cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impurity Spin Dynamics and Quantum Coherence in Mesoscopic Rings

In the presence of a magnetic field, a normal-metal ring carries an equilibrium current, usually called persistent current. In rings where the electron motion is diffusive, several mechanisms which produce a persistent current have been found: A persistent current exists, if the electrons can diffuse around the ring without loosing their phase coherence. However, none of the mechanisms known can explain the amplitude of the currents measured in the experiments. We study the effect of paramagnetic impurities on the persistent current. Magnetic impurities tend to destroy quantum coherence. In weak magnetic fields the persistent current is strongly reduced due to the impurity spin dynamics. Instead there are temporal current fluctuations following the actual spin configuration. By freezing out the spin dynamics in a magnetic field, the amplitude of the typical current, i.e. the current fluctuations, is of the same order as without magnetic impurities. However the mechanism of restoring the persistent current works rather badly, and the maximum value for the current is only reached for magnetic fields with a Zeeman energy larger than the spin-flip scattering rate. We discuss the mean current in a model of non-interacting and for weakly interacting electrons, as well as the stochastic current fluctuations. We find qualitatively different behavior of the current as a function of the Zeeman energy in all these cases. For example, the interaction contribution to the mean current is strongly reduced in the presence of magnetic impurities, regardless of whether the impurity spins are polarized or not. If the Thouless energy $E_c$ and the temperature are below the Kondo temperature, the impurity spins are effectively screened, the magnetic impurities scatter like nonmagnetic impurities. None of these mechanisms ever lead to a persistent current which is larger than in the clean limit, i.e.\ without magnetic impurities. Although we cannot explain the large currents observed experimentally, our results for the current as a function of parameters like the impurity concentration, magnetic field and so on, may serve as a test for the applicability of the theoretical concepts (in comparison with future, systematic experiments). In addition we consider quantum corrections to the free energy of the magnetic impurities; due to these corrections we find a contribution to the persistent current which is -- for $1/\tau_s \sim E_ c$ and $T \le E_c$ -- larger than in a theory without magnetic impurities. The current as a function of temperature is of the order $I \sim (E_c^2/\phi_0 T) \cdot \exp( -T/3E_c )$. The current depends crucially on spin-orbit scattering: Without spin-orbit scattering, we find diamagnetic currents, and for strong spin-orbit scattering, we find paramagnetic currents.
Serology of celiac disease in gluten-sensitive ataxia or neuropathy: role of deamidated gliadin antibody.

Abstract The role and relevance of deamidated gliadin antibodies specific for celiac disease in gluten-sensitive ataxia/neuropathy is unknown. We investigated the association of celiac-specific serology with gluten-sensitive ataxia/neuropathy, in patients with and without gliadin-induced enteropathy. 51 patients with unexplained ataxia/neuropathy suspected to have gluten sensitivity were included in the study and their serum celiac-specific markers were measured. Deamidated gliadin-IgA (83% vs. 22%), deamidated gliadin-IgG (50% vs. 3%), tissue transglutaminase–IgA (78% vs. 11%), and anti-endomysial-IgA (70% vs. 0%), were significantly more positive in ataxia/neuropathy patients with celiac disease versus those without enteropathy ( P
A Conceptual Model for Evaluating System Effects of Response to Intervention

Implementing a Response to Intervention (RTI) system could improve overall student achievement and the way in which students with disabilities are identified. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of an RTI system (i.e., “Is our RTI system accomplishing its stated goals?”), a set of data-based indicators are needed. This paper will describe a set of five measure-able indicators from three domains of evaluation that schools can use to obtain frequent feedback on the impact of their RTI system on reading instruction and achievement. The evaluation methodology provides multiple, sensitive metrics that can be used soon after RTI implementation begins, and does not require that schools wait for more long-term, singular outcome measures such as performance on high-stakes tests to determine if the RTI system is functioning as intended. The data used for each indicator and the way in which the data can impact decisions is described. Issues related to RTI evaluation and areas of further research are discussed.
Improving the electronic health record--are clinicians getting what they wished for?

Pleas for improvement in patient health records date back to Florence Nightingale1 and have persisted well into the 21st century. Computer-based records, currently referred to as electronic health records (EHRs), have been proposed as a means for improving availability, legibility, and completeness of patient information. EHRs have been commercially available since the 1970s, but their adoption has become widespread only recently, driven in part by financial encouragement ($27 billion worth) from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.
High-dose dexmedetomidine-induced hypertension in a child with traumatic brain injury.

Introduction Dexmedetomidine is a centrally acting α2-adrenergic agonist which is currently FDA-approved for the short-term (less than 24 h) sedation of adults during mechanical ventilation.
A computer implementation of a bayesian analysis of image reconstruction

We attack the problem of recovering an image (a function of two variables) from experimentally available integrals of its grayness over thin strips. This problem is of great importance in a large number of scientific areas. An important version of the problem in medicine is that of obtaining the exact density distribution within the human body from X-ray projections. This paper proposes an algorithm for finding an optimal Bayesian estimate of an unknown image from the projection data, shows that the algorithm is geometrically convergent, reports on its computer implementation, and demonstrates its performance on a medical problem.
A guide to choosing vectors for transformation of the plastid genome of higher plants.

Plastid transformation, originally developed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), has recently been extended to a number of crop species enabling in vivo probing of plastid function and biotechnological applications. In this article we report new plastid vectors that enable insertion of transgenes in the inverted repeat region of the plastome between the trnV and 3′rps12 or trnI and trnA genes. Efficient recovery of transplastomic clones is ensured by selection for spectinomycin (aadA) or kanamycin (neo) resistance genes. Expression of marker genes can be verified using commercial antibodies that detect the accumulation of neomycin phosphotranseferase II, the neo gene product, or the C-terminal c-myc tag of aminoglycoside-3″-adenylytransferase, encoded by the aadA gene. Aminoglycoside-3″-adenylytransferase, the spectinomycin inactivating enzyme, is translationally fused with green fluorescent protein in two vectors so that transplastomic clones can be selected by spectinomycin resistance and visually identified by fluorescence in ultraviolet light. The marker genes in the new vectors are flanked by target sites for Cre or Int, the P1 and phiC31 phage site-specific recombinases. When uniform transformation of all plastid genomes is obtained, the marker genes can be excised by Cre or Int expressed from a nuclear gene. Choice of expression signals for the gene of interest, complications caused by the presence of plastid DNA sequences recognized by Cre, and loss of transgenes by homologous recombination via duplicated sequences are also discussed to facilitate a rational choice from among the existing vectors and to aid with new target-specific vector designs.
Axiomatic approach to structural design

As civil engineering enters the 21st century, the demands on the profession will move toward complex, interdisciplinary tasks such as infrastructure rehabilitation, environmental cleanup, and the delivery of high-technology facilities (e.g., hospitals, RD particularly since conceptual design decisions determine a significant portion of a project's total cost. Axiomatic design is presented as a systematic framework for structural design because it aids the designer in satisfying multiple design objectives in a homogeneous manner throughout the design process. It is also an effective framework for formalizing and evaluating conceptual design decisions. The design of a structural frame for an innovative mechanical parking system is presented as an illustrative case study. This paper represents an initial effort to apply the principles of axiomatic design to the domain of civil engineering structures.
United States experience: the need to reassert the Government Corporation Control Act 1945

The Government Corporation Control Act 1945 was introduced by the United States Congress to cater for the situation and needs of government corporations as special types of organizations in government. For several years, its important provisions and related principles were adhered to, but since the early 1970s it has frequently been circumvented or ignored. It needs to be updated and applied as an effective means of ensuring that government corporations are held accountable for their work while, at the same time, having considerable operational freedom. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methodological considerations for the accurate determination of lead in human plasma and serum

Studies which accurately measure plasma or serum lead (Pb) are needed to evaluate the 'biologically active' fraction of Pb in the circulation, and to clarify the role of plasma in the transportation of Pb between different compartments of the body. We evaluated several methodological aspects which influence the determination of Pb in plasma and serum. Generally, venous blood was obtained by different sampling methods (routine and ultraclean) from 3 subjects without history of Pb exposure. After centrifugation (800 g) for 10 min, the plasma or serum was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-high-resolution mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Several evaluations were conducted, including 1) comparison of an ultraclean serum collection method with a plasma collection method that used a commercial Vacutainer-type tube for trace metals (EDTA anticoagulant); 2) the effect of whole blood standing time prior to centrifugation on plasma or serum Pb concentration; and 3) comparison of a method using commercial heparinized Vacutainer tubes to an ultraclean plasma sampling method that utilized a low-Pb heparin anticoagulant. Plasma or serum iron (Fe) levels were also measured to evaluate hemolysis. The 3 subjects had whole blood Pb (blood-Pb) levels of 1.8, 2.0, and 2.7 micrograms/dl. Their corresponding ultraclean serum-Pb levels were 0.40%, 0.30%, and 0.48% of their whole blood-Pb levels, respectively. By comparison, the EDTA Vacutainer method plasma-Pb values were 1.7%, 1.5%, and 2.4% of whole blood-Pb, respectively. Whole blood standing (clotting) times of 15, 40, and 70 min before centrifugation resulted in increasing ultraclean serum-Pb levels of 0.21%, 0.81%, and 1.2% of whole blood-Pb (1.8 micrograms/dl), respectively. Whole blood standing time had no effect on plasma-Pb levels when heparin Vacutainers were used, or when a low-Pb heparin was used to obtain ultraclean plasma. However, plasma collected using the commercial heparin Vacutainer method contained consistently higher and more variable Pb levels than samples collected using the ultraclean plasma-Pb method. Hemolysis, when present, contributed significantly to both plasma-Pb and serum-Pb levels. In conclusion, plasma-Pb and serum-Pb levels are dependent upon methodologic processing techniques, including Pb contamination control, redistribution due to EDTA anticoagulant, hemolysis, and time dependency in sample processing. While true plasma-Pb and serum-Pb levels by any method have yet to be defined, these data provide a methodological basis from which to investigate variation in Pb partitioning between whole blood and plasma within individuals.
Computer diagnosis of radiographic images

The potential of optical scanning equipment and digital computers for assisting or replacing human judgment in medical diagnosis has been recognized by investigators for some time. A number of efforts have been made, with varying degrees of success, in developing automatic techniques for recognizing and classifying blood cells, chromosome analysis and karyotyping, identifying leucocytes, and processing scintigram images obtained in nuclear medicine. These image analysis techniques are now being extended to the clinical specialty of diagnostic radiology where there is an urgent need to provide assistance in handling the several million radiographs read by radiologists each year. The need for computer-aided diagnosis in radiology is becoming increasingly urgent because of the expanding population and the continuing demand for improved quality of medical care. The use of computers in radiology can free the diagnostic radiologist from routine tasks while providing more accurate measurements that lead to consistent and reliable diagnoses.
The Asymptotic Posterior Normality of the Latent Trait in an IRT Model.

It has long been part of the item response theory (IRT) folklore that under the usual empirical Bayes unidimensional IRT modeling approach, the posterior distribution of examinee ability given test response is approximately normal for a long test. Under very general and nonrestrictive nonparametric assumptions, we make this claim rigorous for a broad class of latent models.
Characterizing Order and Disorder of Protein Structural Ensembles

The classical structure-function paradigm states that the amino acid sequence of a protein encodes a unique 3-dimensional structure that determines the protein's biological function. The view that most proteins adopt an ordered native conformation has been bolstered by the success of X-ray crystallography in determining high-resolution protein structures. Nevertheless, evidence from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, single molecule experiments and other techniques suggests that proteins exhibit a high degree of flexibility, which is critical for processes like molecular recognition. An information theoretic order parameter that describes the degree of heterogeneity in a protein conformational ensemble was used to characterize the flexibility of representative protein folds using computer simulations and a large sample of crystallographic B-factors from high-resolution protein structures in the Protein Data Bank. These data demonstrate that many proteins which are typically described by an ordered native structure, in fact, populate multiple conformational states.
Inpatient management of epistaxis: outcomes and cost.

Objective Evaluate treatments for epistaxis. Study design and setting Retrospective review of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2000). Results A total of 9778 admissions with admitting diagnosis “epistaxis” were identified. Among admissions involving 1 treatment, 454 (9.6%) received arterial ligation, 94 (2.0%) embolization, and 4188 (88.4%) nasal packing. There were no differences in length of stay, transfusions, complications, or deaths between groups (all P > 0.05). Mean total hospital charges were $6,282 for the packing group, $12,805 for the ligation group, and $17,517 for the embolization group; differences between ligation and packing groups, and embolization and packing groups demonstrated significance (P Conclusions Nasal packing is used commonly for epistaxis that requires inpatient management. Although embolization and arterial ligation are associated with higher hospital charges, complications, transfusion rates, and lengths of stay are similar. Further studies are needed to quantify other outcome measures, such as recurrence rates and patient quality of life. Significance Nasal packing is associated with lower hospital charges and similar complication rates as arterial ligation or embolization.
A Pictorial Tracking of Basal Plane Dislocations in SiC Epitaxy

The recently developed technique of UVPL imaging has been used to track the path of basal plane dislocations (BPDs) in SiC epitaxial layers. The glide of BPDs during epitaxial growth has been observed and the role of this glide in forming half-loop arrays has been examined. The ability to track the path of BPDs through the epitaxy has made it possible to develop a BPD reduction process for epitaxy grown on 8° offcut wafers, which uses an in situ growth interrupt and has achieved a BPD reduction of > 98%. The images also provide insight into the strong BPD reduction that typically occurs in epitaxy grown on 4° offcut wafers.
Mild hypercapnia after uncomplicated heart surgery is not associated with hemodynamic compromise.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of small changes in PaCO2 on hemodynamic parameters after uncomplicated heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Design: This was a prospective, randomized crossover study. Setting: A large academic medical center. Participants: Twenty-four subjects who were scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study. Interventions: Each subject underwent the normal procedures that are associated with cardiac surgery. General anesthesia, including muscle relaxation, were continued in the immediate postoperative period. Measured tidal volumes and minute ventilation were kept constant for the duration of the study. Target PaCO2 concentrations of 30, 40, and 50 mmHg were achieved by adding varying amounts of exogenous CO2 gas to the inhaled oxygen. Various measurements were made at each target PaCO2, including cardiac index, mixed venous oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, and pulmonary artery pressure. Measurements and Main Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled. Seven were withdrawn before commencement of the study. The cardiac index increased when the PaCO2 was increased from 30 to 40 mmHg (p Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that unless there is a specific contraindication to mild hypercapnia, such as pulmonary hypertension or hemodynamic instability, concerns about mild respiratory acidosis should not prevent weaning of sedation and mechanical ventilation after uncomplicated heart surgery.
The photo-sensitive organs of crayfish and brightness learning.

The differential properties of the compound eye system and caudal photoreceptors of crayfish in the mediation of simple, light-controlled behaviors was examined in habituation and avoidance-learning experiments. The initial response of crayfish to a bright light consists of a rapid tail flick which produces backward motion. This escape response rapidly habituates and is dependent on compound eye input, i.e., eyeless animals do not exhibit this behavior although visual input is available through the operation of caudal photoreceptors. A slower, withdrawal response involving locomotion also readily habituates during the course of regularly repeated light stimuli. However, this decrement in responsiveness is independent of the source of light input since it was demonstrated in groups of normal animals, eyeless animals, and crayfish without functional caudal photoreceptors. Conditioned avoidance response learning was also demonstrated in all groups of animals. Some of these data suggest the establishment of two parallel neural systems mediating this form of learning, one connected to the eyes, the other to the tail photoreceptor.
Underwriting and Calls of Convertible Bonds

We model convertible bond calls under asymmetric information where, unlike Harris and Raviv (1985), we consider a nonzero call price and a call notice period. In the model, the use of underwriters conveys negative information. Consequently, the stock price decline is greater for underwritten calls than for nonunderwritten calls. Furthermore, underwritten calls are made earlier and when the conversion option is less deep in the money. Underwriting commissions and the stock price decline associated with a call are negatively related to the extent that the conversion option is in the money before the call. Empirical evidence in this paper and Singh, Cowan, and Nayar (1991) are consistent with the model's predictions.
Guanine nucleotide regulation of receptor binding of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in rat brain regions, retina and pituitary

Abstract Guanine nucleotides inhibited the specific binding of [ 3 H](3-Me-His 2 )thyrotropin-releasing hormone ([ 3 H]MeTRH) to receptors for TRH in washed homogenates of rat anterior pituitary gland in a dose-related manner. The order of potency (at 100 and 500 μM final) was Gpp(NH)p (a stable analog of GTP) >GTP> >GDP> > >cGMP (with the adenine nucleotides being inactive) in the pituitary and various brain regions. Gpp(NH)p at 1 mM caused 17–35% inhibition of [ 3 H]MeTRH binding to different tissues including the pituitary, hypothalamus, retina and nucleus accumbens. A statistically significant nucleotide effect was not observed, however, in the olfactory bulb and medulla/pons membranes. Gpp(NH)p (1 mM) increased the dissociation constants for [ 3 H]MeTRH binding by 1.9- to 2.4-fold in the pituitary, n. accumbens and retinal preparations without altering the apparent binding capacity. These data suggest that TRH receptor binding can be allosterically regulated by guanine nucleotides and provide further evidence for the existence of guanine nucleotide binding protein(s) coupled to the TRH receptor.
Knowledge integrated visual analysis system for in-depth management of bridge safety and maintenance

Infrastructure safety affects millions of U.S citizens in many ways. Among all the infrastructures, the bridge plays a significant role in providing substantial economy and public safety. Nearly 600,000 bridges across the U.S are mandated to be inspected every twenty-four months. Although these inspections could generate great amount of rich data for bridge engineers to make critical maintenance decisions, processing these data has become challenging due to the low efficiency from those traditional bridge management systems. In collaboration with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and other regional DOT collaborators, we present our knowledge integrated visual analytics bridge management system. Our system aims to provide bridge engineers a highly interactive data exploration environment as well as knowledge pools for corresponding bridge information. By integrating the knowledge structure with visualization system, our system could provide comprehensive understandings of the bridge assets and enables bridge engineers to investigate potential bridge safety issues and make maintenance decisions.
Caring and Custody: Two Faces of the Same Reality:

This report presents nurses' perspectives and expectations of correctional nursing practice and the educational preparation for this nursing specialty area. Caring and custody as interrelated yet frequently adversarial concepts in correctional nursing practice are discussed based upon the qualitative results of semistructured interviews with 28 nurses employed in selected New York State correctional facilities. The need to increase the educational preparation for correctional nursing practice, provide continuing education, decrease administrative bureaucracy, increase resources, improve working relationships with security, and increase respect for correctional nursing was found.
Factors predicting prognosis after decompressive hemicraniectomy for hemispheric infarction

The authors reviewed 42 consecutive cases of decompressive hemicraniectomy after hemispheric ischemic stroke to assess predictors of outcome. On univariate analysis, advanced age and history of hypertension were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome, whereas thrombolysis was protective. Side of infarction, pupillary nonreactivity, degree of preoperative midline shift, and timing of surgery did not predict outcome. On multivariate analysis, older age independently predicted poor recovery (odds ratio 2.9 per 10-year increase in age).
Inclusive Bc decays as a QCD lab

Abstract Phenomenological models of heavy flavour decays differ significantly in their predictions of global features of Bc decays, like the Bc lifetime on the relative weight of c → s and b → c transitions. The 1 m Q expansion which is directly based on QCD allows predictions on the pattern to be expected, namely τ(Bc) to lie well below 1 psec with c → s dominating over b → c. Due to interference effects one also predicts a lower charm content in the final states of Bc decays than naively anticipated. The numerical aspect of the predictions, however, has to be viewed with considerable caution since one cannot expect the 1 m c expansion to converge readily for ΔC = 1 transitions.
673 THE EFFECT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE VITAMIN A STATUS OF PRETERM INFANTS

Twenty-four preterm infants were randomly assigned at birth to receive 400 mcg/kg/day of I.V. zinc beginning on the first day of life or no trace elements. All infants received daily I.V. multivitamins and weekly I.M. retinyl palmitate (5,000 IU/kg), starting on day 1. Parenteral amino acids were begun on day 3. All I.M. or I.V. nutritional supplements were discontinued when the infant was tolerating enteral feedings. Plasma concentrations of zinc, retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were measured on cord blood and days 2, 7, 14 and 21. Both groups were similar for: gestational age, birth weight, sex, major diagnoses, and nutritional intake except the test group received more zinc in the first 7 days. After day 7, the difference in zinc intake lost significance. Day 0 values for retinol, RBP and zinc were not significantly different between groups. Zinc levels were not significantly different between groups at any time, and changes in zinc concentrations did not correlate with intake. However, retinol values in the first 7 days increased more in the zinc supplemented group (Δ=10.0 vs 0.9 mcg/dl, p<.01). Furthermore, zinc intake over the first 7 days correlated with the change in plasma retinol concentrations (r=0.56, p<.01). RBP also increased more in the test group, but did not reach statistical significance (Δ=1.2 vs 0.4 mg/dl). We conclude that zinc supplementation was associated with an increase in plasma retinol levels, possibly due to zinc's regulatory effect on the synthesis of RBP.
The New Oral Anticoagulants: A Challenge for Hospital Formularies

Introduction Over the past 60 years, clinicians have used vitamin K antagonists, primarily warfarin, as the sole oral anticoagulants for managing a variety of thrombotic disorders. Warfarin, which requires frequent monitoring, has a variable dose response, a narrow therapeutic index, and numerous drug and dietary interactions. However, intravenous and subcutaneous agents, such as unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, direct thrombin inhibitors, and pentasaccharide, have been introduced over the past 30 years for managing thromboembolic disorders. Recently, 5 new oral anticoagulants, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, endoxaban, and betrixaban, have been introduced into clinical trials. Apixaban, rivaroxaban, endoxaban, and betrixaban are specific direct inhibitors of factor Xa, while dabigatran inhibits factor IIa. These drugs have a pharmacological profile that does not require monitoring in order to adjust therapy, which is the mainstay of warfarin management. In addition, these new medications have not shown any major issues regarding food interactions; rather, they demonstrate the potential for limited drug-drug interactions due to their limited metabolism through the cytochrome P450 system. This unique pharmacokinetic profile may provide clinicians with a new era of managing thromboembolic disorders. Two of these agents, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF); in addition, rivaroxaban can be used in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in total hip and knee arthroplasty during the acute and extended periods of risk. However, the challenge for hospital formularies will be the appropriate use and management of these new medications as they become integrated into outpatient care. In order to better understand the issues that pharmacy and therapeutics committees will encounter, a review of the 2 FDA-approved oral anticoagulants will be evaluated.
Relationship between Preschool Children's Ability to Name Body Parts and Their Ability to Construct a Man

41 preschool children were asked to identify some represented body parts which were displayed in a scattered array on a page. There was no significant relationship between the ability to name the h...
Ingestion in the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, as influenced by wavelength of light

Abstract The influence of varying intensities and wavelengths of light on ingestion of sucrose solution by Tetranychus urticae Koch of known age was investigated. Protonymphs and teneral adult females were fed radioactive phosphorus in sucrose solution and the amount ingested during a 24-hr period was measured. Amounts ingested under varying intensities meassured through cheesecloth and wavelengths provided through coloured gelatine filters were compared statistically. Differences in ingestion under various light intensities were not significant, nor were differences under various wavelengths in mites in the protonymph stage. As teneral adults the mites ingested most under green light (535 mμ), with yellow (590 mμ), orange (605 mμ), blue (430 mμ), red (625 mμ), unfiltered white, and black (no transmission) following in that order. Green, yellow, orange, and blue significantly improved feeding over black; green, yellow, and orange were significantly better than red, white, and black. Mites at both stages ingested more feeding upside down in microcages than right side up in micro Petri dishes. No correlation was shown between amount of sugar solution ingested as protonymphs and attainment of the quiescent stage.
Concurrent factitious disorder and factitious disorder by proxy. Double jeopardy

Abstract Two forms of medical dissimulation—factitious disorder and factitious disorder by proxy—present enormous challenges to clinicians accustomed to receiving valid symptom reports from their patients. The consequences of such “disease forgery” are heightened when a patient simultaneously engages in both forms of deception. We discuss a 34-year-old nurse who simulated or induced a panoply of physical and psychological ailments in both herself and her daughter. The staff's insistence on access to outside information sources proved indispensible in establishing both diagnoses, facilitating ongoing treatment for the patient and ensuring appropriate protection of the child.
Diagnosis and Management of Psoriasis in Children

Psoriasis is increasing in both children and adults. The association of comorbidities, specifically obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome, are also increasing. The precise cause is unknown but genetic and complex immunologic factors play a role in the development of the disease and its comorbidities. There are multiple clinical variants, and the severity of the disease can range from mild localized lesions in most patients to severe generalized involvement in some. Most patients with mild to moderate disease can be controlled with topical treatments.
Maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood estimation for a class of Gaussian Markov random fields

This work describes a Gaussian Markov random field model that includes several previously proposed models, and studies properties of its maximum likelihood (ML) and restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimators in a special case. Specifically, for models where a particular relation holds between the regression and precision matrices of the model, we provide sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of ML and REML estimators of the covariance parameters, and provide a straightforward way to compute them. It is found that the ML estimator always exists while the REML estimator may not exist with positive probability. A numerical comparison suggests that for this model ML estimators of covariance parameters have, overall, better frequentist properties than REML estimators.
Errors in determination of soil water content using time domain reflectometry caused by soil compaction around waveguides

Application of time domain reflectometry (TDR) in soil hydrology often involves the conversion of TDR-measured dielectric permittivity to water content using universal calibration equations (empirical or physically based). Deviations of soil-specific calibrations from the universal calibrations have been noted and are usually attributed to peculiar composition of soil constituents, such as high content of clay and/or organic matter. Although it is recognized that soil disturbance by TDR waveguides may have impact on measurement errors, to our knowledge, there has not been any quantification of this effect. In this paper, we introduce a method that estimates this error by combining two models: one that describes soil compaction around cylindrical objects and another that translates change in bulk density to evolution of soil water retention characteristics. Our analysis indicates that the compaction pattern depends on the mechanical properties of the soil at the time of installation. The relative error in water content measurement depends on the compaction pattern as well as the water content and water retention properties of the soil. Illustrative calculations based on measured soil mechanical and hydrologic properties from the literature indicate that the measurement errors of using a standard three-prong TDR waveguide could be up to 10%. We also show that the error scales linearly with the ratio of rod radius to the interradius spacing.
Collection development of western language materials: Taiwan's national central library

This study examines the collection building of Western language materials in a Third World national library. Given the multitude of demands and needs of a developing country, national libraries are confronted with basic problems, including convincing the government that the library is an important national institution, contributing to the nation's development and worthy of financial support. In addition to resource constraints, there is also the question of spending wisely for one's domestic collection as well as foreign publications, the latter being crucial if the Third World country is embarked upon a determined program of modernization. With limited resources on the one hand and the need to procure information from the developed world on the other, libraries in Third World countries could best meet their goals through careful planning. When collecting Western language materials, constructive planning could be achieved through a collection development policy in which Western collections are systematically and rationally built to assure collection growth and maximum utility.
Flamelet Studies of Reduced and Detailed Kinetic Mechanisms for Methane/Air Diffusion Flames

We adopt a steady-state flamelet model in this paper to study the performance of reduced and detailed kinetic mechanisms for methane/air diffusion flames. Through the numerical calculations, we investigate the sensitivity of the main and intermediate species mass fractions to the mixture fraction dissipation rate, χ. Our results seem to suggest a weak to moderate effect of χ on the calculated species mass fraction. It has also been shown in this paper that the current flamelet calculations fail to predict the extinction strain rate.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
Response of descending vasa recta to luminal pressure

We tested whether luminal perfusion and pressurization induce an endothelial cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]CYT) response in descending vasa recta (DVR). DVR isolated from the rat outer medulla were cannu...
Design for rural development

Elliot R. Morss, John K. Hatch, Donald R. Mickelwait, and Charles F. Sweet. Strategies for Small Farmer Development. Volume I: 347 pp., tables, maps, no index. $20.00. Volume II: Case Studies. 444 pp., maps, no index. $20.00. Boulder, Col.: Westview Press, Westview Special Studies in Social, Political, and Economic Development, 1976.
In search of revolution

In a prophetic essay published three years after his Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, Barrington Moore Jr. assayed the current prospects for revolution in America.1 He wrote in 1969, a time of many calls for liberation by means of revolution, and not a few for revolution by means of liberation. Moore reviewed classic ideas about the conditions for revolution disaffection among intellectuals, sharp division within the ruling classes, loss of unified control over the instruments of violence, emergence of mass popular rebellion, and so on then considered skeptically the likelihood that such conditions would converge in the United States. He insisted on change and variability in essential conditions for revolution, but also pleaded for the value of sober thought on the subject:
The Many Problems with Quantum Mechanics from the Earliest Days on and How the Theory of Quantum Mechanics on Phase Space Addresses Them

We review the problems with quantum mechanics by translating or interpreting leading specialists in the field. Then we obtain a theory called quantum mechanics on phase space which is immune to these problems. Finally, we see how these problems are addressed by quantum mechanics on phase space.
Cellular localization of Arabidopsis xyloglucan endotransglycosylase-related proteins during development and after wind stimulation.

A gene family encoding xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET)-related proteins exists in Arabidopsis. TCH4, a member of this family, is strongly up-regulated by environmental stimuli and encodes an XET capable of modifying cell wall xyloglucans. To investigate XET localization we generated antibodies against the TCH4 carboxyl terminus. The antibodies recognized TCH4 and possibly other XET-related proteins. These data indicate that XETs accumulate in expanding cells, at the sites of intercellular airspace formation, and at the bases of leaves, cotyledons, and hypocotyls. XETs also accumulated in vascular tissue, where cell wall modifications lead to the formation of tracheary elements and sieve tubes. Thus, XETs may function in modifying cell walls to allow growth, airspace formation, the development of vasculature, and reinforcement of regions under mechanical strain. Following wind stimulation, overall XET levels appeared to decrease in the leaves of wind-stimulated plants. However, consistent with an increase in TCH4 mRNA levels following wind, there were regions that showed increased immunoreaction, including sites around cells of the pith parenchyma, between the vascular elements, and within the epidermis. These results indicate that TCH4 may contribute to the adaptive changes in morphogenesis that occur in Arabidopsis following exposure to mechanical stimuli.
Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux Associated With Paraureteral Diverticula in Children

Purpose: Paraureteral or Hutch diverticula are congenital bladder diverticula that occur at or adjacent to the ureteral hiatus and are associated with vesicoureteral reflux in the majority of cases. Surgical treatment has traditionally been ureteral reimplantation with or without diverticulectomy. We present our experience with endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux associated with paraureteral diverticula.Materials and Methods: Of 745 patients undergoing endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux between 2002 and 2006, 17 (2.3%) had paraureteral diverticula located at the refluxing ureter. The hydrodistention implantation technique was used and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer was used as bulking material. Success was defined as vesicoureteral reflux grade 0 on postoperative voiding cystourethrogram at 1 to 3 months after a single treatment.Results: A total of 20 refluxing ureters with associated paraureteral diverticula were treated in 17 patients. Of the cases 14 were unilateral and 3 w...
Instruction Effect and Developmental Levels: A Study on Water-Level Task with Chinese Children Ages 9-17.

This study investigated the effectiveness of instruction on spatial skills. It examined the effect of instruction of liquid horizontality on the performance on Piagetian Water Level Task (WLT) from a developmental perspective through two substudies. In Study 1, the WLT was administered to 256 boys and 230 girls of ages 9, 10, 12, 14, and 17 from Beijing, China, before and after instruction. The results indicate that the instruction effect was significant for the 6th (p < .05) and 8th graders (p < .001) but not for the 4th, 5th, and 11th graders. Study 2 examined instruction effect in contrast with practice effect. Participants were 69 boys and 52 girls of ages 9–14 from Beijing, China. The results indicate that children improve more on the WLT with the combination of instruction and practice than with practice alone (p < .01). The findings depict a relationship between cognitive development and instruction effect on the WLT.
Equilibrium policy in an overlapping generations economy

Abstract This paper offers a mechanism for reducing the number of stationary equilibria that arise in a simple two-period-lived overlapping generations economy. Since each equilibrium is associated with a different combination of monetary and fiscal policies, I assume that at each date the agent in his second period of life determines how that period's monetary and fiscal instruments will be set. I show that the set of stationary equilibria where this occurs is a proper and nonempty subset of the set of stationary competitive equilibria and that at least one such equilibrium is a Pareto optimum.
Eimeria urosauris n. sp., a Coccidium from the Lizard Urosaurus graciosus Hollowell, in California

SYNOPSIS. A new species of coccidium is described: Eimeria urosauris n. sp., in the gall bladder of the lizard Urosaurus graciosus Hollowell, from the Mojave Desert in California. The oocyst of E. urosauris is smooth, bilaminar, nearly cylindrical, with long borders only slightly convex, ends rounded and very nearly hemispherical. It is usually 32 × 20 μ, and its length/width ratio is 1.6. It contains 4 ellipsoid sporocysts, each 10.5 × 9 μ, for which 1/w is 1.17. Each sporocyst contains 2 tapered bent sporozoites with rounded ends, 11 μ long, 4 μ in diameter at the larger end, and 1.5 μ in diameter at the smaller end. Each sporocyst also contains a central granular sporocyst residuum 3.5 μ in diameter. The oocyst lacks a micropyle and oocyst residuum, and there is no Stieda body on the sporocyst. Sporulation time is 6–10 hr. Endogenous development, with reinfection by liberated sporozoites, occurs in the epithelial lining of the gall bladder. E. urosauris is compared to other morphologically similar lacertilian eimerias with which it might be confused.
Wightmanite, Mg5(O)(OH)5[BO3]·nH2O, a Natural Drainpipe

ABOUT 40 natural compounds, especially hydroxides, borates and carbonates, can be structurally described on the basis of triangular partitionings of the plane. Physically, these compounds are fibrous with a fibre translation of 3.0–3.2 A, the octahedral edge distance. Although the structures are three-dimensional octahedral frameworks, non-equivalent atoms do not overlap or superimpose and solution and classification of such structures are two-dimensional “wallpaper”-type problems.
Increasing the volume of bladder irrigations decreases the incidence of bladder calculi formation in enterocystoplasties

Purpose During long term follow-up of patients with enterocystoplasties up to 45% will develop a bladder calculus. We performed this experiment to determine if altering the volume of daily bladder irrigations could affect the incidence of calculi formation. Material and methodsS All patients within this study had an enteric cystoplasty in situ and were catheterizing via an abdominal stoma with a 12–14 French catheter. At initiation of the study the patients were noted to be stone free by radiographic evaluations. Patients were randomly chosen to irrigate daily with 30, 60 or 250 cc of normal saline. All patients were followed via radiologic evaluations at a minimum of yearly intervals. A minimum follow-up of 5 yrs was necessary to be included within the study. Statistical evaluations used a Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Results A total of 75 patients participated in the protocol: After 5 years of follow-up, 17/25 pts (68%) irrigating with 30 cc, 12/25 pts (48%) irrigating with 60 cc and 3/25 pts (12%) irrigating with 250 cc of normal saline developed bladder calculi. P Conclusions Although the exact irrigation volume needed to keep the augmented bladder free from calculi can not be determined from this study, we have documented that daily bladder irrigation with 250 cc of normal saline can significantly decrease the incidence of bladder calculi formation in enterocystoplasties.
Who Preempted the Massachusetts Burma Law? Federalism and Political Accountability Under Global Trade Rules

With its “Burma law, ” Massachusetts joined a procurement boycott of companies doing business in Burma. In Crosby v. NFTC, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Congress preempted the Massachusetts law, even though Congress was silent on preemption. The Court relied on actions by executive-branch, foreign, and corporate actors to find that the state law was an obstacle to implied objectives of federal Burma sanctions. In doing so, the Court diffused congressional accountability for preemption and constrained the “constituent diplomacy” by which states and local governments use their purchasing power to influence national policy and multinational corporations. Crosby shifted the burden to Congress to express its intent not to preempt such measures. Congress has several opportunities to meet this burden if it wants to preserve the diversity and balance that constituent diplomacy brings to the federal system.
Steroid isotopic standards for gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GCC-IRMS)

Carbon isotope ratio (CIR) analysis of urinary steroids using gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GCC-IRMS) is a recognized test to detect illicit doping with synthetic testosterone. There are currently no universally used steroid isotopic standards (SIS). We adapted a protocol to prepare isotopically uniform steroids for use as a calibrant in GCC-IRMS that can be analyzed under the same conditions as used for steroids extracted from urine. Two separate SIS containing a mixture of steroids were created and coded CU/USADA 33-1 and CU/USADA 34-1, containing acetates and native steroids, respectively. CU/USADA 33-1 contains 5alpha-androstan-3beta-ol acetate (5alpha-A-AC), 5alpha-androstan-3alpha-ol-17-one acetate (androsterone acetate, A-AC), 5beta-androstan-3alpha-ol-11, 17-dione acetate (11-ketoetiocholanolone acetate, 11k-AC) and 5alpha-cholestane (Cne). CU/USADA 34-1 contains 5beta-androstan-3alpha-ol-17-one (etiocholanolone, E), 5alpha-androstan-3alpha-ol-17-one (androsterone, A), and 5beta-pregnane-3alpha, 20alpha-diol (5betaP). Each mixture was prepared and dispensed into a set of about 100 ampoules using a protocol carefully designed to minimize isotopic fractionation and contamination. A natural gas reference material, NIST RM 8559, traceable to the international standard Vienna PeeDee Belemnite (VPDB) was used to calibrate the SIS. Absolute delta(13)C(VPDB) and Deltadelta(13)C(VPDB) values from randomly selected ampoules from both SIS indicate uniformity of steroid isotopic composition within measurement reproducibility, SD(delta(13)C)<0.2 per thousand. This procedure for creation of isotopic steroid mixtures results in consistent standards with isotope ratios traceable to the relevant international reference material.