cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Authors' reply: Comorbidity in patients with asymptomatic AS

In response to our Perspectives article (Vaishnava, P., Fuster, V., Goldman, M. & Bonow, R. O. Surgery for asymptomatic degenerative aortic and mitral valve disease. Nat. Rev. Cardiol. 8, 173–177 [2011])1 on asymptomatic valve disease, Gilmanov et al. (Gilmanov, D., Mazzone, A., Berti, S. & Glauber, M. Is comorbidity equivalent to symptoms in asymptomatic AS? Nat. Rev. Cardiol. doi:10.1038/nrcardio.2011.203-c1)2 correctly note the often insidious and not easily recognized onset of symptoms in aortic stenosis (AS). We agree that subtle and nonspecific symptoms might not be fully acknowledged by patients, or become falsely attributed to the effects of aging, deconditioning, or comorbidities. Gilmanov et al. also suggest that the “extent of comorbidity” could be considered a “symptom equivalent for prognostic stratification.” Although we agree that comorbidities are common in patients with severe AS, we would caution against this approach of ascribing symptom equivalency to a heterogeneous group of coexisting illnesses. Rather, we would advocate exercise testing with or without echocardiography to risk-stratify asymptomatic patients with AS, by unmasking symptoms and abnormal hemodynamic responses.3, 4, 5
Gestational drive and the green-bearded placenta

A "green beard" refers to a gene, or group of genes, that is able to recognize itself in other individuals and direct benefits to these individuals. Green-beard effects have been dismissed as implausible by authors who have implicitly assumed sophisticated mechanisms of perception and complex behavioral responses. However, many simple mechanisms for genes to "recognize" themselves exist at the maternal-fetal interface of viviparous organisms. Homophilic cell adhesion molecules, for example, are able to interact with copies of themselves on other cells. Thus, the necessary components of a green-beard effect -- feature, recognition, and response -- can be different aspects of the phenotype of a single gene. Other green-beard effects could involve coalitions of genes at closely linked loci. In fact, any form of epistasis between a locus expressed in a mother and a closely linked locus expressed in the fetus has the property of "self-recognition." Green-beard effects have many formal similarities to systems of meiotic drive and, like them, can be a source of intragenomic conflict.
Inhibit GSK-3β or there’s heartbreak dead ahead

Numerous signaling pathways have been shown to mediate cardioprotection, but the end effectors that mediate protection are only beginning to be elucidated. Numerous cardioprotective drugs are shown to converge on glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) . The phosphorylation and inhibition of GSK-3β lead to inhibition or delayed activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition, a key regulator of apoptosis.
Evidence for featural units in the acquisition of speech production skills: Linguistic structure in foreign accent

Abstract This study examines correlations in accuracy of the production of one set of segments with accuracy in segments that share a featural contrast in Korean EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners. Results indicate that accuracy rates for segment sets that share gestures in production tend to correlate, while segments that contrast in the same feature, but require the acquisition of different gestures do not correlate. Data here are from two tasks, a reading task and a mimicry task. Correlation results are similar across the two tasks, though a larger range of inter-subject differences in overall accuracy is evident in the mimicry task. Comparison of correlation patterns with previously published correlation patterns in perceptual identification indicates that patterns differ for perception and production, indicating that the structure of the skill sets, and hence, the acquisitional units for production and perception are different.
Sonothrombolysis of Intra-Catheter Aged Venous Thrombi Using Microbubble Enhancement and Guided Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Pulses

Background Central venous and arterial catheters are a major source of thromboembolic disease in children. The investigators hypothesized that guided high–mechanical index (MI) impulses from diagnostic three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound during an intravenous microbubble infusion could dissolve these thrombi. Methods An in vitro system simulating intracatheter thrombi was created and then treated with guided high-MI impulses from 3D ultrasound, using low-MI microbubble sensitive imaging pulse sequence schemes to detect the microbubbles. Ten aged thrombi >24 hours old were tested using 3D ultrasound coupled with a continuous diluted microbubble infusion (group A) and 10 with 3D ultrasound alone (group B). Results The mean thrombus age was 28.6 hours (range, 26.6–30.3 hours). Group A exhibited a 55 ± 19% reduction in venous thrombus size compared with 31 ± 10% in group B ( P = .008). Feasibility testing was performed in four pigs, establishing an in vivo model to investigate further the efficacy of this approach. Conclusions Sonothrombolysis of aged intracatheter venous thrombi can be achieved with commercially available microbubbles and guided high-MI ultrasound from a diagnostic 3D transducer.
A conserved zinc binding domain in the largest subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase modulates intrinsic transcription termination and antitermination but does not stabilize the elongation complex.

An evolutionarily conserved zinc-binding motif is found close to the amino terminus of the largest subunits of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. In bacterial RNA polymerase, this motif, the zinc binding domain, has been implicated in protein–DNA interactions that stabilize the transcription elongation complex and that occur downstream of the catalytic center. Here, we show that this view is incorrect, and instead, the zinc binding domain interacts with product RNA located upstream of the catalytic center and the RNA–DNA hybrid, a view consistent with structural studies of the elongation complex. We engineered mutations that alter or remove the zinc binding domain of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Several mutants, including one that lacked all four zinc ligands and another that lacked the entire domain, produced enzymes that were active in vitro and formed stable elongation complexes. However, they were defective in two functions that require interaction of polymerase with product RNA. First, they terminated less efficiently than the wild-type at intrinsic transcription terminators. Second, enzymes lacking the tip of the zinc binding domain or the zinc ligands did not antiterminate in response to an intrinsic antiterminator encoded by the put site of phage HK022. Termination, but not antitermination, was restored by the bacterial termination factor NusA. Surprisingly, a mutant that lacks the entire zinc binding domain regained a partial response to put. To account for this we suggest that put RNA interacts with an additional site in the elongation complex to mediate antitermination, and that this site is occluded by the wild-type zinc binding domain.
Cough fracture of the ribs

A case of multiple rib fractures induced by a paroxysm of coughing in an elderly women is presented. The cough mechanism and theories of the mechanism of injury are reviewed, as well as the complications and treatment of the injury. The disorder may be underdiagnosed and should be considered in any patient with an acute onset of chest pain following coughing or sneezing.
The antiarrhythmic action of amitriptyline on arrhythmias associated with myocardial infarction in dogs

The antiarrhythmic activity of amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, was evaluated in anesthetized dogs 24 h after coronary occlusion, during the period of spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. In all experiments amitriptyline was administered i.v. in incremental doses of 0.3 mg/kg at 1 min intervals until a conversion to normal sinus rhythm was evident. Amitriptyline administration resulted in conversion of the ventricular arrhythmia to a normal sinus rhythm in 100% of the animals tested at a mean dose of 1.3 +/- 0.1 mg/kg. Smaller doses also resulted in a dose-related decrease in non-sinus nodal pacemaker activity. Lidocaine, when administered to the same group of animals, produced a reduction of ectopic pacemaker activity, but did not eliminate it at a cumulative dose of 2 mg/kg. Antiarrhythmic doses of amitriptyline did not produce significant changes in arterial blood pressure, cardiac output or electrocardiographic parameters associated with atrioventricular or intraventricular conduction. The results of this study suggest that at very low doses amitriptyline may be an effective antiarrhythmic agent in ventricular arrhythmias associated with myocardial ischemia.
On Optimal Estimates for Some Oblique Derivative Problems

Abstract We establish optimal uniform estimates in the maximum norm, for solutions of Poisson's equation, with right hand side in Lebesgue spaces, under mixed Dirichlet-oblique derivative boundary conditions, where the oblique vector is required to remain uniformly transverse, and the estimates depend only on the transversality constant, but not on the regularity of the oblique vector.
SV40 Virus Transformation of Mouse 3T3 Cells Does Not Specifically Enhance Sugar Transport

The apparent enhancement of 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake by mouse 3T3 cells accompanying transformation by SV40 virus is not due primarily to an effect on the transport process but to enhanced phosphorylation of the sugar by intracellular kinases. Moreover, the effect is not specifically a function of the presence of the viral genome, but is a reflection of the overall growth rate and physiological state of the cell.
Altered expression and function of regulator of G-protein signaling-17 (RGS17) in hepatocellular carcinoma

Guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G-proteins) are central to normal hepatocyte function and are implicated in hepatic disease initiation and progression. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) are critical to defining G-protein-dependent signal fidelity, yet the role of RGS proteins in the liver is poorly defined. The aims of this study were to determine RGS17 expression in normal and transformed hepatic tissue and cells, and address the function of RGS17 in hepatic tumorgenicity. RGS17 expression was determined in human and rat HCC tissue and cell lines. Molecular approaches were used to alter RGS17 expression in HCC cells, effects on cell function measured, and RGS17 association with specific Gα-subunits determined. Using these approaches RGS17 mRNA, but not protein, was detectable in human and rat HCC tissue and cells. Conversely, RGS17 mRNA was not detected in normal tissue, isolated hepatocytes, or non-tumorigenic hepatic cells. Subsequent studies using transfected cells demonstrated that RGS17 proteins were not post-translationally modified in HCC cells, and RGS17 expression is governed by protein degradation and not via miRNAs. Notwithstanding inherently low RGS17 protein levels, altering RGS17 expression profoundly affected HCC cell mitogenesis and migration. Analysis of RGS17-G-protein interaction demonstrated RGS17 associates with both Giα- and Gqα-subunits in HCC cells of human and rat origin. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that, despite difficulties in measuring endogenous RGS protein expression, RGS17 is differentially expressed in HCC and plays a central role in regulating transformed hepatocyte tumorgenicity.
CMV enteritis causing segmental ischemia and massive intestinal hemorrhage.

VOLUME 53, NO. 3, 2001 GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY 355 ling for myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia. The patient’s medical history included a splenectomy and cerebrovascular accident secondary to atherosclerosis. Eighteen days after transplant the patient developed nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. EGD revealed Candida esophagitis, peptic esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis with diffuse superficial duodenal erosions. Biopsy specimens of the duodenum and stomach demonstrated grade I graft versus host disease (GVHD). Upon treatment with corticosteroids and fluconazole the patient’s symptoms resolved and he was discharged home 23 days after BMT. Forty-three days after BMT, the patient returned to the outpatient clinic complaining of anorexia and loose stools for 2 weeks, fever for 24 hours, and a 10-pound weight loss. He described his stool as brown, formed, and non-foul smelling with a frequency of 4 to 5 bowel movements per day. He denied rigors, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, melena, or hematochezia. Medications included prednisone 40 mg twice a day, cyclosporine 250 mg twice a day, fluconazole 200 mg once a day, lansoprazole 30 mg twice a day, folic acid 1 mg once a day, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 4 tabs twice weekly, and magnesium oxide 400 mg 3 times a day, all taken by mouth. Examination revealed a thin, alert, completely oriented man in no acute distress. His temperature was 101.4°F, pulse 84 per minute, blood pressure 122/84 mmHg, and respirations 20 per minute. There was alopecia and gingival pallor, but no nasal discharge or oral lesions and the neck was supple without thyromegaly or lymphadenopathy. Examination revealed the heart and lungs to be normal. The abdomen was soft, nontender, and nondistended From the MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reprint requests: Thomas Kowalski, MD, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th St., 480 Main Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 0016-5107/2001/$35.00 + 0 37/4/112040 doi:10.1067/mge.2001.112040 CMV enteritis causing segmental ischemia and massive intestinal hemorrhage
ANALYSES FOR LATERAL DEFLECTION OF RAILROAD TRACK UNDER QUASI- STATIC LOADING

This paper describes analyses to examine the lateral deflection of railroad track subjected to quasi-static loading. Rails are assumed to behave as beams in bending. Movement of the track in the lateral plane is constrained by idealized resistance characteristics, while movement in the vertical plane is resisted by a continuous, linear and elastic foundation. These analyses are based on solving the ordinary differential equations for beam deflections. In certain cases, convenient mathematical expressions may be used to represent idealized lateral resistance characteristics and derive closed-form equations to relate lateral force as a function of track lateral deflection. However, in general, the idealized lateral resistance characteristic may be nonlinear, in which case numerical methods are required to examine the lateral load versus track lateral deflection behavior. In these general cases, a Fourier series technique is used to solve the governing equations numerically. The analysis of track lateral deflection subjected to quasistatic loads may be applied to examine track shift. For example, lateral resistance of track may be measured using Track Lateral Pull Tests (TLPT). The Fourier method is also used to examine the relationship between lateral and vertical wheel loads and track lateral shift.
Fine-particle separation and characterization by field-flow fractionation

Summary Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is described as a one-phase form of chromatography and its advantages are summarized. Its applicability to colloids and fine particles is considered. A brief discussion of FFF principles and theory is focused on retention and plate height, pointing to the unique fact that in FFF increased retention leads to a considerable decrease in plate height. Two sub-techniques, sedimentation FFF and flow FFF, are discussed at length because they have shown the greatest promise for particle separation and characterization. Examples of the former are presented, showing that mass and diameter information can be extracted directly from the fractogram. Attention is also given to the consistency of results within the sedimentation FFF system. It is shown that variations in field strength and flow-rate can be used to control retention and resolution. These controls demonstrate the flexibility of the system with respect to analysis time and resolving power. In a brief discussion of flow FFF the remarkable mass range capability of this sub-technique is noted.
A new approach to multiphase equilibria: Application to high-pressure physics problems

Abstract A multiphase, multicomponent equation-of-state (EOS) model based on first principles of statistical mechanics is described. The model has been used to study fluid-fluid phase separations in binary (H2He, ArNe, XeHe and N2H2O) and ternary or more complex systems involving species with C, H, N and O atoms. Results of these calculations and a brief description of a new theory which can simultaneously describe both solid and fluid EOS properties are given.
Hybrid sort-first and sort-last parallel rendering with a cluster of PCs

We investigate a new hybrid of sort-first and sort-last approach for parallel polygon rendering, using as a target platform a cluster of PCs. Unlike previous methods that statically partition the 3D model and/or the 2D image, our approach performs dynamic, view-dependent and coordinated partitioning of both the 3D model and the 2D image. Using a specific algorithm that follows this approach, we show that it performs better than previous approaches and scales better with both processor count and screen resolution. Overall, our algorithm is able to achieve interactive frame rates with efficiencies of 55.0% to 70.5% during simulations of a system with 64 PCs. While it does have potential disadvantages in client-side processing and in dynamic data management—which also stem from its dynamic, view-dependent nature—these problems are likely to diminish with technology trends in the future.
A Quantitative Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Pattern of Transient Receptor Potential Gene Expression in the Developing Mouse Cochlea

TRP genes encode a diverse family of ion channels which have been implicated in many sensory functions. Because several TRP channels have similar properties to the elusive hair cell transduction channel, recent attention has focused on TRP gene expression in the inner ear. At least four TRP genes are known to be expressed in hair cells: TRPC3, TRPV4, TRPA1, and TRPML3. However, there is little evidence supporting any of these as a component of the transduction complex. Other less well-characterized TRP channels are expressed in the inner ear, in particular, within the organ of Corti. Because of their potential role in sensory function, we investigated the developmental expression of RNA that encodes all 33 TRP subunits as well as several splice variants. We designed a quantitative PCR screen using cochlear samples acquired before, during, and after the time when mechanotransduction is acquired in sensory hair cells (embryonic day 17 to postnatal day 8). Cochleas, which included the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, and Reissner’s membrane, were subdivided into four equal quadrants which allowed for regional comparison during development. Expression of RNA transcripts that encoded 33 TRP subunits plus several splice forms and beta-actin were quantified in 28 samples for a total of 1,092 individual measurements, each done in triplicate. We detected RNA that encoded all TRP channels except two: TRPC7 and TRPM8. The largest changes in RNA expression were for TRPA1 (>100-fold), TRPP3 (>50-fold), and TRPC5.2 (>20-fold) which suggested that these subunits may contribute to normal cochlear function. Furthermore, the screen revealed TRPP3 and PKD1L3 RNA expression patterns that were correlated with the acquisition of sensory transduction in outer hair cells (Lelli et al., J Neurophysiol. 101:2961–2973, 2009). Numerous spatiotemporal expression gradients were identified many of which may contribute to the normal functional development of the mouse cochlea.
The presence of frailty in elderly persons with chronic renal insufficiency.

Abstract Background: Frailty has been defined as a tool to define individuals who lack functional reserve and are at risk for functional decline. We hypothesized that chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) would be associated with a greater prevalence of frailty and disability in the elderly. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data collected from the Cardiovascular Health Study, which enrolled 5,888 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older from 4 clinical centers in the United States. Renal insufficiency is defined as a serum creatinine level of 1.3 mg/dL or greater (≥115 μmol/L) in women and 1.5 mg/dL or greater (≥133 μmol/L) in men. Frailty is defined by the presence of 3 of the following abnormalities: unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, measured weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Disability is defined as any self-reported difficulty with activities of daily living. Results: Among 5,808 participants with creatinine levels measured at entry, 15.9% of men (n = 394) and 7.6% of women (n = 254) had CRI. Prevalences of frailty (15% versus 6%; P P = 0.001) were greater in participants with CRI compared with those with normal renal function. After multivariate adjustment for comorbidity, CRI remained significantly associated with frailty (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.28 to 2.41), but not disability (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.94 to 1.69). Conclusion: Elderly persons with CRI have a high prevalence of frailty, which may signal their risk for progression to adverse health outcomes. If confirmed in other studies, identification of frailty in patients with CRI may warrant special interventions to preserve their independence, quality of life, and survival.
High-Order Space-Time Methods for Conservation Laws

Current high-order methods such as discontinuous Galerkin and/or flux reconstruction can provide effective discretization for the spatial derivatives. Together with a time discretization, such methods result in either too small a time step size in the case of an explicit scheme or a very large system in the case of an implicit one. To tackle these problems, two new high-order space-time schemes for conservation laws are introduced: the first is explicit and the second, implicit. The explicit method here, also called the moment scheme, achieves a Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) condition of 1 for the case of one-spatial dimension regardless of the degree of the polynomial approximation. (For standard explicit methods, if the spatial approximation is of degree p, then the time step sizes are typically proportional to 1/p(exp 2)). Fourier analyses for the one and two-dimensional cases are carried out. The property of super accuracy (or super convergence) is discussed. The implicit method is a simplified but optimal version of the discontinuous Galerkin scheme applied to time. It reduces to a collocation implicit Runge-Kutta (RK) method for ordinary differential equations (ODE) called Radau IIA. The explicit and implicit schemes are closely related since they employ the same intermediate time levels, and the former can serve as a key building block in an iterative procedure for the latter. A limiting technique for the piecewise linear scheme is also discussed. The technique can suppress oscillations near a discontinuity while preserving accuracy near extrema. Preliminary numerical results are shown
Information Technology in the Practice of Law Enforcement

In February 2001, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department began the rollout of a â€œmobileâ€ information system that will eventually enable all information relating to incident reports, arrests, and investigations to be collected, distributed, and managed in a paperless, wireless environment. The system, dubbed Knowledge-Based Community Oriented Policing System (KBCOPS), began as a â€œgrass rootsâ€ project within the police department to reduce paperwork, increase data accuracy, share knowledge and information, and promote a problem solving analytical framework. The system has been under development for seven years, from concept to implementation. The strategies and approaches used to develop this system, the technologies employed, and, most importantly, the challenges faced in merging wireless, wired, database, and applications technologies while satisfying the user requirements of the police department are detailed in this report.
Interwell seismic imaging at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina

Crosswell and continuity logging seismic measurements were made beneath a large tank (27 m diameter) used for processing radioactive waste at the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of South Carolina. We used the data to delineate a low‐velocity zone (soft materials) and image the connectivity of a clay unit between wells. The low‐velocity zone depicted on the crosswell seismic tomogram integrated with data from cores and well logs revealed soft materials in the region between 150 and 180 ft (46–55 m). The bottom boundary of this low‐velocity zone correlates with a reflection observed in the crosswell seismic image at a depth of 180 ft (55 m). This reflection corresponds to the impedance contrast between the soft materials and the more rigid Tinker Formation. The low‐velocity zone of soft materials indicates a dissolution margin of a carbonate unit (which is part of the Utley limestone) and the presence of loose sands of the Griffins Landing Member. Ray tracing and...
The (Low) Power of Less Wiring: Enabling Energy Efficiency in Many-Core Platforms Through Wireless NoC

During the last decade, we have witnessed a major transition from computation- to communication-centric design of integrated circuits and systems. In particular, the network-on-chip (NoC) approach has emerged as the major design paradigm for multicore systems-on-chip (SoC). The major challenges in traditional wire-based NoCs are the high latency and power consumption of the multi-hop links. By inserting single-hop long-range wireless links in place of multi-hop wired links, the overall system performance can be significantly improved. We should adopt novel architectures inspired by the on-chip wireless links to design high-performance multi-core chips. In this regard, the small-world network-inspired wireless NoC (WiNoC) has emerged as an enabling interconnection infrastructure to design high-bandwidth and energy-efficient multicore chips. In this paper we present the various challenges and possible solutions for designing energy-efficient massive multicore chips enabled by the WiNoC paradigm.
Automatic macro inspection system

Macro defect inspection in the photolithography process has been operated by the operator's naked eye. Operator's inspection performance is not constant and depends on his skill, even if these macro defects are determined as the large scale defect. This paper reports our fully automated macro inspection system and its performance data that were evaluated in the production Fab. Our new system, Nikon AMI-2000, is designed to use the diffraction light imaging which is very effective to detect defocus defects and is designed to use an image processing method. This system has much higher sensitivity than operator inspection, the capability of constant yield management and has a high throughput performance.
Effects of Seasonal Nitrogen on Binary Mixtures of Tall Fescue and Bermudagrass

Using poultry litter responsibly in cool-season/bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] production systems may require supplemental N fertilization. This study determined if productivity in binary mixtures of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] and bermudagrass could be improved through applying litter and fertilizer N to coincide with seasonal growth activities. The effects of N timing on dry matter (DM) yield, forage N and P contents, and fescue percent stand were investigated in binary mixtures that comprised two tall fescue cultivars, Flecha MaxQ (summer-dormant) and Jesup MaxQ (summer-active) drill-seeded in 2007 into swards of Russell and Tifton 44 bermudagrass. Three seasonal N treatments were each comprised of 8.6 Mg litter ha–¹ (as-is moisture basis) split into two applications per season with additional 168 kg N ha–¹ split into three applications. Based on two spring harvests (April and May), forage DM yield was greater (P < 0.01) for October/January treatment that applied N before April than January/March treatment that applied N in January–July (7.0 vs. 3.0 Mg ha–¹, 2 yr averages). Tall fescue stand count in May was greatest in October/January treatment and was greater in Jesup–Tifton 44 than Flecha–Tifton 44 in 2010 (79 vs. 59%). Based on five annual harvests, October/January treatment had the greatest cumulative N uptake of 189 and 182 kg ha–¹ in 2009 and 2010, respectively, and uptake was generally least in Flecha–bermudagrass associations. Results suggest N application timing to favor tall fescue increased the utilization of applied N and P.
Brightness temperature of detonation wave in liquid explosives

Abstract An optical technique for measuring thermal radiation off hot surfaces has been used to measure the brightness temperatures of the detonation waves in some liquid explosives. Nitromethane, tetranitromethane, and hydrazine—hydrazine-nitrate solutions have been used as the testing liquids. Comparison of our nitromethane data with data reported in the literature reveals good agreement. This good agreement leads us to the conclusion that this technique may be applicable to other, more sophisticated, explosives for which experimental data are not available. The possible effect of the nonuniform structure of the wave is discussed, and an estimate is made of the error that may result from the nonuniform distribution of temperature.
WWAC: WinWin abstraction based decision coordination

Distributed engineering of complex software artifacts require collaboration of multiple independent stakeholders over extended periods of time. The independent decision changes, task executions, resource usages and other activities of the stakeholders may interact causing problems where mutual dependencies exist due to global activity ordering, resource sharing, product integrity, and other global constraints. Stakeholder coordination is required to ensure satisfaction of the global constraints. The paper presents an approach (WWAC) to the problem of stakeholder coordination for distributed design decision making that exploits an active meta-model arising out of stakeholder collaboration and captures abstractions of design decisions and their dependencies.
Changes in upwelling and its water sources in the California Current System driven by different wind forcing

Abstract In the California Current System (CCS), upwelling is one of the most important features that enrich the coastal ecosystem. It is highly dependent on both wind stress and wind stress curl, because they contribute to the upwelling system through Ekman transport away from the coast and Ekman pumping as a result of the surface divergence, respectively. Various wind stress products are known to contain sharply different patterns of wind stress, and well-resolved wind forcing products have been shown to drive stronger upwelling due to their better-resolved wind stress curl in previous studies. However, sensitivities of upwelling to changes in wind stress patterns, and each of their control to the source waters and paths of the upwelling cells, are not yet well known for the CCS. Here we study these effects using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and its adjoint model under idealized wind stress forcing patterns representing three widely-used products in addition to a constant wind stress field (no curl): the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis, the QuikSCAT satellite observations, and the Regional Spectral Model (RSM) downscaling. Changes in currents and isopycnal patterns during the upwelling season are first studied in ROMS under the four different wind stress fields. The model simulations show that the locations of the core of the equatorward flow and the gradient of the cross-shore isopycnals are controlled by the wind stress curl field. The core of the equatorward flow is found under negative wind stress curl, and a deeper upwelling cell is found as the gradient from positive and negative wind stress curl increases. Source waters for the upwelling in each of the four wind stress patterns are investigated using the ROMS adjoint model. The simulations follow a passive tracer backward in time and track the source waters for upwelling in two key areas of interest: inshore and offshore of the Point Sur region of California. The upwelling source waters depend strongly on the depth of the upwelling cell and the alongshore current location. We further relate these results to recent studies of the observed trends in upwelling favorable winds and consequent wind stress curl changes in the CCS.
RP11 and RP13: unexpected gene loci

Abstract Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous disease causing degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina. Of 132 genetic loci mapped to human chromosomes, about half have been cloned and sequenced. Mutations in genes expressed specifically in the retina are thought to be responsible for autosomal dominant forms of RP. This dogma is now challenged by mutations in genes RP11 and RP13 that are expressed ubiquitously. The finding that dominant RP might be caused by genes encoding components of the spliceosome present in every cell of the human body indicates the existence of novel pathways leading to retinal cell death.
A note on interval estimation of kappa in a series of 2×2 tables

When there are confounders in reliability studies, failing to stratify data to account for these confounding effects may produce a misleading estimate of the interrater agreement. In this paper, we focus discussion on interval estimation of kappa for measuring agreement between two raters with stratified data. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we compare four asymptotic interval estimators of kappa for stratified data: estimator (1), a weighted average of the stratum-specific kappa estimates with weights equal to the inverse of the estimated asymptotic variances of these estimates; the two estimators, (2) and (3), with use of the logarithmic and the square root transformations, respectively, and a principle similar as used in estimator (1); estimator (4), a weighted average of the stratum-specific kappa estimates with weights equal to stratum sizes. We find that while the coverage probability of the first three interval estimators (1)-(3) can often be less than the desired confidence level, the fourth interval estimator (4) consistently performs well in all the situations considered here. We further find that when the underlying kappa is moderate (0.30</=kappa</=0.50), we can substantially improve the performance of the first three estimators by using a point estimator recently proposed elsewhere for kappa in estimation of weights. Because interval estimator (4) outperforms the other three estimators in a variety of situations, we recommend this estimator for general use.
Medium-power GaAs field-effect transistors

Results on medium-power GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t.s. are described. Output powers as high as 300 mW at 9 GHz at 1 dB gain compression with a linear gain of 5.2 dB and drain efficiency of 30% have been obtained with single-cell m.e.s.f.e.t.s. At 4 GHz, a power output of 665 mW at 1 dB gain compression, a linear gain of 8 dB and a drain efficiency of 44.5% were realised with a 3-cell m.e.s.f.e.t. Two-tone intermodulation characteristics at 4 GHz are also described. A major innovation has been the use of a high-resistivity chromium-doped epitaxial GaAs buffer layer to isolate the device active region from the bulk-grown substrate.
Balance of net acid in growing infants. Endogenous and transintestinal aspects.

Summary A method for the quantitative assessment of the balance of net acid (NAB) in growing infants with a changing body composition is described. Results of seventy measurements of the daily NAB in healthy growing premature infants ingesting modified cow's milk formulae are reported. The relative contributions of the various determinants of the daily net acid input in the infant differ from those in the normal adult, and growth appears to be associated with negative net acid balances due to base deposition in skeleton and new body water. The daily load of “undetermined anion” (UA) in the diet was found to be the largest single component of the NAB. Moreover, a strong correlation between the rates of dietary UA intake and fecal UA excretion suggested an active regulation of the transintestinal acid-base balance. A model for such regulation, based upon available evidence concerning the transport of acid and base across the gastrointestinal membrane, is proposed and briefly discussed.
Risky debt maturity choice in a sequential game equilibrium

In this paper the choice of risky debt maturity structure is analyzed in a sequential game framework. The focus is on the set of viable equilibria when there are not transaction costs associated with the choice of debt maturity structure. It is shown that when changes in firm value are independent over time, both short- and long-term debt pooling are Nash sequential equilibrium outcomes. However, only the short-term debt pooling outcome satisfies the universal divinity refinements. Relaxing the assumption of independent changes in firm value, it is demonstrated that a separating equilibrium in which higher-quality firms issue short-term debt and low-quality firms issue long-term debt may exist. Furthermore, conditions exist under which long-term debt pooling is the universally divine outcome.
Contribution of Implicit Sequence Learning to Spoken Language Processing: Some Preliminary Findings With Hearing Adults

Spoken language consists of a complex, sequentially arrayed signal that contains patterns that can be described in terms of statistical relations among language units. Previous research has suggested that a domain-general ability to learn structured sequential patterns may underlie language acquisition. To test this prediction, we examined the extent to which implicit sequence learning of probabilistically structured patterns in hearing adults is correlated with a spoken sentence perception task under degraded listening conditions. Performance on the sentence perception task was found to be correlated with implicit sequence learning, but only when the sequences were composed of stimuli that were easy to encode verbally. Implicit learning of phonological sequences thus appears to underlie spoken language processing and may indicate a hitherto unexplored cognitive factor that may account for the enormous variability in language outcomes in deaf children with cochlear implants. The present findings highlight the importance of investigating individual differences in specific cognitive abilities as a way to understand and explain language in deaf learners and, in particular, variability in language outcomes following cochlear implantation.
A Framework of Community Management with Object Deputy Mechanism for IP Multimedia Subsystem

This paper presents an approach to the problem of community data management in the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) environment. More specifically, it describes a framework of the community management with the use of object deputy data model, which is developed as a key component of the enhanced platform for IMS to provide group-centric, media-rich interactive services. Furthermore, on the basis of data management paradigm over hybrid peer-to-peer (P2P) network combined with the IMS architecture, we consider binding a database capability for the community management with each super-peer on the network. In addition, we introduce the concept of "public community identity" to identify each community on the IMS network and route a SIP request addressed to a specific community based on a set of filter criteria included in the user/service profile.
Real-time swallowing detection based on tracheal acoustics

Wearable systems play an important role in continuous health monitoring and can contribute to early detection of abnormal events. The ability to automatically detect swallowing in real-time can provide valuable insight into eating behavior, medication adherence monitoring, and diagnosis and evaluation of swallowing disorders. In this paper, we have developed a real-time swallowing detection algorithm based on acoustic signals that combines computationally inexpensive features to achieve comparable performance with previously proposed methods using acoustic and non-acoustic data. With data from four healthy subjects that includes common tracheal events such as speech, chewing, coughing, clearing the throat, and swallowing of different liquids, our results show an overall recall performance of 79.9% and precision of 67.6%.
Monolithic NMOS digital integrated circuits in 6H-SiC

We report the first digital monolithic integrated circuits in the wide bandgap semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC). These logic gates are implemented in enhancement-mode NMOS using ion implanted MOSFET's with non-self-aligned metal gates. We have fabricated and characterized inverters, NAND and NOR gates, XNOR gates, D-latches, RS flip-flops, binary counters, and half adders. All circuits operate properly from room temperature to over 300/spl deg/C. >
THE EFFECT OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON GROUND‐WATER QUALITY NEAR DETROIT, MICHIGAN

: Two water-quality studies were done on the outskirts of the Detroit metropolitan area to determine how recent residential development has affected ground-water quality. Pairs of monitor and domestic wells were sampled in areas where residential land use overlies glacial outwash deposits. Young, shallow waters had significantly higher median concentrations of nitrate, chloride, and dissolved solids than older, deeper waters. Analysis of chloride/bromide ratios indicates that elevated salinities are due to human activities rather than natural factors, such as upward migration of brine. Trace concentrations of volatile organic compounds were detected in samples from 97 percent of the monitor wells. Pesticides were detected infrequently even though they are routinely applied to lawns and roadways in the study area. The greatest influence on ground-water quality appears to be from septic-system effluent (domestic sewage, household solvents, water-softener backwash) and infiltration of storm-water runoff from paved surfaces (road salt, fuel residue). No health-related drinking-water standards were exceeded in samples from domestic wells. However, the effects of human activities are apparent in 76 percent of young waters, and at depths far below 25 feet, which is the current minimum well-depth requirement.
Natural Eye Motion Synthesis by Modeling Gaze-Head Coupling

Due to the intrinsic subtlety and dynamics of eye movements, automated generation of natural and engaging eye motion has been a challenging task for decades. In this paper we present an effective technique to synthesize natural eye gazes given a head motion sequence as input, by statistically modeling the innate coupling between gazes and head movements. We first simultaneously recorded head motions and eye gazes of human subjects, using a novel hybrid data acquisition solution consisting of an optical motion capture system and off-the-shelf video cameras. Then, we statistically learn gaze-head coupling patterns using a dynamic coupled component analysis model. Finally, given a head motion sequence as input, we can synthesize its corresponding natural eye gazes based on the constructed gaze-head coupling model. Through comparative user studies and evaluations, we found that comparing with the state of the art algorithms in eye motion synthesis, our approach is more effective to generate natural gazes correlated with given head motions. We also showed the effectiveness of our approach for gaze simulation in two-party conversations.
Potential impact on stratospheric ozone due to emission of hydrocarbons from high-altitude aircraft

A two-dimensional chemical/dynamical model is used to assess the sensitivities on the stratospheric ozone due to emission of hydrocarbons (HCs) from various high-altitude aircraft (including proposed further High Speed Civil Transports, HSCT) under different partitioning of HCs (HCs as CH 4 or HCs as C 2 H 6 ) and different sulfate aerosol loadings (background aerosol or large volcanic aerosol). The model calculation suggests that the emission of HCs increases stratospheric ozone, but the magnitudes of increase vary with different situations. The further proposed HSCT has relatively small emission of HCs. Thus, the impact on stratospheric ozone due to HC emission is small (less than 0.1% increase in total ozone). In some type of aircraft engines which were proposed by the Climate Impact Assessment Program (CIAP) in 1975, the HC emission is about 20 × larger than the HSCT emission; moreover, these aircraft could produce a important increase on stratospheric ozone, especially after a large volcanic eruption, such as Mt. Pinatubo (Philippines in June, 1991). DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1994.t01-3-00004.x
The Impact of Government Corruption and Monopolized Industries on Poverty and Income Disparity in Urban China

This article examines the impact of government corruption and state monopolized industries on poverty and income disparity in urban China. Urban poverty and income disparity in China have increased sharply in recent years. The gap between the rich and poor has become so alarmingly wide that it has caused riots and violent protests in cities and towns across the country. While most studies on the roots of urban poverty and income disparity in China have focused on factors, such as unemployment, rural-to-urban migration, and lack of a social safety net, this study investigates the impact of government corruption and state-monopolized industries on urban poor and income inequality. This study argues that the root causes of the fast-growing gap between the rich and poor are the irrationally high income gained through the monopoly of state-owned industries, the legal gains derived from graft, corruption, and power-for-money transactions.
Arbitrary Two-Pattern Delay Testing Using a Low-Overhead Supply Gating Technique

With increasing defect density and process variations in nanometer technologies, testing for delay faults is becoming essential in manufacturing test to complement stuck-at-fault testing. This paper presents a novel test technique based on supply gating, which can be used as an alternative to the enhanced scan based delay fault testing, with significantly less design overhead. Experimental results on a set of ISCAS89 benchmarks show an average reduction of 34% in area overhead with an average improvement of 65% in delay overhead and 90% in power overhead during normal mode of operation, compared to the enhanced scan implementation.
Surgical Approaches to the Pineal Region

The pineal region can harbor highly diverse histologic tumor subtypes. Because optimal therapeutic strategies vary with tumor type, an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of enlightened management decisions. Either stereotactic biopsy or open surgery is essential for securing tissue for pathologic examination. Biopsy has the advantage of ease and minimal invasiveness but is associated with more sampling errors than open surgery. The emergence of endoscopic techniques and stereotactic radiosurgery provide complementary options to improve pineal tumor management, and will assume greater importance in the neurosurgeon's armamentarium.