cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum control and information processing in optical lattices

Neutral atoms offer a promising platform for single- and many-body quantum control, as required for quantum information processing. This includes excellent isolation from the decohering influence of the environment, and the existence of well developed techniques for atom trapping and coherent manipulation. We present a review of our work to implement quantum control and measurement for ultra-cold atoms in far-off-resonance optical lattice traps. In recent experiments we have demonstrated coherent behavior of mesoscopic atomic spinor wavepackets in optical double-well potentials, and carried out quantum state tomography to reconstruct the full density matrix for the atomic spin degrees of freedom. This model system shares a number of important features with proposals to implement quantum logic and quantum computing in optical lattices. We present a theoretical analysis of a protocol for universal quantum logic via single qubit operations and an entangling gate based on electric dipole-dipole interactions. Detailed calculations including the full atomic hyperfine structure suggests that high-fidelity quantum gates are possible under realistic experimental conditions.
Metabolites of polyphenols preserve indices of endothelial cell nitric oxide bioavailability under glucotoxic conditions (372.6)

We hypothesized that biological metabolites of quercetin, resveratrol, and grape seed extract previously identified in human plasma can prevent impairment of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability due to glucotoxic conditions (e.g. Type 1 or 2 diabetes). Human aortic endothelial cells were treated for 24 h with 2μΜ Quercetin-3-O-glucoronide, 5μΜ Piceatannol, or 1μΜ 3-Hydroproponoic acid. Cells were next exposed to normal (5mM) or high (25mM) glucose for 48h, then treated with insulin (100nM, 10 min) to stimulate NO production. In the absence of polyphenols, insulin stimulation increased (P<0.05) indices of NO production, phosphorylated to total Akt (p-AktSer473:Akt), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOSser1177:eNOS) in cells grown in 5mM but not 25mM glucose. Pretreatment of cells with polyphenol metabolites prior to 25mM glucose exposure preserved insulin stimulated increases (P<0.05) in NO, p-AktSer473:Akt and p-eNOSser1177:eNOS. These effects may be secondary to oxidative stress as elevations (P<0....
Environmental sociology and the Frankfurt School 1: reason and capital

In a two-article project, I demonstrate that the first-generation Frankfurt School’s critical theory can conceptually inform sociological examinations of societal–environmental relations and address contemporary debates and issues in environmental sociology. This first companion article explains why Horkheimer, Adorno, and Marcuse persistently tied the domination of nature to the domination of human beings in the context of two interrelated processes: (1) the instrumentalization of reason and (2) the development of capitalism. The Frankfurt School argued that capitalism was unsustainable due to growth dependence and provided an early analysis of environmentalism’s co-optation. While early critical theory argued that structural forces are primarily responsible for environmental degradation, they did not neglect the role of social psychological and cultural forces in maintaining these structures. In addition to clarifying and systematizing these broader contributions, I provide concrete examples of how thei...
Student stress and quality of education

Today, managers are increasingly interested in knowing how the work in organizations aftects employees' health. Less common is the interest in stress erupting in the academic community - among students, faculty and administrators. The authors present a reflection paper focused on student stress. In this paper, they first examine McLean 's model of context, vulnerability and stressors. This model provides the framework for the student surveys and for the entire paper. Based on the students surveys, an assessment is made of how asma" group of students are coping with stress. The paper fina"y suggests what can be done by students, faculty, and administrators to insta" and/or improve social support systems that might reduce the harmful eftects of stress on students and thus impact the quality of education.
Expression patterns of immune-associated genes in external genital and perianal warts treated with sinecatechins.

Abstract The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in human disease includes external genital and perianal warts (EGW), with some HPV genotypes having oncogenic potential (i.e., HPV-16 and -18). While green-tea extracts have antitumor and antiproliferative effects in vitro, the mechanism of action of sinecatechins in the treatment of EGW is not well understood. To investigate the role of immune-regulated genes further, an open-label, single institution, prospective study was conducted enrolling patients with clinically diagnosed EGW. Thirty subjects were enrolled, and 18 completed the trial. All patients applied sinecatechins 15% ointment to target lesions in the study. RNA expression microarrays were obtained from treated EGW lesions and analyzed for differential gene expression of immune-regulated genes. HPV types were analyzed and, based on copy number, were stratified into virological responders (VR) or nonresponders (VNR). Gene expression analysis of RNA samples was performed using TaqMan arrays for hum...
A rapid assay for assessment of sphingosine kinase inhibitors and substrates.

Abstract Sphingosine kinases (SphKs) catalyze the transfer of phosphate from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to sphingosine to generate sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), an important bioactive lipid molecule that mediates a diverse range of cell signaling processes. The conventional assay of SphK enzymatic activity uses [γ- 32 P]ATP and sphingosine as substrates, with the radiolabeled S1P product recovered by organic extraction, displayed by thin layer chromatography, and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Although this assay is sensitive and accurate, it is slow and labor-intensive; thus, it precludes the simultaneous screening of more than a few inhibitor compounds. Here we describe a 96-well assay for SphKs that is rapid and reproducible. Our method, which takes advantage of the limited solubility of S1P, detects radioactive S1P adhering to the plate by scintillation proximity counting. Our procedure obviates extraction into organic solvents, postreaction transfers, and chromatography. Furthermore, our assay enables assessment of both inhibitors and substrates, and it can detect endogenous SphK activity in cell and tissue extracts. The SphK kinetic parameter, K m , and the K i values of inhibitors determined with our assay and the conventional assay were indistinguishable. These results document that our assay is well-suited for the screening of chemical libraries of SphK inhibitors.
Concurrent poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia

We describe three cases of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Along with the classic findings of PSGN, the patients had a positive direct antiglobulin test. Two patients had a cold-reacting anti-I autoantibody. This is the first description of this association. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia should be considered in children with PSGN and significant anemia or signs of hemolysis.
SMART Approaches for Reducing Nosocomial Infections in the ICU

Nosocomial infections are problematic in the ICU because of their frequency, morbidity, and mortality. The most common ICU infections are pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and urinary tract infection, most of which are device related. Surgical site infection is common in surgical ICUs, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is occurring with increasing frequency. Prospective observational studies confirm that use of evidence-based guidelines can reduce the rate of these ICU infections, especially when simple tactics are bundled. To increase the likelihood of success, follow the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound (SMART) approach. Choose specific objectives that precisely define and quantify desired outcomes, such as reducing the nosocomial ICU infection rate of an institution by 25%. To measure the objective, monitor staff adherence to tactics and infection rates, and provide feedback to ICU staff. Make objectives achievable and relevant by engaging stakeholders in the selection of specific tactics and steps for implementation. Nurses and other stakeholders can best identify the tactics that are achievable within their busy ICUs. Unburden the bedside provider by taking advantage of new technologies that reduce nosocomial infection rates. Objectives should also be relevant to the institution so that administrators provide adequate staffing and other resources. Appoint a team to champion the intervention and collaborate with administrators and ICU staff. Provide ongoing communication to reinforce educational tactics and fine-tune practices over time. Make objectives time bound; set dates for collecting baseline and periodic data, and a completion date for evaluating the success of the intervention.
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance detection: principles and experimental configurations

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry is based on image current detection of coherently excited ion cyclotron motion. The detected signal magnitude and peak shape may be understood from idealized behavior: single ion, zero-pressure, spatially uniform magnetic field, three-dimensional axial quadrupolar electrostatic trapping potential, and spatially uniform resonant alternating electric field. In practice, deviation from any of the above conditions will shift, distort, split, and/or coalesce FT-ICR mass spectral peaks. Fortunately, such peak distortions may typically be avoided by appropriate experimental design and/or greatly minimized by internal frequency-to-m/z calibration. Various aspects of modern FT-ICR detection (hardware and software) are discussed.
SU‐E‐T‐26: Determination of Field Parameters for Unflattened Photon Beams Using a Universal Scaling Factor

Purpose: To investigate unflattened and flattened photon beam profiles and to propose a new method in determining field parameters for unflattened beams. Methods: For flattened beams, field parameters of field size, etc., are defined according to the profile scaled the dose at central axis (D_CAX) to 100%. For unflattened beams, Siemens presents a table of scaling factors (to D_CAX) which are field size and energy dependent. The M. D. Anderson group presented a method to match the dose level at the inflection point for an unflattened beam to that for the corresponding flattened beam. By investigating cross‐plane and in‐plane profiles for the flat beams of Siemens Artiste 6 and 10 MV, Varian 21EX 6 and 10 MV, Trilogy 6 and 18 MV at different field sizes and depths, it was observed that the ratio of the dose at the inflection point (D_IP) to D_CAX remains unchanged within an uncertainty. Therefore, it is proposed to scale any unflattened beam profile by defining its D_IP to this value. After the scaling, the common definitions of field size, penumbra, and asymmetry remain the same. Results: The ratio (D_IP/D_CAX) approaches a Gaussian distribution, yielding a mean of 54% with standard deviation of 2% for all data. The differences between the field sizes determined by this new method and those by Siemens scaling factors are mostly within 1 mm for Artiste 7 UF and 11 UF unflattened beams in a wide range of field sizes and depths. Varying this scaling factor in the 95% confidence interval leads to a variation within ±1 mm for field size determination.Conclusion: This study demonstrates reasonability in use of single “54%” scaling factor to the inflection point for all unflattened beam profiles. The proposed method would provide simplification in determining field parameters for unflattened beams. This work is supported in part by a Siemens research fund.
Inhibition of bovine heart Na+, K+-ATPase by palmitylcarnitine and palmityl-CoA.

Abstract The activity of a partially purified bovine heart Na+,K+-ATPase is inhibited by DL- and L- palmitylcarnitine (I50=44–48μM). Palmitylcarnitine with a I50 of 25μM also markedly inhibits K+-phosphatase activity. Palmityl-CoA decreases Na+,K+-ATPase activity, but to a lesser extent (I50=80μM). Both palmitic acid and hexanoic acid produce 10 to 15% inhibition of activity at concentrations of 70μM and 3–5mM, respectively. These free fatty acids protect the enzyme against inhibition by 40μM palmitylcarnitine. However, at 50μM palmitylcarnitine, the protective effect by hexanoic acid is no longer apparent. Addition of 40μM palmitylcarnitine to the Na+,K+-ATPase in the presence of varying concentrations of palmityl-CoA produces an additive inhibition of enzyme activity, suggesting two different sites on the enzyme susceptible to inhibition by the two ester forms of the fatty acid.
A Contrast of Guideline Recommendations and Tullis's Prediction Model for Computer Displays: Should Text be Left-Justified?

Two experiments investigated the effect of layout complexity for performance at varying levels of practice on four types of information extraction tasks. Layout complexity is defined as the number of unique horizontal and vertical starting positions of items in the display (Tullis, 1984). In the first study, layout complexity was manipulated by either left-justifying or not left-justifying text. In the second study, subject veiwed a third experimental screen that displayed the starting positions of items in a completely unpredictable pattern. Moderate violations of the typical guideline recommendation that alphanumeric data be left-justified did not increase user search time across all four tasks in either the first or second study. Furthermore, severe violations of the recommendation did not increase user search time for three tasks (find label, scan data, and compare label). However when subjects compared multiple data values, the random format did increase user search time. Though performance using the...
The polyoma virus enhancer cannot substitute for DNase I core hypersensitive sites 2–4 in the human β-globin LCR

The polyoma virus enhancer (PyE) is capable of conferring integration position-independent expression to linked genes in stably transfected erythroid cells after joining to DNase I hypersensitive site (HS) 5 of the human beta-globin locus control region (LCR). In attempting to separate the chromatin opening activity of the LCR from its enhancer activity and to investigate contributions of the individual HS core elements to LCR function, the human beta-globin LCR HS2, HS3 and HS4 core elements were replaced with the PyE within the context of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) bearing the whole locus. We show here that, in contrast to its function in cultured cells, the PyE is unable to replace HS core element function in vivo. We found that the PyE substitution mutant LCR is unable to provide either chromatin opening or transcriptional potentiating activity at any erythroid developmental stage in transgenic mice. These data provide direct evidence that the human beta-globin LCR core elements specify unique functions that cannot be replaced by a ubiquitous enhancer activity.
Establishment of Moose Browse on Four Growth Media on a Proposed Mine Site in Southcentral Alaska

The objective of this study was to evaluate seven woody plant species on four growth media for their potential contribution to moose habitat and establishment of viable plant communities on a proposed mine site in southcentral Alaska. Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), Salix alaxensis (feltleaf willow), S. barclayi (Barclay willow), S. bebbiana (Bebb willow), Alnus tenuifolia (thinleaf alder), Betula papyrifera (paper birch), and Picea glauca (white spruce) were selected for their functions in moose habitat, ease of propagation, and presence in the existing native vegetation. Three native soils were selected for biological characteristics such as different potential to form mycorrhizae and to regenerate local plant species, both of which are governed partly by existing vegetation. The fourth growth medium, glacial till or overburden, was expected to have little or no biological activity. A mining disturbance was simulated on three sites by removing existing vegetation from the plots, stripping the native soils, and then spreading these soil materials over the respective study plots. Rooted cuttings of the Salicaceae and nursery seedlings of the other species were planted in each of the four growth media. Height and survival of all plant species were greater on the three soil media than on the glacial till during the second and third years. Percentage of ectomycorrhizal infection on transplants was similar among growth media, although lower ectomycorrhizal infection occurred on volunteers in grassland soils than in the other growth media. Browsable plants were produced within three years on the disturbed native soils but not on the glacial till.
Outbreak of Iris yellow spot virus in Onion Seed Crops in Central Oregon.

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) of the genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae is considered an emerging or reemerging pathogen affecting onions in the United States. The virus has been endemic to the Treasure Valley of southern Idaho for more than a decade (4). Reports of its further spread came from several states in the region, most recently from New Mexico and Washington (1,3). During the 2004 growing season, a few onion seed crops near Madras (Jefferson County) in central Oregon showed symptoms suggestive of IYSV infection, including characteristic diamond-shaped scape lesions (2). By July, scapes in one-half of a 4-ha field were 100% symptomatic and 95% lodged, leading to nearly total crop failure; in the other half, scapes were 30 to 40% symptomatic and 15% lodged, with symptoms and lodging increasing weekly at 8 weeks before harvest. The half of this crop with greater incidence was immediately adjacent to a field where very limited IYSV-like symptoms were noticed in a 2002–2003 onion seed crop that wa...
Efficient parallel algorithm for statistical ion track simulations in crystalline materials

Abstract We present an efficient parallel algorithm for statistical Molecular Dynamics simulations of ion tracks in solids. The method is based on the Rare Event Enhanced Domain following Molecular Dynamics (REED-MD) algorithm, which has been successfully applied to studies of, e.g., ion implantation into crystalline semiconductor wafers. We discuss the strategies for parallelizing the method, and we settle on a host–client type polling scheme in which a multiple of asynchronous processors are continuously fed to the host, which, in turn, distributes the resulting feed-back information to the clients. This real-time feed-back consists of, e.g., cumulative damage information or statistics updates necessary for the cloning in the rare event algorithm. We finally demonstrate the algorithm for radiation effects in a nuclear oxide fuel, and we show the balanced parallel approach with high parallel efficiency in multiple processor configurations.
The electronic portfolio: Shifting paradigms

Abstract This issue of Computers and Composition takes as its focus the electronic portfolio, but the electronic portfolio itself moves all of us who care about writing in clear directions, even if we can't yet tell what the effect of taking these directions will be. Thus, this issue 4closes by highlighting these directions—directions that collectively bring new resonance to Cindy Selfe's (1989) expression “layered literacy.”
THE CHEMISTRY OF LAVA-SEAWATER INTERACTIONS : THE GENERATION OF ACIDITY

High concentrations of acid were found to arise from the interaction between molten rock and seawater at the shoreline of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. A series of field samplings and experiments show that the acid was derived from two sources: the release of magmatic volatiles and water-rock reactions. Although the bulk of the magmatic volatiles (CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, and SO{sub 2}) are vented at Puu Oo cinder cone before the lava`s transit downslope to the ocean, a portion of the sulfur (S) and fluoride (F) gases are retained by the lava and then are released partially when the lava is quenched by seawater. The primary water-rock reaction responsible for acid formation appears to be Na-metasomatism, which is much different from the predominant acid-forming reaction found in submarine hydrothermal systems, Mg-metasomatism. Analyses of surface seawater and of precipitation (rain) deposited at the shore show that {approximately}30% of the acid comes from magmatic gases with the balance from reactions between the rock and the salts found in seawater. Experimental results show that {approximately}4 {+-} 1.5 mEq of acid are formed per kilogram of lava entering the ocean, and of this 1 {+-} 0.5 mEq/kg of lava came from S and F, withmore » the balance coming from water-rock reactions. On the basis of lava extrusion rates, {approximately}200--720 {times} 10{sup 6} Eq/yr of acid are being formed at this site. The deposition of the acid results in the alteration of subaerial lava flows along the coast, and the lowering of the pH of the adjacent surface ocean waters by more than 1 unit. The ejection of this acid into the atmosphere contributes to the formation of an extensive haze downwind of the lava entries.« less
Phospholipase D activity in hexane

Phospholipase D converts phosphatidylcholine (PC) to phosphatidic acid (PA) at 65° C in water-saturated hexane. Presumably, the active site of the enzyme remains hydrated in the interior of a lipid micelle. Enzyme activity at elevated temperatures in a nonaqueous medium contrasts sharply with inactivation at high temperature in aqueous solution. Results demonstrate that nonhydratable phospholipids can be produced enzyma-tically under conditions comparable to those during oil extraction in commercial soybean processing.
Multifractal analysis of nonlinear complexity of sacral skin blood flow oscillations in older adults.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between cutaneous vasodilatory function and nonlinear complexity of blood flow oscillations (BFO) in older people. A non-painful fast local heating protocol was applied to the sacral skin in 20 older subjects with various vasodilatory functions. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure skin blood oscillations. The complexity of the characteristic frequencies (i.e., metabolic (0.0095–0.02 Hz), neurogenic (0.02–0.05 Hz), myogenic (0.05–0.15 Hz), respiratory (0.15–0.4 Hz), and cardiac (0.4–2 Hz)) of BFO was quantified using the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis. Compared with the 65–75 years group, the complexity of metabolic BFO in the 75–85 years group was significantly lower at the baseline (P < 0.05) and the second peak (P < 0.001). Compared with baseline BFO, subjects in the 65–75 years group had a significant increase in the complexity of metabolic BFO (P < 0.01) in response to local heating; while subjects in the 75–85 years group did not. Our findings support the use of multifractal analysis to assess aging-related microvascular dysfunction.
A Fast Computational Method for Particle Dynamics in Dielectrophoretic Lab-on-Chip Systems

An accelerated boundary element method (BEM) is proposed for predicting the motion of bio-particles under combined electromagnetic and fluidic force fields. Many Lab-on-chip (LoC) designs are based on dielectrophoretic (DEP) manipulation of polarized species inside microfluidic channels. The BEM approach presented here relies entirely on modeling the surface of the computational domain, significantly reducing the number of unknowns when compared to volume-based methods. Additionally, the need for re-meshing the whole domain at each time-step of particle movement is prevented. A coupled circuit-EM formulation is presented for accurate prediction of dielectophoretic field distribution due to on-chip electrodes. This allows the circuit control of the resulting electromagnetic fields. Next, BEM formulations for predicting DEP and fluidic traction forces on arbitrarily shaped bio-particles are presented. EM fields produced by the electrodes induce the DEP forces, while the fluid flow is driven by a pressure gradient across the channel. The resultant motion of the subjected particles is studied using a simple time-stepping algorithm. The algorithm has a time complexity of O(N3 ), where N is the number of unknowns), which leads to a large bottleneck during simulation of each time step. This problem is addressed by implementing oct-tree based O(N) multilevel iterative solvers. The methodology is used to study the field distribution due to distributed electrode systems and particle motion in fluidic channels. Evidence of O(N) behavior of the fast solver is presented. The resulting simulator can be used to study complicated distributed structures and explore new LoC design ideas.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Structurally conserved soluble acid phosphatases are synthesized and released by Leishmania major promastigotes.

Previously it was reported that promastigotes of virtually all pathogenic Leishmania species, except Leishmania major, release a structurally conserved soluble acid phosphatase (AcP) activity during their growth in vitro (P. S. Doyle and D. M. Dwyer, Exp. Parasitol. 77, 435-444 1993). In the current study we used a highly sensitive fluorogenic detection method to demonstrate that soluble AcPs were in fact produced by promastigotes of several different strains of L. major. These L. major AcP activities were readily immunoprecipitated with a rabbit antibody previously generated against the L. donovani AcP. Results of metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitations demonstrated that AcPs produced by the L. majors strains examined had an apparent molecular mass of approximately 77 kDa. Results of Southern hybridization analysis with an L. donovani AcP gene probe showed that the AcP gene loci were conserved in the L. major strains examined. Taken together, these results indicate that the AcP enzyme has been structurally and functionally conserved throughout the evolution of pathogenic species of Leishmania. Such conservation suggests that the AcPs play a functional role in the growth and survival of this group of important human pathogens.
Neighborhood characteristics favorable to outdoor physical activity: disparities by socioeconomic and racial/ethnic composition.

Abstract This paper uses a socioecological framework to investigate socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in neighborhood characteristics that are associated with outdoor physical activity. We surveyed 632 parents of 5th graders about perceptions of their neighborhood social processes and collected systematic observations of the physical environment on their block-face of residence. Higher poverty neighborhoods and non-White neighborhoods have better accessibility; however, they are less safe, less comfortable, and less pleasurable for outdoor physical activity, and have less favorable social processes. Interventions to reduce disparities in physical activity should address not only the physical environment, but also social processes favorable to physical activity.
Effects of dietary fiber and protein on rat erythrocyte insulin-receptor interaction

Abstract The metabolic effects of cellulose on insulin receptor interaction (IRI) was studied at 10 and 20 percent protein levels in male weanling Sprague Dawley rats. One hundred and four (104) rats were divided into 8 groups of 13 each and randomly put on various dietary treatments as already reported elsewhere [Fed. Proceed. 1985; 44(5):6367]. Animals for radioreceptor studies (n=5 per group) were fed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the rats via cardiac puncture under nembutal anesthesia. Erythrocyte IRI and serum insulin levels (IN) were measured by a standardized radioreceptor assay (10) and radioimmunoassay respectively. Fiber and protein intake had significant effect on IRI (p I -insulin binding (SIB) was higher in the 20% protein group at all fiber levels while in the fiber free groups higher SIB was observed in the 10% protein group (p f (filled site affinity) state as receptor occupancy [Y=Long [B]/Ro] increases. While no significant effect of calorie was observed on e and f , caloric intake (Cal) showed a positive correlation (r=0.8, p
Wideband PHY/MAC bandwidth aggregation optimization for cognitive radios

Unlike conventional radios, cognitive radios are to use channel occupancy information measured at the PHY layer and conveyed to the MAC layer to select suitable frequency bands to communicate. Many existing PHY/MAC decision-making strategies, however, assume that the cognitive radio belongs to a particular radio network and its communication capabilities are limited to the protocols supported by that radio network. In this paper, we propose a cognitive radio PHY/MAC decision-making strategy that may simultaneously utilize multiple radio networks across a wide spectrum band. The whole spectrum range is assumed to be divided into several sub-bands in performing spectrum sensing. Each of the sub-bands may have an arbitrary bandwidth, depending on the spectrum sensing capability of the cognitive radio. In this paper, we derive an optimal wideband bandwidth aggregation (BAG) strategy for the energy and frequency efficient communication problem: a multi-objective optimization problem is formulated, one objective is the communication throughput of the mobile cognitive radio device and the other one is energy consumption of the device. The proposed multi-objective optimization problem takes into account the essential practical issues including imperfect spectrum sensing, time varying channel coefficients, hardware reconfiguration time delay, hardware reconfiguration power consumptions, and communication power consumptions. The optimal BAG strategy is solved using a combination of the Hungarian algorithm and convex optimization. In this paper, we show that by self-adjusting the weighting coefficients of two objectives, the cognitive radio may achieve autonomous operation. The formulation can also be easily extended to multi-objective problems that have more than two objectives.
Occupational Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Washington State, 2000–2005

Washington State workers’ compensation data can be used to guide prevention efforts focused on occupational carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Between 2000 and 2005, a total of 345 individual claims comprising 221 different exposure incidents were identified for the 6-year time period. The construction industry had 43 (20%) CO incidents, followed by wholesale trade with 32 (15%), and agriculture with 27 (12%) incidents. Fuel-powered forklifts caused 29% of all incidents, while autos/trucks/buses were responsible for 26%. The number of forklift incidents in fruit packing and cold storage companies declined significantly from 1994 through 2007 (Spearman's rho = 0.6659, p < 0.01). While this study used multiple medical records from workers’ compensation claims to identify CO poisoning, a surveillance system that lacks extensive medical records may rely principally on carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) tests. This study demonstrated that 71% of the identified workers’ compensation claims had associated COHb tests. The rec...
Symbolic representation of process monitoring signals

Abstract This paper introduces a generalized symbolic signal representation capable of capturing the physical appearance of process monitoring signals. The signals are decomposed into simpler subcomponents described by different parametric models and combined under an object-oriented hybrid signal model. These subcomponents are modeled by a piecewise spline function approximation. This model represents the signal patterns in purely mathematical terms and can be viewed as an extension of syntactic signal modeling approaches used in electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. Furthermore, a robust event-synchronous system capable of transcribing given signals into the proposed symbolic representation is described. Using event-synchronous analysis makes the system specifically useful for process monitoring applications.
Infrared Study of H10Si10O15 Chemisorbed on a Si(100)-2× Surface

Reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy of the model interface derived from H(10)Si(10)O(15) on Si(100)-2x1 is presented. The spectra obtained are compared to the H(8)Si(8)O(12)-derived model interface and discussed in terms of the soft X-ray photoemission spectroscopy obtained for cluster-derived interfaces.
Design of the Central Regions for the MSU 500 MeV Superconducting Cyclotron

Different central regions for the MSU 500 MeV superconducting cyclotron are designed and extensively studied in order to find central regions which would yield desired beam qualities for the wide variety of ions and energies which we plan to accelerate. Coupled operation of the 500 and 800 MeV superconducting cyclotrons is included in this study.
A simple cuff electrode for nerve recording and stimulation in acute experiments on small animals.

Abstract We describe a cuff-type electrode specifically designed for recording from, and electrical stimulation of, cut nerves in acute experiments on small animals. Unlike existing designs of cuff electrodes, it is simple to manufacture, inexpensive and takes little time to implant. The electrode was tested on the hypoglossal, phrenic, recurrent laryngeal, and superior laryngeal nerves in anesthetized rats. It provides satisfactory signal-to-noise ratios (3.0±0.8 (mean±S.D.)) for hypoglossal and 5.4±2.1 for phrenic nerve activity and stable recording over the time course of a typical acute experiment. It eliminates or minimizes the problems with recording stability and space availability associated with conventional hook-type electrodes, and reduces experiment preparation time. This should facilitate neurophysiological experiments on small rodents involving complex protocols that include recording from, and/or stimulation of, multiple nerves.
Privacy and Security in Centralized vs. Decentralized Databank Systems

This paper explores the questions of whether or not a centralized personal-information databank system presents a greater threat to the privacy and other related rights of the persons on whom data are kept than does a decentralized system that collectively holds the same data, and which databank system can provide better data security. It is concluded that, except possibly in the case of a coup d'etat, a properly designed and controlled centralized databank system is a smaller threat to privacy and provides more effective security than a decentralized system.
MEMORY PROCESSES IN MEDIA EFFECTS

Memory mediates the effects of mass media on the individual. The nature of memory is such that encoding, storage, and retrieval of episodic (context-dependent) information from mass media messages is often inhibited whereas semantic (thematic, procedural, structural) information retention is often promoted. Therefore, mass media effects are better defined in terms of structural information transmission than in terms of specific content transmission.
Deletion of vitamin D receptor leads to premature emphysema/COPD by increased matrix metalloproteinases and lymphoid aggregates formation

Research highlights: {yields} Vitamin D deficiency is linked to accelerated decline in lung function. {yields} Levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) are decreased in lungs of patients with COPD. {yields} VDR knock-out mouse showed increased lung inflammation and emphysema. {yields} This was associated with decline in lung function and increased MMPs. {yields} VDR knock-out mouse model is useful for studying the mechanisms of lung diseases. -- Abstract: Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with accelerated decline in lung function. Vitamin D is a ligand for nuclear hormone vitamin D receptor (VDR), and upon binding it modulates various cellular functions. The level of VDR is reduced in lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which led us to hypothesize that deficiency of VDR leads to significant alterations in lung phenotype that are characteristics of COPD/emphysema associated with increased inflammatory response. We found that VDR knock-out (VDR{sup -/-}) mice had increased influx of inflammatory cells, phospho-acetylation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-{kappa}B) associated with increased proinflammatory mediators, and up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 in the lung. This was associated with emphysema and decline in lung function associated with lymphoid aggregates formation compared to WT mice. These findings suggestmore » that deficiency of VDR in mouse lung can lead to an early onset of emphysema/COPD because of chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and lung destruction.« less
Echocardiography of Serous Effusions Adjacent to the Heart

Sonolucent spaces in close proximity to the heart are common in routine clinical echocardiographic practice, yet apart from pericardial effusions have received little attention. These clear spaces can represent left or right pleural effusions, ascites, pericardial cysts, or unusual diaphragmatic hernias. All these entities have typical echocardiographic features, including location, size, shape, and anatomic relationships to contiguous structures. In addition, loculated pericardial effusions, with or without associated tamponade, have to be considered in the differential diagnosis. In this brief review, we discuss and illustrate these various types of juxtacardiac sonolucencies.
Late Na+ current produced by human cardiac Na+ channel isoform Nav1.5 is modulated by its β1 subunit

Experimental data accumulated over the past decade show the emerging importance of the late sodium current (INaL) for the function of both normal and, especially, failing myocardium, in which INaL is reportedly increased. While recent molecular studies identified the cardiac Na+ channel (NaCh) α subunit isoform (Nav1.5) as a major contributor to INaL, the molecular mechanisms underlying alterations of INaL in heart failure (HF) are still unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that INaL is modulated by the NaCh auxiliary β subunits. tsA201 cells were transfected simultaneously with human Nav1.5 (former hH1a) and cardiac β1 or β2 subunits, and whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were performed. We found that INaL decay kinetics were significantly slower in cells expressing α + β1 (time constant τ = 0.73 ± 0.16 s, n = 14, mean ± SEM, P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in cells expressing α + β2 (τ = 0.52 ± 0.09 s, n = 5), compared with cells expressing Nav1.5 alone (τ = 0.54 ± 0.09 s, n = 20). Also, β1, but not β2, dramatically increased INaL relative to the maximum peak current, INaT (2.3 ± 0.48%, n = 14 vs. 0.48 ± 0.07%, n = 6, P < 0.05, respectively) and produced a rightward shift of the steady-state availability curve. We conclude that the auxiliary β1 subunit modulates INaL, produced by the human cardiac Na+ channel Nav1.5 by slowing its decay and increasing INaL amplitude relative to INaT. Because expression of Nav1.5 reportedly decreases but β1 remains unchanged in chronic HF, the relatively higher expression of β1 may contribute to the known INaL increase in HF via the modulation mechanism found in this study.
Learning closed horn expressions

The paper studies the learnability of Horn expressions within the framework of learning from entailment , where the goal is to exactly identify some pre-fixed and unknown expression by making queries to membership and equivalence oracles. It is shown that a class that includes both range restricted Horn expressions (where terms in the conclusion also appear in the condition of a Horn clause) and constrained Horn expressions (where terms in the condition also appear in the conclusion of a Horn clause) is learnable. This extends previous results by showing that a larger class is learnable with better complexity bounds. A further improvement in the number of queries is obtained when considering the class of Horn expressions with inequalities on all syntactically distinct terms.
Photoionization and photodissociation probes of excimer formation in aromatic clusters

This paper presents an overview of our recent work on the excited-state dynamics of the neutral clusters of naphthalene and related aromatic hydrocarbons, as probed by laser-induced fluorescence and mass-selected multiphoton ionization in a supersonic jet.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
84 STUDY OF THE HUMAN GENE FOR THE CHOLESTEROL SIDE- CHAIN CLEAVAGE ENZYME, P450SCC (20,22 DESMOLASE) IN CONGENITAL LIPOID ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

Conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone is mediated by the single mitochondrial cholesterol side-chain cleavage (SCC) enzyme P450scc, formerly termed 20,22 desmolase. SCC activity is absent in patients with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH) and direct evidence for absent P450scc protein his been reported in one case. To determine if SCC deficiency is caused by deletion of the P450scc gene, we obtained leukocytes from 3 of the 10 reported living patients with lipoid CAH. Leukocyte DNA was cleaved with restriction endonucleases and analyzed on Southern blots. Blots were probed with long chemically synthesized oligonucleotides containing 63 to 72 bases of the bovine P450scc cDNA sequence, and with a 1 kb human P450scc cDNA cloned in our laboratory. Analysis of Northern blots of human and bovine adrenal mRNA indicate the P450scc mRNA is 2.0 kb long and arises from precursors ~6 kb long in both species, indicating the P450scc gene is about 6 kb. Analysis of Southern blots of DNA from the 3 patients and 8 controls showed no deletion in the human P450scc gene, and no detectable restriction fragment length polymorphisms with the following enzymes: BamHI, EcoRI, HindIII, PstI, PvuII, and TagI. We conclude that the absent SCC activity in the adrenals and gonads of patients with lipoid CAH is not due to a large deletion in the P450scc gene.
Immunophenotyping in the management of gastric lymphoma.

Abstract Primary gastric lymphoma is a rare tumor in which surgical resection plays a major role in improving the response rate and reducing the incidence of bleeding and perforation after chemotherapy. In 17 consecutive patients, the diagnosis of gastric lymphoma was made by immunophenotyping snapfrozen endoscopic biopsy specimens. All neoplasms were B-cell lymphomas. Pan B surface marker antigens were present in all patients. Levels of Ki-67, a nuclear marker of tumor proliferation, were greater than 45% in two of the four patients who died after progression of their lymphoma. All patients alive had Ki-67 levels of less than 30%. A lower proliferation index, as measured by Ki-67, appears to be associated with better prognosis. Ten of 11 patients treated by resection prior to chemotherapy had no complications. Immunophenotyping is the key in the differential diagnosis when considering malignant lymphoma with gastric carcinoma and benign conditions such as pseudolymphoma.
Injurious falls in nonambulatory nursing home residents: a comparative study of circumstances, incidence, and risk factors

OBJECTIVE: To determine the circumstances of, incidence of, and risk factors for falls resulting in serious injuries in nonambulatory nursing home residents compared with those for ambulatory residents. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up SETTING: Twelve community nursing homes in Tennessee. SUBJECTS: A total of 1228 residents, 65 years of age or older, of whom 725 (59%) were nonambulatory and 503 (41%) were ambulatory. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline data were obtained for potential risk factors for injurious falls. These included demographic characteristics, mental and physical function, vision, hearing, incontinence, and use of mechanical restraints and psychotropic drugs. Data were obtained from direct resident assessment, care provider interview, and the nursing home Minimum Data Set (MDS) (validated in a sample of residents). OUTCOME: There were 111 first falls resulting in serious injury (head injury with altered consciousness, fracture, joint dislocation or sprain, or sutured laceration) that received medical treatment (hospitalization, emergency room visit, physician visit, or on-site radiological examination), ascertained from facility incident reports and nursing home charts. RESULTS: Nonambulatory residents had a substantially greater prevalence of mental and physical impairment. Circumstances of injurious falls in nonambulatory (n = 39 falls) and ambulatory (n = 72 falls) residents differed; those in the former group were more likely to involve equipment (87% vs 45%, P < .0001), occur while seated or during transferring (82% vs 21%, P < .0001), and from a chair/bed level (54% vs 6%, P < .0001). The incidence of injurious falls in nonambulatory residents (6.7 per 100 person-years) was less than half that in ambulatory residents (17.0 per 100 person-years, P < .0001). After controlling for other factors, the nonambulatory residents at highest risk were those not bed-bound and with capacity for independent transfer (incidence density ratio (IDR) = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.07–7.99); the ambulatory residents at highest risk were baseline users of psychotropic drugs (IDR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.43–4.33). CONCLUSIONS: In the study cohort, nonambulatory residents had 35% of injurious falls. Because the circumstances and risk factors of these events were substantially different from those for ambulatory residents, separate prevention strategies may be needed for this group. These data suggest that increasing the safety of transferring and of equipment are appropriate targets for interventions. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:273–278, 1996.
Family Policies in Eastern Europe: A Focus on Parental Leave.

Family policy is an issue of concern for many Governments. Family policies are organized around the four main functions of the family: marriage, childrearing, financial support and family care. Eastern Europe is an area with significant socio-economic and political changes in the last decades that determined revisions of social policies. The goal of this article is to review the most relevant family policies in this region. Using feminist and family systems theoretical perspectives the paper also provides an in-depth examination of childcare policies with a focus on parental leave. Maternity, paternity and parental leave and child care services in the region are explored. Recommendations for family policy development, implementation and evaluation in Eastern Europe are provided.
A ten year analysis of dissertation bibliographies from the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the bibliography citations from dissertations submitted to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers University from the ten-year period of 2003-2012. The objective of the analysis is to aid in collection development decisions, facilitate outreach to graduate students in the department and to understand possible changes in disciplinary methodologies and research needs in the field over the last decade. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive research design was used for the study. Bibliography citation data were extracted from all dissertations submitted to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese from the period 2003-2012. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected citation data, and conclusions were drawn from the results. Findings – The study demonstrates that, despite the oft-mentioned “decline of the monograph”, the monograph remains very heavily used by PhD students in Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers University, and that monogr...