cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor inhibits the terminal events in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Control of the terminal event in cellular differentiation is an important normal regulatory process, and the expression of defects in the control of this process has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. To determine if tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is an important biological response modifier, can inhibit terminal differentiation, we have studied 3T3 T mesenchymal stem cells. This experimental cell system was employed because a well-defined series of steps in differentiation has been defined and cells at each stage of differentiation can be isolated. For example, nonterminal differentiated cells can be isolated, and their transition to a terminal differentiation state can be evaluated. The most interesting results in the current studies show that TNF blocks the terminal event in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Inhibition of the terminal event of differentiation by TNF is reversible and is not associated with inhibition of selective or general protein synthesis. Evidence is also presented that cell clones that are defective in their ability to undergo the terminal event in differentiation secrete factor(s) that inhibit the terminal event in differentiation. These observations suggest that the inhibition of the terminal event in differentiation may be mediated via autocrine or paracrine regulatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor.
The uniqueness and significance of simple structure demonstrated by contrasting organic “natural structure” and “random structure” data

The study compares the extent to which naturally structured data and artificial, relatively random data (both with the same basic parameters) produce simple structure factors which are uniquely determined. Two examples of unstructured matrices were compared with the ball problem matrix. The results show that an oblique position of maximum hyperplane count in the structured data differs from that in the unstructured by reaching a significantly more unique position in terms of the exactitude with which it is re-discoverable when starting from different positions, and by reaching (at the maximum) a significantly higher hyperplane count.
Observational goals and schema activation: A theoretical framework for behavior perception

A framework for behavioral observation is described in which the processing of a stream of behavior is influenced by an individual's prior knowledge about behavior, organized into cognitive “schemas.” It is proposed that observational goals determine the selection of goal-relevant schemas which, in turn, influence the observer's processing of an actor's behavior. Subjects watched a series of videotaped sequences featuring a female actor with instructions either to form an impression of her or to remember the details of the tasks she engaged in. They were then asked to answer questions that were either consistent or inconsistent with these instructions. Subjects were also instructed to unitize the actions or events that occurred in the sequence (D. A. Newtson, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1973, 28 28–38). According to the unitizing measure, subjects observing with different goals attended to different behavioral features. Further, impression-forming subjects were apparently more influenced by their implicit theories of personality than were task-learning subjects when asked to give ratings of the actor's personality, and task-learning subjects were relatively more accurate in recalling task-related details. Implications of this framework and these results for research in behavioral unitization and implicit personality theory are discussed.
Clinical and antiviral effect of a single oral dose of famciclovir administered to cats at intake to a shelter

Although famciclovir is efficacious in feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)-infected cats, effects of a single dose early in disease course have not been reported. In this two part, randomized, masked, placebo controlled study, cats received a single dose of 125 mg famciclovir (n = 43) or placebo (n = 43; pilot study), or 500 mg famciclovir (n = 41) or placebo (n = 40; clinical trial) on entering a shelter. FHV-1 PCR testing was performed, bodyweight and food intake were recorded, and signs of respiratory disease were scored prior to and 7 days following treatment. FHV-1 DNA was detected in 40% of cats in both parts at study entry. In the pilot study, ocular and nasal discharge scores increased from days 1 to 7 in famciclovir and placebo treated cats. Sneezing scores increased and bodyweight decreased in famciclovir-treated cats. The proportion of cats in which FHV-1 DNA was detected increased over time in all cats in the pilot study. In the clinical trial, food intake and median clinical disease scores for nasal discharge and sneezing increased from days 1 to 7 in both groups and demeanor scores worsened in famciclovir-treated cats. The proportion of cats shedding FHV-1 DNA was greater on day 7 than on day 1 in cats receiving 500 mg famciclovir. A single dose of famciclovir (125 or 500 mg) administered at shelter intake was not efficacious in a feline population in which 40% were already shedding FHV-1.
The use of clinical logs to improve nursing students' metacognition: a pilot study

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the use of a reflective clinical log to improve students' thinking strategies and metacognition (cognitive awareness). Rather than prepare a written nursing care plan prior to entering the clinical setting, students instead were asked to write in a clinical log at the completion of their clinical day, reflecting upon client problems that they had identified, the data that were used to identify these problems, the nursing interventions that were used, and the results of these interventions. The students reported that they preferred the use of a reflective log over writing nursing care plans and they felt that the logs improved their ability to think about their thinking (i.e. their metacognition). The results of this pilot study indicate that reflection in clinical logs assists students to become more active learners, to manage their own thinking, and to improve their metacognition. Additional research in this area is needed to confirm study findings and to provide further understanding regarding the effectiveness of clinical logs as a teaching strategy to improve students' metacognition.
A Multi-Physics Model for Solid Oxide Iron-Air Redox Flow Battery: Simulation of Discharge Behavior at High Current Density

A rigorous physics-based mathematical model for a solid oxide iron-air redox flow battery system is presented in this paper. The modeled flow battery system combines a Fe-FeO redox couple as the energy storage unit and a regenerative solid oxide fuel cell as the electrical functioning unit in a 2D axial symmetric geometry. This model was developed from fundamental theories of reaction engineering in which basic transport phenomena and chemical/electrochemical kinetics are included. The model shows good agreement with the experimental data. Simulation results for the chemical, electrochemical and transport behavior of the battery are discussed.
Beyond local group modes in vibrational sum frequency generation.

We combine deuterium labeling, density functional theory calculations, and experimental vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy into a form of “counterfactual-enabled molecular spectroscopy” for producing reliable vibrational mode assignments in situations where local group mode approximations are insufficient for spectral interpretation and vibrational mode assignments. We demonstrate the method using trans-β-isoprene epoxydiol (trans-β-IEPOX), a first-generation product of isoprene relevant to atmospheric aerosol formation, and one of its deuterium-labeled isotopologues at the vapor/silica interface. We use our method to determine that the SFG responses that we obtain from trans-β-IEPOX are almost exclusively due to nonlocal modes involving multiple C–H groups oscillating at the same frequency as one vibrational mode. We verify our assignments using deuterium labeling and use DFT calculations to predict SFG spectra of additional isotopologues that have not yet been synthesized. Finally, we use...
Infrared retrievals of dust using AIRS: Comparisons of optical depths and heights derived for a North African dust storm to other collocated EOS A‐Train and surface observations

[1] AIRS thermal infrared radiance data are used with a fast infrared scattering radiative transfer model to physically retrieve the dust column amount and dust height over both ocean and land. The retrieved optical depths are compared against those retrieved using visible and ultraviolet instruments on the A-Train, while dust layer heights are evaluated against lidar data. The synergistic use of AIRS data is explored by using dust layer heights constrained by CALIPSO retrievals and coarse mode particle sizes over ocean from PARASOL. Optical depths from AIRS correlate well with those from other instruments over ocean (R ≥ 0.9) and are lower over land when compared to MODIS Deep Blue and OMI retrievals (R ≤ 0.8). AIRS-derived dust top heights compare favorably with CALIPSO data and can be used to improve OMI optical depth retrievals over a much larger area than CALIPSO can provide. AIRS data can also provide estimates of dust longwave radiative forcing. For the examples examined here, the forcings are estimated to be about +1.5 and +4.5 W/m2 per unit visible optical depth over ocean and land, respectively, compared to a shortwave forcing estimate of −50 W/m2 over ocean. AIRS dust retrievals are possible day or night, can provide dust column amount information over land or ocean, and are unaffected by areas of the oceans covered by sun glint.
Radiation survey at the LRL 184-inch cyclotron

To predict the radioactivity problems to be anticipated with a high-intensity, Mc 2 accelerator, the residual and induced radioactivities were measured at the 184-Inch Berkeley cyclotron during November 1960. The five-day study included a general survey of radiation levels in the cyclotron vault, short-time activation of foils placed near the cyclotron, and analysis of γ-ray spectra of the cyclotron gap region, including dee structure. Initial radiation levels were less than 8 r/hr; these dropped to about 10 mr/hr after 48 hr. The induced activities in foils were: Cu 64 and Co 58 in copper, Mn 32 , Mn 54 , and Mn 56 in iron; and Na 24 in aluminum. The γ-ray spectra from the gap region show two intense long-lived peaks at 510 and 810 keV, probably from Co 53 . Foils of aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, and steel were then attached to one of the pole pieces and left i n the cyclotron for one year. The γ-ray spectra of these foils were later analyzed for the presence of induced long-lived activities. The foils can be grouped in order of increasing amount of induced activity at saturation bombardment as follows: aluminum, copper, brass, steel, and nickel. The preliminary conclusion is that with proper precautions a 100-μA Mc 2 cyclotron could have a long-lived background less than 1 r/hr.
Defending the Semantic View: what it takes

In this paper, a modest version of the Semantic View is motivated as both tenable and potentially fruitful for philosophy of science. An analysis is proposed in which the Semantic View is characterized by three main claims. For each of these claims, a distinction is made between stronger and more modest interpretations. It is argued that the criticisms recently leveled against the Semantic View hold only under the stronger interpretations of these claims. However, if one only commits to the modest interpretation for all the claims, then the view obtained, the Modest Semantic View, is tenable and fruitful for the philosophy of science.
Regression with Systematic Noise

Abstract This paper identifies a type of highly correlated noise—systematic noise—that often arises in applications of linear regression to observations of spacecraft. An explicit formula is given for the inverse of the covariance matrix. The inverse matrix has a simple series expansion in e2, where 1/e is the amplitude of the systematic noise. When the leading term, the so-called filter matrix, is used in place of the exact inverse to estimate the regression parameters, the systematic noise is eliminated. The filter matrix is shown to be optimum among all matrices that eliminate systematic noise from the estimates. An example is discussed.
Strategies of Organization in Teotihuacan Art

It was not so long ago, even in my own work, that Teotihuacan art was explained in terms of Aztec meaning (Pasztory 1973). Yet its unique composite character, combined seemingly endlessly from a limited set of signs, was also apparent quite early; and the basic cluster of imagery was defined by many, including Hasso von Winning (1987) and Laurette Sejourne (1956). Their aim was to group the signs around deities or at least into motif clusters. A major division everyone has tried to make is between fertility and war imagery. That notion, too, is Aztec derived, with the twin temple dedicated at Tenochititlan to Tlaloc, the rain god, and to Huitzilopochtli, the war god. We have hung on to this distinction as an intellectual life-belt even though even a cursory study can show that water and war imagery are often intermixed. In a short but provocative article, Kubler (1967) suggested a structural and linguistic reading of Teotihuacan art focusing on images that stand as nouns (main figures) and others as adjectives or adverbs (borders, costumes, etc.). In a long study full of excellent observation, Langley (1986) analyzed the signs and their clustering in the most sophisticated manner so far. The only shortcoming of his study is his search for writing at Teotihuacan and an unwillingness to accept it for what it is: a nonnarrative system of art.
Probing Chromosome Structure with Dynamic Force Relaxation

We report measurements of the dynamics of force relaxation in single mitotic chromosomes, following step strains applied with micropipettes of force constant approximately 1 nN/microm. The force relaxes exponentially after an elongation (l/l(0)) to less than 3x native length, with a relaxation time approximately 2 sec. This relaxation time corresponds to an effective viscosity approximately 10(5) times that of water. We experimentally rule out solvent flow into the chromosome as the mechanism for the relaxation time. Instead, the relaxation can be explained in terms of the disentanglement dynamics of approximately 80 kb chromatin loop domains.
Fine-Tuning the Angiogenic Response to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

See related article, pages 261–268 Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator of vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis.1,2 Homozygous deletion of VEGF gene leads to impaired vascular formation and early embryonic lethality.3 Interestingly, deletion of just one VEGF allele is sufficient to produce similar vascular abnormalities,3,4 suggesting that the strength and integrity of the VEGF signaling pathway are critical for the spatial–temporal formation of blood vessels in utero. These actions of VEGF are mediated predominantly by 2 tyrosine kinase receptors: VEGFR-1 (flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (flk-1/KDR).5 Mice with homozygous mutations that inactivate either receptor die in utero with a similar phenotype as mice with VEGF deletion, indicating that both receptors are obligatory for the function of VEGF.1,6 Although the vascular phenotype between these VEGFR mutant mice are overlapping to some degree, they do differ in terms of showing that VEGFR-2 plays a greater role in vascular organization,7 whereas VEGFR-1 appears to be more important in mediating hemangioblast commitment and endothelial cell replication.8 Nevertheless, both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 are essential in coordinating endothelial cell assembly and vascular formation during embryonic development. The upregulation of VEGF is also necessary for physiological and pathological neovascularization in response to hypoxia and for tumor …
Flap pedicle vena comitant as a vein graft donor source

A vena comitant segment harvested from a flap's pedicle can be used as an interpositional vein graft in selected microvascular cases. When a vascular pedicle includes paired venae comitantes, one of these can prove suitable for use as a vein graft while still allowing for venous outflow of the flap. An additional operative site and procedure to harvest a vein graft can be avoided if a vena comitant segment can be used. We present eight cases in which pedicle vena comitant segments were used as interpositional vein grafts. In six cases, vena comitant grafts were used to supercharge or augment venous outflow in transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps used for breast reconstruction. A vena comitant graft was used to revise the venous anastomosis in one deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. The arterial anastomosis was revised with a vena comitant graft in a gracilis muscle free flap. Our experience demonstrates the viability and utility of using the flap pedicle's vena comitant as a source of vein graft in selected cases. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Relationships among fires, fungi, and soil dynamics in Alaskan Boreal Forests

Fires are critical pathways of carbon loss from boreal forest soils, whereas microbial communities form equally critical controls over carbon accumulation between fires. We used a chronosequence in Alaska to test Read's hypothesis that arbuscular my- corrhizal fungi should dominate ecosystems with low accumulation of surface litter, and ectomycorrhizal fungi should proliferate where organic horizons are well-developed. This pattern is expected because ectomycorrhizal fungi display a greater capacity to mineralize organic compounds than do arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The sites were located in upland forests near Delta Junction, Alaska, and represent stages at 3, 15, 45, and 80 years following fire. Soil organic matter accumulated 2.8-fold over time. Fire did not noticeably reduce the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. In contrast, ectomycorrhizal colonization re- quired up to 15 years to return to pre-fire levels. As a result, dominant mycorrhizal groups shifted from arbuscular to ectomycorrhizal fungi as succession progressed. Bacterial func- tional diversity was greatest in the oldest sites. Altogether, microbes that can mineralize organic compounds (i.e., ectomycorrhizae and bacteria) recovered more slowly than those that cannot (i.e., arbuscular mycorrhizae). Potential net N mineralization and standing pools of ammonium-N were relatively low in the youngest site. In addition, glomalin stocks were positively correlated with arbuscular mycorrhizal hyphal length, peaking early in the chron- osequence. Our results indicate that microbial succession may influence soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in the first several years following fire, by augmenting carbon storage in glomalin while inhibiting mineralization of organic compounds.
Moisture effects in lithium-doped polyimide films

The interaction of lithium-doped polyimide films with water has been investigated. Contact angle and water absorption/desorption measurements have been performed to obtain an idea of the hygroscopic nature of these lithium-doped films. Contact angles were found to decrease as the amount of surface lithium increased. Film water content was also found to increase as the weight percent of total lithium content in the film increased. This phenomenon has been used to rationalize the electrical resistivity–temperature profile of certain lithium films which display an increase in electrical resistivity upon drying.
P‐112: Large Area Black/White Bistable Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Display and the Thermal‐Addressing System

A one meter length black/white bistable cholesteric liquid crystal display was made by a roll to roll process and the display area is 20cm × 100cm. Black/White performance was made by black nano pigment and blended ChLC droplets with different wavelength. It was written by a thermal-addressing system to realize high resolution and low cost.
Optimal tumor sampling for immunostaining of biomarkers in breast carcinoma

Introduction: Biomarkers, such as Estrogen Receptor, are used to determine therapy and prognosis in breast carcinoma. Immunostaining assays of biomarker expression have a high rate of inaccuracy; for example, estimates are as high as 20% for Estrogen Receptor. Biomarkers have been shown to be heterogeneously expressed in breast tumors and this heterogeneity may contribute to the inaccuracy of immunostaining assays. Currently, no evidencebased standards exist for the amount of tumor that must be sampled in order to correct for biomarker heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal number of 20X fields that are necessary to estimate a representative measurement of expression in a whole tissue section for selected biomarkers: ER, HER-2, AKT, ERK, S6K1, GAPDH, Cytokeratin, and MAP-Tau. Methods: Two collections of whole tissue sections of breast carcinoma were immunostained for biomarkers. Expression was quantified using the Automated Quantitative Analysis (AQUA) method of quantitative immunofluorescence. Simulated sampling of various numbers of fields (ranging from one to thirty five) was performed for each marker. The optimal number was selected for each marker via resampling techniques and minimization of prediction error over an independent test set. Results: The optimal number of 20X fields varied by biomarker, ranging between three to fourteen fields. More heterogeneous markers, such as MAP-Tau protein, required a larger sample of 20X fields to produce representative measurement. Conclusions: The optimal number of 20X fields that must be sampled to produce a representative measurement of biomarker expression varies by marker with more heterogeneous markers requiring a larger number. The clinical implication of these findings is that breast biopsies consisting of a small number of fields may be inadequate to represent whole tumor biomarker expression for many markers. Additionally, for biomarkers newly introduced into clinical use, especially if therapeutic response is dictated by level of expression, the optimal size of tissue sample must be determined on a marker-by-marker basis.
Carbonic anhydrase of microorganisms. I. An enzyme from baker's yeast which catalyzes the formation of carbamate from ammonium bicarbonate solutions.

Abstract A study of microbial enzymes which catalyze carbamate formation was initiated. It is assumed that this enzyme activity is really a carbonic anhydrase since carbonic anhydrase catalyzes carbamate formation from ammonium bicarbonate solutions and since no other enzyme is known which does catalyze this reaction. We have studied principally the activity of yeast extracts. During attempts to purify the yeast enzyme it was found that this enzyme has associated with it two factors, small and dialyzable, which enhance the activity of crude extracts and ammonium sulfate fractions. One of the factors appears to be organic, and the other inorganic. Neither of these factors has any carbonic anhydrase activity by itself. Diamox (2-acetylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide), which inhibits bovine carbonic anhydrase 100% at 10−6 m , inhibits the yeast enzyme 50% at 10−2 m and 100% at 10−1 m .
Nuclear medicine in cancer diagnosis

Summary Nuclear medicine imaging has contributed significantly to diagnosis, treatment planning, and the evaluation of response to treatment in patients with cancer since the development of modern techniques in the 1970s. Diagnostic applications such as the bone scan continue to be the most common use in oncology because of their high sensitivity but the contribution of nuclear medicine to oncology can perhaps be best understood in the context of patient management. Staging of newly presenting cancer patients and restaging for treatment planning are reviewed here. For treatment response and disease recurrence nuclear medicine provides information non-invasively. The studies can be repeated with few side-effects and with low radiation absorbed doses. Results can be directly correlated with clinical laboratory data. The goals of biologically characterising an individual patient's tumour and predicting his or her response to treatment are within reach.
A review of diagnosis methods for heart rhythm disorders

The human cardiovascular system exhibits complicated dynamics. Various signal analysis techniques have been utilized to study electrocardiogram (ECG) rate and morphology for their potentials in diagnosis and prediction of cardiovascular diseases. Conventional methods of linear signal theory, including power spectral analysis and time-domain analysis, have been widely adopted to analyze heart rhythm disorders due to cardiomyopathy and fibrillation. However, the success of these techniques is often hampered by the nonstationary and nonlinear character of the heart's activities. To overcome these limitations, many techniques based on nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory have been developed. In this work, we investigate various existing techniques for their potential application in the diagnosis of rhythm disorders. This comparison of different methodologies can be used as a guideline in selecting proper ECG signal analysis techniques.
A Family of Meromophic Harmonic Mappings

In this article we examine harmonic mappings defined on the punctured unit disk in the spirit of Clunie and Sheil-Small [J. Clunie and T. Sheil-Small (1984). Harmonic univalent functions. Ann. Acad. Sci. Fenn. Series A. I. Math., 9, 3–25] and Hengartner and Schober [W. Hengartner and G. Schober (1987). Univalent harmonic functions. Trans. Amer. Math. Soc., 299, 1–31]. We develop a family of mappings such that the members possess finitely many terms in their power series form. Moreover, there is a close coefficient relation between the analytic and co-analytic parts to guarantee the mappings are sense-preserving. After developing the family, we examine conditions for which mappings from the family are sense-preserving, typically real, and univalent, calling this family UTF. In closing, an example of the coefficient region for the sub-class of degree four UTF is included.
Avian botulism: a case study in translocated endangered Laysan Ducks (Anas laysanensis) on Midway Atoll.

Laysan Ducks are endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago and are one of the world's most endangered waterfowl. For 150 yr, Laysan Ducks were restricted to an estimated 4 km2 of land on Laysan Island in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In 2004 and 2005, 42 Laysan Ducks were translocated to Midway Atoll, and the population increased to approximately 200 by 2007. In August 2008, mortality due to botulism type C was identified, and 181 adult, fledgling, and duckling carcasses were collected from August to October. Diseased birds were found on two islands within Midway Atoll at multiple wetlands; however, one wetland contributed most carcasses. The epidemic was discovered approximately 14–21 days after the mortality started and lasted for 50 additional days. The details of this epidemic highlight the disease risk to birds restricted to small island populations and the challenges associated with managing newly translocated endangered species. Frequent population monitoring for early disease detection and comprehe...
Spatial and temporal changes in prevalence of a cloacal cestode in wintering waterfowl along the Gulf Coast of Texas.

The cloacal cestode Cloacotaenia megalops is one of the most common helminths of waterfowl. We investigated the effect of this parasite on the body condition of wintering waterfowl populations and compared prevalence among age-sex classes, over time and between habitat types on the upper Gulf Coast of Texas (USA) from October 1986–February 2000. Greater than 9,500 birds of 25 waterfowl species were examined for the parasite. There was no statistical difference (P>0.05) in body condition between birds with and without the parasite. Average prevalence was lowest for geese (x=3.7%) versus 21 to 71% in duck species. Average prevalence was similar (P=0.81) between diving ducks (x=46.9%) and puddle ducks (x=43.9%). Prevalence varied among age-sex classes and was related to sex rather than age. Variation among age-sex classes suggests differences in diet between sexes of duck species on the wintering grounds. There was no evidence for declining prevalence over the wintering period. Prevalence differed (P<0.05...
Is Valproate Pharmacotherapy Associated with Polycystic Ovaries

OBJECTIVE:To review and evaluate the published data associating the use of valproate with the development of polycystic ovaries.DATA SOURCES:A computerized search of MEDLINE (1966–May 1999) and Current Contents was performed. Also, bibliographies were cross-referenced to yield additional pertinent publications. All articles written in English were considered for review.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All pertinent clinical studies and review articles associating valproate with polycystic ovaries and other endocrinologic disorders were evaluated.DATA SYNTHESIS:Valproate is among the most commonly used medications today effective in the treatment of a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. An accumulating body of literature has suggested an increase in the incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome among women treated with valproate. The syndrome is characterized as hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation in the absence of identifiable adrenal or pituitary pathology. It is a highly prevalent sy...
MANAGEMENT OF FEMALE URETHRAL DIVERTICULA: A NEW CLASSIFICATION

AbstractPurpose: Symptomatic female urethral diverticula may be managed by a number of operative techniques. However, to avoid persistent or recurrent diverticula definitive therapy requires analysis of the type and nature of the diverticulum. We propose a simple classification system for the management of female urethral diverticula.Materials and Methods: We reviewed 18 cases of urethral diverticulectomy performed at our institution in the last 5 years. Half of the patients had been treated previously elsewhere and presented with recurring or persistent symptoms. In many cases we found a pseudodiverticulum, that is a mucosal herniation through a periurethral fascial defect. We describe our clinical distinction of a true versus pseudodiverticulum. Of 7 women with symptoms of incontinence video urodynamics demonstrated stress urinary incontinence in 4 who underwent diverticulectomy and placement of a fascial sling concurrently.Results: Of 18 patients 16 were cured and 2 had persistent incontinence related ...
Uniformly efficient simulation for tail probabilities of gaussian random fields

In this paper, we consider rare-event simulation of the tail probabilities of Gaussian random fields. In particular, we design importance sampling estimators that are uniformly efficient for a family of Gaussian random fields with different mean and variance functions.
Effect of Three Supplemental Fat Sources on Lactation and Digestion in Dairy Cows

Tallow, Ca salts of palm fatty acids, or prilled fatty acids were added at 2.5% to a control diet (3.7% fatty acids) containing 7.2% ammoniated whole cottonseed. Diets were fed to midlactation cows (6 cows per treatment) for 72 d to determine effects of fat supplementation and fat source on lactation performance and nutrient digestibilities. Dry matter intake did not differ among treatments. Milk yield was 31.6 kg/d for the control and increased an average of 2.1 kg/d with fat supplementation. Source of supplemental fat did not significantly affect lactation performance. Added fat decreased milk protein content but did not affect protein yield. Milk fat, lactose, and SNF contents did not differ among treatments. Overall fat supplementation did not affect digestibilities of DM, ADF, or NDF but decreased digestibility of fatty acids. Contribution of de novo fatty acids to milk fat was decreased with fat supplementation. Addition of 2.5% fat to a diet containing a medium amount of fat from whole cottonseed increased milk yield. Tallow, Ca salt of palm fatty acids, and prilled fatty acids did not differ in milk yield response.
AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION AND THE EFFICIENCY OF EMERGING MARKET STOCK PRICES

The efficient markets hypothesis in finance suggests that as equity markets are liberalized and made more open to the public, equity prices should reflect the increased availability of information and be more efficiently priced. In this paper, we examine whether emerging market equity prices have become more efficient after financial liberalization. Using two sets of financial liberalization dates, a battery of econometric tests, and data from sixteen countries and three composite portfolios, we find that in spite of theory suggesting the opposite, liberalization does not seem to have improved the efficiency of emerging markets. In fact, most of our statistical tests indicate that the markets were already efficient before the actual liberalization.
A comparison of linear quadratic Gaussian and central compensators for a structural control

This paper compares performance and robustness properties of linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) and central controllers as applied to a nonlinear structural vibration problem. A finite element approximation of the structure is used as a foundation for computation of the controllers. We show that the central controller performs better in damping vibrations when no external disturbance is applied to the structure, while the LQG controller damps vibrations more effectively when disturbances are present.
Problems of Channel Correlation and Statistical Bias in Photon-Correlation Spectroscopy

Correlation between channels of the normalized photocount-rate correlation function g(2)(τ) becomes significant at high count rates and leads to a number of data-analysis problems. We derive an expression for channel correlation that is valid for a detector area of arbitrary extent and compare the theoretical predictions with measured values. A data-analysis procedure is demonstrated that employs the theoretical expression for channel correlation and provides a rigorous test of an assumed fitting function. The procedure facilitates the use of the cumulant method in determining the polydispersity of scatterers. An expression for the statistical bias of g(2)(τ) is also derived and compared with measured values.
IBM Austin Industrial Business Center total productive maintenance - The beginning

The efforts of IBM Austin Industrial Business Center (AIBC) to adopt total productive maintenance (TPM) as the process for improving quality, increasing production and eliminating waste on the pull production lines (PPLs) are described. Over-all equipment effectiveness (OEE) is seen as the measurement for AIBC improvement activities. The initial introductory conversations with management and early pilot measurement activities are described. The data collection tools used and the resulting analysis of the data collected are shown. The initial benchmark activities are described. The authors describe how they obtained the necessary top-down commitment from management by showing the faults of pilot measurements. >
Microstrip fed coplanar stripline tee junction using coupled coplanar stripline

A microstrip fed coplanar stripline (CPS) tee junction was developed using a coupled coplanar stripline (CCPS) without bonding wire. The new tee junction equally splits the power to each output port with an insertion loss of 0.7 dB from 2 GHz to 4.15 GHz. The tee junction can serve as a microstrip to CPS transition to feed dipole antennas and other applications. A wideband CPS-to-microstrip transition was developed and used for conducting measurements. The two back-to-back transitions have an insertion loss of less than 3 dB and a return loss better than 10 dB for the frequency range from 1.3 GHz to 13.3 GHz (1:10.2).
Erythromelalgia-like presentation of chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy in a setting of past alcohol abuse

Erythromelalgia may be primary or secondary to an underlying medical condition. Association with small fiber neuropathy and axonal large fiber peripheral neuropathy has been described. Erythromelalgia in the setting of acquired demyelinating neuropathy has not been reported. We report a 52-year-old woman with severe erythromelalgia, pain and burning, progressive weakness, hyporeflexia and distal pan-sensory deficits. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was 219 mg/dL. Nerve conduction study revealed extreme (ten-fold) prolongation of distal motor latencies, markedly slow motor nerve conduction, reduced terminal latency index, reduced distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, possible conduction blocks, and distal denervation. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone and azathioprine resulted in marked clinical and electrophysiological improvement. Our patient fulfills the diagnostic criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP); however, the unique electrodiagnostic features and presentation with erythromelalgia may represent a CIDP variant or a novel dysimmune neuropathy, or may partly be related to neurotoxic effects of prior alcohol abuse.
Chapter V Theory Development in Information Systems Research Using Structural Equation Modeling: Evaluation and Recommendations

Structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques have significant potential for assessing and modifying theoretical models. There have been 171 applications of SEM in IS research, published in major journals, most of which have been after 1994. Despite SEM’s surging popularity in the IS field, it remains a complex tool that is often mechanically used but difficult to effectively apply. The purpose of this study is to review previous applications of SEM in IS research and to recommend guidelines to enhance the use of SEM to facilitate theory development. The authors review and evaluate SEM applications, both component-based (e.g., PLS) and covariance-based (e.g., LISREL), according to prescribed criteria. Areas of improvement are suggested which can assist application of this powerful technique in IS theory development.
Coherent Excitation of Ionic States by Correlated Collisions in a Crystal Lattice

Ions moving through crystals at small angles with respect to atomic rows and planes undergo correlated collisions which confine their motion (“channeling”). Well-channeled ions collide only with conduction electrons, For ion velocities vi ≫ v0 ionization is similar to electron bombardment at ve = vi. The ion passing the atoms spaced at a distance d in the crystal rows experiences a coherent perturbation of frequency vi/d and may be resonantly excited at (vi/d) = ΔEij/h. This is seen in an enhanced ionization probability. The relation of this effect on the states of the penetrating ions and the crystal fields is discussed.
Maximal Parrondo’s Paradox for Classical and Quantum Markov Chains

Parrondo’s paradox refers to the situation where two, multi-round games with a fixed winning criteria, both with probability greater than one-half for one player to win, are combined. Using a possibly biased coin to determine the rule to employ for each round, paradoxically, the previously losing player now wins the combined game with probability greater than one-half. In this paper, we will analyze classical observed, classical hidden, and quantum versions of a game that displays this paradox. The game we have utilized is simpler than games for which this behavior has been previously noted in the classical and quantum cases. We will show that in certain situations the paradox can occur to a greater degree in the quantum version than is possible in the classical versions.
Use of the interval statistical procedure for simulation model validation

In this tutorial we discuss the use of a recently published statistical procedure for the validation of models that have their required model accuracy specified as a range, often called the acceptable range of accuracy. This new statistical procedure uses a hypothesis test of an interval, considers both Type I and Type II errors through the use of the operating characteristic curve, and provides the model builder's risk curve and the model user's risk curve. A detailed procedure for validating simulation models using this interval hypothesis test is given, computer software developed for this procedure is briefly described, and examples of simulation model validation using the procedure and software are presented.
Mechanism of Cobalt Polycythemia. Effect of Ascorbic Acid

Waltner and Waltner1 discovered that cobalt when given to animals produced a polycythemia as shown by the increase in the number of red cells and in hemoglobin. Mascherpa2 from studies of cobalt polycythemia on dogs reported an increased activity of the bone marrow. For experiments on the mechanism of this polycythemia rabbits were used so that blood could be withdrawn in sufficient quantities to measure the hemoglobin concentration and count the red cells simultaneously. By daily subcutaneous injection of 0.01 gm, CoSO4 a definite polycythemia was produced within 6 or 7 days, accompanied by the appearance in the circulating blood of reticulocytes and erythroblasts. The presence of these young cells was strikingly manifested by the increased respiration of red cells from animals with cobalt polycythemia, an increase which fails to appear in human polycythemia vera (Table I). The increase in respiration was about 10 times as great when erythroblasts were present.The addition of CoSO4 (0.01 mg.) in vitro to...
Poststructuralist theory and women in the Middle East: going in circles?

This article examines the effects of the uncritical use of the poststructuralist Foucauldian theoretical approach on studies of Middle Eastern women and gender. Focusing on the twin concepts of ‘empowerment’ and ‘resistance’ as they have been applied to account for the re-veiling trend among Muslim countries and communities, it explores the epistemic transformation of the explanation of this trend into its justification. It further provides an example of a historicized application of Michel Foucault's conception of power.
bLARS: An Algorithm to Infer Gene Regulatory Networks

Inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from high-throughput gene-expression data is an important and challenging problem in systems biology. Several existing algorithms formulate GRN inference as a regression problem. The available regression based algorithms are based on the assumption that all regulatory interactions are linear. However, nonlinear transcription regulation mechanisms are common in biology. In this work, we propose a new regression based method named bLARS that permits a variety of regulatory interactions from a predefined but otherwise arbitrary family of functions. On three DREAM benchmark datasets, namely gene expression data from E. coli, Yeast, and a synthetic data set, bLARS outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms in the terms of the overall score . On the individual networks, bLARS offers the best performance among currently available similar algorithms, namely algorithms that do not use perturbation information and are not meta-algorithms. Moreover, the presented approach can also be utilized for general feature selection problems in domains other than biology, provided they are of a similar structure.
NSF-sponsored innovative approaches to undergraduate computer science

This panel will summarize the results of several NSF-sponsored projects developing innovating tools and approaches for teaching undergraduate computer sciences. Discussion following these summaries will focus on helping attendees discern which approach (or approaches) might be most beneficial or appropriate for their educational settings.
Poster: Defending against Sybil Devices in Crowdsourced Mapping Services

Real-time crowdsourced maps such as Waze provide timely updates on traffic, congestion, accidents and points of interest. In this paper, we demonstrate how lack of strong location authentication allows creation of software-based Sybil devices that expose crowdsourced map systems to a variety of security and privacy attacks. Our experiments show that a single Sybil device with limited resources can cause havoc on Waze, reporting false congestion and accidents and automatically rerouting user traffic. More importantly, we describe techniques to generate Sybil devices at scale, creating armies of virtual vehicles capable of remotely tracking precise movements for large user populations while avoiding detection. We propose a new approach to defend against Sybil devices based on co-location edges, authenticated records that attest to the one-time physical co-location of a pair of devices. Over time, co-location edges combine to form large proximity graphs that attest to physical interactions between devices, allowing scalable detection of virtual vehicles. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach using large-scale simulations, and discuss how they can be used to dramatically reduce the impact of attacks against crowdsourced mapping services.
Lissencephaly: A Case Report and Literature Review

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristic and magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) feature of lissencephaly( LIS) to strengthen the understanding of the LIS. Methods Clinical data of one patient with LIS was retrospectively analyzed,and related literature was reviewed. Results The main clinical manifestations of the male patients at the age of 5months of 5 months old were psychomotor development retardation and repetitious epilepsy. Cranial MRI showed complete absence of sulcation,a smooth brain surface,difficult separation of grey matter with wide,shallow and bilateral sylvian fissures,which resulted in an " 8" appearance. The LIS was diagnosed by MRI. The patient was discharged after symptomatic treatment with poor effect. After a follow-up for more than a month,the patient died. Conclusion The main clinical features of LIS are mental retardation and epilepsy with poor prognosis,which can be confirmed by cranial MRI.
Analysis of blood glucose testing results among 6 529 adults aged 65 and older

Objective To explore the blood glucose levels among people aged 65 years old and above in Yi county,further develop chronic disease management,and provide basis for health education work. Methods Blood glucose test by automatic biochemical analyzer with glucose oxidase method was used among 6 529 elderly aged 65 and above. SAS 9. 2 was used to analyze the result. Results The detection rate of relatively high fasting glucose value among elderly was 18. 17%,with urban elderly 29. 42% and rural elderly 15. 78%,respectively. The detection rate of relatively low fasting glucose value among elderly was 0. 09%,with rural elderly 1. 14%. There was significant difference in fasting glucose value between urban and rural elderly( χ~2= 130. 53,P ﹤ 0. 01). The highest detection rate of fasting glucose value above 6. 11 mmol / L was found in 65- 69 age group,which was 20. 69%. There was significant difference in relatively high fasting glucose value among different age groups( χ~2= 35. 92,P ﹤ 0. 01). The detection rate of relatively low fasting glucose value between male and female were 17. 96% and 18. 34% respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant( χ~2= 3. 67,P 0.05). Conclusion The blood glucose levels among people aged 65 years old or more in Yi county was relatively high,and blood glucose monitoring in the age group should be strengthened.
Design of Gondola landfall Oil-gas Bumper

When balloon gondola finishes the collection of scientific data and leavs stratosphere to land,gondola will suffer the land's impact which influences the view instrument in gondola.With the development of stratosphere balloon gondola and control system,this paper uses the oil-gas bumper to reduce the suffered impact when gondola landing.Through the analysis of bumper's work and gondola landfall,some parameters of bumper were obtained.The overall characteristic model of oil-gas bumper was built.Then the curve of expressing bumper characteristic was obtained with MATLAB simulating the dynamic process,which simulates the landfall of balloon gondola.The results show that the designed oil-gas bumper makes gondola achieve effective damping and buffer,and the effect is well.