cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Riboflavin Deficiency on Growth and Glutathione Peroxidase System Enzymes in the Baby Pig

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of riboflavin deficiency on the glutathione peroxidase system in erythrocyte, liver and muscle of the baby pig. In the first study, 15 one-week old pigs were assigned to three dietary regimens for 6 weeks. Pigs were either fed riboflavin-free (Râ€") or riboflavin-supplemented (25 mg/kg diet) diets. One-half of the supplemented pigs were pair-fed to the deficient pigs. At the end of the experiment, blood was sampled, pigs were killed and organ samples taken. Erythrocyte (RBC) active glutathione reductase (GR) was reduced by 75c/camong R- pigs without any change in RBC reduced gluta thione. Most importantly, hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and selenium ( Se) concentration were markedly reduced by riboflavin deficiency while hepatic GR activity was unaltered. Muscle GSH-Px was reduced significantly but muscle Se was not. In the second study, 16 three- week old pigs were assigned to graded dietary levels of riboflavin (0, 2, 4 and 10 mg/kg) for 2 or 4 weeks. At 2 and 4 weeks, one-half of the pigs were killed, and blood and tissues taken. Hepatic GSH-Px was again depressed when pigs were fed the 0 mg/kg ivboflavin diet, but was essentially the same whether 2, 4 or 10 mg riboflavin/kg diet was fed. Muscle GSH-Px activity was more variable and did not respond to riboflavin deficiency in this study. RBC percent active GR plateaued between 2 and 4 mg ribo flavin per kg diet. J. Nutr. 709: 1615-1622, 1979.
Pain in the foot: calcaneal metastasis as the presenting feature of endometrial cancer.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Ninety percent of endometrial cancer cases present with abnormal bleeding. Bone metastasis as the presenting feature is extremely rare. CASE: A 76-year-old woman presented with right heel pain. She had no vaginal bleeding or other symptoms suggestive of endometrial cancer. After failure of conservative therapy, imaging studies demonstrated a calcaneal metastasis. A biopsy showed adenocarcinoma. She received local radiation to her foot, with complete resolution of symptoms. Subsequent computed tomography scans showed multiple pulmonary nodules, pelvic and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and an enlarged uterus. Endometrial biopsy confirmed endometrial adenocarcinoma. She received palliative therapy and died 11 months after the diagnosis was made on the endometrial biopsy. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the rare presentation of endometrial cancer with foot pain secondary to calcaneal metastasis. Aggressive treatment of bone metastases can provide effective palliation of symptoms.
Spatial patterns of NDVI in response to precipitation and temperature in the central Great Plains

The Normalized DiVerence Vegetation Index (NDVI) has proven to bea robust indicator ofterrestrial vegetation productivity. Among climaticfactors, precipitation and temperature strongly ine uence both temporal and spatial pat- terns of NDVI. We examined spatial responses of NDVI to precipitation and temperature during a 9-year period (1989-1997) in Kansas. Biweekly climate maps (precipitation and temperature) were constructed by interpolation of weather station measurements. Maps of biweekly growing season (March to October) NDVI were constructed for Kansas using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radio- meter (AVHRR) NDVI images. Average precipitation is a strong predictor of the major east-west NDVI gradient. Deviation from average precipitation explained most of the year-to-year variation in spatial patterns. NDVI and precipitation covaried in the same direction (both positive or both negative) for 60-95% of the total land area. Minimum and average temperatures were positively correlated with NDVI, but temperature deviation from average was generally not correlated with NDVI deviation from average. Our results demonstrate that precipitation is a strong predictor of regional spatial patterns of NDVI and, by inference, patterns of productivity.
Estimating Variable Effective Population Sizes from Multiple Genomes: A Sequentially Markov Conditional Sampling Distribution Approach

Throughout history, the population size of modern humans has varied considerably due to changes in environment, culture, and technology. More accurate estimates of population size changes, and when they occurred, should provide a clearer picture of human colonization history and help remove confounding effects from natural selection inference. Demography influences the pattern of genetic variation in a population, and thus genomic data of multiple individuals sampled from one or more present-day populations contain valuable information about the past demographic history. Recently, Li and Durbin developed a coalescent-based hidden Markov model, called the pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC), for a pair of chromosomes (or one diploid individual) to estimate past population sizes. This is an efficient, useful approach, but its accuracy in the very recent past is hampered by the fact that, because of the small sample size, only few coalescence events occur in that period. Multiple genomes from the same population contain more information about the recent past, but are also more computationally challenging to study jointly in a coalescent framework. Here, we present a new coalescent-based method that can efficiently infer population size changes from multiple genomes, providing access to a new store of information about the recent past. Our work generalizes the recently developed sequentially Markov conditional sampling distribution framework, which provides an accurate approximation of the probability of observing a newly sampled haplotype given a set of previously sampled haplotypes. Simulation results demonstrate that we can accurately reconstruct the true population histories, with a significant improvement over the PSMC in the recent past. We apply our method, called diCal, to the genomes of multiple human individuals of European and African ancestry to obtain a detailed population size change history during recent times.
Parkinsonism and distinct dementia patterns in a family with the MAPT R406W mutation.

Abstract Background The Arg406Trp (R406W) missense mutation in the microtubule-associated protein-tau gene (MAPT ) is a known cause of early-onset dementia. Various dementia phenotypes have been described, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD), FTD with parkinsonism, and early-onset Alzheimer disease (EOAD)-like presentations. Methods Using whole-exome capture with subsequent sequencing, we identified the R406W mutation in a family with multiple individuals with clinically diagnosed EOAD, in a pattern suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance. We reevaluated all available family members clinically. Results Each of the affected individuals had a course meeting clinical criteria for EOAD. Two distinct disease trajectories were apparent: one rapidly progressive, and the other long and gradual. Four of five affected individuals also manifested parkinsonian symptoms. FTD features were not prominent and, when present, appeared only late in the course of dementia. Conclusions The MAPT R406W mutation is associated with EOAD-like symptoms and parkinsonism without FTD, as well as distinct cognitive courses.
Is Patronage Dead? The Impact of Antipatronage Staffing Systems

As a result of court cases, Illinois state government and a number of local governments in Cook County have established nonpatronage staffing systems. An analysis of the impact of these staffing sy...
Semi-stratifiable spaces with monotonically normal compactifications

Abstract In this paper we use Mary Ellen Rudin's solution of Nikiel's problem to investigate metrizability of certain subsets of compact monotonically normal spaces. We prove that if H is a semi-stratifiable space that can be covered by a σ-locally-finite collection of closed metrizable subspaces and if H embeds in a monotonically normal compact space, then H is metrizable. It follows that if H is a semi-stratifiable space with a monotonically normal compactification, then H is metrizable if it satisfies any one of the following: H has a σ-locally finite cover by compact subsets; H is a σ-discrete space; H is a scattered; H is σ-compact. In addition, a countable space X has a monotonically normal compactification if and only if X is metrizable. We also prove that any semi-stratifiable space with a monotonically normal compactification is first-countable and is the union of a family of dense metrizable subspaces. Having a monotonically normal compactification is a crucial hypothesis in these results because R.W. Heath has given an example of a countable non-metrizable stratifiable (and hence monotonically normal) group. We ask whether a first-countable semi-stratifiable space must be metrizable if it has a monotonically normal compactification. This is equivalent to “If X is a first-countable stratifiable space with a monotonically normal compactification, must H be metrizable?”
Sparsity-based space-time adaptive processing using OFDM radar

We propose a sparsity-based space-time adaptive processing (STAP) algorithm to detect a slowly-moving target using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radar. We observe that the target and interference spectra are inherently sparse in the spatio-temporal domain, and hence we exploit that sparsity to develop an efficient STAP technique. In addition, the use of an OFDM signal increases the frequency diversity of our system, as different scattering centers of a target resonate at different frequencies, and thus improves the target detectability. First, we formulate a realistic sparse-measurement model for an OFDM radar considering both the clutter and jammer as the interfering sources. Then, we show that the optimal STAP-filter weight-vector is equal to the generalized eigenvector corresponding to the minimum generalized eigenvalue of the interference and target covariance matrices. To estimate the target and interference covariance matrices, we apply a residual sparse-recovery technique that enables us to incorporate the partially known support of the sparse vector. Our numerical results demonstrate that the sparsity-based STAP algorithm, with considerably lesser number of secondary data, produces an equivalent performance as the other existing STAP techniques.
XML-based semantic multicast routing: an overlay network architecture for future information services

The paper proposes an overlay network architecture for future content delivery services over the Internet. The proposed network is based on a dynamic semantic multicast model where overlay routers forward packets on one or more ports based on hierarchical content descriptors instead of an IP address. Information providers "publish" their content by sending out packets with XML schema-based content headers, and end-users subscribe to the network with an XML "interest-profile". The paper describes the protocol design, discusses its scaling properties, and reports on the performance of the implemented system.
Carpet Performance Evaluation: Part II:Stress—Strain Behavior

Thirty two tufted carpets, representing variations in fiber content, pile weight, and cut and loop-pile construction were studied for stress-strain behavior under cyclic loading to 12 lb/in.2 on an Instron tensile tester. Results are presented conventionally in terms of compression, recovery, matting, and resilience. In addition, a relationship, which appears to be responsive mainly to the type of fiber in the pile yarn, was developed between the compressive force per unit weight of pile yarn and the percent compression of the pile. On this basis, no major difference was found in the relative stress-strain behavior of the carpets before and after exposure to 100,000 revolutions of the Tetrapod Walker.
On the Constitution of ‘Self’ and ‘Mind’ The Dialectic of the System and the Person

This article introduces a perspective in which questions at a psychological grain of analysis are integrated with a broad societal frame of interpretation, drawing on interdisciplinary feminist writings that pro- vide alternative ways to theorize the social. It is argued that understanding the constitution of subjectivity, 'self' and thought requires a societal-level model of the social with both discursive and material constituents as well as local discursive processes that are deployed within, and configured through, that broader system. It is further argued that the ontological notion of a 'person' (in a specific, non-modern sense of 'person' and in a specific sense of 'ontological') is a conceptually necessary part of the theoretical language, as the anchor for processes of social constitution and as the substrate of agency, where agency is theorized as a multilevel process. One central claim developed in this article is that it is through the dialectic among these societal-level, local, and personal constituents that sub- jectivity, 'self' and thought are constituted, a 'self' that is assumed to be situated, hybrid, complex, tension-filled and unstable, yet substantial.
Computer aided analysis and design of load commutated resonant converters

This paper introduces a computer program, LCRC (load commutated resonant converters), based on frequency domain and time domain formulation procedures and design-oriented analysis of load commutated DC-DC resonant power converters with two or three reactive elements. LCRC provides parametric curves and performance characteristics to facilitate the optimum design of these power converters. Simulation results and state variable expressions can also be obtained interactively from the LCRC package.
Cross-Layer Analysis of Error Control in Wireless Sensor Networks

Severe energy constraints and hence the low power communication requirements amplify the significance of the energy efficient and preferably cross-layer error control mechanisms in wireless sensor networks (WSN). In this paper, a cross-layer methodology for the analysis of error control schemes in WSNs is presented such that the effects of multi-hop routing and the broadcast nature of the wireless channel are investigated. More specifically, the cross-layer effects of routing, medium access and physical layers are considered. This analysis enables a comprehensive comparison of forward error correction (FEC) and automatic repeat request (ARQ) in WSNs. FEC schemes improve the error resiliency compared to ARQ. In a multi-hop network, this improvement can be exploited by reducing the transmit power (transmit power control) or by constructing longer hops (hop length extension), which can be achieved through channel-aware routing protocols. The results of our analysis reveal that for certain FEC codes, the hop length extension decreases both the energy consumption and the end-to-end latency subject to a target PER compared to ARQ. Thus, FEC codes can be regarded as an important candidate for delay sensitive traffic in WSNs. On the other hand, transmit power control results in significant savings in energy consumption at the cost of increased latency. Moreover, the cases where ARQ outperforms FEC codes are indicated for various end-to-end distance and target PER values
Isomerization of stable isotopically labeled elaidic acid to cis and trans monoenes by ruminal microbes

A previous study showed that oleic acid was converted by mixed ruminal microbes to stearic acid and also converted to a multitude of trans octadecenoic acid isomers. This study traced the metabolism of one of these trans C18:1 isomers upon its incubation with mixed ruminal microbes. Unlabeled and labeled (18-[13C]trans-9 C18333305) elaidic acid were each added to four in vitro batch cultures with three cultures inoculated with mixed ruminal bacteria and one uninoculated culture. Samples were taken at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and analyzed for 13C enrichment in component fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. At 0 h of incubation, enrichment was detected only in elaidic acid. By 48 h of incubation, 13C enrichment was 18% (P This study shows trans fatty acids exposed to active ruminal cultures are converted to stearic acid but also undergo enzymic isomerization yielding a multitude of positional and geometric isomers.
Primary care physician time utilization before and after implementation of an electronic health record: a time-motion study

Despite benefits associated with the use of electronic health records (EHRs), one major barrier to adoption is the concern that EHRs may take longer for physicians to use than paper-based systems. To address this issue, we performed a time-motion study in five primary care clinics. Twenty physicians were observed and specific activities were timed during a clinic session before and after EHR implementation. Surveys evaluated physicians' perceptions regarding the EHR. Post-implementation, the adjusted mean over-all time spent per patient during clinic sessions decreased by 0.5 min (p = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [-5.05, 6.04]) from a preintervention adjusted average of 27.55 min (SE = 2.1) to a post-intervention adjusted average of 27.05 min (SE = 1.6). A majority of survey respondents believed EHR use results in quality improvement, yet only 29% reported that EHR documentation takes the same amount of time or less compared to the paper-based system. While the EHR did not require more time for physicians during a clinic session, further studies should assess the EHR's potential impact on non-clinic time.
The breath of sense: Language, structure, and the paradox of origin

Within contemporary analytic philosophy, at least, varieties of “naturalism” have attained a widespread dominance. In this essay I suggest, however, that a closer look at the history of the linguistic turn in philosophy can offer helpful terms for rethinking what we mean in applying the categories of “nature” and “culture” within a philosophical reflection on human life and practice. For, as I argue, the central experience of this history—namely, philosophy’s transformative encounter with what it envisions as the logical or conceptual structure of everyday language – also repeatedly demonstrates the existence of a fundamental aporia or paradox at the center of the claim of language upon an ordinary human life. I discuss the occurrence of this aporia, and attempts to resolve it, in the philosophical writing of Carnap, Quine, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and McDowell. I conclude that the prevailing naturalistic style in analytic philosophy, whatever its recommendations, is itself the outcome of an unsuccessful attempt to resolve the central aporia of twentieth-century philosophical reflection on language. Closer attention to this aporia reveals that language, as we find it in both theoretical and everyday reflection, is in the most important sense, neither essentially “natural” nor “cultural.”
Electroejaculation and assisted reproductive technologies in the treatment of anejaculatory infertility

Abstract Objective: To determine the efficacy of electroejaculation in combination with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Design: Case series. Setting: University fertility program. Patient(s): One hundred twenty-one consecutive couples seeking treatment of anejaculatory infertility. Intervention(s): Electroejaculation with IUI, or gamete intrafallopian transfer or IVF. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. Result(s): Fifty-two couples became pregnant (43%), 39 by IUI alone (32.2%). Cycle fecundity for IUI was 8.7%. No difference in cycle fecundity was seen among ovarian stimulation protocols (clomiphene citrate, 7.6%, hMG, 13.2%, and natural cycle, 11.2%). Pregnancy was unlikely when the inseminated motile sperm count was Conclusion(s): Electroejaculation with stepwise application of ART is effective in treating anejaculatory infertility. Intrauterine insemination with the least expensive monitoring protocol should be used for most couples, because use of more expensive monitoring did not improve results. It is cost-effective to bypass IUI and proceed directly to IVF in men who require anesthesia for electroejaculation and in those with a total inseminated motile sperm count
The Teaching-Family Model and Post-Treatment Recidivism: A Critical Review of the Conventional Wisdom

Conventional wisdom suggests that the Teaching-Family Model (TFM) approach to treating youthful offenders is not effective in reducing post-treatment recidivism. This article reviews two major studies referenced in support of this widespread perception. Data presented in one widely referenced study are treated with a Cochran-Mantel-Haensel test, which, the author argues, is appropriate for data originally presented in two separate 2 X 2 tables (one for boys and one for girls). The construct and statistical conclusion validity of a major evaluation study presented to the NIMH is critically evaluated and discussed. A revised view of the leading TFM evaluations has implications for public policy regarding juvenile justice. The author suggests that a belief in the lack of post-treatment efficacy associated with community-based residential treatment has resulted in harsher treatment of juveniles and a higher incarceration rate.
The cost of using cooperation in a wireless network

Cooperation can provide significant benefits for wireless systems, but the overheads required could make it difficult to achieve these gains in practice. In most work in this area, the overheads that may be incurred in a networking context and the interactions with higher layers have been ignored. In this paper, we outline a methodology for developing low-overhead cooperative protocols and for evaluating their performance in a realistic networking context. We first describe some of the sources of overhead in implementing cooperation in a wireless network. Then, we present a strawman protocol and compare its performance with other protocols. Finally, we discuss some approaches to the synthesis of cooperative networking protocols.
A Novel Cholinergic Action of Alcohol and the Development of Tolerance to That Effect in Caenorhabditis elegans

Understanding the genes and mechanisms involved in acute alcohol responses has the potential to allow us to predict an individual’s predisposition to developing an alcohol use disorder. To better understand the molecular pathways involved in the activating effects of alcohol and the acute functional tolerance that can develop to such effects, we characterized a novel ethanol-induced hypercontraction response displayed by Caenorhabditis elegans. We compared body size of animals prior to and during ethanol treatment and showed that acute exposure to ethanol produced a concentration-dependent decrease in size followed by recovery to their untreated size by 40 min despite continuous treatment. An increase in cholinergic signaling, leading to muscle hypercontraction, is implicated in this effect because pretreatment with mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, blocked ethanol-induced hypercontraction, as did mutations causing defects in cholinergic signaling (cha-1 and unc-17). Analysis of mutations affecting specific subunits of nAChRs excluded a role for the ACR-2R, the ACR-16R, and the levamisole-sensitive AChR and indicated that this excitation effect is dependent on an uncharacterized nAChR that contains the UNC-63 α-subunit. We performed a forward genetic screen and identified eg200, a mutation that affects a conserved glycine in EAT-6, the α-subunit of the Na+/K+ ATPase. The eat-6(eg200) mutant fails to develop tolerance to ethanol-induced hypercontraction and remains contracted for at least 3 hr of continuous ethanol exposure. These data suggest that cholinergic signaling through a specific α-subunit-containing nAChR is involved in ethanol-induced excitation and that tolerance to this ethanol effect is modulated by Na+/K+ ATPase function.
Hydrophobic, organically-modified silica gels enhance the secondary structure of encapsulated apomyoglobin

Insertion of hydrophobic groups in a silica matrix, by addition of propyl- or trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane, leads to a surprising increase in the helical content of apomyoglobin following encapsulation by the sol–gel technique.
Social Security and Economic Growth—Implications for East Asia

A remarkable fact about the development experience in East Asia is that the size of government stays small throughout the region despite rapid industrialisation and phenomenal increases in living Standards. Government expenditures in East Asia averaged 22% of GDP in 1995, compared to 46% of GDP in OECD countries . A key factor behind the generally low levels of public spending in East Asia is that governments there have not played an active role in social protection activities such as old age provision and unemployment insurance. However, this Situation may change soon as pressures are being built up for increasing the state’s involvement in income redistribution and income maintenance. With fast declining fertility rates and rising life expectancy, East Asia will above all have to confront the challenge to meet old age pensions. While the percentage of the elderly (defined as people over 60 years old) in population is slightly under 10% in mid-1990s in the four newly industrialised economies — Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan — hence referred to as East Asian NIEs, for example, this ratio within a generation will rise to 22%, exceeding the 1995 level for OECD countries. How East Asian NIEs will respond to this challenge will have important implications for long-run growth and welfare.
An Experimental Note on the Allais Paradox and Monetary Incentives.

We test whether violations of expected utility theory in an Allais-paradox environment are sensitive to monetary incentives. Like Harrison (1994), we find that violations are significantly reduced when lotteries are real rather than hypothetical.
Introduction to the Meador Lectures on Boundaries

This essay introduces the 2011-2012 Meador Lecture Series on Boundaries. The essay introduces the concept of “boundaries” generally, and also makes the argument that frequently legal decision-making depends upon the application of a rule – which may not itself be defensible against other plausible rules – to create a specific criterial boundary for an otherwise vaguely-bounded concept. The essay then briefly considers the coherence and necessity of this method of legal decision-making.
Neutron-Induced Fission Cross-Section Ratios for 239Pu, 240Pu, 242Pu, and 244Pu Relative to 235U from 0.5 to 400 MeV

The fission cross-section ratios for isotopic targets of 240Pu, 242Pu, and 244Pu relative to 235U are measured for neutron energies from 0.5 to 400 MeV and for 239Pu relative to 235U for energies f...
Tests of Theories of Crime in Female Prisoners Social Bond and Control, Risk Taking, and Dynamic Systems Theories

Several general theories of crime were tested with path models on 293 female prisoners in a U.S. State prison. The theories tested included Social Bond and Control, Thrill/Risk Seeking, and a new attachment-based Developmental Dynamic Systems model. A large battery of different instruments ranging from measures of risk taking, to a crime addiction scale, to Childhood Adverse Events, to attachments and clinical issues were used. The older general theories of crime did not hold up well under the rigor of path modeling. The new dynamic systems model was supported that incorporated adverse childhood events leading to (a) peer crime, (b) crime addiction, and (c) a measure derived from the Attachment and Clinical Issues Questionnaire (ACIQ) that takes individual differences in attachments and clinical issues into account. The results were discussed in terms of new approaches to Research Defined Criteria of Diagnosis (RDoC) and new approaches to intervention.
An Ultra-Low Noise Instrumentation Amplifer Designed for High Temperature Applications

This paper discusses a very low noise instrumentation amplifier designed specifically for high temperature applications. The device uses a proprietary silicon-on-insulator process that minimizes parasitic leakage currents at elevated temperature. Variance in device parameters are managed to maintain high performance over a wide temperature range. Layout and packaging considerations that would affect long term reliability are addressed. The amplifier is well characterized above 200°C and attains much higher performance than amplifiers not optimized for high temperature operation. Comprehensive reliability testing over temperature has been completed.
Fishbein and Brand Preference: A Reply

The comments by Cohen, Fishbein, and Ahtola about the Bass and Talarzyk article [1] and the Sheth and Talarzyk article [4] are useful in clarifying distinctions between the concepts and measures implied by the Fishbein and Rosenberg models and the concepts and measures used in the two studies. These distinctions are real, as convincingly argued by Cohen, Fishbein, and Ahtola. However, the Fishbein and Rosenberg models were not developed for the purpose of studying brand preference or indeed for the purpose of studying relative attitudes for different objects, but rather for studying the attitudes of different people for the same object. This difference in purpose has an important bearing on the method of analysis to be used in comparing alternative models and
Charge-Tunable Quantum Plasmons in Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Nanomaterials exhibiting plasmonic optical responses are impacting sensing, information processing, catalysis, solar, and photonics technologies. Recent advances have expanded the portfolio of plasmonic nanostructures into doped semiconductor nanocrystals, which allow dynamic manipulation of carrier densities. Once interpreted as intraband single-electron transitions, the infrared absorption of doped semiconductor nanocrystals is now commonly attributed to localized surface plasmon resonances and analyzed using the classical Drude model to determine carrier densities. Here, we show that the experimental plasmon resonance energies of photodoped ZnO nanocrystals with controlled sizes and carrier densities diverge from classical Drude model predictions at small sizes, revealing quantum plasmons in these nanocrystals. A Lorentz oscillator model more adequately describes the data and illustrates a closer link between plasmon resonances and single-electron transitions in semiconductors than in metals, highlight...
Rotamerism and roulettamerism of vertex-sharing biicosahedral supraclusters: Synthesis and structure of [(Ph3P)10Au13Ag12Cl8](SbF6)

The relative rotation of two centered icosahedra of a vertex-sharing biicosahedral supracluster about the pentagonal symmetry axis gives rise to cluster “rotamerism” while the relative rotation of the satellite ring of six bridging halide ligands around the “equator” with respect to the metal framework gives rise to cluster “roulettamerism”; the latter is exemplified by the structures of [(Ph3P)10Au13Ag12X8]+X=Cl (this work) or Br.
Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Fe(II) Carbonyls Featuring a Dithiolate and a Chelating Phosphine

Two pentacoordinate mononuclear iron carbonyls of the form (bdt)Fe(CO)P2 [bdt = benzene-1,2-dithiolate; P2 = 1,1′-diphenylphosphinoferrocene (1) or methyl-2-{bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)amino}acetate (2)] were prepared as functional, biomimetic models for the distal iron (Fed) of the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenase. X-ray crystal structures of the complexes reveal that, despite similar ν(CO) stretching band frequencies, the two complexes have different coordination geometries. In X-ray crystal structures, the iron center of 1 is in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, and that of 2 is in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Electrochemical investigation shows that both complexes catalyze electrochemical proton reduction from acetic acid at mild overpotential, 0.17 and 0.38 V for 1 and 2, respectively. Although coordinatively unsaturated, the complexes display only weak, reversible binding affinity toward CO (1 bar). However, ligand centered protonation by the strong acid, HBF4·OEt2, triggers ...
Discriminatory analysis of laboratory parameters in severe hand-foot-mouth disease patients

Objective To explore laboratory indexes for diagnosis of severe hand-foot-mouth(HFMD)so as to understand the essence of severe HFMD from the perspective of laboratory medicine.Methods We selected50severe HFMD patients as the case group and another 50 mild HFMD patients of the same period as the control group.Their whole blood samples were collected on empty stomach the next morning after their hospitalization.The following serum items were detected:white blood cells(WBC),red blood cells(RBC),platelets(PLT),neutrophils ratio(NEUT%),lymphocyte percentage(LYMPH%),monocyte ratio(MONO%),C-reactive protein(CRP),T cells(CD3+),Ts cells(CD3+CD8+),Th cells(CD3+CD4+),Th/Ts(CD4/CD8),NK cells(CD16+CD56+),B cells(CD19+),immunoglobulin M(IgM),immunoglobulin A(IgA),immunoglobulin G(IgG),complement C3(C3),complement C4(C4),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),neuron-specific enolase(NSE),calcitonin original(PCT),S100 protein(S100),high-sensitivity troponin T test(TNT-HS),total serum bilirubin(TBIL),direct bilirubin(DBIL),indirect bilirubin(IBIL),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),adenosine deaminase(ADA),prealbumin(PA),total protein(TP),albumin(ALB),globulin(GLO),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),α-hydroxybutyric acid(HBDH),creatine kinase(CK)and creatine kinase(CK-MB).The correlation between symptom types and laboratory indexes were analyzed by Fisher gradual discriminant analysis.Results ① Serum levels of WBC,CD19+,NSE,DBIL and ALB were higher in severe HFMD group than in mild group(P0.05),while MONO%,CD3+,CD3+CD4+,LDH and HBDH were lower than those in the control group(P0.05).② The capacity of these indexes for diagnosing severe HFMD was ranked from high to low as CD19+,NSE,NEUT%,MONO%,DBIL,LDH and ALB,and the contribution rate of the above seven for the discriminant function was 100.0%.③ Discriminant analysis equation of severe HFMD was Y1=-190.462-0.102×NEUT%+2.926×MONO%+1.212×NSE+0.622×CD19++8.845×DBIL+6.181×ALB+0.104×LDH.Conclusion ① There are changes in immune function,nerve function,cardiac function,and the liver in severe HFMD children.② CD19+may be a marker of high sensitivity for diagnosis of severe HFMD.③It is possible for clinicians to use discriminant equation to judge the development of severe HFMD.
A message from the Editorial Desk.

This foreword provides a welcome to all participants of MedInfo 2013 in Copenhagen. It discusses the challenges of the editorial process including issues related to the complicated format required for the submissions as well as the page limitation challenges. The new process of employing a large number of editors to tackle the enormous task of editing 188 papers and 324 posters is discussed. Gratitude is expressed to the editorial committee members Profs. Ammenwerth and Nohr as well as the assistant editors who made the process possible.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Large Eden Clusters on a Cray-2

One of the simplest mathematical models of growth is the Eden model1. Consider an Infinite square lattice in two dimensions with all lattice sites empty, except one single occupied site initially. The growth process then may be completely defined by the single sentence, to be applied recursively: Occupy at random one of the empty sites neighbouring an occupied site. In spite of this remarkably simple definition the objects generated by this procedure exhibit astonishingly complex properties.
The Importance of Scientific Mentoring Programs for Underrepresented Youth.

Genetic variations in an individual affects the way alcohol is metabolized in the body. Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH) and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) are the two known enzymes that participate in alcohol metabolism. Polymorphisms of these enzymes are reported to make one more or less susceptible to alcoholism in some ethnic groups. The current study is a review of various articles highlighting the effects of ADH and ALDH on different populations. A study of 26 Native American, 21 Inuit, and 17 caucasian ethnic groups revealed the influence of ADH and ALDH on alcohol dependence. In one of the studies, different ADH allele populations were studied and found that the presence of ADH1B*1 allele led to increase in alcoholism whereas ADH1B*2 and ADH1B*3 alleles led to decrease in alcoholism. In another study, each participant was given alcohol intravenously until their blood alcohol was at approximately 125 mg.%. The rate of metabolism was calculated using body weight, concentration of alcohol, and the time it took for blood alcohol levels to reach a desired amount. The rate of decline of alcohol metabolism among Caucasian was 0.370 mg.% per minute, Native American 0.259 mg.% per minute, and the Inuit population 0.264 mg.% per minute. The study found that the Native American and Inuit rate of decline were similar, and the alcohol metabolism is much slower than the Caucasian counterparts. ADH polymorphism affects the ability to metabolize alcohol at different rates among different ethnicities.
Introduction and Justification for Research

In recent times, allegations of criminal conduct, while not pervasive, have been levelled against UN peacekeepers in Africa, and much of the world. There are a myriad of reasons on why peacekeepers become abusers. But finding justice for the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse and ensuring accountability for the UN peacekeepers who perpetrate such crimes continue to be elusive. Jurisdictional issues surrounding prosecution and punishment for alleged UN offenders have created a climate of impunity during peace operations. And the lack of universal legal codes of prosecution and the absence of a supranational enforcement mechanism further complicate the quest for such criminal behavior. This chapter provides a rationale for the study within the African context and maps out how subsequent chapters would address the unresolved conundrum of accountability initiatives for violations/abuses by UN peacekeepers.
Safety Considerations in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Although many error pathways are common to both stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and conventional radiation therapy, SBRT presents a special set of challenges including short treatment courses and high-doses, an enhanced reliance on imaging, technical challenges associated with commissioning, special resource requirements for staff and training, and workflow differences. Emerging data also suggest that errors occur at a higher rate in SBRT treatments. Furthermore, when errors do occur they often have a greater effect on SBRT treatments. Given these challenges, it is important to understand and employ systematic approaches to ensure the quality and safety of SBRT treatment. Here, we outline the pathways by which error can occur in SBRT, illustrated through a series of case studies, and highlight 9 specific well-established tools to either reduce error or minimize its effect to the patient or both.
Assessment of isomiR Discrimination Using Commercial qPCR Methods

We sought to determine whether commercial quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods are capable of distinguishing isomiRs: variants of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) with sequence endpoint differences. We used two commercially available miRNA qPCR methods to quantify miR-21-5p in both synthetic and real cell contexts. We find that although these miRNA qPCR methods possess high sensitivity for specific sequences, they also pick up background signals from closely related isomiRs, which influences the reliable quantification of individual isomiRs. We conclude that these methods do not possess the requisite specificity for reliable isomiR quantification.
Selective use of radioactive iodine (RAI) in thyroid cancer: No longer “one size fits all”

A remarkable, evidence-based trend toward de-escalation has reformed the practice of radioactive iodine (RAI) administration for thyroid cancer patients. Updated guidelines have supported both decreased RAI doses for select populations, as well as expanded definitions of low-risk and intermediate-risk patients that may not require RAI. Correspondingly, there is now increased flexibility for hemithyroidectomy without need for RAI, and relaxed TSH suppression targets for low-risk thyroidectomy patients. Clinical judgment remains indispensable where multiple risk factors co-exist that individually are not indications for RAI. This is especially salient in intermediate-risk patients with a less than excellent response to therapy, determined through thyroglobulin and ultrasound surveillance. Such judgment, however, may lead to patterns of inappropriate RAI practices or overuse with little benefit to the patient and unnecessary harm. A multidisciplinary, risk-adapted approach is ever more important and obliges the surgeon to understand the likelihood that their patients will receive RAI. The risks and benefits of RAI, its evolved role in contemporary guidelines, and current patterns of use among endocrinologists are reviewed, as well as the practical implications for thyroid surgeons.
Pest Management of Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Control of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile (Mayr), around structures in urban settings requires an extensive and thorough use of existing registered sprays and baits. Barrier sprays must be thor...
Wideband scanning array of spiral antennas for simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR)

We present a low profile (λ LOW /8) wideband slot spiral antenna array with high transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) isolation and scanning capability for STAR systems. To our knowledge, this is the first wideband STAR array with circular polarization and scanning capability. By suppressing Tx/Rx coupling, this array provides true full-duplex radios with a wideband beam steering antenna. Each array spiral consists of two arms for Tx and two more for Rx. To suppress grating lobes, the element spacing is kept at λ HIGH /2. Full wave simulations show the port-to-port Tx/Rx isolation is >40 dB at broadside across a 3 GHz bandwidth from 2–5 GHz (2.5:1). The port-to-port isolation exceeded 50 dB at frequencies below about 3 GHz. This level of port-to-port isolation is reduced to 30 dB when scanning to 30 degrees. Also, VSWR is < 2 and axial ratio < 3 dB.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Parent-Child Psychotherapy Targeting Emotion Development for Early Childhood Depression.

Objective:Clinical depression in children as young as age 3 has been validated, and prevalence rates are similar to the school-age disorder. Homotypic continuity between early and later childhood d...
Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Test in Neonates

The limulus amebocyte lysate test for endotoxin was done on samples of blood from 22 well babies and 33 neonates in an intensive-care nursery. The objective was to determine whether falsely positive test results occurred in samples from newborn infants during acquisition of usual bowel flora. One neonate had a transiently positive limulus amebocyte lysate test; he had clinical signs of spesis, but no bacteremia could be documented. Unlike the nitroblue tetrazolium test, the limulus amebocyte lysate test does not appear to be regularly positive in neonates. The sensitivity of the test in detection of endotoxemia associated with gram-negative spesis in the neonate remains to be determined in a large prospective study.
Multi-scale Testing Techniques for Carbon Nanotube Augmented Kevlar

We explore a method for improving the ballistic performance of Kevlar by augmentation with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). When developing new and improved soft armor, ballistic testing is expensive while the crude data obtained provide limited insight into those mechanisms which enable smart design. Therefore, we tested and modeled yarns and fabrics at various length scales to optimize our synthesis process and understand mechanisms contributing to ballistic performance, thus necessitating ballistic testing of only the potential best performers. Tensile testing of treated yarns was performed to measure the strength and modulus, both linked to ballistic performance, and to evaluate the relative success in infiltrating the Kevlar with MWNTs. Yarn friction and yarn pull-out tests were performed to measure the static and kinetic yarn-to-yarn interactions (friction), also critical to performance during a ballistic event. Example results from mechanical testing over multiple length scales, including ballistic testing, are reported. Finite element modeling was also used to study the effects of the fabric material properties and friction on ballistic performance. Simulation results were correlated with experimental data and used to guide materials optimization.
Specification of Business Processes

Desirable properties of a language for the specification of business processes are examined. The most important property is the independent specification of the structural aspects of the information base, its behavioral aspects, and the actual business processes.
Avian Circadian Organization

This chapter details the organization of the avian circadian clock systems starting with the systemic levels of circadian organization that perceives the external cue (light) and then generates the timing. It has been shown that unlike the mammals, there are three different master clocks that regulate the timing and they are functionally organized in such a way that they produce synchronized events in daily life in birds. The molecular mechanism that generates the timing and then the mechanism by which the circadian clock is entrained to the external environment are discussed. Finally, the chapter explains the role of circadian clocks in the regulation of physiology and behavior of birds.
Least squares solution of weighted linear systems by G-transformations

Based on permutations and scaling of orthogonal Hessenberg matrices a family of algorithms (the G- and partial G-algorithms) are presented which solve the weighted least squares problem (Ax−b)’W(Ax−b)=ρ2 for x such that ρ2 is minimal. A sequence of G-transformations triangularizes A and yields ρ2 as a by-product quite similar to the Householder-Golub algorithm for the equiweighted problem, but the transformed matrices are sparser, and no square roots are required. A comparison of the numerical results obtained by the Basic G-Algorithm with those obtained by the Householder, modified Gram-Schmidt, LU-factorization (and the normal equation) methods indicates that the new method performs as well as the best available methods, and is more flexible with respect to different types of applications. Also the unscaled covariance matrix (A’WA)−1 is efficiently obtained after A has been subjected to the G-transformations.