cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study of high-pressure phases of tin

High-pressure phases of Sn are investigated with use of the first-principles pseudopotential total-energy method. The T=0 calculations accurately reproduce the structural parameters of the low-pressure modifications \ensuremath{\alpha}-Sn and \ensuremath{\beta}-Sn and predict a transition to either bcc or bct at high pressure. The calculated compression ratio of the body-centered phase at high pressure also agrees well with experiment.
Antithrombotic agents: From RGD to peptide mimetics

This review covers the recent advances in the development of highly potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation as potential therapeutic drugs for thrombosis related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The discovery of RGD sequence-directed cell surface receptors (the integrins) has led to extensive research in the development of small RGD containing peptides and their mimetics as antithrombotic agents. These agents work by inhibiting platelet aggregation through competitive blocking of fibrinogen to the platelet surface receptor, GPIIb/IIIa. The pharmacophoric nature of the aspartic acid and arginine side chains of the RGD unit has allowed the development of strategies for rational design, largely based on assumed bioactive RGD conformations and lead optimization. Applications of such strategies, from RGD peptides to peptide hybrids and then to non-peptide mimetics, are described. Also discussed is the important issue of specificity toward GPIIb/IIIa, keeping in view that the RGD unit is a key recognition signal for a variety of cell surface receptors.
Balanced truncation with spectral shaping for RLC interconnects

This paper presents a numerically stable and efficient algorithm for model reduction of large RLC networks using a frequency-weighted balanced truncation technique. The salient features of this algorithm include guaranteed stability of the reduced transfer function as well as availability of provable frequency-weighted error bounds. Such frequency weighting is essential to provide better control over time-domain error of the reduced system. The first k largest singular values of the system are obtained using the Lanczos algorithm, and the Lyapunov equations are solved by an iterative Lyapunov equation solver. Experimental results demonstrate the higher accuracy of our technique compared to Krylov-subspace-based model reduction techniques and other truncated balanced realizations that do not use spectral shaping. Based on MATLAB simulations, the run-time of our method is only 5% more than that of PRIMA.
Misleading indicators: The limitations of multiple linear regression in formulation of policy recommendations

Multiple linear regression is widely used in empirically-based policy analysis. The central argument of the present paper is that much of this use is inappropriate, not because of the multiple linear regression methodology, but because of the nature of the data used. Too often analysts are carried beyond justified inferences into assertions for which there is essentially no sound defense, leading to policy recommendations of dubious provenance. Four alternative classes of policy interpretations are posited: mere description of data sets, simple prediction, causal models, and causal predictive models. Policy analysis finds statements from the last kind most useful, while multiple linear regression analysis of passively observed data is best suited to supporting statements of the first kind. The paper examines the inferential logic and technical issues that arise as one moves through the four classes. The paper then considers the role multiple linear regression of passively observed data can properly play in policy analysis and suggests alternative approaches.
Measurements on an x-ray light pipe at 5.9 and 14.4 keV

The phenomenon of total external reflection can be successfully applied to the construction of x-ray conducting pipes. Pipe transmission as a function of length and radial source position are investigated, as well as energy constancy of the transmitted radiation. Transmission is strongly energy dependent, favoring low energies.
Cuticular damage to African–American hair during relaxer treatments – A microfluorometric and SEM Study

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (2) 131–137 Abstract: In earlier publications [1,2,3 we discussed several in-depth studies of characterization and quantification of damage done to European dark brown hair fibres by photochemical and cosmetic-chemical oxidation (bleaching) and reduction (perming) processes. These earlier studies established considerable changes in surface chemistry such as an increase in acidity and hydrophilicity. We discussed in detail the breakdown of the lipid domains (delipidation) of the outer ®-layer of the exposed scale faces and generation of anionic (sulphonic acid) groups (acidification) on the hair surface caused by these oxidative and reduction processes. The goal of this current study is to characterize and quantify the level of chemical and physical changes in the surface of African–American hair caused by various »lye-based« and »no-lye« relaxer treatments [4]. This study attempts to establish which product delivers the best »hair straightening« performance while resulting in the least chemical and physical changes in the hair surface. We again use a microfluorometric technique with the help of the cationic fluorochrome Rhodamine B to detect, map and quantify relaxer-induced changes in the surface chemistry of human hair fibre. In addition, we also use SEM at various magnifications to highlight relaxer-induced changes in the physical nature of the hair surface. We attempt to associate the level of increase in fluorescence intensity, which represents an increased level of delipidation/acidification of the hair surface, with the damage level to the hair topography, and thus, determine the least damaging cosmetic chemical process. Damage to the physical nature of the hair topography as observed by SEM shows a clear difference between treatments involving lab-made relaxer solutions and commercial relaxer systems. Keywords: African-American hair, commercial relaxer systems, microfluorometry, relaxer-induced surface changes/damage, physical nature, surface chemistry, relaxer solutions, SEM, +lye-based1/2 and +no-lye1/2 relaxers,
GLHS: a generalized lightness, hue, and saturation color model

Abstract We discuss the problem of color organization and modeling in general and in computer graphics in particular. After a brief review of the Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) and Lightness, Hue, and Saturation (LHS) color models in computer graphics, a generalization of the latter, the Generalized Lightness, Hue, and Saturation (GLHS) model, is introduced, derived, and discussed. It is shown that previously used LHS color models are special cases of GLHS and can be obtained from it by appropriate assignments to its free parameters. We derive some mathematical results concerning the relation between GLHS and RGB. Using these, we are able to give a single pair of simple algorithms for transforming from GLHS to RGB and vice versa. This single pair of algorithms transforms between RGB and any of the previously published HSL, HSV, and HLS models, as well as any other special case of the generalized model. Nevertheless, they are as simple as the separate algorithms published previously. Illustrations are given of color gamuts defined by various assignments to the free parameters of the GLHS system as they appear on the display monitor under the control of a Multiple Color Model Image Display System. Finally, we discuss briefly the potential for finding within the GLHS family a model that provides the closest approximation to a uniform color space. Such a model shares the perceptual properties of a proven uniform model and, at the same time, the algorithmic properties of the GLHS family.
Hydrolysis of phosphohydroxypyruvate and β-glycerophosphate by a phosphatase preparation from beef brain

Abstract A phosphatase preparation has been partially purified from beef brain which catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphohydroxypyruvic acid, β-glycerophosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, and fructose-6-phosphate. The pH optimum for the first two substrates is in the range of 7.5. Magnesium ions are required for optimal activity, and the reaction is inhibited by fluoride and manganese. The enzyme preparation has negligible activity with phosphoserine, p -nitrophenylphosphate, 5′-mononucleotides, 3-phosphoglycerate, and phosphoethanolamine. The K m values for phosphohydroxypyruvate and dl -β-glycerophosphate are 7 × 10 −3 M and 6 × 10 −4 M , respectively.
Role of innate and adaptive immunity during drug-induced liver injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major human health concern and is the most frequent cause of FDA boxed warnings and the removal of drugs from the market. Idiosyncratic DILI (IDILI) is highly variable in its time to onset and no one clear hypothesis exists to explain the mechanism. The general belief is most cases of IDILI involve some immune mediated component; however no animal models can recapitulate human IDILI. Despite numerous drugs that have IDILI potential, the most common cause of DILI is acetaminophen (APAP) overdose. APAP in animal models and in patients is a dose-dependent hepatotoxicant resulting in severe centrilobular necrosis and a robust inflammatory response. In this review we will compare the existing hypotheses for potential causes of IDILI and discuss the potential roles of immune involvement in DILI. Additionally we will focus on what we have learned from the mechanisms of APAP toxicity (protein adduction, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidant stress, DNA damage, release of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)) and useful interventions to alleviate APAP-toxicity (reduced protein binding, scavenging of reactive oxygen, induction of autophagy). Mechanistically APAP-induced liver injury appears to be fundamentally different from IDILI, however, there are potential critical events shared between APAP-induced liver injury and IDILI. The strategies and methods currently being used to study APAP-induced liver injury are described in this review. This improved insight into mechanisms of APAP-induced injury with initiation, propagation and inflammation may also help to better understand IDILI.
Large conversion efficiency and dynamic range for sis mixers

Abstract Large but finite conversion gain with positive output impedance is predicted for a single sideband SIS mixer at zero temperature. It is found that an optimum occurs for small local oscillator power, unlike the classical case. Still, the dynamic range can be quite large. Fundamental limits allow a dynamic range in excess of 70 dB for Pb-alloy junctions with a 500 MHz bandwidth.
Magnetic field-based sensing method for spherical joint

This paper presents a sensing method that harnesses the capacity of modern sensors to measure vector fields. This approach directly maps distributed independent field measurements to the instantaneous orientation of a spherical joint embedded with low-cost permanent magnets. Unlike existing methods which require a priori and precise field models, this direct method engages an artificial neural network to associate a collection of measurements to joint orientation. The operation of both bipolar and unipolar single and multi-axis sensors were considered and evaluated experimentally.
Functional Study of the Brain by NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods allow a wide variety of noninvasive measurements to be made on living animals and humans. The most extensively developed application of such methods is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and other organs, which has already come to the attention of most biomedical scholars, many physicians, and even much of the lay public because of its widespread use in neurological research and medical diagnosis.
Cigarette smoking and subjective response: Effects of d‐amphetamine

The effects of oral d-amphetamine on cigarette smoking and subjective responses were determined in eight adults who smoked cigarettes. Subjects were tested each day in rooms that provided a comfortable, natural environment while cigarette-smoking behavior was automatically monitored. Each subject served as his own control and was tested at four d-amphetamine dose levels (0, 5, 15, 25 mg) that were scheduled according to five randomized block sequences. d-Amphetamine induced dose-related increases in the number of cigarettes smoked. total puffs, weight of tobacco consumed, expired air carbon monoxide levels, subject-related satisfaction derived from smoking, and scores on scales of the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI). As measures of drug effects, both the behavioral measures of smoking and the ARCI scales were sensitive when the data from the subjects were grouped and tested for statistical significance. Behavioral measures, however, were more sensitive than the ARCI scales when a within-subject analysis was performed.
Taming complex healthcare data models with dictionary tooling

Information models used in the healthcare domain tend to be complex, in part because they were designed to be as flexible and generic as possible. This complexity presents a steep learning curve for implementers, which can lead to partial or poorly-implemented solutions. In this paper, we present a tool that facilitates the creation of sets of modular and composable clinical data abstractions. Using these, implementers can produce and consume standards-compliant clinical data correctly and efficiently without being experts in the underlying information models or the medical terminologies they reference.
Continuous Lumbar Plexus Block Provides Improved Analgesia With Fewer Side Effects Compared With Systemic Opioids After Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: A single injection lumbar plexus block for acute pain management after hip surgery is usually limited to the immediate postoperative period. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a continuous lumbar plexus block on perioperative opioid requirements and pain intensity. Methods: Adult patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia were randomized to continuous lumbar plexus block combined with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or PCA only for postoperative pain. Patients allocated to the lumbar plexus block had the catheter placed before surgery. Patients were followed for 36 hours. Perioperative opioid requirement was the primary outcome; secondary outcomes included assessment of pain intensity, patient and surgeon satisfaction with the analgesic technique, and occurrence of nausea and vomiting. Results: Seventeen patients were randomized to each treatment group. Compared with patients in the PCA group, patients in the continuous lumbar plexus block group required less morphine (12 mg) (95% CI, −12.9 to −3.9), had on average less pain (−2.1 units on a 0 to 10 scale) (95% CI, −3.8 to −1.1), were more satisfied with their analgesic technique, and experienced less nausea and vomiting. One patient in the continuous lumbar plexus block developed a delayed paresis and 1 patient in the PCA group developed respiratory depression. Conclusions: Continuous lumbar plexus block combined with PCA is superior to PCA alone for postoperative pain management following hip replacement. It reduces opioid requirements, opioid related side effects, and enhances patient satisfaction. However, additional research is required to determine its safety in light of the neurologic injury observed.
Living Conditions of the Floating Population in Urban China

Slums and squatters are not widespread in most Chinese cities and towns even though China has been experiencing rapid urbanization. Moreover, statistics from the 2000 Census reveal that migrants do not necessarily live in poorer housing conditions than non-migrants in urban areas; some housing facilities for the floating population, who moved without changes in household registration, are even better than those of local urban residents. Using 1 per cent of the household sample of the 2000 Census dataset, this paper examines the living conditions and their determinants of the floating population in urban China.
The effects of antibiotic-impregnated autogeneic cancellous bone graft on bone healing.

Autogeneic canceUous bone graft has been recommended as a vehicle for local antibiotic delivery. Its effect on graft incorporation, however, is unknown. The healing of defects grafted with tobramycin-impregnated cancellous bone were compared with those grafted with cancellous bone alone. Plane roentgenographs, microradiographs, bone density analyses, histologic examination, and biomechanical testing were performed on specimens throughout the course of healing. The presence of large concentrations of local tobramycin does not appear to affect the normal healing characteristics of cancellous bone graft
A web-based collaborative translation management system for public health workers

This paper reports on the design process of a web-based collaborative system for the production of multilingual health communication materials. The system is based on a workflow combining machine translation and human post-editing and has been designed for public health professionals who are bilingual domain experts but not necessarily trained translators. Our initial data gathering phase involved interviews and focus groups with local and regional public health Dept.s. Based on the design recommendations extracted from the data, we implemented a web-based prototype collaborative translation management system. We further refined the system through an iterative design process that included informal user testing with multilingual participants. Future work will include usability studies with public health workers and the integration of additional collaborative features.
The UAS(MAL) is a bidirectional promotor element required for the expression of both the MAL61 and MAL62 genes of the Saccharomyces MAL6 locus.

Maltose fermentation in Saccharomyces yeasts requires one of five unlinked MAL loci: MAL1, 2, 3, 4, or 6. Each locus consists of three genes encoding maltose permease, maltase and the MAL activator. At MAL6 the genes are called MAL61, MAL62 and MAL63, respectively. Transcription of MAL61 and MAL62 is coordinately induced by maltose and repressed by glucose and this regulation is mediated by the MAL activator. By deletion analysis of the MAL61 ... MAL62 intergenic region, we show that a 68-basepair region, from base pairs-515 to -582 upstream of the MAL61 start codon, contains a sequence necessary for the maltose-induced expression of MAL61 and MAl62, the UASMAL. This sequence contains two copies of an 11-basepair dyad which may be the active elements of the USAMAL. Using heterologous gene plasmid constructs, we demonstrate that the USAMAL sequence is sufficient for maltose inducibility of MAL62 and that this regulated expression requires a functional MAL activator. Our results suggest that the MAL61-MAL62 intergenic region contains additional distinct elements which function to precisely regulate MAL61 and/or MAL62 expression. Among these are repressing sequences, including a glucose-responsive element located between base pairs -583 and -638, which is partially responsible for mediating glucose-repression of MAL62 expression.
Optimized Interactive Processes

Optimized interactive processes (OIPs) could help transform traditional business process management systems into dynamic, context-driven systems that better coordinate physical, digital, and human assets.
Information visualization for advanced vehicle displays

Almost all vehicles soon will acquire advanced user interfaces with specialized information visualization. This revolution poses significant human factors issues, but also new challenges of appeal, cultural orientation, and branding. This article describes considerations beyond traditional human factors and shows conceptual visual prototypes that explore new approaches to vehicle information displays.
Homomorphism polynomials of chemical graphs

We say that a graphG ishomomorphic to a graphH if there is a mappingp from the vertices of G onto the vertices ofH such thatp(u) andp(ν) are adjacent inH wheneveru andν are adjacent in G. Thehomomorphism polynomial of a graphG is a polynomial in two variables that counts the number of homomorphisms ofG onto the complete graph of each order. This polynomial can be computed recursively in an analog to the chromatic polynomial. In this paper, we present some results regarding the homomorphism polynomials of the graphs of chemical compounds — in particular, alkane isomers. The coefficients of the homomorphism polynomial can be used to predict the rankings of compounds with respect to several chemical properties. Our results seem to refine those obtained by Randic et al. from path lengths.
Conformations and Binding Modes of 2,3,5,6-Tetra(2‘-pyridyl)pyrazine

The compound 2,3,5,6-tetra(2‘-pyridyl)pyrazine (tppz) is a remarkably versatile electron donor that displays a wide variety of binding modes. Quantum mechanical calculations on the 14 low energy conformations of tppz indicate a preference for four conformations in methanol and two others in either the gas phase or benzene. The prevalence of a species in solution and its predicted solubility, based on simple dipole moment considerations, provides an explanation for the isolation of different tppz polymorphs from the two solvents. Using a simple system for describing the tppz geometry, a review of previously reported crystal structures of complexes containing tppz as a ligand was conducted. The literature reveals a variety of tppz binding modes, including mono-, bi-, and tridentate coordination to a variety of Lewis acids. In addition to small molecular complexes, tppz-containing macrocycles and one-, two-, and three-dimensional extended chain systems have been characterized. Upon the basis of the analysis ...
Evaluating Radiation-induced White Matter Changes in Patients Treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Pilot Study

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been an effective treatment method for brain tumors; however, few data are available regarding radiation-induced white matter (WM) damage by SRS. In this work, d...
Intensity distribution near the focus of an apertured focused gaussian beam

Abstract This paper investigates the truncation effects on the three-dimensional intensity distribution near the focus of a gaussian laser beam which is focused by a circular lens and aperture system of very large Fresnel number. A series of isophote diagrams (lines of equal intensity) is presented to show the merger process of the intensity extrema both on the axis and in the focal plane as the truncation of the beam by the aperture decreases continuously to zero, i.e., as the aperture radius approaches infinity. The relationship between the merger process and the development of the quasi-tubular structure in the center of the isophotes is discussed in greater detail.
Probing the Texture of the Calamitic Liquid Crystalline Dimer of 4-(4-Pentenyloxy)benzoic Acid

The liquid crystalline dimer of 4-(4-pentenyloxy)benzoic acid, a member of the n-alkoxybenzoic acid homologous series, was synthesized using potassium carbonate supported on alumina as catalyst. The acid dimer complex exhibited three mesophases; identified as nematic, smectic X1 and smectic X2. Phase transition temperatures and the corresponding enthalpies were recorded using differential scanning calorimetry upon both heating and cooling. The mesophases were identified by detailed texture observations by variable temperature polarized light microscopy. The nematic phase was distinguished by a fluid Schlieren texture and defect points (four and two brushes) while the smectic phases were distinguished by rigid marble and mosaic textures, respectively.
Impact of neonatal versus nonneonatal total repair of tetralogy of fallot on growth in the first year of life.

Background Optimal timing for total repair in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is controversial. We aimed to determine if weight at 1 year differs between patients who undergo neonatal total repair versus those who undergo nonneonatal total repair later in the first year of life. Methods A retrospective review of infants admitted with TOF between January 2004 and June 2011 was conducted. Patient data, including weight, were collected throughout the first year of life, and neonatal total repair versus nonneonatal total repair groups were compared. Results Of 163 infants, neonatal total repair was undertaken in 36 (22%) of them, whereas 127 (78%) infants had nonneonatal total repair at greater than 28 days of life. The median neonatal intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was longer for the neonatal total repair group than for the nonneonatal total repair group (17.5 [11–24] versus 7 [0–15] days; p p p = 0.002). The mean weight-for-age z score was 0.7 higher in the neonatal total repair group compared with the nonneonatal total repair group ( p = 0.03) controlling for birth weight (BW), diagnostic subgroup, and gestational age (GA). Conclusions Patients with TOF who underwent neonatal total repair were more likely to receive a TAP but had higher weight-for-age scores at 1 year compared with patients who underwent full repair later in the first year of life.
Parametric design and optimization for a nonlinear precision X–Y microstage

Abstract A new micropositioning system based on the kinematic coupling principle is shown to offer advantages with respect to resolution, accuracy, precision, and position repeatability while maintaining full two-dimensional motion control. This new system is shown to have a mechanical amplification (leverage) that can allow up to several times increase in the effective positioning resolution of the actuators driving the kinematic coupling mechanism. However, the magnitude of the leverage is not homogeneous over the entire working envelope of the mechanism. Furthermore, in some areas, the magnitude of the leverage is shown to be very sensitive to perturbations in the design parameters. This paper provides a discussion of the parameter design analysis for the proposed system using a methodology based on design of experiments and nonlinear mathematical programming. Using an indicator developed for this purpose, a response surface for the mechanical advantage is obtained and optimal design areas are identified. More importantly, this analysis proves to be flexible enough in searching for the set of parameters that would achieve any particular target on the level of performance, while presenting the least sensitivity to manufacturing noise. This allows for manufacture of variations of the proposed mechanism within feasible manufacturing tolerances and costs. A case study is also presented as an illustration of one real application in manufacturing design. Additionally, potential areas of implementation, such as precision assembly and rapid prototyping, have been identified.
Selective DNA demethylation by fusion of TDG with a sequence-specific DNA-binding domain

Our ability to selectively manipulate gene expression by epigenetic means is limited, as there is no approach for targeted reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes, in contrast to what is available for selective gene silencing. We aimed to develop a tool for selective transcriptional activation by DNA demethylation. Here we present evidence that direct targeting of thymine-DNA-glycosylase (TDG) to specific sequences in the DNA can result in local DNA demethylation at potential regulatory sequences and lead to enhanced gene induction. When TDG was fused to a well-characterized DNA-binding domain [the Rel-homology domain (RHD) of NFκB], we observed decreased DNA methylation and increased transcriptional response to unrelated stimulus of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). The effect was not seen for control genes lacking either RHD-binding sites or high levels of methylation, nor in control mock-transduced cells. Specific reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes may thus be achievable by this approach, which provides a broadly useful strategy to further our exploration of biological mechanisms and to improve control over the epigenome.
Fair Pay for Fair Play: Estimating Pay Equity in Professional Baseball with Data Envelopment Analysis

Data envelopment analysis shows promise for generating objective estimates of pay equity. Applied to performance and salary data for 433 professional baseball players, data envelopment analysis ide...
Model of Chromosome Motility in Drosophila Embryos: Adaptation of a General Mechanism for Rapid Mitosis

During mitosis, ensembles of dynamic MTs and motors exert forces that coordinate chromosome segregation. Typically, chromosomes align at the metaphase spindle equator where they oscillate along the pole-pole axis before disjoining and moving poleward during anaphase A, but spindles in different cell types display differences in MT dynamicity, in the amplitude of chromosome oscillations and in rates of chromatid-to-pole motion. Drosophila embryonic mitotic spindles, for example, display remarkably dynamic MTs, barely detectable metaphase chromosome oscillations, and a rapid rate of ''flux- pacman-dependent'' anaphase chromatid-to-pole motility. Here we develop a force-balance model that describes Drosophila embryo chromosome motility in terms of a balance of forces acting on kinetochores and kMTs that is generated by multiple polymer ratchets and mitotic motors coupled to tension-dependent kMT dynamics. The model shows that i), multiple MTs displaying high dynamic instability can drive steady and rapid chromosome motion; ii), chromosome motility during metaphase and anaphase A can be described by a single mechanism; iii), high kinetochore dynein activity is deployed to dampen metaphase oscillations, to augment the basic flux-pacman mechanism, and to drive rapid anaphase A; iv), modulation of the MT rescue frequency by the kinetochore-associated kinesin-13 depolymerase promotes metaphase chromosome oscillations; and v), this basic mechanism can be adapted to a broad range of spindles.
Continuous speech recognition

This group works towards automatic transcription of continuous speech with a vocabulary and syntax as unrestricted as possible. It is a long-term effort; however, an experimental system is operational. The acoustic processor contains a spectrum analyzer based on the Fast Fourier Transform and a phone segmenter/recognizer which makes use of transitional and steady-state information in its classification. The linguistic processor accepts an imperfect string of phones and produces an estimated transcription of the speech input.
Using actual and ultrasound carcass information in beef genetic evaluation programs

Increased movement toward alliances and grid pricing in the U.S. has led to an increase interest in genetic values for carcass traits. The literature suggests that carcass genetic values are an effective tool to enhance selection for carcass traits, and that it is possible to select sires within a breed that can increase marbling score without adversely affecting external fat thickness or percent retail product relative to the breed mean. Ultrasound has been investigated as a cheaper means of collecting carcass information. The literature indicates that carcass traits measured via ultrasound on yearling seedstock will respond to selection. Although the literature is variable on the subject, there are reported genetic correlation (rg) estimates between live animal ultrasound and actual carcass attributes that are greater than .70 for all ultrasonically measured carcass traits. When rg between seedstock ultrasound and slaughter cattle carcass measures are > 0.70, similar or greater genetic progress in finished cattle carcass merit could be achieved by using ultrasound information entirely compared to using typical carcass progeny information; however, the maximum accuracy of prediction using ultrasound information in lieu of finished cattle carcass information would be rg. Therefore both actual and live animal, ultrasonically measured carcass traits should be included in genetic evaluation programs, which will allow for an increase in the accuracy of prediction of carcass genetic values on young seedstock animals due to the inclusion of ultrasound information, and will also allow for the possible production of high accuracy sires based on finished cattle progeny carcass information. Multi-breed models are being developed to allow for the prediction of genetic values for carcass traits in populations composed of animals of varying breed composition.
Object centered design for Java: teaching OOD in CS-1

Object-centered design (OCD) is a methodology developed to help novice C++ programmers learn to design software. By adapting OCD for use with Java, we can reduce the number of phases in OCD from five to three, and introduce object-oriented design (OOD) in CS-1 instead of CS-2.
Effect of temperature and organic modifier on the isocratic retention characteristics of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on a reversed-phase octadecylsilane column

Abstract Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (nitro-PAH) retention behavior was evaluated on a reversed-phase polymeric octadecylsilane column under isocratic conditions as a function of organic modifier and temperature. Several conclusions can be drawn from the retention and organic modifier study ( viz. , methanol and acetonitrile—water). First, the logarithm of the capacity factor (log k ′) was linearly dependent on organic—water volume fraction (ϕ). Second, nitro-PAH k ′ values increased with decrease in organic modifier concentration. Third, the slopes of log k ′ vs. ϕ plots were solvent-dependent. Larger slope values were found for nitro-PAHs in methanol—water than in acetonitrile—water mixtures for a particular compound. Fourth, slope values were dependent on the molecular structure of individual nitro-PAHs. Nitro-PAH retention times decreased with increase in column temperature. A linear dependence of log k ′ on the reciprocal of the absolute column temperature, the Van `t Hoff plott, was observed for both organic modifiers over the temperature range studied. The standard enthalpic range (Δ H 0 ) for nitro-PAH transfer from the mobile to the stationary pahse was determined. Δ H 0 was dependent on organic modifier tupe and composition as well as solute structure. The enthalpy—entropy compensation effect was evaluated by plotting log k ′ vs. — Δ H 0 and used to interpret nitro-PAH retention mechanisms. A compensation effect was found for some mononitrated PAHs for both organic modifiers. The compensation temperatures were within the accepted range described for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography systems.
Measurement of the climate for creativity in IS organizations

The Work Environment Inventory (WEI) instrument was used to measure the climate for creativity for a representative set of IS organizations by measuring perceptions of IS professionals. The results were compared to those for non-IS organisations, revealing significant differences. Specific areas of deficiency were identified. IS management can concentrate on those factors to leverage budget and effort to enhance the climate for creativity. >
Structure of the Mad2 spindle assembly checkpoint protein and its interaction with Cdc20.

The checkpoint protein Mad2 inhibits the activity of the anaphase promoting complex by sequestering Cdc20 until all chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate. We report the solution structure of human Mad2 and its interaction with Cdc20. Mad2 possesses a novel three-layered α/β fold with three α-helices packed between two β-sheets. Using deletion mutants we identified the minimal Mad2-binding region of human Cdc20 as a 40-residue segment immediately N-terminal to the WD40 repeats. Mutagenesis and NMR titration experiments show that a C-terminal flexible region of Mad2 is required for binding to Cdc20. Mad2 and Cdc20 form a tight 1:1 heterodimeric complex in which the C-terminal segment of Mad2 becomes folded. These results provide the first structural insight into mechanisms of the spindle assembly checkpoint.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Indications and Limitations

The oral glucose tolerance test has been used in many clinical situations. From a practical standpoint, however, it has limited applicability. The test should never be done to evaluate reactive hypoglycemia. It can be used in the patient whose fasting plasma glucose level is less than 140 mg/dl but who manifests symptoms compatible with complications of diabetes. Finally, all pregnant patients should undergo testing for gestational diabetes with a 50-g glucose screen at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, and a subsequent glucose tolerance test should be performed if the result of that test is abnormal.
Effect of carbohydrate cryoprotecting agents on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in surimi-meat frankfurters.

Previous investigations of frankfuters substituted with Alaska pollock consistently showed that, after broiling, higher levels on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were found in the surimi containing frankfurters compared to those containing the corresponding washed mince. This was apparent in the 50%, but not in the 15% substituted frankfurters. The addition of the cryoprotecting agents, sucrose and sorbitol, to the washed mince to make surimi was the major difference in the two forms of fish. Model system experiments carried out, first in an aqueous pH 5.8 buffer and second, in a 50% fish-meat simulated frankfurter system indicated that the combination of sucrose-sorbitol increased and fructose-sorbitol decreased NDMA formation. Frankfurters prepared with 50% washed mince and containing different carbohydrates showed that sucrose-sorbitol gave higher NDMA values than fructose-sorbitol, even though all the carbohydrates tested gave NDMA results higher than the control.
On synthesizing robust discrete controllers under modeling uncertainty

We investigate the robustness of reactive control protocols synthesized to guarantee system's correctness with respect to given temporal logic specifications. We consider uncertainties in open finite transition systems due to unmodeled transitions. The resulting robust synthesis problem is formulated as a temporal logic game. In particular, if the specification is in the so-called generalized reactivity [1] fragment of linear temporal logic, so is the augmented specification in the resulting robust synthesis problem. Hence, the robust synthesis problem belongs to the same complexity class with the nominal synthesis problem, and is amenable to polynomial time solvers. Additionally, we discuss reasoning about the effects of different levels of uncertainties on robust synthesizability and demonstrate the results on a simple robot motion planning scenario.
Dynamic accelerator modeling

Object-oriented programming has been used extensively to model the LBL Advanced Light Source 1.5 GeV electron storage ring. This paper is on the present status of the class library construction with emphasis on a dynamic modeling. >
Mitochondrial Function, Morphology, and Axonal Transport in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Perturbation of organellar axonal transport is increasingly recognized as an important contributor in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Although the specificity of this impairment remains to be elucidated, growing evidence suggests that in certain disease conditions, mitochondria are affected primarily by transport defects. Many hypotheses have been formulated to explain the pathogenic mechanisms involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The mutations described so far in genetic forms of ALS (familial ALS, fALS) affect proteins involved in a wide variety of cellular mechanisms, including free radical scavenging, energy metabolism, axonal transport, RNA processing, DNA repair, vesicular transport, and angiogenesis. Here we review the current knowledge on mitochondrial transport and its role in ALS. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 11, 1615–1626.
Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis up-close: Intermountain grassland invaders differ morphologically and phenologically from native community dominants

Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis predicts that successful invaders will tend to differ taxonomically from native species in recipient communities because less related species exhibit lower niche overlap and experience reduced biotic resistance. This hypothesis has garnered substantial support at coarse scales. However, at finer scales, the influence of traits and niche use on invasibility and invader impacts is poorly understood. Within grasslands of western Montana, USA, we compared morphological and phenological traits for five top exotic invasive forbs and five dominant native forbs using multivariate techniques to examine niche separation between exotics and natives. Exotic forbs differed from native forbs in multivariate space. Phenologically, native forbs synchronized vegetative growth with bolting and flowering early in spring. In contrast, exotics initiated vegetative growth concurrent with natives but bolted and flowered later. Morphologically, vegetative growth of exotics was three times shorter and narrower, but flowering stem growth was 35% taller and 65% wider than the natives. Collectively, these patterns suggest different strategies of resource uptake and allocation. Additionally, following wildfire, survival was four times higher for exotics compared to natives, and three times more of the surviving exotics flowered. The exotics we examined appeared to be exploiting an empty community-level niche. The resulting pattern of trait differences between exotics and natives suggests a predictable pattern of invasion and a predictable trajectory of community change. Our results illustrate how quantifying trait differences between invading exotics and natives at the within-community scale can improve understandings of community invasibility and invader impacts.
Essentially decision free Petri nets for real-time resource allocation

Qualitative properties of Petri nets (such as liveness and safeness) are useful in discrete manufacturing applications since they correspond to consistent, deadlock-free control logic. In this paper we introduce the qualitative property of essentially decision free (EDF) places in Petri nets (PNs) to represent the absence of unresolved (nonunique) resource allocation conditions. We show that a previously developed method for PN synthesis of on-line control logic may lead to ambiguous resource allocation conditions which are exhibited in the PN model us non-EDF places. Using the theory of place-invariants, we develop a procedure for identifying non-EDF places in the synthesized logic. The procedure is illustrated for an example of assigning robots to tasks in a flexible assembly cell. For this example, allocation ambiguities are systematically resolved by introducing logical NOT conditions in the PN model.
Colonial Institutions and Cross-Cultural Trade: Repartimiento Credit and Indigenous Production of Cochineal in Eighteenth-Century Oaxaca, Mexico

Colonial societies exhibit peculiar institutions frequently attributed to the unequal and exploitative nature of the relations between colonizer and colonized. Repartimiento has been depicted as a coercive system of production and consumption designed by Spaniards to draw reluctant Amerindians into the market. An examination of repartimiento through the lens of New Institutional Economics provides an alternative understanding of this credit system. Characteristics of the repartimiento most often identified as exploitative are better explained as institutional adaptations designed to facilitate contract enforcement and economize on transaction costs in this cross-cultural trade. Consequently, this peculiar colonial institution served to expand trade.
On the registrability of two CT volumes

This paper describes a method to determine whether two CT volumes overlap in anatomy or not. This is an important problem because radiologists have to manually select which series should be registered together for follow-up exams. This task is becoming more and more tedious as the number of studies and series for each patient increases in large hospital settings, and meta-data is often erroneous, incomplete, or inconsistent, and therefore unreliable. We demonstrate on 40 patients and 100 possible matches that our tool is successful in identifying the overlapping (or registrable) cases automatically. We also show that this is not possible using the residual error after registration.
When does adoption of health information technology by physician practices lead to use by physicians within the practice

Objective We sought to determine the extent to which adoption of health information technology (HIT) by physician practices may differ from the extent of use by individual physicians, and to examine factors associated with adoption and use. Materials and methods Using cross-sectional survey data from the National Study of Small and Medium-Sized Physician Practices (July 2007–March 2009), we examined the extent to which organizational capabilities and external incentives were associated with the adoption of five key HIT functionalities by physician practices and with use of those functionalities by individual physicians. Results The rate of physician practices adopting any of the five HIT functionalities was 34.1%. When practices adopted HIT functionalities, on average, about one in seven physicians did not use those functionalities. One physician in five did not use prompts and reminders following adoption by their practice. After controlling for other factors, both adoption of HIT by practices and use of HIT by individual physicians were higher in primary care practices and larger practices. Practices reporting an emphasis on patient-centered management were not more likely than others to adopt, but their physicians were more likely to use HIT. Discussion Larger practices were most likely to have adopted HIT, but other factors, including specialty mix and self-reported patient-centered management, had a stronger influence on the use of HIT once adopted. Conclusions Adoption of HIT by practices does not mean that physicians will use the HIT.
Counting and particle transmission efficiency of the aerodynamic particle sizer

Abstract The aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) measures the size distributions of particles with aerodynamic diameter between 0.5 and 20 μ m in real time. To provide accurate size distributions, the APS must measure both particle size and concentration correctly. The objective of this study was to characterize the counting efficiency of the APS as a function of particle size (0.8– 10 μ m ), particle type (liquid or solid), and APS model number (3310 vs. 3321). For solid particles, counting efficiencies ranged between 85% and 99%. For liquid droplets, counting efficiencies progressively declined from 75% at 0.8- μ m drops to 25% for 10- μ m drops. Fluorometric wash tests indicated that transmission losses occur when larger droplets impact on the instrument's inner nozzle. However, transmission losses did not account entirely for the reduced droplet counting efficiencies, indicating that additional losses may have occurred downstream of the inner nozzle. Between instrument comparisons revealed that although multiple APSs report similar number concentrations, small deviations in particle sizing can produce substantial errors when number concentrations are converted to mass concentrations.