cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rat heart smooth muscle cells express high and low affinity receptors for somatostatin-14, which are involved in regulation of cell proliferation

Abstract We demonstrate that rat heart coronary artery smooth muscle cells express specific binding sites (receptors) for somatostatin-14. The sigmoidal shape kinetics of the somatostatin-14 binding by the cells suggests the presence of either an allosteric binding site or binding sites with different affinities towards the ligand. Scatchard analysis reveals presence of high affinity (Kd=0.039×10 −9 M) and low affinity (Kd=0.602×10 −9 M) binding sites. Somatostatin-14 and Angiopeptin can displace each other from the binding sites. The concentrations of Angiopeptin required to displace 28%–48% of bound somatostatin-14 (10 −9 M) are in the range of 10 −4 − 10 −3 M. The concentrations of somatostatin-14 required to displace 8–27% of bound Angiopeptin (10 −6 M) are in the range of 10 −6 − 10 −5 M. Thus, somatostatin-14 seems to possess much higher binding affinity than Angiopeptin. Bindin of somatostatin-14 and Angiopeptin to rat smooth muscle cells triggers intracellular event(s) leading to inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Exposure of smooth muscle cells to somatostatin-14 and Angiopeptin decreases amount of phosphorylated tyrosine residues. The effect of somatostatin-14 and Angiopeptin on the expression of phosphotyrosine proceedes and is most likely responsible, at least in part, for the inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. This demonstrates that rat heart smooth muscle cells express physiologically active receptor(s) for somatostatin-14.
Selling or Subscribing Software under Quality Uncertainty and Network Externality Effect

We examine the optimal way for a software vendor to license software: perpetual license at a posted price, subscription contract that subscribers receive automatic updates for periodic payment, or a hybrid approach that involves both. By addressing such specific issues in the software market as network effects, quality uncertainty, upgrade compatibility, and the vendor's ability to commit to future prices in a dynamic environment, we demonstrate how a software vendor can manage the trade-offs of perpetual licensing and subscription to optimize profit, as well as the corresponding welfare effect on consumers. Though the subscription model helps the vendor lock in consumers so as to increase profit when there is a great uncertainty associated with the next version software, it destroys the path dependence in creating network externalities.Therefore, when the network effect is sufficiently large, it is more profitable for a software vendor to provide both perpetual licensing and subscription.
Adherence and retention of female injection drug users in a phase III clinical trial in inner city Baltimore.

Adherence and retention of female injection drug users (IDUs) in clinical trials are not well known and were evaluated among 458 female IDUs in a clinical trial in Baltimore. Of all, 62.9% were adherent to visits (attended ≥ 80% of visits). Of women with ≥ 1 visit after enrollment, 76% were adherent to treatment (took ≥ 80% of pills); 27.7% were lost to follow-up (missed ≥ 3 consecutive visits). Women nonadherent to visits were younger and less likely to be on methadone. Women lost to follow-up were younger, more often white, not on methadone, and injecting drugs daily. Fair-moderate adherence to visits and treatment occurs among female IDUs in a clinical trial.
Initial habitat response to incised channel rehabilitation

1. Incised stream channel aquatic habitats typically are severely degraded. After the primary knickpoints or knickzones have passed, base flows are limited to shallow channels flanked by sandy berms within the enlarged high-flow channel. Riparian vegetation, woody debris and pool habitat are in short supply, and stream systems become disengaged from their floodplains. 2. We hypothesized that habitat recovery might be accelerated in channels that have incised and are regaining equilibrium through deposition of sandy berms by placing rock spurs in the channel and by planting woody vegetation on the berms. On the basis of literature review and a pilot study, planting designs were developed for a large-scale field experiment: 2550 1.5 m long cuttings of native willow (Salix spp.) 2–25 cm in diameter were planted 1–1.2 m deep along the base-flow channel of an incised stream. A ridge of stone was placed on the water side of the plantings, and 17 rock spurs were constructed by extending existing spur dikes from the opposite bank. 3. Woody cover along the treated bank increased from 38% to 66% of bankline after one growing season. Survival of individual plantings was reduced from an estimated 60% to an observed 34% by competition from the exotic kudzu vine, Pueraria lobata. Mean depth and mean scour hole depth, corrected for stage variation, increased 44% and 82%, respectively. Mean scour hole width increased 130%. The mean length of fish and the number of fish species approximately doubled, while the total weight of fish captured by a unit of sampling effort increased by an order of magnitude.
Exploiting the limiting amplitude principle to numerically solve scattering problems

Abstract A numerical method for solving reduced wave equations is presented. The technique is basically a relaxation scheme which exploits the limiting amplitude principle. A modified radiation condition at ‘infinity’ is also given. The method is tested on two model problems: the scattering of plane shallow water waves off shoals and the scattering of plane acoustic waves off a sound-soft cylinder imbedded between two homogeneous but different half spaces. The numerical solutions exhibit correct refractive and diffractive effects at moderate frequencies.
Computational prediction and characterization of single-layer CrS2

Using first-principles calculations, we predict a previously unreported bulk CrS2 phase that is stable against competing phases and a low energy dynamically stable single-layer CrS2 phase. We characterize the electronic, optical, and piezoelectric properties of this single-layer material. Like single-layer MoS2, CrS2 has a direct bandgap and valley polarization. The optical bandgap of CrS2 is 1.3 eV, close to the ideal bandgap of 1.4 eV for photovoltaic applications. Applying compressive strain increases the bandgap and optical absorbance, transforming it into a promising photocatalyst for solar water splitting. Finally, we show that single-layer CrS2 possesses superior piezoelectric properties to single-layer MoS2.
Effector studies of 3'-azidothymidine nucleotides with human ribonucleotide reductase.

The 5'-mono-, di- and triphosphate derivatives (N3dTMP, N3dTDP and N3dTTP respectively) of 3'-azidothymidine (N3dThd), a new drug for the treatment of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), were synthesized. The abilities of these analog nucleotides to mimic the effector properties of the corresponding thymidine nucleotides with human ribonucleotide reductase were studied. Surprisingly, the mode of inhibition of CDP reduction by dTTP and dTDP was found to be competitive versus CDP. The Ki values were 22 and 78 microM respectively. Inhibition by N3dTTP and N3dTDP was considerably weaker, with Ki values of 1200 and 550 microM. Neither dTMP nor N3dTMP produced significant inhibition at concentrations up to 500 microM. dTTP was an essential activator for GDP reduction. In the presence of the accessory activator, ATP, the activation constant for dTTP was 7.8 microM. N3dTTP was neither an activator of GDP reduction nor an inhibitor of the activation by dTTP. In view of the intracellular concentrations of these analog nucleotides reached after incubations with N3dThd [Furman et al., Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83, 8333 (1986)] and the weakness of their interactions with ribonucleotide reductase, it is unlikely that the antiviral or toxic effects of N3dThd can be attributed to direct effects on this enzyme. The possible indirect effects caused by alterations in the pools of the natural effectors are discussed.
Graduate students in oceanography: Recruitment, success, and career prospects

Graduate education, student quality, stipend support, and subsequent employment form a triad of concern to many oceanographers. While the number of graduate degree programs in oceanography in the U.S. exceeds 50, remarkably few data are available on numbers of student applications, student survival rates, the quality of the applicants and accepted students, and their subsequent employment. Consequently, most discussions within an institution are based on data from a single school, while most statements made to federal government program managers by scientists are based on personal perceptions and feelings. With the emerging global initiatives, which are very labor intensive, it appears appropriate to ask, “Is there an impending crisis in graduate education in oceanography?” Widespread concern about availability of new talent, the quality of incoming students, and the overall national crisis in science and engineering student recruitment has led many scientists to state that oceanography has widespread problems in terms of student numbers and, more importantly, quality. Often, when a scientist does not find a student in the spring application rites, the scientist declares there is a national shortage of well-qualified students. Moreover, in certain subdisciplines of the field (e.g., physical oceanography) the crisis is perceived as severe and immediate, though as we shall see, physical oceanography is in an improving mode and is also experiencing an interesting increase in the numbers of well-qualified women applicants.
Characteristics of hprt‐mutant t cell lines in a lupus patient treated with cyclophosphamide

This report describes T cell lines derived from a patient with subacute cutaneous lupus after treatment with intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide. We selected for mitotically active, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase-deficient (HPRT-) T cells, by culture in a selective medium containing 6-thioguanine. When HPRT- cell lines were derived 6 days after pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment, they were predominantly CD8+ and T cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta+, producing interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). Cell lines derived 21 days after CYC treatment were CD4+, TCR alpha/beta+ and produced both IFN gamma and interleukin-4. These results support a possible role for gamma/delta+ T cells in subacute cutaneous lupus and suggest a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of CYC.
Comparative effectiveness of topical calcineurin inhibitors in adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by extreme pruritis and lichenified papules and plaques that may begin in or persist into adulthood. Topical corticosteroids are firstline prescription therapy for AD; they are efficacious and have a well established safety profile. The topical calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and pimecrolimus were approved by the US FDA in 2000 and 2001, respectively, as second-line topical therapy for AD. This review evaluates the available studies on the comparative effectiveness, safety, cost, and impact on quality of life of topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors for the treatment of adult AD. Tacrolimus was found to be as effective as class III–V topical corticosteroids for AD of the trunk and extremities, and more effective than low-potency class VI or VII corticosteroids for AD of the face or neck. Pimecrolimus was less effective than both tacrolimus and low-potency topical corticosteroids for moderate to severe AD. The short-term safety studies found that, compared with topical corticosteroid-treated adults, patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors had an increased frequency of application-site reactions, an equivalent infection risk, and a decreased risk of skin atrophy. The long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors remains under investigation. Currently published studies that evaluated the comparative cost and quality-of-life effects compared tacrolimus with less potent topical corticosteroids despite the availability of equivalent potency corticosteroids. Further cost and quality-of-life studies are needed that compare topical calcineurin inhibitors with stronger classes of topical corticosteroids over longer time periods. The available clinical trials data do not suggest an efficacy advantage for topical calcineurin inhibitors over topical corticosteroids in adults with AD of the trunk and extremities, and there is not yet adequate evidence to support topical calcineurin inhibitors as first-line therapy for adult AD.
Crystallization of amorphous lead-titanate prepared by a sol-gel process

Monolithic samples of amorphous lead-titanate were prepared by a sol-gel process. Samples of the dried gel were analyzed using x-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. Crystallization of a metastable intermediate phase was observed to begin upon annealing at 400°C for approximately 6 hours. Tetragonal PbTiO3 appeared after longer annealing times. The crystallization temperature at a constant heating rate of 8°C/min. was approximately 470°C.
Numerical Investigation of Shaped and Transparent Cathodes in the Relativistic Michigan Magnetron

RF field penetration has been proposed as a general mechanism for improving output power, efficiency, mode purity, mode selectivity and start-up times in relativistic magnetrons. RF field penetration is achieved through the use of a transparent cathode i.e. a cathode design consisting of a ring of small cathodes and no center cathode. However, RF field priming is not the only means available for improving magnetron performance. Perturbations in the diode static electric field profile may also yield a performance improvement. The shaped cathode produces such perturbations via protrusions located periodically along its surface. The efficacy of both the transparent and shaped cathode designs was investigated using the three-dimensional electromagnetic particle-in-cell code, ICEPIC. A scan across diode voltages, 300-500 kV and magnetic fields, 0.22 T - 0.34 T was carried out. All cathodes used the Michigan Magnetron configuration. It was found that both designs yielded tremendous performance improvements over the standard cylindrical cathode design. Output power efficiency peaked at ~36% for both the shaped and transparent designs. Moreover the peak was at the same location in parameter space, voltage ~350 kV and magnetic field = 0.34 T. Additionally both designs greatly improved mode selectivity and purity. Points in parameter space that functioned in the 2pi/3 mode with considerable mode competition now, with the help of these novel cathodes, function in the desired pi mode with little to no mode competition. Performance improvements in output power and start-up times were also seen. Given that both designs yielded similar performance benefits, the necessity of RF field penetration may be questioned. Both designs share the similar characteristic of perturbing the DC electric field. It may be that this is the source of the performance improvements in the relativistic magnetron.
Stents carotídeos de morfología cilíndrica o cónica: tasas de complicaciones neurológicas y de reestenosis asociadas

El diseno de stent autoexpandible para la implantacion de estos dispositivos en la arteria carotida (SAC) ha evolucionado en su morfologia desde los no conicos (SNC) hasta los conicos (SC); sin embargo, se desconoce la influencia de este cambio. Revisamos los desenlaces de la SAC con estas dos amplias categorias de stents en una revision retrospectiva de 308 procedimientos de SAC, efectuados desde mayo de 2001 a julio de 2007 en un solo centro. Para tratar la estenosis carotidea extracraneal se usaron SNC o SC autoexpandibles de nitinol asociados a dispositivos de proteccion embolica cerebral. El analisis de los datos incluyo la demografia, historias clinicas del procedimiento, examen mediante eco-Doppler y arteriografia convencional. El seguimiento medio fue de 18 meses (limites 1-69). La reestenosis se definio como una estenosis de la arteria carotida ≥ 80% en el lugar de implantacion del stent, detectada mediante angiografia. La edad media de toda la cohorte era de 71,3 anos (75% de hombres y 25% de mujeres). De los 308 casos, 233 eran lesiones de novo y 75 se habian sometido previamente a endarterectomia carotidea homolateral (n = 44) o radioterapia de haz externo (n = 31). El 30% de los pacientes habia presentado sintomas neurologicos previos al procedimiento. Se usaron SC en 156 procedimientos y SNC en 152. Las tasas de ictus homolateral y de mortalidad a 30 dias fueron del 1,3% y 0,3%, respectivamente. Se produjeron tres (1,0%) ictus adicionales de la circulacion posterior. No se observaron diferencias estadisticamente significativas en las tasas totales de ictus a 30 dias entre el grupo SC (3,2%, n = 5) y SNC (1,3%, n = 2) (p = 0,5). En el seguimiento a medio plazo, se detecto estenosis u oclusion asintomatica en ocho casos (2,6%). Todas afectaron a arterias tratadas con SNC, lo que fue significativamente diferente comparado con las tratadas mediante SC (p = 0,03). Ademas, en un analisis post hoc de subgrupo se observo una correlacion significativa (Chi2 = 0,02) para la reestenosis en “cuellos hostiles” cuando se compararon los SC frente a SNC. Los desenlaces precoces de la SAC entre SC y SNC son comparables. En cambio, los SC autoexpandibles de nitinol pueden asociarse a una menor incidencia de reestenosis significativa u oclusion asintomatica comparado con los SNC.
Treatment of uterine fibroid tumors in an in situ rat model using high-intensity focused ultrasound

Abstract Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of uterine fibroid tumors in an in situ animal model. Design High-intensity focused ultrasound was applied intraoperatively to uterine fibroid tumors in rats. Setting Department of Bioengineering, and Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Animal(s) Thirty-five tumors in 27 Eker rats that had spontaneous in situ uterine fibroids were randomly assigned into two groups receiving HIFU (n = 29) or sham (n = 6) treatments. Intervention(s) Animals were anesthetized, and tumors were exposed surgically. The HIFU was applied at 3.5 MHz in 10-second bursts to produce coagulative necrosis lesions (3 mm by 10 mm), spaced 5 mm apart. Sham treatments consisted of exposing the tumors, and handling them similarly to those in the HIFU treatment group, but HIFU was not applied. Main outcome measure(s) Tumor volume was measured every week transabdominally using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Gross examination and histological analysis were performed after euthanasia. Result(s) More than half of the tumors in the HIFU treatment group showed significant tumor volume reduction. The average tumor volume in the sham treatment group increased 40-fold. Gross and histological analysis showed coagulative necrosis of tumor cells in the HIFU treatment group. Conclusion(s) The HIFU may provide an effective and safe method of treating uterine fibroid tumors.
Perspective taking and theory of mind: do children predict interpretive diversity as a function of differences in observers' knowledge?

In 3 experiments, children's ability to vary their responses on perspective-taking tasks as a function of the other person's age was examined. In Experiment 1, 4- and 5-year-olds were shown to be accurate in their judgments about the knowledge of a 6-month-old baby, a 4-year-old child, and an adult. In Experiment 2, 4-year-olds were asked to determine if a baby, child, and adult would be able to identify an object from a restricted view showing either an identifiable part, a small nondescript part, or no part of the object. Children tended to report that the observer would be able to identify the object from an identifiable or nondescript part. Their judgments were not affected by the age of the observer. Experiment 3 replicated the asymmetry in performance on the general knowledge task and the restricted view task and extended these results by testing 4-year-olds, 6-year-olds, and adults using a within-subjects design.
Dyslipidemia as a risk factor for coronary disease in patients with diabetes.

ABSTRACT Objective To highlight the frequency of lipid abnormalities in patients with diabetes and the need for appropriate treatment strategies for coronary disease. Methods The epidemiologic features of coronary artery disease in the diabetic population are reviewed, and the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease is discussed. Various risk factors for predicting coronary artery disease and guidelines for therapeutic intervention are presented. Results The American Diabetes Association has estimated that 60% of all adults will die of coronary artery disease and that 80% of patients with diabetes will ultimately have atherosclerosis. The accelerated rate of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes may be attributable to several factors, including hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Abnormalities in lipid metabolism have a major role in the development of coronary disease. Because the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for treatment were established for less complicated hyperlipidemias, The American Diabetes Association recommends more aggressive lipid-lowering therapy at a lower level of low-density lipoproteins (130 mg/dL or 3.36 mmol/L) to produce an equivalent reduction in risk of coronary disease in patients with diabetes. Conclusion In patients with diabetes, lipid levels should be aggressively reduced to decrease the possibility of coronary artery disease. (Endocr Pract. 1997;3: 244-247)
The determinants and survival of reverse mergers vs IPOs

This study examines the motivation for using a reverse merger (RM) rather than an IPO to take a private firm public and analyzes the survival of RMs and IPOs in the aftermarket. Private firms using the RM technique are smaller, younger, and have poorer ex ante performance on average than those using IPOs. For private firms using RMs, 1.4% do not meet any listing requirements while all IPOs meet at least one requirement of the listing exchange. Forty-two percent of RMs are delisted compared with 27% of matched IPOs within 3 years of listing on an exchange.
ADVANTAGES OF THE COMPUTER-AIDED IMAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING TW SKELETAL MATURITY: INCREASED RELIABILITY AND A CONTINUOUS SCALE

The two major problems besetting the Tanner-Whitehouse estimation of skeletal maturity (as also the Greulich-Pyle) are (1) low inter-observer reliability and (2) a discontinuous scale, so that a change of rating results in a jump in bone age. To solve these problems, we designed an image analysis system producing bone-age estimates automatically. The radiograph is placed under an imaging camera and an operator brings each bone to overlay a template displayed on the screen. The bone is digitized and a degree 64 two-dimensional Fourier transformation is obtained, giving a coefficient matrix characterizing that bone. This matrix is compared with the average matrix for each stage of the bones of the “Golden Series”, the radiographs rated by the originators of the TW method. Distances between these matrices comprise a quantitative scale of measurement so stage scores are generated which run continuously from 0.0 to 9.0. Longitudinal analysis of radiographs of the Harpenden Growth Study shows the smooth increase of score in the computer-aided system compared with the stepped increase obtained manually. Between operator reliability much exceeds that of the manual system; in 300 comparisons whole-stage differences occurred twice compared to the 30 times expected of human operators. The average inter-observer difference was one-third of a stage. Validity is high; the average difference from the Golden Series standards was 0.3 stage. We conclude that the computer-aided method renders manual methods of assigning bone age obsolete. We thank Ares-Serono for support.
Performance of pyrolyzed photoresist carbon films in a microchip capillary electrophoresis device with sinusoidal voltammetric detection

Pyrolyzed photoresist films (PPF) are introduced as planar carbon electrodes in a PDMS−quartz hybrid microchip device. The utility of PPF in electroanalytical applications is demonstrated by the separation and detection of various neurotransmitters. PPF is found to form a stable, low-capacitance, durable layer on quartz, which can then be used in conjunction with a microchip capillary electrophoretic device. Sinusoidal voltammetric detection at PPF electrodes is shown to be very sensitive, with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 100 nM for dopamine, corresponding to a mass detection limit (S/N = 3) of 2 amol. The selectivity of analysis in the frequency domain is demonstrated by isolating each individual signal in a pair of analytes that are chromatographically unresolved. Effectively decoupling the electrophoresis and electrochemical systems allows the electrodes to be placed just inside the separation channel, which results in efficient separations (80 000−100 000 plates/m).
Usual care for clinicians, unusual care for their clients: rearranging priorities for children's mental health services.

Garland et al.’s comprehensive review of the state of clinic-based community-based mental health care for U.S. children highlights many recent advances in usual care (UC) while also describing the continued gap between need and service provision, the limited effectiveness of services provided, and a number of other obstructions and dilemmas ranging from perceived stigma on the part of families to limited fiscal resources on the part of service providers. Based on these long-standing concerns, the review summarizes research on three foci for change and offers future directions for each: Enhanced engagement strategies to retain families in services, improved training and support to increase the use of evidenced based practices, and expanded measurement and feedback systems to monitor services in real time. Unaddressed, however, is whether these changes are sufficient to reform children’s mental health care. Even if enacted extensively and outstandingly – a feat we imagine that nobody familiar with UC would realistically expect – will unmet need for care improve and effective services be available to the large number of children in need of mental health services?
Material Behavior Under Thermal Loading

Influence d'une contrainte sur la deformation thermomecanique pour des structures double-barre entre 20 C et 600 C. Determination d'une equation de prevision du comportement des materiaux, et fiabilite de cette equation sur l'acier 1070
The Role of Faith in Historical Research A Rejoinder

In a review article in a recent issue of Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament Thomas L. Thompson, University of Copenhagen, has criticized my Text and History describing it as “religious apologetics” and a “faith-oriented understanding” of Israel's history as opposed to his own scientific research. Much of the critique is no doubt an academic own goal, but it does raise some important questions relevant not only for the discussion with Thompson and other scholars with a so-called minimalists approach to the biblical history of Israel but also for the discussion on why, how and when to use harmonizations, locutionary/illocutionary language distinctions, genre-based explanations, etc., in the reconstruction and interpretation of Israels history by scholars with a faith-based, high view on the Bible.
Parameter structure identification using tabu search and simulated annealing

In groundwater modeling the identification of an optimal flow or transport parameter that varies spatially should include both the values and structure of the parameter. However, most existing techniques for parameter identification only consider the parameter values. In this study, the problem of identifying optimal parameter structure is treated as a large combinatorial optimization problem. Two recently developed heuristic search techniques, simulated annealing and tabu search, are used to solve the large combinatorial optimization problem. The effectiveness and flexibility of these two techniques are evaluated and compared with simple grid search and descent search, using preliminary results from one-dimensional examples. Among the techniques examined in this paper, tabu search performs extremely well in terms of the total number of function evaluations required.
MCMI-III diagnostic validity: Bad test or bad validity study.

Operating characteristics describe the validity of tests that attempt to dichotomously predict a diagnosis. These statistics are not fully published in the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III Manual (MCMI-III manual; Millon, 1994). When calculated from available statistics, the positive predictive powers of the MCMI-III scales are poor both in absolute terms and relative to the MCMI-II (Millon, 1987). There were a number of problems, however, with the initial MCMI-III validity study both inherently and in execution. Although it is doubtful that the MCMI-III is weaker than the MCMI-II, a new validity study is needed.
Hospitalization costs for patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular embolectomy in the United States.

Background and Purpose—It is important to know the costs of hospitalization for patients undergoing endovascular embolectomy so that comparisons can be made with payments to hospitals. Methods—Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated the costs of hospitalization for patients treated with endovascular embolectomy in the United States from 2006 to 2008. The primary end point examined in this study was total hospital costs, and these were correlated with clinical outcome. Results—A total of 3864 patients received endovascular embolectomy. A total of 1649 patients were <65 years old and 2205 patients were ≥65 years old. Median hospital costs in 2008 dollars were $36 999 (interquartile range, $26 662–$56 405) for patients with good outcome, $50 628 (interquartile range, $33 135–$76 063) for patients with severe disability, and $35 109 (interquartile range, $25 053–$62 621) for patients with mortality. Conclusions—Hospitalization costs for patients treated with endovascular embolectomy are rather high,...
Multistep asymptotic analyses of flame structures

Aspects pertaining to rate-ratio asymptotic analyses of the structure of laminar, unstretched premixed flames and nonpremixed flames are described. The rate-ratio asymptotic analyses employ reduced chemical-kinetic mechanisms derived from detailed mechanisms. The rates of the global steps of the reduced chemical-kinetic mechanisms are related to the rates of elementary reactions. The outer structure of premixed flames is presumed to comprise an intert preheat zone of thickness of the order of unity, a thin reaction zone where all chemical reactions take place, and a postflame zone where the products are in equilibrium. For methane, n-heptane, and methanol flames the reaction between the radicals and the fuel is chain breaking. For iso-octane flames, the intermediate species iso-butene rather than the fuel deplets the radicals. This property is used to match the structure of the reaction zone with the structure of the chemically inert preheat zone. To obtain the burning velocity, it is necessary to analyze the structure of at least two reactive layers within the reaction zone: the inner layer and the oxidation layer. Qualitative features of the analyses of these layers in premixed methane flames are discussed. The characteristic temperature at the inner layer, To, is found to play a central role in asymptotic analyses. It is calculated by comparing the rates of chain-breaking and chain-branching reactions and found to depend mainly on pressure. The burning velocity is found to be proportional to the difference between the adiabatic flame temperature and To. Therefore, flame propagation cannot take place if the adiabatic flame temperature is lower than To. This shows that rate-ratio asymptotic analyses can provide a fundamental explanation for the existence of flammability limits. Characteristics of the analyses of the structure of hydrogen and wet carbon monoxide flames are also addressed. Rate-ratio asymptotic analyses of the structure of these flames are fundamentally different from those of hydrocarbon flames, because the reactions between these fuels and radicals are not chain breaking. Rate-ratio asymptotic analyses of nonpremixed flames are also described. The discussion is focused mainly on methane flames. The parameters that appear in the expression for the scalar dissipation rate at extinction are found to be similar to those for the burning velocity of premixed flames.
Linking Theory Construction and Theory Testing: Models with Multiple Indicators of Latent Variables

An overview of a methodological paradigm that enhances the integration of theory construction and theory testing is presented. This paper discusses the conceptual advantages of that paradigm and provides an illustration of its use in both exploratory and confirmatory phases of research.
High-Temperature Dielectric Properties Measurements of Ceramics

This paper dicusses experimental arrangements, describes measurement techniques and presents experimental results for hightemperature broadband dielectric properties measurements of ceramics. The cavity perturbation technique and the open-ended coaxial line method are used in these experimental measurements. The design and construction details of cavities and probes are described and representative results of measurements on zirconia and alumina samples (green and sintered) are presented. Results of measurements made on insulating materials are shown. In general measurements are made in the frequency band 1 to 10 GHz and temperatures up to 1000°C.
Cavity-QED-enhanced spontaneous emission and lasing in liquid droplets

Significant cavity QED enhancement have been observed of both spontaneous and stimulated emission in 10- to 14-micrometers diameter liquid microdroplets containing fluorophors. Direct emission lifetime reduction was observed as well as greatly enhanced lasing gain. Use of droplets provides an excellent test of cavity QED theory for spherical geometries. The mode number and order of the spherical cavity resonances responsible for the observed emission peaks were identified and their Q values calculated from Lorenz-Mie theory. An experimental procedure, based on equating stimulated gain to cavity losses, is used to estimate the magnitude of the enhancement. Spherical cavity Qs of only 2600 were found to lead to cavity enhancements of over 100 in the emission cross-section of Rhodamine 6G in agreement with theory.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of site, stand density, and sapwood permeability on the relationship between leaf area and sapwood area in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

Abstract The relationship between total leaf area (LA) and sapwood area (SA) was studied in four stands of approximately 30-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) representing extremes of stand basal area and site index. Nine trees (three dominant, three intermediate, and three suppressed) were randomly selected from each stand for determination of LA and SA. Sapwood permeability with respects to height in stem and radial distance from the pith was determined from one other tree from each dominance class in each stand. Stem cross-sectional SA at breast height, mid-stem and base of live crown were linearly related to LA. SA at the base of live crown was a better predictor of LA on some sites than SA at breast height. The effect of including sapwood permeability (averaged sapwood permeability x area of sapwood) in the LA prediction equations was minimal. Regression equations for LA had different slopes between basal area classes but not between sites. Because of the larger regression slope of the LA prediction from SA in the low basal area stands (more leaf area per unit of sapwood), it is hypothesized that carbohydrate production in low basal area stands is allocated proportionally more to leaf or root tissue than sapwood at breast height and mid-stem. This implies that leaf area is the controlling factor in the LA-SA relationship.
Energy difference between the (ν=0,R=1) and the (ν=0,R=3) states of H 2 , measured with interseries microwave spectroscopy of H 2 Rydberg states

We measure several transitions between specific Rydberg levels in the nearly degenerate (\ensuremath{\nu}=0, R=1) n=28 and (\ensuremath{\nu}=0, R=3) n=16 Rydberg manifolds of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ with microwave spectroscopy. These measurements can be combined with calculations of the Rydberg fine structure to deduce the energy difference between the two states of the free ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ core. The result, E(\ensuremath{\nu}=0, R=3)-E(\ensuremath{\nu}=0, R=1)=288.859 00(8) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, represents the most precise determination to date of any spectral property of the hydrogen molecular ion, to our knowledge.
Solving linear program as linear system in polynomial time

A physically concise polynomial-time iterative-cum-non-iterative algorithm is presented to solve the linear program (LP) Minc^txsubject toAx=b,x>=0. The iterative part-a variation of Karmarkar projective transformation algorithm-is essentially due to Barnes only to the extent of detection of basic variables of the LP taking advantage of monotonic convergence. It involves much less number of iterations than those in the Karmarkar projective transformation algorithm. The shrunk linear system containing only the basic variables of the solution vector x resulting from Ax=b is then solved in the mathematically non-iterative part. The solution is then tested for optimality and is usually more accurate because of reduced computation and has less computational and storage complexity due to smaller order of the system. The computational complexity of the combination of these two parts of the algorithm is polynomial-time O(n^3). The boundedness of the solution, multiple solutions, and no-solution (inconsistency) cases are discussed. The effect of degeneracy of the primal linear program and/or its dual on the uniqueness of the optimal solution is mentioned. The algorithm including optimality test is implemented in Matlab which is found to be useful for solving many real-world problems.
Further consideration of systematic errors present in protein-ligand interactions.

Abstract Relatively minor systematic errors present during measurements of protein-ligand interaction can lead to large inaccuracies in the calculated values of the equilibrium dissociation constant and the total concentration of the binding protein. These errors, which include binding of the ligand to low affinity material and underestimation of bound ligand, cause the calculation of the concentration of free ligand at equilibrium to be overestimated. We report herein a model of ligandprotein binding which incorporates these errors into the mathematical formulation of the equilibrium binding equation. The effect of these errors on the Scatchard plot is presented.
Blocking protein farnesylation improves nuclear shape abnormalities in keratinocytes of mice expressing the prelamin A variant in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an accelerated aging disorder caused by mutations in LMNA leading to expression of a truncated prelamin A variant termed progerin. Whereas a farnesylated polypeptide is normally removed from the carboxyl-terminus of prelamin A during endoproteolytic processing to lamin A, progerin lacks the cleavage site and remains farnesylated. Cultured cells from human subjects with HGPS and genetically modified mice expressing progerin have nuclear morphological abnormalities, which are reversed by inhibitors of protein farnesylation. In addition, treatment with protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors improves whole animal phenotypes in mouse models of HGPS. However, improvement in nuclear morphology in tissues after treatment of animals has not been demonstrated. We therefore treated transgenic mice that express progerin in epidermis with the protein farnesyltransferase inhibitor FTI-276 or a combination of pravastatin and zoledronate to determine if they reversed nuclear morphological abnormalities in tissue. Immunofluorescence microscopy and "blinded" electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that systemic administration of FTI-276 or pravastatin plus zoledronate significantly improved nuclear morphological abnormalities in keratinocytes of transgenic mice. These results show that pharmacological blockade of protein prenylation reverses nuclear morphological abnormalities that occur in HGPS in vivo. They further suggest that skin biopsy may be useful to determine if protein farnesylation inhibitors are exerting effects in subjects with HGPS in clinical trials.
A Strategyproof Mechanism for Scheduling Divisible Loads in Bus Networks without Control Processors

Divisible Load Theory (DLT) considers the scheduling of arbitrarily partitionable loads in distributed systems. The underlying assumption of DLT is that the processors are obedient (i.e., they do not “ cheat” the protocol), which is unrealistic when the processors are owned by autonomous, self-interested organizations that have no a priori motivation for cooperation and which strive to maximize their own welfare. In this scenario, they will manipulate the algorithm if it is beneficial to do so. In this paper we propose a strategyproof mechanism for scheduling divisible loads in bus networks without control processors. We augment DLT with incentives so that it is to the benefit of a processor to truthfully report its processing capacity and to process its assignment at full capacity. The mechanism provides incentives to processors for reporting deviants and issues fines to deviants, which results in abated willingness to deviate.
The limits and effectiveness of data prefetching on scalable multiprocessors

Abstract Prefetching is a promising technique for hiding and tolerating the large memory latencies expected in scalable multiprocessors. In this paper we present and validate an analytical performance model for software-controlled data prefetching. The model incorporates all the important aspects affecting the performance of prefetching such as: program behavior, network topology, cache coherency protocols, memory consistency models, etc. We use execution-driven simulation to validate the predictions of the model with respect to overall speedup, average memory latency, and cache pollution. We show that the model provides accurate predictions for programs that do not saturate the bandwidth of the network. The model could be used by compilers and/or programmers to determine when to issue prefetch instructions in order to maximize the speedup that can be obtained from software-controlled prefetching.
In children under age three does procalcitonin help exclude serious bacterial infection in fever without focus

A 4-month-old boy presents with a fever of 38.9°C and no focus on clinical examination. He does not appear septic and clean catch urine is normal. There are no respiratory symptoms and no clinical signs of meningitis. You think he has a low risk of a serious bacterial illness. You wonder if procalcitonin can help you exclude serious bacterial illness that may need antibiotics? ### Structured clinical question In children under three with a temperature >38.5°C and no clinical focus of infection [subject], is measurement of procalcitonin [intervention] a good screening test to exclude serious bacterial illness [outcome]? ### Search strategy and outcome Details of papers examined are given in table 1⇓. Please see http://www.bestbets.org/cgi-bin/bets.pl?record=00597 for further information. View this table: Table 1 Relevant papers The primary source was Medline using PubMed: ((“procalcitonin”[Substance Name] OR procalcitonin[Text Word]) AND (“infant”[MeSH Terms:noexp] OR “child, preschool”[MeSH Terms])) OR ((“procalcitonin”[Substance Name] OR procalcitonin[Text Word]) AND (“Child*”)). Outcome: 127 articles (last check 13th May 2006) were found. Five studies which addressed the clinical scenario were selected. One narrative review article was found which identified four of these five papers (one was published after the review).1 Several other papers using procalcitonin for specific presentations with a fever (rash, diarrhoea) were not included. Secondary search methods: Search replicated on Cochrane library, EMBASE, CINAHL, BestBETs, CatCrawler. Article reference lists were reviewed, and manufacturer’s website and clinical trial registers searched. No additional relevant articles were found. One systematic review on …
Targeted overexpression of leukemia inhibitory factor to preserve myocardium in a rat model of postinfarction heart failure.

Objective: Myocardial infarction leads to cardiomyocyte loss. The cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor regulates the differentiation and growth of embryonic and adult heart tissue. This study examined the effects of gene transfer of leukemia inhibitory factor in infarcted rat hearts. Methods: Lewis rats underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and direct injection of adenovirus encoding leukemia inhibitory factor (n = 10) or null transgene as control (n = 10) into the myocardium bordering the ischemic area. A sham operation group (n = 10) underwent thoracotomy without ligation. After 6 weeks, the following parameters were evaluated: cardiac function with a pressure-volume conductance catheter, left ventricular geometry and architecture by histologic methods; myocardial fibrosis by Masson trichrome staining, apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidal transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay, and cardiomyocyte size by immunofluorescence. Results: Rats with overexpression of leukemia inhibitory factor had more preserved myocardium and less fibrosis in both the infarct and its border zone. The border zone in leukemia inhibitory factor–treated animals contained fewer apoptotic nuclei (1.6% ± 0.1% vs 3.3% ± 0.2%, P < .05) than that in control animals and demonstrated cardiomyocytes with larger cross-sectional areas (910 ± 60 μm^2 vs 480 ± 30 μm^2, P < .05). Leukemia inhibitory factor–treated animals had increased left ventricular wall thickness (2.1 ± 0.1 mm vs 1.8 ± 0.1 mm, P < .05) and less dilation of the left ventricular cavity (237 ± 22 μL vs 301 ± 16 μL, P < .05). They also had improved cardiac function, as measured by maximum change in pressure over time (3950 ± 360 mm Hg/s vs 2750 ± 230 mm Hg/s, P < .05) and the slopes of the maximum change in pressure over time–end-diastolic volume relationship (68 ± 5 mm Hg/[s · μL] vs 46 ± 6 mm Hg/[s·μL], P < .05) and the preload recruitable stroke work relationship (89 ± 10 mm Hg vs 44 ± 4 mm Hg, P < .05). Conclusions: Myocardial gene transfer of leukemia inhibitory factor preserved cardiac tissue, geometry, and function after myocardial infarction in rats.
Herbal Remedies and Children: Do They Work? Are They Harmful?

More parents are considering the use of herbal remedies to maintain their children's good health and to treat their illnesses. They look to pediatricians and other primary care clinicians for advice concerning the safety and efficacy of herbal products for children. This article reviews principles for the clinician to keep in mind while investigating the literature on herbal medicine and addressing the use of herbal medicines with parents.