cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of abdominal x-rays in the diagnosis and management of intussusception

The management of intussusception requires early diagnosis and reduction with either barium enema or surgical intervention. Supine and erect abdominal radiographs are often obtained prior to ordering a barium enema. In many pediatric centers, the critical, initial interpretation of these radiographs is made by nonradiologists and, in most instances, by pediatric emergency physicians. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal radiographs in diagnosing intussusception when interpreted by these physicians. Six full-time pediatric emergency physicians evaluated 126 radiographs from 42 patients with intussusception, 42 in whom the disease was clinically suspected but ruled out, and 42 in whom the final radiology report was "normal." These were presented to pediatric emergency physicians in a blinded, randomized sequence without any additional clinical information. These physicians then identified patients for whom they would proceed to barium enema. The mean sensitivity was 80.5% (range, 71-93%), and the mean specificity was 58% (range, 48-69%). This compares favorably to the sensitivity of signs and symptoms, and we conclude that plain and upright abdominal films are a useful adjunct for the clinician evaluating patients for suspected intussusception.
Role of Mg2+ ions in the subunit structure and membrane binding properties of bacterial energy transducing ATPase.

Abstract ATPase extracted from Streptococcus faecalis membranes was purified by preparative slab gel electrophoresis in the presence of Mg ++ (plus Mg 2+ ATPase) and without Mg 2+ (minus Mg 2+ ATPase). The subunit composition and membrane binding capacity of both preparations was then examined. The plus Mg 2+ ATPase had 5 types of subunits (αβγδϵ) and reattached normally to depleted membranes. The minus Mg 2+ ATPase had the αβγ and ϵ chains, but no δ chain, and failed to reattach to membranes. These data indicate that Mg 2+ or a similar cationic ligand anchors the δ chain to the core enzyme complex and that the δ chain in turn is needed for membrane attachment. For the plus Mg 2+ ATPase the data are consistent with the subunit stoichiometry and arrangement, ( α 3 β 3 γ ϵ)-Mg 2+ ) n −(δ).
Effects of puff number and puff spacing on carbon monoxide exposure from commercial brand cigarettes

Abstract Six chronic smokers of mid- to high-carbon monoxide (CO) yield cigarettes smoked ultralow- (1.6 mg CO), low- (5.9 mg CO) and high- (14.3 mg CO) yield commercial cigarettes under controlled smoking conditions in which either puff number or puff spacing was manipulated. CO exposure (pre- to postsmoking increments) was directly related to the number of puffs taken for all cigarette yields. CO exposure from the high- and low-yield cigarettes was equivalent when the number of puffs taken from the low-yield cigarettes was increased by 50% (from 8 to 12 puffs). In contrast, CO exposure from ultralow-yield cigarettes was still marginally lower than exposure from high-yield cigarettes after a 4-fold increase in puff number (8 to 32 puffs). Puff spacing did not affect biological exposure to CO. The study showed that the number of puffs taken during smoking can clearly affect biological exposure to CO, but that compensation for lowered yield using increased puffs is much more difficult when ultralow- as compared with low or “light”-yield cigarettes are smoked.
A biochemical and morphologic study of myelination and demyelination. II. Lipogenesis in vitro by rat nerves following transection.

Bilateral transection was performed on rat sciatics. At varying intervals after the operation, samples of nerve were taken both distal and proximal to the level of transection, as well as from the tissue which bridged the gap between the stumps. These samples were incubated in Warburg flasks, with glucose and a labelled lipide precursor (acetate or phosphate). The total lipides were then extracted and their radioactivity was measured. Normal rat sciatics served as controls, and the biochemical and histological findings were correlated. In the distal portion undergoing Wallerian degeneration, the lipide content began to fall before any removal of myelin could be detected histologically. It is suggested that there is a period of "non-cellular removal" prior to the physical breakdown of the myelin. Changes in respiration and in lipogenesis from acetate followed a triphasic course, and agreed with the histological findings in that after a period of predominantly passive changes (approximately 1 to 3 days) there follows a period of cellular reaction (4 to 50 days) and a period of atrophy (from 50 days onward). The incorporation of phosphate into the lipides was increased at all stages examined, even as early as 22 hours after section. This increased P32 incorporation could not be reproduced in nerves allowed to degenerate in vitro. It is suggested that the hypertrophying Schwann cells synthesize some lipide moieties at a considerably faster rate than others. Proximal to the level of transection, lipogenesis from acetate was depressed, for as long as 32 days postoperatively. It appears, therefore, that the maintenance of the myelin sheath is impaired also above the level of transection. In the "union tissue" which developed between the stumps, prior to the appearance of histologically visible myelin, lipogenesis was low; later it rose above levels for normal nerve. This pattern of lipogenesis in regenerating nerve is similar to that found in growing nerves.
Combination Therapy for Hepatitis C Infection

About 4 million people in the United States and probably more than 100 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).1 The majority have no symptoms, although they can transmit this blood-borne virus to others. People who have been infected for decades may first come to medical attention because of complications related to advanced liver disease. Ironically, the public health implications of HCV infection have only recently been widely appreciated, as a result of epidemiologic studies that pointed out the magnitude of infection and an alarming increase in morbidity and mortality due to HCV-related disease. In the . . .
New determination of the intensities of primary cosmic ray alpha particles and Li, Be, B Nuclei at λ = 41.5‡ using a čerenkov detector

Measurements of the intensities of the α-particles and Li, Be, B nuclei in the primary cosmic radiation have been made at an average atmospheric depth of 18.5 g/cm2 in two « Skyhook » balloon flights at λ = 41.5‡. The measuring instrument consisted of a thin (3.0 g/cm2) cerenkov detector placed within the solid angle of a Geiger counter telescope. This detector yielded unusually good resolution of the α-particle and Li, Be, B components. This fact and the slow rate of rise of the two balloons made possible a detailed determination of the dependence of α-particle intensity on atmospheric depth. The quality of the data justified a new approach to the problem of extrapolating the α-particle intensity to the top of the atmosphere. This extrapolation was carried out by applying a « diffusion » equation of the type previoysly used for nuclei withZ > 2 to the observed pressure-altitude dependence of α-particle intensity. The resulting estimate of the α-particle intensity at the top of the atmosphere is significantly lower than previous estimates. At 18.5 g/cm2 the sum of the vertical intensities of the Li, Be, B components was found to be (3.11 ±0.31) (m2·sr·s)-1 and the intensitiesJLi/JBe/JB were found to be as 3/4/2. The (light nuclei/medium nuclei) intensity ratio at the top of the atmosphere as determined by this experiment was 0.35 ±0.09. The vertical intensities at the top of the atmosphere of the various components of the primary radiation as obtained in this experiment at gl = 41.5dg were: Open image in new window
Model studies of collective atomic excitations by intense laser fields

A quantum version of the Drude-Lorentz model of the atom is used to study abnormally large energy transfers found in recent ionization experiments by strong laser fields. It is argued that collective excitations greatly enhanced by parametric resonance may lead to an exponential growth of the atomic energy with time. It is shown that the repulsion between the electrons plays an essential role, reducing the frequency at which parametric resonance occurs.
Structure, function, and biogenesis of the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Much of the early structural definition of the cell wall of Mycobacterium spp. was initiated in the 1960s and 1970s. There was a long period of inactivity, but more recent developments in NMR and mass spectral analysis and definition of the M. tuberculosis genome have resulted in a thorough understanding, not only of the structure of the mycobacterial cell wall and its lipids but also the basic genetics and biosynthesis. Our understanding nowadays of cell-wall architecture amounts to a massive "core" comprised of peptidoglycan covalently attached via a linker unit (L-Rha-D-GlcNAc-P) to a linear galactofuran, in turn attached to several strands of a highly branched arabinofuran, in turn attached to mycolic acids. The mycolic acids are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the membrane and provide a truly special lipid barrier responsible for many of the physiological and disease-inducing aspects of M. tuberculosis. Intercalated within this lipid environment are the lipids that have intrigued researchers for over five decades: the phthiocerol dimycocerosate, cord factor/dimycolyltrehalose, the sulfolipids, the phosphatidylinositol mannosides, etc. Knowledge of their roles in "signaling" events, in pathogenesis, and in the immune response is now emerging, sometimes piecemeal and sometimes in an organized fashion. Some of the more intriguing observations are those demonstrating that mycolic acids are recognized by CD1-restricted T-cells, that antigen 85, one of the most powerful protective antigens of M. tuberculosis, is a mycolyltransferase, and that lipoarabinomannan (LAM), when "capped" with short mannose oligosaccharides, is involved in phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis. Definition of the genome of M. tuberculosis has greatly aided efforts to define the biosynthetic pathways for all of these exotic molecules: the mycolic acids, the mycocerosates, phthiocerol, LAM, and the polyprenyl phosphates. For example, we know that synthesis of the entire core is initiated on a decaprenyl-P with synthesis of the linker unit, and then there is concomitant extension of the galactan and arabinan chains while this intermediate is transported through the cytoplasmic membrane. The final steps in these events, the attachment of mycolic acids and ligation to peptidoglycan, await definition and will prove to be excellent targets for a new generation of anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Complex Jacobi Iteration for 3-D Helmholtz Analysis of Metallic Structures

The complex Jacobi iterative method was recently developed for Helmholtz analysis of normal dielectrics. Here we update the derivation to allow metallic structures and apply the method to analyze mid-IR transmission through a frequency-selective surface.
Metamedia, or, How I gave up control and learned to love the sandbox

When speed to market is the top priority in most businesses, the luxury of deep research and fully flushed methodologies are usually compromised. In fact, content architecture strategies are more akin to laying the tracks down in front of a fast moving train. By the time businesses concede that some kind of cohesive plan is needed for managing digital assets, the train has usually long since left the station. Adding to this complexity is the ever shifting digital landscape. When brands spawn a plethora of consumables from a single intellectual property how can this be tracked at a level meaningful for executive reporting? When teachers choose lesson components to create customized learning, how do you compensate creators for royalty payments? How can this avalanche of formats and mash-ups be successfully managed and tracked? In this article, we'll explore the proliferation of metadata, its many roles, and how to approach a transformative digital asset management strategy.
Allosterism and cooperativity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa GDP-mannose dehydrogenase.

GDP-Mannose dehydrogenase catalyzes the formation of GDP-mannuronic acid, which is the monomeric unit from which the polysaccharide alginate is formed. Alginate is secreted by the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is believed to play an important role in the bacteria's resistance to antibiotics and the host immune response. We have characterized the kinetic behavior of GDP-mannose dehydrogenase in detail. The enzyme displays cooperative behavior with respect to NAD+ binding, and phosphate and GMP act as allosteric effectors. Binding of the allosteric effectors causes the Hill coefficient for NAD+ binding to decrease from 6 to 1, decreases K1/2 for NAD+ by a factor of 10, and decreases Vmax by a factor of 2. The cooperative binding of NAD+ is also sensitive to pH; deprotonation of two residues with identical pK's of 8.0 is required for maximally cooperative behavior. The kinetic behavior of GDP-mannose dehydrogenase suggests that it must be at least hexameric under turnover conditions; howeve...
Exercise activity, body size and premenopausal breast cancer survival

We evaluated prediagnosis predictors of breast cancer survival among 717 premenopausal breast cancer patients enrolled in a population-based case-control study and followed for 10.4 years. Using Cox's proportional hazards models, lifetime exercise, weight, and height were not associated with survival. Higher body mass index (trend P=0.21) and recent exercise activity (trend P=0.31) were weakly associated with longer survival.
Equivalences between Data Envelopment Analysis and the theory of redundancy in linear systems

This paper establishes how the non-parametric frontier estimation methodology of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the classical problem of detecting redundancy in a system of linear inequalities are connected. We present an analysis of the sets generated in two of DEA's models from where the empirical efficient production frontier is established from the point of view of polyhedral set theory. This yields convenient alternative characterizations of these sets which provide new insights about their properties. We use these insights to show how these polyhedral sets connect DEA to redundancy in linear systems. This means that DEA can benefit from a rich and well-established collection of computational and theoretical results which apply directly from redundancy in linear systems.
Cognitive and behavioral therapies for depression: overview, new directions, and practical recommendations for dissemination

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a nonpharmacologic strategy for depression treatment that has received considerable empirical support. This article provides an overview of the history and core techniques of CBT and discusses recently developed techniques and augmentations to CBT for depression. It reviews empirical studies comparing the relative efficacy of CBT and antidepressant medication as well as their combination. Studies highlighting the relapse-prevention properties of CBT are reviewed also. The article concludes with a discussion of practical recommendations for integrating CBT into a depression treatment plan.
Modelling oil and gas releases from deep water: A review

Abstract This paper reviews the fundamental knowledge available to numerically model the behavior of oil, gas, or oil/gas mixtures released from underwater. Many studies that were done to understand the buoyant jets and plumes of similar material are also reviewed. A complete reference is provided for models that have been developed to simulate oil and gas released from underwater. Different types of models namely Eulerian integral and Lagrangian integral methods are reviewed. The paper describes the equations necessary to formulate a model and references are provided for the reader to find additional detail. State of the art in simulating oil and gas releases is demonstrated with case studies.
Combined thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatographic identification of tricyclic antidepressants in urine.

Abstract A combined thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatographic (TLC-GLC) procedure for determination of tricyclic antidepressant drugs in urine is described. GLC on 1.5% OV-17 was utilized to analyze basic urine extracts directly for the tricyclics and to confirm the identify of spots extracted from thin-layer chromatograms, and TLC was used to confirm the results of these GLC screens. Lower limits of sensitivity for the thin-layer spot extraction procedure were found to range from 2 μg/ml for amitriptyline and imipramine to 10 μg/ml for desipramine and nortriptyline. Turn-around-times for the GLC tricyclic screens were usually less than 1 h. The finding that nortriptyline and desipramine were chemically altered under various extraction conditions was used as a means of confirming the identity of these drugs, and the identity of these chemically altered derivatives was discussed with reference to their low resolution mass spectra.
Cholecystectomy is an effective treatment for biliary dyskinesia.

Abstract Background: An increasing number of reports indicate symptomatic relief of biliary colic symptoms after cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia. Despite this, cholecystectomy as a treatment for biliary dyskinesia remains controversial. Our aim was to determine efficacy of cholecystectomy in alleviating biliary dyskinesia symptoms and the correlation with histologic findings. Methods: Records of patients with gallbladder ejection fraction Results: Of the 27 cholecystectomy patients, 24 (89%) had significant improvement, 2 (7%) had partial improvement, and 1 (4%) had minimal improvement. Ten patients (43%) had normal gallbladder, and 9 (90%) of them had significant improvement after cholecystectomy. Of the 6 nonsurgical patients, none had significant improvement, 4 (67%) had partial improvement, and 2 (33%) had minimal improvement. Conclusions: Biliary dyskinesia patients who underwent cholecystectomy had significantly greater symptom improvement compared with nonsurgical patients. Pathologic correlation suggests chronic inflammation may not be the only cause of gallbladder dysfunction. Cholecystectomy should be a first-line therapy for biliary dyskinesia patients.
Discussion of “Implications for GAAP from an analysis of positive research in accounting”

Abstract This paper discusses the paper “Implications for GAAP from an Analysis of Positive Research in Accounting,” by Kothari, Ramanna, and Skinner (in press) . I discuss the role that information can play in efficiently allocating capital in the economy, and I argue that the GAAP is not primarily designed with the objective of addressing “control” issues, i.e., resolving contracting problems between shareholders and managers or between shareholders and bondholders. I also discuss the impact that conservatism has on the properties of accounting numbers, and on how it affects the usefulness of these numbers in managerial incentive contracts and in contracts with bondholders.
THE GEOCHEMISTRY OF Sc: A COMPARISON TO THE RARE EARTHS AND Fe.

Abstract Results of neutron activation analyses for Sc and Fe in 76 samples of igneous and sedimentary rock, including 9 composites, are reported. The highest Sc contents (average, 30–40 ppm) were found in basalts and gabbros and the lowest in nepheline syenites and limestones (~1 ppm). No evidence for the close geochemical relationship which might be expected between Sc and the heaviest rare earths on the basis of ionic size, charge, electronegativity etc. was found. The presently available evidence does not support predictions for a close geochemical relationship between Sc 3+ and Fe 2+ , Mg 2+ , or any other major element or ion in igneous rocks. A possible coherence between Sc and Fe in sedimentary rocks was found.
Excited state proton-coupled electron transfer in 8-oxoG-C and 8-oxoG-A base pairs: a time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) study.

In a recent experiment, the repair efficiency of DNA thymine cyclobutane dimers (T T) on UV excitation of 8-oxoG base paired either to C or A was reported. An electron transfer mechanism from an excited charge transfer state of 8-oxoG-C (or 8-oxoG-A) to T T was proposed and 8-oxoG-A was found to be 2-3 times more efficient than 8-oxoG-C in repair of T T. Intra base pair proton transfer (PT) in charge transfer (CT) excited states of the base pairs was proposed to quench the excited state and prevent T T repair. In this work, we investigate this process with TD-DFT calculations of the excited states of 8-oxoG-C and 8-oxoG-A base pairs in the Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base pairs using long-range corrected density functional, ωB97XD/6-31G* method. Our gas phase calculations showed that CT excited state ((1)ππ*(CT)) of 8-oxoG-C appears at lower energy than the 8-oxoG-A. For 8-oxoG-C, TD-DFT calculations show the presence of a conical intersection (CI) between the lowest (1)ππ*(PT-CT) excited state and the ground state which likely deactivates the CT excited state via a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism. The (1)ππ*(PT-CT) excited state of 8-oxoG-A base pair lies at higher energy and its crossing with ground state is inhibited because of a high energy gap between (1)ππ*(PT-CT) excited state and ground state. Thus the gas phase calculations suggest the 8-oxoG-A would have longer excited state lifetimes. When the effect of solvation is included using the PCM model, both 8-oxoG-A and 8-oxoG-C show large energy gaps between the ground state and both the excited CT and PT-CT states and suggest little difference would be found between the two base pairs in repair of the T T lesion. However, in the FC region the solvent effect is greatly diminished owing to the slow dielectric response time and smaller gaps would be expected.
Kisspeptin acts directly and indirectly to increase gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron activity and its effects are modulated by estradiol.

GnRH neurons play a pivotal role in the central regulation of fertility. Kisspeptin greatly increases GnRH/LH release and GnRH neuron firing activity and may be involved in estradiol feedback, but the neurobiological mechanisms for these actions are unknown. G protein-coupled receptor 54, the receptor for kisspeptin, is expressed by GnRH neurons as well as other hypothalamic neurons, suggesting both direct and indirect effects are possible. To investigate this and determine whether kisspeptin activation of GnRH neurons is estradiol sensitive, we recorded the firing rate of GnRH neurons in brain slices from adult female mice that were ovariectomized (OVX) and either treated with estradiol (E) capsules (OVX+E) or left without further treatment. Kisspeptin increased GnRH neuronal activity in a dose-dependent manner in cells from both OVX and OVX+E mice, and estradiol significantly potentiated the response. To begin to distinguish direct from indirect actions of kisspeptin, fast synaptic transmission mediated by ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate receptors was pharmacologically blocked (blockade). Blockade reduced GnRH response to kisspeptin in OVX+E but not in OVX mice. Actions of kisspeptin were also assessed using whole-cell voltage- and current-clamp recording in slices from OVX animals. Kisspeptin application depolarized GnRH neurons in current-clamp and generated inward current in voltage-clamp recordings, even after blocking action potential-dependent neural communication, consistent with a direct effect. Blockers of potassium channels abolished the inward current. Together our data indicate that kisspeptin activates GnRH neurons via both direct and transsynaptic mechanisms and that transsynaptic mechanisms are either enabled and/or potentiated by estradiol.
Mars Observer trajectory and orbit design

The Mars Observer launch, interplanetary, Mars orbit insertion, and mapping orbit designs are described. The design objective is to enable a near-maximum spacecraft mass to be placed in orbit about Mars. This is accomplished by keeping spacecraft propellant requirements to a minimum, selecting a minimum acceptable launch period, equalizing the spacecraft velocity change requirement at the beginning and end of the launch period, and constraining the orbit insertion maneuvers to be coplanar. The mapping orbit design objective is to provide the opportunity for global observation of the planet by the science instruments while facilitating the spacecraft design. This is realized with a sun-synchronous near-polar orbit whose ground-track pattern covers the planet at progressively finer resolution.
Oblique causation and reasons for action

By a causal theory of action I mean one which makes two distinctive claims: (1) that behavior is not intentional unless it is caused in a certain way-unless it has certain specific kinds of causes; (2) that all acceptable explanations of intentional behavior are causal-in parti cular, that when we explain an agent's act by giving the reasons for his acting as he did, we specify causes of his behavior, so that reasons are causes of a certain kind. A causal theory sees these two claims as necessarily connected: an intentional act just is an act that has a certain kind of explanation, namely, one that was done for a reason, and an act is done for a reason only if it is caused in a certain way. The most influential advocate of a causal theory of action in recent years is Donald Davidson, who in spite of candid self-criticism contin ues to defend the main lines of an account he first laid out in 'Actions, Reasons, and Causes'. In that paper Davidson defended two theses:
The Effect of the European Wild Boar, Sus scrofa, on Gray Beech Forest in the Great Smoky Mountains

The European wild boar Sus scrofa L., an exotic species, entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the 1940s. Because of their high reproductive potential and their adverse impact on the native flora and fauna, the wild hogs have become a major management problem within the park. During the summer of 1973, quadrat sampling of the canopy and understory of Gray Beech Forest was conducted in both the hog—free and hog—occupied sectors of the park. Removal of the herbaceous understory and other types of hog rooting damage showed no direct relationship to the importance of any individual canopy species, including beech Fagus grandifolia. Cover reduction was related, however, to the importance of mesic herbs in a plot. Polynomial and Gaussian regressions of cover against indirect ordination axes indicate that hog rooting within Gray Beech Forest is most intense in the mesic portion of the moisture gradient and decreases both on xeric, south—facing slopes and on more mesic, north—facing slopes. Understory cover in the most severely damaged plots was between 2% and 15%, while understory cover in hog—free plots in the same position on the moisture gradient was usually between 80% and 110%. Hog rooting significantly reduced the number of species in the most disturbed plots but had no effect on the H' values of the largest plot sizes sampled. High H' values for the damaged plots are related to the lack of succession after disturbance of the understory without removal of the canopy.
Solvent effects on properties of metallo-organic derived Ni/NiO thin films

Abstract Ni/NiO thin films for potential uses in batteries, fuel cells, sensors and supercapacitors were prepared by metallo-organic decomposition technique, using a unique solvent system of propionic acid (PPA) and amylamine (AA), in 0.5–2.0 molar ratios and 1 M Ni acetate precursor solute. This mixed solvent system exhibits ionic molecular clusters in solution, with nickel ions forming square planar coordinate complexes with the carboxylate groups, leading to easy film formation on spin coating at 3000 rpm and densification below 350 °C. Nano-sized (~ 50 nm), high surface area, low resistive (~ 600 nΩ m) Ni/NiO thin films were developed at a molar ratio of 1:1 AA/PPA using this methodology.
Calcimimetics: A Review of the Recent Literature

Mineral and bone disorders, including secondary hyperparathyroidism, are common in chronic kidney disease and contribute to increased mortality. Traditional therapy to control these disorders involves using phosphate binders and vitamin D sterols, but achieving appropriate results has proved difficult. The availability of calcimimetics has provided a new weapon in the arsenal to treat mineral and bone disorders. Initial clinical trials examined the use of cinacalcet in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and showed reductions in parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus and calcium × phosphorus product. More recent clinical trials have attempted to show how these reductions aid in achieving specific K/DOQI goals. Additional studies have examined the use of cinacalcet in the treatment of mineral and bone disorders in CKD patients not yet on dialysis. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the use of calcimimetics in the treatment of CKD patients with mineral and bone disorders and the achievement of K/DOQI goals.
Effect of Harvesting and Sorting on β-1 Integrin in Canine Microvascular Cells

Abstract Background. The goal of seeding prosthetic conduits with endothelial cells (ECs) has focused attention on the role of EC adhesion molecules. Cell preparation techniques may affect adhesion molecule expression and graft seeding. Methods. Using fluorescent antibody labeling and flow cytometric analysis, this study examined the effectsof monolayer detachment (scraping vs trypsinization), timing of immunolabeling (pre- vs postdetachment), gene transfection (transfected vs nontransfected), and cell selection (antibiotic vs fluorescence sorting) techniques on β-1 integrin expression in canine microvascular EC (K9MVEC). Results. Cell scraping resulted in a significantly higher β-1 integrin mean fluorescence intensity than did cell trypsinization ( P P > 0.05). Conclusion. This study suggests that the monolayer harvesting technique employed has a significant impact on β-1 integrin quantification by flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, microvascular EC expression of β-1 integrin was not adversely affected by gene transfection.
SA_MetaMatch: relevant document discovery through document metadata and indexing

SA_MetaMatch, a component of the Standards Advisor (SA), is designed to find relevant documents through matching indices of metadata and document content. The elements in the metadata schema are mainly adopted from the Dublin Core (DC). The implementation of the XML metadata schema and coding follows the DC recommended guidelines. After metadata is generated manually for an unstructured document, or is extracted automatically from documents of well defined layout, they are stored in metadata files or in a repository. The indices of the descriptive metadata elements and that of the document content are generated. They are searched and compared to find related documents, based on our observation that if the metadata and high frequency index words of document content are related, then the corresponding documents are likely to be related as well. A ranked list of possible relevant documents is returned as the result. Several matching algorithms have been explored. We selected a sum of word-scored approach which not only gives relevant scores for the matched documents, but also gives an individual score for each of the matching words which provide hints for domain experts to grasp the concepts in the documents.
A micropuncture study of the renal handling of lithium.

Although clearance studies in man and experimental animals indicate that filtered lithium is reabsorbed primarily in the proximal tubule, it is unclear whether lithium is also reabsorbed in distal portions of the nephron. Micropuncture studies were, therefore, performed to determine the nephron sites involved in lithium transport during free flow. A method was established to estimate the concentration of lithium in nanoliter samples, using the Helium Glow photometer, which permitted the accurate measurement of lithium in tubular fluid samples over a range from 0.5–30.0 mM. Approximately 56% of filtered lithium and tubular fluid was reabsorbed at the end of the proximal convolution, while at the early distal tubule 75% of filtered lithium and water was reabsorbed. There was no change in net transepithelial movement of lithium beyond the loop of Henle. These data suggest that lithium transport is localized to the proximal tubule, including the pars recta. Lithium reabsorption does not occur in distal tubule or collecting duct. Beyond the early distal tubule net movement of lithium and sodium is dissociated.
Serum corticosteroids at the high and low points of the circadian rhythm in rats with regenerating adrenals

Abstract Serum levels of 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) and corticosterone (B) were determined at the high (1800 h) and low (0800 h) points of the circadian rhythm in control rats and in rats with regenerating adrenals. The levels of DOC at 0800 h in quiescent rats with regenerating adrenals were 6.5 times greater than in the control group. The levels of 18-OH-DOC and B, however, were not significantly different between these groups. A circadian rhythm for B, 18-OH-DOC and DOC was evident in control rats with a 12,20 and 3.5 fold increase, respectively, at 1800 h as compared to 0800 h. In animals with regenerating adrenals there was only a minimal change in the levels of B and 18-OH-DOC at 1800 h. There was, however, a 2 fold further increase in the levels of DOC at 1800 h as compared with the elevated levels at 0800 h. These findings show that the decrease in 11β and 18-hydroxylase activity of the regenerating adrenal is most clearly evident at the high point of the circadian rhythm. Furthermore, only by taking into account physiological variations in adrenal activity can an accurate assessment of DOC secretion in the adrenal regeneration model of hypertension be obtained.
Training and feature-reduction techniques for human identification using anthropometry

We investigate the utility of ID anthropometric measurements as a biometric for human identification when the subject pose differs in probe and gallery data. Whereas previous studies simulated probe data by adding noise to 3D gallery data, prior to extracting ID measurements, we use a large 3D full-body data set having multiple poses per subject. Our analysis of 27 measurements from 2,144 subjects reveals differences due to pose, sensor, and other sources — all of which degrade recognition accuracy if uncompensated. We develop new training methods that use small sets of training data to measure and compensate for these differences. The new methods enable rank-1 identification > 95% using 27 features and as few as 20 training subjects. To characterize the relative utility of the features and to simplify the biometric system, we develop techniques to identify feature subsets that together achieve good recognition performance. The reduction techniques demonstrate rank-1 identification of 83% and 94% using just ten and fifteen features. Together, these results will guide the development of more effective, accurate, and efficient anthropometry-based recognition systems.
Spatial Scaling in Young Children

This article examines the emergence of the ability to use a simple map to acquire information about distance in a larger space. It is commonly believed that scaling is a late achievement in childhood. The present study examined the origins of this ability by using the simplest of situations. In two experiments, we presented preschool children with a dot in a long thin rectangle, and asked them to use that representation to find an object in a corresponding location in a much larger sandbox. All 4-year-olds and a majority of 3-year-olds performed well on this task. We present a model that posits a simpler mechanism for scaling than that proposed in the existing literature.
EMAN2: an extensible image processing suite for electron microscopy.

EMAN is a scientiWc image processing package with a particular focus on single particle reconstruction from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. It was Wrst released in 1999, and new versions have been released typically 2–3 times each year since that time. EMAN2 has been under development for the last two years, with a completely refactored image processing library, and a wide range of features to make it much more Xexible and extensible than EMAN1. The user-level programs are better documented, more straightforward to use, and written in the Python scripting language, so advanced users can modify the programs’ behavior without any recompilation. A completely rewritten 3D transformation class simpliWes translation between Euler angle standards and symmetry conventions. The core C++ library has over 500 functions for image processing and associated tasks, and it is modular with introspection capabilities, so programmers can add new algorithms with minimal eVort and programs can incorporate new capabilities automatically. Finally, a Xexible new parallelism system has been designed to address the shortcomings in the rigid system in EMAN1.
The Dynamical Cluster Approximation: A New Technique for Simulations of Strongly Correlated Electron Systems

We present the algorithmic details of the dynamical cluster approximation (DCA) algorithm. The DCA is a fully-causal approach which systematically restores nonlocal correlations to the dynamical mean field approximation (DMFA). The DCA is in the thermodynamic limit and becomes exact for an infinite cluster size, while reducing to the DMFA for a cluster size of unity. Using the one-dimensional Hubbard Model as a nontrivial test of the method, we systematically compare the results of a quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) based DCA with those obtained by finite-size QMC simulations (FSS). We find that the single-particle Green function and the self-energy of the DCA and FSS approach the same limit as the system size is increased, but from complimentary directions. The utility of the DCA in addressing problems that have not been resolved by FSS is demonstrated.
Generating high-speed dynamic running gaits in a quadruped robot using an evolutionary search

Over the past several decades, there has been a considerable interest in investigating high-speed dynamic gaits for legged robots. While much research has been published, both in the biomechanics and engineering fields regarding the analysis of these gaits, no single study has adequately characterized the dynamics of high-speed running as can be achieved in a realistic, yet simple, robotic system. The goal of this paper is to find the most energy-efficient, natural, and unconstrained gallop that can be achieved using a simulated quadrupedal robot with articulated legs, asymmetric mass distribution, and compliant legs. For comparison purposes, we also implement the bound and canter. The model used here is planar, although we will show that it captures much of the predominant dynamic characteristics observed in animals. While it is not our goal to prove anything about biological locomotion, the dynamic similarities between the gaits we produce and those found in animals does indicate a similar underlying dynamic mechanism. Thus, we will show that achieving natural, efficient high-speed locomotion is possible even with a fairly simple robotic system. To generate the high-speed gaits, we use an efficient evolutionary algorithm called set-based stochastic optimization. This algorithm finds open-loop control parameters to generate periodic trajectories for the body. Several alternative methods are tested to generate periodic trajectories for the legs. The combined solutions found by the evolutionary search and the periodic-leg methods, over a range of speeds up to 10.0 m/s, reveal "biological" characteristics that are emergent properties of the underlying gaits.
Somatosensory properties of the inferior olive of the cat.

We examined the somatosensory properties of 391 neurons in the inferior olive in 20 cats that were anesthetized with barbiturate or decere-brated. A response consisted of a single spike with a variable number of wavelets followed by a long refractory period. Neurons responsive to natural somatosensory stimuli were recorded in all olivary subdivisions. The dorsal accessory olive (DAO) contained the highest proportion of responsive units (96%), compared with 66% for the medial accessory olive (MAO) and 43% for the principal olivary (PO) nucleus. Within the rostral DAO we found a refined cutaneous map of the entire contralateral body surface. In the caudal DAO responsiveness to manipulation of deep tissues became prominent, and both individual limbs and bilateral pairs were represented. In the medial region of the PO responsiveness to taps predominated and bilaterally symmetrical fields were frequent. The lateral PO was unresponsive under the conditions of these experiments. The MAO was distinguished by a greater complexity of receptive field and by a preponderance of deep over cutaneous modality. The lateral part of caudal MAO contained cells with interesting spatial patterns of excitation and inhibition, whereas most cells in the rostral MAO had purely excitatory fields. A teleceptive area receiving visual and auditory input was recognized in the medial MAO and nearby structures such as the dorsal cap. Contact and proprioceptive signals arriving via climbing fibers may provide the cerebellum with information necessary to relate the body to external objects.
Drunk driving across the globe: let's learn from one another.

With the advent of widespread automobile driving in the early 1900s, laws were passed to make drunk driving a crime. But it was not until police officers could measure the blood alcohol level of drivers that arrest rates went up. In the late 1910s, Swedish physiologist Erik Widmark developed a method for measuring alcohol in the blood. An American biochemist, Rolla Harger, invented a device in 1931 that calculated blood alcohol levels from air blown into a balloon. In 1954, Robert Borkenstein invented the progenitor of the modern Breathalyzer, a portable device that used exhaled air to measure the amount of alcohol in someone's blood. Yet rather than use these devices to encourage uniformity, different countries established very different limits. Norway, for example, passed a “per se” law in 1936 criminalising levels that were 0·05% (50 mg/dL) or higher, irrespective of the driver's ability to perform roadside tests. This amount was enough to impair most drivers, albeit to different degrees. Punishments were harsh, including prison. Such laws worked primarily through deterrence. The USA, by contrast, set its level three times higher, at 0·15%. Although impaired drivers with levels between 0·05% and 0·15% could also potentially be arrested for drunk driving, in practice very few such individuals were convicted or had their licences revoked. This situation meant that it was possible to drive legally in the USA with dramatically high blood alcohol levels, even if you were a recidivist or had killed or injured someone. Other countries lined up between these two extremes. Why was there such variability? An important factor was the impact of the temperance movement, which saw alcohol as a vice. A Union of Temperance Drivers was formed in Sweden in the early 1930s and later spread to Norway, Finland, and Denmark. In the USA, however, the failed attempt at Prohibition from 1919 to 1933 led to a backlash against a moralistic mindset. Legal officials viewed drunk drivers less as criminal menaces than as alcoholics in need of rehabilitation. Two quotations underline the different attitudes. “When a man goes to a party where alcoholic drinks are likely to be served, and he is not fortunate enough to have a wife who drives but does not drink”, Norwegian lawyer Johannes Andenaes wrote, “he will leave his car at home or he will limit his consumption to a minimum”. Contrast this statement with one from the committee that devised American legal limits: “One of the cornerstones of our American way of life is the element of personal freedom, the maximum liberty of the individual to do as he pleases within the restrictions of majority-approved laws.” This philosophy remained in place in the USA even after the government issued a report in 1968 estimating that 25 000 Americans died each year due to drunk driving. This open access editorial continues .... Language: en
Recipient outcomes of dual and multiple renal arteries following 1000 consecutive laparoscopic donor nephrectomies at a single institution

Purpose We examined outcomes of kidney transplant recipients from allografts harvested via laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) with various arterial anatomies. We examined the risk of slow graft function, delayed graft function (DGF), and postoperative urological complications in recipients of multi-vessel allografts. Methods Donor and recipient records for 1000 consecutive LDN were reviewed (1996–2005). Characteristics examined included donor demographics, intraoperative parameters and complications, recipient post-operative complications and short-term recipient allograft function. Results DGF was 5.3% for single; 5.2% for dual; and 9.8% for multiple (p = 0.05). Recipient creatinine (Cr) at one wk and one month was 1.9 + 1.5 and 1.6 + 0.8; 2.1 + 1.6 and 1.7 + 1.2; 2.8 + 2.3 and 1.7 + 0.8 respectively (p = 0.01). Recipient Cr at one year averaged 1.6 mg % with no significant differences between groups, with 48 ureteral complications (4.8%): 32/732 = 4.4% recognized in single arterial allograft recipients; 12/212(5.7%) for dual and 4/43 for multiple (9.3%) (p = 0.03). Conclusion Complex vascular anatomy not a contraindication to LDN. Recipients of allograft with >2 arteries experience longer warm and cold ischemia times, greater incidence of DGF, and greater propensity for ureteral complications. Long term recipient outcomes remain excellent.
Ambiguity and choice in political movements : The origins of Beijing red guard factionalism

Theories about political movements typically posit models of actor choice that contain untested static assumptions about context. Short‐run changes in these contexts—induced by rapid shifts in the properties of political institutions—can alter choices and actors’ interests, rapidly transforming the political landscape. China’s Red Guard Movement of 1966–68 is a case in point. A generation of scholarship has attributed its violent factionalism to the opposed interests of different status groups. New evidence about the origins of the movement in Beijing’s universities indicates that to the contrary, factions emerged when activists in similar structural positions made opposed choices in ambiguous contexts. Activists subsequently mobilized to defend earlier choices, binding them to antagonistic factions. Rapid shifts in the contexts for political choice can alter prior connections between social position and interests, generating new motives and novel identities. Close attention to these contextual mechanisms...
Lower Limit for the Energy Derivative of the Scattering Phase Shift

It is shown that the derivative of the scattering phase shift with respect to energy, dn/dE, must exceed a certain limit if the interaction of scattered particle and scatterer vanishes beyond a certain distance. This limitation of dn/dE is, fundamentally, a consequence of the principle of causality; it is derived, however, from a property of the derivative matrix R.
Lead, IQ and Social Class

Social class (SC) conveys information about a child's potential lead exposure (PB) as well as other, independent determinants of cognition (IQ). Thus, depending on the way in which SC is handled in statistical analyses, the PB-IQ association may be either 'overadjusted' or 'underadjusted' for SC. Two assumptions that underlie the inclusion of SC in correlation/regression analyses of the PB-IQ relationship are: 1) SC is an interval scale and 2) the PB-IQ relationship is homogeneous in all social strata. Simulation analyses are presented to illustrate the impact that different values of the bivariate correlations PB-SC, IQ-SC, and PB-IQ have on the estimate of the PB-IQ adjusted for SC. Alternative approaches to addressing these issues are discussed.