cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Adhesion Molecules, Chemotactic Factors, and Cytokines in Inflammatory and Neoplastic Skin Disease—1990 Update

In 1986 it was discovered that cultured human keratinocytes, when treated with gamma interferon, attract and bind T lymphocytes and monocytes. More is now known about trafficking of inflammatory cells in the skin, with specific molecular details involving various cytokines, chemotactic factors, and adhesion molecules. One key element is the in vivo movement of T cells that express LFA-1 into the epidermis, and their subsequent binding to keratinocytes via the surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This interaction represents a common immunologic pathway, which has been identified in a wide variety of different skin diseases. This review provides a synopsis of advances in this field, which have grown rapidly during the past few years, and adds recent results dealing with coordinate regulation at the gene-transcriptional level of keratinocyte chemotactic factor production and adhesion molecule expression. Moreover, epidermal keratinocytes appear to play a pre-eminent role in the skin, serving as transducing elements converting exogenously applied low-molecular-weight chemical stimuli such as phorbol ester and urushiol (the active ingredient in poison ivy extracts) into the production of endogenously derived immunoregulatory proteins. These keratinocyte-derived molecules may then influence immunocytes and endothelial cells to further amplify the inflammatory response. The identification of keratinocyte-derived molecules such as IL-8 and ICAM-1, which influence the chemotaxis and adherence of T cells, adds substantial evidence supporting an active participatory role for keratinocytes in cutaneous immunohomeostasis. Finally, we highlight the importance of these immunoregulatory molecules in two malignant cutaneous disorders (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and basal-cell carcinoma) and attempt to integrate these new findings into novel pathophysiologic models for two inflammatory dermatoses (rhus dermatitis and psoriasis).
Information, technical writing, knowledge and power: a case study of NASA's Cassini project

The study of technology should not limit its scope to hardware, software, applications and systems; it should also involve language, how language shapes and is shaped by information, how information becomes knowledge, and how dominant knowledge can become power, all within the complex contexts of human culture. Technology transfer, the transfer of the knowledge of technology, is mediated by language, which, paradoxically, is itself a technology. What happens, then, when one community attempts to transfer knowledge of technology to an outside community? Sometimes the transfer occurs smoothly resulting in different and diverse communities willingly constructing shared knowledge together. Sometimes conflicts arise and the transfer of knowledge, when forced, can become a struggle on social, economic, and political levels.
Predicting the pharmacology of thrombin inhibitors.

Summary. Thrombotic disorders can lead to uncontrolled thrombin generation and clot formation within the circulatory system leading to vascular thrombosis. Direct inhibitors of thrombin have been developed and tested in clinical trials for the treatment of a variety of these thrombotic disorders. The bleeding complications observed during these trials have raised questions about their clinical use. The development of a computer-based model of coagulation using the kinetic rates of individual reactions and concentrations of the constituents involved in each reaction within blood has made it possible to study coagulation pathologies in silico. We present an extension of our initial model of coagulation to include several specific thrombin inhibitors. Using this model we have studied the effect of a variety of inhibitors on thrombin generation and compared these results with the clinically observed data. The data suggest that numerical models will be useful in predicting the effectiveness of inhibitors of coagulation.
Photochemistry of Roussin's Red Salt, Na2[Fe2S2(NO)4], and of Roussin's Black Salt, NH4[Fe4S3(NO)7]. In Situ Nitric Oxide Generation To Sensitize γ-Radiation Induced Cell Death1

The quantitative photoreactivities in solution of Roussin's red salt (RRS, Na2[Fe2S2(NO)4]) and of Roussin's black salt (RBS, NH4[Fe4S3(NO)7]) are described. Photolysis of the red Roussinate anion Fe2S2(NO)42- in aerobic aqueous solution leads to quantitative formation of the black Roussinate anion Fe4S3(NO)7-. The quantum yield for disappearance of Fe2S2(NO)42- (ΦI = 0.14) is independent of excitation wavelength over a broad range (313−546 nm). Real time detection of nitric oxide by electrochemical sensors in the photolysis solution demonstrated the release of NO with a quantum yield of 0.07. The black Roussinate anion is much less photoactive (ΦII = 1.1 × 10-3) but does undergo photodecomposition in aerobic solution to give, eventually, ferric precipitates plus NO. These studies were initiated with the goal of developing photochemical strategies for delivering NO to biological targets on demand. In this context, the photolability of Fe2S2(NO)42- was examined as a possible candidate for exploiting the kn...
MELATONIN SYNTHESIS IN THE PINEAL GLAND: EFFECT OF LIGHT MEDIATED BY THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Exposure to light reduces the ability of the rat pineal gland to synthesize melatonin and decreases the weight of the gland. When the sympathetic nerves to the pineal gland are cut, light no longer has an effect on melatonin synthesis or pineal weight. The response of the gland does not require that the gonads or the pituitary gland be present.
Health insurance coverage and prescription contraceptive use among young women at risk for unintended pregnancy.

Abstract Background This study investigates the relationships between health insurance coverage and prescription contraceptive use among women 18–24 years of age at risk for unintended pregnancy. Study Design Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth were analyzed. The sample comprised 1049 women 18–24 years of age at risk for unintended pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the likelihood of prescription contraceptive use (1) between uninsured women versus ones with private insurance, Medicaid or another form of government insurance and (2) between those who had consistent versus inconsistent insurance coverage, after adjusting for a range of sociodemographic and sexual health factors. Results Twenty percent of the participants were uninsured and over 30% had inconsistent coverage. Only 55% were currently using prescription contraceptives. In multivariate analyses, young women with private insurance or Medicaid were more likely than the uninsured to use prescription contraceptives. No significant differences in prescription contraceptive use were found between other forms of government insurance and uninsurance or between consistent and inconsistent coverage. Conclusions Access to comprehensive health insurance should be considered one strategy to address the high rates of unintended pregnancy among this vulnerable population.
Constitutional H19 hypermethylation in a patient with isolated cardiac tumor

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is clinically and molecularly very heterogenous. Molecular findings characteristic of BWS have been reported in individuals with no or few associated features. We report on a child with isolated cardiac tumor and a constitutional H19 hypermethylation with none of the features of BWS.
LOWEST EXCITED TRIPLET‐STATE DISSOCIATION CONSTANTS OF PURINES IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION. SUBSTITUENT EFFECTS*

Abstract— Lowest triplet-state dissociation constants of purine and eight of its derivatives have been determined from the shifts of the 0–0 bands of phosphorescence occurring upon protonation and deprotonation (dissociation), in rigid aqueous solutions at 77°K. Triplet-state dissociation constants (pKaτ) are found to be significantly different from the corresponding ground–state pKa-values, differences ranging from 0.6 to 3.8 pK units. In the equilibria between neutral and anion species, purines are more acidic in the triplet state, due to derealization of the negative charge of the triplet-state anion. In the equilibria between cation and neutral species, the basicity of purine, amino, methyl, and benzyl-amino derivatives is increased in the triplet state compared to the ground state. The anomalously low basicity of the halogeno- and methylmercapto-derivatives in their triplet state is attributed to the increased interactions of dir orbitals of halogens and sulfur atoms with π orbitals in the triplet state. In general, substituent effects on the pKa of purines appear to be parallel in the ground and excited triplet states.
Kinetics of the cw infrared laser induced reaction of CH3CF2Cl

Abstract Kinetics of the unimolecular reaction of CH 3 CF 2 Cl induced by a continuous CO 2 laser has been investigated at pressures of 10 to 200 Torr and beam intensities of 150–1000 W/cm 2 . Rate constants k and translational temperatures T were obtained through a series of special procedures which include interferometric measurements of T . The laser induced k is virtually identical to the rate constant k t of standard pyrolysis at 200 Torr but becomes progressively larger than k t at any T with decreasing pressure, reaching values ≈ 10 3 k t at 10 Torr. This indicates an effective vibrational temperature which exceeds the translational temperature T as a result of the competition between the rates of photon absorption and deactivation by vibrational-translational transfer. The experiments also reveal interesting features of the VT transfer process.
Lexis‐Nexis in an academic reference environment: User policies and instruction methods

In the fall of 1993, Washington State University (WSU) Libraries decided to subscribe to Mead Data's Lexis‐Nexis to support pre‐law and criminal justice research. Two passwords were acquired. The introduction of Lexis‐Nexis to the Washington State University community was facilitated by a small group of librarians, who served as a task force concerned with issues of the implementation and instruction of the database. Lexis‐Nexis is an online information retrieval system providing access to a wide range of sources including full‐text legal information and full‐text and abstracted information from newspapers, magazines, company annual reports, news and business magazines, newsletters, wire services, government documents, broadcast transcripts, and other sources. Because of the complex nature of the database, the process of implementing Lexis‐Nexis in a public service area was more involved than our previous experiences with other online or CD‐ROM services.
SU-FF-T-236: Dose Response of Ion Exchange Resin Beads

Purpose: To investigate the x-ray dose versus 1H NMR spin lattice relaxation (T1) response of ion exchange resin beads, with and without ferrous ions. Method and Materials: Strong acid cation exchange resin beads (Rohm and Haas, Amberlyst 15 Wet) were rinsed in distilled water and packed in plastic vials. Similar beads were treated to produce a 1 mM ferrous ion concentration inside the beads, then rinsed with distilled water, and finally packed in plastic vials. Sample vials were placed in a water phantom and exposed to 6 MV x-rays from 0 to 100 Gy. The T1 for each sample was measured in a 1.5 Tesla MRI unit. Beads from two manufacturing lots, Lot 1 and 2, were tested. Density of the bead samples was 1.10 g/cm3. Results: Vials with beads containing ferrous ions exhibited a linear dose versus R1 (i.e., 1/T1) response with slopes of 0.102 and 0.093 sec −1 Gy−1 for respectively Lot 1 and Lot 2 beads. Vials of Lot 1 beads containing no ferrous ions exhibited a linear dose versus R1 response with a slope of 0.083 sec−1 Gy−1. Vials of Lot 2 beads containing no ferrous ions showed an exponential increase in R1 of 2.4 sec−1 from 0 to 50 Gy with minimal increase in R1 from 50 to 100 Gy. Conclusion: For both bead lots, the beads containing ferrous ions exhibited similar linear dose versus R1 responses. Beads containing no ferrous ions exhibited significant, but different dose versus R1 responses. When the ferrous ions are present in the beads, a ferrous oxidation reaction appears to dominate the dose response. The results support the concept of using strong acid cation exchange resin beads containing ferrous ions to create a three dimensional dosimeter which can be evaluated using MRI.
Far field thermal radiation through nanoholes and apertures.

Thermal radiation through a nanohole or a nanoaperture is calculated in this paper. Results show that for aperture size 10(6) radiative heat flux is equal to the Planck blackbody heat flux; i.e., it is proportional to T4.
The case for RAMCloud

With scalable high-performance storage entirely in DRAM, RAMCloud will enable a new breed of data-intensive applications.
Combinations of Restricted Feeding, Lighting and Energy Levels on Performance of Growing Pullets and Subsequent Layer Performance

Abstract Commercial strain cross (Leghorn type) pullets were fed diets containing 1820, 2040 or 2200 P.E. kcal. /kg. from eight to 19 or 20 weeks of age. One-fourth of the birds were maintained on the middle energy diet with natural light while the others were restricted to six hours of light per day from 13 weeks of age to 19 or 20 weeks of age. During the growing phase the light and feed restriction (LR) program did not increase mortality above the non-restricted (NR) control birds, but the LR treatment did produce birds of lighter body weight (1272 g.) on less feed as compared to the NR (1412 g.). As the energy level of the LR birds increased the feed consumption and g. feed per g. of gain decreased. During the egg production phase it was found that LR program delayed sexual maturity by 11 days, but egg weight, shell rigidity, body weight at 68 weeks and feed consumption were not affected. Proper use of time clocks will permit a combination of light and feed restriction in commercial units.
Oxidative aging of thermoplastic polyimide films

Two linear polyimides were subjected to accelerated isothermal aging at temperatures between 300 and 400°C. Losses in toughness correlated well with changes in glass transition temperature (Tg) of the films, but not with weight loss. Both materials have extrapolated lifetimes of 100,000 h near their Tg's. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.1
Verification of a simple relationship for shock-wave reflection in a relaxing gas

Shock-wave reflection study in a relaxing gas using pressure measurement techniques and aimed at verifying the relationship recently described by Hanson (1971) for such a shock wave reflection. The obtained results show good agreement with theory, the maximum discrepancy being about equal to the experimental uncertainty.
Strength retention of silicon nitride after long-term oil immersion exposure

Two commercial grade silicon nitride ceramics (Honeywell GS44 and Kyocera SN235) were exposed to an oil ash to evaluate the long-term corrosion/oxidation resistance in a simulated diesel engine environment. The exposure condition was at 850 °C for 1000 h in air. Subsequently, the exposed specimens were tested in flexure for strength degradation at room temperature and 850 °C at stressing rates of 30 MPa/s and 0.003 MPa/s in air, respectively. A similar set of specimens not exposed to the oil ash was also tested in flexure for purpose of comparison. Little change in strength was measured after 1000 h exposure in the oil ash environment. Also, the values of Weibull modulus obtained for all of the exposed silicon nitride materials were similar to those with the unexposed specimens whose strength were obtained under the same conditions. However, both exposed and unexposed GS44 specimens exhibited a low fatigue exponent, suggesting a susceptibility to slow crack growth at test temperature. In addition, detailed SEM/EDAX analyses indicated that no oil ash elements (e.g., Zn, Ca, P, Na, and S) were detected beneath a thin layer in the surface; thus, there were no changes in the chemistry of the secondary phase(s) within the bulk. These elements were detected only in a region about 1–3 μm below the exposed surface, but no apparent changes in microstructure observed. Results of mechanical properties and microstructural characterizations indicated that these candidate silicon nitride materials exhibited excellent corrosion/oxidation resistance in the simulated diesel engine environment and, based on their excellent mechanical strengths, would be ideal candidates for diesel engine exhaust valve applications.
What is the internet doing? Performance and reliability monitoring for the HEP community

Collaborative HEP research is dependent on good Internet connectivity. Although most local- and wide-area networks are carefully watched, there is little monitoring of connections that cross many networks. Work is in progress at several sites to monitor Internet end-to-end performance between hundreds of HEP sites worldwide. At each collection site, ICMP ping packets are automatically sent periodically to sites of interest. The data is recorded and made available to analysis nodes, which collect the data from multiple collection sites and provide analysis and graphing. Future work includes improving the efficiency and accuracy of ping data collection.
VEGF selectively induces Down syndrome critical region 1 gene expression in endothelial cells: a mechanism for feedback regulation of angiogenesis?

The Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1) gene (also known as MCIP1, Adapt78) encodes a regulatory protein that binds to calcineurin catalytic A subunit and acts as a regulator of the calcineurin-mediated signaling pathway. We show in this study that DSCR1 is greatly induced in endothelial cells in response to VEGF, TNF-α, and A23187 treatment, and that this up-regulation is inhibited by inhibitors of the calcineurin–NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) signaling pathway as well as by PKC inhibition and a Ca2+ chelator. We hypothesized that the up-regulation of DSCR1 gene expression in endothelial cells could act as an endogenous feedback inhibitor for angiogenesis by regulating the calcineurin–NFAT signaling pathway. Our transient transfection analyses confirm that the overexpression of DSCR1 abrogates the up-regulation of reporter gene expression driven by both the cyclooxygenase 2 and DSCR1 promoters in response to stimulators. Our results indicate that DSCR1 up-regulation may represent a potential molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of angiogenic genes activated by the calcineurin–NFAT signaling pathway in endothelial cells.
Cyclical mucous sheet formation on poritid corals in the San Blas Islands, Panama

Mucous sheets are common on poritid corals as well as other reef coelenterates, but the frequency, cause and function of these sheets have rarely been investigated.Porites furcata Lamarck andPorites astreoides Lamarck colonies at three sites in the San Blas Islands, Panama, were monitored for the presence or absence of mucous sheets every 2 d between 11 May and 27 August 1983. Concurrent measurements of polyp expansion, particulate matter concentrations, salinity, water temperature and sedimentation rates were also made at each site. Mucous sheet formation was not correlated with any of the environmental parameters measured. Mucous sheet formation by both species had a lunar periodicity.P. furcata formed mucous sheets around the time of the full moon, whileP. astreoides formed mucous sheets during the first quarter (around a week before full moon). Mucous sheet formation was correlated with polyp contraction behavior and may be a secondary effect of a lunar cycle in polyp activity.
RESPONSES OF ADULTS IN THE SOUTHEAST TO EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11: SIX MONTHS LATER

This community-based study involved 20-minute semi-structured interviews with adults living in the Southeastern United States (n = 174). Participants reported their perceptions and experiences related to the 9/11/2001 attacks on the US. Data were collected approximately six months after the attacks. A nearly universal initial response of shock and disbelief was noted, accompanied by a shattering of a “myth of invulnerability” of the US to such attacks. Analysis revealed a pattern of recalled responses consisting of three phases: (a) the unimaginable, (b) responses of accommodation, and (c) the manageable. These phases are described with examples from the interview data. Sociocultural and mental health implications or this preliminary study are discussed.
Clinical applications of imaging disease burden in multiple sclerosis: MRI and advanced imaging techniques

This review will address the critical role of radiographic techniques in monitoring multiple sclerosis disease course and response to therapeutic interventions using conventional imaging. We propose an algorithm of obtaining a contrast-enhanced brain MRI 6 months after starting a disease-modifying therapy, and considering a gadolinium-enhancing lesion on that scan to indicate suboptimal response to therapy. New or enlarging T2 lesions should be followed on scans at 6-month intervals to assess for change, and the presence of one or more enhancing lesions on a 6- or 12-month scan, or two or more new or enlarging T2 lesions on a 12-month scan should prompt consideration of therapy change. New techniques such as PET imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance relaxometry, iron-sensitive imaging and perfusion MRI will also be overviewed, with their potential roles in monitoring disease course and activity.
Firms, Misallocation, and Aggregate Productivity: A Review

Firm heterogeneity and the allocation of resources across firms play a key role in determining aggregate productivity. Entry barriers and misallocation can substantially impact productivity, as evidenced in recent work. This article provides a unifying theoretical framework and a review of this literature.
Peak wireless power transfer using magnetically coupled series resonators

Wireless power transfer can create the illusion of portable devices with infinite power supplies. Power transfer using magnetically coupled series resonators is maximized when the load presented to the sender is matched to the series impedance of the source. This determines an optimal separation distance between the sender and the receiver. However, the maximum power transferred only depends on the losses in the system and is independent of this distance and the resonant frequency. Closed-form expressions describe the power transferred and efficiency for all distances and system values. These expressions are validated with systems operating at 23 kHz, 40 kHz and 59 kHz. The performance of resonant magnetic coupling for wireless power applications is bounded to have efficiencies less than 50% at the maximum power distance and beyond. Higher efficiencies are only possible at shorter distances where the load presented to the sender is larger than the series impedance of the source.
A fluorescent peroxidase probe increases the sensitivity of commercial ELISAs by two orders of magnitude

The low detection sensitivity of enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) is a central problem in science and limits progress in multiple areas of biology and medicine. In this report we demonstrate that the hydrocyanines, a family of fluorescent reactive oxygen species (ROS) probes, can act as turn on fluorescent horseradish peroxidase (HRP) probes and thereby increase the sensitivity of conventional ELISAs by two orders of magnitude.
Longitudinal profiling of health care units based on continuous and discrete patient outcomes

Monitoring health care quality involves combining continuous and discrete outcomes measured on subjects across health care units over time. This article describes a Bayesian approach to jointly modeling multilevel multidimensional continuous and discrete outcomes with serial dependence. The overall goal is to characterize trajectories of traits of each unit. Underlying normal regression models for each outcome are used and dependence among different outcomes is induced through latent variables. Serial dependence is accommodated through modeling the pairwise correlations of the latent variables. Methods are illustrated to assess trends in quality of health care units using continuous and discrete outcomes from a sample of adult veterans discharged from 1 of 22 Veterans Integrated Service Networks with a psychiatric diagnosis between 1993 and 1998.
A thermostable single-strand DNase from Methanococcus jannaschii related to the RecJ recombination and repair exonuclease from Escherichia coli.

The RecJ protein of Escherichia coli plays an important role in a number of DNA repair and recombination pathways. RecJ catalyzes processive degradation of single-stranded DNA in a 5′-to-3′ direction. Sequences highly related to those encoding RecJ can be found in most of the eubacterial genomes sequenced to date. From alignment of these sequences, seven conserved motifs are apparent. At least five of these motifs are shared among a large family of proteins in eubacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea, including the PPX1 polyphosphatase of yeast and Drosophila Prune. Archaeal genomes are particularly rich in such sequences, but it has not been clear whether any of the encoded proteins play a functional role similar to that of RecJ exonuclease. We have investigated three such proteins from Methanococcus jannaschii with the strongest overall sequence similarity to E. coli RecJ. Two of the genes, MJ0977 and MJ0831, partially complement a recJ mutant phenotype in E. coli. The expression of MJ0977 in E. coli resulted in high levels of a thermostable single-stranded DNase activity with properties similar to those of RecJ exonuclease. Despite overall weak sequence similarity between the MJ0977 product and RecJ, these nucleases are likely to have similar biological functions.
The Effects of Peer-Play Level on Initiations and Responses of Preschool Children With Delayed Play Skills

The potential impact of peer-play opportunities on the overall development of young children has been well-documented in the social development, occupational therapy, and special education literature. However, the effect of peer characteristics on the manifestation and facilitation of specific types of play roles and behaviors has received little attention. This topic is of key importance to occupational therapists who are striving to develop interventions that enhance the development of social participation and play in preschool children. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in initiation and response exhibited by preschool-aged children with social-play delays when participating in free-play dyads with peers of differing developmental levels. A single-subject alternating treatments design was replicated across five preschool-aged children with developmental play delays. Each child was paired with one peer who had lower developmental play skills and one peer who had higher developmental play skills. The arranged dyads were given the opportunity to play together in a specially designed playroom at their school. Their interactions were videotaped and later coded. All five children generally showed more initiation and response to initiation during play with higher-level peers, although one participant showed less differentiation for initiation than the other four children. An occupational therapist working with a preschool child with play delays and wanting to facilitate the child's initiation and response in play situations should consider pairing the child with play delays with a child who has higher play skills.
INFLUENCE OF GALACTOFLAVIN AND INANITION ON THE ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID RESPONSE TO STRESS IN RATS

Rats on a riboflavin-deficient diet containing the riboflavin antagonist, galactoflavin, lost the ability to respond to the stress of unilateral adrenalectomy, as measured by the decrease in ascorbic acid (AAA) in the contralateral adrenal. This impairment was noted in 10 days at an initial body weight of 80 gm., 22 days at 100 gm., and 35 days at 200 gm. Additional stresses such as loss of the tail and removal of 0.5 ml of blood were likewise incapable of causing a decrease in AAA in the deficient animals. However, extensive laparotomy did result in a decrease in AAA, suggesting that the pituitary-adrenocortical system in these animals was still responsive to severe stress. The impairment in adrenal response was noted in rats maintained on both high carbohydrate and high protein diets containing galactoflavin and deficient in riboflavin. However, pair-weighed controls receiving a complete, galactoflavin- free diet also exhibited an impaired response. Riboflavin injection before unilateral adrenalectomy d...
Evocative and repertoire-altering effects of an environmental event.

Abstract The behavioral effects of environmental events can be classified as evocative when we refer to an immediate but momentary change in behavior, and as repertoire-altering when we refer to a lasting effect that can only be observed when the situation that preceded the event is again present. The stimulus between two responses in an operant chain has an evocative effect in evoking the next response (its effect as a discriminative stimulus) and a repertoire-altering effect in increasing the future frequency of the response that preceded it (its effect as a conditioned reinforcer). New terms are introduced to permit a similar dichotomy of respondent functional relations as well as hybrid relations involving the respondent pairing procedure to develop conditioned reinforcers and punishers, and conditioned establishing operations. The resulting arrangement permits the assignment of a different term to each different behavioral function, and a classification of effects that is mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive.
Structural Identification and Damage Detection from Noisy Modal Data

In this paper we present a simple, yet powerful, method for the identification of stiffness matrices of structural and mechanical systems from information about some of their measured natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of vibration. The method is computationally efficient and is shown to perform remarkably well in the presence of measurement errors in the mode shapes of vibration. It is applied to the identification of the stiffness distribution along the height of a simple vibrating structure. An example illustrating the method's ability to detect structural damage that could be highly localized in a building structure is also given. The efficiency and accuracy with which the method yields estimates of the system's stiffness from noisy modal measurement data makes it useful for rapid, on-line damage detection of structures.
Local stability analysis for uncertain nonlinear systems using a branch-and-bound algorithm

We propose a method to compute invariant subsets of the region-of-attraction for the asymptotically stable equilibrium points of polynomial dynamical systems with bounded parametric uncertainty. Parameter-independent Lyapunov functions are used to characterize invariant subsets of the robust region-of-attraction. A branch-and-bound type refinement procedure is implemented to reduce the conservatism. We demonstrate the method on a two-state example from the literature and five-state controlled short period aircraft dynamics with and without time delay in the input to the plant.
Cache-Oblivious Dynamic Programming for Bioinformatics

We present efficient cache-oblivious algorithms for some well-studied string problems in bioinformatics including the longest common subsequence, global pairwise sequence alignment and three-way sequence alignment (or median), both with affine gap costs, and RNA secondary structure prediction with simple pseudoknots. For each of these problems, we present cache-oblivious algorithms that match the best-known time complexity, match or improve the best-known space complexity, and improve significantly over the cache-efficiency of earlier algorithms. We present experimental results which show that our cache-oblivious algorithms run faster than software and implementations based on previous best algorithms for these problems.
Bridging the HPC Processor-Memory Gap with Quilt Packaging

High performance computing (HPC) systems are constrained in the areas of performance, power, and cooling. A new 2D technology, called "Quilt Packaging," is presented as a possible solution to positively impact the processor-memory connection in these areas. A straw man architecture based on current HPC nodes in the RedStorm system at Sandia National Laboratories is used to explore the effects of Quilt Packaging on the connection between processor and memory.
Field assay of polyacrylamide in drilling fluids

Abstract A rapid and sensitive method of the assay of polyacrylamide in drilling fluids at the drill site for oil exploration is described. Base hydrolysis and a gas sensing electrode are utilized. Polyacrylamide was determined from 0.031 to 4.81 w/w% with an average error of 1.79% and an average standard deviation of 0.17.
Building Community Citizens: Claiming the Right to Place-making in the City

Summary. This paper examines how citizenship operates in urban community-building programmes, particularly in the comprehensive community-building initiative (CCI) model. We argue that the current context shaping cities today gives rise to flexibility in citizenship and that this flexibility emerges as a key component by which resident and non-resident stakeholders position themselves to make claims to participate in CCIs. We posit that, while the CCI model is committed to being ‘resident-driven’, the operative function of citizenship creates a hindrance rather than an opportunity for local resident involvement. We fortify this thesis with a case study from our experience in CCIs.
Broadband code division multiple access

The use of code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques for wireless communications systems, both terrestrial based and satellite based, has become of interest because of certain distinctive characteristics of spread spectrum waveforms relative to those of more conventional signals. These characteristics are of particular importance when signaling over radio channels, whereby waveforms experience multipath fading, multiple access interference, and, in military scenarios, intentional jamming. Broadband CDMA (BCDMA) is a version of CDMA that attempts to make most favorable use of the properties of CDMA signals by expanding the bandwidth of the CDMA waveforms to the greatest extent possible. In this paper, we present an overview of some of the characteristics of BCDMA.
Digital Compensation of Cross-Modulation Distortion in Software-Defined Radios

The wideband RF receiver in a software-defined radio (SDR) system suffers from the nonlinear effects caused by the front-end analog processing. In the presence of strong blocker (interference) signals, such nonlinearities introduce severe cross modulation over the desired signals. This paper investigates how the cross-modulation distortion can be compensated for by using digital signal processing techniques. In the proposed solution, the SDR scans the wide spectrum and locates the desired signal and strong blocker signals. After down-converting these signals separately to the baseband, the baseband processor processes them jointly to mitigate the cross-modulation interferences. As a result, the sensitivity of the wideband RF receiver to the nonlinearity impairment can be significantly lowered, simplifying the RF and analog circuitry design in terms of implementation cost and power consumption. The proposed approach also demonstrates how mixed-signal, i.e., joint analog and digital, processing techniques play a critical role in the emerging SDR and cognitive radio technologies.
Halo masses of Mg ii absorbers at z∼ 0.5 from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7

We present the cross-correlation function of Mg ii absorbers with respect to a volume-limited sample of luminous red galaxies (LRGs) at z = 0.45–0.60 using the largest Mg ii absorber sample and a new LRG sample from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7. We present the clustering signal of absorbers on projected scales r_p = 0.3-35 h^(−1) Mpc in four W^(λ2796)_(r) bins spanning W^(λ2796)_(r) =0.4−5.6 A. We found that on average Mg ii absorbers reside in haloes 〈log Mh〉 ≈ 12.1, similar to the halo mass of an L_* galaxy. We report that the weakest absorbers in our sample with W^(λ2796)_(r)=0.4−1.1 A reside in relatively massive haloes with ⟨logM_h⟩≈12.5+0.6−1.3, while stronger absorbers reside in haloes of similar or lower masses 〈log M_h〉 ≈ 11.6+ 0.9. We compared our bias data points, b, and the frequency distribution function of absorbers, fW_r, with a simple model incorporating an isothermal density profile to mimic the distribution of absorbing gas in haloes. We also compared the bias data points with Tinker & Chen who developed halo occupation distribution models of Mg ii absorbers that are constrained by b and fW_r. The simple isothermal model can be ruled at a ≈2.8σ level mostly because of its inability to reproduce fW_r. However, b values are consistent with both models, including Tinker & Chen. In addition, we show that the mean b of absorbers does not decrease beyond W^(λ2796)_(r)≈1.6 A. The flat or potential upturn of b for W^(λ2796)_(r)≳1.6 A absorbers suggests the presence of additional cool gas in massive haloes.
A Resonating-Valence-Bond Theory of Metals and Intermetallic Compounds

The resonating-valence-bond theory of metals discussed in this paper differs from the older theory in making use of all nine stable outer orbitals of the transition metals, for occupancy by unshared electrons and for use in bond formation; the number of valency electrons is consequently considered to be much larger for these metals than has been hitherto accepted. The metallic orbital, an extra orbital necessary for unsynchronized resonance of valence bonds, is considered to be the characteristic structural feature of a metal. It has been found possible to develop a system of metallic radii that permits a detailed discussion to be given of the observed interatomic distances of a metal in terms of its electronic structure. Some peculiar metallic structures can be understood by use of the postulate that the most simple fractional bond orders correspond to the most stable modes of resonance of bonds. The existence of Brillouin zones is compatible with the resonating-valence-bond theory, and the new metallic valencies for metals and alloys with filled-zone properties can be correlated with the electron numbers for important Brillouin polyhedra.
Motor adaptation in children with myelomeningocele: comparison to children with ADHD and healthy siblings.

Myelomeningocele is a common developmental malformation of the central nervous system that usually results in motor deficits. Previous studies of myelomeningocele have not examined motor adaptation, which involves changes in the control of movements that occur as a result of repeated task exposure but do not depend on conscious recall of the exposure. We studied motor adaptation in 17 children with myelomeningocele and shunted hydrocephalus, 19 children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 20 healthy siblings. All children were 8 to 15 years of age. They were administered 2 measures of motor adaptation known to be sensitive to subcortical abnormalities in adult neurological disorders. One task assessed the biasing in weight judgments that occurs after exposure to heavy versus light weights, and the other assessed the adaptation in reaching movements that occurs when vision is laterally displaced by prisms. Contrary to expectations, the groups did not differ in motor adaptation. Children in all 3 groups displayed significant biasing in their weight judgments and improvement in the accuracy of pointing during prism adaptation trials. Performance on the 2 motor adaptation tasks was not related to age or IQ. Weight biasing was positively related to a measure of response disinhibition. The findings suggest that myelomeningocele does not result in global impairment of motor skills, but instead in a profile of intact and impaired motor functions that potentially may be decomposed in accordance with the neuroscience of motor skills. (JINS, 2003, 9, 642–652.)
Surgical Treatment of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an entity which comprises a heterogeneous spectrum of intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations, each one requiring individual approaches for diagnosis and management. Medical management has evolved greatly during the last decade: innovations have included the introduction of new therapeutical agents for prophylaxis and for management of complications. Yet, the introduction of new biologic agents, such as anti-TNF antibody, or immunomodulators, such as azathioprine/6 mercaptopurine, has not significantly changed the longterm prognosis and natural history of patients with Crohn’s disease. Patients with Crohn’s disease still tend to require surgery as time progresses, and the timing of surgery is critical. This review article will focus on the indications for surgical treatment, on the preoperative evaluation of Crohn’s patients, on surgical options specific to different gastrointestinal locations affected by the disease, and on new minimally invasive approaches to this disease. Indications for Surgery in Crohn’s Disease
Doping of polyvinylidene difluoride with cobalt nitrate: Structural, electrical, and magnetic properties

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) doped with a few percentage of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate induces transition into the ferroelectric β-phase. Infrared spectra show peaks indicative of β-phase PVDF at 1277 cm−1 and loss of the α-phase peak at 790 cm−1 while polarization measurements show loops consistent with relaxor ferroelectric behavior. Electronic spectroscopy shows that the Co2+ ion is in a six-coordinate environment, and this is confirmed by magnetic susceptibility. Thermal measurements show that the PVDF melts near 155 °C, depending on the Co2+ content, and that there are several other thermal features that are associated with the hydrated cobalt nitrate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Novel CYP2C9 Promoter Variants and Assessment of Their Impact on Gene Expression

There are a considerable number of reports identifying and characterizing genetic variants within the CYP2C9 coding region. Much less is known about polymorphic promoter sequences that also might contribute to interindividual differences in CYP2C9 expression. To address this problem, approximately 10,000 base pairs of CYP2C9 upstream information were resequenced using 24 DNA samples from the Coriell Polymorphism Discovery Resource. Thirty-one single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified; nine SNPs were novel, whereas 22 were reported previously. Using both sequencing and multiplex single-base extension, individual SNP frequencies were determined in 193 DNA samples obtained from unrelated, self-reported Hispanic Americans of Mexican descent, and they were compared with similar data obtained from a non-Latino white cohort. Significant interethnic differences were observed in several SNP frequencies, some of which seemed unique to the Hispanic population. Analysis using PHASE 2.1 inferred nine common (>1%) variant haplotypes, two of which included the g.3608C>T (R144C) CYP2C9(*)2 and two the g.42614A>C (I359L) CYP2C9(*)3 SNPs. Haplotype variants were introduced into a CYP2C9/luciferase reporter plasmid using site-directed mutagenesis, and the impact of the variants on promoter activity assessed by transient expression in HepG2 cells. Both constitutive and pregnane X receptor-mediated inducible activities were measured. Haplotypes 1B, 3A, and 3B each exhibited a 65% decrease in constitutive promoter activity relative to the reference haplotype. Haplotypes 1D and 3B exhibited a 50% decrease and a 40% increase in induced promoter activity, respectively. These data suggest that genetic variation within CYP2C9 regulatory sequences is likely to contribute to differences in CYP2C9 phenotype both within and among different populations.
Oral Bacteria and Respiratory Infection: Effects on Respiratory Pathogen Adhesion and Epithelial Cell Proinflammatory Cytokine Production

Several microbiologic and epidemiologic studies have suggested an association between dental plaque, poor oral health, and respiratory diseases such as nosocomial pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A number of hypotheses are suggested to help explain how oral bacteria may participate in the pathogenesis of respiratory infection. Resident bacteria in oral secretions are likely aspirated along with respiratory pathogens and may affect the adhesion of the later organisms to the respiratory epithelium. Preliminary studies performed in our laboratory suggest that oral bacteria may modulate the adhesion of respiratory pathogens to epithelial cell lines. In addition, oral bacterial products or cytokines in oral/pharyngeal aspirates may stimulate cytokine production from respiratory epithelial cells, resulting in recruitment of inflammatory cells. The resulting inflamed epithelium may be more susceptible to respiratory infection. Further preliminary data are presented that some species of oral bacteria may induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines from epithelial cell lines to an extent similar to that seen for respiratory pathogens.
[INVITED] A review: Warm laser shock peening and related laser processing technique

Abstract This paper reviews the recent progress in warm laser shock peening (WLSP) and related laser processing technique. The process design, enhanced mechanical performance, and microstructure evolution of WLSP are discussed in details. The fundamental process mechanism is reviewed by building the processing-microstructure-property relationship. In particular, the precipitation kinetics during WLSP is discussed to study the effect of process parameters on the nucleation of nano-precipitates, and multiscale discrete dislocation dynamics (MDDD) simulation results are summarized to investigate the dislocation multiplication and propagation behaviors as well as the dislocation pinning effect. In addition, the research progress of thermal engineered laser shock peening (TE-LSP) technique is reviewed with a focus on the coarsening of precipitates, the extended fatigue life, and more importantly, the fundamental process mechanism.
GENETIC STRUCTURE OF MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL (STRIX OCCIDENTALIS LUCIDA) POPULATIONS IN A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

Abstract We used mitochondrial DNA control-region sequences to investigate the genetic structure of Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) populations in the southwestern United States. This subspecies is federally listed as threatened, and its preferred habitat is naturally fragmented. We found that intrapopulation genetic diversity was high in all but the southeastern Arizona “sky island” populations, where it was variable. Genetic variance partitioning indicated that ≈17% of the variation was distributed among populations and 7.5% was distributed among physiographic regions. Patterns of genetic correlation with geographic distance indicated that gene flow was substantial among populations within the relatively continuous habitat zone of the Mogollon Rim-Upper Gila Mountains in central Arizona and west-central New Mexico. However, there was significant isolation-by-distance elsewhere, and estimates of genetic divergence increased exponentially with geographic distance among fragmented populatio...
Modeling of uniform CO2 corrosion of mild steel in gas transportation systems: A review

Abstract The state of the art with regards the mechanistic understanding of uniform carbon dioxide corrosion of mild steel is reviewed and the corresponding mathematical models are presented. The existing predictive models are categorized into three groups, termed: empirical/semi-empirical, elementary mechanistic, and comprehensive mechanistic. With emphasis on mechanistic models, selected key publications are reviewed and the limits and advantages of each group of models are discussed. Furthermore, the ability of the existing models to be extended and account for more complex corrosion scenarios is discussed.