cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Burden of Chronic Liver Disease Among Hospitalized US Adults

Importance One factor associated with the rapidly increasing clinical and economic burden of chronic liver disease (CLD) is inpatient health care utilization. Objective To understand trends in the hospitalization burden of CLD in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study of hospitalized adults in the US used data from the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2016 on adult CLD-related hospitalizations. Data were analyzed from June to October 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospitalizations identified using a comprehensive review of CLD-specificInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification andInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modificationcodes. Survey-weighted annual trends in national estimates of CLD-related hospitalizations, in-hospital mortality, and hospitalization costs, stratified by demographic and clinical characteristics. Results This study included 1 016 743 CLD-related hospitalizations (mean [SD] patient age, 57.4 [14.4] years; 582 197 [57.3%] male; 633 082 [62.3%] white). From 2012 to 2016, the rate of CLD-related hospitalizations per 100 000 hospitalizations increased from 3056 (95% CI, 3042-3069) to 3757 (95% CI, 3742-3772), and total inpatient hospitalization costs increased from $14.9 billion (95% CI, $13.9 billion to $15.9 billion) to $18.8 billion (95% CI, $17.6 billion to $20.0 billion). Mean (SD) patient age increased (56.8 [14.2] years in 2012 to 57.8 [14.6] years in 2016) and, subsequently, the proportion with Medicare also increased (41.7% [95% CI, 41.1%-42.2%] to 43.6% [95% CI, 43.1%-44.1%]) (Pfor trend Conclusions and Relevance Over the study period, the total estimated national hospitalization costs in patients with CLD reached $81.1 billion. The inpatient CLD burden in the US is likely increasing because of an aging CLD population with increases in concomitant comorbid conditions.
Improving the Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate in Newborns with Hypoglycemia Through Use of Glucose Gel

Background: Neonatal Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic disorder in newborns. At our 5,000+ yearly delivery institution, 15% of infants >35 weeks have hypoglycemia and are managed in the newborn nursery. Oral glucose gel has emerged as a supplemental management option for this condition. Aim: To increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate by 25% over 1 year in newborns with hypoglycemia by adding oral glucose gel to their management. Process for improvement: PDSA Cycles were utilized with a multidisciplinary team consisting of nurses, physicians, quality improvement analysts, pharmacists, and informational …
Reactive oxygen species explicit dosimetry to predict local tumor growth for Photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy.

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established modality for cancer treatment, current dosimetric quantities, such as light fluence and PDT dose, do not account for the differences in PDT oxygen consumption for different fluence rates (ϕ). A macroscopic model was adopted to calculate reactive oxygen species concentration ([ROS]rx) to predict Photofrin-PDT outcome in mice bearing radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors. Singlet oxygen is the primary cytotoxic species for ROS, which is responsible for cell death in type II PDT, although other type I ROS is included in the parameters used in our model. Using a combination of fluences (50-250 J∕cm2) and ϕ (75 or 150 mW∕cm2), tumor regrowth rate, k, was determined for each condition by fitting the tumor volume versus time to V0*exp(k*t). Treatment was delivered with a collimated laser beam of 1 cm diameter at 630 nm. Explicit dosimetry of light fluence rate on tissue surface, tissue oxygen concentration, tissue optical properties, and Photofrin concentration were performed. Light fluence rate at 3 mm depth (ϕ3mm) was determined for the treatment volume based on Monte-Carlo simulations and measured tissue optical properties. Initial tissue oxygenation [3O2]0 was measured by an Oxylite oxygen probe before PDT and used to calculate [ROS]rx,calc. This value was compared to [ROS]rx,meas as calculated with the entire tissue oxygen spectrum [3O2](t), measured over the duration of light delivery for PDT. Cure index, CI = 1-k/kctr, for tumor growth up to 14 days after PDT was predicted by four dose metrics: light fluence, PDT dose, and [ROS]rx,calc, and [ROS]rx,meas. PDT dose was defined as the product of the time-integral of photosensitizer concentration and ϕ at a 3 mm tumor depth. These studies show that [ROS]rx,meas best correlates with CI and is an effective dosimetric quantity that can predict treatment outcome.
Seasonal and individual event-responsiveness are key determinants of carbon exchange across plant functional types

Differentiation in physiological activity is a critical component of resource partitioning in resource-limited environments. For example, it is crucial to understand how plant physiological performance varies through time for different functional groups to forecast how terrestrial ecosystems will respond to change. Here, we tracked the seasonal progress of 13 plant species representing C3 shrub, perennial C3 and C4 grass, and annual forb functional groups of the Colorado Plateau, USA. We tested for differences in carbon assimilation strategies and how photosynthetic rates related to recent, seasonal, and annual precipitation and temperature variables. Despite seasonal shifts in species presence and activity, we found small differences in seasonally weighted annual photosynthetic rates among groups. However, differences in the timing of maximum assimilation (Anet) were strongly functional group-dependent. C3 shrubs employed a relatively consistent, low carbon capture strategy and maintained activity year-round but switched to a rapid growth strategy in response to recent climate conditions. In contrast, grasses maintained higher carbon capture during spring months when all perennials had maximum photosynthetic rates, but grasses were dormant during months when shrubs remained active. Perennial grass Anet rates were explained in part by precipitation accumulated during the preceding year and average maximum temperatures during the past 48 h, a result opposite to shrubs. These results lend insight into diverse physiological strategies and their connections to climate, and also point to the potential for shrubs to increase in abundance in response to increased climatic variability in drylands, given shrubs’ ability to respond rapidly to changing conditions.
Air: Clouds and Climate Change in the Nineteenth Century

This chapter, about air and atmosphere, looks at the boom of cloud poems and paintings at the turn of the nineteenth century, arguing that we can see an emerging awareness of climate change by reading literary and visual representations of clouds sequentially throughout the nineteenth century: authors and artists were documenting the ecological impacts of industrialization. Popular poets such as William Wordsworth, John Keats, and Percy Shelley wrote cloud poems; painters such as J.M.W. Turner and John Constable created hundreds of cloud studies; and the cloudy, smoggy, polluted atmosphere of London became a perennial feature in Victorian novels, including the works of Charles Dickens and William Delisle Hay. Similar to the work of twenty-first-century photographers who create sequences of photos to illustrate global warming, authors and artists during the nineteenth century use clouds to represent the un-representable: climate change.
#Yardfruits: Twitter as a tool to disseminate horticulture education during a pandemic

Since late Mar 2020, many universities halted normal operations due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic Although extension uses many different techniques to educate consumers, it has been slow to grasp the power of social media Faced with a dilemma of using digital methods instead of in-person field days, short courses, and workshops, Twitter was a viable alternative, especially for broad audience engagement Tweet threads were posted on Twitter every Monday morning from 6 Apr to 8 June 2020 Each thread consisted of 10 tweets A hashtag #YardFruits was used to start the thread and for later reference For the first nine threads only one fruit species was discussed per thread The final thread consisted of single tweets of several species Engagement percentage did not differ over time but did differ among the crop species Tweets that did not include a photo received less engagement (2 7%) than those that did include a photo (4 7%) My Twitter account saw a 6 5% increase in followers during the series Grape (Vitis sp ), passion fruit (Passiflora sp ), fig (Ficus carica), and pear (Pyrus communis) threads had the least engagement and were different from the Other Fruits thread All other threads were similar Extension educators can grow their influence by using well-targeted, focused tweets and tweet threads, especially those that use hashtags and photos © 2020, American Society for Horticultural Science All rights reserved
Unusual venous anomaly leading to malposition of dialysis catheter into the accessory hemiazygos vein

A 47-year-old African American woman with a history of chronic kidney disease stage IV presented with anaemia and acute kidney injury secondary to bleeding uterine fibroids. Haemoglobin on admission was 5.1 g/dL and creatinine 4.52 mg/dL. Her renal indices continued to worsen during admission;
Knit Your Socks and Sew Your Masks: Hand Knitting in the World Wars Compared with Home Sewing Masks for COVID-19

Similarities and differences between home knitting socks for the Red Cross during the World Wars and home sewing masks for hospitals during the Spring 2020 COVID-19 crisis were examined. Common themes among World War I knitting, World War II knitting, and sewing masks for the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic included using crafting as a coping mechanism, social factors including public recognition and pressure to contribute, confusion over the “right” way to do things, and the way the work was gendered. Similarities and differences are discussed in the context of the crafting, expectations of crafters, and the crafters’ responses. This study found few significant changes in the expectations and responses of crafters between WWI, WWII, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The most notable changes occurred in the context of changes in technology, with the COVID-19 pandemic coordination being carried out online and in virtual social groups rather than physical ones.
Transitioning trainees from the operating room to the COVID-19 intensive care unit in New York - Correspondence.

Starting in January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has strained many healthcare systems, including our own in New York City, United States. Utilizing load balancing among 23 integrated hospitals, we increased capacity by 40% caring for upwards 15,000 COVID-19 inpatients [1]. Here we describe the coordinated deployment of our procedural trainees in anesthesiology and surgery to COV-ICUs as a framework for others.
Taking Data Science to Heart: Next Scale of Gene Regulation.

Technical advances have facilitated high-throughput measurements of the genome in the context of cardiovascular biology. These techniques bring a deluge of gargantuan datasets, which in turn present two fundamentally new opportunities for innovation—data processing and knowledge integration—toward the goal of meaningful basic and translational discoveries. Big data, integrative analyses, and machine learning have brought cardiac investigations to the cutting edge of chromatin biology, not only to reveal basic principles of gene regulation in the heart, but also to aid in the design of targeted epigenetic therapies. Cardiac studies using big data are only beginning to integrate the millions of recorded data points and the tools of machine learning are aiding this process. Future experimental design should take into consideration insights from existing genomic datasets, thereby focusing on heretofore unexplored epigenomic contributions to disease pathology.
Accelerator Integration for Open-Source SoC Design

The open-source hardware community contributes a variety of processors and accelerators, but combining them effectively into a complete System-on-Chip (SoC) remains a difficult task. We present a design flow for the seamless hardware and software integration of accelerators into a complete SoC and for its evaluation through rapid FPGA-based prototyping. By leveraging ESP, our open-source platform for agile heterogeneous SoC design, we demonstrate FPGA prototypes of various SoC designs, featuring the NVIDIA Deep Learning Accelerator and the Ariane RISC-V 64-bit processor core.
Special MRI (MWI, MTI, G-ratio) methods sensitive to age and development

Abstract Early pediatric neurodevelopment is marked by rapid growth and development of every structural and functional brain system and network. Fundamental processes, including synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning, and myelination work in competitive collaboration to build functional brain networks that support nearly every cognitive function and behavioral skill. MRI provides a noninvasive means with which to measure these evolving structural and functional connections and networks. Techniques such as quantitative relaxation time measurement, magnetization transfer imaging, and multicomponent water imaging provide important and quantitative insight into the maturing tissue microstructure and myelination processes. In this chapter, we outline these quantitative techniques, including methods to collect the data and potential pitfalls and areas of opportunity and forth advancement.
Gel-Forming Mucin Improves Lubricity Across Model Gemini Epithelial Cell Interfaces

The glycocalyx is a glycosylated protein network gel that protects the underlying epithelial cells. Although the glycocalyx is thought to be lubricious, in Gemini contacts with epithelial cells the glycocalyx is found to have high friction (µ ~ 0.20). The model of the tear film is that of a delicate hierarchical multiscale assembly of mucins that form a network aqueous gel interface between the glycocalyces of the conjunctival and corneal epithelial layers to provide lubricity and gentle shearing. The integrity of this aqueous gel is maintained through mucin entanglement, and dynamic flickering bonds of disulfide bridges, Ca2+-mediated links, and hydrogen bonding. The tear film has a unique set of rheological properties and behaviors, from a heterogeneous yield stress gel-like fluid at low shear stress to a low-viscosity fluid at high shear rate. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated that the gel-forming mucins are critical to lubricity. A Gemini model of corneal epithelial cells (self-mated and matched) with intact membrane-bound mucins and glycocalyces (including MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16) was evaluated in the presence and absence of a purified gel-forming purified secretory mucin, MUC2. These experiments were performed under physiological contact pressures of ~ 600 Pa for 300 cycles of reciprocated sliding at 1 mm/s on a micro-biotribometer. With the addition of the MUC2 (5 wt.%), friction reductions from µ ~ 0.20 to µ ~ 0.08 were observed. In addition to the high friction seen in the glycocalyx, Gemini contacts with membrane-bound mucins and glycocalyces alone showed stick–slip events during sliding and large areas of cell damage after 300 cycles. Micro-rheology experiments using magnetic tweezers showed a yield stress for a MUC2 solution that is below the critical thresholds known to produce proinflammatory cytokines (< 40 Pa) and apoptosis (< 100 Pa). These secreted gel-forming mucins, such as MUC2, are, therefore, important for lubricity in Gemini epithelial interfaces.
Emotion Talk and Friend Responses Among Early Adolescent Same‐sex Friend Dyads

To better understand early adolescent emotion talk within close same-sex friendships, this observational study examined emotion talk, as measured by emotion term use, in relation to friend supportive and dismissive responses to such terms among 116 adolescents (58 friend dyads) in Grades 7–8 (56.9% female, M = 13.08, SD = .61). Partial intra-class correlation coefficients derived by using actor partner interdependence models revealed similarities in the frequency of dyad mates use of positive and negative emotions terms. Chi-square analyses indicated that when friends responded to participants' emotion talk supportively, rather than dismissively, participants were more likely to disclose emotions in subsequent utterances. Research and clinical implications for early adolescent emotional development are discussed.
Absence of large-scale conformational change upon limited proteolysis of ovalbumin, the prototypic serpin.

1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies have been used to examine the effects of limited proteolysis with subtilisin Carlsberg on the global conformation of ovalbumin and on the local environment of phosphoserine 344, a residue two positions removed from the site of proteolysis. Such limited proteolysis has been shown to result in excision of a hexapeptide from the region of the protein that, in other serine protease inhibitors (serpins), contains the reactive center. Based on the structure of the related serpin alpha 1-antitrypsin, it has been predicted that phosphoserine 344 should undergo a large change in environment upon proteolysis of ovalbumin (Lobermann, H., Tokuoka, R., Deisenhofer, J., and Huber, R. (1984) J. Mol. Biol. 177, 531-550). Proteolysis of ovalbumin produces a small upfield shift (0.15 ppm) of the 31P resonance of phosphoserine 344. In addition, the pKa of phosphoserine 344 is raised by 0.1 pH unit. At pH 8.5, phosphoserine 344 in cleaved ovalbumin (plakalbumin) is as accessible to hydrolysis by Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase as it is in native ovalbumin. 1H NMR shows that dephosphorylation of serine 344 has an imperceptible effect on the protein's conformation. Similarly, little effect on conformation is seen by 1H NMR upon proteolysis of ovalbumin. These findings suggest that ovalbumin does not undergo a marked conformational change analogous to that inferred for the related members of the serpin superfamily, alpha 1-antitrypsin and antithrombin III, nor do the residues close to the site of proteolysis appear to change environment from that of an exposed loop to a buried strand of beta-sheet. These findings are not consistent with the hypothesis of Carrell and Owen ((1985) Nature 317, 730-732) for the role of the exposed loop in serpins of directly facilitating conformational change upon cleavage of the loop. Instead, it is proposed that cleavage of the exposed loop alters the solvent accessibility of residues formerly covered by the loop and that this provides the thermodynamic impetus for conformational change, perhaps by disruption of a salt bridge crucial to the integrity of the native structure.
Corey–Kim oxidation

Oxidation of alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde or ketone using NCS/DMS, followed by treatment with a base. Cf. Swern oxidation.
Non-Technical Barriers to the Commercialization of PV Power Systems in the Built Environment

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) requires institutional support to become a viable technology and a sustainable solution. Between 1990 and 2000, the solar industry demonstrated the viability of BIPV technology by installing hundreds of thousands of successful systems around the world. Architects have created award-winning, elegant solar buildings. Utility companies and municipalities have adopted this technology to augment their infrastructure and electricity services network. The potential for BIPV is widely recognized as significant; however, institutional barriers can slow its deployment. Our research emphasizes institutional issues related to introducing and commercializing photovoltaic (PV) power systems in the built environment. This overview includes an assessment of barriers in the marketplace, the potential for PV in the built environment, the determination of the value and economic considerations and guidelines, and an overview of current international market strategies.
Variation in a Great River Index of Biotic Integrity over a 20-year period

The Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) has proven to be an important assessment tool for evaluating the resource quality of aquatic ecosystems. We used a modified IBI for Great Rivers based on collections from the Wabash River in west-central Indiana. We evaluated natural, inherent variation in natural phenomena, gear effects and land use modification over a 20-year period. Sixty-three stations distributed through 260 km of river were sampled 2–3 times per year to evaluate fish community structure and function. Natural changes in variation included temporal variation, hydrologic cycle and recruitment. Our results suggest that removing gizzard shad, whose population levels fluctuate widely, from percentage metrics enhanced assessment and exposed subtle affects. IBI scores consistently declined in a downstream direction. IBI profiles based on numbers were almost always higher than those using biomass, but patterns corresponded well for both metric systems. Combining biomass catches by seining and electrofishing did not substantially change the observed patterns compared to numeric electrofishing catches. The large number of small species taken by seining overwhelmed the subtle patterns observed at least impacted stations, but greater departures in quality were evident at impaired downstream locations. Floods decimated fish communities throughout the river. Fish moved out of stressed areas during severe droughts and into areas near clean tributaries. Certain structured attributes of Great River fish communities showed statistically significant changes based on ecoregion scales. Total number of species, number of sensitive species, number of centrarchid species and percentage of simple lithophils declined between the Corn Belt Plain and Interior River Lowland ecoregions, but water quality factors might also be influential. These changes in metric attributes lowered IBI scores by 6–10 cumulative points.
Update on Overcoating and Compacting Activities for Coated Particles With 425 µm Kernels

The Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) program is tasked with developing and qualifying fuel for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) [1, 2]. The first experiment, AGR-1, focused on TRISO coating 350 μm uranium oxide/uranium carbide (UCO) kernels and compacting them into a right circular cylinder fuel form using an overcoating and compacting process. The AGR-1 fuel compacts are currently being irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). The AGR-2 experiment will focus on overcoating and compacting TRISO coated 425 μm UCO kernels. This paper summaries the work that has been done to date on preparing to make AGR-2 compacts.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Phase I study of suramin combined with doxorubicin in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.

In this study, we determined the maximum tolerated plasma concentration of suramin (within the predetermined study target range) when combined with doxorubicin in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. Twenty-four patients received suramin dosages based on proportional adjustment of the steady-state plasma suramin concentration to achieve the targeted plasma concentrations of 50-100, 101-150, 151-200, or 201-250 microg/ml. Doxorubicin (20 mg/m2) was administered i.v. over 24 h at weekly intervals. Suramin was given i.v. over 2 h twice weekly. Patients received treatment until dose-limiting toxicity or disease progression. Side effects similar to those reported for suramin and doxorubicin administered as individual agents were observed. Dose-limiting motor neuropathy developed in three patients (13%). Twelve of 24 evaluable patients (50%; 95% confidence interval, 28-71%) and 6 of 10 evaluable patients (60%; 95% confidence interval, 26-88%) had a >50% decrease of prostate-specific antigen and measurable lesions, respectively. The maximum tolerated plasma level of suramin when combined with doxorubicin was 151-200 microg/ml. Future studies on suramin combined with doxorubicin or other agents could be performed using a fixed dosing scheme with a targeted suramin steady-state plasma concentration of 200 microg/ml.
Fumarate Esters as Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Key to Action in Psoriasis?

Fumarate esters—an oral therapy for psoriasis—are used primarily in Europe, but not at all in the United States. Given that biological therapies are exceedingly expensive and pose an increased risk for infections and malignancy, the need for safer and less expensive therapies for psoriasis is compelling. Nonbiological therapies for psoriasis, including methotrexate and systemic retinoids, carry potentially severe side effects and relatively high cost. Fumarate, a natural product that is generated internally in humans during the Krebs cycle, is an attractive alternative to these therapies. However, the mechanism for fumarate’s activity in psoriasis remains unknown.
Development of Pedotransfer Functions to Quantify Phosphorus Saturation of Agricultural Soils

Soil P saturation affects the risk of P loss to surface and ground water and is therefore a critical environmental indicator in regions where eutrophication is a concern. In the USA, most soil testing laboratories do not include environmental indicators such as soil P saturation as standard soil test options. Development of pedotransfer functions that relate soil test data to soil P saturation, however, would enable soil testing laboratories to estimate soil P saturation as part of soil test results without significant additional expenditures. This study examines associations between readily-available soil test data (pH, soil organic matter, and extractable P, Al, Fe, and Ca) and soil P saturation as estimated by acid ammonium oxalate extraction. Fifty-nine soil samples were collected from the Delaware River Watershed in New York State (42°21'N, 74°52'W) and subjected to standard soil test analyses as well as to acid ammonium oxalate extraction. Some soil test variables were well correlated with soil P saturation. As a single predictor, soil test P was most highly correlated to soil P saturation (r = 0.88). This association supports the use of soil test P as an environmental indicator. Soil test Al also was well correlated with soil P saturation following logarithmic transformation (r = 0.73). Multivariate pedotransfer functions containing soil test P, Al, Fe, soil organic matter, and pH did not significantly improve estimation of soil P saturation (R = 0.91) above soil test P alone.
Effect of an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) mutant of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) on PCV2-induced pathological lesions in a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) co-infection model

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD) in swine. Coinfections of PCV2 with other swine pathogens increase the severity of PCVAD. Induction of proinflammatory cytokines by coinfecting pathogens may attribute to the exacerbation of PCVAD during coinfections. An interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) sequence was identified in the origin of replication of PCV2 genome. To assess the role of ISRE in PCV2 pathogenesis during coinfection, an ISRE-mutant PCV2 was constructed and used to experimentally infect pigs with either ISRE mutant or wildtype PCV2 singly or in combination with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The results showed that, during early stage of infection at 14 days post-inoculation (dpi), the ISRE mutation reduced viral replication and elicited low antibody responses. However, at 28 dpi viremia in pigs infected with the ISRE-mutant was on an upward trend, and microscopic lesion scores in pigs inoculated with the ISRE-mutant were significantly more severe than in wildtype PCV2-infected pigs. Coinfection with PRRSV caused an opposite shift in the in vivo dynamics of the ISRE-mutant at 14 dpi with the lymph node histopathological lesions being significantly more severe in pigs coinfected with the ISRE-mutant PCV2 and PRRSV than in pigs coinfected with wildtype PCV2 and PRRSV. PCV2 genomic copy numbers in pigs coinfected with ISRE-mutant and PRRSV were also higher than those coinfected with wildtype PCV2 and PRRSV. The results suggested that the ISRE element in PCV2 genome may play a potential role in viral pathogenesis.
A design algorithm for optimal low-pass nonlinear phase FIR digital filters

The transfer function of the low-pass nonlinear phase finite impulse response (NLPFIR) digital filter is decomposed into a nonlinear phase part and a linear phase part. An algorithm is proposed to iteratively design the magnitude of the linear phase part and the squared magnitude of the nonlinear phase part by directly calling the Remez algorithm of McClellan, et al. [1]. In the design of the nonlinear phase part, we assume that the linearity constraint on the phase is dropped but the phase response is not specified. A scheme is incorporated into our algorithm so that it can design the filter with the desired ripple ratio. This approach also leads to a method for finding the minimum ripple ratio for the given orders of the two parts and band edges of the filters. The filters with ripple ratio larger than this minimum value can be designed by our algorithm and neither passband nor stopband ripples are required to be prescribed. Analysis of roundoff noise reveals that the cascade filter implementation usually needs higher wordlengths than its direct for counterpart for the same roundoff noise performance.
Process industries - graphic arts, paint, plastics, and textiles: all cousins under the skin

The origin and selection of colors in the process industries is different depending upon how the creative process is applied and what are the capabilities of the manufacturing process. The fashion industry (clothing) with its supplier of textiles is the leader of color innovation. Color may be introduced into textile products at several stages in the manufacturing process from fiber through yarn and finally into fabric. The paint industry is divided into two major applications: automotive and trades sales. Automotive colors are selected by stylists who are in the employ of the automobile manufacturers. Trade sales paint on the other hand can be decided by paint manufactureres or by invididuals who patronize custom mixing facilities. Plastics colors are for the most part decided by the industrial designers who include color as part of the design. Graphic Arts (painting) is a burgeoning industry that uses color in image reproduction and package design. Except for text, printed material in color today has become the norm rather than an exception.
The effect of polarization sensitivity of Brewer spectrometers on Direct Sun measurements

The polarization sensitivity of a Brewer MKIII double spectrophotometer was measured in the laboratory. We found two major sources of polarization sensitivity. 1) The flat quartz plate as the first optical element alters the polarization state of the transmitted light by Fresnel reflection at oblique incident angles. 2) The internal grating produces almost 100% polarization of the incident light perpendicular to the direction of the ruled grating. The combination of both effects results in a zenith angle (ZA) dependence of the instrument’s sensitivity for unpolarized input such as from Direct Sun measurements. The Brewer is 2% more sensitive at ZA=0° and 10% less sensitive at ZA=80° with respect to normal incidence (ZA=35°). Since the ZA-dependence is independent of wavelength this effect cancels out when calculating wavelength-ratios as used for total ozone retrieval. However the ZA-dependence causes errors when absolute signals at single wavelengths are needed as for aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals. Based on our laboratory measurements an overestimation of the Langley extrapolation between 3% and 5% is estimated even at best atmospheric conditions. The ZA-dependence causes 0.025-0.045 overestimation of AOD and an underestimation of the Angstrom exponent. We believe that this effect has not been detected from Brewer AOD-measurements since it is masked by larger uncertainty sources of other nature and AOD-comparisons to other instruments in the short UV-region are rare. Knowing the ZA-dependence it is possible to correct for the ZA-effect. We modified our Brewer by incorporating a depolarizer in its optical path and replacing the flat quartz window by a curved one, so that the input is always at normal incidence, which reduces the ZA-effect.
Fabrication of poly-3-hexylthiophene/polyethylene oxide nanofibers using electrospinning

Abstract P3HT–PEO blend nanofibers were produced by electrospinning from chloroform solutions. A morphological study was carried out as a function of the processing parameters as well as the ratio between the two polymers. The fibers containing at least 60 wt.% of P3HT presented striated surfaces that could be explained by the alignment of the polymer domains along the fiber axis. The structural arrangement of the polymers was found to vary according to the polymers relative contents. The maximum electrical conductivity found for unaligned mats was 0.16 S/cm and increased to 0.3 S/cm when the nanofibers were aligned along a preferential direction.
Martin Luther King's Civil Disobedience and the American Covenant Tradition

Daniel J. Elazar introduced the covenant idea to political science in his four-volume work, The Covenant Tradition in Politics. As he showed, American government and society are indebted to the covenant ways of New England Puritans and their doctrine, 'federal theology. " Puritan covenants fostered polities whose frames of government and patterns of civil order established a federal matrix antecedent to modern American federalism. The moral orientation of covenant has also influenced modern American political thought, as evidenced by the public philosophy articulated by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). In such works as "The Letter from the Birmingham CityJail, " King challenged his contemporaries' ideas about law and justice, providing Americans with an opportunity to examine modern covenant practice.
Commentary on: Lipoabdominoplasty Without Drains or Progressive Tension Sutures: An Analysis of 100 Consecutive Patients

In general, abdominoplasty is a conceptually simple procedure with consistent aesthetic improvement of the abdomen from its preoperative appearance. However, until recently, abdominoplasty has been plagued with an unacceptably high complication rate, with seromas reported in a consistently high percentage of cases. This has been accepted because it was generally easy to treat, reasonably well tolerated by the patient, and had only uncommon long-term sequelae. Drains, compression, and immobilization were the mainstays of prevention. These techniques alone are clearly inadequate in seroma prevention, and there are significant negatives of the preventative measures themselves. Immobilization slows recovery and places the patient at risk of a far worse complication: venous thrombosis. Compression places the vulnerable flap at risk of vascular compromise and can be restrictive to patient mobility. Drains are uncomfortable, poorly tolerated, and dreaded by the patient. More recently, several techniques for decreasing the incidence of seromas have been described, including quilting or progressive tension sutures, avoiding lymphatic disruption by altering the plane of dissection, and lipoabdominoplasty using discontinuous undermining through liposuction, as in this study. All have been shown to be successful at decreasing seroma rates and allowing drains to be safely eliminated. Regardless of which technique is used, inclusion of a seroma reduction technique should be included in the current-day abdominoplasty. The specific method selected by the …
Experimental validation of a critical domain size in reaction-diffusion systems with Escherichia coli populations.

In a one-variable, finite size reaction–diffusion system, the existence of a minimal domain size required for the existence of a non-zero steady state is predicted, provided that the reaction–diffusion variable has a fixed value of zero at the boundaries of the domain (Dirichlet boundary conditions). This type of reaction diffusion model can be applied in population biology, in which the finite domain of the system represents a refuge where individuals can live normally immersed in a desert, or region where the conditions are so unfavourable that individuals cannot live in it. Building on a suggestion by Kenkre and Kuperman, and using non-chemotactic E. coli populations and a quasi-one-dimensional experimental design, we were able to find a minimal size (approximately 0.8 cm) for a refuge immersed in a region irradiated with intense UV light. The observed minimal size is in reasonable agreement with theory.
A DNA dodecamer containing an adenine tract crystallizes in a unique lattice and exhibits a new bend.

The structure of d(CGCGAAAAAACG)/d(CGTTTTTTCGCG) was determined at 2·3 A resolution in order to deduce the local structural features that give rise to DNA bending by adenine tracts. Whereas all previously reported B-DNA dodecamers have crystallized isomorphously (spacegroup P 212121 with unit cell dimensions of a = 24·5 A, b = 40·3 A, c = 65·9 A), the duplex reported here crystallizes in a different lattice (spacegroup P21212 with unit cell dimensions of a = 44·8 A, b = 66·1 A, c = 42·9 A). The DNA exhibits a 30° bend in the helix axis that is 180° away from the 20° bend exhibited by the adenine tract DNA crystal structures that have been previously determined. This bend is 90° away from the bend predicted for an adenine tract by solution and gel experiments. The adenine tract is straight and bending occurs in the G + C-rich regions. Comparison of the various adenine tract DNA crystal structures reveals that in all cases the adenine tracts have nearly identical structures, even though the overall bends of the helix axes are quite different. This implies that the structure of the adenine tract is robust, at least under the conditions of crystallization. The base-pairs in the adenine tracts exhibit a large propeller twist that leads to the formation of bifurcated hydrogen bonds and a narrow minor groove. In the crystal structure of d(CGCGAAAAAACG)/d(CGTTTTTTCGCG), a minor groove spine of hydration is observed that probably stabilizes the straight structure of the adenine tract. This straight structure of the A-tract is not consistent with the results of fiber diffraction, gel expirements, and NMR studies. Although this may imply that the results of solution experiments need to be reinterpreted, the conditions under which the crystals were grown are different from those under which the solution experiments were done. The possibility remains that the 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol necessary for crystal growth may facilitate formation of the spine of hydration that stabilizes the straight A-tract, although recent NMR results show the presence of the spine of hydration in aqueous solution. We have also extended our previously reported observation that non-self-complementary DNA structures can exist in the crystal lattice in two orientations. A dodecamer brominated on one strand provides experimental evidence that d(CGCAAAAAAGCG)/d(CGCTTTTTTGCG) is positioned in two orientations in the crystal lattice that are related by a 180° rotation around the pseudo-dyad axis of the sequence. The bends in these two differently positioned DNA molecules depend on their orientations in the crystal, not on their sequences. A similar result was obtained previously from an analogous experiment using the duplex d(CGCAAAAATGCG)/d(CGCATTTTTGCG), which crystallizes isomorphously with d(CGCAAAAAAGCG)/d(CGCTTTTTTGCG).
Peru In Deep Trouble: Mario Vargas Llosa's “Inquest in the Andes” Reexamined

Instructive, fascinating. Condensed in a few striking images and objects, there is an essential ingredient, always present in the history of this country, from the most remote times: violence. Violence of all kinds: moral, physical, fanatical, intransigent, ideological, corrupt, stupid-all of which have gone hand in hand with power here. And that other violence-dirty, petty, low, vengeful, vested and selfish-which lives off the other kinds.
Some Problems in the Theory of Dynamical Systems and Mathematical Physics

The problems considered below are not new. They have been discussed before in many publications and important results have been obtained. However, it seems that an adequate understanding is still lacking and serious progress is expected which could be even more important than the initial goals.
Comparison of the R -Matrix Nuclear Reaction Theories

A number of reaction theories are tested and compared by their application to a simple model of $s$-wave scattering from a two-state nucleus. These theories include the extended $R$-matrix theory of Garside and Tobocman, the $L$-operator formalism of Lane and Robson, and variations of the Brown-de Dominicis theory. We find that the H\"ufner-Lemmer version of the Brown-de Dominicis theory gives the best results in the few-level approximation.
Too close for comfort? Geographic propinquity to political power and stock returns

Abstract We show that firm headquarters’ geographic proximity to political power centers (state capitals) is associated with higher abnormal returns. Consistent with the notion that this effect is rooted in social network links, we find it is more pronounced in communities with high levels of sociability and political values’ homophily, and that it dissipates when firms move their headquarters to another state. Finally, in line with the view that investors perceive such networks to be associated with political risk, we find that this effect is particularly strong when there are substantial levels of corruption, dependency on government spending, and politicians’ turnover.
Interpersonal perceptions of depressed and borderline inpatients.

Distortions in interpersonal perceptions among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) were explored to investigate the validity of object relations theories. Depressed patients with BPD were compared to patients with major depressive disorder (MD) without BPD. Subjects were 77 male and female inpatients (BPD = 55, MD = 22). The mean ages were 30.5 for BPD subjects and 36.3 for MD subjects. Perceptions of patients, relatives, and interviewers were compared on the following measures: Structural Analysis of Social Behavior, Perceived Criticism Scale, and Camberwell Family Interview. Findings are consistent with object relations theory. BPD patients saw themselves as hostile, labile, and unstable. MD patients avoid acknowledging and responding to relatives criticality. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Objective Quantification of Pre- and Postphonosurgery Vocal Fold Vibratory Characteristics Using High-Speed Videoendoscopy and a Harmonic Waveform Model

Purpose The model-based quantitative analysis of high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) data at a low frame rate of 2,000 frames per second was assessed for its clinical adequacy. Stepwise regression was ...
Additional binding sites for the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase but not for protein X in the assembled core of the mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: binding region for the kinase.

Abstract A standard resolution of the bovine kidney pyruvate dehydrogenase complex yields a subcomplex composed of ~60 dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (E2) subunits, ~6 protein X subunits, and ~2 pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase heterodimers (K c K b ). Using a preparation of resolved kinase in which K c ⪢ K b , E2-X-K c K b subcomplex additionally bound at least 15 catalytic subunits of the kinase (K c ) and a much lower level of K b . The binding of K c to E2 greatly enhanced kinase activity even at high levels of bound kinase. Free protein X, functional in binding the E3 component, did not bind to E2-X-K c K b subcomplex. This pattern of binding K c but not protein X was unchanged either with a preparation of E2 oligomer greatly reduced in protein X or with subcomplex from which the lipoyl domain of protein X was selectively removed. The bound inner domain of protein X associated with the latter subcomplex did not exchange with free protein X. These data support the conclusion that E2 subunits bind the K c subunit of the kinase and suggest that the binding of the inner domain of protein X to the inner domain of the transacetylase occurs during the assembly of the oligomeric core. Selective release of a fragment of E2 subunits that contain the lipoyl domains (E2 l fragment) releases the kinase (M. Rahmatullah et al., 1990, J. Biol. Chem. 265, 14,512–14,517). Sucrose gradient centrifugation yielded an E2 l -kinase fraction with an increased ratio of the kinase to E2 l fragment. A monoclonal antibody specific for E2 l was attached to a gel matrix. Binding of E2 l fragment also led to specific binding of the kinase. Extensive washing did not reduce the level of bound kinase. Thus, the kinase is tightly bound by the lipoyl domain region of E2.
Integrated software for analysis and synthesis of voice quality

Voice quality is an important perceptual cue in many disciplines, but knowledge of its nature is limited by a poor understanding of the relevant psychoacoustics. This article (aimed at researchers studying voice, speech, and vocal behavior) describes the UCLA voice synthesizer, software for voice analysis and synthesis designed to test hypotheses about the relationship between acoustic parameters and voice quality perception. The synthesizer provides experimenters with a useful tool for creating and modeling voice signals. In particular, it offers an integrated approach to voice analysis and synthesis and allows easy, precise, spectral-domain manipulations of the harmonic voice source. The synthesizer operates in near real time, using a parsimonious set of acoustic parameters for the voice source and vocal tract that a user can modify to accurately copy the quality of most normal and pathological voices. The software, user’s manual, and audio files may be downloaded from http:// brm.psychonomic-journals.org/content/supplemental. Future updates may be downloaded from www.surgery .medsch.ucla.edu/glottalaffairs/.
Direct connections of rat visual cortex with sensory, motor, and association cortices

Each division of rat visual cortex, areas 17, 18a, and 18b, has connections with sensory, motor, and association cortices. These corticocortical connections were sampled using anterograde autoradiographic and retrograde horseradish peroxidase labeling techniques. Area 17 is connected via reciprocal pathways with each division of visual cortex, the posterior one-third of motor area 8, association area 7, and posteroventral area 36 of temporal cortex. It also receives projections from perirhinal areas 13 and 35. Area 18a has reciprocal connections with areas 17 and 18b, a patch in posterior somatosensory area 3, and dorsal auditory area 41. Like area 17, area 18a receives afferents from and projects to the posterior one-third of motor area 8. The connections of area 18a with association cortices are extensive; these regions include parietal areas 7, 39, 40, and 14, posteroventral and dorsal area 36, and perirhinal cortex. Area 18b is connected with areas 17 and 18a, a patch in medial area 3, and dorsal area 41. There are reciprocal projections between area 18b and posterior area 8. As for association cortex, area 18b projects to frontal area 11, area 7, posteroventral and dorsal area 36, and perirhinal cortex. In addition, area 18b receives input from and projects efferents to the dorsal claustrum. Most of the interconnections among areas 17, 18a, and 18b originate from neurons in layers II, III, and V and end in terminal fields in layers I–III and V. In contrast, projections of other sensory, motor, and association cortices to visual cortex originate mainly from neurons in layer V and to a lesser extent from layer II. The reciprocal pathways from visual cortex terminate predominantly in the supragranular layers. In conclusion, these corticocortical pathways provide the basis for cortical visuosensory and visuomotor integration that may aid the rat in the coordination of visually guided behaviors.