cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccinia virus strain differences in cell attachment and entry

Vaccinia virus (VACV) strain WR can enter cells by a low pH endosomal pathway or direct fusion with the plasma membrane at neutral pH. Here, we compared attachment and entry of five VACV strains in six cell lines and discovered two major patterns. Only WR exhibited pH 5-enhanced rate of entry following neutral pH adsorption to cells, which correlated with sensitivity to bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of endosomal acidification. Entry of IHD-J, Copenhagen and Elstree strains were neither accelerated by pH 5 treatment nor prevented by bafilomycin A1. Entry of the Wyeth strain, although not augmented by pH 5, was inhibited by bafilomycin A1. WR and Wyeth were both relatively resistant to the negative effects of heparin on entry, whereas the other strains were extremely sensitive due to inhibition of cell binding. The relative sensitivities of individual vaccinia virus strains to heparin correlated inversely with their abilities to bind to and enter glycosaminoglycan-deficient sog9 cells but not other cell lines tested. These results suggested that that IHD-J, Copenhagen and Elstree have a more limited ability than WR and Wyeth to use the low pH endosomal pathway and are more dependent on binding to glycosaminoglycans for cell attachment.
A comparison of household lead exposure assessment methods in an old, urban community.

The accurate assessment of lead hazards within the household is critical to the prevention of lead exposure to children living in urban communities. Although dust wipes are currently accepted as the best method of assessing lead hazards, questionnaires and visual inspections are also used. This study evaluates the level of agreement among these three methods of assessment using a sample of 126 women living in old, urban houses. The level of agreement was assessed using the kappa statistic, which adjusts for chance agreement. Overall, the kappa results for both the participant's assessment (questionnaire) and the visual inspector's assessment were low, indicating only slight to moderate agreement with the dust lead wipe levels. Kappas were higher and more consistent for the visual inspector's assessment than for the participant's assessment. These results indicate that visual inspections and participant questionnaires may provide less accurate information regarding lead hazards within the household than dust wipes. Because lead hazard recognition is important in the prevention of lead exposure in children, our data suggest that emphasis should be placed on the measurement of dust lead levels directly in assessing household lead hazards, possibly by teaching women in high-risk neighborhoods to take dust samples themselves.
Results of the International Study of the Implantable Pacemaker Cardioverter-Defibrillator A Comparison of Epicardial and Endocardial Lead Systems

Background The purpose of the present report was to document clinical experience derived from the implantation of 2834 epicardial and endocardial cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in 2807 patients who were followed for almost 1 year and to compare the results obtained with the two systems. Methods and Results Patients in the two groups had similar clinical characteristics. More than half of the patients had a total of almost 50 000 spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias that were terminated with equal success (≈98%) by epicardial and endocardial ICDs. Lead dislodgement and pocket infection occurred more often with the endocardial than with the epicardial ICD, whereas perioperative mortality was higher with the epicardial ICD than with the endocardial ICD. Mortality from sudden cardiac death was 1.4% in the epicardial ICD group and 0.6% in the endocardial ICD group at 1 year (P=.069). Overall mortality at 1 year was 12.2% and 6.9% for the epicardial and endocardial groups, respectively (P<.001), reflect...
Investigation of suspected contact sensitivity to tobacco in cigarette and cigar factory employees

Two independent cases of suspected occupational allergic contact dermatitis from tobacco are reported to illustrate the difficulties inherent in the accurate diagnosis of this condition. An investigatory procedure is outlined whereby the comparatively rare cases of genuine contact sensitivity to tobacco can be distinguished from other commoner dermatoses.
A cDNA encoding canine muscle-type phosphofructokinase

The canine muscle-type-phosphofructokinase-encoding gene (M-PFK) was sequenced by using a combination of cDNA cloning and RT-PCR amplification. The canine M-PFK sequence shares 88 and 90% identity with rabbit and human M-PFK, respectively. The canine ORF was determined to be 6-bp longer than either human or rabbit M-PFK due to a 6-bp insertion at the end of exon 13.
The oral component of Sjögren's syndrome.

This study reports the results of an interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome in 100 patients. Ocular and systemic diagnoses and oral features from the history and physical examination are correlated with measurements of stimulated parotid flow rate and labial salivary gland histopathology. A new diagnostic criterion is introduced whereby labial salivary gland focus scores are used to establish the presence of the oral component of Sjogren's syndrome in place of the subjective evaluation of xerostomia. The differential diagnosis of the oral clinical features of Sjogren's syndrome and the clinical management of the oral component of this disease are discussed.
Pictures as invariants

The development, specification, and use of a loop invariant are useful and underutilized tools in writing code to solve a problem or implement an algorithm. Invariants are especially useful in introductory courses (CS1 and CS2) but are usually avoided because of the mathematical notation associated with them and because most textbooks have brief, if any, coverage of them. Our intent in this paper is provide several motivating examples of the use of pictures as loop invariants and to provide pointers to literature that more fully explores and develops the ideas of using loop invariants in specifying and developing programs.
Probiotics and the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.

matory response of the immature intestinal immune system, resulting in rapidly evolving intestinal gangrene, perforation, sepsis, shock and death [1, 2, 4] . Probiotics have been shown to be able to modify both the intestinal microbiota as well as the intestinal immune response. On this background, several clinical trials have been carried out in order to investigate the potential role of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis [5–13] . Most of these studies, among them many randomized controlled trials, suggest a significant benefit of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, confirming previous observations in experimental animal models [14, 15] . Possible mechanisms of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis are beneficial modification of the intestinal microbiota, strengthening of the intestinal mucosal barrier and attenuating the intestinal immune response to bacteria and bacterial products. The results of the randomized controlled trials have been analyzed in several comments and reviews [16–19] . There is a general agreement that probiotic supplementation has a great potential to significantly reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and the overall mortality in premature infants with very low birth weight. However, there is obviously great variability of the clinical trials reported, with respect to inclusion criteria of the patients, Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most serious gastrointestinal emergencies in the neonatal intensivecare unit [1] . It predominantly affects preterm infants. The onset of disease is usually between the 3rd and the 10th day of life. Necrotizing enterocolitis presents with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, ranging from nonspecific gastrointestinal disturbance to a fulminant course of intestinal gangrene and perforation. Typical early signs are abdominal distension, delayed gastric emptying, diarrhea, abdominal tenderness and gastrointestinal bleeding. Characteristically, extensive hemorrhagic inflammatory necrosis of the terminal ileum and ascending colon can be found. In severe cases the entire bowel may be involved. Intramural hemorrhage, gangrene, peritonitis and edema may progress to intestinal necrosis with extensive infiltration of neutrophil leukocytes. Risk factors include prematurity, hypoxia, formula feeding, bacterial infection and intestinal ischemia [2, 3] . Mortality is high (15–30%) and related to the presence of bacteremia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, ascites and very low birth weight. Etiology and pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis remain unknown. However, formula feeding, intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction and dysbalance of bacterial colonization may be contributing factors, leading to an inappropriate inflam-
The sheaf coefficient: A simplified and expanded approach

Abstract Heise's sheaf coefficient is a standardized multiple-partial regression coefficient which treats two or more variables as if they were one, allowing researchers to summarize the effects of multiple indicators, blocks of variables, or categories of nominal scales. The beta coefficient in multiple classification analysis, Hayes' omega, Coleman's method for estimating the effect of endogeneous block variables, and the Jagodzinski-Weede beta for summarizing curvilinear effects in polynomial regression are shown to be special cases of the sheaf coefficient. Simplified computing routines and additional applications involving multicollinearity and missing values are suggested.
An analogue of a problem of P. Erdös and E. Feldheim on L p convergence of interpolatory processes

Etude de la Lp-convergence des processus interpolatoires d'Hermite sur des nœuds de Tchebychev. Degre d'approximation d'une fonction continue donnee par des processus interpolatoires d'Hermite
Effector and potential immunoregulatory roles of mast cells in IgE-associated acquired immune responses

Mast cells are best known as critical effector cells in anaphylaxis and other examples of IgE-associated immediate hypersensitivity reactions. However, mast cells also can contribute to the development of the late-phase responses that occur in some sensitized subjects hours after initial exposure to specific antigen, and can promote many of the features of chronic allergic inflammation, including tissue remodeling and functional changes in the affected organs. In addition to such effector cell functions in IgE-associated immune responses, recent evidence indicates that mast cells can importantly influence the sensitization phase of at least some acquired immune responses, and can contribute to the pathology of autoimmune disorders and to the expression of peripheral tolerance.
Rat submandibular gland secretion: a bilateral and longitudinal comparative study.

Abstract 1. 1. A bilateral and longitudinal comparative study of rat submandibular gland secretion was performed. 2. 2. Flow rate, the concentrations of total protein. Na+ and K+, and amounts of lactoperoxidase and alkaline protease activities were determined and gel electrophoresis of secreted proteins was performed. 3. 3. In general there was an excellent correspondence between right and left side secretions, and repeated secretions collected at three, one-week intervals.
Effects of dehydration on pro-dynorphin derived peptides in the neuro-intermediate lobe of the rat pituitary

Abstract Dehydration significantly reduced the concentration of immunoreactive dynorphin A(1–17), dynorphin A(1–8), α-neo-endorphin, β-neo-endorphin, and leu-enkephalin in the rat pituitary posterior-intermediate lobe. A statistically significant increase in immunoreactive dynorphin A(1–8), α-neo-endorphin and leu-enkephalin was observed in the hypothalamus. Comparison of the molar ratios of dynorphin A(1–17): dynorphin A(1–8) and α-neo-endorphin:β-neo-endorphin showed an altered profile of stored pro-dynorphin cleavage products in the posterior-intermediate lobe of the pituitary of dehydrated rats.
Hybrid addition of matrices— network theory concept†

The parallel connection of networks suggested the concept of parallel addition of matrices to Anderson and Duffin. The hybrid connection of networks also suggests a matrix opera¬tion. Using the Kirchhoff current and voltage equations, a new operation, hybrid addition, is defined for the set of Hermitian semidefinite matrices. This operation is an Hermitian semidefinite order preserving semigroup operation. Hybrid addition is closely related to the work of Anderson on "shorted operators", and to the gyration operation of linear programming and network synthesis
Natural History of Cardiac Arrhythmias and their Prevention with Quinidine in Patients with Acute Coronary Insufficiency

In a prospective controlled clinical trial the natural history of cardiac arrhythmias and their prevention with prophylactic quinidine therapy were studied in 23 patients with acute coronary insufficiency without myocardial infarction. After a loading procedure, 300 mg of quinidine sulfate or placebo was administered orally every 6 hours for up to 5 days under balanced, random, double-blind conditions. An automated arrhythmia detection system was used to quantify arrhythmias from stored continuous electrocardiographic tape recordings. The frequency of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias tended to increase progressively on each successive day of study in placebo-treated patients. By contrast, in quinidine-treated patients all arrhythmias were quantitatively lower on each day of therapy and did not show a tendency toward progressive daily increases. In the placebo group there was an average of 140 premature ventricular contractions (PVC's) per day on the first day which increased to 600 PVC's per d...
Positive Affect Is Associated With Fewer Sleep Problems in Older Caregivers but not Noncaregivers

Purpose of the Study: Older adults who are depressed or are caregivers experience more sleep problems, whereas recent studies suggest that adults with high positive affect (PA) have fewer sleep problems. This study examined whether the associations of PA and depressive symptoms with sleep problems differed between caregivers and noncaregivers. Design and Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 92 caregivers to a relative or friend with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, and 137 noncaregivers aged 60 years and older (mean 73.8±7.9 years) from the Boston, Massachusetts, metropolitan area. Sleep problems were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Respondents were categorized as high PA (n = 122), low PA (n = 69), and depressive symptoms (n = 38) based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Results: The mean PSQI score was 5.19 (SD = 3.26) and did not differ by caregiving status. In multivariable linear regression analyses among caregivers, those with high PA had significantly fewer sleep problems than their counterparts with low PA (adjusted mean PSQI score was 4.16 [SE = 0.50] vs. 5.69 [SE = 0.58], p = .05), whereas caregivers with depressive symptoms reported slightly more problems (adjusted mean 6.92 [SE = 0.80], p = .22). High PA and depressive symptoms were not associated with sleep problems among noncaregivers (adjusted mean PSQI scores were 4.88 [SE = 0.35], 5.38 [SE = 0.51], and 5.99 [SE = 0.73], respectively). Similar associations were found with PSQI scale components. Implications: Results suggest that routine screening and interventions to increase PA may reduce sleep problems among older caregivers.
Analysis of Volatile Compounds Formed from Fish Oil Heated with Cysteine and Trimethylamine Oxide

Volatile compounds formed in the headspace of menhaden fish oil heated with cysteine or cysteine and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Among >150 gas chromatographic peaks, 105 compounds were positively identified. Among the 45 compounds identified in the headspace of heated fish oil without TMAO or cysteine, the major compounds identified were aldehydes. When fish oil was heated with cysteine, the number of volatiles formed increased (77 compounds identified), and the addition of TMAO further increased the number of volatiles formed (87 compounds identified). The major compounds identified were 26 heterocyclic compounds: 8 furans, 8 pyridines, 1 pyrrole, 4 thiazoles, 3 thiazolines, and 2 thiophenes. TMAO acted as a promoter of the oxidative degradation of fish oil and cysteine rather than as a reactant for the nitrogen sources. The heterocyclic compounds identified are believed to contribute to the flavor of cooked fish. Keywords: C...
Stochastic ionization of hydrogen atoms in a circularly polarized microwave field

Ionization of hydrogen atoms by circularly polarized microwave radiation is investigated by means of a classical Hamiltonian model exhibiting chaotic dynamics. An analytic expression is derived for the ionization threshold as a function of the microwave frequency and field strength and is found to agree well with computed Poincare sections in the high-scaled-frequency regime, {ital n}{sub 0}{sup 3}{omega}{gt}1. The results underline the crucial role of core effects in the ionization of nonhydrogenic atoms. For nearly circular orbits forbidden zones of complex eccentricity partition the phase-space torus into disjoint regions.
Reliability and Aspects of the Construct Validity of Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale:

This research investigated the factor structure, reliability and aspects of the construct validity of Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale (TLS). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the items of the TLS loaded on their designated factors of intimacy, passion and commitment; however, the model fit was poor and the factors were highly correlated. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that numerous items loaded on more than one factor. The subscales had extremely high internal consistencies and adequate 2-month test-retest reliabilities. Scores on all three subscales were related to relationship exclusivity and survival over the 2-month period, but only commitment and passion were related to expectancy for relationship survival. Implications and limitations of the research are discussed.
A 160-kilobit molecular electronic memory patterned at 10 11 bits per square centimetre

The primary metric for gauging progress in the various semiconductor integrated circuit technologies is the spacing, or pitch, between the most closely spaced wires within a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuit. Modern DRAM circuits have 140 nm pitch wires and a memory cell size of 0.0408 mum(2). Improving integrated circuit technology will require that these dimensions decrease over time. However, at present a large fraction of the patterning and materials requirements that we expect to need for the construction of new integrated circuit technologies in 2013 have 'no known solution'. Promising ingredients for advances in integrated circuit technology are nanowires, molecular electronics and defect-tolerant architectures, as demonstrated by reports of single devices and small circuits. Methods of extending these approaches to large-scale, high-density circuitry are largely undeveloped. Here we describe a 160,000-bit molecular electronic memory circuit, fabricated at a density of 10(11) bits cm(-2) (pitch 33 nm; memory cell size 0.0011 microm2), that is, roughly analogous to the dimensions of a DRAM circuit projected to be available by 2020. A monolayer of bistable, [2]rotaxane molecules served as the data storage elements. Although the circuit has large numbers of defects, those defects could be readily identified through electronic testing and isolated using software coding. The working bits were then configured to form a fully functional random access memory circuit for storing and retrieving information.
FITTING A STEP FUNCTION TO A POINT SET WITH OUTLIERS BASED ON SIMPLICIAL THICKNESS DATA STRUCTURES

Given a real ∊ > 0, an integer g ≥ 0 and a set of points in the plane, we study the problem of computing a piecewise linear functional curve with minimum number of line segments to approximate all points after removing g outliers such that the approximation error is at most ∊. We give an improved algorithm over the previous work. The algorithm is based on two dynamic data structures developed in this paper for the simplicial thickness queries, which are of independent interest. For a set S of simplices in the d-dimensional space ℝd (d ≥ 2 is a constant), the simplicial thickness of a point p is defined as the number of simplices in S that contain p. Given a set P of n points in ℝd, we develop two dynamic data structures to support the following operations. (1) Simplex insertion: Insert a simplex into S. (2) Simplex deletion: Delete a simplex from S. (3) Simplicial thickness query: Given a query simplex σ, compute the minimum simplicial thickness among all points in σ∩P. The first data structure is constructed in O(n1+δ) time, for any constant δ > 0, and can support each operation in O(n1-1/d) time; the second one is con-structed in O(n log n) time and can support each operation in O(n1-1/d (log n)O(1)) time. Both data structures use O(n). space. These data structures may find other applications as well.
Application of particle swarm optimization on batch process scheduling

The scheduling of batch process is a kind of NP-complete problem and has been the interest of research for many years. Various methods have been applied to solve such problems and simulated annealing (SA) is the most efficient algorithm. But SA is very slow when the problem size is large. In this work, particle swarm optimization (PSO) was applied to solve the scheduling problem of multiproduct batch process. The results show that PSO is a powerful method for solving the batch process scheduling problems and is superior to the widely used simulated annealing.
Metal-nitroxyl interactions. 15. Comparison of EPR spectra at X band and Q band

Abstract Comparison of Q-band and X-band EPR spectra for a variety of copper(II) complexes containing nitroxyl radicals demonstrates that the value of the electron spin-electron spin coupling constant, J , is independent of magnetic field strength. The larger value of ( g 1 − g 2 ) βH at Q band relative to its value at X band results in two significant advantages: (1) there is less overlap of copper and nitroxyl lines in the Q-band spectrum, and (2) the outer lines in the AB quartets are much more intense relative to the inner lines at Q band than at X band. Q-Band spectra are easier to obtain and interpret than X-band spectra for compounds with large values of J . Q-Band spectra are more informative than X-band spectra for complexes which exist in solution as mixtures of isomers with different values of J . Use of both X-band and Q-band spectra reduces the uncertainty in obtaining spectral parameters via computer simulation.
Mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter modulation of a neuronal circuit

Central pattern generators (CPGs) are groups of neurons responsible for the generation of specific rhythmic behaviors. The 14 neurons of the pyloric system of the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of decapod crustaceans make up one such CPG. Work on this system is refining our understanding of how small ensembles of neurons can be ‘tuned' by neuronal inputs using different neurotransmitters. In this way a variety of neural outputs can be produced from very simple, anatomically fixed neuronal circuits.
Membrane embedded HIV-1 envelope on the surface of a virus-like particle elicits broader immune responses than soluble envelopes.

Virally regulated HIV-1 particles were expressed from DNA plasmids encoding Gag, protease, reverse transcriptase, Vpu, Tat, Rev, and Env. The sequences for integrase, Vpr, Vif, Nef, and the long terminal repeats (LTRs) were deleted. Mutations were engineered into the VLP genome to produce particles deficient in activities associated with viral reverse transcriptase, RNase H, and RNA packaging. Each plasmid efficiently secreted particles from primate cells in vitro and particles were purified from the supernatants and used as immunogens. Mice (BALB/c) were vaccinated intranasally (day 1 and weeks 3 and 6) with purified VLPs and the elicited immunity was compared to particles without Env (Gagp55), to soluble monomeric Envgp120, or to soluble trimerized Envgp140. Only mice vaccinated with VLPs had robust anti-Env cellular immunity. In contrast, all mice had high titer anti-Env serum antibody (IgG). However, VLP-vaccinated mice had antisera that detected a broader number of linear Env peptides, had anti-Env mucosal IgA and IgG, as well as higher titers of serum neutralizing antibodies. VLPs elicited high titer antibodies that recognized linear regions in V4-C5 and the ectodomain of gp41, but did not recognize V3. These lentiviral VLPs are effective mucosal immunogens that elicit broader immunity against Env determinants in both the systemic and mucosal immune compartments than soluble forms of Env.
Refresh pausing in DRAM memory systems

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cells rely on periodic refresh operations to maintain data integrity. As the capacity of DRAM memories has increased, so has the amount of time consumed in doing refresh. Refresh operations contend with read operations, which increases read latency and reduces system performance. We show that eliminating latency penalty due to refresh can improve average performance by 7.2p. However, simply doing intelligent scheduling of refresh operations is ineffective at obtaining significant performance improvement.This article provides an alternative and scalable option to reduce the latency penalty due to refresh. It exploits the property that each refresh operation in a typical DRAM device internally refreshes multiple DRAM rows in JEDEC-based distributed refresh mode. Therefore, a refresh operation has well-defined points at which it can potentially be Paused to service a pending read request. Leveraging this property, we propose Refresh Pausing, a solution that is highly effective at alleviating the contention from refresh operations. It provides an average performance improvement of 5.1p for 8Gb devices and becomes even more effective for future high-density technologies. We also show that Refresh Pausing significantly outperforms the recently proposed Elastic Refresh scheme.
Complex variables-based approach for analytical evaluation of boundary integral representations of three-dimensional acoustic scattering

Abstract The paper presents the complex variables-based approach for analytical evaluation of three-dimensional integrals involved in boundary integral representations (potentials) for the Helmholtz equation. The boundary element is assumed to be planar bounded by an arbitrary number of straight lines and/or circular arcs. The integrals are re-written in local (element) coordinates, while in-plane components of the fields are described in terms of certain complex combinations. The use of Cauchy–Pompeiu formula (a particular case of Bochner–Martinelli formula) allows for the reduction of surface integrals over the element to the line integrals over its boundary. By considering the requirement of the minimum number of elements per wavelength and using an asymptotic analysis, analytical expressions for the line integrals are obtained for various density functions. A comparative study of numerical and analytical integration for particular integrals over two types of elements is performed.
Applicability of “drifts” for the characterization of carbon-supported metal catalysts and carbon surfaces

Abstract Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) has been used for the first time to characterize surface groups on high surface area carbons, metal carbonyls dispersed on carbon black, and CO adsorbed on reduced carbon-supported metals. The impact of experimental parameters, such as the dilution ratio, the diluent used, the background reference chosen, and the data handling procedures, on the use of DRIFTS to characterize carbon and metal/carbon catalysts is discussed in detail. This investigation has also verified that the K-M function intensity is proportional to the concentration of IR-active species supported on carbon over a specified range of dilution ratios and carbonyl concentrations. Consequently, DRIFTS can provide a quantitative characterization technique to study carbon surface groups and IR-active species placed on carbons, and examples of carbonsupported Fe 3 (CO) 12 , Ru 3 (CO) 12 , and Os 3 (CO) 12 , as well as CO chemisorbed on small, carbon-supported metal particles, are provided. In addition, readily observable bands attributable to carboxyl, carboxylate, lactate, and phenol groups on treated Saran carbons demonstrate that functional groups on carbon surfaces can be identified and monitored quantitatively by the DRIFTS technique.
On a conjecture of Kippenhahn about the characteristic polynomial of a pencil generated by two Hermitian matrices. I

Abstract Let A be an n × n matrix; write A = H + iK , where i 2 =—1 and H and K are Hermitian. Let f ( x , y , z ) = det( zI − xH − yK ). We first show that a pair of matrices over an algebraically closed field, which satisfy quadratic polynomials, can be put into block, upper triangular form, with diagonal blocks of size 1×1 or 2×2, via a simultaneous similarity. This is used to prove that if f(x,y,z) = [g(x,y,z)] n 2 , where g has degree 2, then for some unitary matrix U , the matrix U ∗ AU is the direct sum of n 2 copies of a 2×2 matrix A 1 , where A 1 is determined, up to unitary similarity, by the polynomial g ( x , y , z ). We use the connection between f ( x , y , z ) and the numerical range of A to investigate the case where f ( x , y , z ) has the form ( z − αax − βy ) r [ g ( x , y , z )] s , where g ( x , y , z ) is irreducible of degree 2.
Sites of subcortical damage in diseases which resemble schizophrenia

Abstract Diseases which have symptoms in common with schizophrenia were analyzed in an effort to discern common sites of pathology. The basal ganglia were found to have an unusual degree of involvement with such diseases.
The future: screening and effective intervention

Despite an increased understanding of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the development of new programs, procedures, and medications to reduce risk, effective large-scale primary and secondary prevention have remained difficult to achieve. Large-scale, primarily educational, community-based programs aimed at detecting and reducing risk can be effective, particularly when they are aimed at specific populations at increased risk. However, the long-term benefits of these programs have been modest. Recent studies have demonstrated that lipid-lowering therapy is a critical adjunct to dietary and lifestyle changes. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors in particular are highly effective in reducing cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention programs that combine lifestyle modification and aggressive medical therapy. The ability of these drugs to produce rapid improvements in endothelial function and increase coronary perfusion also supports their use in the medical rather than surgical management of at least some patients with cardiovascular disease who are candidates for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Augmenting classical DIAL with Raman-DIAL (RaDIAL)

A novel method of performing DIAL (Differential Absorption Lidar) measurements of airborne chemicals is presented. The technique, called RaDIAL, utilizes the Raman returns from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen as the `on' and `off' wavelengths for a particular chemical species. Both laboratory and field tests of RaDIAL for molecules with absorption bands in the UV solar blind demonstrate the utility of this detection scheme. The advantages of RaDIAL for range-resolved chemical species detection/monitoring include insensitivity of the measurement to laser pulse-to- pulse energy fluctuations and variations in aerosol burden. The RaDIAL technique offers the desired high sensitivity associated with DIAL while keeping the data reduction simple and free of complex approximations.
A phenomenological theory of streaming birefringence

Streaming birefringence theory, discussing incompressible fluids, shear and Couette flows, fading memory, deformations
Consideration of the risk and treatment of tuberculosis in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and receive biologic treatments

Evidence supports the association of tuberculosis (TB) with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. There seem to be differential risks of TB with the currently available inhibitors. Screening for latent TB infection with purified protein derivative is indicated for patients who are being considered for treatment; it seems to be effective in reducing the occurrence of TB in treated patients.
Seven-Hole Pressure Probe Calibration Method Utilizing Look-Up Error Tables

A two-step calibration and measurement procedure for seven-hole pressure probes has been developed that allows simple and accurate real-time processing. The method adds an extra step to traditional least-squares calibration schemes such as Gallington’ s method (Gallington, R. W., “ Measurement of Very Large Flow Angles with Non-Nulling Seven Hole Probes,”Proceedings of the 27th International Instrumentation Symposium , Instrumentation Society of America, Triangle Park, NC, 1981, pp. 115 ‐130)involving the interpolation of error look-up tables. A measurement system employing the two-step calibration scheme is described. Measurements are made in pipe and wind-tunnel e ows, and a detailed uncertainty analysis is performed, to demonstrate the accuracy of the new scheme. Independent of the new scheme, the measurements also show some effects of Reynolds number, velocity gradient, and turbulenceon theprobeaccuracy. TheReynoldsnumbereffect was notanticipated and may indicate the need for multiple calibrations in some circumstances.
Multilevel files for software development

A proposal is put forth for the use of multilevel files in software development. A set of tools which take advantage of the file sturcture is proposed.
Application of spectroscopic ellipsometry-based scatterometry for ultrathin spacer structure

The scatterometry technology has been developed widely in the poly gate and resist patterning application for critical dimension (CD) process control. The advantages of this technology are good precision, short cycle time and multiple information outputs. To extend this application even further on spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) based scatterometry, the spacer structure application becomes one promising goal. In this work, we use SE based scatterometry to demonstrate a two-dimensional profile of ultra thin spacer with post-etched structure as well as CD measurement of the spacer. A brief theory and measurement results taken by dense and isolate structure will be discussed in this paper. The cross-section of TEM and the spectra fitting by scatterometry are also collected at the same location and compared. It shows a high correlation between the two. Finally, an example of minispacer fault detection methodology and repeatability test on scatterometry is also presented to show the capability for volume production.
Hormone stimulation of ketogenesis in rat liver homogenates

Abstract Cyclic 3′,5′-AMP and theophylline were found to stimulate ketogenesis in rat liver homogenates. Data is presented on the effect of various cofactors on ketone body production. In appropriately fortified homogenates glucagon, cyclic AMP and theophylline were found to increase acyl CoA levels and stimulate ketogenesis.
Role of numerical range in approximation-solvability of nonlinear functional equations

Abstract The concept of numerical range has been applied in finding a more general existence and uniqueness theorem for the solvability (approximation-solvability) of nonlinear functional equations.
Static axisymmetric solution of the Einstein equations

We state a new axisymmetric, static, asymptotically flat solution of the Einstein equations in a vacuum. The solution depends on three parameters, $m$, $n$, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$. When $n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$, the solution has the Schwarzschild solution as a limit. There are no horizons and the tetrad components of the conformal tensors are everywhere finite. The solution lacks elementary flatness on the whole axis of symmetry.
The Thermionic and Photoelectric Work Functions of Molybdenum

The photoelectric and thermionic emission from pure molybdenum was studied during a prolonged process of outgassing by heat treatment at temperatures up to 2100°K. In a sealed-off tube an equilibrium condition was reached which was not changed by further treatment extending up to 1600 hours. Photoelectric curves taken at room temperature and at 940°K and analyzed by Fowler's method yielded a true work function for the outgassed Mo of 4.15±0.02 volts. Thermionic data for the same specimen also yielded a work function of 4.15 volts, and a value of the constant A close to the theoretical value of 60 amp./cm^2 deg.^2.
The Ultrastructure of Brood Pouch Formation in Tokophrya infusionum

SYNOPSIS Asexual reproduction in Tokophrya infusionum is by internal budding, whereby a ciliated, motile embryo is formed inside the sessile, non-ciliated parent in a specialized structure, the brood pouch. The process of embryogenesis and brood pouch formation was studied with the electron microscope using synchronized cultures. Reproduction begins with invagination of the pellicle and plasma membrane in the apical region of the adult. Early invagination is characterized by the presence of numerous microtubules beneath the plasma membrane or epiplasmic layer of the invaginating membranes. These microtubules apparently are important in formation of the brood pouch for colchicine blocks embryogenesis during the early stages. When the embryo is completed, it is ejected from the brood pouch thru the birth pore, an opening which is the site of the initial invagination and is present thruout embryogenesis. Theories of brood pouch formation are reviewed and discussed in light of the present investigation.
Digital Microfluidics: A Future Technology in the Newborn Screening Laboratory?

Expansion of newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders using tandem mass spectrometry has generated interest in screening for other treatable conditions, including lysosomal storage diseases. Limitations to expansion include labor and equipment costs. We describe a cost-effective new platform that reduces the time to result reporting and can perform multiplexing assays requiring different platforms. Immunoassays and enzyme activity assays currently used in newborn screening have been translated to a disposable microchip programmed to dispense, transport, mix, wash, and incubate individual microdroplets from specimens, including dried blood spot extracts, and reagents all under software control. The specimen and reagents consumed are approximately 1% of those required by equivalent bench assays. In addition to immunologic and enzymatic assays, DNA amplification, amplicon detection, and sequencing have been demonstrated using the same microchips and control equipment. Recently, the multiplexing of 4 different enzyme activities has also been demonstrated with negligible cross-contamination. We review assays relevant to newborn screening.
The spatial distribution of tornadoes and high wind impacts associated with inland-moving tropical cyclones in the southeastern United States

The southeastern United States is routinely hit by tropical cyclones (TC). As TC track inland and dissipate their inland impacts can be substantial. This study examined the spatial patterns of societal impacts associated with tornadoes and high winds with 31 inland-moving TC that made landfall from 1985 to 2008. Hourly weather information was collected from all available first-order weather stations affected by each storm, as well as tropical cyclone preliminary reports issued from the National Hurricane Center. Societal impacts were identified through selected newspapers across the region and the National Climatic Data Center’s Storm Data. Geographic Information System (GIS) software was employed to make geometric measurements of the distance and direction of the impacts relative to storm center. From these measurements, the spatial distribution of the societal and meteorological impacts was plotted relative to the track (e.g., left vs. right) and location (forward vs. rear sector) of the cyclone center....
Parameter estimation techniques for recording media

This paper contrasts the experimental applicability of the sequential parametric identification method with the traditional curve fitting parametric identification method. Both methods yield similarly good results in computing some magnetization curves; however, the sequential method gives results that are significantly more accurate in predicting experimental curves.
Effect of mixer geometry and operating conditions on mixing efficiency of a non-Newtonian fluid in a twin screw mixer

Abstract The effect of mixer speed, fluid inflow rate, and paddle angle was examined in a shortened geometry. 3D FEM simulation of non-Newtonian 2 g/100 mL carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution in the mixing region of a Readco continuous mixer was performed. Data gathered included velocity vectors, shear rate, and mixing index. Increasing mixer speed increased velocity magnitudes in the horizontal and vertical directions. Fluid inflow rate had little impact on velocity in the horizontal and vertical directions, but increased velocity in the axial direction and elongational contribution to the mixing index. All configurations showed areas of simple shear flow where the fluid experienced high shear rates. Staggering paddles increased the maximum axial velocity and shear rate. When successive paddles on the same screw are parallel, a zone was seen between the center of the paddle and the barrel wall which demonstrated efficient dispersive mixing.
Wave Propagation in Libroelastic Materials- Application to Solid Carbon-Dioxide:

The wave propagation and dispersion characteristics of libroelastic materials are considered. Such materials consist of molecules which interact by means of position as well as orientation-dependent forces, and possess mass as well as rotational inertia.The following results hold for homogeneous libroelastic isotropic materials with a centre of symmetry: (a) Translational as well as librational waves decompose into longitudinal and transverse waves. (b) The longitudinal waves are uncoupled and the librational one is dispersive. (c) The transverse waves are coupled and the transverse translational particle motion is always perpendicular to the transverse rotational motion. These waves are dispersive.The difference of two libroelastic constants of solid carbon dioxide has been evaluated (using Raman scattering measurements) for, what it is believed to be, the first time.
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: is it feasible and reasonable?

In the United States, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed solid tumor among men. 25 Treatment options for tumors clinically confined to the prostate include radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, cryotherapy, or expectant management, and each of these therapies is associated with a different morbidity profile. The morbidity for radical prostatectomy includes a hospital stay averaging 2 to 3 days, postoperative pain, prolonged urethral catheterization (>10 days), the risk for incontinence, and the possibility of erectile dysfunction. To reduce the morbidity of conventional prostatectomy and to improve operative precision, several groups recently have advocated a laparoscopic technique. 3,19 In comparison with a variety of open surgical procedures, laparoscopy has demonstrated a significant advantage in reducing postoperative discomfort, hospital stay, and convalescence 7,13,23 ; however, longitudinal evaluation of the oncologic and functional results is imperative before the laparoscopic approach can be offered as an alternative standard of care. For some laparosocpic procedures (i.e., gynecologic oncologic procedures, bladder neck suspension), equivalency in these parameters has not been attained. 11,28 Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) must be scrutinized carefully in comparisons. The standard open procedure has a solid track record and well-defined morbidity. Before it can be advocated as a reasonable alternative, LRP must match the contemporary oncologic results and low morbidity of open radical prostatectomy. It must demonstrate adequacy of surgical margins, the absence of significant risk for trocar site implantation, and similar progression-free and disease-specific survival rates. Purported advantages of laparoscopy in reducing surgical morbidity also need to be compared with open radical prostatectomy in areas such as hospital stay, postoperative discomfort (including catheterization time), blood loss/transfusion requirements, incontinence, impotence, time to convalescence, operative time, and cost. Each of these parameters needs to be evaluated systematically before LRP can be advocated as a reasonable surgical alternative for clinically localized prostate cancer.
Optical Detection of DNA Conformational Polymorphism on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The transition of DNA secondary structure from an analogous B to Z conformation modulates the dielectric environment of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) around which it is adsorbed. The SWNT band-gap fluorescence undergoes a red shift when an encapsulating 30-nucleotide oligomer is exposed to counter ions that screen the charged backbone. The transition is thermodynamically identical for DNA on and off the nanotube, except that the propagation length of the former is shorter by five-sixths. The magnitude of the energy shift is described by using an effective medium model and the DNA geometry on the nanotube sidewall. We demonstrate the detection of the B-Z change in whole blood, tissue, and from within living mammalian cells.
Design and performance of in vitro transcription rate regulatory circuits

This paper proposes a synthetic in vitro circuit that aims at regulating the rate of RNA transcription through positive feedback interactions. This design is dual to a previously synthesized transcriptional rate regulator based on self-repression. Two DNA templates are designed to interact through their transcripts, creating cross activating feedback loops that will equate their transcription rates at steady state. A mathematical model is developed for this circuit, consisting of a set of ODEs derived from the mass action laws and Michaelis-Menten kinetics involving all the present chemical species. This circuit is then compared to its regulatory counterpart based on negative feedback. A global sensitivity analysis reveals the fundamental features of the two designs by evaluating their equilibrium response to changes in the most crucial parameters of the system.