cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling neural networks in scheme

A system for simulating neural networks has been written in the LISP dialect, Scheme, using an object-oriented style of program ming, rather than the standard numerical techniques used in previous studies. Each node in the Scheme network represents either a neuron or a functional group of neurons, and can pass messages which trigger computations and actions in other nodes.The Scheme modeling approach overcomes two major problems inherent to the standard numerical approach. First, it provides a flexible environment for systematically studying the effects of perturbing a network's structure, response, or updating param eters. In fact, the Scheme system can recreate any previously studied neural network. Second, it allows the construction of hierarchical networks with several interacting levels. This system can handle hierarchical organization in a natural way, because a single node in a Scheme network can contain a model of an entire lower level of neural processing. The implementation of neural networks wi...
Update on Mammography Trends: Comparisons of Rates in 2000, 2005, and 2008

BACKGROUND Mammography screening allows early detection of breast cancer, which helps reduce mortality from breast cancer, especially in women aged 50–69. This paper updates a previous analysis of trends in mammography using newly-available data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Instrument considerations in measuring fast eye movements

The dynamic limitations of eye movement recorders can distort the measurement of fast eye movements such as saccades and nystagmic quick phases. In this paper, the effects of the bandwidth and noise of recording methods and the problems incurred by digital sampling are discussed theoretically with respect to the measurement of peak velocity and duration of fast eye movements. As a practical example, a TV-based infrared corneal reflex system is examined and a method for calibrating it for peak velocity measurement is described.
A cystic fibrosis handbook for teachers

The purposes of this project were to (1) develop a handbook on cystic fibrosis for elementary school teachers and to (2) pilot this handbook with a group of teachers and school nurses. The project used a descriptive survey design in which parents, teachers, and school nurses of 14 elementary-age children with cystic fibrosis were recruited from one cystic fibrosis clinic. Interest in using the handbook with their child's teachers was elicited from parents; also, interest in using the handbook was obtained by open-ended questions in a mailed survey sent to teachers and school nurses. Levels of teacher and school nurse knowledge were measured with a true/false pretest and posttest instrument. All parents expressed a desire to use the handbook with their child's teachers. Sixty-seven percent of the teachers and 89% of the school nurses returned the survey, and all endorsed the use of the handbook in their classrooms or schools. Comparison of the pretest and posttest scores from the teachers revealed an increase in teachers' knowledge. Scores on pretest and posttest measures from school nurses were high at each testing time. Results support the use of a printed handbook to promote knowledge of cystic fibrosis in teachers and to support communication among nurses, parents, and teachers.
The Effect of War Stressors and Life Events on Gulf War Veterans With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

This study examines the association of life stressors and the period when they occur, with the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms in Gulf War veterans. Of data collected from Gulf War Health Registry veterans, 113 met CFS criteria and 441were controls. After hierarchical multiple regression, several negative life stressors were associated with CFS group membership: being wounded, experiencing a traumatic war experience, frequent battle experiences, demotion, and unable to work within 2 years of returning from the Gulf. The positive life stressor of buying a house more than 2 years after returning protected against being in the CFS group. The findings are consistent with etiological hypotheses of CFS incorporating a psychosocial component and are useful in developing programs for veterans returning from war.
Electroweak measurements with heavy quarks at SLD

The SLD detector collects data at the Z 0 resonance using e + e − colliding beams of SLC. Polarized electron beams and small SLC interaction region together with the unique CCD vertex detector provide an outstanding opportunity for precision electroweak test of the standard model, especially in the heavy quark sector. Improved measurements of heavy quark electroweak parameters, including A b , A c , R b , and R c are presented. Measurements are based on approximately 400k hadronic Z 0 events, including data from the most recent 1997–98 SLC run.
Characteristic infrared absorption frequencies of organophosphorus compounds—I The phosphoryl (PO) group

Abstract The frequency limits, between which the phosphoryl valence vibration is found, are tabulated for over 900 organophosphorus compounds distributed between 69 general types of structure. These correlations are further broken down to cover more detailed structures, in those cases for which the evidence shows the frequency to vary significantly with changes in the structure. The dependence of the phosphoryl frequency upon the inductive effects of substituent groups attached to the phosphorus atom is also discussed. A modified linear relationship between the phosphoryl frequency and the sum of the ‘phosphorus inductive (II) constants’ is proposed together with new and revised values for such constants. The accuracy of the relationship is shown to be better than ± 12 cm −1 for most of the compounds considered. The partial failure of the relationship for some classes of organophosphorus compounds is discussed in terms of possible perturbing factors such as hydrogen bonding, resonance, tautomerism and field effects.
Role of Ureaplasma Species in Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease: Epidemiologic and Experimental Evidence

The contribution of Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants has been debated for over 20 y. We review the current understanding of the role of inflammation in altered developmental signaling in the preterm lung and the evidence from human studies and experimental models that Ureaplasma-mediated inflammation produces the BPD phenotype. We propose that Ureaplasma infection initiated in utero and augmented postnatally by exposure to volutrauma and oxygen elicits a sustained, dysregulated inflammatory response in the immature lung that impairs alveolarization, and stimulates myofibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen and elastin deposition. Potential strategies to prevent or ameliorate the effects of Ureaplasma infection in utero and in the preterm lung are discussed.
Accidental government documents librarian : A review of experiences and training needs of interim documents librarians

The results of a survey to determine the training needs and normative experiences of temporary government documents librarians are presented. The results indicate that temporary librarians tend to work in academia, have been in librarianship for a shorter time period, and have fewer technical processing skills than permanent documents librarians.
Patterns of gene promoter methylation in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

Promoter methylation is an important pathway in transcriptional silencing of known and candidate tumor suppressor genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). In order to study the association of tumor suppressor gene promoter methylation in HNSCC with patient clinical characteristics, especially alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking, we examined promoter methylation of the p16INK4a, DAP-kinase, E-Cadherin, and RASSF1A genes using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) in 80 patients. The prevalence of p16INK4a, DAP-kinase, E-Cadherin, and RASSF1A promoter methylation was 26/80 (32.5%), 19/80 (23.8%), 29/80 (36.3%), 6/80 (7.5%) respectively. In 48 cases (60%), at least one of these promoters was methylated. There was a significant association of methylation of any of these genes and ever smoking (P=0.006). p16INK4a gene promoter methylation was associated with a younger age of smoking initiation (P<0.03); E-Cadherin promoter methylation was associated with an increased number of pack years smoked (P<0.03). We also found an association of methylation of any gene and T status (OR=2.7, P<0.05). Tumors with p16INK4a methylation were significantly less likely to show lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). DAP-kinase promoter methylation was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and this relationship was dependent upon p16INK4a promoter methylation status. Our results suggest that, in HNSCC, promoter methylation of these four genes accumulates with increasing tumor size. This may reflect distinct pathways of somatic inactivation leading to cancer; additional larger studies are needed to further investigate this possibility. Tobacco smoking may play an important role in both the occurrence of promoter methylation as well as delineating the precise pathway that eventually results in a tumorigenic phenotype.
Different In Vitro Systems Affect CYPIA1 Activity in Response to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The induction of cytochrome P450IA1 (CYP1A1) activity in human hepatoma cell lines has been used as a model response for exposure to the environmental contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). CYP1A1 induction is mediated by the intracellular Ah receptor. We have designed a cell culture analogue system to evaluate the effect of low dose continuous exposures to TCDD such that the responses can be compared with traditional static in vitro exposures. The two-compartment model is designed to mimic aspects of time-dependent dose exposure in humans and consists of a 'liver' compartment with HepG2 cells and an 'other tissues' compartment. Exposure of microcarrier-attached HepG2 cells in spinner flask to a single dose of TCDD resulted in an EC(50) for ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) activity induction of 1.49nm. Using a one-compartment reactor with continuous TCDD dosing resulted in an EC(50) for EROD induction of 0.69nm TCDD. Finally, using a two-compartment reactor with continuous TCDD dosing resulted in an EC(50) for EROD induction of about 0.05nm. Parallel studies using (3)H-TCDD were performed to determine the amount of cell associated (3)H-TCDD and subsequently to estimate the amount of bound Ah receptor. CYPIA1 mediated EROD activities in both cell lines correlated with the estimated amount of bound Ah receptor. To illustrate how these systems might alter estimates of risk, the data were evaluated to estimate the TCDD level which would increase CYPIA1 mediated EROD activity to 0.01% of the maximal response. The two-compartment reactor data yielded an estimate of allowable TCDD exposure of 1x10(-5)nm for an acceptable 'risk' level of 0.01%. In contrast, values were estimated as 4x10(-4)nm from the one compartment reactor and 4x10(-3)nm from spinner flasks. This work demonstrates the importance of design of the in vitro system on risk assessment.
Online Security Threats and Computer User Intentions

Although computer users are aware of spyware, they typically do not take protective steps against it. A recent study looks into the reasons for this apathy and suggests boosting users' confidence in installing and operating antispyware solutions as an effective remedy.
Anisotropic elastic properties of CeRhIn 5

The structure of the quasi-two-dimensional heavy fermion antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{CeRhIn}}_{5}$ has been investigated as a function of pressure up to 13 GPa using a diamond anvil cell under both hydrostatic and quasihydrostatic conditions at room $(T=295\mathrm{K})$ and low $(T=10\mathrm{K})$ temperatures. Complementary resonant ultrasound measurements were performed to obtain the complete elastic moduli. The bulk modulus $(B\ensuremath{\approx}78\mathrm{GPa})$ and uniaxial compressibilities $({\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{a}=3.96\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}{\mathrm{GPa}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{c}=4.22\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}{\mathrm{GPa}}^{\ensuremath{-}1})$ found from pressure-dependent x-ray diffraction are in good agreement with the ultrasound measurements. Unlike doping on the Rh site where ${T}_{c}$ increases linearly with the ratio of the tetragonal lattice parameters $c/a,$ no such correlation is observed under pressure; instead, a double-peaked structure with a local minimum around 4\char21{}5 GPa is observed at both room and low temperatures.
Dispersion of palladium on alumina surfaces

Catalytic burners for gas turbine power generation are nearing commercialization in engines with moderate inlet temperatures (< 1,600 K). Catalytic combustion of natural gas provides ultra low emissions with nitrogen oxides (NO[sub x]) levels below 1 ppm in the exhaust. The catalyst developed for these burners contain palladium oxide (PdO) dispersed over the surfaces of stabilized alumina supports. The catalyst operates at temperatures near the decomposition point of PdO, where the rate of combustion becomes nearly independent of temperature. The durability of the PdO catalyst requires a highly stable supporting oxide. It also depends on nucleation growth, and fragmentation of oxide films on palladium crystallites and on redispersing forces at PdO/alumina interfaces to counter sintering of PdO and Pd particles. In this work, the authors have used reproducible temperature and time transient kinetics of methane oxidation by PdO supported on sintered lanthanum hexaaluminate to provide information about the dispersion of PdO in the complex PdO/Pd/aluminate catalyst system.
On the analysis of nonlinear stochastic systems

Abstract A comparison is given of two exact methods for the analysis of nonlinear systems with stochastic input and stochastic parameters: the Taylor-Cauchy Transform method and the Volterra-Wiener Functional method. The final results check with each other. Examples are provided.
Acceptability of school requirements for human papillomavirus vaccine.

We characterized parental attitudes regarding school HPV vaccination requirements for adolescent girls. Study participants were 866 parents of 10–18 y-old girls in areas of North Carolina with elevated cervical cancer incidence. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by logistic regression. Approximately half (47%) of parents agreed that laws requiring HPV immunization for school attendance "are a good idea" when opt-out provisions were not mentioned. Far more agreed that "these laws are okay only if parents can opt out if they want to" (84%). Predictors of supporting requirements included believing HPV vaccine is highly effective against cervical cancer (OR = 2.5, 95% CI:1.7–.0) or is more beneficial if provided at an earlier age (OR = 16.1, 95% CI:8.4–1.0). Parents were less likely to agree with vaccine requirements being a good idea if they expressed concerns related to HPV vaccine safety (OR = 0.3, 95% CI:0.1–.5), its recent introduction (OR = 0.3, 95% CI:0.2–.6). Parental acceptance of school requirements appears to depend on perceived HPV vaccine safety and efficacy, understanding of the optimal age for vaccine administration, and inclusion of opt-out provisions.
ŠMN RHS IN THE SAMARIA OSTRACA

L'A. se propose de montrer que l'expression shemen rahuts, rencontree dans les ostraca de Samarie (langue: hebreu du Royaume du Nord) ne designe pas un produit cosmetique, mais un produit alimentaire. Il examine a cet effet les textes bibliques ou les deux mots apparaissent, ainsi que les ostraca d'Arad. Rahuts semble appartenir a la terminologie technique de "l'industrie chimique" du raffinage (metaux). Shemen rahuts designerait alors une huile particulierement pure et delicieuse.
Structural Coefficient of Open-Graded Friction Course

Open-graded friction courses (OGFCs) are noted for their contributions to driving safety and noise reduction on flexible pavements. The inclusion of OGFCs in pavement thickness design has varied across the United States. Some states equate OGFC with dense-graded materials, whereas other states give no structural value. The demand for more economical pavement cross sections fuels the need to quantify the structural value of OGFC to ensure optimized pavement thicknesses. Two full-scale pavement sections—one with OGFC as the surfacing material and one without—are evaluated to determine the structural coefficient of the OGFC layer. The sections were built with the same total thickness at the National Center for Asphalt Technology Test Track in 2009 and were subjected to more than 9 million equivalent single-axle loads. Deflection data from extensive falling weight deflectometer testing were used to find the OGFC structural coefficient (aOGFC) equal to 0.15. This coefficient translated into a required 12% thic...
Sleep Disturbances and Behavior Problems in Children With and Without Arthritis

The study compared sleep disturbances and behavior problems in school-age children with and without juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Children 6-to-11 years of age, with (n=70) and without (n=46) JIA, and their parent participated. Parents completed questionnaires on sleep habits and behavior problems. Compared to control children, JIA children had significantly higher total sleep disturbances and higher scores on six of eight subscales. Sleep disturbances predicted externalizing behavior problems, controlling for age, medications, study group, and pain. Sleep disturbances such as, sleep disordered breathing are often overlooked or unrecognized in JIA and may contribute to behavioral problems.
Reversible modulation of liver hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase.

Abstract The activity of rat liver microsomal hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG CoA reductase, E.C. 1.1.1.34) is severely diminished when microsomes are preincubated with both ATP and Mg 2+ before the enzyme is assayed. Sensitivity to MgATP is progressively lost when microsomes are extracted with buffers. The MgATP response is restored by adding back soluble microsomal extracts or protein fractions derived from the liver cytosol. The component(s) that permits reductase inactivation has been designated the I system. The activity of HMG CoA reductase that has been diminished by pretreatment with MgATP and the I system can be fully restored in a separate preincubation with a cytosolic protein system (after removal of ATP and/or Mg 2+ ). Reactivation of reductase is blocked with NaF. The cytosolic reactivating system has been purified extensively in several laboratories and seems to be a protein that is virtually identical to a 35,000 dalton phosphoprotein phosphatase. Consequently the evidence suggests that HMG CoA reductase can be modulated, in vitro , by covalent phosphorylation-dephosphorylation. The I system itself is inactivated by simply preincubating microsomes for several hours at 37°. The inactivation of I can be prevented by including NaF in the preincubation system. Addition of the purified 35,000 dalton phosphoprotein phosphatase (which is fluoride-sensitive) accelerates the inactivation of soluble I. Soluble, inactivated I can be restored to full activity with MgATP. A cAMP-insensitive protein kinase has been identified in the I extract that is distinguishable from the I activity itself. These data indicate that the I enzyme, like the HMG CoA reductase, is probably interconvertible through phosphorylation-dephosphorylation. The reductase is consequently subject to short-term control through a bicyclic system that should be quite sensitive to hormonal and effector signalling.
Tests of Ciodrin and Other Materials against Face Fly, Musca autumnalis

Face fly, Musca autumnalis DeGeer, continues as a major pest of cattle in New Jersey. In 1962 tests were made on full herds in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, and on smaller groups of animals within herds at Beemerville in Sussex County on all of which face flies were counted on heads and bodies of 20 animals at least once each weekday unless the group contained less than 20 animals, in which case all were counted. Results were evaluated by comparing treated and untreated herds on the same day and calculating the average per cent reduction on the treated animals. Ciodrin® (previously known as Shell 4294, dimethyl 2-alpha methylbenzyloxycarbonyl-1-methylvinyl phosphate) was considerably superior to other materials and in nearly every case reduced face flies to a level where animals were reasonably free of annoyance, that is, with less than 10 flies per face. Ciodrin provided this level of protection when it was applied as indicated three times a week at the following dosages: 2% at 1 pint and at one-fourth pint per animal, using a knapsack sprayer, and 4.0 and 0.4% applied 5 ml. to the face plus 5 ml. to the back and sides, using a face fly sprayer (Hudson Hydragun as modified by Matthysse). Sugar was added to these spray mixtures at the rate of 2 pounds per 10 gallons, with the knapsack sprayer and 3 oz. per gallon with the face fly sprayer. Ciodrin reduced flies on the faces of the animals from 55% to 89% on the day of treatment and from 45% to 93% the day following treatment. Higher reductions were obtained on the bodies even though total flies were more numerous. After a series of treatments was completed, face flies remained at levels of 10 or less flies per face and body (20 per animal) for 3 to 10 days. When applied weekly at the rate of 1 quart per animal, 0.3% Ciodrin plus sugar gave satisfactory results for an entire week. General Chemical 4072 (2-chloro-l-(2, 4-dichloropenyl)vinyl diethyl phosphate), Pyramat® (2-n-propyl-4-methylpyrimidyl-(6)-dimethylcarbamate), and Dimetilan® (l-dimethylcarbamyl-5-methyl-3-pyrazolyl dimethylcarbamate) gave promising results. Inferior to these insecticides were the daily application of 0.5% DDVP plus sugar as now recommended, diazinon dust, a formulation of 7.5% pyrethrins and 75% piperonyl butoxide, an unrefined pyrethrum extract, 5% Sevin® (1-naphthyl N -methyl. carbamate) plus 50% Crag Fly Repellent® (butoxy polypropyleneglyeol), Sumithion® ( O, O -dimethyl O -4-nitro-m-tolyl phosphorothioate), and Famophos® ( O, O -dimethyl, O, p -(dimethylsulfamoyl) phenyl phosphorothioate). Applications by pressure sprays, face wipes, or automatic sprayers were unsatisfactory except for a limited period.
Unraveling the evacuation behavior of the medically fragile population: Findings from hurricane Irene

Abstract Despite the widely recognized importance of evacuation planning for residents with special needs – in this paper referred to as the medically fragile population – there is virtually no research available to guide such planning, as opposed to the numerous empirical research studies on the evacuation behavior of the general population. In this paper, we provide these long-overdue insights using data from a large-scale phone survey (over 7000 samples) conducted in the aftermath of hurricane Irene in the Hampton Roads region in Virginia. Via aggregate and disaggregate analyses, we start to unravel the behavior of this heavily understudied, and potentially vulnerable population group. Special emphasis will be placed on the differences between the medically fragile and non-medically fragile population. Two alternative definitions for what constitutes medically fragile are examined in this paper. Using the broader definition, it was found that a key difference between these two groups relates to the importance of having a strong network of family members in the area. When considering a more narrow definition, we found that being a single parent household, likelihood of neighborhood flooding and knowing most of the names of one’s neighbors have significantly different impacts on the two population groups.
The regulation of tryptophan pyrrolase activity by tryptophan.

Abstract Tryptophan pyrrolase accumulates in the livers of hydrocortisone-treated rats as the inactive apoenzyme. Treatment with tryptophan activates the apoenzyme by conjugating it with hematin and permitting its conversion to the active, reduced holoenzyme form of tryptophan pyrrolase. The same activation reactions occur in vitro and in vivo . They require l -tryptophan in the concentrations which are operative in vivo . The rate of degradation of tryptophan in the rat is proportional to the amount of the reduced holoenzyme present in the liver. Thus the chemical, biochemical and physiological conditions are appropriate for tryptophan to regulate its own metabolism by activating the enzyme which oxidizes it. This regulation by activation is combined with regulation of the amount of enzyme by induction, and together these constitute a vital mechanism. The enzyme in intact animals given tryptophan is induced by endogenously released glucocorticoids as well as by tryptophan, the apoenzyme formed is activated, the tryptophan is degraded, and the initial state is restored. This hierarchy of regulation fails in adrenalectomized rats, who lack the hormonal induction mechanism. The enzyme formed, though active, is insufficient to dispose of the tryptophan, and the rats die.
Breaking the Optical Diffusion Limit: Photoacoustic Tomography

Photoacoustic tomography combines optical (endogenous or exogenous, fluorescent or non-fluorescent) contrast and ultrasonic resolution for in vivo functional and molecular imaging. Super-depths beyond the optical diffusion limit have been reached with high spatial resolution.
The Potential Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and Vasopeptidase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating disorder that occurs in more than 50 percent of patients with diabetes. Evidence suggests that there are at least five major pathways involved in the development of diabetic neuropathy: metabolic, vascular, immunologic, neurohormonal growth factor deficiency, and extracellular matrix remodeling. In light of the complicated etiologies, an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy has not yet been identified. Hyperglycemia increases tissue angiotensin II, which induces oxidative stress, endothelial damage and other pathologies including vasoconstriction, thrombosis, inflammation and vascular remodeling. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and/or blocking of the angiotensin II receptor are recognized as first line treatment for nephropathy and cardiovascular disease in diabetes patients. A new class of drug in late stages of development is vasopeptidase inhibitors. This drug inhibits both angiotensin converting enzyme activity and neutral endopeptidase. Neutral endopeptidase is a protease that degrades a number of biologically active peptides including vasoactive peptides. However, little information is available about the potential benefits of these drugs on diabetic neuropathy. Pre-clinical studies suggest that these drugs may be useful in treating diabetic complications involving vascular tissue. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the use of angiotensin converting enzyme and vasopeptidase inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Phencyclidine exposure and the developing mouse: behavioral teratological implications

The effects of perinatal exposure to phencyclidine (PCP) on the reflex development of the offspring of mothers given PCP during gestation and/or lactation were determined. ICR Swiss mice received daily injections of either PCP (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, PO) or saline during gestation and/or lactation. Thus, four groups of animals were studied; those exposed only prenatally, postnatally, both pre- and postnatally, or control. After birth, these offspring were observed daily until weaning for the appearance of certain reflexes, using a modification of the Fox battery. There was a delay in the disappearance of the cross extensor reflex and delayed appearance of reflexes, such as walking, crawling, vibrissal placement and vibrissal stroking in the offspring of PCP-treated mothers. Treated animals also showed slower righting times than control animals. Growth rate was decreased in PCP-exposed animals beginning at 3 days of age and continuing through 15 days of age. These results indicate that PCP exposure during gestation or nursing adversely affects the development of behavioral reflexes in mice and suggest that regular observation of reflex ontogeny in neonates may be a sensitive indicator of behavioral teratology.
Male circumcision and HIV risks and benefits for women.

This article focuses on male circumcision and its risks and benefits for women from a clinical trial in Uganda. It discusses the HIV acquisition rate in post-circumcision procedures depending on wound healing as well as the circumcision procedure providing the rare contact between young men and health care providers.
Reductive Debromination of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers by Zerovalent Iron

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a new class of global, persistent, and toxic contaminants, which need proper remediation technologies. PBDE degradation in the environment is not well understood. In this study, degradation of PBDEs with zerovalent iron was investigated with six BDEs, substituted with one to 10 bromines. Within 40 days 92% of BDE congener 209 was transformed into lower bromo congeners. During the initial reaction period of BDE 209 (<5 days), hexa- to heptabromo BDEs were the most abundant products, but tetra- to pentabromo congeners were dominant after 2 weeks. The amount of mono- to tribromo BDEs was steadily increased during the experiments. BDEs 28, 47, 66, and 100 also showed a stepwise accumulation of lower bromo congeners. No oxidation products were detected in all experiments. The results showed that a stepwise debromination from n-bromo- to (n−1)-bromodiphenyl ethers was the dominant reaction in all congeners. The reaction rate constants of lower bromo BDEs decreased as t...
The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of heart failure.

Heart failure is not a simple defect in the pumping function of cardiac muscle, but rather a complex systemic inflammatory disease affecting many organ systems. Recognition of this fact has led to new therapeutic interventions such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and β-blockers, which have a significant impact on the quality of life and survival of patients with heart failure. During the course of heart failure, the steps involved in the activation of inflammation are now better understood. As a result, new therapies will develop that block, modify, or prevent these inflammatory changes, and supplement our armamentarium for providing better and longer lives for patients.
A Comparison of Developmental Social–Pragmatic and Naturalistic Behavioral Interventions on Language Use and Social Engagement in Children With Autism

Purpose Developmental social–pragmatic and naturalistic behavioral interventions share a number of features, but they differ in their use of facilitative strategies and direct elicitation of child ...
Global leadership potential in Mexican firms

Purpose – Exploratory research which provides insight into the global leadership potential that is being developed in Mexican companies through their management practices.Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 500 executives of firms that were members of the American chamber of commerce of Mexico. The response rate, with follow up mailings, was 69.4 per cent (347 questionnaires). The questionnaires gathered information about the criteria used in making executive management promotion decisions and for performance evaluation.Findings – Significant differences between management practices in Mexico and the US were identified. These differences may influence the ability of Mexican companies to compete in the global market place.Research limitations/implications – Further research should be conducted to measure the effects of different management styles and cultural differences on the ability of firms to compete in the global market place. The findings in this paper may ...
Noise-model-based morphological shape recognition

A classical morphological technique for shape recognition is by means of the hit-or-miss transform. In essence, there are two structuring elements for each shape, one to fit inside and one to fit outside. These structuring-element pairs are chosen so that there will be a `hit' and a `miss' if and only if the appropriate shape appears. The problem is to design structuring pairs that yield acceptable recognition rates. This can be especially difficult if some shapes are close and the shapes are random (noisy). The present paper analyzes the problem by adopting a shape-noise model that represents both the structures of the individual shapes and edge indeterminacy. For direct application to a given system, the model parameters must be estimated statistically. Optimal shape recognition is characterized in terms of the model. The advantage of the new approach is that it provides an environment for machine design optimal structuring elements for shape recognition.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Extremal properties of polynomial threshold functions

We give new extremal bounds on polynomial threshold function (PTF) representations of Boolean functions. Our results include the following: 1) Almost every Boolean function has PTF degree at most n/2+O(/spl radic/(n log n)). Together with results of Anthony and Alon, we establish a conjecture of Wang and Williams [1991] and Aspnes, Beigel, Furst, and Rudich [1994] up to lower order terms. 2) Every Boolean function has PTF density at most (1-1/O(n))2/sup n/. This improves a result of Gotsman [1989]. 3) Every Boolean function has weak PTF density at most O(1)2/sup n/. This gives a negative answer to a question posed by Saks [1993]. 4) PTF degree /spl lfloor/log/sub 2/m/spl rfloor/+1 is necessary and sufficient for Boolean functions with sparsity m. This answers a question of Beigel [2000].
Defining Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Failure

Although the 2 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) trials1 and subsequent studies from Europe (ECASS-3, IST-3)2,3 established intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset as an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke, the ability of IV rtPA to predictably result in an excellent outcome is still limited; in most cases, IV rtPA treatment is not enough to produce complete recanalization.4,5 Intraarterial (endovascular) treatment (IAT) is superior to IV rtPA in opening arteries, particularly when coupled with mechanical thrombectomy, with recanalization rates up to 87%.6,7 There is increasing evidence that IAT has a therapeutic role in large artery occlusions.8,9 In addition, faster time to angiographic reperfusion is a predictor of good clinical outcome with IAT.10 Thus, there is a need for a quick and accurate strategy to identify IV rtPA nonresponders with large artery occlusion to select those patients who would benefit from IAT. Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI), Multi MERCI, and Solitaire With the Intention For Thrombectomy (SWIFT) are just a few of the studies that have used the concept of IV rtPA failure as inclusion criteria to enroll subjects in their studies. But what exactly is the definition of IV tPA nonresponder or failure? To date, there is no clear and consistent designation for this subgroup in the stroke literature. How do the characteristics of the clot influence response to IV rtPA? Is there a time window that should define IV rtPA failure? Should imaging modalities to assess vessel recanalization be used to define IV rtPA failure? Should early clinical change be criteria to differentiate IV rtPA responders from nonresponders? Accurate and rapid identification …
Computing support for information-rich laparoscopy

Developments in the architecture and organization of high-performance general-purpose computer systems are largely ignored by the technology infrastructure of the modern laparoscopic surgical suite. The current state of technology for laparoscopy is a camera and monitor linked via a controller that distributes analog or digital video signals without regard to their content. This article discusses the opportunities that will be created by inserting general-purpose high-performance computing into the information stream between camera and display. We envision that the use of this technology will radically transform laparoscopy from its current state as ;;surgery by pictures'' into an entirely new, information-rich surgical environment.
Novel in vitro perfusion model to study the interaction between coagulation and blood-borne metastasis.

The association between cancer and hemostasis has long been studied in cell culture, animal models, and cancer patients developing thrombosis. The variety of biologic mechanisms involved in malignancy and metastasis makes the understanding of the relative importance of each mechanism difficult. We have developed a novel in vitro perfusion model that allows for the isolated study of the interactions between tumor cells and components of the hemostatic system under normal physiologic conditions. Segments of denuded umbilical cord or saphenous vein are cut longitudinally and mounted in a perfusion chamber under sterile conditions. Human breast cancer cells are perfused for 24 h under venous flow conditions with either whole blood (WB), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), or serum. Tissue samples are fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as with pan-cytokeratin. Morphometric analysis is performed to quantify cancer cell adhesion. With PRP, this model maintains normal human physiologic conditions for the duration of the experiment. It differentiates between previously characterized high and low metastatic breast cancer cell lines. In addition, different vein tissue types do not alter tumor cell attachment. This model appears to be an accurate representation of the pathophysiology of in vivo metastasis. This model may serve as a useful bridge between cell culture studies and animal models. It may be a useful tool to elucidate the role of selected hemostatic systems in blood-borne metastasis and may potentially serve as a screening tool for the development of antimetastatic pharmaceutical agents. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Timing of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor Use and Outcomes Among Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Results from CRUSADE)

Although glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are recommended for patients with unstable angina and non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines do not specify optimal timing for their initiation. We compared patient characteristics and clinical outcomes in 30,830 patients with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction included in the CRUSADE initiative (January 2001 to December 2004) who underwent PCI with upstream (>1 hour before PCI) or periprocedural use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were administered upstream in 43% of patients versus periprocedurally in 57%. Time from arrival to PCI was longer for patients who received GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors upstream (median 25.6 hours) compared with periprocedurally (18.2 hours). Unadjusted incidence of in-hospital death or reinfarction was lower with upstream GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use (3.8% vs 4.3%, p = 0.046), but after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics, this difference was not statistically significant. Treatment with upstream GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors was associated with a lower incidence of unadjusted death or reinfarction in patients who underwent PCI
Managing the Small Pulmonary Nodule Discovered by CT

Objectives To review the Early Lung Cancer Action Project experience and the medical literature from 1993 to 2003 on detection of the small, noncalcified pulmonary nodule by CT in order to formulate a management algorithm for these nodules. Design Prospective noncomparative study of smokers without prior malignancy and a review of the medical literature of CT screening of lung cancer. Interventions Chest CT and, where appropriate, CT observation for nodule growth, antibiotics, CT-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Results The following factors influence the probability of malignancy in a CT-detected, small, noncalcified pulmonary nodule: size, change in size, age, smoking history, density, number of nodules, gender, circumstance of the CT, spirometry, occupational history, and endemic granulomatous disease. The two diagnostic techniques most useful in evaluating the CT-detected, small, noncalcified nodule are short-term observation of nodule growth by CT and CT-guided FNA. Due to small nodule size and the frequent finding of nonsolid or part-solid nodules, positron emission tomography, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and VATS were less useful. Conclusions Pulmonologists are frequently asked to evaluate the CT-detected, small, noncalcified nodule invisible on standard chest radiography. Immediate biopsy is justified if the likelihood of cancer is high, but if that likelihood is low or intermediate, a period of observation by CT is appropriate. VATS or thoracotomy are rarely necessary for a diagnosis of lung cancer in the CT-detected small pulmonary nodule.
Inferred Models for Dynamic and Sparse Hardware-Software Spaces

Diverse software and heterogeneous hardware pose new challenges in systems and architecture management. Managers benefit from improving introspective capabilities, which provide data across a spectrum of platforms, from software and data center profilers to performance counters and canary circuits. Despite this wealth of data, management has become more difficult as sophisticated decisions are demanded. To address these challenges, we present modeling strategies for integrated hardware-software analysis. These strategies include (i) identifying shared software behavior, (ii) quantifying that behavior in a portable, micro architecture-independent manner, inferring generalized trends with statistical regression models, and (iv) automatically constructing/updating these models as new software profiles are obtained. Models produced by these strategies are accurate for general SPEC2006 applications with median errors of 8-10%. Predicted and actual performance are strongly correlated with coefficients greater than 0.9. Moreover, when we exploit application semantics and domain-specific software parameters, model accuracy improves and model complexity falls. In a case study for sparse linear algebra, we present models with 5% median error and new capabilities in coordinating hardware-software tuning.
Racial Variations of Parity Status as a Predictor of Disability Onset Among Old-Old Women:

This research investigates whether the capacity of parity status to predict disability onset varies by race among older women. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (1998-2008) was used, and a series of discrete-time event-history models were estimated using multinomial logistic regression. Disability onset was constructed from five common Activities of Daily Living (ADL) measures (i.e., difficulty dressing, bathing, eating, getting in/out of bed, and walking). The initial risk group was old-old women (i.e., born before 1925) without disability in 1998 (N=2,229). Nulliparous and high parity Black women born before 1925 were more likely to develop disability onset compared to White women with the same parity status. The results suggest that parity status among Black older women may be a salient risk factor for disability onset.
Path verification for robust, instantaneous loop-free routing in ad hoc networks

We present path verification routing (PVR) to enable robust, instantaneous on-demand loop-free routing of data packets based on their destination address in mobile ad hoc networks. PVR attains instantaneous loop-freedom by using a path verification technique without the necessity for sequence numbers, source-routed data packets, or nodal synchronization. The motivation for PVR is twofold. On the one hand, DSR provides loop-free routing but requires source routed data packets. On the other hand, AODV, which is based on destination-based sequence numbers, is vulnerable to the counting-to-infinity problem and has route requests that in many cases must be answered by the destinations. Simulation experiments are used to show that the performance of PVR is comparable to or better than that of AODV, AODVbis, DSR and OLSR.
Spatiotemporal distribution of dissolved acid polysaccharides (dAPS) in a tidal estuary

Concentrations of dissolved acidic polysaccharides (dAPS) were measured in an estuarine tidal creek in North Inlet (South Carolina) during June and August 2007. There was a predictable pattern of dAPS concentrations in Crab Haul Creek, with the highest concentrations of dAPS occurring at low tide (2490 6 300 m gL 21 [mean 6 SD] as gum xanthan equivalents). Suspended sediment load positively correlated with dAPS concentrations during a 12-h survey over a complete tidal cycle at a single location. There was a significant correlation between chlorophyll a and dAPS in the upper 5 mm of intertidal salt marsh sediments. High dAPS concentrations (3170–7820 mg m2) in emersed intertidal sediment at low tide compared with depth-integrated water-column dAPS (100–370 mg m2) indicate that the sediment was potentially the major source of dAPS to the water column. Total dAPS in the water column overlying the 1.1-km2 area of Crab Haul Creek basin varied between 109 6 7 to 406 6 225 kg (mean 6 SD) as gum xanthan equivalents over a tidal cycle. Conservative estimate of dAPS export from North Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean as organic carbon was 5.00 3 108 g C during the summer, or 1.32 3 109 g C annually. The spatiotemporal distributions of dAPS indicate that they are a significant pool of organic carbon in estuaries.
Multiple-experiment and multiple-physics approaches for fluorescence guided molecular tomographic imaging

We present a fluorescence optical tomography scheme which utilizes multiple non-contact experimental measurements to reduce the ill-posedness of inverse image reconstruction. The proposed tomography algorithm can successfully reconstruct multiple fluorescent targets from frequency domain fluorescence reflectance measurements.
Differences in skeletal muscle between men and women with chronic heart failure

Men with chronic heart failure (CHF) have alterations in their skeletal muscle that are partially responsible for a decreased exercise tolerance. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether skeletal muscle alterations in women with CHF are similar to those observed in men and if these alterations are related to exercise intolerance. Twenty-five men and thirteen women with CHF performed a maximal exercise test for evaluation of peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and resting left ventricular ejection fraction, after which a biopsy of the vastus lateralis was performed. Twenty-one normal subjects (11 women, 10 men) were also studied. The relationship between muscle markers and peak VO(2) was consistent for CHF men and women. When controlling for gender, analysis showed that oxidative enzymes and capillary density are the best predictors of peak VO(2.) These results indicate that aerobically matched CHF men and women have no differences in skeletal muscle biochemistry and histology. However, when CHF groups were separated by peak exercise capacity of 4.5 metabolic equivalents (METs), CHF men with peak VO(2) >4.5 METs had increased citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase compared with CHF men with peak VO(2) <4.5 METs. CHF men with a lower peak VO(2) had increased capillary density compared with men with higher peak VO(2). These observations were not reproduced in CHF women. This suggests that differences may exist in how skeletal muscle adapts to decreasing peak VO(2) in patients with CHF.