cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Motion Estimation from 3D Echocardiography with Spatiotemporal Regularization

Cardiac deformation and motion analysis is important for studying heart function and mechanics. Deformation and motion abnormality of the myocardial wall is usually associated with ischemia and infarct. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic (echo) imaging is themost widely used method to estimate cardiac motion. However, quantitative motion analysis from echo images is still a challenging problem due to the complexity of cardiac motion, limitations in spatial and temporal resolutions, low signal noise ratio and imaging artifacts such as signal dropout. We developed a novel method to quantitatively analyze cardiac deformation andmotion from echo sequences. Our estimated cardiac motion is not only regularized to be spatially but also temporally smooth. We validate our methods using (1) simulated echo images with known ground truth, and (2) in vivo echo images acquired on open-chests pigs with sonomicrometry. Tests indicate that our method can estimate cardiac motion more accurately than methods without temporal regularization.
Studies on vaccinia virus plaque formation and its inhibition by interferon. III. A simplified plaque inhibition assay of interferon.

Abstract A plaque inhibition assay of interferon using vaccinia virus as challenge has been developed. No adsorption period of either interferon or virus was required; instead, both interferon and virus were added simultaneously to chick embryo cell monolayers in bottles without an agar overlay. After 44–48 hours of incubation at 37° the monolayers were stained with crystal violet and the plaques were counted. The dose-response relationship remained unaffected by variations in the amount of challenge virus between 50 and 19,000 PFU per monolayer. When the percentage plaque inhibition was plotted against the logarithm of the dose, different interferon preparations yielded parallel curves. The dose-response curves were sigmoidal and could be subjected to probit analysis. The method could be adapted to other tissues and other inhibitors.
Relating climatic attributes and water resources allocation: A study using surface water supply and soil moisture indices in the Snake River basin, Idaho

[1] Climate change forced by anthropogenic activities has been ongoing since at least the beginning of the industrial revolution. Part of the recent warming in the western United States has been attributed to anthropogenic climate change. This research seeks to answer the basic question of how declining streamflow, increasing temperatures, and fluctuation in precipitation have impacted water resource allocation in the Snake River Plain over the past 35 years (1971–2005). Understanding how changes in climatic attributes have historically impacted water allocation should help water managers better understand how projected climate change may influence allocation. Annual and monthly diversion trends from 62 locations in the Snake River Plain were compared to temperature and precipitation trends at 10 climate stations across the basin. We found a strong trend of declining annual surface water diversions across the study area. Of the 62 diversion points examined, 45 have highly significant decreasing annual diversion trends, while an additional 8 have significant decreasing trends. Despite the annual decline in surface water diversions, April diversions have increased at more than half of the diversion points, with 15 locations showing highly significant trends and an additional 17 showing significant increasing diversion trends. A comparison of diversions to the Surface Water Supply Index indicates that the decline in midseason and late season diversions is mostly caused by decreasing supply in the study period, while a comparison of diversions to Palmer's Z index and the Standardized Precipitation Index indicates that early season diversions are highly correlated to early season moisture anomalies.
Some Realism about Judges: A Reply to Edwards and Livermore

For some years I have been arguing for a realistic approach to understanding judicial behavior. That approach is challenged in a recent article by Judge Harry Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and Mr. Michael Livermore, the executive director of the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law. What I am calling the “realistic approach” is, most simply, the view that judges play a legislative role in many cases, and those usually the most important ones—the ones that shape the law or have an immediate effect on society. And they play that role not only in common law cases and other areas of explicitly judge-made law but also in the interpretation of statutes and—of course—of the U.S. Constitution. The opposing approach, which I call the “legalistic approach,” pictures judges as oracles, engaged in applying law stated in orthodox legal sources, such as statutory or constitutional text or judicial decisions having the status of precedents, and doctrines built from those decisions, to the facts of new cases. Judges in this picture are transmitters of law, not creators, just as the oracle at Delphi was
Alteration of microbial community composition and changes in decomposition associated with an invasive intertidal macrophyte

Data demonstrating the effects of biological invaders on microbial communities and microbial processes are scarce, especially in marine environments. Research was conducted at Padilla Bay, Washington, to examine the effect that an invasive intertidal eelgrass, Zostera japonica Aschers & Graebn, has on rates of decomposition, microbial community composition, and the possible implications for associated ecosystem processes in this estuarine environment. A series of observational and experimental studies were conducted in beds of Z. japonica, beds of its native congener, Zostera marina, and mixed eelgrass beds. These studies assessed decomposition of invasive and native eelgrass, enumerated bacterial abundance, and examined sole source carbon usage (SSCU) by microbial assemblages. Z. japonica decomposed more rapidly than its native congener throughout the study period although rates of decomposition were variable. Microbial abundance did not differ among different vegetation compositions although differences in SSCU by microbial assemblages were detected among beds of invasive, native, and mixed eelgrass. These results indicate that this abundant invasive species can accelerate rates of decomposition and alter the associative decomposer community, which may lead to higher carbon and nutrient turnover within Padilla Bay.
Suicide in the elderly: a two-year study of data from death certificates

Data from death certificates in Kentucky in 1987 and 1988 for persons 65 years old and older were analyzed. There were 205 suicides in the 2-year study period. Suicide rates were higher for the elderly than for any other population group. White men, the group at highest risk, committed approximately 80% of the suicides in the elderly group. Suicide among minorities was rare. Self-inflicted gunshot wounds accounted for 88% of the suicides in the elderly group. Despite their high risk of suicide, elderly white men are underrepresented in terms of psychiatric admissions. Language: en
Characterization and in vitro methotrexate release from methotrexate/gelatin conjugates of opposite conjugate bond polarity.

Purpose. Our laboratory has previously prepared gelatin/methotrexate (MTX) conjugates containing mixed conjugation sites and by-product crosslinking, both of which may alter conjugate effectiveness. In this study, we prepared and evaluated gelatin/MTX conjugates having specific conjugate bond sites and minimal by-product crosslinking.
Insulin analogs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus: therapeutic applications of protein engineering.

The engineering of insulin analogs represents a triumph of structure-based protein design. A framework has been provided by structures of insulin hexamers. Containing a zinc-coordinated trimer of dimers, such structures represent a storage form of the active insulin monomer. Initial studies focused on destabilization of subunit interfaces. Because disassembly facilitates capillary absorption, such targeted destabilization enabled development of rapid-acting insulin analogs. Converse efforts were undertaken to stabilize the insulin hexamer and promote higher-order self-assembly within the subcutaneous depot toward the goal of enhanced basal glycemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Current products either operate through isoelectric precipitation (insulin glargine, the active component of Lantus®; Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) or employ an albumin-binding acyl tether (insulin detemir, the active component of Levemir®; Novo-Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). To further improve pharmacokinetic properties, modified approaches are presently under investigation. Novel strategies have recently been proposed based on subcutaneous supramolecular assembly coupled to (i) large-scale allosteric reorganization of the insulin hexamer (the TR transition), (ii) pH-dependent binding of zinc ions to engineered His-X3-His sites at hexamer surfaces, or (iii) the long-range vision of glucose-responsive polymers for regulated hormone release. Such designs share with wild-type insulin and current insulin products a susceptibility to degradation above room temperature, and so their delivery, storage, and use require the infrastructure of an affluent society. Given the global dimensions of the therapeutic supply chain, we envisage that concurrent engineering of ultra-stable protein analog formulations would benefit underprivileged patients in the developing world.
A Conserved Pattern of Primer-Dependent Transcription Initiation in Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae Revealed by 5′ RNA-seq

Transcription initiation that involves the use of a 2- to ~4-nt oligoribonucleotide primer, “primer-dependent initiation,” (PDI) has been shown to be widely prevalent at promoters of genes expressed during the stationary phase of growth in Escherichia coli. However, the extent to which PDI impacts E. coli physiology, and the extent to which PDI occurs in other bacteria is not known. Here we establish a physiological role for PDI in E. coli as a regulatory mechanism that modulates biofilm formation. We further demonstrate using high-throughput sequencing of RNA 5′ ends (5′ RNA-seq) that PDI occurs in the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae. A comparative global analysis of PDI in V. cholerae and E. coli reveals that the pattern of PDI is strikingly similar in the two organisms. In particular, PDI is detected in stationary phase, is not detected in exponential phase, and is preferentially apparent at promoters carrying the sequence T−1A+1 or G−1G+1 (where position +1 corresponds to the position of de novo initiation). Our findings demonstrate a physiological role for PDI and suggest PDI may be widespread among Gammaproteobacteria. We propose that PDI in both E. coli and V. cholerae occurs though a growth phase-dependent process that leads to the preferential generation of the linear dinucleotides 5´-UA-3´ and 5´-GG-3´.
The effect of dorzolamide 2% on circadian intraocular pressure in cats with primary congenital glaucoma.

Objective To determine the extent of fluctuation in circadian intraocular pressure (IOP) and the efficacy of topical dorzolamide 2% q 8 h in lowering IOP and blunting circadian fluctuation in IOP in glaucomatous cats. Animals studied Seven adult cats with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Procedures Measurements of IOP and pupil diameter were obtained for both eyes (OU) of each cat q 4 h for 12 days. Cats were housed in a laboratory animal facility with a 12-h light:dark cycle. Baseline values were established for 2 days. For the next 5 days, placebo (1.4% polyvinyl alcohol) was administered OU q 8 h. Dorzolamide 2% was then administered OU q 8 h for a further 5 days. A multivariate mixed linear model was fitted to the data, with parameters estimated from a Bayesian perspective. The 4 am time point was selected as the reference for the purposes of comparisons. Results Estimated mean IOP for the reference time point pre-treatment was symmetric (about 33 mmHg OU). In all cats, IOP was significantly lower during the diurnal phase, relative to the 4 am measurements, with highest IOP observed 2–6 h after the onset of the dark phase. Circadian fluctuations in IOP were dampened during the treatment period. There was a significant decrease in IOP in all cats during the dorzolamide treatment period (estimated mean for the treatment period reference = 17.9 mmHg OU). Conclusions Topical dorzolamide 2% q 8 h is effective in reducing IOP and IOP fluctuation in cats with PCG.
Compatibilizing agents in polymer blends : interfacial tension, phase morphology, and mechanical properties

The interfacial tension, phase morphology, and phase growth was determined for four polymer blend systems: polyethylene/polystyrene, polyethylene/polyamide-6, polystyrene/polyamide-6, and polystyrene/poly(ethylene terephthalate). Generally, high interfacial tension correlates with coarse phase morphology and rapid phase coalescence. The addition of various potential compatibilizing agents to these binary blend systems results in lowered interfacial tension, finer and stabilized phase morphologies. The characteristics of different compatibilizing agents were compared for several of the blend systems. We also look at the influences of compatibilizing agents on mechanical properties of the blend systems. Some compatibilizing agents are able to produce substantial improvements in ultimate properties.
Magnetic anisotropy induced in metals by an S-state localized moment☆

Abstract A model is presented for the indirect coupling, via the exchange interaction and the spin-orbit interaction, of an S-state rare-earth ion to the crystal field in a metal.
Tretinoin emollient cream 0.01% for the treatment of photoaged skin.

Tretinoin emollient cream 0.01% was used to treat 40 patients with photoaged skin of the face and forearms in a 48-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. On the face, a significant difference between treatment groups was found in the investigator's global evaluation (P < .001), and in fine wrinkling (P < .001) and coarse wrinkling (P = .02) at 24 weeks. Tretinoin-treated forearms showed significantly greater improvement in roughness, mottled hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkling, and lentigines at 24 and 48 weeks. More consistent improvement was seen on the forearms than on the face. Adverse experiences on the face in both treatment groups included dryness, peeling, and acne. No significant difference in reported adverse experiences was found between forearms in both treatment groups. On forearms, dermatitis was the most common adverse event. Tretinoin 0.01% was generally well tolerated, and skin irritation was minimal. Tretinoin emollient cream 0.01% is a potentially safe, effective treatment for photodamaged skin.
Endocrine surgery: Where are we today? A national survey of young endocrine surgeons

Background In recent years, there has been a growing interest in endocrine surgery. Educational objectives have been published by the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES), but data have not been collected describing the recruitment pool, fellowship, or postfellowship experiences. Methods A survey was distributed to endocrine surgeons in practice Results The survey response rate was 69% (46/67); 85% were practicing endocrine surgeons and 15% were fellows. In all, 72% of respondents completed an endocrine surgery fellowship, 17% completed surgical oncology, and the remaining individuals completed no fellowship. The mean age was 38 (32–49) years; 39% were women, 67% were white, 26% were Asian, 11% were Hispanic, and 2% were black. A total of 89% completed residency at academic centers. Endocrine surgery fellows performed significantly more endocrine surgery cases in residency than the average graduating chief resident. Mentorship was a critical factor in fellows' decisions to pursue endocrine surgery. Fellows graduated with a median (range) of 150 (50–300) thyroid, 80 (35–200) parathyroid, 10 (2–50) neck dissection, 13 (0–60) laparoscopic adrenal, and 3 (0–35) endocrine-pancreas. Fellows felt the least prepared in neck dissection and pancreas. Of the respondents, 76% of endocrine surgeons in practice are at academic centers, and 75% have practices where most cases are endocrine based. Conclusion Exposure to endocrine surgery and mentorship are powerful factors that influence residents to pursue careers in endocrine surgery. Significant variation is found in the case distribution of fellowships with a relative paucity in neck dissection, pancreas procedures, and research. Recruitment to endocrine surgery should begin in residency, and the standardization of training should be a goal.
Predictors of immediate postoperative outcome of single-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of single tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPCNL) and investigate the preoperative predictive factors associated with stone clearance after sPCNL. Methods A retrospective review of 351 cases of sPCNL performed at a single institution by 1 of 2 endourologists between January 2000 and March 2010 was performed. The primary outcome evaluated was stone-free rate (SFR) as assessed immediately after either an initial procedure or a second-look nephroscopy performed on postoperative day 2. Preoperative patient and stone factors, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative hematocrit and creatinine, previous surgeries, comorbidities, renal anomalies, stone size, shape, location, and history of any previous treatment to the active stone burden were included in the univariate analysis. Significant or clinically relevant factors on univariate analysis were included in a logistic regression the multivariate analysis. Results SFR after either an initial procedure or a second-look nephroscopy was 76%. On univariate analysis, rising preoperative creatinine, hypertension, increasing stone diameter, complete staghorn stone, presence of stones in the upper pole and absence of prior SWL were associated with lower SFR. Stone size, presence of stones in the upper pole, and prior SWL for the active burden were independent predictors of SFR on multivariate analysis. Conclusion sPCNL is an efficient procedure to clear renal stones, especially when used in conjunction with routine second-look nephroscopy. Increasing stone size and upper pole stones are associated with lower rates of stone clearance, whereas SWL performed before percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is associated with improved stone clearance. The role of SWL before PCNL warrants further prospective investigation.
Cracks of unequal length at the edge of an elliptic hole in out of plane shear

Abstract Integral transforms are used to find mode III stress intensity factors for two unequal length cracks at the edge of an elliptic hole in an infinite elastic solid.
Transcatheter closure of residual ductus arteriosus shunting after the rashkind occluder device using single or multiple gianturco coils

Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using the Rashkind occluder or the buttoned device is accompanied with a 7–38% incidence of residual shunt. Closure of the residual shunt with a second device is expensive, associated with possible morbidity, can be technically challenging, and occasionally does not completely eliminate the shunt. Our objective was to assess the immediate and short-term results of transcatheter closure of residual PDA after the Rashkind device using single or multiple Gianturco coils. Five patients (one male/four female) underwent transcatheter closure of residual PDA at a median age of 8.4 yr (range 2–10.1 yr) and median weight of 23 kg (range 11.8–32 kg). A 4F catheter was used for delivery of the coils in all patients. Three patients underwent multiple coil and two single coil closure with complete elimination of the shunt. There was complete elimination of the shunt as documented by repeat angiography immediately after the coil closure. The median fluoroscopy time was 24 min (range, 22–55 min). All patients were discharged home on the same day. There were no complications Follow-up evaluation was performed with color flow mapping of the main pulmonary artery within 4 hr after closure and 6 weeks later with echocardiography and chest radiography. We conclude that transcatheter closure is an effective therapy for patients with residual PDA after the Rashkind device using the single or multiple coil technique. This technique can be performed on an out-patient basis without the need for general anesthesia and at a lower expense than a repeat occluder device or surgery. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Increased spontaneous, tumor necrosis factor receptor- and CD95 (Fas)-mediated apoptosis in cord blood T-cell subsets from Turner's syndrome.

Increased spontaneous, tumor necrosis factor receptor- and CD95 (Fas)-mediated apoptosis in cord blood T-cell subsets from Turner's syndrome
MID‐WINTER STEMFLOW DRAINAGE FROM BIGTOOTH ASPEN (POPULUS GRANDIDENTATA MICHX.) IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Under winter conditions, stemflow drainage in forested ecosystems is often assumed to be a negligible component of the hydrological cycle. This paper reports on mid-winter stemflow drainage from the broadleaved deciduous tree species Populus grandidentata. Stemflow volumes from this species at air temperatures of < 0°C were found to be comparable to rainfall-generated stemflow during summer. Over the three-month period January–March 1993, stemflow ranged from 5.4 to 9.9% of the incident gross precipitation. Expressed as depth equivalents per unit trunk basal area, these stemflow inputs ranged from 1.8 to 4.9 m. These concentrated mid-winter inputs of liquid water to the bases of canopy trees were attributable to: (1) snow interception by the leafless woody frame of each tree; (2) snow retention by glazed ice precipitation associated with the snowfall event; (3) increased temperature at the bark/snow interface caused by the low albedo of the bark tissue; and (4) convergence of snowmelt drainage from steeply inclined upthrust primary branches. The hydrological and ecological significance of liquid water inputs to the forest floor under sub-zero conditions are discussed. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Recent progress on the molecular organization of myelinated axons.

Abstract The structure of myelinated axons was well described 100 years ago by Ramon y Cajal, and now their molecular organization is being revealed. The basal lamina of myelinating Schwann cells contains laminin-2, and their abaxonal/outer membrane contains two laminin-2 receptors, α6β4 integrin and dystroglycan. Dystroglycan binds utrophin, a short dystrophin isoform (Dp116), and dystroglycan-related protein 2 (DRP2), all of which are part of a macromolecular complex. Utrophin is linked to the actin cytoskeleton, and DRP2 binds to periaxin, a PDZ domain protein associated with the cell membrane. Non-compact myelin—found at incisures and paranodes—contains adherens junctions, tight junctions, and gap junctions. Nodal microvilli contain F-actin, ERM proteins, and cell adhesion molecules that may govern the clustering of voltage-gated Na+ channels in the nodal axolemma. Nav1.6 is the predominant voltage-gated Na+ channel in mature nerves, and is linked to the spectrin cytoskeleton by ankyrinG. The paranodal glial loops contain neurofascin 155, which likely interacts with heterodimers composed of contactin and Caspr/paranodin to form septate-like junctions. The juxtaparanodal axonal membrane contains the potassium channels Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, their associated β2 subunit, as well as Caspr2. Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Caspr2 all have PDZ binding sites and likely interact with the same PDZ binding protein. Like Caspr, Caspr2 has a band 4.1 binding domain, and both Caspr and Caspr2 probably bind to the band 4.1B isoform that is specifically found associated with the paranodal and juxtaparanodal axolemma. When the paranode is disrupted by mutations (in cgt-, contactin-, and Caspr-null mice), the localization of these paranodal and juxtaparanodal proteins is altered: Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Caspr2 are juxtaposed to the nodal axolemma, and this reorganization is associated with altered conduction of myelinated fibers. Understanding how axon-Schwann interactions create the molecular architecture of myelinated axons is fundamental and almost certainly involved in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies.
Self-diffraction: A new method for characterization of ultrashort laser pulses

Abstract We show that the duration and coherence time of ultrashort laser pulses can be measured by a transient grating technique. In the method, a self-diffracted signal is recorded as a function of delay between two identical pulses that induce the grating in an absorbing medium. An integrated-intensity grating analysis that considers fourth-order partial-coherence effects describes the diffraction efficiency of the grating. This method, which is easily implemented, inexpensive, and can be used at any wavelength, is demonstrated with low-repetition-rate picosecond lasers.
Immunohistochemical localization of serotonin, leu-enkephalin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and substance P within the visceral sensory area of cartilaginous fish.

We examined the distribution of immunoreactivity to serotonin (5-HT), leu-enkephalin (LENK), tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH), and substance P (SP) within the primary visceral sensory region of cartilaginous fish. Two genera of sharks, Squalus and Heterodontus, a skate, Raja, a ray, Myliobatis, and a holocephalian, Hydrolagus, were used. Cranial nerves, VII, IX, and X enter the visceral sensory complex from the lateral aspect and divide it into lobes. Based on sagittally cut sections, there are four lobes in Hydrolagus and five in Squalus, corresponding to the number of gill arches. The neurochemicals are differentially distributed within each lobe. LENK+ and 5-HT+fibers are located in all regions within the visceral sensory complex. SP+fibers are extremely dense in a dorsolateral subdivision and do not extend as far ventrally as 5-HT+ and LENK+fibers. The lobes lack 5-HT+cells, but contain a few LENK+ and SP+cells. Many TH+cells are distributed in dorsomedial portions of the complex, but there are few TH+fibers. Thus, the visceral sensory area of cartilaginous fish contains several divisions that can be distinguished by their neurochemical content.
Craving for Cocaine in Addicted Users

Very few studies have examined the role of serotonin (5-HT) in the modulation of craving for cocaine in cocaine-addicted persons. The authors evaluated whether the acute increase in serotonergic neurotransmission after the administration of a challenging dose of the 5-HT partial agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) had an effect on spontaneous cocaine craving. Male inpatients (N = 31) who met DSM-III-R criteria for cocaine dependence completed 2 days of testing (separated by 48 hours) that involved the oral administration of m-CPP (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) or placebo in random order and under double-blind conditions. Patients' craving for cocaine was found to decrease significantly after the administration of m-CPP. These data could provide evidence for a modulation of cocaine craving by 5-HT systems.
Cloud Boundary Statistics during FIRE II

Abstract An 8-mm wavelength radar, 3-mm wavelength radar, and 10.6-µm wavelength lidar operated side by side in vertically pointing mode during the First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE II). This data collection mode yielded detailed information on distribution of cloud and cloud boundaries as a function of altitude. Statistics on the location of cloud boundaries during the FIRE II experiment indicate that cloud bases tended to form at two discrete levels centered around 2.5 and 7.5 km, cirrus cloud tops formed most frequently at 9.5 km and cloud thickness were usually 2 km or less. The atmosphere had the highest incidence of cloudiness at 8.5 km AGL, with a secondary maximum at an altitude of 3.5 km AGL. The incidence of cloudiness fell off rapidly between 8 and 11 km; there was also a distinct minimum in cloudiness at 2 km AGL. The diurnal variation of upper-level cloud base and top heights was about 1.0 km AGL, with the highest bases and tops occurring at 0500 UTC and the lowest bases and tops occurrin...
A portable fluorescent sensor for on-site detection of microalgae

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted A simple fluorescent sensor was developed using light emitting diodes (LEDs), a photodetector, and optical filters.Microalgae concentration was successfully measured utilizing fluorescence of chlorophyll a in microalgal cells.Consistent and reliable fluorescent detection was demonstrated even with turbid sample solutions. This work reports the development of a portable and low cost fluorescent sensing system with a disposable microfluidic chip for on-site detection of a microalgal sample and its concentration. The sensor system has multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) for excitation and a photodetector for measuring a fluorescent signal from a microalgal sample. The concentration of a microalgal sample is determined by measuring the fluorescent signal emitted by chlorophyll a. A dichroic filter and a color filter are also added to allow only the fluorescent signal from chlorophyll a to pass through the photodetector. The microfluidic chip consists of a glass slide and a PDMS channel with a vacuum pump, which collects a small volume of the microalgal sample (<10µl). The fluorescent sensor was characterized with varying concentration of microalgal samples and demonstrated its capability of measuring microalgal concentrations. The sensor was also tested with microalgal samples mixed with different turbidity water to validate its selectivity. The results show that the fluorescent detection of microalgal concentration is not influenced by the turbidity level of the sample solution. The developed system can be used for on-site screening and monitoring of microalgal population with an integrated excitation and detection circuitry.
Hope-Inspiring Strategies of Spouses of Critically Ill Adults

Previous research indicates that hope is an important psychosocial need of families of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, there is a lack of nursing research about how to inspire hope in families of the critically ill. The purpose of this study was to explore the hope-inspiring strategies that spouses of critically ill adults used while their family member was critically ill. In addition, the author explored what spouses of critically ill persons perceived to be useful sources in maintaining or increasing their hope states while their loved one was critically ill. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, 20 spouses of patients hospitalized in an ICU for the first time were interviewed. Data were categorized into eight hope-inspiring themes, including spiritual religious activities, significant others, devotion for the patient, positive relationships with caregivers, physical presence at the bedside, talking to others, and the use of distraction mechanisms. In addition, five sources of hope were iden...
THE EFFECTS OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANTS ON SERIOUS CRIME

Research Summary The Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG) Program was second only to the Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program in its funding levels. Some $3 billion was dispensed to local jurisdictions to reduce crime and improve public safety; yet the effects of LLEBG funding on crime have been all but ignored. Accordingly, panel data from more than 5,000 cities covering a 12-year period (1990–2001) were collected, and index crime rates were regressed on LLEBG funding and appropriate demographic controls. Additional controls for police levels and other federal grants were also introduced, proper checks for endogeneity of grants (and police levels) were performed, and the models were subjected to an array of robustness checks. A consistent message emerged: LLEBG Program funding was associated with significant reductions in serious crime. Policy Implications Although LLEBG funding seemed to reduce serious crime, the results also revealed that the decrease did not occur through the hiring of additional police officers, even though many funds were used for that purpose. Other mechanisms were thus at work, but the data did not provide insights into what these mechanisms were. In any case, every $1 in LLEBG funding per capita was associated with approximately 59 fewer index crimes per 100,000 people. When combined with the findings from recent studies of the effects of community policing grants on crime, this study suggests additional federal support for local law-enforcement agencies should be considered.
Engineering modular ‘ON’ RNA switches using biological components

Riboswitches are cis-acting regulatory elements broadly distributed in bacterial mRNAs that control a wide range of critical metabolic activities. Expression is governed by two distinct domains within the mRNA leader: a sensory ‘aptamer domain’ and a regulatory ‘expression platform’. Riboswitches have also received considerable attention as important tools in synthetic biology because of their conceptually simple structure and the ability to obtain aptamers that bind almost any conceivable small molecule using in vitro selection (referred to as SELEX). In the design of artificial riboswitches, a significant hurdle has been to couple the two domains enabling their efficient communication. We previously demonstrated that biological transcriptional ‘OFF’ expression platforms are easily coupled to diverse aptamers, both biological and SELEX-derived, using simple design rules. Here, we present two modular transcriptional ‘ON’ riboswitch expression platforms that are also capable of hosting foreign aptamers. We demonstrate that these biological parts can be used to facilely generate artificial chimeric riboswitches capable of robustly regulating transcription both in vitro and in vivo. We expect that these modular expression platforms will be of great utility for various synthetic biological applications that use RNA-based biosensors.
Molecular cloning and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase from human hepatocytes.

Abstract Nitric oxide is a short-lived biologic mediator for diverse cell types. Synthesis of an inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in murine macrophages is stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma. In human hepatocytes, NOS activity is induced by treatment with a combination of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, interferon gamma, and LPS. We now report the molecular cloning and expression of an inducible human hepatocyte NOS (hep-NOS) cDNA. hep-NOS has 80% amino acid sequence homology to macrophage NOS (mac-NOS). Like other NOS isoforms, recognition sites for FMN, FAD, and NADPH are present, as well as a consensus calmodulin binding site. NOS activity in human 293 kidney cells transfected with hep-NOS cDNA is diminished by Ca2+ chelation and a calmodulin antagonist, reflecting a Ca2+ dependence not evident for mac-NOS. Northern blot analysis with hep-NOS cDNA reveals a 4.5-kb mRNA in both human hepatocytes and aortic smooth muscle cells following stimulation with LPS and cytokines. Human genomic Southern blots probed with human hep-NOS and human endothelial NOS cDNA clones display different genomic restriction enzyme fragments, suggesting distinct gene products for these NOS isoforms. hep-NOS appears to be an inducible form of NOS that is distinct from mac-NOS as well as brain and endothelial NOS isozymes.
Laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer detection of methyl radical produced by ion–molecule reactions in a flowing-afterglow apparatus

Abstract Laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer detection is coupled with a flowing-afterglow instrument for the first time to detect the methyl radical, CH 3 , produced from the gas phase reactions of CO + with CH 4 and N 2 O + with CH 4 . Single-photon ionization at 118 nm (10.5 eV) permits a new means of detection for the neutral radical products of gas-phase ion–molecule reactions.
Subtropical Droughts and Cross-Equatorial Energy Transports

Abstract The spatial coherence of subtropical rainfall anomalies is documented by variance analysis. Major droughts repeatedly were felt at the same time around the globe along the arid margins of the tropical rainfall belt. The persistence of anomalies becomes apparent in precipitation time series which combine data from relatively large areas and in streamflow records. These can be used to demonstrate autocorrelations and unexpectedly long runs of wet or dry years. The latest drought episode culminated in 1972 not only in the Sahel and the Sudan, but also along the borders of the Indian desert and in Central America. It is shown to have been accompanied by relatively low temperatures in the southern subtropics and by abnormally high temperatures in the antarctic. The meridional temperature gradient and the meridional slope of the 500 mb surface were correspondingly reduced. It is suggested that this was associated with a reduced demand for energy (and zonal momentum) exports from the tropics and therefo...
A High Speed Reflective Wave Front Sensor Using a Novel MEM Device

Sandia National Laboratory has constructed several segmented Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) deformable mirrors that are under investigation for their suitability in Adaptive Optics systems for the Naval Research Laboratory. These mirrors are constructed in a hexagonal array and have been constructed with flat surfaces, or with optical power allowing each mirror to bring its subaperture of light to a focus similar to a Shack-Hartman array.1,2 Each mirror can use the tip, tilt and piston function to move the focused spots to the desired reference location, and the measurement of the applied voltage can be used directly to power a similar flat MEM deformable mirror. This paper reports on the suitability of this reflective wavefront sensor for closed-loop Adaptive Optics applications.
Intermittent pneumatic compression stocking prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis in anterior cervical spinal surgery: a prospective efficacy study in 200 patients and literature review.

Study design Intermittent pneumatic compression stockings (IPC) alone were prospectively used to avoid deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in 100 consecutive patients undergoing single-level anterior corpectomy/fusion (ACF) and in 100 patients having multilevel ACF/posterior fusion. Objectives To determine the optimal prophylaxis against DVT and PE for patients undergoing anterior cervical spinal surgery. Background data Mini-heparin and low-dose heparin prophylaxis in neurosurgery poses a 2% to 4% risk of major postoperative hemorrhage with resultant neurologic sequelae. Methods Prophylaxis consisted of IPC alone. Doppler studies of the lower extremities were routinely obtained 2 days after surgery. Single-level ACF (100 patients) addressed two-level disc disease, spondylostenosis, and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). One hundred patients undergoing multilevel ACF (3+ levels) with posterior fusion (C2-T1) exhibited OPLL/spondylostenosis. Results One patient undergoing single-level ACF developed DVT/PE 6 days after surgery; she exhibited Factor V Leiden mutation (hypercoagulability syndrome). Although 7 patients undergoing circumferential surgery developed DVT 2 to 14 days following surgery (mean, 7.15 days), only two clots localized in the iliac veins resulted in PEs (days 10 and 14 after surgery). Conclusions IPCs were as effective for prophylaxis against DVT/PE for 100 patients undergoing single-level ACF and for 100 having circumferential procedures as existing therapies (mini-heparin and low-dose heparin), without the risk of hemorrhage. However, the 1% and 2% respective rates of PE were comparable to frequencies of PE encountered in other cranial/spinal series using mini-heparin and/or low-dose heparin regimens but avoided the 2% to 4% risk of major postoperative hemorrhage.
Complex translocation (7;22) identified in an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Abstract We describe a malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma arising in the back of a 45-year-old man with pulmonary and bone marrow metastases. Light microscopic and immunohistochemical features of this tumor are presented. Karyotyping revealed several clonal abnormalities: a complex unbalanced translocation (7,22) involving multiple breakpoints (confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization), a Robertsonian t(14;14), and loss of the Y chromosome. Monosomy for chromosome 11 was noted in a subset of the tumor cells. To our knowledge a karyotype has not been previously reported for this unusual vascular tumor.
Adjuvant therapy for patients with colorectal cancer.

There are now excellent data that patients with stage III colon cancer or stage II and III rectal cancer live longer if they receive, respectively, systemic or regional and systemic therapy after surgery. In addition, disease-free survival, particularly freedom from the symptom of regional recurrence, in the high risk rectal cancer patient population has been markedly improved by application of multimodality treatment approaches. Newer prospective protocol testing variations in administration of systemic therapy, addition of 5-fluorouracil modulation techniques that proved effective in advanced disease settings, and the combination of therapy attempting to decrease single treatment toxicities while maintaining an antitumor effect have been built on the initial dramatic successes of the past 20 years. This paper concisely summarizes the data that should allow a marked decrease in mortality and morbidity if applied uniformly to patients who remain at high risk for recurrence after surgery for their colon or rectal adenocarcinomas.
Change in Sagittal Plane Alignment Following Surgery for Scheuermann's Kyphosis.

Abstract Study Design Retrospective comparative study. Objective To evaluate changes in sagittal plane alignment in patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis after spinal fusion. Summary of Background Data Although surgery is commonly undertaken in patients with severe Scheuermann's kyphosis for deformity correction, there are limited data regarding the response of spinopelvic parameters and sagittal plane alignment of the spine to surgical treatment. Methods Eighteen consecutive surgical Scheuermann's kyphosis patients were retrospectively reviewed (mean preoperative kyphosis, 76°). Full-length spine films were evaluated for maximal sagittal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, cervical and lumbar lordosis, pelvic parameters, and sagittal plane alignment. Findings were compared with reported literature values in normal patients. Results After surgery, thoracic kyphosis improved significantly, with mean maximum kyphosis improving from 76° to 56° (p = .001). Preoperative cervical lordosis was increased compared with reported normal adolescent values (−35° vs. −5°) and did not significantly change after surgery. Lumbar lordosis decreased significantly after surgery, from −77° to −57° (p = .023). No change was noted in pelvic tilt, sacral slope, or pelvic incidence. Furthermore, there was little improvement in sagittal plane alignment. Preoperatively, 12 of the 18 patients had deviation in sagittal plane alignment greater than 2 cm (5 positive and 7 negative); postoperatively, 11 patients had persistent sagittal imbalance (6 positive and 5 negative). Five patients were noted to have proximal junctional kyphosis and 3 underwent revision surgery for malpositioned screw (1) and loss of distal fixation (2). Conclusions Surgical management of Scheuermann's kyphosis resulted in normalization of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Compared with reported values in unaffected adolescents, cervical lordosis remained increased and most patients had residual sagittal plane imbalance greater than 2 cm on imaging.
TRU waste systems models

Transuranic waste is currently generated and/or stored at several sites throughout the Department of Energy complex in the US. The goal of the DOE National Transuranic Waste Program is to effect a safe, integrated, and economical disposal system for these wastes. Several alternatives are being considered. The selection process will involve tradeoffs of cost, risk, dose, and system efficiency. Simulation models are being used to aid in the analysis of the various options. In addition to modeling the material flow, the simulation tracks many specialized operational parameters related to the material processed or the elapsed time. These parameters track the radiological and chemical exposure dose to workers; the radiological, chemical, and hazardous risk associated with processing and storing drums; and the capital and operating costs of the facilities. The system being modeled has a timeline of approximately 30 years to fund, design, construct, operate, and decommission the needed facilities. The intent is to model this timeline and to include facility costs not directly related to processing. The tracking of these parameters is piggy backed onto the main simulation engine. Flexible simulation models, controlled by the user at run time, were developed. Two such models are presented.
EUTROPHICATION OF A TIDAL ESTUARY

The effect of heavy fertilization of the estuary of the Forge River on growth and photosynthesis of the phytoplankton has been studied over a e-year period. Although thcrc is distinct stratification in salinity, the nutrients added from the river arc carried seaward by the circulation without significant tendency to accumulate in the dccpcr layer. Nearly all the large amounts of organic matter accumulated in the estuary can bc accounted for as being produced locally by the dcnsc populations of plankton algae both from the relation bctwcen chlorophyll a and organic matter, and from consideration of the rate of oxidation of allocthonous organic matter in the estuary. The region provides an unique environment for the growth of phytoplankton which is shown in the photosynthesis: respiration ratios, and in the rates of photosynthesis per unit of chlorophyll, or assimilation numbers, that have been observed.
The organizational context of accounting

It is our contention that accountants have typically sought to reduce uncertain situations into a framework characterized by well structured tasks and highly measureable outputs. We review the literature on budgetary and organizational control in the light of this argument. Furthermore, we describe the many kinds of behaviors that can result from the efforts of subordinates to distort the information system to their desired ends when they find themselves operating outside the structured and measureable framework.
Synthesis of novel heterocycles based on the structures of erythrina alkaloids

Erythrina alkaloids represented by structure (1) are known to possess potent CNS activities. In this article, we have completed the synthesis of modified heterocyclic core structures (4) of erythrina alkaloids incorporating groups, which are expected to be metabolically more stable. Finally, we have oxidatively rearranged (4) to yield novel heterocycles (5).