cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation Free Energies and Vacancy-Divalent-Ion Binding Energy from Internal-Friction Experiments on NaCl

The properties of charged dislocations are exploited to obtain the formation free energies for positive and negative ion vacancies and the cation-vacancy-divalent-impurity binding energy for calcium-doped NaCl. An internal-friction technique was used to determine the temperatures for which the dislocations were uncharged, for four calcium concentrations. These critical temperatures were then related to the defect parameters of the system in various ways involving different treatments of the defect interactions. The importance of including defect interactions in such analyses is demonstrated. In the temperature range $400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}lTl700\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$, we find the cation-vacancy free formation energy to be ${F}^{+}=0.635\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.011 \mathrm{eV}\ensuremath{-}(6.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)k(T\ensuremath{-}823\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K})$, while the binding energy of a calcium ion and a nearest-neighbor cation vacancy is $B=0.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10$ eV.
The effects of retinoic acid and a tumor promoter, 12-O-tetra-decanoylphorbol-13-acetate, on lymphocyte proliferation

The tumor promotor, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) inhibits DNA synthesis in allogenic, mixed cultures of bovine lymphocytes. Retinoic acid, an antagonist of TPA in in vivo skin promotion, was tested for its ability to counteract the effect of TPA on lymphocyte proliferation. Retinoic acid or related compounds, retinol or retinol acetate, did not reverse or prevent the inhibitory effect of TPA. Instead retinoic acid also inhibited DNA synthesis in mixed lymphocyte cultures. On the average, about 8 microM retinoic acid inhibited the mixed lymphocyte response by 50%. The mitogenic response of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was also inhibited by retinoic acid. The degree of inhibition depended both on the concentration of PHA and of retinoic acid. Therefore, in regard to bovine lymphocytes, retinoic acid depresses DNA synthesis in both allogenic and lectin stimulated responses. Such suppression should be taken into account in the use of retinoic acid in chemotherapy.
Analysis of heterogeneous fluorescence photobleaching by video kinetics imaging: the method of cumulants.

SUMMARY The method of cumulants has been applied to digital video fluorescence microscopy. The method is used to reconstruct the distribution of fluorescent molecules before the initiation of fluorescence photobleaching, and to characterize heterogeneous photobleaching by imaging one or more of the cumulants of the bleaching decay rate. Using the pipelined pixel processor of the image analysis system for the bulk of the calculations, rather than the general-purpose host-computer CPU, the video kinetics imaging can be performed in near real-time. The method is applied to chick embryo myotubes labelled with fluorescein-conjugated α-bungarotoxin. The pre-bleach fluorescence distribution is derived, and the image of fluorescein fluorescence is separated from glutaraldehyde-induced autofluorescence on the basis of the spatially resolved average photobleaching decay rate.
The place of metabolism in the origin of life

Metabolism and replication are generally considered essential features of biological life. Workers in the field of the origin of life are mostly split into two groups, depending on which of these two functions is postulated to have occurred first. Because of difficulties encountered by the replication-first (or genetics-first) approach, some workers have postulated that a highly developed metabolism must have originated before replication and the formation of a genetic apparatus. However, as supporters of a replication-first approach have pointed out, and as is discussed in this article, the alternative metabolism-first approach has fundamental problems that have not been sufficiently addressed.
Intertwining of the equations of black-hole perturbations.

For both Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordstrom black holes, equations have been given in which the dynamics of perturbations are governed by effective potentials. These potentials have different form for odd- and for even-parity perturbations, yet they are equivalent. In particular, they give rise to the same spectrum of quasinormal frequencies. Though all the potentials are rational functions of the radial coordinate, the odd-parity potentials are markedly simpler and are necessary for certain semianalytic approaches to numerical studies.
Choledochal sphincter relaxation in response to histamine in the primate.

Abstract While histamine is ubiquitous in the gastrointestinal tract, its role in gastrointestinal function is only recently being unraveled. In addition to participating in gastric acid secretion, histamine causes contraction of gallbladder (GB) smooth muscle via stimulatory H 1 -receptors, although inhibitory H 2 -receptors are also present in GB smooth muscle. We examined the biliary response to histamine more closely by continuously monitoring choledochal sphincter resistance (SR) with constant saline perfusion and GB pressure (GB p ) in unsedated baboons. Histamine, 0.01 mg, infused iv over 10 min decreased mean SR from 7.7 to 7.0 mm Hg ( p n = 5) while producing a concomitant rise in GB p . Infusion of the specific H 1 -agonist 2-pyridylethylamine elevated GB p but did not alter SR. However, Dimaprit, a specific H 2 -agonist produced a decline in SR from 10.4 to 8.1 mm Hg ( p n = 7) and also decreased GB p . The response to the H 2 -agonist was reproduced intraoperatively ( n = 2) in spite of pyloric occlusion and gastric suction, indicating that endogenous cholecystokinin (CCK) release did not cause the fall in SR. These data suggest (1) the presence of previously undescribed H 2 -receptors in the primate choledochal sphincter and (2) that by virtue of its dual receptors, histamine has properties in the primate biliary tract which mimic those of cholecystokinin. Histamine may play an important role in coordinating biliary responses.
Targeted therapies for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel pattern abnormalities, which compromise patients' daily functioning. Common therapies address one or two IBS symptoms, while others offer wider symptom control, presumably by targeting pathophysiologic mechanisms of IBS. The aim of this targeted literature review was to capture clinical trial reports of agents receiving the highest recommendation (Grade 1) for treatment of IBS from the 2009 American College of Gastroenterology IBS Task Force, with an emphasis on diarrhea-predominant IBS. Literature searches in PubMed captured articles detailing randomized placebo-controlled trials in IBS/diarrhea-predominant IBS for agents receiving Grade I (strong) 2009 American College of Gastroenterology IBS Task Force recommendations: tricyclic antidepressants, nonabsorbable antibiotics, and the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist alosetron. Studies specific for constipation-predominant IBS were excluded. Tricyclic antidepressants appear to improve global IBS symptoms but have variable effects on abdominal pain and uncertain tolerability; effects on stool consistency, frequency, and urgency were not adequately assessed. Nonabsorbable antibiotics show positive effects on global symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, and stool consistency but may be most efficacious in patients with altered intestinal microbiota. Alosetron improves global symptoms and abdominal pain and normalizes bowel irregularities, including stool frequency, consistency, and fecal urgency. Both the nonabsorbable antibiotic rifaximin and the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist alosetron improve quality of life. Targeted therapies provide more complete relief of IBS symptoms than conventional agents. Familiarization with the quantity and quality of evidence of effectiveness can facilitate more individualized treatment plans for patients with this heterogeneous disorder.
Epidemiologic distribution of the arginine catabolic mobile element among selected methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates

We tested 214 Staphylococcus aureus isolates for the arcA locus of the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME). All USA300 SCCmec IVa isolates, but no isolates containing other SCCmec subtypes, were arcA positive. arcA was also detected in selected methicillin-susceptible USA300 and methicillin-resistant USA100 isolates. DNA sequence analysis confirmed the integration of ACME in orfX.
Localization of Asymmetric Brain Function in Emotion and Depression

Although numerous EEG studies have shown that depression is associated with abnormal functional asymmetries in frontal cortex, fMRI and PET studies have largely failed to identify specific brain areas showing this effect. The present study tested the hypothesis that emotion processes are related to asymmetric patterns of fMRI activity, particularly within dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Eleven depressed and 18 control participants identified the color in which pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant words were printed. Both groups showed a leftward lateralization for pleasant words in DLPFC. In a neighboring DLPFC area, the depression group showed more right-lateralized activation than controls, replicating EEG findings. These data confirm that emotional stimulus processing and trait depression are associated with asymmetric brain functions in distinct subregions of the DLPFC that may go undetected unless appropriate analytic procedures are used.
What's Necessary to Hide?: Modeling Action Verbs

This paper considers what types of knowledge one must possess in order to reason about actions. Rather than concentrating on how actions are performed, as is done in the problem-solving literature, it examines the set of conditions under which an action can be said to have occurred. In other words, if one is told that action A occurred, what can be inferred about the state of the world? In particular, if the representation can define such conditions, it must have good models of time, belief, and intention. This paper discusses these issues and suggests a formalism in which general actions and events can be defined. Throughout, the action of hiding a book from someone is used as a motivating example.
Scheduling selective disassembly for plastics recovery in an electronics recycling center

High-value engineering plastics demand in the electronics industry reaches nearly 1.5 million tons annually. Since these plastics are derived from nonrenewable petroleum-based resources, research for scheduling of plastics-to-plastics recycling is warranted. Recent research has shown the feasibility of extending the reverse electronics supply chain, driven primarily by remanufacturing and metals recovery, to include plastics recovery. The extended recycling process adds plastic cover disassembly for separation of the majority of the plastics in electronics prior to bulk processes for metals separation. In anticipation of recovered plastics demand for product housings, we develop scheduling rules for plastics demand-driven disassembly processes and test them in a discrete event simulation model of a recycling center. In our experimental design, we vary disassembly scheduling rules, the mix of end-of-life electronic product arrivals, and plastics demand. Although the mix of incoming products has a significant impact on plastics recovery rate, our results demonstrate that the application of plastics demand-driven or supply-based disassembly scheduling rules perform similarly in maintaining metals and plastics throughput from consumer electronics.
Structure-activity relationships for reactivity of carbonyl-containing compounds with glutathione

For toxicological-based structure-activity relationships to advance, will require a better understanding of molecular reactivity. A rapid and inexpensive spectrophotometric assay for determining the reactive to glutathione (GSH) was developed and used to determine GSH reactivity (reactGSH) data for 21 aliphatic derivatives of esters, ketones and aldehydes. From these data, a series of structure-activity relationships were evaluated. The structure feature associated with reactGSH was an acetylenic or olefinic moiety conjugated to a carbonyl group (i.e. polarized alpha,beta-unsaturation). This structure conveys the capacity to undergo a covalent interaction with the thiol group of cysteine (i.e. Michael- addition). Quantitatively reactGSH of the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is reliant upon the specific molecular structure with several tendencies observed. Specifically, it was noted that for alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds: (1) the acetylenic-substituted derivatives were more reactive than the corresponding olefinic-substituted ones; (2) terminal vinyl-substituted derivatives was more reactive than the internal vinylene-substituted ones; (3) methyl substitution on the vinyl carbon atoms diminishes reactivity and methyl-substitution on the carbon atom farthest from the carbonyl group causes a larger reduction; (4) derivatives with carbon-carbon double bond on the end of the molecule (i.e. vinyl ketone) were more reactive than one with the carbon-oxygen bond at the end of the molecule (i.e. aldehyde) and (5) the ester with an additional unsaturated vinyl groups were more reactive than the derivative having an unsaturated ethyl group.
Genuinely Service-Oriented Enterprises: Using Work System Theory to See Beyond the Promise of Efficient Software Architecture

The concept of service-oriented enterprise has great potential. Taken literally, however, it raises many issues, including practical difficulties of creating a service-oriented enterprise in the computer science sense and the huge leap from flexible IT infrastructure to an enterprise that is genuinely oriented toward providing services for customers and employees. This paper is a conceptual contribution showing how work system theory can help in seeing analysis and design issues beyond technical architectures that have dominated research to date. After summarizing background concepts related to service, service systems, and the vision of service-oriented enterprises, this paper explains how work system theory can help in recognizing many obstacles on the path toward that ideal. Recognition of those obstacles supports analysis and design by illuminating the amount of change required to move to a genuinely service-oriented enterprise and by helping analysts and designers decide where service-orientation in its various guises is really appropriate.
Extensive and Intensive Agricultural Supply Response

Interest in agricultural supply response increased dramatically after model predictions of land use change were used to estimate biofuel greenhouse gas emissions. The models divide crop response into higher yield—the intensive margin—or more land—the extensive margin. Input adjustments are assumed to drive yield response. But most yield changes result from adoption of technology. Regulators and modelers assume that increased harvested area implies conversion of land from forest or pasture to crops. With the notable exception of African countries, recent expansion of harvested area is due to more intensive use of existing agricultural land through multiple cropping and technology improvement. A lack of response at the extensive margin is consistent with inelastic estimates of land use change estimated by using time-series data. Option value is one reason for this inelastic response. Predictions of land use change based on cross-section data imply much higher land use elasticities than are consistent with r...
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Association Between Postresuscitation Partial Pressure of Arterial Carbon Dioxide and Neurological Outcome in Patients With Post–Cardiac Arrest Syndrome”

We would like to thank Dr Eastwood and colleagues for their interest in our recent article.1 In their letter, they raise concern that our results may reflect local practice and therefore should be interpreted with some caution. Our study was a single-center prospective study. We agree that a study of larger scope or of a different population could have found different results and that further research is needed to determine the optimal Paco2 range during the initial post–cardiac arrest period. However, our finding that hypercapnia in the post–cardiac arrest period is associated with poor neurological outcome is consistent with previous findings of other brain-injured patients such as pediatric post–cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injury patients.2,3 We are familiar with Dr Eastwood and colleagues’ …
Optical fibers for sensing, healing, and reinforcement

A hollow core optical fiber waveguide has been designed, fabricated, and demonstrated for reinforcing, sensing strain and temperature and for healing cracks in a concrete beam. This paper discusses how hollow core and solid core optical fibers can be used to reinforce a concrete specimen, monitor parameters affecting the structure and be used to heal cracks occurring in the structure as well. Measurements of strain and temperature can be made using the liquid core optical fibers or can be inferred indirectly by collocated solid core fiber temperature or strain sensors. As soon as fiber sensors detect a crack or break in the concrete structure, a commercially available concrete restorer liquid is pumped through the hollow core fibers embedded in the structure and `heals the structure.' The healing of the concrete structure and the measurement of strain and temperature using liquid core optical fiber sensors is discussed in this paper.
Near resolution of sleep related rhythmic movement disorder after CPAP for OSA.

Sleep related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) is characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, and rhythmic motor behaviors that involve large muscle groups and occur predominantly during drowsiness and light sleep, though they can appear in any sleep stage [1]. Diagnosis is often but not always straightforward, especially when RMD involves movement patterns other than the most classic body rocking or head banging, or when the patient presents initially in adulthood rather than childhood. We describe an adult diagnosed with RMD only after being treated for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and referred for evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea. Furthermore, treatment of this patient’s obstructive sleep apnea dramatically reduced the RMD.
Complete mapping of crystallization pathways during cholesterol precipitation from model bile: influence of physical-chemical variables of pathophysiologic relevance and identification of a stable liquid crystalline state in cold, dilute and hydrophilic bile salt-containing systems.

Using complementary physical-chemical techniques we defined five different crystallization pathways as functions of time (30 days) and increasing lecithin (egg yolk) content in pathophysiologically relevant model biles super-saturated (cholesterol saturation indices, 1.2 - 2.7) by dilution of approximately equal to 29 g/dl bile salt-lecithin-cholesterol micellar solutions. As evidenced by quasi-elastic light-scattering spectroscopy, supersaturation was heralded by the appearance of unilamellar vesicles. With the lowest lecithin contents, arc-like crystals with habit and density (d 1.030 g/mL) consistent with anhydrous cholesterol appeared first and evolved via helical and tubular crystals to form plate-like cholesterol monohydrate crystals (d 1.045 g/mL). With higher lecithin fractions, cholesterol monohydrate crystals appeared earlier than arc and other transitional crystals. With typical physiological lecithin contents, early liquid crystals (d 1.020 g/mL) were followed by cholesterol monohydrate crystals and subsequent appearances of arc and other intermediate crystals. With higher lecithin contents, liquid crystals were followed by cholesterol monohydrate crystals only, and at the highest lecithin mole fractions, liquid crystals appeared that did not generate solid crystals. Added calcium increased solid crystal number in proportion to its concentration (5 - 20 mM) but did not influence appearance times, crystallization pathways, or micellar cholesterol solubilities. Decreases in temperature (37 degrees –> 4 degrees C), total lipid concentration (7.3 –> 2.4 g/dL), and bile salt hydrophobicity (3 alpha, 12 alpha –> 3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha –> 3 alpha, 7 beta hydroxylated taurine conjugates) progressively shifted all crystallization pathways to lower lecithin contents, retarded crystallization, and decreased micellar cholesterol solubilities. The lecithin content of mother biles decreased markedly during crystallization especially where liquid crystals were a coexisting phase at equilibrium. This systematic study provides a framework for understanding cholesterol crystallization in human and animal biles and for examining factors that influence the kinetics of phase separation.
Sediment sources in an urbanizing, mixed land-use watershed

The Issaquah Creek watershed is a rapidly urbanizing watershed of 144 km 2 in western Washington, where sediment aggradation of the main channel and delivery of fine sediment into a large downstream lake have raised increasingly frequent concerns over flooding, loss of fish habitat, and degraded water quality. A watershed-scale sediment budget was evaluated to determine the relative effects of land-use practices, including urbanization, on sediment supply and delivery, and to guide management responses towards the most effective source-reduction strategies. Human activity in the watershed, particularly urban development, has caused an increase of nearly 50% in the annual sediment yield, now estimated to be 44 tonnes km 22 yr 21 . The main sources of sediment in the watershed are landslides (50%), channel-bank erosion (20%), and road-surface erosion (15%). This assessment characterizes the role of human activity in mixed-use watersheds such as this, and it demonstrates some of the key processes, particularly enhanced stream-channel erosion, by which urban development alters sediment loads. q 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Energy trapping and adaptive clocking innovations applied to capacitor charging series resonant inverters

The charging of a capacitive energy store is commonly accomplished by means of a high frequency series resonant switching inverter. A small amount of energy is switched each cycle but only a fraction is actually transferred to the store during the first portion of the charging process. The series resonant inverter behaves as a current source; and a constant amount of charge is delivered to the capacitor store each switching cycle. During the first portion of the charging process, the voltage on the store is low and the power or energy transfer is small compared to the constant volt-ampere capacity of the circuit. That is, there is a low power factor or impedance mismatch. During the switching cycle, there is an initial transfer of energy from the power source through the switching circuit; however, only a small portion of the energy stays in the capacitor store. The remainder flows back to the source and is then recycled again during the next switching cycle. Therefore, to transfer a given energy to the store requires the processing of a large amount of reactive power. By introducing an "energy trap" innovation to the circuit, the initial energy is forced to transfer to the store. The time required for this forced transfer to occur depends upon the voltage on the store. The transfer time is long when the voltage is low and decreases as the voltage increases. Since a new switching cycle cannot be initiated until the energy transfer of the present cycle is completed, the switching frequency must be chirped to match the circuit state as the charging process proceeds. An "adaptive clocking innovation" is used to monitor the energy transfer process and to clock the beginning of the next switching cycle when the energy transfer is completed. The result is a lower over-all switching frequency with lower losses for the same total energy transfer to the load. Since the circuit operates at a lower frequency at the beginning of the charging process one may be concerned that it would force the transformer size to increase. This is not the case because the transformer is working at a lower voltage during the low frequency part of the charging process and this combination of frequency and voltage results in a constant transformer flux and a lower over-all core loss.
Field-effect-transistor negative-resistance circuit

A negative-resistance circuit that uses two field-effect transistors and two resistors is analysed. This circuit uses one internal power supply and is suitable for realising negative resistances of high values. Some experimental results are also given.
Realizability Condition for Nonlinear Feedback Systems

Mathematical models of nonlinear systems frequently lead to impossible solutions that can never be realized physically. In this paper the requirements of a realizable model are explored. First, a definition is proposed for the phrase "sufficient condition for system realizability;" the definition requires the preservation of approximations under interconnections. Second, a realizability condition is provided which is a generalization-for nonlinear systems-of the concepts of delay and attenuation of high frequencies. The condition is stated in terms of observable input-output behavior.
Locally Homogeneous Configurations of Uniform Elastic Bodies

Abstract This paper deals with one of the fundamental problems of the mathematical theory of inhemogeneities in simple elastic material bodies, namely the availability of local homogeneous configurations. Utilizing the original differential geometric approach of W. Noll and C.-C. Wang, adopted for our particular needs and restricted to the hyperelastic case, we develop a system of partial differential equations for the locally homogeneous material configurations. The existence and the form of solutions of this system are discussed by means of examples.
Association of VEGF expression with poor prognosis among patients with low-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma

4091 Background: Low-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (LGNET) can arise from neuroendocrine cells throughout the body and have a wide range of aggressiveness. Reliable predictive and prognostic mark...
Opposing aging-related shift of excitatory dopamine D1 and inhibitory D3 receptor protein expression in striatum and spinal cord

Normal aging is associated with a decrease in motor function, a concomitant increase in muscle stiffness and tone, and a decrease in dopamine (DA) levels in the spinal cord. The striatum plays a critical role in the control of motor function, and it receives strong DA innervation from the substantia nigra. However, locomotor activity also requires the activation of motoneurons in the lumbar spinal cord, which in the mouse express all five DA receptor subtypes (D1-D5). Of these, the D3 receptor (D3R) expresses the highest affinity to DA and mediates inhibitory actions, while activation of the lower-affinity D1 receptor (D1R) system promotes excitatory effects. To test whether the aging-related decrease in DA levels is associated with corresponding changes in DA receptor protein expression levels, we probed with Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques for D1R and D3R protein expression levels over the normal life span of the mouse. We found that with age D1R expression levels increased in both striatum and spinal cord, while D3R expression levels remained stable in the striatum or slightly decreased in the spinal cord. The resulting D1-to-D3 ratio indicates a strong upregulation of D1R-mediated pathways in old animals, which is particularly pronounced in the lumbar spinal cord. These data suggest that aging may be associated with a shift in DA-mediated pathways in striatum and spinal cord, which in turn could be an underlying factor in the emergence of aging- and DA-related motor dysfunctions such as Parkinson's disease or Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
On Galerkin difference methods

Energy-stable difference methods for hyperbolic initial-boundary value problems are constructed using a Galerkin framework. The underlying basis functions are Lagrange functions associated with continuous piecewise polynomial approximation on a computational grid. Both theoretical and computational evidence shows that the resulting methods possess excellent dispersion properties. In the absence of boundaries the spectral radii of the operators for the first and second derivative matrices are bounded independent of discretization order. With boundaries the spectral radius of the first order derivative matrix appears to be bounded independent of discretization order, and grows only slowly with discretization order for problems in second-order form.
An EMD-Based Double Threshold Detector for Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, an adaptive multi-channel energy detector is presented for spectrum sensing applications. This method exploits the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Cell-Averaging Constant False Alarm Rate (CA-CFAR) in an effort to maximize the probability of detection for a given probability of false alarm. First, the oversampled baseband signal is compared to its corresponding EMD noise-only model. If the band is occupied, then an EMD-CA technique is used to estimate the noise power for a given false alarm probability. Then, from the estimated noise power, double thresholds based on two given false alarm rates are calculated to detect and localize the occupied channels of band of interest. The proposed approach is able to work blindly and it is independent of the noise power. Simulations for different sampling and false alarm rates are used to validate the performance of the proposed detector. The results revealed the robustness of the proposed technique to the noise uncertainty and the capability to sense and localize multiple channels simultaneously.
Perturbation codes

We present a new family of codes with good asymptotic properties. These codes are constructed from simple old codes using a new perturbation operator that we introduce. We provide an error reduction algorithm for these codes that uses only elementary operations with small precision. We also present a soft error reduction algorithm for the expander based codes of Alon-Bruck-Naor-Naor-Roth when concatenated with any binary code.
The p-Adic Approach to Solutions of Equations over Finite Fields

(1980). The p-Adic Approach to Solutions of Equations over Finite Fields. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 2, pp. 115-118.
Initial experience with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: technical success and reproducibility in the bariatric population.

Background and aims: Novel endoscopic techniques have been developed as effective treatments for obesity. Recently, reduction of gastric volume via endoscopic placement of full-thickness sutures, termed endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), has been described. Our aim was to evaluate the safety, technical feasibility, and clinical outcomes for ESG. Patient and methods: Between August 2013 and May 2014, ESG was performed on 10 patients using an endoscopic suturing device. Their weight loss, waist circumference, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: Mean patient age was 43.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 45.2 kg/m 2 . There were no significant adverse events noted. After 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, excess weight loss of 18 %, 26 %, and 30 %, and mean weight loss of 11.5 kg, 19.4 kg, and 33.0 kg, respectively, were observed. The differences observed in mean BMI and waist circumference were 4.9 kg/m 2 ( P = 0.0004) and 21.7 cm ( P = 0.003), respectively. Conclusions: ESG is effective in achieving weight loss with minimal adverse events. This approach may provide a cost-effective outpatient procedure to add to the steadily growing armamentarium available for treatment of this significant epidemic.
Chronic hepatitis C: common questions, practical answers.

Background: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Dramatic advances have been made recently in the treatment of this potentially life-threatening infection by using a combination interferon and ribavirin therapy. Methods: The most common questions regarding chronic HCV infections that occur in the course of clinical practice of primary care physicians were elicited through e-mail and telephone interviews. To answer these questions, computerized literature searches of the MEDLINE database were performed and expert opinion was sought. Results: For many patients with HCV who are treated with combination therapy, there is now a greater than 30% chance of achieving long-term normalization of transaminase levels and the loss of detectable viral load. Treatment is expensive, however, and can be difficult to tolerate. The effect of treatment on the risk of progression to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma is promising but has not yet been determined. Conclusions: Primary care physicians play an important role in the diagnosis and initial workup of patients with HCV. By understanding the correct use of HCV diagnostic testing and the risks and benefits of antiviral therapy, providers will be better equipped to screen and counsel their patients infected with HCV.
Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation—Perils and Pitfalls: An Update

Stroke and thromboembolism are catastrophic complications of atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) with an atrial lead can reliably detect atrial high-rate events (AHRE). However, this correlation may be imperfect because of oversensing and undersensing of atrial signals and spurious arrhythmias. The critical duration, frequency, or overall burden of AHRE that increases stroke risk is still unknown; thus, the threshold level of AHRE (duration and frequency) that warrants anticoagulation in patients with CIED-detected AHRE is still unclear. This article reviews current literature on the risk of stroke with CIED-detected AHRE and raises questions that need further clarification.
Elastic Wave Propagation in Aluminum/Aramid-Epoxy Plates

Dispersion of guided waves in laminated plates has been studied over the past thirty years. Recent work has included anisotropic layering and the subtle effects of fluid loading. References to these works can be found both in the review article by Chimenti and Nayfeh [1] and in the symposium proceedings edited by Mal and Ting [2]. More recently Braga and Herrmann detailed the features of the dispersion spectrum for anisotropic periodic media using the sextic formalism developed by Stroh [3, 4], implying coupling of inplane and out-of-plane particle motion. A similar discussion of the analysis of the acoustical or mechanical filtering predicted for such periodic media is presented by Rousseau [5]. However, guided waves in a laminated plate where the laminae have very different anisotropic (isotropic) properties from one another have not received adequate attention. This problem, which is the subject of this paper, has relevance in ultrasonic characterization of layered bonded plates when the interface (interphase) bond properties can be quite different than those of the adjacent laminae and can change during service life.
Extraction of Narrative Recall Patterns for Neuropsychological Assessment.

Poor narrative memory is associated with a variety of neurodegenerative and developmental disorders, such as autism and Alzheimer’s related dementia. Hence, narrative recall tasks are included in most standard neurological examinations. In this paper, we explore methods for automatically assessing the quality of retellings via alignment to the original narrative. Word alignments serve both to automate manual scoring and to derive other features related to narrative coherence that can be used for diagnostic classification. Despite relatively high word alignment error rates, the automatic alignments provide sufficient information to achieve nearly as accurate diagnostic classification as manual scores. Furthermore, additional features that become available with alignment provide utility in classifying subject groups. While the additional features we explore here did not provide additive gains in accuracy, they point the way to the development of many potentially useful features in this domain.
Hybrid large-area systems: Challenges in interfacing

Hybrid large-area systems aim to leverage the strengths of two complementary technologies: (1) large-area electronics (LAE), which enables dense arrays of diverse transducers on substrates that can be large and flexible; and (2) silicon CMOS ICs, which enable efficient and high-performance instrumentation, computation, and power management. A key challenge in realizing these hybrid systems on a large-scale lies in the interfacing required between the two technologies. We describe methods to ease the interfacing, enabled by device, circuit, and algorithmic advances, thereby suggesting a range of challenges and opportunities that are exposed when thinking about systems.
Multimodal Recognition of Diverse Peptides by the C-Terminal SH2 Domain of Phospholipase C-γ1 Protein.

SH2 domains recognize phosphotyrosine (pY)-containing peptide ligands and play key roles in the regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase pathways. Each SH2 domain has individualized specificity, encoded in the amino acids neighboring the pY, for defined targets that convey their distinct functions. The C-terminal SH2 domain (PLCC) of the phospholipase C-γ1 full-length protein (PLCγ1) typically binds peptides containing small and hydrophobic amino acids adjacent to the pY, including a peptide derived from platelet-derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB) and an intraprotein recognition site (Y783 of PLCγ1) involved in the regulation of the protein’s lipase activity. Remarkably, PLCC also recognizes unexpected peptides containing amino acids with polar or bulky side chains that deviate from this pattern. This versatility in recognition specificity may allow PLCγ1 to participate in diverse, previously unrecognized, signaling pathways in response to binding chemically dissimilar partners. We have used structur...
Characterization of the liquid Li-solid Mo (1 1 0) interface from classical molecular dynamics for plasma-facing applications

An understanding of the wetting properties and a characterization of the interface between liquid lithium (Li) and solid molybdenum (Mo) are relevant to assessing the efficacy of Li as a plasma-facing component in fusion reactors. In this work, a new second-nearest neighbor modified embedded-atom method (2NN MEAM) force field is parameterized to describe the interactions between Li and Mo. The new force field reproduces several benchmark properties obtained from first-principles quantum mechanics simulations, including binding curves for Li at three different adsorption sites and the corresponding forces on Li atoms adsorbed on the Mo (1 1 0) surface. This force field is then used to study the wetting of liquid Li on the (1 1 0) surface of Mo and to examine the Li–Mo interface using molecular dynamics simulations. From droplet simulations, we find that liquid Li tends to completely wet the perfect Mo (1 1 0) surface, in contradiction with previous experimental measurements that found non-zero contact angles for liquid Li on a Mo substrate. However, these experiments were not carried out under ultra-high vacuum conditions or with a perfect (1 1 0) Mo surface, suggesting that the presence of impurities, such as oxygen, and surface structure play a crucial role in this wetting process. From thin-film simulations, it is observed that the first layer of Li on the Mo (1 1 0) surface has many solid-like properties such as a low mobility and a larger degree of ordering when compared to layers further away from the surface, even at temperatures well above the bulk melting temperature of Li. These findings are consistent with temperature-programmed desorption experiments.
God-mediated control beliefs and the Epstein-Barr virus: Is more God-mediated control always better?

ABSTRACTResearch on the locus of control construct conveys the impression that more control is always better. However, some studies suggest that very high levels of control are associated with negative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to see if this is true of religiously oriented feelings of control (i.e., God-mediated control). The outcome was antibody titers to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The findings suggest that very high God-mediated control is associated with higher EBV values. However, this finding was only observed among young adults (age 18–40), but not among middle-aged (age 41–64), or older adults (aged 65 and older).
Mammary Gland-Endocrinology

Abstract The field of endocrinology spans basic physiology through clinical medical application. It focuses on organs and cell types that generate hormones and their signaling through receptors in target organs. The mammary gland both produces hormones and receives exogenous hormonal stimulation. In the mammary gland these include both steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone linked to sexual development and cytokine-like molecules including prolactin and related molecules that mediate lactation. Both types of hormones have been associated with breast cancer. Here we will review endogenous and exogenous mammary gland hormones, cognate receptor expression, and define influences on physiology and disease.
Outpatient Management of Ankle Fractures

Interest in outpatient orthopedic surgery has been fueled by provider desire to control costs and development of rapid recovery protocols. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a commonly elected treatment strategy for ankle fracture that may be performed in an outpatient setting. Lessons on cost-savings of the outpatient model in orthopedics can be learned in total joint replacement and spine surgery. Moreover, in properly selected patients, outpatient ORIF has been shown to be comparably safe. Reasons for admission of the surgically managed patient with ankle fractures, including concern for surgical delay and additional social factors, warrant further investigation.
Delayed inhibition of tonic inhibition enhances functional recovery following experimental ischemic stroke.

The current study focuses on the ability to improve cognitive function after stroke with interventions administered at delayed/chronic time points. In light of recent studies demonstrating delayed ...
Recent advances in understanding hematopoiesis in Fanconi Anemia

Fanconi anemia is an inherited disease characterized by genomic instability, hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, bone marrow failure, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, and a high relative risk of myeloid leukemia and epithelial malignancies. The 21 Fanconi anemia genes encode proteins involved in multiple nuclear biochemical pathways that effect DNA interstrand crosslink repair. In the past, bone marrow failure was attributed solely to the failure of stem cells to repair DNA. Recently, non-canonical functions of many of the Fanconi anemia proteins have been described, including modulating responses to oxidative stress, viral infection, and inflammation as well as facilitating mitophagic responses and enhancing signals that promote stem cell function and survival. Some of these functions take place in non-nuclear sites and do not depend on the DNA damage response functions of the proteins. Dysfunctions of the canonical and non-canonical pathways that drive stem cell exhaustion and neoplastic clonal selection are reviewed, and the potential therapeutic importance of fully investigating the scope and interdependences of the canonical and non-canonical pathways is emphasized.
Preoperative imaging for parathyroid localization in patients with concurrent thyroid disease: A systematic review

Background Thyroid disease occurs more frequently in patients with hyperparathyroidism than the general population and hinders parathyroid localization. Identifying thyroid pathology before operating improves management and avoids the risks of reoperation in the neck. This review assesses imaging studies in patients with hyperparathyroidism and thyroid pathology to identify the ideal imaging methodology for patients with multigland disease. Methods Systematic review of original articles reporting sensitivity or positive predictive value (PPV) for one or more imaging modalities in patients with hyperparathyroidism and thyroid disease. Results Twenty-eight studies, 13 prospective and 15 retrospective, met inclusion criteria. Nine modalities were evaluated, including: cervical ultrasound (n = 18), dual-phase 99m Tc-sestamibi (n = 14), subtraction scintigraphy (n = 11), combined ultrasound and scintigraphy (n = 8), single photon emission CT (SPECT; n = 5), SPECT-CT (n = 4), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (n = 1), CT (n = 1), and MRI (n = 1). Conclusion Combined ultrasound and scintigraphy is the most sensitive study to localize parathyroid adenomas in patients with hyperparathyroidism and thyroid disease, followed by hybrid SPECT-CT and SPECT.
The Evaluation of ‘Social Income’: Capital Formation and Wealth

An earlier paper1 dealt with problems of interpreting aggregate data on production and consumption. The present paper explores theoretical problems raised for national income calculation by investment, technological change, and uncertainty windfalls. It purposely works with simple and strong models so that the intrinsic difficulties will not be obscured by observational difficulties of detail. Government expenditure and taxes are throughout ignored.
Peer and Faculty Assessment of Nontraditional Discipline-Independent Skills in Gross Anatomy

Quality improvement and patient safety remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery. Literature highlights the importance of nontechnical skills in health care and reinforces that improvement in their use requires practice and repetition. Studies in surgical environment show that nontechnical skills are linked to surgical skills (technical skills) especially when evaluated during intraoperative crisis management situations. As organizations continue to seek opportunities to build on these skills through formal training sessions medical educators share the responsibility by finding opportunities within medical curricula to promote early development of such nontraditional discipline-independent skills. In this chapter we provide insight into understanding nontraditional discipline-independent skills and how it relates to anatomy education. Nontraditional discipline-independent skills focus on team interaction, communication, leadership, and other aspects of professionalism. We highlight opportunities for integration of these skills within the anatomy curriculum and describe how to guide students through the Peer Evaluation Process, identify good work ethic in the laboratory and opportunities for assessment of cognitive and social skills. Ways by which these skills may be evaluated in a team-based learning environment and contribute to overall student performance are also discussed.
Effect of High-Pressure Processing on Strains of Enterobacter sakazakii

Four strains of Enterobacter sakazakii were inoculated into tryptic soy broth and reconstituted powdered infant formula and exposed to high-pressure processing. Pressures of 200, 400, and 600 MPa were used for each medium for 1 min. E. sakazakii was reduced by more than 6 log (strains A and B) in both media at 600 MPa. Strain B was significantly (P < or = 0.05) more pressure resistant than the other strains, with just more than a 3-log reduction at 600 MPa in both media. The reconstituted infant formula has a significant (P < or = 0.05) protective effect for certain strains and pressures (strain B at 400 MPa and strain D at 400 and 600 MPa). Differences in log reductions between media (milk and broth) were also observed for certain strains and specific pressures (strain B at 400 MPa and strain D at 400 and 600 MPa; P < or = 0.05). This research showed that E. sakazakii, when present in reconstituted powdered infant formula, can be submitted to high-pressure processing (600 MPa for 1 min) and achieve log reductions ranging from 3 to 6.84, depending on the strain.