cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E-cadherin promoter polymorphisms are not associated with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer in Caucasian patients.

Abstract Background −160C→A and −347G→GA polymorphisms in the promoter region decrease E-cadherin gene transcription. Decreased E-cadherin expression predicts poor outcome among patients with cancer. We sought to investigate whether −160C→A and/or −347G→GA polymorphisms were associated with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Methods TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assay (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) was used to detect −160C→A and −347G→GA polymorphisms in deoxyribonucleic acid from the paraffin-embedded prostate tissues of 98 Caucasian patients. Results The genotype frequencies were −160C/C: 48% (47 of 98); −160C/A: 44% (43 of 98); −160A/A: 8% (8 of 98); −347G/G: 68% (67 of 98); −347G/GA: 28% (27 of 98); and −347GA/GA: 4% (4 of 98). Using the chi-square test, we found that the polymorphisms −160C→A and −347G→GA were not related to other clinical and pathologic parameters (i.e., age, prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason grade, and clinical stage) ( P > 0.05). In combination analysis, there was no significant relationship between patients with both −160C/C and −347G/G, and these same parameters ( P > 0.05). Using the log-rank test, we found no significant difference in relapse-free survival and overall survival between patients with −160C/C and those with −160A/C or −160A/A ( P = 0.0764 and 0.2746, respectively), and also no significant difference between patients with −347G/G and those with −347GA/G or −347GA/GA ( P = 0.9416 and 0.7367, respectively). There was also no significant difference in relapse-free survival and overall survival between patients with homozygosities of −160C/-347G and patients with other genotypes ( P = 0.1418 and 0.2434, respectively). Conclusion We conclude that E-cadherin −160C→A and/or −347G→GA polymorphisms are not associated with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer in Caucasian patients.
Outcome predictors after gamma knife radiosurgery for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) that recurs after surgery can be difficult to manage. OBJECTIVE: To define management outcomes in patients who underwent gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSR) after failing 1 or more previous surgical procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed outcomes after GKSR in 193 patients with TN after failed surgery. The median patient age was 70 years (range, 26-93 years). Seventy-five patients had a single operation (microvascular decompression, n = 40; glycerol rhizotomy, n = 24; radiofrequency rhizotomy, n = 11). One hundred eighteen patients underwent multiple operations before GKSR. Patients were evaluated up to 14 years after GKSR. RESULTS: After GKSR, 85% of patients achieved pain relief or improvement (Barrow Neurological Institute grade I-IIIb). Pain recurrence was observed in 73 of 168 patients 6 to 144 months after GKSR (median, 6 years). Factors associated with better long-term pain relief included no relief from the surgical procedure preceding GKSR, pain in a single branch, typical TN, and a single previous failed surgical procedure. Eighteen patients (9.3%) developed new or increased trigeminal sensory dysfunction, and 1 developed deafferentation pain. Patients who developed sensory loss after GKSR had better long-term pain control (Barrow Neurological Institute grade I-IIIb: 86% at 5 years). CONCLUSION: GKSR proved to be safe and moderately effective in the management of TN that recurs after surgery. Development of sensory loss may predict better long-term pain control. The best candidates for GKSR were patients with recurrence after a single failed previous operation and those with typical TN in a single trigeminal nerve distribution.
A general approach to incorporate data quality matrices into data mining algorithms

Data quality is a central issue for many information-oriented organizations. Recent advances in the data quality field reflect the view that a database is the product of a manufacturing process. While routine errors, such as non-existent zip codes, can be detected and corrected using traditional data cleansing tools, many errors systemic to the manufacturing process cannot be addressed. Therefore, the product of the data manufacturing process is an imprecise recording of information about the entities of interest (i.e. customers, transactions or assets). In this way, the database is only one (flawed) version of the entities it is supposed to represent. Quality assurance systems such as Motorola's Six-Sigma and other continuous improvement methods document the data manufacturing process's shortcomings. A widespread method of documentation is quality matrices. In this paper, we explore the use of the readily available data quality matrices for the data mining classification task. We first illustrate that if we do not factor in these quality matrices, then our results for prediction are sub-optimal. We then suggest a general-purpose ensemble approach that perturbs the data according to these quality matrices to improve the predictive accuracy and show the improvement is due to a reduction in variance.
Hebrew Exegesis Online Using Information Technology to Enhance Biblical Language Study

Information technology is bringing change to theological education. Computer-mediated instruction has been employed for teaching basic factual materials and for providing study resources. Information technology has been helpful as an instructional aid using the drill and practice format, but how can it promote learning in more complex areas of knowledge acquisition such as analysis, synthesis, and creative judgment? Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C. developed an online course to teach Hebrew exegesis. A theory-driven pedagogy was employed that used a Web-based instructional design to promote asynchronous learning, collaborative projects, and peer review. This article presents the rationale and design for the class, a narrative of the class experience, and an evaluation of results. Outcomes of the class experience and suggestions for application of technology to other subject areas are included.
Air/Liquid‐Pressure and Heartbeat‐Driven Flexible Fiber Nanogenerators as a Micro/Nano‐Power Source or Diagnostic Sensor

We present a new approach for fabricating flexible fiber nanogenerators (FNGs) that can be used for smart shirts, flexible electronics, and medical applications. These FNGs are based on carbon fibers that are covered cylindrically by textured zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films. Once subjected to uni-compression by applying a pressure, the cylindrical ZnO thin film is under a compressive strain, resulting in a macroscopic piezopotential across its inner and exterior surfaces owing to the textured structure of the film, which is the driving force for generating an electric current in the external load. Using such a structure, an output peak voltage of 3.2 V and average current density of 0.15 μA cm(-2) are demonstrated. The FNGs rely on air pressure, so that it can work in a non-contact mode in cases of rotating tires, flowing air/liquid, and even in blood vessels. Pressure-driven FNGs added to a syringe show potential to harvest energy in blood vessels, gas pipes, and oil pipes, as long as there is a fluctuation in pressure (or turbulence). Heart-pulse driven FNGs can serve as ultrasensitive sensors for monitoring the behavior of the human heart, which may possibly be applied to medical diagnostics as sensors and measurement tools.
Endovascular stenting of nonmalignant superior vena cava syndrome

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is associated with advanced malignancy of the chest. Extensive experience is published in the literature regarding the use of endovascular intervention for symptomatic relief in these individuals with limited survival. Symptomatic SVC obstruction may occur from benign conditions that may not alter life expectancy. There are few data regarding endovascular therapy in this setting. We retrospectively analyzed our experience using endovascular intervention for benign SVC obstruction in 19 patients. In our series, the mean age was 46.4 years; 58% were female and 14/19 cases were due to an intravascular device. All patients experienced symptomatic relief. Median follow-up was 28.8 months. Three patients required secondary procedures to maintain patency. Four patients had procedural complications, which did not affect the outcomes. One patient died from complications of anticoagulation at 24 months. Endovascular procedures aimed at relieving SVC stenosis seem to be effective in patients with benign disease.
Dissociated Effects of Anticipating Smoking versus Monetary Reward in the Caudate as a Function of Smoking Abstinence

Background Theories of addiction suggest that chronic smoking may be associated with both hypersensitivity to smoking and related cues and hyposensitivity to alternative reinforcers. However, neural responses to smoking and nonsmoking rewards are rarely evaluated within the same paradigm, leaving the extent to which both processes operate simultaneously uncertain. Behavioral evidence and theoretical models suggest that dysregulated reward processing may be more pronounced during deprivation from nicotine, but neuroimaging evidence on the effects of deprivation on reward processing is limited. The current study examined the impact of deprivation from smoking on neural processing of both smoking and monetary rewards. Methods Two separate functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed in 38 daily smokers, one after smoking without restriction and one following 24 hours of abstinence. A rewarded guessing task was conducted during each scan to evaluate striatal blood oxygen level–dependent response during anticipation of both smoking and monetary rewards. Results A significant reward type by abstinence interaction was observed in the bilateral caudate and medial prefrontal cortex during reward anticipation. The blood oxygen level–dependent response to anticipation of smoking reward was significantly higher and anticipation of monetary rewards was significantly lower during abstinence compared with nonabstinence. Attenuation of monetary reward–related activation during abstinence was significantly correlated with abstinence-induced increases in craving and withdrawal. Conclusions These results provide the first direct evidence of dissociated effects of smoking versus monetary rewards as a function of abstinence. The findings suggest an important neural pathway that may underlie the choice to smoke in lieu of alternative reinforcement during a quit attempt.
Mathematical investigation of periodic acoustical waveguides of an arbitrary shape

Etude de l'equation de Helmholtz avec un potentiel periodique dans une region periodique d'une forme arbitraire
Effects of Neodymium:Yttnum Aluminum Garnet Laser Irradiation on Endometrium and on Endometrial Cysts in Six Mares

Effects of neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on equine endometrium were evaluated in vitro and in six mares with endometrial cysts. The Nd:YAG laser was applied to six endometrial sites, in each of five uterine specimens, with power densities of 5659 to 33,954 J/cm2. Depth of tissue ablation was measured and graded on histologic sections of the tissue lesions. Power density had a significant effect on the depth of tissue ablation (p < .001). Grade 3 lesions (full-thickness ablation of the endometrium) were created with energy densities of 16,977 to 33,954 J/cm2. Six mares had endometrial cysts treated by photoablation. Two of the four mares that were reproductively sound but barren, despite appropriate breeding, produced foals after treatment. One mare remained reproductively unsound after treatment, and another mare that was treated postpartum was bred successfully.
Colic and fussing in infancy, and sensory processing at 3 to 8 years of age

The purpose of this follow-up study was to examine whether a group of 28 clinic-referred infants with colic, excessive crying, or both at 4 to 12 weeks demonstrated sensory processing, coping, and behavioral/attention regulation difficulties at 3 to 8 years of age. Seventy-five percent of the sample demonstrated atypical behavioral responses to sensory experiences. Hours of fussing during infancy significantly correlated with inattention, emotional reactivity, touch processing, environmental coping, and externalizing behavior at 3 to 8 years, but not hours of crying. The most striking result was that children with more hours of early fussing showed less efficient sensory processing, poorer coping with the environment, and more attention/hyperactivity problems compared to those with less hours of fussing. Results suggest that hours of fussing rather than crying could be an early marker for infants at risk.
Recovery from psychosis in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: symptoms and neurocognitive rate-limiters for the development of social behavior skills

Neurocognitive deficits are believed to be important predictors of functional outcome in chronic psychotic disorders, but few supporting studies have utilized prospective designs and adequate control. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative influence of symptoms and neurocognitive deficits on the development of social behavior skills in a cohort of individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder recovering from acute symptom exacerbations. Forty-six individuals were recruited upon discharge from an inpatient unit and completed assessments of symptoms, neurocognitive function, and social behavior at 3-month intervals for 1 year. Correlational analyses and random regression models were used to model social behavioral capacities longitudinally. Social behavior improved modestly (10% improvements in ratings) over the follow-up period for the group as a whole. Disorganized and negative symptoms, as well as neurocognitive deficits in short-term and working memory predicted changes in social behavior over time. Individuals with better working memory function showed significantly greater abilities to recover social behavior skills, whereas those with working memory deficits showed no functional improvement over time. Both symptoms and neurocognitive deficits are important determinants of functional outcome in schizophrenia. It is proposed that clinicians should consider neurocognitive thresholds for treatment response when developing rehabilitation plans.
Schur-convex robustness measures in dynamical networks

We investigate robustness of networks with linear time-invariant dynamics under external stochastic disturbances. We propose a partial ordering on this class of dynamical networks and exploit their structural properties to characterize their robustness properties and fundamental limits. Then, we show that several existing and widely used scalar robustness measures are indeed Schur-convex functions on the spectrum of the Laplacian of the networks. We show that certain robustness features of the first-order consensus networks can be formulated as Schur-convex functions of their Laplacian eigenvalues. Specifically, we define the uncertainty volume and entropy based on the minimum-volume covering ellipsoid of the steady-state output points of the excited network. It is shown that the uncertainty volume is directly related to the number of spanning trees of the underlying graph of the network. Furthermore, we show that for networks with regular lattice interconnection topologies this measure scales asymptotically with network size. Finally, we propose an optimization-based method to improve robustness in linear dynamical networks.
Scramjet mixing establishment times for a pulse facility

A numerical simulation of the temporally developing flow through a generic scramjet combustor duct is presented for stagnation conditions typical of flight at Mach 13 as produced by a shock tunnel pulse facility. The particular focus is to examine the start up transients and to determine the time required for certain flow parameters to become established. The calculations were made with a Navier-Stokes solver SPARK with temporally relaxing inflow conditions derived from operation of the T4 shock tunnel at the University of Queensland in Australia. Calculations at nominal steady inflow conditions were made for comparison. The generic combustor geometry includes the injection of hydrogen fuel from the base of a centrally located strut. In both cases, the flow was assumed laminar and fuel combustion was not included. The establishment process is presented for viscous parameters in the boundary layer and for parameters related to the fuel mixing.
Observation of two different oscillation periods in the exchange coupling of Fe/Cr/Fe(100).

Oscillations of ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic exchange coupling between two Fe layers separated by a Cr spacer of linearly increasing thickness were investigated by imaging the magnetic domains with scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis (SEMPA). Up to six oscillations in the coupling with a period of 10\char21{}12 Cr layers were observed, and, in the case of an extremely well ordered Cr interlayer, additional oscillations with a period of 2 Cr layers were observed.
A decision model and methodology for the AIDS epidemic

A study by Kaplan [18] is, to our knowledge, the first to put an avowed AIDS model into an intervention setting. Specifically, consequences of programs for reducing the frequency of new partner selection and effects of partially-effective immunization are viewed by numerical studies, with the parameter choice motivated by data from the San Francisco epidemic. The present work places Kaplan's model into a stochastic time series setting, and costs are assigned to intervention and to caring for AIDS victims. An optimization scheme for solving the resulting decision problem is analyzed and also is illustrated computationally by application to the San Francisco data.
Patient satisfaction with treatment for chronic pain: predictors and relationship to compliance.

Objectives: Patient satisfaction with treatment has been extensively researched in a variety of medical patients. However, satisfaction with treatment of chronic pain has received considerably less attention. The present study sought to identify the predictors of patient satisfaction with treatment of chronic pain. In addition, the relationship between patient satisfaction and compliance with treatment recommendations was explored. Methods: One hundred eighty patients (84 men and 96 women) seeking treatment of chronic pain at University of Florida pain clinics were recruited for this telephone follow-up study. Results: Satisfaction ratings were generally high, with ratings of satisfaction with care significantly higher (/(179) = 9.58, P < 0.001) than ratings of satisfaction with improvement. Aspects of the patient-provider interaction, pain relief, and anxiety at treatment onset predicted satisfaction with care. These same variables, with the exception of anxiety, also predicted satisfaction with improvement. Those patients who were more satisfied with their improvement were also more compliant with treatment recommendations, and this relationship was stronger for health care provider-rated compliance. Discussion: Results suggest the importance of distinguishing between satisfaction with care and satisfaction with improvement in assessments. Satisfaction with treatment of chronic pain is not merely a matter of pain relief. To increase the probability of treatment success and satisfaction, attention to the interpersonal aspects of the health care provider-patient relationship appear critical. Explanations for satisfaction's stronger relationship to health care provider-rated compliance were discussed.
Basis property of eigenfunctions of nonselfadjoint operator pencils generated by the equation of nonhomogeneous damped string

We consider a class of nonselfadjoint quadratic operator pencils generated by the equation, which governs the vibrations of a string with nonconstant bounded density subject to viscous damping with a nonconstant damping coefficient. These pencils depend on a complex parameterh, which enters the boundary conditions. Depending on the values ofh, the eigenvalues of the above pencils may describe the resonances in the scattering of elastic waves on an infinite string or the eingenmodes of a finite string. We obtain the 7asymptotic representations for these eigenvalues. Assuming that the proper multiplicity of each eigenvalue is equal to one, we prove that the eigenfunctions of these pencils form Riesz bases in the weightedL2-space, whose weight function is exactly the density of the string. The general case of multiple eigenvalues will be treated in another paper, based on the results of the present work.
Substrate binding mutants of the higher plant ADP-glucose phrophosphorylase

To explore the structure-function relationships of the heterotetrameric higher plant ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, composed of a pair of large and small subunits, the small subunit cDNA was subjected to chemical mutagenesis and then co-expressed with the wild-type large subunit cDNA. Mutants were selected for their inability to complement a defective bacterial ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene and, in turn, to accumulate glycogen as viewed by iodine staining of the cells. Based on these initial analyses, we subsequently identified four distinct classes of mutations which were glycogen-deficient but exhibited enzyme activity levels comparable to the normal recombinant enzyme under saturating reaction conditions. Three classes, each a product of single amino acid substitution, showed altered kinetic constants for substrates. Substitution of Asp252 to Asn conferred the enzyme lower affinity for glucose-1-phosphate, replacement of Asp121 to Asn resulted in an enzyme less responsive to both glucose-1-phosphate and ATP, while the Ala106 to Thr substituted enzyme contains altered sensitivity primarily to ATP. The fourth class, a Pro43 to Ser substitution, resulted in an enzyme with decreased sensitivity (8-fold) to the activator 3-PGA. Overall, the results of this study suggests that the two subunit types do not have identical roles in enzyme function and that the small subunit plays a more dominant role in catalysis than the large subunit.
Construction of a class of minimal surfaces with ESL

Abstract The Cartesian form of the nonlinear minimal surface equation is derived from the minimization of the surface area. The solution of the corresponding equation in polar coordinates is assumed to be of the form z1(r)cos nθ + z2(r)sin nθ. The functions z1 and z2 are found to satisfy nonlinear ordinary differential equations. For various values of initial data and n, the computer simulation language ESL and the Grafrool software are used to approximnmate solutions of the ode's and generate 3D-graphs of the minimal surfaces.
Distal radius fractures: mechanisms of injury and strength prediction by bone mineral assessment.

Summary: The strength of the radius depends on the mechanical properties of cancellous and cortical bone. By assessing both compartments quantitatively with bone densitometry. we tried to identify the specificity of each in predicting thc load at which the distal radius will fracture. Twenty human cadaver forcarms were scanned for bone mineral and geometric properties with quantitative computed tomography and dual x-ray absorptiometry. In both a neutral loading situation and one in which the wrist was extended 45”, thc load distribution was determined with prcssure-sensitive films, and a fracturc siinulating a fall on the hand was produced with a material testing machine. Fractures that occur with the wrist in extension were produced by a central impact of the scaphoid onto Lhe radiocarpal joint, and those that occur under neutral loading conditions were produced by a morc commonly distributed loading pattern. The load at fracture was most specifically predicted (rz = 0.74) by bone mineral and geometric measures of the cortex at the shaft of thc radius. Bone niineral density measures of trabecular (r2 = 0.64) and total (r2 = 0.66) bonc were less successful in predicting the fracturc load. After adjustment lor bone size, the geometric and density measures revealed similar specificity. Cortical bone, therefore, contributes significantly to the strength of the distal radius and may play an important role in the prediction of osteoporotic wrist fractures. Most injuries of the wrist are thought to be due to falls on the hand. When the hand strikes the ground, a vertical force with variable lateral and dorsal components is transmitted through the carpal bones to the lower end of the radius and most commonly results in the fracture of the distal radius (3). An association bctween the pattern oT the fracture and thc mechanism of the injury was suggested by Melone (20), who identified hyperextension and compression as the major force components that cause fractures in the wrist. Both iorce components can be transmitted onto the radiocarpal joint during a fall on the hand. The amount of dorsal flexion of the hand during a fall is one important factor that determines the ratio between compression and tension forces to the radiocarpal joint (17). Varying the degree of extension of the wrist is therefore likely to result in different fracture patterns of the distal radius. Another aspect of radial fractures is the association with osteoporotic bone loss. Nearly one of five women will have sustained a fracture ol the distal forearm by
Adaptive Optics Psychophysics

Adaptive optics allows imaging of individual photoreceptors in vivo and viewing of arbitrary stimuli nearly free of optical blur. Combining these abilities has created new opportunities to study the retinal and neural limits on vision.
Multiscale, hybrid mixture theory for swelling systems—I: balance laws

A three-scale problem involving swelling media is considered. The structure of the system (e.g. clay, polymers, etc.) is assumed to be characterized by particles composed of more than one phase (usually solid and liquid) which may swell or shrink. The swelling (or shrinkage) is the result of mass transfer from (to) a multicomponent solution which is in contact with the particles. Mesoscopic equations for the particles themselves have been obtained elsewhere. The macroscopic equations for the combination of swelling particles and bulk solution as well as their interfaces, considered as a mixture, are obtained here. Constitutive theory for the system is the subject of a subsequent manuscript.
Design and analysis of cooled optical components for synchrotron beamlines

The high power levels found in modern synchrotrons require the use of cooled beamline optics in order to maintain optical distortion at acceptable levels. The best cooling methods are those which give acceptable distortion levels both economically and reliably. We review analytical studies we have performed on a number of cooled optics for synchrotron beamlines. Studies involving a wide range of power loadings, beam profiles, and optic geometries are discussed.
Amygdala kindling elevates plasma vasopressin

Acute and chronic effects of epilepsy on endocrine function are known to occur in humans with partial seizures of limbic origin and in animals with limbic kindled seizures. The amygdala, a component of the limbic system, has dense hypothalamic connections and amygdala stimulation in monkeys and cats result in vasopressin release. In the present study we sought to determine if amygdala stimulation in the rats results in an immediate acute release of vasopressin and to determine if acute or chronic changes occur in vasopressin release in the fully kindled animal. Plasma vasopressin, osmolality and hematocrit were measured in blood samples drawn from rats with implanted venous catheters before and after stimulation and at different stages of kindling. Low-frequency (15 Hz) electrical stimulation of the amygdala was followed by an immediate, 3-fold increase in plasma vasopressin concentration. Moreover, although the 60 Hz kindling stimulus did not result in a significant immediate rise in plasma vasopressin prior to kindling, after kindling to stage 5 seizures the 60 Hz kindling stimulus resulted in seizures and a significant immediate rise in plasma vasopressin. In addition, we found that kindling was followed by a significant, though modest, rise in the resting plasma vasopressin without an accompanying change in osmolality or hematocrit. We conclude that kindling results in a persistent alteration in the vasopressinergic neuroendocrine system.
The Serine Protease Inhibitors, Tosylphenylalanine Chloromethyl Ketone and Tosyllysine Chloromethyl Ketone, Potently Inhibit pp70s6k Activation

pp70(s6k) is a mitogen-regulated serine/threonine kinase involved in the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle. We have analyzed its regulation in several cell lines by a variety of agonists and have found that pp70(s6k) activation by all stimuli tested is completely blocked by the serine protease inhibitors tosylphenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) and tosyllysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK). TPCK inhibition of the pp70(s6k) signaling pathway resembles that of the immunosuppressant rapamycin; however, we demonstrate that their methods of inhibition differ. We find that TPCK and TLCK are not general signaling inhibitors since the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is not abrogated. The demonstration that these protease inhibitors prevent signaling via the pp70(s6k) pathway will help in understanding the variety of physiological processes that TPCK and TLCK have been shown to effect.
Evaluation of Growth Rate Constants of Oxalic Acid Dihydrate at Constant Supersaturation

It is shown that at constant supersaturation during crystallization of oxalic acid dihydrate, the growth rate equation can be solved in closed form. At low degrees of supersaturation, where nucleation is negligible, the depletion of solute from solution is described by a cube root relationship and allows for calculation of the growth rate constant.
Ab initio studies of Si(100) surface reconstruction

Abstract The reconstruction of the Si(100) surface is studied by a cluster method at several theoretical levels. It is found that the calculated surface dimer bond length is very sensitive to the level of theoretical treatment. A single-determinant SCF treatment gives a closed-shell singlet state higher in energy than the triplet state and a dimer length for the singlet of 2.21 A, 0.26 A shorter than the triplet. The correct ground state is a singlet, but a multi-determinant wavefunction is required for its description. At the CI level, the surface dimer in the ground state is found to be symmetrical with a dimer bond length of 2.40 A and the energy decrease for dimer formation with respect to the ideal Si(100)1 × 1 surface is 1.98 eV per dimer. The total energies of 10 alternative structural models are also calculated. It is found that, in general, those models with very short dimer lengths (
The ‘Spanglification’ of Advertising Campaigns in Hispanic Media? A Comparison of Approaches in Spanish‐only and Dual Language Magazines

The Hispanic market in the USA is a rapidly growing demographic segment that receives considerable attention from marketers. In addition, there is a considerable amount of literature on the Hispanic consumer's attitude towards advertising. Prior research has focused on the Hispanic audience's preference for English language versus Spanish language advertisements and provided normative guidelines for advertisers. This paper analyses the content from advertisements in a Spanish language magazine and dual language (English–Spanish) magazine in order to determine whether they adhere to these normative guidelines. The findings suggest that media vehicle selection does play a part in determining the language content of an advertisement as well as the amount of copy used in English language and Spanish language advertisements. The results also suggest that the amount of advertisements that use a bilingual approach remains small, with advertisers preferring an either/or approach to language selection.
Design and Analysis of an Innovative Modular Extendable Manipulator

This study present a design and analysis scheme for the extend-able modular robotic manipulator with multi Degree of Freedom links that is capable of elongating by 15% of its nominal length. The intent is to facilitate the movement of the proposed robotic manipulator in constraint environments, such as rubble piles. In this context, the total number of links decided by optimization methodology can be a useful distinction in practice. In order to identify the benefits of the proposed design strategy, the reachable workspace of the proposed manipulator is compared with that of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) serpentine robot. The simulation results show that the proposed manipulator has a relatively efficient reachable workspace to deal with a variety of constrained directions, needed in constrained environments. Also, the singularity of the designed manipulator is investigated.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Treatment intensity and characteristics of MRSA infection in CF.

Abstract Background Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and interchange of hospital-associated strains carrying the staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec -II (SCC mec -II) with those in the community (SCC mec -IV) has increased. This study assesses the impact of MRSA and different MRSA types on clinical outcomes, medication use, and antibiotic sensitivities. Methods MRSA isolates from CF patients at our center were typed by SCC mec - and pv l status. Patient characteristics, lung function and nutrition are compared between MRSA types and to age, gender and Pseudomonas aeruginosa matched patients with chronic methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) infection. Results Seventy-two percent of patients carry pv l negative SCC mec -II isolates. Seventeen percent of all MRSA were SCC mec -IV pv l positive (USA300). These patients were younger and fewer had chronic P. aeruginosa infection, whereas pv l -negative SCC mec -IV isolates show highest antibiotic resistance. Nutritional outcomes and FEV1 percent predicted (75.1±2.7 versus 77.9±2.7) did not differ in patients with MRSA compared to those with MSSA but MRSA patients received more pulmonary maintenance but not oral antibiotic medications. Conclusion Patients with chronic MRSA are treated more intensely than age, gender and Pseudomonas aeruginosa matched MSSA-positive patients but clinical characteristics within MRSA patients vary depending on MRSA types.
The eroticism of Internet cruising as a self-contained behaviour: a multivariate analysis of men seeking men demographics and getting off online.

Most studies on men seeking men and who use the Internet for sexual purposes have focused on the epidemiological outcomes of Internet cruising. Other research has only focused on online sexual behaviours such as cybersex. The present study examines men who find the acts of Internet cruising and emailing to be erotic as self-contained behaviours. We surveyed 499 men who used craigslist.org for sexually-oriented purposes, and ran an ordinary least squares multiple regression model to determine the demographic characteristics of men seeking men who found Internet cruising erotic. Our results showed that younger compared to older men seeking men found the acts erotic. Likewise, men seeking men from mid-sized cities and large cities compared to men from smaller cities found Internet cruising and emailing to be erotic. Most notably, bisexual- and heterosexual-identifying men seeking men compared to gay-identifying men found these acts to be more erotic. Our results suggested that self-contained Internet cruisin...
Incentive system for coders in medical records

Abstract Micro-level incentive Systems correlate operator speed & quality to compensate in a piece-rate environment. Since quality and speed are difficult to measure in hospitals, micro-level incentive schemes are difficult to develop. However, due to a high turnover and low productivity level of coders in the Medical Records Department at Georgetown University Hospital, it became apparent that an incentive system would be the only feasible solution to the problem. In the Incentive System, quality of each chart is tested using 25 indicators, each of which have been assigned weights. The weights were developed using a software package called “Expert Choice”. A Double Sampling Plan is used to determine the size of the sample to be inspected for quality. The speed requirements for the System were assessed via a survey conducted in the Coding section of the Medical Records Department to collect relevant information on each chart which included the financial class, length of stay (LOS) and time to code. This data was analyzed using a SAS package to identify any significant relations between the experience of the coder at GUH, LOS of patient/chart and time to code a chart for the two financial classes third party payors -- federal and non- Federal (Medicare & Medicaid and all others resp.) It was determined tat the time to code a chart varies with the LOS of the chart in each financial class and the experience of the coder at GUH. An initial analysis identified a “pure” Incentive System--one in which the speed varied proportionately with operator's pay. However, it was decided to develop a hybrid plan. This plan would pay a coder 100% of base pay if the performance of the coder was within acceptable levels of the prescribed standards; 100% of base pay plus incentive pay if the performance was above prescribed standards and 100% of base pay with disciplinary action for performance below acceptable levels of standards It is hoped that the proposed Incentive System will not only attract and retain qualified Coders to GUH, but also enhance the overall productivity of the Coding Section. A microcomputer based software package as been developed to accurately administer the Incentive System.
Temperature-controlled radiofrequency tongue base reduction for sleep-disordered breathing: Long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of temperature-controlled radiofrequency reduction of the tongue base in sleep-disordered breathing.METHODS: The 18 patients from our init...
Micromachined capacitive accelerometer

Abstract A capacitive accelerometer has been fabricated from Si 110 wafers using the silicon micromachining technique. The sensor basically consists of an elastically suspended plate between two fixed capacitor plates, forming a differential capacitor. The central plate is equipped with several slits, which reduces the air damping and enhances the dynamic behaviour. A sensor with a sufficient number of slits detects accelerations up to 1000 Hz with a signal deviation of less than 10%, while a sensor with no slits reaches the same deviation already around 50 Hz. The experimental data have been fitted with the theoretical curve, and the damping and resonance frequency are determined for different numbers of slits.
Emerging global divides in media and communication theory: European universalism versus non-Western reactions

What Wallerstein described as European universalism dominated media and communication theory until the end of the twentieth century. The three-tier divide of the global economic system (center, semi-periphery, and periphery) explicated in world-system analysis was equally applicable to the global academic/scholarship structure. The non-traditional fields of study, such as media and (mass) communication, inherited the full flavor of European universalism because they originated in the academic institutions of the center countries. The turn of the century saw a dramatic reaction to the Euro-American rhetoric of power. Organized groups of scholars have begun to question the presumption of European universalism in media and communication theory, encompassing its axiology, epistemology/methodology, and ontology. Global divides in media and communication studies have emerged with some Asian scholars going back to the philosophical genius of Buddha, Laozi, Confucius, Nagarjuna, and others to derive relevant theo...
A solution to limited genomic capacity: using adaptable binding surfaces to assemble the functional HIV Rev oligomer on RNA

Many ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes assemble into large, organized structures in which protein subunits are positioned by interactions with RNA and other proteins. Here we demonstrate that HIV Rev, constrained in size by a limited viral genome, also forms an organized RNP by assembling a homo-oligomer on the Rev response element (RRE) RNA. Rev subunits bind cooperatively to discrete RNA sites using an oligomerization domain and an adaptable protein-RNA interface, forming a complex with 500-fold higher affinity than the tightest single interaction. High-affinity binding correlates strongly with RNA export activity. Rev utilizes different surfaces of its α-helical RNA-binding domain to recognize several low-affinity binding sites, including the well-characterized stem IIB site and an additional site in stem IA. We propose that adaptable RNA-binding surfaces allow the Rev oligomer to assemble economically into a discrete, stable RNP and provide a mechanistic role for Rev oligomerization during the HIV life cycle.
Growth and muscle protein turnover in the chick

Abstract The growth rates of young chicks were varied from 0 to 10% per day by manipulation of the adequacy of the amino acid and energy supply. The rates of protein synthesis in the white breast (pectoralis thoracica) muscle and the dark leg (gastrocnemius and peronaeus longus) muscles were estimated by feeding l-[U-14C]tyrosine in amino acid/agar-gel diets (`dietary infusion'). This treatment rapidly and consistently produced an isotopic equilibrium in the expired CO2 and in the free tyrosine of plasma and the muscles. Wholebody protein synthesis in 2-week-old chicks was estimated from the tyrosine flux and was 6.4g/day per 100g body wt. In 1-week-old chicks the rate of protein synthesis was more rapid in the breast muscles than in the leg muscles, but decreased until the rates were similar in 2-week-old birds. Synthesis was also more rapid in fast-growing Rock Cornish broilers than in medium-slow-growing New Hampshire×Single Comb White Leghorn chicks. No or barely significant decrease in the high rates of protein synthesis, in the protein/RNA ratio and in the activity of RNA for protein synthesis occurred in non- or slow-growing chicks fed on diets deficient in lysine, total nitrogen or energy. Thus the machinery of protein synthesis in the young chick seems to be relatively insensitive to dietary manipulation. In the leg muscles, there was a small but significant correlation between the fractional rate of growth and protein synthesis. A decrease in the fractional rate of degradation, however, appeared to account for much of the accumulation of muscle protein in rapidly growing birds. In addition, the rapid accumulation of breast-muscle protein in rapidly growing chicks appeared to be achieved almost entirely by a marked decrease in the fractional rate of degradation.
Floating base thyristor

The floating base thyristor (FBT) is a new thyristor structure in which its p-base region, containing a p+ region, is not shorted to the n+ emitter. Using the DMOS process, an n-channel and a p-channel MOSFET are integrated with the thyristor structure. The device operates in the thyristor mode with a low ON-state voltage drop at even high current densities when a positive bias is applied to both gates. When a negative bias is applied to the OFF gate, the device operates in the IGBT mode with the saturated current controlled by the positive bias applied to the ON gate.
A sensitive multi-detector neutron counter used to monitor 'cold fusion' experiments in an underground laboratory; negative results and positive artifacts

A description is given of the neutron counter system used in a search for neutrons at high-sensitivity, the negative results obtained, and the identification of some potentially misleading artifacts of neutron detection. More than 30 different test cell configurations were tested to cover the full range of the pertinent experimental variables. The design and characteristics of the neutron counter are discussed. The significant features of this neutron search technique are: (1) three independent neutron detectors of relatively high efficiency were used to simultaneously monitor the test cells; (2) the detectors were calibrated using a /sup 252/Cf neutron source in place of the test cells; and (3) the experiments were performed in an underground laboratory to reduce the neutron background induced by cosmic rays. The overall efficiency of the counter for /sup 252/Cf neutrons was 9.2 to 15%, depending on the experimental arrangement. No evidence was observed for significant neutron emission from any of the more than 30 test cell configurations that were monitored for a total of 339 h in the underground laboratory. >
Optimum organization of SRAM-based memory for leakage power reduction

Active power, area, architecture, and timing constraints are the major factors in choosing SRAM-based memory organization in contemporary submicron SOCs. In this paper we add the effect of SRAM organization on leakage power as another major factor to consider in selecting a cache organization. Leakage power becomes an important factor for sub 100 nm process technology especially for SRAM-based memory because of the high percentage of ideal circuit to active circuit in any given time. We present the relationship between the SRAM organization and the leakage power at the following process nodes: 32 nm, 45 nm, 65 nm, 90 nm, 130 nm and 180 nm using the predictive technology models (PTM). SPICE simulations results of leakage power versus SRAM organization for a 1-kbits SRAM design is presented in details.
Scheduling and power control in statistical beamforming networks using B bits of feedback

In this work, we develop limited feedback techniques that utilize both Channel State Information (CSI) and Channel Distribution Information (CDI) for communication in multiuser MIMO beamforming networks with SINR constraints on the links. We minimize power in the network using a CDI-based algorithm, and then use limited CSI feedback to improve on this scheme by reducing power consumption further and transmit opportunistically. We study three cases of the CSI feedback channel-with one bit of bandwidth, with infinite bits, and with B bits. We develop feedback techniques for the one-bit and infinite-bit cases, and then derive the optimal quantizer for the B-bit case. Our results show that significant power reduction can be achieved using a small number of bits.
Cognitive context modeling in the socio-technical systems

This paper proposes an architecture for modeling the enterprise context. This model is comprised of a quasi-static module which is shared by all the documents in an enterprise and a dynamic module that is document specific. The quasi-static module is then modeled based on the assumption that the context is formed as in a distributed cognitive system. The modeling tools used are taken from the field of cognitive linguistics.
On the Theory of Linear Trellises

Trellis linearity, first considered by McEliece in 1996, turns out to be crucial in the study of tail-biting trellises. In this chapter, basic structural properties of linear trellises are investigated. A rigorous definition of linearity is given for both conventional and tail-biting trellises. An algorithm that determines in polynomial time whether a given trellis is linear is then derived. The relationship between linear trellises and the trellis product construction is discussed. The key result of this chapter is that a trellis
Scaling Rules for Telegraph Noise

A derivation of scaling rules for random telegraph signals (telegraph noise) and signal-to-noise ratios is presented, taking into consideration trap-assisted Coulomb scattering for stochastic switching. The theory applicable to this problem is based on a Landauer approach for the electric current and formal expressions for different transport regimes: diffusive, ballistic, and deep-tunneling. It is shown that the transport nature determines the scaling rules for telegraph noise with respect to dimensioniality as well as their dependences on channel length and temperature.