cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of injury and infection on visceral metabolism and circulation.

To characterize the role of the liver and kidney in the metabolic response to injury and infection, selective catheterization of the hepatic (42 veins) and renal veins (21 veins) was performed in 31 burn patients (mean burn size: 51% TBS), studied 4-129 days postinjury. Blood flow was determined by standard clearance techniques (ICG and PAH), and simultaneous arterial and hepatic and/or renal vein blood was obtained for oxygen, glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and amino acids. Patients studied in the first to third weeks postinjury were classified as noninfected (8 studies), bacteremic (8 studies), or bacteremic with complications (5 studies). There was no difference in age, weight, mean burn size, pulse rate, blood pressure, rectal temperature, total body oxygen consumption, or cardiac index among these groups. Estimated hepatic blood flow (EHBF) and hepatic substrate balance of these patients were compared with postabsorptive normal subjects in the literature (mean +/- SEM or range). :Formula: (See Text) Thermal injury alone resulted in marked increases in EHBF, hepatic oxygen uptake, and glucogenesis. The added insult of bacteremia significantly increased hepatic glucose output; as clinical sepsis progressed, glucose output decreased sharply. The kidney consistently demonstrated a net uptake of glucose in all studies. The changes in hepatic glucose output in bacteremic patients occurred without significant differences in EHBF, oxygen utilization or lactate uptake, but were associated with marked alterations in amino acid uptake.
Scapegoating and the Simulation of Mechanical Solidarity in Former Yugoslavia: “Ethnic Cleansing” and the Serbian Orthodox Church:

In this paper I use the concept of scapegoating to explain the ritualized character of "ethnic cleansing" after the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. I provide an overview of the political background behind these events, introduce the role and influence of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and analyze the collective violence known as ethnic cleansing through the concept of scapegoating. The Serbian Orthodox Church's use of a scapegoat paradigm to incite violence created a pseudo-sense of solidarity among the Serbian people. Although this solidarity resembles Emile Durkheim's concept of mechanical solidarity, I question the stability of this solidarity insofar as it is based on the negativity of war crimes and genocide. Implications for understanding collective violence in other areas such as the Middle East and Iraq are drawn by way of conclusion.
Mechanisms for removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) from drinking water by conventional and enhanced coagulation

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are persistent organic pollutants that have been found to be ubiquitous in the environment. This article, for the first time, delineates removal areas of these polar compounds on a coagulation diagram that associates chemical conditions with different coagulation mechanisms. Variables considered were solution pH, coagulant dosage, coagulants (alum and ferric chloride), natural organic matter (NOM), initial turbidity, and flocculation time. The jar-test results show that conventional coagulation (alum dosage of 10-60 mg/L and final pH of 6.5-8.0) removed ≤20% of PFOS and PFOA. These chemicals tended to be removed better by enhanced coagulation at higher coagulant dosages (>60 mg/L) and (thus) lower final pH (4.5-6.5). A coagulation diagram was developed to define the coagulant dosage and solution pH for PFOS/PFOA removal. The results suggest that the primary PFOS/PFOA removal mechanism is adsorption to fine Al hydroxide flocs freshly formed during the initial stage of coagulation; increasing flocculation time from 2 to 90 min could not further improve PFOS and PFOA removals. Furthermore, the effect of NOM on PFOS/PFOA removal by coagulation was examined, and possible removal mechanisms were discussed.
Collagen, genes and the skeletal dysplasias on the edge of a new era: a review and update.

Abstract This article reviews the newly described biochemical (type I and II collagen) abnormalities and specific gene defects in the skeletal dysplasias. The model of the collagen molecule is described and how collagen is processed from procollagen, where and how abnormalities occur, and the types of abnormalities produced (quantitative and qualitative). The only known type I collagen defects producing skeletal dysplasias - osteogenesis imperfecta, as well as the ‘family’ of established type II collagen disorders - achondrogenesis type II, hypochondrogenesis and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita are discussed. Finally, using case presentations, the practical approach to these disorders is shown. The importance of these investigations and the subsequent reevaluation of the clinical and radiological findings of specifically delineated skeletal dysplasias are discussed.
Continuous boundary local Fourier transform

The Local Fourier Transform (LFT) provides a nice tool for concentrating both a signal and its Fourier transform. But there are certain properties of this algorithm that make it unattractive for various applications. In this paper, some of these disadvantages are explored, and a new approach to localized Fourier analysis is proposed, the continuous boundary local Fourier transform (CBLFT), which attempts to correct some of these shortcomings. Results ranging from segmentation to representation cost to compression are also presented.
Behavioral Science Criteria in Child Custody Determinations

This is an investigation of the relationships between the characteristics of lawyers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers and the criteria they employ when they are involved in child custody legal proceedings. The findings reveal disciplinary distictions, equity for the mother and father, and influence from demographic variables regarding the preference for criteria to be applied for child custody determination.
On the CH4 nu-4 fundamental controversy - Line-intensity measurements revisited

Because of the controversy over the value of the band strength for the nu-4 fundamental of CH4, equivalent widths of the R(0), R(1), and P(11, 11, F1) lines have been measured to compare with opposing views. The present measurements are consistent with the band strength of Ko and Varanasi (1977), who, on the basis of high-resolution line-strength measurements, propose an integrated band strength of 145 kaysers/(cm-am).
Incumbent Vulnerability and Challenger Entry in Statewide Elections

Prior studies of challenger entry in Senate and gubernatorial elections provide inconclusive evidence that challengers consider incumbents' electoral vulnerability when deciding whether to run. The reason for this is primarily methodological: These studies analyze only general-election challengers, and in so doing overlook the dominant share of candidates who enter races. Additionally, the manner in which incumbent vulnerability affects challenger entry varies with the challenger's party status and electoral strength. Incumbent-party challengers run against incumbents who did poorly in the previous primary election, whereas out-party challengers run against incumbents who did poorly in the previous general election. Finally, the entry decisions of weak out-party challengers are not directly related to incumbent vulnerability; rather, they avoid facing strong out-party challengers in the primary election. These hypotheses are tested using data from Senate and gubernatorial elections from 1976 to 1998; the ...
Purification of a large protein using ion-exchange membranes

Anion-exchange membranes were evaluated for the capture of a small protein (α-lactalbumin, 3.5-nm diameter) and a large protein (thyroglobulin, 20-nm diameter). The static binding capacity equaled the dynamic binding capacity and increased with increasing protein size. This result was in agreement with calculations based on monolayer coverage on the membrane surface and an absence of mass-transfer limitations. In contrast, for anion-exchange beads, the static capacity was the same for both proteins, and the dynamic capacity decreased strikingly with increasing protein size. These observations were attributed to very slow intrapore diffusion for large proteins in the beads, resulting in surface binding only. This work has important applications in the selection of chromatography media for the purification of viruses and plasmid DNA. Specifically, membranes with a high capacity for large biomolecules (20−300 nm) and a low capacity for small host-cell proteins and endotoxin contaminants are preferable to bea...
A scanning tunneling microscopy study of epitaxial Ge growth

We report new findings on Ge homoepitaxy on the (110) face using molecular beam epitaxy techniques. Our in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy study reveals that low temperature growth (T ∼ 300°C) followed by annealing at T ∼ 500°C produces superior surface morphology with long terraces (> 1 μm). High temperature growth (T > 500°C), on the other hand, promotes the formation of facets and pits. A roughening transition occurs for growth temperatures < 300°C, where long and regularly spaced ridges form along the [110] direction.
Pattern development in cellular automata triggered by site-specific reactive processes

Abstract The (discretized) evolution of regular and fractal patterns, initiated by a site-specific event, is studied via simulation on a simple model. Consistent with recent theories of diffusion on percolation networks, our results show that the development of fractal patterns is distinctly slower than for regular (euclidean) patterns. The possible relevance of our results to the evolution of symmetry-breaking instabilities is brought out.
Brown v. Plata: Prison Overcrowding in California

California's prisons are currently designed to house approximately 85,000 inmates. At the time of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2011 decision in Brown v. Plata, the California prison system housed nearly twice that many (approximately 156,000 inmates). The Supreme Court held that California's prison system violated inmates' Eighth Amendment rights. The Court upheld a three-judge panel's order to decrease the population of California's prisons by an estimated 46,000 inmates. They determined that overcrowding was the primary cause of the inmates' inadequate medical and mental health care. As a result, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has been working to redistribute inmates and parolees safely and decrease the overall population to the mandated levels. These large-scale adjustments to California's penal system create potential opportunities to study the long-term effects on affected inmates.
Computer-enhanced vs. standard laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Computer-assisted telesurgical devices have recently been approved in the United States for general surgery. To determine the safety and efficacy of these procedures, we performed a prospective trial of computer-enhanced “robotic” fundoplication compared to standard laparoscopic control procedures. Consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux were included. The operating surgeon worked at a console using a three-dimensional image and manipulated hand controls. Operative times, complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. A standardized questionnaire was administered to evaluate symptoms. Twenty patients were entered into each group. There were no differences in age, preoperative weight, or sex. Operative times were significantly longer in the robot group (97 vs. 141 minutes). There were no complications and most patients went home the first postoperative day. At follow-up, symptoms were similar in both groups; however, there was a significant difference in the number of patients taking antisecretory medication—none in the robotic group but six in the laparoscopic group reported regular use. Computer-assisted laparoscopic antireflux surgery is safe. However, operative times are longer, with little difference in outcomes. At the current level of technology and experience, robotic antireflux surgery appears to offer little advantage over standard laparoscopic approaches.
Use of Free Energy Data in the Construction of Phase Diagrams

A review is given of the use of free energy-composition curves in binary systems for determining the range of composition over which a phase, or combination of phases, is stable at a specified temperature (at constant pressure). Phase boundaries may be constructed in the usual temperature-composition phase diagram from reference to free energy-composition curves for several temperatures. Examples are given of the construction of phase diagrams for the systems Ca2B2O5–CaSiO3 and Al2O3–Cr2O3. The method described involves an assumption of ideal solution behavior, and is limited in application to systems where ideal solutions are approximated.
Aging Enhances the Basal Production of IL-6 and CCL2 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective—Increased circulating cytokine levels are a prominent feature of aging that may contribute to atherosclerosis. However, the role vascular cells play in chronic inflammation induced by aging is not clear. Here, we examined the role of aging on inflammatory responses of vascular cells. Methods and Results—In an ex vivo culture system, we examined the inflammatory response of aortas from young (2–4 months) and aged (16–18 months) mice under nonstimulatory conditions. We found that basal levels of interleukin-6 were increased in aged aortas. Aged aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibited a higher basal secretion of interleukin-6 than young VSMC. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed that aged VSMC exhibited upregulation of chemokines (eg, CCL2), adhesion molecules (eg, intracellular adhesion molecule 1), and innate immune receptors (eg, Toll-like receptor [TLR] 4), which all contribute to atherosclerosis. Using VSMC from aged TL4−/− and Myd88−/− mice, we demonstrate that signaling...
Bacteria in the Prostate Tissue of Men With Idiopathic Prostatic Inflammation

ABSTRACTPurpose: Although antibiotics represent the first line of treatment for prostatitis syndromes, physicians can document infection in remarkably few cases. We examined the relationship of genitourinary infection to inflammatory prostatitis in 85 subjects without bacteriuria.Materials and Methods: Evaluation consisted of cultures of urethra, urine and transperineal prostate biopsies, specifically for commensal and fastidious organisms, and leukocyte counts of expressed prostatic secretions.Results: Men with inflamed expressed prostatic secretions (25) were more likely to have any bacterial isolation (p = 0.01), positive cultures for anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.03), higher total bacterial counts (p = 0.02) and more bacterial species isolated (p = 0.02) in prostate biopsy cultures than men without expressed prostatic secretion inflammation (60).Conclusions: Bacterial colonization/invasion of the prostate may be associated with inflammatory prostatitis in some cases.
Diagnosing rhythmic movement disorder with video-polysomnography

Abstract We evaluated the utility of accurate clinical and electrophysiologic characterization in the diagnosis of the rhythmic movement disorder. Seven children with an age range of 1–12 years, referred for evaluation of relatively violent nocturnal behaviors, were clinically assessed during split-screen, video-polysomnographic monitoring sessions, as they experienced unusual nocturnal movements. Differential diagnoses included self-injurious waking behaviors, seizures, and parasomnias such as somnambulism (sleepwalking), pavor nocturnus (night terrors), and the rhythmic movement disorder (headbanging, bodyrocking, and legbanging). The character of movements, level of responsiveness, and electrophysiologic stage of sleep was determined during typical spells. In all the subjects experienced 37 periods of headbanging, bodyrocking, and legbanging that were strongly associated with stage 2 non-rapid eye movement sleep and K-complexes. The patients were unresponsive during and amnestic for the events. Because the differential for the rhythmic movement disorder includes a large number of disorders associated with abnormal and at times violent nocturnal movements, diagnosis can be greatly enhanced by documenting suspected nocturnal behaviors with thorough clinical assessment during split-screen, video-polysomnographic analysis.
Popularity of "binge drinking" in the lay press: 1990-2009

The past 2 decades have seen a striking increase in the scientific study of “binge drinking” by adolescents and young adults. 1 – 3 Although there has been considerable debate about the best way to...
Maximizing Cure for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Integration of Surgery and Chemotherapy

Context: The optimal treatment strategy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer remains controversial. Objective: To determine optimal combination of chemotherapy and surgery aimed at preserving survival of patients with locally advanced bladder cancer. Evidence acquisition: We performed a critical review of the published abstract and presentation literature on combined modality therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We emphasized articles of the highest scientific level, combining radical cystectomy and perioperative chemotherapy with curative intent to affect overall and disease-specific survival. Evidence synthesis: Locally invasive, regional, and occult micrometastases at the time of radical cystectomy lead to both distant and local failure, causing bladder cancer deaths. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens have been evaluated, as well as the quality of cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. Conclusions: Prospective, randomized clinical trials argue strongly for neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by high-quality cystectomy performed by an experienced surgeon operating in a high-volume center. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is also effective when therapeutic doses can be given in a timely fashion. Both contribute to improved overall survival; however, many patients receive only one or none of these options, and the barriers to receiving optimal, combined, systemic therapy and surgery remain to be defined. An aging, comorbid, and often unfit population increasingly affected by bladder cancer poses significant challenges in management of individual patients.
Parent-training Interventions

Parent training involves teaching parents and primary caregivers how to address and intervene with their children’s problem behaviors. These types of interventions have gained increasing popularity over the past several decades. Additionally, they have a strong evidence base supporting positive outcomes for both parents’ and children’s behavior, from different theoretical orientations, and across a number of populations and problems. Several behavioral parent training programs have been developed that teach a number of different skills including attending, rewarding, giving effective instructions, ignoring, and time-out. This chapter discusses and reviews many of these parent training programs and their supporting evidence. Current and anticipated trends such as the increasing use of technology in parent training and the dissemination of parent training programs to different countries and cultures are also discussed. Overall, while the field of parent training and its future looks bright, more work is needed to better understand what specific variables contribute to the effectiveness of parent training programs and what works best for whom.
Legacies of the 1960s: The American “Rights Revolution” in an Era of Divided Governance

Scholarship on the political development of the United States since the 1960s is dominated, not surprisingly, by social scientists. Such recent events fall within the penumbra of “contemporary history,” the standard research domain of social scientists but treacherous terrain for historians. Social scientists studying American government and society generally enjoy prompt access to evidence of the policy-making process–documents from the elected and judicial branches of government, interviews with policy elites, voting returns, survey research. Historians of the recent past, on the other hand, generally lack two crucial ingredients–temporal perspective and archival evidence–that distinguish historical analysis from social science research. For these reasons, social scientists (and journalists) customarily define the initial terms of policy debate and shape the conventional wisdom. Historians weigh in later, when memories fade, archives open, and the clock adds a relentless and inherently revisionist accumulation of hindsight.
Slow and steady: sustained effects of lexico-semantic associations can mediate referential impairments in schizophrenia

The present study investigated the contribution of lexico-semantic associations to impairments in establishing reference in schizophrenia. We examined event-related potentials as schizophrenia patients and healthy, demographically matched controls read five-sentence scenarios. Sentence 4 introduced a noun that referred back to three possible referents introduced in Sentences 1–3. These referents were contextually appropriate, contextually inappropriate but lexico-semantically associated, and contextually inappropriate and lexico-semantically nonassociated. In order to determine whether participants had correctly linked the anaphor to its referent, the final sentence reintroduced each referent, and participants indicated whether the last two sentences referred to the same entity. Results indicated that between 300 and 400 ms, patients, like healthy controls, used discourse context to link the noun with its preceding referent. However, between 400 and 500 ms, neural activity in patients was modulated only by lexico-semantic associations, rather than by discourse context. Moreover, patients were also more likely than controls to incorrectly link the noun with contextually inappropriate but lexico-semantically associated referents. These results suggest that at least some types of referential impairments may be driven by sustained activation of contextually inappropriate lexico-semantic associations.
Photovoltaic Measurements in Single-Nanowire Silicon Solar Cells

Single-nanowire solar cells were created by forming rectifying junctions in electrically contacted vapor-liquid-solid-grown Si nanowires. The nanowires had diameters in the range of 200 nm to 1.5 microm. Dark and light current-voltage measurements were made under simulated Air Mass 1.5 global illumination. Photovoltaic spectral response measurements were also performed. Scanning photocurrent microscopy indicated that the Si nanowire devices had minority carrier diffusion lengths of approximately 2 microm. Assuming bulk-dominated recombination, this value corresponds to a minimum carrier lifetime of approximately 15 ns, or assuming surface-dominated recombination, to a maximum surface recombination velocity of approximately 1350 cm s(-1). The methods described herein comprise a valuable platform for measuring the properties of semiconductor nanowires, and are expected to be instrumental when designing an efficient macroscopic solar cell based on arrays of such nanostructures.
In Vitro Activities of Daptomycin, Arbekacin, Vancomycin, and Gentamicin Alone and/or in Combination against Glycopeptide Intermediate-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an Infection Model

Daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic, has broad activity against gram-positive organisms, similar to vancomycin; however, its mechanism of action differs, resulting in interference with cell membrane transport and a more rapid bactericidal activity. In light of increasing need for alternative treatments against intermediate-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, there is revitalized interest in this antibiotic. We, therefore, evaluated the activity of daptomycin alone or in combination in an in vitro infection model against two glycopeptide intermediate-resistant S. aureus (GISA) isolates. Newly designed regimens of daptomycin at 4 and 6 mg/kg of body weight every 24 h (q24h) were compared to the previous regimen of 3 mg/kg q12h. Daptomycin MICs and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) (MIC/MBC) for Mu-50, HIP5836 (992), and MRSA-67 were 0.5/1.0, 0.5/1.0, and 0.125/0.5 microgram/ml, respectively. MICs and MBCs of arbekacin for the three strains were 2.0/8.0, 0. 125/0.5, and 0.125/0.25 microgram/ml, respectively. Vancomycin and gentamicin MICs and MBCs for the three strains were 8.0/8.0, 8.0/8.0, and 0.5/1.0 microgram/ml and 128/128, 0.5/1.0, and 0.25/0.5 microgram/ml, respectively. Our experience with daptomycin in an in vitro infection model has shown significant kill against the two GISA strains (Mu-50 and 992) (P < 0.03). We also noted that kill was related to a total dose effect for 992, in which simulated daptomycin in vivo dosages of 6 mg/kg q24h and 3 mg/kg q12h produced similar kill and 4 mg/kg q24h resulted in significant regrowth (P </= 0.05). Combination therapy with arbekacin resulted in synergistic activity against Mu-50. Daptomycin area under the concentration-time curve/MIC and C(max)/MIC ranges for GISA isolates were 80 to 116 and 6 to 12, respectively, and ranges for MRSA-67 were 320 to 461 and 24 to 48, respectively, and appeared to have an association with kill (i.e., decreased CFU/milliliter) at 24 and 48 h. Therefore, these experiments suggest that daptomycin alone or in combination could provide an alternative for the treatment of GISA.
Two closely linked interactive blood pressure QTL on rat chromosome 5 defined using congenic Dahl rats.

Previously we reported the construction of a congenic strain, S.LEW, spanning a large region of rat chromosome 5. The Lewis (LEW) strain was the donor, and the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) strain was the recipient. The congenic strain included a blood pressure quantitative trait locus (QTL). In the present work, a series of nine congenic substrains were constructed from S.LEW which defined two closely linked blood pressure QTL in the region previously thought to contain only one. LEW low-blood-pressure alleles at both QTL were required for a major effect on blood pressure. Neither LEW allele alone had a significant effect on blood pressure. The two QTL were localized to regions 6.3 and 4.6 cM, and these were 1.0 cM apart.
Progress in Developing a Real-Time Optimal Experiment Control Concept for Wind Tunnel Tests *

The optimal experiment control concept in question applies to the selection of test points for a given test polar with the intent of defining the functional variation for each dependent variable being monitored within the allowable tolerance. If done properly, excessive taking of static test points is avoided, and additional test points are added where needed to capture the functional variation. The method utilizes the first few points to generate a family of curves, and then processes real-time test results and compares those results for each dependent variable against the projected value. When the deviation between projected value and processed result exceeds allowable tolerances, a new static point is acquired and the process is repeated. Felderman and Steinle have shown the method to work with static results. This paper addresses progress in applying the method to dynamic test results. A numerical “truth set” of test data that emulates the significant dynamic content caused by two degrees of freedom of dynamic motion in the pitch plane, as well as additional dynamic components, is used to demonstrate the method. A secondary question as to whether or not it is better to first convert voltages from the wind tunnel balance to engineering units has also been addressed. The benefit of first converting to engineering units is demonstrated, as is bias in the measurement of axial force attributable to rotational motion in the pitch plane.
Academic science and NASA

The fiscal 1984 budget of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contains some pleasant surprises. The new budget reflects, in some areas, a welcome change from the recent emphasis toward earth-orbiting of space missions of limited scientific content. (For the overall fiscal 1984 NASA budget, see Eos, October 4, 1983, p. 577.) The July 1983 NASA in-house study-group report titled “The Universities and NASA Space Sciences” emphasizes that the past decade's decreasing budgets have resulted in a severe lessening of university capabilities in space science. Smaller budgets have meant significantly fewer start-ups of space missions with scientific emphasis. Meanwhile, data analysis from continuing and completed missions has not been well funded.
Preclinical mouse models and methods for the discovery of the causes and treatments of atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the Western world. Despite huge advances in understanding its pathophysiological mechanisms, current treatment is mostly based on ‘traditional’ risk factors. The introduction of statins more than 20 years ago reduced morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis by 30%, leaving a residual cardiovascular risk. Therefore, efforts continue toward the development of novel therapies that can be added to established treatments. Besides targeting dyslipidemia, recent focus has been put on preventing or resolving inflammatory processes involved in atherosclerosis. Areas covered: The article discusses therapeutic and diagnostic targets in atherosclerosis and how they can be discovered and studied in preclinical animal models. The roles of immune cells, specifically macrophages and monocytes, in plaque inflammation are discussed. The article also describes current preclinical models of atherosclerosis, specifically the mouse, study designs (for progression...
CT angiography for all patients with inconclusive noninvasive test? Clinical perspective: "not yet".

It has been known since the early 1970s that the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is a predictor of outcomes ([1][1]). Multidetector coronary computed tomography (MD-CCT) is a useful diagnostic test in the assessment of CAD ([2][2]). Although it is a minimally invasive test, MD-
Unfractionated heparin anticoagulation using estimated blood volume based dosing versus weight-based dosing in a Veteran population.

Objective The purpose of this study is to compare estimated blood volume (EBV) versus weight-based (WB) dosing of unfractionated heparin in terms of safety and ability to achieve therapeutic antifactor-Xa (AF-Xa) levels. Methods This was a retrospective, cohort study including 32 male veterans who received UFH. Primary outcome measures included time until therapeutic anticoagulation, number of adjustments needed to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation, median AF-Xa levels and the percentage of patients who were therapeutic after the first and second levels. Safety was determined as the incidence of major and minor bleeding. Results EBV dosing may be associated with a decrease in the average time to therapeutic range (20.4 ± 16.7 hours with EBV vs. 26.8 ± 26 hours with WB; p = 0.404) and an increase in the percentage of patients achieving therapeutic anticoagulation after the first AF-Xa level (50% with EBV vs. 35.7% with WB; p = 0.611) although these results were not statistically significant. WB dosing required fewer adjustments (2.7 ± 2.9 with WB vs. 4 ± 2.6 with EBV; p = 0.192) with more patients within the therapeutic range after the second AF-Xa level (42.9% with WB vs. 33.3% with EBV; p = 0.897). There was one major and three minor bleeds in the WB dosing group versus one minor bleed for the EBV dosing cohort ( p = 0.438 and p = 0.323, respectively). Conclusion EBV dosing achieved quick therapeutic anticoagulation with less bleeding compared to WB dosing in a veteran population. Due to the study’s limitations, larger, randomized, comparative trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Low-Frequency-Dependent Magnetic Field Effects in Biological Systems and the Radical Pair Mechanism

A possible mechanism for low-frequency-dependent effects of oscillating magnetic fields (f ≈ 1–1,000 Hz) on radical pair recombination kinetics in biological systems has been proposed (Walleczek, 1995). Others have argued against the possibility of such effects, because of the different time scales involved; radical pair recombination takes place in the nanosecond time domain, compared to the millisecond time scale of the low-frequency magnetic field oscillations (e.g., Brocklehurst and McLauchlan, 1996; Valberg et al., 1997). This contribution reviews recent theoretical evidence in support of the hypothesis that time-varying magnetic fields may lead to biological responses by initial interactions with spin-correlated radical pairs in dependence on the field frequency.
Toxicity of citrus oils to several stored-product insects: laboratory evaluation.

Oils were extracted from the peels of 8 different fruits and tested for toxicity to serveral species of stored-product insects. Topical applications showed that lyophilized oils from lemon, grapefruit, lime, kumquat, and tangerine were highly toxic to the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), and that all 8 oils were moderately toxic to the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.). TLC analyses and topical applications to the insects showed that the active component of the lemon peel was not a residue of the insecticides and acaricides generally used as prehavest treatments, or of the fungicides used as postharvest treatments.
Interspecific matings between Colias eurytheme and Colias philodice in wild populations.

The act of copulation between the sexes of two different species has not often been actually observed in wild populations. More often hybridization has been assumed from the presence of intermediates or hybrids in the respective populations. Owing to the rarity of data showing the actual rather than the assumed hybridization, the following data may be of interest. The two butterflies Colias eurytheme and Colias philodice apparently hybridize in most areas where their ranges are in contact or overlap. This hybridization however does not result in the expected elimination of both species in favor of an intermediate type. Rather, the two species maintain themselves year after year in the same areas despite constant exchange of genes from one species to the other. The result of the hybridization is the production of F1 hybrids between the two parental species which are intermediate in their phen6typical characteristics. But the hybridization does not stop there. Backcross progeny and F2 hybrids are also produced, thus leading to -a population having individuals ranging from the one parental form to the other with no sharp line of demarkation. It has been found that these intermediate types rarely exceed 10 per cent of the entire population numbers (Hovanitz, 1943; Gerould, 1946). Interspecific crosses in the laboratory have been observed by Gerould (1943) and Hovanitz (1944) and in wild populations by Hovanitz (1943). However, no quantitative data have ever been published which would indicate the relative proportions of these hybrid crosses as compared with the intraspecific matings. The following data were obtained on October 26, 1947 in an alfalfa field near Celina, Ohio (for map see *Hovanitz, 1948). The characteristics of this field were those favoring the presence of a considerable number of copulating pairs. Males were swarming over the field but females were relatively scarce. Both males and females were in the emerging cycle. Copulating pairs were collected as given in table 1. Grades of orange pigment from 8 to 1(0 are considered to be Colicas eurytheme and grade 1 to be Colias philodice; grades 2 to 7 are considered to be hybrid products.
Oncogenic transformation by the FOX protein Qin requires DNA binding.

Some functions of the Qin oncoprotein are not dependent on DNA binding. In order to test the requirement for DNA binding in Qin-induced oncogenic transformation, site directed mutations were introduced in the winged helix (WH) DNA binding domain of the Qin protein. In cellular Qin (c-Qin), the glycine at position 233 was either deleted or substituted with the amino acids aspartic acid, alanine, glutamic acid, asparagine, proline or lysine. The same position carries aspartic acid in the viral Qin protein (v-Qin). The adjacent residues, threonine 232 and lysine 234, were separately mutated to proline. Several additional amino acid substitutions believed to be involved in DNA contacts were introduced at the following c-Qin positions: asparagine 189, histidine 193, serine 196 or arginine 236. Most of the substitutions reduced DNA binding of Qin, one mutation, H193A, completely abolished DNA binding, and another mutation, T232P, increased DNA binding affinity. Mutant H193A failed to transform chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF), all other mutants, even those showing minimal DNA binding, retained oncogenicity for CEF. The efficiencies of focus formation induced by these mutant proteins in cell culture were not significantly different from that of wild type. However, the rate of focus development and the size of foci induced by the Qin mutants were greater with strong DNA binders than with weak DNA binders. Transdominant negative constructs consisting of the winged helix domain of c-Qin or v-Qin interfered with focus formation induced by full length Qin proteins. These results suggest that DNA binding is a prerequisite for transformation by Qin, and strong DNA binding is related to accelerated transformation in CEF.
Design and Realization of Optimization System for the Control Configuration of Diaphragm Spring Clutch

Based on the theory of diaphragm spring characteristic and control configuration performance,the design principle and design flow are confirmed,the function module is plotted out,the optimization system for the control configuration of diaphragm spring clutch is developed by using the MATLAB software and GUI technique,which confirms the design parameters of diaphragm spring clutch and control configuration without trial and error.
Screening for chlamydial infection.

Case study: TC is a 24-year-old woman who comes to your office for a well-woman visit. Her last physical examination was at age 16 with her pediatrician. She has been sexually active since the age of 15 and has had three “lifetime” partners.
A Novel Window For High-Resolution Fourier Transforms

This paper suggests a new data multiplication window for use with the Fourier Transform. The window is complex and consists of a linear FM chirp which spans the range 0 to 21r. Windowing in this manner is shown to be particularly useful for complex data signals such as those observed at the outputs of in-phase and quadrature component receivers. As such, it has application to both communications and radar problems. For the case of an input consisting of a single complex sinusoid, the new window produces an extremely sharp null located exactly at the frequency of the input sinusoid. As such, it has resolution properties far superior to those available via more conventional windowing techniques such as the raised cosine. Examples are presented showing clear indications of frequency shifts as small as 1/8 bin. Applications to real data environments are discussed.
A comparison of intergovernmental and private agency collection of child support arrears

Abstract Child support payments are intended to improve children's wellbeing by securing financial support from noncustodial parents. Payments in arrear are a significant problem, however, particularly when parents live in different states. Using a mixed-methods design, we compared the effectiveness of a private collection agency to a state agency managing intergovernmental child support cases over a 12-month period on: (1) the techniques, strategies, and methods used for child support enforcement, (2) the total amount of arrears collected, (3) the number of total payments collected, and, (4) the percentage of arrears collected. Though interviews revealed that employees working for the private agency and intergovernmental systems differ substantively in their collection philosophies, strategies, and enforcement tools available, quantitative results showed few differences between the agencies in arrears collections.
Temperature and composition dependence of the elastic constants of Ni3Al

The stiffness constants, c ij , of monocrystalline Ni3Al of three different compositions, 23.2, 24.0, and 25.0 at. pct Al, were measured over the temperature range from 300 to 1100 K using the rectangular parallelepiped resonance (RPR) method. The bulk modulus, as well as the shear modulus, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio for randomly oriented polycrystalline stoichiometric Ni3Al, were derived from the stiffness constants. The data indicate that c 44 is essentially independent of composition, decreasing slightly with increasing temperature for all three alloys. The values of c 11 and c 12, however, decrease with increasing aluminum content, the difference being small at room temperature but becoming larger at higher temperatures. We find that c 11 and c 12 are not as sensitive to aluminum concentration as is implied by previous results. A comparison of different shear moduli of Ni3Al and the saturated Ni-Al solid solution in equilibrium with it indicates that the ordered phase is generally elastically stiffer than the solid solution over the range of temperatures at which coarsening of the Ni3Al precipitate has been heavily investigated.
Silicon photonics and challenges for fabrication

Silicon photonics is rapidly becoming the key enabler for meeting the future data speed and volume required by the Internet of Things. A stable manufacturing process is needed to deliver cost and yield expectations to the technology marketplace. We present the key challenges and technical results from both 200mm and 300mm facilities for a silicon photonics fabrication process which includes monolithic integration with CMOS. This includes waveguide patterning, optical proximity correction for photonic devices, silicon thickness uniformity and thick material patterning for passive fiber to waveguide alignment. The device and process metrics show that the transfer of the silicon photonics process from 200mm to 300mm will provide a stable high volume manufacturing platform for silicon photonics designs.
Computational Security and the Economics of Password Hacking

Internet Security is a growing issue within the modern world. One of the weakest links in computer security is the use and misuse of passwords. As knowledge and technology becomes more widely spread, the methods of hacking passwords become increasingly easier and more accessible. With so much data being protected by passwords, it is important that these passwords are properly protected and secure. In this paper we present numerous methods of hacking passwords, as well as preventative measures that you can take to prevent your passwords from being stolen or misused. Two new algorithms are presented under the category of brute force and dictionary attack and compared with John the Ripper, Cain & Abel, and HashCat algorithms.
Visualization of Microstructural Evolution in Lead Free Solders during Isothermal Aging Using Time-Lapse Imagery

In this investigation, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) have been utilized to examine aging induced microstructural changes occurring within lead free solders. Unlike many prior studies, fixed regions in the solder joint cross-sections were monitored throughout the aging process, rather than examining different samples and/or different regions after the various aging exposures. Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) lead free solder joint samples were formed with reflowed (RF) and water quenched (WQ) cooling profiles and resulting initial microstructures, and then polished microscopy cross-sections were prepared. Nanoindentation marks were added to the cross-sections at certain locations to facilitate locating the fixed regions of interest in subsequent microscopy observations. After preparation, the joints were then aged at T = 125 oC, and the microstructures were observed and recorded in the selected regions after various aging exposures using SEM and SPM. With this approach, time-lapse imagery of the microstructure evolution in a particular region of a solder joint has been recorded as a function of the aging time. When placed together sequentially, these images can be used as frames to create experimentally recorded movies of the microstructural evolution in SAC solder joints exposed to aging. This approach has allowed us to visualize phenomena such as the coalescence and migration of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and the coarsening of beta-Sn dendrites. The results presented in this paper detail our findings for small aging times up to 10 hours, where the most rapid and dramatic changes in microstructure occur. In particular, this work has concentrated on observing the coalescence, change in shape, and migration of Ag3Sn intermetallic particles. The aging induced changes in number of IMCs, total area of all IMCs, average particle area, and average particle diameter have been quantified for several fixed regions in the joints.
Epidemiological risk factors for breast cancer recurrence according to estrogen and progesterone receptor status

2609 Breast cancer estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status defines phenotypes of tumors associated with different rates of clinical recurrence. The prognostic significance of epidemiological risk factors in early stage breast cancer according to ER and PR status has not been well evaluated. We utilized a cohort of 2,327 women with early stage breast cancer, treated at a single institution between 1985 and 2000, and evaluated the relationship between breast cancer epidemiological risk factors at diagnosis and 5-year risk of recurrence by ER and PR status. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of recurrence adjusted for treatment, tumor size and lymph node involvement. All statistical tests were two-sided. In univariate analysis, African American ethnicity (p=0.06), age ≤ 50 (p=
Severe piperacillin–tazobactam-induced hemolysis in a cystic fibrosis patient

Piperacillin-tazobactam is one of the most common causes of drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) and is frequently utilized, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we report a case of life-threatening piperacillin-tazobactam-associated DIIHA in a 30-year-old woman with CF and propose management recommendations for piperacillin-tazobactam-associated DIIHA in CF patients.
Skin Color of the Garifuna of Belize

This chapter reviews the results of a survey of skin reflectometry among the Garifuna of Belize conducted in 1976. The survey sought to answer several broad questions about skin color in the Garifuna. The first question concerns the physical distinctiveness of the Garifuna in relation to neighboring groups of African extraction, known locally as Creoles. According to Gonzalez, Garifuna differ little, if any, in appearance from other dark-skinned people in the area, yet “Most non-Caribs who have lived in the area for any length of time insist that they can distinguish Caribs merely by looking at them. Some claim that the Carib is slightly lighter in color …” (Gonzalez, 1969, p. 25). Demonstration of significant differences in pigmentation between Garifuna and Creoles will support this contention of distinctive physical appearance.