. To promote the use of technology resources through the Information and Access Technology (IAT) Services Department at the University of Missouri (MU), InfoTech Training assesses technology-training needs, and then responds by offering appropriate training opportunities and specialized services to campus customers. This paper concentrates on the data collection process and implementation strategies developed as a result of the 2001 campus-wide technology needs assessment.
Verification of embedded phase-locked loops

With the increasing use of Phase-locked loops (PLLs) embedded in FPGAs, ASICs, and System-On-Chip (SoC), there is a growing need for methods to verify, their operation. This paper describes a general and organized list that includes tests for lock, jitter, stability and modulation response. The list is offered as a guide to the verification and testing of an embedded PLL. For that reason it is presented in such a way as to allow the reader to determine the extent to which the verification will be carried out. The tests are covered from the easiest to the most complicated to perform, with the amount of information gathered increasing along with the complexity of the test. The paper also discusses the difference between observing a stand-alone PLL and an embedded PLL.
ASTRX/OBLX: Tools for Rapid Synthesis of High-Performance Analog Circuits

We describe ASTRX/OBLX, a synthesis system that can size high-performance analog circuit topologies to meet usersupplied linear performance specifications without designer-supplied equations. We present synthesis results for a large suite of circuit benchmarks and show that, when compared to prior approaches, ASTRX/OBLX can synthesize high-performance circuits with up to 3 orders of magnitude less initial design effort.
In pursuit of short-term goals: anticipating the unintended consequences of using special incentives to motivate the sales force

Abstract Motivating salespeople is one of the core responsibilities of sales managers and a considerable literature has grown around this issue, providing understanding of the processes involved in gaining a motivated sales force. Most of this literature presumes motivation–effort–performance linkages. Recognizing that effort is just one of the possible outcomes of motivation, this study focuses on other potential consequences of motivation, problematic behaviors, i.e., any behaviors discouraged by management due to their portent for harm to the firm. In particular, this study examines the extent that various problematic behaviors are likely to occur under conditions of high motivation to attain short-term targeted goals. Based on a nationwide sample from three multidivisional sales forces ( n =827), the results provide numerous insights including the suggestion that company codes of ethics and values stances may only be effective at reducing highly problematic behaviors while lesser problematic behaviors may be more or less intractable. Also, affective commitment and relationship to supervisor may have dampening effects on tendencies toward problematic behaviors while status aspiration and competitiveness, qualities frequently sought in salespeople, may increase these tendencies.
From Above and Below Social Movements, the International System, and Human Rights in Argentina

What role does the international system play in amplifying the impact of domestic social movements on social change? The Argentine human rights movement reached the international system through the projection of cognitive and affective information—persuasion. International response was facilitated by the international human rights regime, and transnational nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) played a critical role. This challenge from above and below did have a clear impact on the target government and the development of broader mechanisms for the protection of human rights—even under the most severe conditions of repression and powerlessness.
Mineralogy of the lunar crust: Results from Clementine

(Received 1997 December 5; accepted in revised form 1998 September 15) Abstract-The central peaks of 109 impact craters across the Moon are examined with Clementine ultraviolet-visible (UVVIS) camera multispectral data. The craters range in diameter from 40 to 180 km and are believed to have exhumed material from 5-30 km beneath the surface to form the peaks, including both upper and lower crustal rocks depending on whether craters have impacted into highlands or basins. Representative five-color spectra from spectrally and spatially distinct areas within the peaks are classified using spectral parameters, including "key ratio" (which is related to mafic mineral abundance) and "spectral curvature" (linked to absorption band shape, which distinguishes between low- and high-Ca pyroxene and olivine). The spectral parameters are correlated to mineralogical abundances, related in turn to highland plutonic rock compositions. The derived rock compositions for the various central peaks are presented in a global map. From these results, it is evident that the lunar crust is compositionally diverse, both globally and at local 100 m scales found within individual sets of central peaks. Although the central peaks compositions imply a crust that is generally consistent with previous models of crustal structure, they also indicate a more anorthositic crust than generally assumed, with a bulk plagioclase content of -8 1%, evolving from "pure" anorthosite near the surface towards more mafic, low-Ca pyroxene-rich compositions with depth (comparable to anorthositic norite). Evidence for mafic plutons occurs in both highlands and basins and represent all mafic highland rock types. However, the lower crust is more compositionally diverse than the highlands, with both a greater range of rock types and more diversity within individual sets of central peaks.
Quantitative ultrasound method to detect and monitor laser-induced cavitation bubbles

An ultrasound technique to measure the spatial and tempo- ral behavior of the laser-induced cavitation bubble is introduced. The cavitation bubbles were formed in water and in gels using a nanosec- ond pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm. A focused, single- element, 25-MHz ultrasound transducer was employed both to detect the acoustic emission generated by plasma expansion and to acousti- cally probe the bubble at different stages of its evolution. The arrival time of the passive acoustic emission was used to estimate the loca- tion of the cavitation bubble's origin and the time of flight of the ultrasound pulse-echo signal was used to define its spatial extent. The results of ultrasound estimations of the bubble size were compared and found to be in agreement with both the direct optical measure- ments of the stationary bubble and the theoretical estimates of bubble dynamics derived from the well-known Rayleigh model of a cavity collapse. The results of this study indicate that the proposed quantita- tive ultrasound technique, capable of detecting and accurately mea- suring laser-induced cavitation bubbles in water and in a tissue-like medium, could be used in various biomedical and clinical applications. © 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.2937478
Phase aberration correction on two-dimensional conformal arrays

Two-dimensional conformal arrays are proposed to enhance low contrast lesion detection deep in the body. The arrays conform to the body maintaining good contact over a large area. To provide full three-dimensional focusing for two-dimensional imaging, such arrays are densely sampled in the scan direction (x) and coarsely sampled in the nonscan direction (y), i.e., the arrays are anisotropic. To illustrate reduction in slice thickness with increased array length in y, a two-dimensional array is synthesized using a one-dimensional, 128 element array with a 3.5 MHz center frequency. A mask is attached confining transmission and reception of acoustic waves to 2 mm in y. Using a mechanical scan system, the one-dimensional array is moved along y covering a 28.16 mm/spl times/20.0 mm aperture. Accordingly, the synthetic array has 128 elements in x and 10 elements in y. To correct for geometric irregularities due to array movement, a gelatin based phantom containing three-dimensional point targets is used for phase aberration correction. Results show that elevational beam quality is degraded if small geometric errors are not removed. Emulated conformality at the body surface and phase aberrations induced by spatial inhomogeneities in tissue are further imposed and shown to produce severe beam-forming artifacts. Two-dimensional phase aberration correction is applied and results indicate that the method is adequate to compensate for large phase excursions across the entire array. To fully realize the potential of large, two-dimensional, conformal arrays, proper two-dimensional phase aberration correction methods are necessary. >
Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy for Patients with Symptomatic Borderline Dysplasia A Comparison to a Matched Cohort of Patients with Symptomatic FAI

Objectives: The outcomes of hip arthroscopy in the treatment of dysplasia are variable. Arthroscopy in severe dysplasia (LCEA<18°) results in poor outcomes and iatrogenic instability. However, in milder forms of dysplasia, favorable outcomes have been demonstrated at short-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of hip arthroscopy in borderline dysplastic patients to a control group of non-dysplastic patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femorocetabular impingement (FAI).
Gravity sag of sandwich panel assemblies as applied to precision cathode strip chamber structural design

The relationship between gravity sag of a precision cathode strip chamber and its sandwich panel structural design is explored parametrically. An algorithm for estimating the dominant component of gravity sag is defined. Graphs of normalized gravity sag as a function of gap frame width and material, sandwich core edge filler width and material, panel skin thickness, gap height, and support location are calculated using the gravity sag algorithm. The structural importance of the sandwich-to-sandwich ``gap frame`` connection is explained.
Better to exist: a reply to Benatar

A recent exchange on Benatar’s book Better never to have been between Doyal and Benatar discusses Benatar’s bold claim that people should not be brought into existence. Here, I expand the discussion of original position that the exchange focused on. I also discuss the asymmetries, between benefit and harm and between existence and non-existence, upon which Benatar’s bold claim rests. In both discussions, I show how Benatar’s bold claim can be rejected.
Scientific Empiricism and Scientific Psychology

It is a common opinion among psychologists that psychology1 became a science when it developed as a discipline independent of philosophy and modeled itself upon the practice of the natural sciences. In fact it did nothing of the kind. While psychologists quite justifiably rejected philosophical speculations about human nature in favor of empirical research, from the earliest days psychology was modeled upon an empiricist philosophy of science, derived from the empiricist and idealist doctrines of the 18th-century philosophers John Locke (1632–1704), George Berkeley (1685–1753), and David Hume (1711–1776).
Rebel Vowels: How Vowel Shift Patterns are Reshaping Speech in the Modern South

This article discusses the main reflexes of contemporary vowel changes in the South. In particular, the current state of knowledge about the Southern Vowel Shift and back vowel fronting is explored. This paper will discuss how these vowel patterns contribute to speech in a modern South, one asserting the region’s unique heritage while at the same time proclaiming its increasingly metropolitan and diverse status in the American landscape, and discuss the implications of this modernity.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE REDISTRIBUTION OF SURFACE-BOUND CONCANAVALIN A ON HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES

Human neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were studied to determine the influence of cellular locomotion upon the redistribution and capping of concanavalin A (Con A) . Con A was detected by fluorescence (using Con A conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate [Con A-FITC]), or on shadow-cast replicas (using Busycon canaliculatum hemocyanin as a marker for Con A). After labeling with Con A 100 µg/ml at 4°C and warming to 37°C, locomotion occurred, and the Con A quickly aggregated into a cap at the trailing end of the cell . When locomotion was inhibited (with cytochalasin B, or by incubation in serum-free medium at 18 °C) Con A rapidly formed a cap over the central region of the cell . Iodoacetamide inhibited capping . PMN labeled with FITC, amonovalent ligand, developed caps at the tail only on motile cells ; FITC remained dispersed on immobilized cells . PMN exposed to Con A 100 µg/ml at 37°C bound more lectin than at 4 °C, became immobilized, and showed slow central capping . The Con A soon became internalized to form a perinuclear ring. Such treatment in the presence of cytochalasin B resulted in the quick formation of persistent central caps. Colchicine(or prior cooling) protected PMN from the immobilizing effect of Con A, and tail caps were found on 30-40% of cells . Immobilization of colchicinetreated cells caused Con A to remain in dispersed clusters . Thus, capping on PMN is a temperature- and energy-dependent process that proceeds independently of cellular locomotion, provided a colchicine-sensitive system is intact and the ligand is capable of cross linking receptors . On the other hand, if the cell does move, it appears that ligandsmay be swept into a cap at the
Allocation and scheduling of conditional task graph in hardware/software co-synthesis

This paper introduces an allocation and scheduling algorithm that efficiently handles conditional execution in multi-rate embedded system. Control dependencies are introduced into the task graph model. We propose a mutual exclusion detection algorithm that helps the scheduling algorithm to exploit the resource sharing. Allocation and scheduling are performed simultaneously to take advantage of the resource sharing among those mutual exclusive tasks. The algorithm is fast and efficient, and so is suitable to be used in the inner loop of our hardware/software co-synthesis framework which must call the scheduling routine many times.
Geiger mode simulation of GaN homojunction avalanche photodetectors

We investigate the Geiger mode operation of wurtzite GaN-based homojunction avalanche photodiodes (APDs) via full-band ensemble Monte Carlo charge transport simulation. Critical design parameters for photon counting applications are identified, and their influence on single photon detection efficiency (SPDE) is quantified. Simulations demonstrate simultaneous reduction in breakdown field strength and growth in SPDE with increasing active region thickness. We also report a significant increase in avalanche growth rate with reduction in active region thickness, and relate for the first time the characteristic time scale to the product of avalanche coefficients and saturated drift velocities. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Pediatrician as a Consultant

• The time has come for pediatricians to assert themselves as consultants. They should be able to take care of most illnesses and children. The pediatrician should decide when help by a subspecialist is needed. The parents should not be expected to be the "brokers" for various specialty services. A tentative list of conditions every pediatrician should be able to handle with confidence is included. ( AJDC 1989;143:73-74)
Compositional features of cotton plant biomass fractions characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract Cotton is one of the most important and widely grown crops in the world. In addition to natural textile fiber production as a primary purpose, it yields a high grade vegetable oil for human consumption and also carbohydrate fiber and protein byproducts for animal feed. In this work, attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to characterize the cotton plant biomass fractions. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) of these ATR-FTIR spectra were performed to evaluate the similarity or dissimilarity of these biomass fractions from different parts of cotton plants, and the same plant parts collected between mid-season and pre-defoliation stages. These data revealed the more rapid accumulation of major carbohydrate components in main stems, roots, and branches than in petioles and leaf blades, increased our understanding of the cotton growth mechanism. PCA revealed that the ATR-FTIR spectra of cotton biomass fractions fell into two distinct clusters representing two types of cotton plant parts: Stem cluster (main stems, roots, branches, and petioles) and Leaf cluster (leaf blades, bracts, bur, and/or reproductive parts). Such clustering information could be helpful in selecting the FT-IR measurement parameters for assessing cotton plant growth, nutrition management, and biomass production.
On the boundary behavior of Kähler–Einstein metrics on log canonical pairs

In this paper, we study the boundary behavior of the negatively curved Kahler–Einstein metric attached to a log canonical pair (X, D) such that $$K_X+D$$ is ample. In the case where X is smooth and D has simple normal crossings support (but possibly negative coefficients), we provide a very precise estimate on the potential of the KE metric near the boundary D. In the more general singular case (D being assumed effective though), we show that the KE metric has mixed cone and cusp singularities near D on the snc locus of the pair. As a corollary, we derive the behavior in codimension one of the KE metric of a stable variety.
Blackhole of Corruption Disclosure

International corruption by US based corporations has been an important and growing enforcement area for United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in recent years. Cases and enforcement actions related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) peaked in 2007 with settlements coming in later years. Unfortunately, disclosure of corrupt practices and management’s role in taking active steps to stop corrupt practices is formulaic and without any meaning. This study analyzed 74 FCPA cases brought by the SEC against various well known organizations, and found that most of the organizations do not disclose corrupt practices in their 10-K filings during the corruption periods, and only report the allegations of corruption when SEC brings charges of corrupt practices. Furthermore, organizations’ responses are tepid and language used in reporting is vague and too general to determine whether the management of the organization is taking any new steps to prevent it in future.
Polymicrobial Pituitary Abscess Predominately Involving Escherichia coli in the Setting of an Apoplectic Pituitary Prolactinoma

Pituitary abscess is a rare intracranial infection that can be life-threatening if not appropriately diagnosed and treated upon presentation. The most common presenting symptoms include headache, anterior pituitary hypofunction, and visual field disturbances. Brain imaging with either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging usually reveals intra- or suprasellar lesion(s). Diagnosis is typically confirmed intra- or postoperatively when pathological analysis is done. Clinicians should immediately start empiric antibiotics and request a neurosurgical consult when pituitary abscess is suspected. Escherichia coli (E. coli) causing intracranial infections are not well understood and are uncommon in adults. We present an interesting case of an immunocompetent male with a history of hypogonadism presenting with worsening headache and acute right eye vision loss. He was found to have a polymicrobial pituitary abscess predominantly involving E. coli in addition to Actinomyces odontolyticus and Prevotella melaninogenica in the setting of an apoplectic pituitary prolactinoma. The definitive etiology of this infection was not determined but an odontogenic process was suspected. A chronic third molar eruption and impaction in close proximity to the pituitary gland likely led to contiguous spread of opportunistic oral microorganisms allowing for a polymicrobial pituitary abscess formation.
Wind Tunnel Test and Computational Studies of a Supercritical Airfoil for Correlation and Advancement of Design Methodologies

The goals of this project were to obtain airfoil performance data using multiple methods. Results are being used not only for comparison with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) but also to modify usage of CFD to better predict challenges encountered by the aerospace industry. The Kansas aircraft industries have made significant strides in adopting CFD methods for preliminary design work and have also been fairly successful at final design. Nevertheless, there are questionable results for certain geometries and flow regimes that cannot as yet be answered by CFD. The goal of the current research was to better tune Wind Tunnel testing and CFD results. To this goal we tested a 2D model of a representative airfoil and obtained very precise drag, lift and pitching moment measurements. We also increased our capabilities at the wind tunnel to use computational tools.
Life Cycle Carbon Footprint of Ethanol and Potassium Acetate Produced from a Forest Product Wastewater Stream by a Co-Located Biorefinery

Integrated production systems are designed on the concept of “minimum waste” to fully utilize natural resources by building industries next to each other when the waste of one is able to be the feedstock of another. A forest hardboard product wastewater stream contains wood extractives suspended in it that meet the input requirement of a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery facility. In addition, the biorefinery process partially substitutes for conventional wastewater treatment (WWT). A life cycle carbon footprint of fuel ethanol produced from a co-located biorefinery facility has been evaluated with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and compared with petroleum gasoline. The methodology takes into account changes to the original hardboard facility due to the presence of the integrated biorefinery. Three allocation methods (system expansion, mass allocation, and market value allocation) are applied in this study. Six scenarios are analyzed to evaluate the significance of several key variables. The basec...