cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ditkin's Condition and Primary Ideals in Central Beurling Algebras.

In this note some questions of ideal theory for the center and more generally theB-fixed subalgebras of a Beurling algebraLω1(G) are discussed. Sufficient conditions on ω are given for these subagebras to satisfy Ditkin's condition, or for primary ideals to be maximal or at least of finite codimension.
Conformational transitions in the Escherichia coli chromosome: Analysis by viscometry and sedimentation

The effects of physical, chemical and enzymatic treatments on purified folded chromosomes from Escherichia coli were monitored, by viscometry and sedimentation. The following chromosome conformational states were distinguishable: (a) folded, supertwisted; (b) ethidium bromides-relaxed; (c) partially unfolded by ribonuclease; and (d) completely unfolded. Viscometric analyses show that the chromosomal DNA is supertwisted and that this supertwisting is lost after ribonuclease digestion. Extensive incubation with pancreatic ribonuclease A or ribonuclease T 1 only partially unfolds the chromosomes; complete unfolding requires incubation at temperatures of 60 to 70°C, treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate, or incubation with trypsin. The folded chromosomes were sensitive to trypsin attack only after the chromosomes were partially unfolded, suggesting that the proteins contributing to chromosome structure are buried inside the folded, supertwisted structure. It is now clear that both RNA and proteins are involved in maintaining the structure of the folded chromosome. Since ribonuclease and trypsin induced different conformational transitions, RNA and protein must stabilize different folds of the bacterial chromosome.
Procedure to Quantify Biofilm Activity on Carriers used in Wastewater Treatment Systems

A procedure is presented for evaluating and comparing the biological activity of biofilms attached to various biofilm carriers by measurement of the glucose consumption rate. This technique allows for the economical design and selection of small particulate biofilm carriers that will maximize substrate removal when used in industrial-scale fluidized bioreactors. Methods for ensuring reproducible results are described. To support the glucose consumption rate findings, biofilm dry weights were obtained at the conclusion of activity rate experiments, and scanning electron micrographs were taken to evaluate the presence of biofilm and to view surface characteristics. Fourteen different biofilm carriers were evaluated ranging from commercially available products to novel carriers designed specifically for this study. Carriers that exhibited the highest reaction rates in descending order included: Syntrex 1220 (Kinetico, Inc.), Kaldnes Carrier Element—Modified (Kaldnes North America, Inc.), Kaldnes Carrier Element—Original (Kaldnes North America, Inc.), Macrolite Modified CEPP-02 (Kinetico, Inc.), Macrolite 357 (Kinetco, Inc.), and Virgin Foam Cubes (BB Bradley Co.). Results showed that the accumulation of biofilm depended most strongly on carrier surface properties, such as surface roughness and specific surface area. The biofilm activity as measured by glucose consumption rate correlated well with activity determinations made by COD measurements when a complex carbohydrate was used as substrate in place of glucose. Substrate consumption rates in microreactors were within ±43% of those measured in a 3-L bioreactor. The method presented here produced highly reproducible results and may be used to accurately and economically screen a large number of newly-designed carriers for application in industrial bioreactor processes.
Dynamic Multiple-Fault Diagnosis With Imperfect Tests

In this paper, we consider a model for the dynamic multiple-fault diagnosis (DMFD) problem arising in online monitoring of complex systems and present a solution. This problem involves real-time inference of the most likely set of faults and their time-evolution based on blocks of unreliable test outcomes over time. In the DMFD problem, there is a finite set of mutually independent fault states, and a finite set of sensors (tests) is used to monitor their status. We model the dependence of test outcomes on the fault states via the traditional D-matrix (fault dictionary). The tests are imperfect in the sense that they can have missed detections, false alarms, or may be available asynchronously. Based on the imperfect observations over time, the problem is to identify the most likely evolution of fault states over time. The DMFD problem is an intractable NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem. Consequently, we decompose the DMFD problem into a series of decoupled subproblems, one for each sample epoch. For a single-epoch MFD, we develop a fast and high-quality deterministic simulated annealing method. Based on the sequential inferences, a local search-and-update scheme is applied to further improve the solution. Finally, we discuss how the method can be extended to dependent faults.
From total order to database replication

This paper presents in detail an efficient and provably correct algorithm for database replication over partitionable networks. Our algorithm avoids the need for end-to-end acknowledgments for each action while supporting network partitions and merges and allowing dynamic instantiation of new replicas. One round of end-to-end acknowledgments is required only upon a membership change event such as a network partition. New actions may be introduced to the system at any point, not only while in a primary component. We show how performance can be further improved for applications that allow relaxation of consistency requirements. We provide experimental results that demonstrate the efficiency of our approach.
Predicting Relationship Help Seeking Prior to a Marriage Checkup

Although the barriers to couples' help seeking can be daunting, to date there is only a small body of literature addressing the factors that motivate couples to seek help. This study examined the association between attitudes towards relationship help seeking and relationship help seeking behaviors, as well as the association between marital quality and help seeking. This study was completed in the context of the Marriage Checkup, a brief intervention designed to reduce the barriers to help seeking. Results indicated that help seeking attitudes and behaviors were not related in couples, and that wives' marital quality was negatively associated with both wives' and husbands' help seeking. Husbands' marital quality was not associated with husbands' help seeking. Overall, this suggests that the process of couples' help seeking is distinct from that of individuals, and seems to be driven primarily by the female partner. Further implications for theory and treatment are discussed.
Chromoscopy in the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus

Chromoscopy broadly refers to the use of contrast agents to accentuate surface topography (contrast staining), and/or identify specific epithelia by vital staining (absorptive staining), or chemical reactions (reactive staining). Both contrast staining and absorptive staining technique have potential applications in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Accentuation of the detail of the surface topography of Barrett's esophagus with contrast staining may allow for identification of areas of Barrett's esophagus not appreciated during routine endoscopy or surface imperfections in areas of neoplasia that were missed by standard video endoscopic examination. Similarly, vital staining could be used to identify specific epithelia, ie, intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia that are associated with the carcinogenic pathway in Barrett's esophagus, or conversely identifying areas unstained that may represent early malignancy. Unfortunately, there is little data regarding the use of chromoendoscopy in Barrett's esophagus, and further work in this field is justified.
Thermal Inverse Design and Optimization

During the design of high speed flight vehicles the designer should take into account the aerodynamic heating due to surface friction and the high temperature air behind the strong shock waves. The allowable exterior surface temperatures are limited by the material properties of the skin material of the flight vehicle. In addition, the amount of heat that penetrates the skin structure should be minimized since it will have to be absorbed by the fuel and not allowed to enter the passenger cabin. A typical remedy is to cool the structure by pumping a cooling fluid (typically the fuel) through numerous passages manufactured inside the outer structure of the flight vehicle. A design optimization method should therefore provide the designer with a tool to guide the development of innovative designs of internally cooled, thermally coated or non-coated structures that will cost less to manufacture, have a longer life span, be easier to repair, and sustain higher surface temperatures.
Evaluation of a Mixing-Controlled Model for Engine Combustion

Abstract Comparisons were made of computed and measured flame fronts, flame tip propagation rates, and pressures for eight configurations of a divided-chamber, stratified-charge engine differing in speed, equivalence ratio, and throat area. In the model, conversion from reactants to products was assumed to be mixing limited so that the controlling processes were turbulence and wall effects. Turbulence was represented by a k — e model and wall effects by the “law of the wall” and Reynolds analogy. The results were also compared with those from earlier models that attempted to account for finite rate kinetics too, through one overall irreversible reaction. The flowfield is controlled mostly by the flame speed, except near the walls and in the throat area. All models, including the mixing-controlled one, reproduced the flame speed for the eight cases, but tended to overpredict the pressure, particularly for rich cases. However the mixing-controlled model was shown to be inherently inadequate to reproduce com...
Using lymphoscintigraphy to evaluate suspected lymphedema of the extremities

405 ymphedema is the painless progressive accumulation of proteinrich fluid in the interstitial spaces of the skin, resulting from an anatomic or functional obstruction of the lymphatic system [1]. Lymphedema of the lower or upper extremities is typically a chronic condition that has several possible causes and that presents considerable physical as well as psychological difficulties for patients [2]. Patients with lymphedema experience extremity swelling, decreased coordination and mobility, and secondary infections [2]. The disorder typically affects the dermis and spares the deeper compartments [3]. At the initial medical evaluation of patients with suspected extremity lymphedema, it is highly desirable for physicians to define the abnormality; to determine whether the suspected abnormality is, in fact, a lymphatic one (Figs. 1 and 2) before instituting a therapeutic plan; and to establish an objective baseline [3]. The differential diagnosis of suspected extremity lymphedema includes obesity, venous disease, and systemic disease (e.g., hypoalUsing Lymphoscintigraphy to Evaluate Suspected Lymphedema of the Extremities Mariam Moshiri 1 , Douglas S. Katz 1 , Marvin Boris 2 , Elizabeth Yung 1
Aluminum thick-metal-backed circuits: conductive adhesive technology

Thick-metal-backed printed wiring boards are commonly used in high frequency wireless circuit applications requiring significant thermal dissipation, such as power amplifiers. The thick metal backer (TMB) typically functions as a ground plane, heat sink, and in some cases, part of a shielded housing. Electrical interconnections between RF/microwave printed wiring boards (PWBs) and TMBs have traditionally been accomplished using sweat soldering, plated through holes, or mechanical interconnections. More recently, conductive adhesive technology has been investigated to mechanically and electrically interconnect the PWB to the thick metal ground plane, due to perceived advantages in cost and performance. However, providing mechanically and electrically stable interfaces between conductive adhesives and large area metal surfaces has proven to be a significant challenge, particularly in the case of aluminum-backed circuits. Aluminum, while a cost effective material for these applications, is prone to hydrolytic processes induced by moisture and accelerated by temperature, active ionic species, galvanic effects, and other environmental factors. These processes can compromise both the electrical and mechanical stability of the bond, and thus the performance and reliability of the packaging structure. This paper describes work performed at IBM Microelectronics to understand the interfacial resistance between conductive adhesives and typical metal bonding surfaces for TMB printed circuits, and will discuss how reliable and functional adhesive interconnections were achieved for commercial designs using appropriate adherend pretreatment, mechanical design, and adhesive material.
Score differences in WAIS-R scatter for schizophrenics, depressives, and personality disorders: a preliminary analysis.

Snmnary.-Previous research has suggested that differences in subtest scatter may be indicated for diagnostic groups, althocgh no one has applied DSM-111 categories or used the WAISR for this purpose. This study yielded significant differences b~tween small groups of patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Depression, and Personality Disorders on Information. Arithmetic subtests, and over-all Verbal-Performance IQ differences. Since its development, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS; 13) has been used in the assessment of intellectual abilities. Its multiple aptirude structure includes 11 subtests, which permits observations to be made about an individual's subtest scores and correlated with observed behaviors. Recently, the WAIS was revised (14), and while subtest names and general characteristics of the test remain the same, little empirical work has been done in validating the relationship of WAIS-R subtesc scores to idiographic characteristics. Research on the Wechsler scales and later on the WAIS consistently supported a relationship between Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and organic impairment (7, 10, ll), especially when this difference was 15 points or more. The reader is referred elsewhere for a discussion of the WAIS and assessment of organicity ( 8). In considering the use of the Wechsler subtests in assessing diagnoses other than organicity, personality disorders seem to score somewhat higher on performance subtests than on verbal subtescs (6, 16). Some authors have attributed this difference to the presence of dyslexia or hyperkinesis (8), although these early childl~ood and adolescent developmental disorders may be precursors to later personality disorders (1, p. 370-372). The WAIS subtests have also been used in the assessment of more serious disorders such as depression and anxiety ( 16). The verbal IQs of depressed individuals are usually 15 or more points greater than their performance IQs, partially due to psychomotor retardation yielding slow performance on aU timed tests. Anxious individuals often have difficulty concentrating on tasks and so do poorly on tasks with specific time limits or tasks involving imme'VAMC, Lyons, NJ and Waco. TX acknowledged for supplying a portion of the data in this study. ?Requests for reprints should be sent to the author ac VAMC/ADTP, Kerrville, TX 78028.
The effect of the floral repressor FLC on the timing and progression of vegetative phase change in Arabidopsis

Plants undergo two major post-embryonic developmental transitions--the juvenile-to-adult vegetative transition (vegetative phase change) and the adult-to-reproductive transition (flowering). In woody plants, these transitions can be separated by years, but in herbaceous species they are often very close together, making it difficult to differentiate the effects of vegetative phase change and floral induction on vegetative development. To distinguish between these factors, we have compared the vegetative morphology of plants highly expressing the floral repressor FLC (FRI;FLC) with plants mutant for this gene (FRI;flc-3) under both photoinductive (long day, LD and night interruption, NI) and non-photoinductive (short day, SD) conditions. We show that the onset of abaxial trichome production is insensitive to floral induction, but the distribution and overall number of abaxial trichomes, as well as several other leaf traits associated with vegetative change, are strongly influenced by flowering. Most of the major differences in leaf morphology between FRI;FLC and FRI;flc-3 plants grown in LD can be attributed to the early flowering phenotype of FRI;flc-3, because these differences are not apparent in plants grown in SD. These include differences in leaf size, hydathode number and the distribution of abaxial trichomes along the length of the leaf. Leaf shape and the total number of abaxial trichomes are affected by FLC independently of its effect on flowering. Our results demonstrate that the onset and the progression of vegetative phase change are regulated by different combinations of endogenous and environmental factors, and reveal a role for FLC in vegetative development.
Lack of an effect of nephron-specific deletion of adenylyl cyclase 3 on renal sodium and water excretion or arterial pressure.

Adenylyl cyclase (AC)-stimulated cAMP plays a key role in modulating transport and channel activity along the nephron. However, the role of individual adenylyl cyclase isoforms in such regulation is largely unknown. Since adenylyl cyclase 3 (AC3) is expressed throughout nephron, we investigated its role in the physiologic regulation of renal Na+ and water transport. Mice were generated with inducible nephron knockout of AC3 (AC3 KO) by breeding mice with loxP-flanked critical exons in the Adcy3 gene with mice expressing Pax8-rtTA and LC-1 transgenes. After doxycycline treatment at 1 month of age, nephron AC3 KO mice had 100% Adcy3 gene recombination in all renal tubule segments, but not in glomeruli. Sodium intake, urinary Na+ excretion, glomerular filtration rate, and blood pressure were similar between nephron KO mice and the controls during normal, high, and low Na+ diets. Plasma renin concentration was not different between the two groups during varied Na+ intake. Moreover, there were no differences in urine volume and urine osmolality between the two genotypes during normal or restricted water intake. In conclusion, these data suggested that AC3 is not involved in the physiological regulation of nephron Na+ and water handling.
High-performance and low-power challenges for sub-70 nm microprocessor circuits

CMOS technology scaling is becoming difficult beyond 70 nm node, raising new design challenges for high-performance and low-power microprocessors. This paper discusses some of the key paradigm shifts required. Circuit techniques to combat (i) increasing switching and leakage power dissipation, (ii) poor leakage tolerance of large-signal cache arrays and register files, and (iii) worsening global on-chip interconnect scaling trend, are described.
Towards Scaleable and Adaptive Document Routing Services

We propose a framework for intelligent document routing that extends XML technologies and enables realtime update of business routing logic. A novel feature of our system is the ability to semi-automate the process of creating and updating the routing rules. This is achieved by a closed loop system that performs clustering and inductive rule learning of document features. This framework was tested and deployed in a large real-world enterprise environment resulting in reduced development costs and simplified administration. The user interacts with the system using an application to graphically create, edit and publish the business processes
Design of Low-Voltage Highly Linear Switched-R-MOSFET-C Filters

This paper discusses the design, analysis and performance of a low-voltage, highly linear switched-R-MOSFET-C filter. High linearity, even at a low supply voltage, is achieved through the use of duty-cycle-controlled tuning. Tuning MOSFETs are switched completely on while conducting, such that their nonlinear resistance is much smaller than the linear filter resistors, resulting in low distortion. The MOSFETs are also placed inside the filter feedback loop which further reduces distortion. Because tuning is done in the time domain, rather than in the voltage domain, the tuning range is independent of the supply voltage. The filter achieves -77 dB total harmonic distortion (THD) using a 0.6-V supply, and -90 dB THD using a 0.8-V supply, with a 0.6-Vpp differential 2 kHz sine input. The prototype IC, implemented in a 0.18-mum CMOS process, occupies an area of 0.7 mm2 and consumes 1 mW of power from a 0.6-V supply.
The New Sacred Math

The individual soul is an ageless idea, attested in prehistoric times by the oral traditions of all cultures. But as far as we know, it enters history in ancient Egypt. I will begin with the individual soul in ancient Egypt, then recount the birth of the world soul in the Pythagorean community of ancient Greece, and trace it through the Western Esoteric Tradition until its demise in Kepler's writings, along with the rise of modern science, around 1600 CE. Then I tell of the rebirth of the world soul recently, in new branches of mathematics.
Efficient Microstructural Design for Additive Manufacturing

A salient feature of additive manufacturing is that the cost of fabrication, to a large extent, is independent of geometric complexity. This opens new opportunities for custom-designing parts both at a macro and micro-level. An elegant and powerful method of designing custom-parts is through topology optimization.While the theory of topology optimization is well understood, current methods can be extraordinarily expensive. The focus of this paper is on efficient microstructural topology optimization for 3d-printing. In particular, the computational bottle-necks in microstructural topology optimization are identified. Then, a framework that not only eliminates these bottle-necks, but incorporates other significant improvements, is developed. The framework is demonstrated through numerical experiments involving microstructures with millions of degrees of freedom, using multi-core CPUs and NVidia GPU.© 2014 ASME
On Reliability and Security of Randomized Detectors Against Sensitivity Analysis Attacks

Despite their popularity, spread spectrum schemes are vulnerable against sensitivity analysis attacks on standard deterministic watermark detectors. A possible defense is to use a randomized watermark detector. While randomization sacrifices some detection performance, it might be expected to improve detector security to some extent. This paper presents a framework to design randomized detectors with exponentially large randomization space and controllable loss in detection reliability. We also devise a general procedure to attack such detectors by reducing them into equivalent deterministic detectors. We conclude that, contrary to prior belief, randomization of the detector is not the ultimate answer for providing security against sensitivity analysis attacks in spread spectrum systems. Instead, the randomized detector inherits the weaknesses of the equivalent deterministic detector.
Application of two-dimensional generalized mean filtering for removal of impulse noises from images

A new method for removing impulse noises from images is proposed. The filtering scheme is based on replacing the central pixel value by the generalized mean value of all pixels inside a sliding window. The concepts of thresholding and complementation which are shown to improve the performance of the generalized mean filter are introduced. The threshold is derived using a statistical theory. The actual performance of the proposed filter is compared with that of file commonly used median filter by filtering noise corrupted real images. The hardware complexity of the two types of filters are also compared indicating the advantages of the generalized mean filter.
Genotyping Lung Cancer Is an Investment in the Future

TO THEEDITOR:Intheircost-effectivenessanalysisof ALKtesting and crizotinib treatment, Djalalov et al 1 put a price tag on this emerging standard of care to shed light on its sustainability in a world of rising health care costs and limited resources. 2 Although we favor prudent measures that decrease health care costs, we believe it is important to distinguish money wasted from money invested. We believe that detecting and treating ALK-positive lung cancer is part of a new paradigm that has significantly improved cancer care and, as such, deserves our investment and advocacy. It is especially challenging to assess proximal costs when the future payoff is immeasurable. This is such a fast-moving field that the single, static, Markov model that the authors used is already out of date. The authors observe that the major driver of cost effectiveness is drug price. 1 To foster cost effectiveness, they point out the need for increased drug effectiveness, cheaper molecular testing, and lower drugprices.Weagree.Fortunately,thesethreetrendsaretakingshape. Discoveryhasaccelerated,andtheUSFoodandDrugAdministration hasgrantedbreakthroughtherapydesignationstatustotwonewALK inhibitors, ceritinib (LDK378) and alectinib (RO5424802), with at least seven other ALK inhibitors in early-phase testing. 3,4 The efficacy observed in phase I studies of these new drugs, plus the favorable survival and dramatic quality-of-life improvement demonstrated in a recently published phase III study of crizotinib, 5 indicate that the utilityestimatesusedinthisinitialcostanalysisarealreadyoutofdate. It is our hope that competition in the marketplace and limits on exclusive production based on patent law will ultimately bring down the price of these drugs over time. Regarding molecular testing, we find the representation in the modelofidentifyingpatientswith ALK-positivelungcancerbyDjala
Modulation of the transactivation function and stability of Krüppel-like zinc finger protein Gli-similar 3 (Glis3) by Suppressor of Fused.

Glis3 is a member of the Glis subfamily of Kruppel-like zinc finger transcription factors. Recently, Glis3 has been linked to both type I and type II diabetes and shown to positively regulate insulin gene expression. In this study, we have identified a region within the N terminus of Glis3 that shares high levels of homology with the Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli family of proteins. We demonstrated that Glis3 interacts with Suppressor of Fused (SUFU), which involves a VYGHF motif located within this conserved region. We further showed that SUFU is able to inhibit the activation of the insulin promoter by Glis3 but not the activation by a Glis3 mutant deficient in its ability to bind SUFU, suggesting that the inhibitory effect is dependent on the interaction between the two proteins. Exogenous SUFU did not affect the nuclear localization of Glis3; however, Glis3 promoted the nuclear accumulation of SUFU. Additionally, we demonstrated that SUFU stabilizes Glis3 in part by antagonizing the Glis3 association with a Cullin 3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of Glis3. This is the first reported instance of Glis3 interacting with SUFU and suggests a novel role for SUFU in the modulation of Glis3 signaling. Given the critical role of Glis3 in pancreatic β-cell generation and maintenance, the elevated Glis3 expression in several cancers, and the established role of SUFU as a tumor suppressor, these data provide further insight into Glis3 regulation and its function in development and disease.
Different state dependencies of 4-aminopyridine binding to rKv1.4 and rKv4.2: role of the cytoplasmic halves of the fifth and sixth transmembrane segments.

4-Aminopyridine (4AP) binding to rKv1.4 occurs preferentially in the activated state, whereas binding to rKv4.2 occurs in the rested state. To explore structural basis for the different state dependencies of 4AP binding, regions of rKv1.4 that are likely to form the 4AP-binding site and/or the activation gate were replaced by the corresponding rKv4.2 sequences one at a time, and the resulting effects on channel gating and 4AP binding were examined. Replacing the amino acid sequence of rKv1.4 in the intracellular loop between the fourth and fifth transmembrane segments (S4 and S5) with that of rKv4.2 did not alter channels’ gating properties or the state dependence of 4AP binding. On the other hand, replacing the rKv1.4 sequence in the cytoplasmic half of S5 (N-S5) or S6 (C-S6) with that of rKv4.2 markedly altered the voltage dependence and kinetics of activation gate function. Importantly, these mutations transferred the rested-state 4AP-binding preference from the donor to the host channel. These data can be explained by a scheme in which the function of the activation gate determines the state dependence of 4AP binding, although the relationship between the binding site and the gate may be similar between rKv1.4 and rKv4.2. The amino acid sequences in the N-S5 and C-S6 domains contribute to this activation gate function.
ESS and Allele Invasion

Population biologists have long been concerned with the evolution of demographic vital rates, and so with the analysis of combined genetic-demographic models. One approach to such models is to study ESS (evolutionary stable state) criteria (e.g., Charlesworth 1980): consider a genetic model in which two alleles at a single diploid locus affect the life history phenotypes in a randomly mating population. Suppose the population is initially homozygous for one allele and introduce the other allele at low frequency. Then ask: what conditions determine the invasion (increase in frequency) of the rare allele? The answer identifies the natural “fitness” measure for a discussion of the evolution of life histories. The analysis for sexually reproducing populations is different from that in which clonal reproduction is also possible, and I treat these separately below.
Inelastic Behavior of R/C Cylindrical Shells

The elastic and inelastic behavior of uniformly loaded short, intermediate, and long reinforced concrete shell roof structures is studied with a series of small scale model shells. All shells had end diaphragms and vertical edge members on the free edges. The elastic range of behavior of the models represented only a small fraction of ultimate load capacity, and correlated well with theoretical predictions. Cracking occurred at or near the working load level, with subsequent reductions in shell stiffness; increasing loads led to failure modes varying from a beam failure in long shells, combined transverse, longitudinal, and diagonal corner cracking in intermediate length shells, and rather abrupt transverse and diagonal cracking in short shells. Ultimate load capacities ranged from about 200 to 1000 psf, increasing almost linearly with increasing radius to length ratio.
Chronic Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

There is a long history of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The more immediate benefits have been amply demonstrated and include improvement in acne, hirsutism, alopecia, as well as regulation of abnormal cycles with the potential for preventing endometrial hyperplasia and, subsequently, cancer. In addition, OCPs provide protection against pregnancy, especially if other medications, such as anti-androgens, biguanides, or thiazolidinediones, are also given. Although epidemiological evidence of actual increased risk of coronary events in subjects with PCOS is lacking, surrogate markers are certainly consistent with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in PCOS. The possibility that OCP may increase this risk adds urgency to the need for more systematic research in this field. It is in this context that knowledge of the effects of OCP on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in normal and, particularly, in subjects with PCOS is so critical, given the well-known association of glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular events. 1. Estrogen may impair carbohydrate tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and this may be dose dependent. This effect may also be dependent on the endogenous insulin sensitivity of the individual. 2. Progestins with intrinsic androgenic properties may also impair insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. 3. Lowering of free androgens may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in some subjects. 4. The composite effect of OCP on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity may be determined by the interplay of the above with the endogenous insulin sensitivity of the individual, which is determined genetically, environmentally, and by other factors. The environmental influence may also vary over time. 5. The effect of OCP on lipid metabolism relates to estrogen-induced increases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. The latter effect may be attenuated by pills of greater androgenicity.
Unpaid Care Work, Poverty and Women's Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities for the Post-2015 Agenda

This paper examines the links between unpaid care work, poverty and women’s human rights, arguing that heavy and unequal unpaid care workloads not only keep women in poverty, but also affect their enjoyment of several human rights and stunts progress towards gender equality. It then makes some recommendations as to how unpaid care work should be included in the post-2015 agenda, with a view to ensuring that development policy more adequately recognizes and tackles this obstacle towards women’s rights enjoyment, equality and greater social and economic empowerment.
Swiss national prospective surveillance of paediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated encephalitis.

Summary OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated encephalitis in children in Switzerland and its likely pathogenesis. METHODS: M. pneumoniae-associated encephalitis cases seen at a single-centre during 2010–2013 were reviewed, and the Swiss Paediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU) prospectively conducted a nationwide surveillance 2013–2015. Case definition included confirmed, probable and possible cases. RESULTS: Seven patients (median age 8.7 years, range 4.7–10.1 years) with confirmed or possible M. pneumoniae-associated encephalitis were observed. All patients manifested prodromal respiratory symptoms over at least 5 days and five out of the six who had a chest radiograph, showed pulmonary infiltrates. M. pneumoniae DNA in cerebrospinal fluid was negative in all patients. Intrathecally synthesised M. pneumoniae-specific immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) were investigated and found positive in one patient (confirmed case). M. pneumoniae DNA in respiratory specimens and/or M. pneumoniae-specific IgM and IgG in serum were detected in the other six patients (possible cases). One confirmed and two possible cases had neurological sequelae at 4–19 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The lack of detectable M. pneumoniae DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of our encephalitis patients suggests a likely immune-mediated pathogenesis ignited by a respiratory inflammatory process including pneumonia.
A Re-examination of Luther's View on the State of the Dead

Introduction Luther’s theology was forged in the crucible of his struggle to find forgiveness and peace from his overwhelming sense of guilt. He had an acute sense of misery and felt as if he hung in the balance between life and death. The German word that captures something of Luther’s emotional state is Anfechtung—one feels cut off from God and hope is suffocated. “Anfechtung is the foretaste of the peril of death.” It was not only the fear 1
The Impact of Psychoactive Drugs on Seizures and Antiepileptic Drugs

Psychiatric comorbidities are very common in patients with epilepsy, and in fact, a bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and some psychiatric disorders have been identified. However, despite their high prevalence, these comorbidities are not routinely recognized or adequately treated causing a significant burden for these patients. Atypical presentations of some of these psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy, the concern that some psychotropic drugs may lower seizure threshold worsening frequency of seizures, possibility of many drug-drug interactions, and the negative impact of some antiepileptic drugs on psychiatric conditions are some of the challenges faced by clinicians. Although the main focus in epilepsy has remained on treatment of seizures, acknowledgment of these comorbidities and their timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment not only can impact patients’ quality of life but also may improve their response to antiepileptic therapies.
Characterization of High RAP/RAS Asphalt Mixtures Using Resonant Column Tests

AbstractUsing recycled materials in construction of asphalt pavements yields both economic and technical advantages. Recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) are two major sources to serve this purpose for which proper design and characterization are key elements. In this study, engineering properties of asphalt concrete containing RAP and RAS under dynamic loading were investigated. Three asphalt mixes were designed and included in this research: a conventional mix with no RAP/RAS as a control, a mix with 35% RAP, and finally a mix with 35% RAP and 5% RAS. A conventional resonant column (RC) apparatus was retrofitted and used for testing the specimens in torsional mode. Testing was conducted at five temperatures ranging from 10 to 45°C. Damping ratios and moduli of the mixes were analyzed and compared to assess the effect of the recycled materials on dynamic properties of asphalt concrete. Results clearly show the impact of RAP and RAS in increasing the mix stiffness. The stud...
How Method Actors Create Character Roles

This paper studies character-role creation by Method actors to begin developing a sociological understanding of artistic creativity and shed light on the construction of social roles. Portrayals on film or stage reflect but also importantly shape audience's understandings of social life. How do actors create these portrayals? The analysis of interviews with and observation of Method actors shows that they employ a variety of creation strategies, which are shaped by artistic conventions and transmitted in educational settings and professional interactions. Striving to create lifelike portrayals, actors draw heavily on culturally available images and end up reproducing existing typifications and cultural mores.
Transcriptional Regulation of Frizzled-1 in Human Osteoblasts by Sp1

The wingless pathway has a powerful influence on bone metabolism and is a therapeutic target in skeletal disorders. Wingless signaling is mediated in part through the Frizzled (FZD) receptor family. FZD transcriptional regulation is poorly understood. Herein we tested the hypothesis that Sp1 plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of FZD1 expression in osteoblasts and osteoblast mineralization. To test this hypothesis, we conducted FZD1 promoter assays in Saos2 cells with and without Sp1 overexpression. We found that Sp1 significantly up-regulates FZD1 promoter activity in Saos2 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) assays identified a novel and functional Sp1 binding site at -44 to -40 from the translation start site in the FZD1 promoter. The Sp1-dependent activation of the FZD1 promoter was abolished by mithramycin A (MMA), an antibiotic affecting both Sp1 binding and Sp1 protein levels in Saos2 cells. Similarly, down-regulation of Sp1 in hFOB cells resulted in less FZD1 expression and lower alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, over-expression of Sp1 increased FZD1 expression and Saos2 cell mineralization while MMA decreased Sp1 and FZD1 expression and Saos2 cell mineralization. Knockdown of FZD1 prior to Sp1 overexpression partially abolished Sp1 stimulation of osteoblast differentiation markers. Taken together, our results suggest that Sp1 plays a role in human osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, which is at least partially mediated by Sp1-dependent transactivation of FZD1.
Women's Sexual Sensation Seeking and Risk Taking in Leisure Travel

This study investigated young women's perceptions of sexual risk in leisure travel contexts with the purpose of developing a measurement scale for sexual risk taking in tourism. Perceived dimension...
Evaluation of longitudinal tracking and data mining for an imaging informatics-based multiple sclerosis e-folder (Conference Presentation)

We have designed and developed a multiple sclerosis eFolder system for patient data storage, image viewing, and automatic lesion quantification results to allow patient tracking. The web-based system aims to be integrated in DICOM-compliant clinical and research environments to aid clinicians in patient treatments and data analysis. The system quantifies lesion volumes, identify and register lesion locations to track shifts in volume and quantity of lesions in a longitudinal study. We aim to evaluate the two most important features of the system, data mining and longitudinal lesion tracking, to demonstrate the MS eFolder’s capability in improving clinical workflow efficiency and outcome analysis for research. In order to evaluate data mining capabilities, we have collected radiological and neurological data from 72 patients, 36 Caucasian and 36 Hispanic matched by gender, disease duration, and age. Data analysis on those patients based on ethnicity is performed, and analysis results are displayed by the system’s web-based user interface. The data mining module is able to successfully separate Hispanic and Caucasian patients and compare their disease profiles. For longitudinal lesion tracking, we have collected 4 longitudinal cases and simulated different lesion growths over the next year. As a result, the eFolder is able to detect changes in lesion volume and identifying lesions with the most changes. Data mining and lesion tracking evaluation results show high potential of eFolder’s usefulness in patientcare and informatics research for multiple sclerosis.
Organization of RNA polymerase II transcription and pre-mRNA splicing within the mammalian cell nucleus

Introduction Splicing is an essential step in the processing of intron-containing pre-mRNAs before their transport out of the nucleus (for a review see [ 13). During the last few years, a significant number of studies have addressed the relationship of pre-mRNA splicing to nuclear structure (for a review see [Z]). Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) as well as several non-snRNP splicing factors have been shown by immunofluorescence microscopy to be localized in a speckled pattern that is distributed in various regions throughout the nucleoplasm. At the electron microscopic level, the speckled pattern corresponds to interchromatin granule clusters and perichromatin fibrils [ 3-61. After pulse-labelling with [ 'Hluridine, incorporation is observed preferentially by electron microscopy at perichromatin fibrils, with little to no labelling of internal regions of interchromatin granule clusters (for a review see [7] ) . Based on these autoradiography and immunolocalization studies, it has been suggested that perichromatin fibrils may represent the sites of active transcription and interchromatin granule clusters, sites of splicing factor storage and/or assembly. W e have examined the relationship of the organization of pre-mRNA splicing factors to the transcriptional and splicing activities of the cell. We have found that splicing factors shuttle between storage and/or assembly sites (interchromatin granule clusters) and sites of active transcription (perichromatin fibrils). Our data suggest a nuclear recruiting mechanism that regulates the distribution of splicing factors.
Informationsökonomische Analyse der Marktakzeptanz kundenindividueller Problemlösungen im Direktvertrieb

Die Analyse im letzten Kapitel hat unter anderem gezeigt, das sich Nachfrager insbesondere aufgrund unvollstandiger Information fur den Fremdbezug finanzwirtschaftlicher Problemlosungen entscheiden, um den Informations- und Wissensvorsprung der Finanzdienstleister sowie deren Moglichkeiten zur Informations- und Wissensverarbeitung durch Inanspruchnahme einer Finanzberatung fur sich vorteilhaft zu nutzen.
Red blood cell transfusion therapy for sickle cell patients with frequent painful events

Background Recurrent pain events or chronic pain are among the most common complications of sickle cell disease. Despite attempts to maximize adherence to and dosing of hydroxyurea, some patients continue to suffer from pain. Our institution developed a program to initiate chronic red blood cell transfusions for one year in patients clinically deemed to have high healthcare utilization from sickle cell pain, despite being prescribed hydroxyurea. Procedure An institutional review board approved retrospective study to evaluate the health outcomes associated with a one-year red blood cell transfusion protocol in sickle cell patients experiencing recurrent pain events as compared with the health outcomes for these patients in the one year prior to receiving transfusion therapy. We performed a matched-pair analysis using a Wilcoxon signed rank to determine the impact of transfusion therapy on clinic visits, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, hospitalization days, and opioid prescriptions filled. Results One year of transfusion therapy significantly reduced the number of total emergency department visits for pain (6 vs 2.5 pain visits/year, P = 0.005), mean hospitalizations for pain (3.4 vs 0.9 pain admissions/year), and mean hospital days per year for pain crisis (23.5 vs 4.5, P = 0.0001), as compared with the one year prior to transfusion therapy. We identified no significant difference in opioid prescriptions filled during the year of transfusion therapy. Conclusion Patients with frequent pain episodes may benefit from one year of transfusion therapy.
Interleukin 2-activated killer cells in patients following transplants of soybean lectin-separated and E rosette-depleted bone marrow.

During the early period following bone marrow transplantation before the immune system has reached full functional maturity, unprimed, nonspecific lytic systems may play a critical role as antiviral or antitumor effectors. The reconstitution of cells with this potential is of particular importance in recipients of bone marrow that has been depleted of mature T lymphocytes to prevent graft v host disease (GVHD). We examined the recovery of natural killer (NK) cells and interleukin 2 (IL 2)-augmented lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK) in 48 patients at various intervals following transplantation of bone marrow depleted of mature cellular elements by treatment with soybean agglutinin and sheep RBCs (SBA-E- BMT). We found normal levels of both NK and LAK activity as early as 3 weeks following SBA-E- BMT. When compared with cells from controls, NK and LAK precursors from transplant recipients appeared to be activated in vivo in that freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients had an elevated cytolytic activity toward NK-insensitive targets and a more rapid response to activation by IL 2. In patients as well as controls, both LAK precursors and LAK effectors lacked antigens present on mature T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, or CD8) but expressed antigens present on NK cells (CD2, CD16, and NKH1A). The LAK cells did not lyse either donor or host peripheral blood T cell targets. The activity of NK effectors but not LAK precursors survived the in vivo total body irradiation used for pretransplant conditioning in three patients studied. LAK precursors could be demonstrated as early as 18 days following transplant at a time when the bone marrow contained primarily donor- derived cells. Little or no LAK activity could be generated from cells of the SBA-E- BM graft itself, suggesting that LAK precursors differentiate rapidly from more primitive progenitors in the marrow graft. Thus, our data indicate that the NK and LAK lytic systems are among the earliest activities to recover during immune reconstitution following T cell-depleted BMTs.