cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive admittance-based conductor meshing for interconnect analysis

We present a new algorithm for discretizing interconnects, a step that is typically performed to account for the nonuniformity of current flow at high frequencies. The algorithm is based on an easily-computable measure that correlates well with the model accuracy. This measure is used to refine the discretization of interconnects in an adaptive scheme so as to systematically trade off computation against model accuracy. We apply the proposed discretization technique on two classes of problems in the analysis of VLSI interconnects: simulation and frequency-dependent inductance extraction. Numerical results establish that with the interconnect discretizations generated by our algorithm, a reduction in simulation and extraction times by a factor between three and seven can be realized with negligible sacrifice in model accuracy (<1% error).
Butyrate inhibits deoxycholate induced increase in colonic mucosal DNA and protein synthesis In Vivo

PURPOSE: Crypt surface hyperproliferation is an intermediate biomarker of colon cancer risk.In vitro studies indicate that the short-chain fatty acid and antineoplastic agent butyrate may reverse the crypt surface hyperproliferation induced by the secondary bile acid and tumor promoter, deoxycholate. We hypothesized that butyrate may reverse deoxycholate-induced crypt surface proliferation in vivo.METHODS: Thirty-one Sprague-Dawley rats (250–300 g) underwent surgical isolation of the colon and 24-hour luminal instillation of either sodium chloride, butyrate, deoxycholate, or butyrate plus deoxycholate (all solutions, 2 ml; pH 7; total sodium = 20 mM). Study variables included colon weight, mucosal DNA, mucosal protein, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry, labeling of which was determined in five crypt compartments from base to surface (12 crypts per rat). Labeling indexes were calculated as proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry-labeled cells divided by total counted cells in the whole colonic crypt and each of five crypt compartments. The Φ oh value (an index of premalignant risk) was calculated as the ratio of labeled cells in the two surface compartments divided by the total labeled cells. RESULTS: Deoxycholate significantly increased colon wet weight, mucosal protein, total crypt labeling indexes, crypt surface labeling indexes, and the Φ oh value and raised the mucosal DNA content. Butyrate alone slightly reduced total mucosal DNA and protein content. The combination of butyrate plus deoxycholate significantly decreased mucosal DNA and tended to reduce mucosal protein compared with deoxycholate alone. In contrast to prior in vitro findings, butyrate plus deoxycholate did not reverse the deoxycholate-induced surface hyperproliferative changes as measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling. CONCLUSIONS: Because co-treatment with butyrate plus deoxycholate inhibits deoxycholate-induced increases in total mucosal DNA and protein content, we conclude that butyrate may play a role in maintaining the proliferative balance of the colonic mucosa,in vivo.However, co-treatment with butyrate plus deoxycholate does not reverse the deoxycholate induced increases in colon weight and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling indexes under the studied experimental conditions.
The economics of moral hazard revisited

Pauly's (1968) [Pauly, M., 1968. The economics of moral hazard, Comment, American Economic Review 58, 531-537.] analysis of the welfare loss from insurance assumes that medical care consumption is not determined by income, but recent studies suggest it is. This study argues that (1) Pauly's analysis overstates the welfare loss because it includes the effect of income on consumption, (2) the relevant income effect is derived from income transfer from the healthy to the ill that occur when the probability of illness is less than 1, and (3) the welfare loss can be considered the transaction cost of insurance.
Static Detection of Packet Injection Vulnerabilities: A Case for Identifying Attacker-controlled Implicit Information Leaks

Off-path packet injection attacks are still serious threats to the Internet and network security. In recent years, a number of studies have discovered new variations of packet injection attacks, targeting critical protocols such as TCP. We argue that such recurring problems need a systematic solution. In this paper, we design and implement PacketGuardian, a precise static taint analysis tool that comprehensively checks the packet handling logic of various network protocol implementations. The analysis operates in two steps. First, it identifies the critical paths and constraints that lead to accepting an incoming packet. If paths with weak constraints exist, a vulnerability may be revealed immediately. Otherwise, based on "secret" protocol states in the constraints, a subsequent analysis is performed to check whether such states can be leaked to an attacker. In the second step, observing that all previously reported leaks are through implicit flows, our tool supports implicit flow tainting, which is a commonly excluded feature due to high volumes of false alarms caused by it. To address this challenge, we propose the concept of attacker-controlled implicit information leaks, and prioritize our tool to detect them, which effectively reduces false alarms without compromising tool effectiveness. We use PacketGuardian on 6 popular protocol implementations of TCP, SCTP, DCCP, and RTP, and uncover new vulnerabilities in Linux kernel TCP as well as 2 out of 3 RTP implementations. We validate these vulnerabilities and confirm that they are indeed highly exploitable.
Research on visual modeling and simulation system for optimal production planning

According to the various and complicating of production planning problem, a visual modeling and simulation system for optimal production planning was proposed in this paper. Considering the opening, universality and integrated optimization idea of system, objective oriented technology and operation research method were used to develop the system. Supporting by the system, planners can configure the production process, edit parameters of the production equipments according to actual condition, and generate multi-objective optimal programming model for production planning corresponding to orders, solve the model and evaluate the results.
Incentives and Seat Belts: Changing a Resistant Behavior Through Extrinsic Motivation

Because previously-attempted methods of increasing automobile seat belt usage have proven to be either ineffective or unworkable, a series of field experiments was carried out to test a technique of behavior influence utilizing a modest, positive incentive. In three separate studies, seat belt use of 4,745 drivers was observed as they drove out of a parking lot, after receiving one of several safety reminder leaflets. Some versions of the leaflet offered a gift certificate to a certain proportion of drivers who wore seat belts; other versions offered no incentive. The results showed that an incentive, regardless of the probability of payoff, raised belt use from about 15% to nearly 40%. Implications for future research and applications are discussed.
Non-active site changes elicit broad-based cross-resistance of the HIV-1 protease to inhibitors.

Three high level, cross-resistant variants of the HIV-1 protease have been analyzed for their ability to bind four protease inhibitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir) as AIDS therapeutics. The loss in binding energy (ΔΔGb) going from the wild-type enzyme to mutant enzymes ranges from 2.5 to 4.4 kcal/mol, 40–65% of which is attributed to amino acid substitutions away from the active site of the protease and not in direct contact with the inhibitor. The data suggest that non-active site changes are collectively a major contributor toward engendering resistance against the protease inhibitor and cannot be ignored when considering cross-resistance issues of drugs against the HIV-1 protease.
Comparison of Three Visual Methods for Estimation of Plate Waste

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To compare three visual methods for estimation of plate waste. Food consumption is used to evaluate the acceptability of foods, adequacy of intake, and effectiveness of nutrition education interventions. Plate waste frequently is used to assess food consumption in group feeding programs. Estimates of plate waste have traditionally been calculated by the method of weighing each item individually which is inconvenient and time-intensive. Several studies have compared visual estimates and weighed waste. Others have reported using videotaping to identify amounts consumed. The objective of this study was to compare three methods of estimating plate waste. The three visual methods compared were video (V), computer screen (CS) and computer print (CP). Five menus representative of typical school lunches were planned. For each menu, six control trays and twelve variation trays were prepared. Portions of menu items were removed according to a randomly assigned plan to represent consumption of zero to 100 percent of each item. Initial weights and weights of portions removed were recorded for each item. A video camera on a tripod was positioned at a 45° angle above the counter for taping. A cube of known dimension and a 12-inch ruler were positioned adjacent to the tray. Each tray was videotaped for 15 seconds. The videotape was reviewed on a 22-inch monitor. A video capture device was used to convert the video of each tray to digital images for CS and CP viewing. A registered dietitian trained in visually estimating plate waste viewed the trays and evaluated portions remaining using the Comstock scale of 1=25% of an item remaining, 2=50% of an item remaining, 3=75% of an item remaining, 4=95% of an item remaining, and 5=100% of an item remaining. Three hundred and thirty-six servings of 24 menu items were evaluated. Data was statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for personal computers. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare individual values obtained by the three methods of quantitating foods with actual portion weights. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.87 to 0.94 (p≤0.01) indicating strong correlation. The research results reveal that there were no significant differences among the visual methods.
Optical Rotatory Dispersion Studies, LXXXVI. Über Trithione, XVI. Darstellung, Anomale Rotationsdispersion und Zirkulardichroismus optisch Aktiver Trithione

Aus den entsprechenden β-Ketoestern werden als optisch aktive Trithione bekannter absoluter Konfiguration das 2.3-kondensierte Trithion III des Cholestens-(2) und das 4-[2-Methyl-butyl-(1)]-5-methyl-trithion (IV) dargestellt. - Am Beispiel der Dehydrierung des Dihydrophenanthreno-trithions VI zum vollaromatischen Trithion VII wird das Verhalten von dehydrierbaren Trithionen gegenuber Schwefel untersucht. - Von III, IV, dem (+)-Campho-trithion (I) und dem kondensierten Trithion II aus (+)-α-Pinen werden die Rotationsdispersionsspektren in drei neuen, mit Doppelmonochromatoren ausgerusteten Geraten vergleichend aufgenommen. Der gleichzeitig gemessene Zirkulardichroismus bestatigt diese Spektren und gestattet die Bestimmung des Vorzeichens der z. T. uberlagerten Cotton-Effekte. Beim nicht-kondensierten IV, das nur 1 Asymmetriezentrum besitzt, werden im Rotationsdispersionsspektrum nur die 3 langstwelligen Absorptionsbanden als Cotton-aktiv befunden; zirkular-dichroitisch zeigt sich noch eine 4. Bande bei 277 mμ als aktiv. Bei den kondensierten Trithionen I - III erweisen sich als bisher einzigartig 6 Absorptionsbanden als Cotton-aktiv, wodurch sich optisch aktive Trithione als geeignete Objekte sowohl fur theoretische Probleme als auch fur die praktische Testung von Spektralpolarimetern empfehlen.
Estimating blood and brain concentrations and blood-to-brain influx by magnetic resonance imaging with step-down infusion of Gd-DTPA in focal transient cerebral ischemia and confirmation by quantitative autoradiography with Gd-[14C]DTPA

An intravenous step-down infusion procedure that maintained a constant gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) blood concentration and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to localize and quantify the blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening in a rat model of transient cerebral ischemia (n=7). Blood-to-brain influx rate constant (K(i)) values of Gd-DTPA from such regions were estimated using MRI-Patlak plots and compared with the K(i) values of Gd-[(14)C]DTPA, determined minutes later in the same rats with an identical step-down infusion, quantitative autoradiography (QAR), and single-time equation. The normalized plasma concentration-time integrals were identical for Gd-DTPA and Gd-[(14)C]DTPA, indicating that the MRI protocol yielded reliable estimates of plasma Gd-DTPA levels. In six rats with a BBB opening, 14 spatially similar regions of extravascular Gd-DTPA enhancement and Gd-[(14)C]DTPA leakage, including one very small area, were observed. The terminal tissue-plasma ratios of Gd-[(14)C]DTPA tended to be slightly higher than those of Gd-DTPA in these regions, but the differences were not significant. The MRI-derived K(i) values for Gd-DTPA closely agreed and correlated well with those obtained for Gd-[(14)C]DTPA. In summary, MRI estimates of Gd-DTPA concentration in the plasma and brain and the influx rate are quantitatively and spatially accurate with step-down infusions.
Epithelial kinetics in mouse heterotopic tracheal allografts.

Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is the most important cause of graft dysfunction post-lung transplantation. It is likely that the small airway epithelium is a target of the alloimmune response, and that epithelial integrity is a crucial determinant of airway patency. Our goals are to elucidate epithelial cell kinetics in the heterotopic mouse trachea model and to determine potential mechanisms of cell death in allografts. Allografts and isografts were obtained by transplanting BALB/c tracheas into C57BL/6 and BALB/c immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppressed hosts, respectively and harvested from day 3–20. Morphometry, BrdU and TUNEL labeling, and EM studies were performed. Columnar epithelium in isografts and allografts sloughs during day 0–3, but regenerates in both sets of grafts by day 10. Subsequently, allografts become inflamed and denuded, while isografts retain an intact epithelium. Prior to airway denudation, allografts exhibited significantly increased epithelial cell density, BrdU labeling index (LI), and TUNEL positive cells. Epithelial apoptosis was confirmed by electron microscopy. Allograft percent ciliated columnar epithelium and lumenal circumference were significantly decreased. Cyclosporin delayed airway fibrosis but did not alter the progression of the allograft through the phases of early ischemic injury, airway epithelial cell regeneration, and eventual cell death. These studies quantitatively demonstrate that the allograft epithelium actively regenerates in the alloimmune environment, but succumbs to increased apoptotic cell death, underscoring the importance of the airway epithelium as a self-renewing source of alloantigen.
Sources of nitrate contamination and age of water in large karstic springs of Florida

In response to concerns about the steady increase in nitrate concentrations over the past several decades in many of Florida’s first magnitude spring waters (discharge ≥2.8 m3/s), multiple isotopic and other chemical tracers were analyzed in water samples from 12 large springs to assess sources and timescales of nitrate contamination. Nitrate-N concentrations in spring waters ranged from 0.50 to 4.2 mg/L, and δ15N values of nitrate in spring waters ranged from 2.6 to 7.9 per mil. Most δ15N values were below 6 per mil indicating that inorganic fertilizers were the dominant source of nitrogen in these waters. Apparent ages of groundwater discharging from springs ranged from 5 to about 35 years, based on multi-tracer analyses (CFC-12, CFC-113, SF6, 3H/3He) and a piston flow assumption; however, apparent tracer ages generally were not concordant. The most reliable spring-water ages appear to be based on tritium and 3He data, because concentrations of CFCs and SF6 in several spring waters were much higher than would be expected from equilibration with modern atmospheric concentrations. Data for all tracers were most consistent with output curves for exponential and binary mixing models that represent mixtures of water in the Upper Floridan aquifer recharged since the early 1960s. Given that groundwater transit times are on the order of decades and are related to the prolonged input of nitrogen from multiple sources to the aquifer, nitrate could persist in groundwater that flows toward springs for several decades due to slow transport of solutes through the aquifer matrix.
Melnikov process for stochastically perturbed, slowly varying oscillators : Application to a model of wind-driven coastal currents

The stochastic Melnikov approach is extended to a class of slowly varying dynamical systems. It is found that (1) necessary conditions for chaos induced by stochastic perturbations depend on the excitation spectrum and the transfer function in the expression for the Melnikov transform; (2) the Melnikov approach allows the estimation of lower bounds for (a) the mean time of exit from preferred regions of phase space, and (b) the probability that exits from those regions cannot occur during a specified time interval. For a system modeling wind-induced currents, the deterministic Melnikov approach would indicate that chaotic transport cannot occur for certain parameter ranges. However, the more realistic stochastic Melnikov approach shows that, for those same parameter ranges, the necessary conditions for exits during a specified time interval are satisfied with probabilities that increase as the time interval increases.
Tradeoff Between Risk and Cost in Economic Dispatch Including Wind Power Penetration Using Particle Swarm Optimization

A significant amount of attention has been paid to the renewable energy resources such as wind power in recent years. It has potential benefits in curbing emissions and reducing the consumption of irreplaceable fuel reserves. However, the penetration of wind power into traditional fuel- based generation systems will also cause some implications such as security concerns due to its unpredictable nature. Thus, in economic power dispatch with power penetration, a reasonable tradeoff between system risk and operational cost is desired. In this paper, a bi-objective economic dispatch problem considering wind penetration is formulated, which treats economic and security impacts as conflicting objectives. A modified multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is adopted to develop a power dispatch scheme which is able to achieve the compromise between economic and security requirements. The numerical simulations including sensitivity analysis are carried out based on a typical IEEE test power system to show the validity and applicability of the proposed approach.
Src Tyrosine Kinases, Gα Subunits, and H-Ras Share a Common Membrane-anchored Scaffolding Protein, Caveolin: CAVEOLIN BINDING NEGATIVELY REGULATES THE AUTO-ACTIVATION OF Src TYROSINE KINASES *

Caveolae are plasma membrane specializations present in most cell types. Caveolin, a 22-kDa integral membrane protein, is a principal structural and regulatory component of caveolae membranes. Previous studies have demonstrated that caveolin co-purifies with lipid modified signaling molecules, including Gα subunits, H-Ras, c-Src, and other related Src family tyrosine kinases. In addition, it has been shown that caveolin interacts directly with Gα subunits and H-Ras, preferentially recognizing the inactive conformation of these molecules. However, it is not known whether caveolin interacts directly or indirectly with Src family tyrosine kinases. Here, we examine the structural and functional interaction of caveolin with Src family tyrosine kinases. Caveolin was recombinantly expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion. Using an established in vitro binding assay, we find that caveolin interacts with wild-type Src (c-Src) but does not form a stable complex with mutationally activated Src (v-Src). Thus, it appears that caveolin prefers the inactive conformation of Src. Deletion mutagenesis indicates that the Src-interacting domain of caveolin is located within residues 82-101, a cytosolic membrane-proximal region of caveolin. A caveolin peptide derived from this region (residues 82-101) functionally suppressed the auto-activation of purified recombinant c-Src tyrosine kinase and Fyn, a related Src family tyrosine kinase. We further analyzed the effect of caveolin on c-Src activity in vivo by transiently co-expressing full-length caveolin and c-Src tyrosine kinase in 293T cells. Co-expression with caveolin dramatically suppressed the tyrosine kinase activity of c-Src as measured via an immune complex kinase assay. Thus, it appears that caveolin structurally and functionally interacts with wild-type c-Src via caveolin residues 82-101. Besides interacting with Src family kinases, this cytosolic caveolin domain (residues 82-101) has the following unique features. First, it is required to form multivalent homo-oligomers of caveolin. Second, it interacts with G-protein α-subunits and down-regulates their GTPase activity. Third, it binds to wild-type H-Ras. Fourth, it is membrane-proximal, suggesting that it may be involved in other potential protein-protein interactions. Thus, we have termed this 20-amino acid stretch of caveolin residues the caveolin scaffolding domain.
Religion and HIV risk behaviors among married men: Initial results from a study in rural sub-Saharan Africa

Although some scholars have identified religion as a possible protective factor in the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, evidence concerning the relationship between religion and AIDS behavior there remains sparse. Using a sample of married men from rural Malawi, we examine whether AIDS risk behavior and perceived risk are associated with religious affiliation or with religious involvement. Our analyses of data from the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project (2001) reveal substantial variation according to religious affiliation and religious involvement. Men belonging to Pentecostal churches consistently report lower levels of both HIV risk behavior and perceived risk. Regular attendance at religious services is associated both with reduced odds of reporting extramarital partners and with lower levels of perceived risk of infection.
Optimal synthesis of Delta-Sigma modulator topologies considering snr variation

This paper presents a method for optimal synthesis of Delta-Sigma (DeltaSigma) modulator topologies in terms of statistical SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) variation. A DeltaSigma modulator template topology is used to represent many possible Delta-Sigma modulator topologies. Then a symbolic formulation of statistical SNR variation is systematically derived from the template topology so that variation of capacitors are directly translated to SNR variation. To facilitate the search for an optimal topology, a MINLP (Mixed-Integer Nonlinearly Constrained Programming) program is formulated. By solving the MINLP program, an optimal solution with least statistical SNR variation can be obtained. Experiments have shown the solved optimal topologies have less SNR variation compared to traditional ones.
Transcatheter coil occlusion for treatment of left internal mammary-anterior descending artery steal phenomenon

A 60-yr-old female with previous bypass surgery including LIMA-LAD graft presented with unstable angina due to steal phenomenon caused by a large pectoral branch of LIMA. Transcatheter coil occlusion of the pectoral branch was successfully performed. This procedure should be considered in similar cases. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Authority of the Calculator in the Minds of College Students

A group of 25 undergraduate students was given seven estimation tasks that involved computation of whole or decimal numbers. The subjects (10 elementary education majors, 7 mathematics majors, and 8 undecided or premajors) were selected because of high achievement in their current college mathematics class. They were asked to estimate an answer to a computational task and then use a calculator provided by the researchers to determine the exact answer. The calculator had been programmed to give incorrect answers that were increasingly higher than the actual answer (beginning with a 10% error and ending with a 50% error). While the majority of subjects produced reasonable estimates, only 7 of the 25 students questioned the accuracy of the answers produced on the calculator. The study points out the subjects’ lack of confidence in estimation skills, as well as a reluctance to question calculator produced results.
Initial results from the Six Ion Gun Fusion Experiment

The Six Ion Gun Fusion Experiment (SIGFE) is an advanced Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion device that has been developed in an effort to increase steady-state nuclear fusion rates of IEC devices by multiple orders of magnitude over the current rates of 2 × 108 neutrons per second for D-D and 5 × 107 protons per second for D-3He reactions.1 This experiment investigates the space-charge physics of spherically converging 100 keV to 300 keV ions and cold electrons. Solutions of the Poisson equation presented in several early IEC publications predict the formation of electrostatic potential wells at the center of a device of this type.2
Cannabis and Sex: Multifaceted Paradoxes

At the present level of ignorance about sexuality and cannabis, what rational position can be adopted? First, it must be recognized that even without cannabis, current involvement in sex-related activities may well have been called "promiscuous" by a preceding generation or two. The general loosening of morality, the erosion of family, church and other authoritarian controls, The Pill, antibiotics and other recent developments have contributed to current casual attitudes. Although one may not perceive it, counterculture beliefs have had their impact on the dominant culture. Marijuana has some enhancing effect upon sexual proceedings for some individuals. It may be sexually evocative and gratifying. Nonspecific factors play an important role in this matter. Opposite effects also occur, and an endocrinologic basis for actual diminution of drives and potency may exist. The final paradox is that cannabis' employment for sexual arousal is predominantly an activity of young adults. The older age groups most in need of sexual support and assistance are less frequently involved in its use. It is unclear why this dichotomy between need and utilization exists.
Comparison of joint torque evoked with monopolar and tripolar-cuff electrodes

Using a self-sizing spiral-cuff electrode placed on the sciatic nerve of the cat, the joint torque evoked with stimulation applied to contacts in a monopolar configuration was judged to be the same as the torque evoked by stimulation applied to contacts in a tripolar configuration. Experiments were carried out in six acute cat preparations. In each experiment, a 12-contact electrode was placed on the sciatic nerve and used to effect both the monopolar and tripolar electrode configurations. The ankle torque produced by electrically evoked isometric muscle contraction was measured in three dimensions: plantar flexion, internal rotation, and inversion. Based on the recorded ankle torque, qualitative and quantitative comparisons were performed to determine if any significant difference existed in the pattern or order in which motor nerve fibers were recruited. No significant difference was found at a 98% confidence interval in either the recruitment properties or the repeatability of the monopolar and tripolar configurations. Further, isolated activation of single fascicles within the sciatic nerve was observed. Once nerve fibers in a fascicle were activated, recruitment of that fascicle was modulated over the full range before "spill-over" excitation occurred in neighboring fascicles. These results indicate that a four contact, monopolar nerve-cuff electrode is a viable substitute for a 12 contact, tripolar nerve-cuff electrode. The results of this study are also consistent with the hypothesis that multicontact self-sizing spiral-cuff electrodes can be used in motor prostheses to provide selective control of many muscles. These findings should also apply to other neuroprostheses employing-cuff electrodes on nerve trunks.
Spatial data revision: current research and its influence in GIS

The geographic information system (GIS) is one of the fastest growing technologies in the world. Its ability to analyze spatial data and provide answers to many spatial problems is impressive. Spatial data are the backbone of GIS analysis, but only current and accurate spatial data can provide the appropriate framework for successful use of GIS technology. Out-of-date or inaccurate spatial data could contaminate GIS results in direct correlation to the obsolescence and inaccuracy of the spatial data. There is a great need for cost-efficient spatial data revision and quality control methods in order to fulfil the potential of GIS technology. The Ohio State University Center for Mapping has been conducting research into new techniques for spatial data revision. At the Center for Mapping a framework for revision is being developed, and some basic ideas are being tested. The framework will answer questions such as: Why and how does terrain change? How are these changes related to time? How do these changes affect existing topographic maps? How might modern technologies, such as a mobile mapping system (specifically, the GPSVan developed by The Ohio State University Center for Mapping) be integrated with other technologies for use in local revision of spatial data? This paper reviews the current status and latest results of this research and discusses the effect of this research in the field of GIS.
Microwave Reflectometer Techniques

A rigorous analysis of the microwave retlectometer is presented for what is believed to be the first time. By means of this analysis, the correct adjustment of auxiliary tuners is described, and the errors resulting from incorrect adjustments are treated in a quantitative manner. It is shown how the reflectometer technique may be further simplified while preserving the accuracy of measurement. A convenient method of adjusting the auxiliary tuners is described, sources of error are discussed, and an example is given of the calculation of error limits.
Malarial parasites and antioxidant nutrients.

Susceptibility to oxidative stress is a well-established feature of the malarial parasite. Pharmacologists have taken advantage of this property to design highly effective pro-oxidant antimalarial drugs. Less well appreciated is the fact that nutritional manipulation of host oxidative stress status by dietary means can have a profound effect on the growth of the parasite. In particular, rapid induction of vitamin E deficiency in mice by feeding highly unsaturated fatty acids (fish oil) strongly suppresses plasmodial growth. Likewise, the status of other antioxidant nutrients (e.g., riboflavin or vitamin C) may also influence the course of malarial infection under certain conditions. A combined nutritional pharmacology approach may offer some promise in controlling malaria.
Pharmacokinetic drug interactions between drugs of abuse and antiretroviral medications: implications and management for clinical practice.

Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS are two of the most serious, yet treatable diseases worldwide. Global access to HIV treatment continues to expand. In settings where both active illicit drug use and HIV treatment are concurrent, potentional problematic pharmacokinetic drug interactions may arise and complicate therapy. Clinical case series and carefully controlled pharmacokinetic interaction studies have been conducted between only a few drugs of abuse and approved antiretroviral therapies. Important pharmacokinetic drug interactions have been described for benzodiazepines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methadone and buprenorphine; however, most have not been studied and few well-controlled studies have been conducted to adequately address the clinical implications of these interactions. The metabolism of drugs of abuse, description of the known interactions, and clinical implications and management of these interactions are reviewed. Certain interactions between drugs of abuse and antiretroviral therapi...
A strategy for the simultaneous catalytic conversion of hemicellulose and cellulose from lignocellulosic biomass to liquid transportation fuels

We develop and evaluate an integrated catalytic conversion strategy, which utilizes both the hemicellulose and cellulose fractions of lignocellulosic biomass to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels (butene oligomers). In this strategy, the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions are simultaneously converted to levulinic acid (LA), using LA-derived γ-valerolactone (GVL) as a solvent. The LA is then converted to GVL, which is subsequently converted to butene, and then to butene oligomers. To generate the integrated strategy, we develop separation subsystems to achieve experimentally optimized feed concentrations for the catalytic conversion steps. Importantly, to minimize the utility requirements of the overall process, we perform heat integration, which allows us to satisfy all heating requirements from combustion of biomass residues, which are also used to produce steam for electricity generation. In addition, we develop an alternative design in which there is no electricity generation, study alternative feedstocks, and perform sensitivity analyses. Our technoeconomic analysis shows that the integrated strategy using hybrid poplar feedstock leads to a minimum selling price of $4.01 per gallon of gasoline equivalent for butene oligomers if biomass residues are sold as low quality fuel.
Early martian environments: the Antarctic and other terrestrial analogs.

The comparability of the early environments of Mars and earth, and the biological evolution which occurred on early earth, motivates serious consideration of the possibility of an early Martian biota. Environments which could have contained this early Martian life and which may presently contain evidence of this former life include aquatic, ice, soil, and rock habitats. Several analogs of these potential early Martian environments, which can provide useful information in searching for extinct life on Mars, are currently available for study on earth. These terrestrial analogs include the perennially ice-covered lakes and sandstone rocks in the polar deserts of Antarctica, surface of snowfields and glaciers, desert soils, geothermal springs, and deep subsurface environments.
Challenges of intra-institutional transfer of care from paediatric to adult congenital cardiology: the need for retention as well as transition

Background Transferring patients with CHD from paediatric to adult care has been challenging, especially across institutions. Within a single institution, some issues such as provider interaction, information exchange, or administrative directives should not play a significant role, and should favour successful transfer. Objective We studied patients who were eligible for transfer to the adult congenital heart disease service within our institution in order to identify factors associated with successful transfer to adult care providers versus failure to transfer. Methods Patients above18 years of age with CHD who were seen by paediatric cardiologists before January, 2008 were identified through a patient-care database. Records were reviewed to determine follow-up between 2008 and 2011 and to determine whether the patient was seen in the adult congenital cardiology clinic, paediatric cardiology clinic, or had no follow-up, and statistical comparisons were made between groups. Results After reviewing 916 records, 229 patients were considered eligible for transition to adult congenital cardiology. Of these, 77 (34%) were transferred successfully to adult congenital cardiology, 47 (21%) continued to be seen by paediatric cardiologists, and 105 (46%) were lost to follow-up. Those who transferred successfully differed with regard to complexity of diagnosis, insurance, and whether a formal referral was made by a paediatric care provider. Only a small fraction of the patients who were lost to follow-up could be contacted. Conclusion Within a single institution, with shared information systems, administrations, and care providers, successful transfer from paediatric to adult congenital cardiology was still poor. Efforts for successful retention are just as vital as those for transfer.
Quasi-electric fields and band offsets: teaching electrons new tricks (Nobel lecture)

The invention and development of fast opto- and microelectronic components based on layered semiconductor structures, termed semiconductor heterostructures, is described herein. Such fast transistors are used in radio link satellites and the base stations of mobile telephones, for examples. Laser diodes built with the same technology drive the flow of information along fiber-optic cables, and may be found also in CD players, bar-code readers, and laser pointers. The double-heterostructure principle is also increasingly used in incoherent light-emitting diodes, for example in traffic lights and other light sources requiring colored visible light.
LONGITUDINAL EFFECTS OF OBESITY ON CARDIAC REMODELING: CORONARY ARTERY RISK DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS (CARDIA)

We evaluated the impact of obesity on LV remodeling. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults(CARDIA) is a multicenter, longitudinal study of black and white men and women. 2879 participants with year 5 and 25 echocardiogram were classified into 12 groups by initial BMI in kg/m2 (18.5-24.9
Granulation rate processes in the kneading elements of a twin screw granulator

To characterize the granulation rate processes in the kneading section of the twin screw granulator, separate experiments were conducted using exclusively conveying elements as the baseline in addition to different configurations of kneading elements. The configuration parameters examined were the length of the kneading section, the advance angle, and the angle direction. Granule size, shape and liquid distribution were measured. Two main rate processes were observed (1) breakage and layering, and (2) Shear elongation and layering. Breakage was dominant in the 90° configuration while shear elongation dominated in the 30° reverse configurations, with other configurations giving some combination of the two rate processes. The distinct three-dimensional (3-D) shape characteristics of granules obtained from each configuration were crucial in elucidating the dominant granulation rate process in each case. The proposed granulation mechanisms explain the events leading to particular granule attributes, but more importantly provide insight into future optimization of twin screw granulation process. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4100–4115, 2013
The Stem Cell Niche and Its Role in Self‐Renewal, Aging, and Malignancy

Cells within tissues are organized in specific patterns supported by constructive materials, such as stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), and are regulated by cell binding and diffused factors. These patterned areas are determined by signals from adjacent cells which form a microenvironment. Stem cells reside in a specialized location of the tissue characterized by a unique microenvironment; this location is referred to as the “stem cell niche.” Signaling in the niche regulates the balance of self-renewal and differentiation in stem cells, and plays an important role in tissue generation during homeostasis and regeneration in response to damage. The niche provides a shelter that protects stem cells against unwanted insults, and also provides the correct factors to support self-renewal and maintains the undifferentiated state of the stem cells. Because of the role that niche dysregulation plays in malignancies and tissue degeneration, the niche and niche signaling can be used as targets to develop drugs to potentially treat these diseases. Alterations in niche signaling are also involved the aging process, as they influence stem cell behavior. Thus, the manipulation of niche signaling may enable the most effective strategies for cancer prevention, for slowing down the natural aging program, and for treating aging-related disorders. Keywords: Stem cell; Niche; Quiescence; Aging; Cancer stem cell
Risk Environments, Race/Ethnicity, and HIV Status in a Large Sample of People Who Inject Drugs in the United States.

Introduction We analyzed relationships between place characteristics and being HIV-negative among black, Latino, and white people who inject drugs (PWID) in the US.
HLA disparity is not inconsequential in peripheral blood T-replete haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

HLA disparity is not inconsequential in peripheral blood T-replete haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Distracted Driving Performance Measures: Spectral Power Analysis

This study introduced and applied the signal processing algorithm fast Fourier transform (FFT) to the calculation of vehicle-control variations during distracted driving. This methodology has proved to be useful in extracting behavioral features by converting a signal from the time domain to the frequency domain. Previous studies generally used the variations calculated in the time domain, such as standard deviation, as an indicator to predict distracted driving. In this study, the use of FFT and spectral power analysis provided new prospective ways to analyze driver performance and vehicle-control data. The spectral power analysis showed that cell phone use resulted in vehicle lateral control variations. Drivers’ lane position–keeping profiles were bumpiest during visual–manual tasks, as demonstrated by the largest average spectral power value and the greatest variation range compared with the other two conditions. Baseline driving appeared to have the smoothest lateral controls. Older drivers had the hi...
Halothane anesthesia abolishes pulmonary vascular responses to neural antagonists

We investigated the effects of the inhalational anesthetic halothane on autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation of the baseline pulmonary vascular pressure-flow (P/Q) relationship compared with t...
Confocal microscopy of potentiometric fluorescent dyes.

Publisher Summary The fast potentiometric indicators are generally membrane stains that respond to changes in the electric field within the membrane via subtle conformational or electronic rearrangements. This chapter discusses the confocal microscopy of potentiometric fluorescent dyes. The fluorescence changes associated with an action potential correspond to 10–20% of the resting fluorescence for the best of these indicators. This low sensitivity together with the need for high-enough fluorescence intensities to give good signals in the milisecond time range, have dictated that electrical activity in excitable systems could be measured only with low spatial resolution. The chapter describes the structures of some of the most important potentiometric fluorescent dyes and illustrates the ways each class of dye can be utilized for different types of measurements. The use of the Nernstian dyes to quantitate membrane potential with the aid of confocal microscopy is discussed.
National Product and the Dynamic Properties of the Simple Model

Equations (3.26) – (3.28) above depict the household sector’s demand functions for commodities, currency and equity shares. Equation (3.29) portrays its supply of labor function. The business sector’s price-setting functions for labor (wt+1), equity shares (pn t) and commodities (pc t) are provided by expressions (4.39), (4.41) and (4.44) respectively. The remaining equations in the set numbered (4.37) – (4.45) represent the business sector’s desired levels of labor (current hours and future employees), currency, current production, (real) sales and current dividends. These equations are combined in the present chapter to form a simple model of national income and product. To complete this model, the actual end-of-period stocks and the actual quantities traded also must be specified. These issues will be addressed before presenting the entire model.
Numerical simulations of inter-laminar fracture in particle-toughened carbon fiber reinforced composites

Abstract The most predominant failure mechanism in carbon fiber reinforced composites is delamination. Dispersed second phase particles have been added to the interlayer region to reduce this damaging effect. In this work a phase field damage model is used to study Mode I crack propagation in particle-toughened interlayers. The simulations show several damage mechanisms observed in experiments and the processes that produce crack growth. In particular, failure involves multiple micro-cracks forming ahead of the main crack tip that coalesce and lead to crack branching, deflection and the formation of ligaments. Additionally, increasing the particle stiffness and the surface energy of the matrix-particle interface do not lead to an improvement of the interlaminate toughness as the fiber-matrix interface becomes a preferential path for the crack through the nucleation of extended delamination zones ahead of the crack tip.
Celebrating Communications Technology for Everyone

Developing communications technology to support people with disabilities has rocketed to the top of the national agenda. In February 1994, the Technology-Related Assistance Act was reauthorized to help people with disabilities use new communications technologies at home, school, and work.(note 1) Shortly thereafter, President Clinton signed the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, a comprehensive education bill that will foster a thorough study of the effects of communications technology on school reform for children with disabilities.(note 2) Meanwhile, only four years after its passage, the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is reshaping telecommunications, employment, public accommodations, and perhaps most important, public attitudes.(note 3)
The Granulocyte Progenitor Stage Is a Key Target of IRF8-Mediated Regulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Production.

Alterations in myelopoiesis are common across various tumor types, resulting in immature populations termed myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSC burden correlates with poorer clinical outcomes, credited to their ability to suppress antitumor immunity. MDSCs consist of two major subsets, monocytic and polymorphonuclear (PMN). Intriguingly, the latter subset predominates in many patients and tumor models, although the mechanisms favoring PMN-MDSC responses remain poorly understood. Ordinarily, lineage-restricted transcription factors regulate myelopoiesis that collectively dictate cell fate. One integral player is IFN regulatory factor (IRF)–8, which promotes monocyte/dendritic cell differentiation while limiting granulocyte development. We recently showed that IRF8 inversely controls MDSC burden in tumor models, particularly the PMN-MDSC subset. However, where IRF8 acts in the pathway of myeloid differentiation to influence PMN-MDSC production has remained unknown. In this study, we showed that: 1) tumor growth was associated with a selective expansion of newly defined IRF8 lo granulocyte progenitors (GPs); 2) tumor-derived GPs had an increased ability to form PMN-MDSCs; 3) tumor-derived GPs shared gene expression patterns with IRF8 −/− GPs, suggesting that IRF8 loss underlies GP expansion; and 4) enforced IRF8 overexpression in vivo selectively constrained tumor-induced GP expansion. These findings support the hypothesis that PMN-MDSCs result from selective expansion of IRF8 lo GPs, and that strategies targeting IRF8 expression may limit their load to improve immunotherapy efficacy.
Moral forfeiture and racism: Why we must talk about race

As I write to respond to the critically and charitably crafted responses from three of my colleagues, Kris F. Sealey, Mark William Westmoreland and Alfred Frankowski, I am reminded of the alarming ...