cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timing and frequency of perioperative carotid color-flow duplex scanning: A preliminary report.

Abstract Purpose: The results of intraoperative and early postoperative carotid color-flow duplex scanning (CFS) after endarterectomy were reviewed to determine whether any perioperative studies could be eliminated. Methods: Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with intraoperative CFS between 1986 and 1997 were identified. Early postoperative CFS was performed between 1 day and 3 weeks postoperatively, then it was performed again at 6 months postoperatively. Results: During the study period, 560 patients, 325 men and 235 women, underwent 621 carotid endarterectomies. A satisfactory intraoperative carotid CFS was completed in 611 (98.4%) patients. There were 20 (3.2%) vessels with a major defect that required revision for fronds or flaps (n = 11), retained atheroma (n = 5), low flow (n = 2), high velocity or turbulence (n = 1), or dissection (n = 1). Another 146 vessels (23.5%) had minor defects, such as retained proximal atheromas or small (less than 3 mm) fronds, but were not revised. The remaining 445 vessels were normal. The first postoperative CFS was normal in all the revised carotids and in 138 (94.5%) vessels with minor intraoperative defects. At 6 months, recurrent stenosis (more than 75% area reduction) was identified in 1 of 18 revised carotids (5.5%), 4 of 138 vessels (2.9%) with minor defects, and 17 of 406 vessels (4.2%) that were normal intraoperatively. The incidence of recurrent stenosis was not significantly different in the three groups ( P = .7). Conclusion: Intraoperative CFS is useful because major unsuspected defects can be corrected immediately, thus avoiding potential neurologic morbidity. However, the postoperative day 1 CFS can be eliminated in most cases, because it does not provide any relevant clinical information. (J Vasc Surg 1999;29:833-7.)
Near Discharge Cathode Assembly Plasma Potential Measurements in a 30-cm NSTAR Type Ion Engine During Beam Extraction

Floating emissive probe plasma potential data are presented over a two-dimensional array of locations in the near Discharge Cathode Assembly (DCA) region of a 30-cm diameter ring-cusp ion thruster. Discharge plasma data are presented with beam extraction at throttling conditions comparable to the NASA TH Levels 8, 12, and 15. The operating conditions of the Extended Life Test (ELT) of the Deep Space One (DS1) flight spare ion engine, where anomalous discharge keeper erosion occurred, were TH 8 and TH 12 consequently they are of specific interest in investigating discharge keeper erosion phenomena. The data do not validate the presence of a potential hill plasma structure downstream of the DCA, which has been proposed as a possible erosion mechanism. The data are comparable in magnitude to data taken by other researchers in ring-cusp electron-bombardment ion thrusters. The plasma potential structures are insensitive to thruster throttling level with a minimum as low as 14 V measured at the DCA exit plane and increasing gradually in the axial direction. A sharp increase in plasma potential to the bulk discharge value of 26 to 28 volts, roughly 10 mm radially from DCA centerline, was observed. Plasma potential measurements indicate a low-potential plume structure that is roughly 20 mm in diameter emanating from the discharge cathode that may be attributed to a free-standing plasma double layer.
On the Computational Complexity of Upward and Rectilinear Planarity Testing

A directed graph is upward planar if it can be drawn in the plane such that every edge is a monotonically increasing curve in the vertical direction and no two edges cross. An undirected graph is rectilinear planar if it can be drawn in the plane such that every edge is a horizontal or vertical segment and no two edges cross. Testing upward planarity and rectilinear planarity are fundamental problems in the effective visualization of various graph and network structures. For example, upward planarity is useful for the display of order diagrams and subroutine-call graphs, while rectilinear planarity is useful for the display of circuit schematics and entity-relationship diagrams. We show that upward planarity testing and rectilinear planarity testing are NP-complete problems. We also show that it is NP-hard to approximate the minimum number of bends in a planar orthogonal drawing of an n-vertex graph with an $O(n^{1-\epsilon})$ error for any $\epsilon > 0$.
Modelling of a combined cycle conversion using Simulink

Tenaga Nasional Generating Authority of Malaysia has decided to upgrade the existing steam turbo-generating plant to a more efficient combined cycle plant. Parsons Turbine Generators Ltd. (PTGL) were to supply one steam turbine and the necessary control equipment for a combined cycle system. The control of combined cycle plant was known to be a difficult task, involving the efficient sharing of load between the gas and the steam turbines, the limiting of ramping rates, and the control of boiler steam pressures. Simulink package was used to model the associated plant and to aid the design of a control strategy for the combined cycle plant.
Understanding the underprivileged patient

New problems are brought to dentists and health program planners as a result of increased care for the disadvantaged brought about by new health legislation. Providers of health care must learn the psychology of the underprivileged and help them assume responsibility for planning and working out effective health care programs.
Forecasting Uses of Anticipatory Data on Investment and Sales

I. Introduction, 23; purpose of the analysis, 23; nature of the data, 25. — II. Direct forecasting value of the anticipatory data, 26; capital outlay plans, 26; sales anticipations, 34. — III. Errors of sales anticipations and the realization of investment plans — an example of the realization function approach, 36; statement of the problem, 36; formulation of the model, 39; empirical results, 43; some analytical implications, 47; some forecasting implications, 50. — Appendix, 53.
Migration, Development, and Segmented Assimilation: A Conceptual Review of the Evidence

This article first gives attention to the ongoing debate about the role of remittances on development. The author presents evidence showing that monetary transfers can induce economic vitality but also expand inequalities in countries of origin. Second, the author examines a phenomenon given little attention until now: the extent to which policies aimed at curtailing unauthorized immigration to the United States are promoting instead the permanent immigration and settlement of vulnerable workers and their families, thus increasing the likelihood that some of their children will respond to hostility and limited opportunity through downward assimilation. When deported, those youngsters transfer deviant styles of life learned abroad to their home communities. International migration has thus become a key element in the study of development.
A nonmuscle myosin light chain kinase-dependent gene signature in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is linked to human asthma severity and exacerbation status.

AbstractAsthma is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease influenced by complex genetic and environmental contributions. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK; gene symbol, MYLK), especially the nonmuscle isoform nmMLCK, is a cytoskeleton protein known to be related to human asthma susceptibility and severity, findings confirmed in preclinical models of asthmatic inflammation. In this study, we define the central capacity for a nmMLCK-influenced gene signature in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to predict human asthma severity and exacerbation status. We refined this signature from a list of nmMLCK-influenced genes identified in lung tissues of nmMLCK knockout mice exposed to inflammatory stimuli (ventilator-induced lung injury), with subsequent identification of nmMLCK-influenced genes in a list of human asthma severity–related genes expressed in blood. The enriched nmMLCK-influenced gene signature successfully predicted human asthma severity and exacerbation status in both discovery and va...
Root-knot nematode-resistant alfalfa suppresses subsequent crop damage from the nutsedge-nematode pest complex.

Southern root-knot nematode [RKN, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood], yellow nutsedge (YNS, Cyperus esculentus L.), and purple nutsedge (PNS, C. rotundus L.) occur together as a mutually beneficial pest complex in sandy soils. All crops grown in infested soils are affected due to the wide host range of the nematode, the perennial life cycle of the nutsedges, their interactions, and few control options. Therefore, studies were established in fall 1997 and 1998 to determine the influence of growing a nematode-resistant or susceptible alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) crop compared with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) on these pests over 3 yr and during a subsequent rotation to a chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crop. Nutsedge and nematode populations were reduced to nearly zero in plots planted with alfalfa, but remained at damaging levels in plots planted with cotton. Before planting pepper, plots rotated from cotton were fumigated with 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) for nematode suppression according to standard practice. Pepper yields were over two times higher after the alfalfa compared with cotton. Nutsedge populations following alfalfa, regardless of cultivar, were initially very low but resurged to levels comparable to the cotton by the end of the chile growing season. Nematode populations following the resistant alfalfa were comparable to populations after fumigation of cotton plots and lower at the end of the chile growing season than populations following the susceptible alfalfa. The benefit of the alfalfa crop lasted for 1 yr; therefore, growers must consider long-term strategies for extending suppression of this pest complex.
Spectral Shift FRET Assay and its Applications for Studying the Dynamics of Proteorhodopsin

We present a highly sensitive method of studying the dynamics of photosensitive membrane protein proteorhodopsin (PR), by using spectral shift FRET. In normal FRET, the rate of energy transfer depends on the spatial separation of donor and acceptor. In spectral shift FRET, the rate of energy transfer depends on the spectral separation, which varies in response to changes in the chemical environment of one of the chromophores. Our method is particularly suited to macromolecules that contain an endogenous chromophore that undergoes chromatic shifts, in which case only a single fluorescent label is required. The label serves as a fluorescence donor, and the endogenous chromophore serves as an environmentally sensitive quencher.Proteorhodopsin found in marine bacterioplankton is a membrane protein that functions as a light-driven proton pump, converting light energy into chemical energy by creating a proton motive force across the bacterial membrane. The retinal chromophore undergoes dramatic spectral shifts during the photocycle. Bodipy-Texas Red (TR) was incorporated into a blue-absorbing variant of PR on the cytoplasmic side through a single endogenous cysteine (CYS116). The photocycle was initiated by a 50 ms pulse at 490 nm, and the ensuing dynamics were probed by measuring the fluorescence quantum yield of Bodipy-TR (excitation at 600 nm, detection at 650-700 nm). The signal from a single PR-containing 340 nm lipid vesicle was sufficient to monitor the dynamics of the photocycle, thereby providing a highly sensitive method to monitor microbial rhodopsins. In future studies, a vesicle containing a single PR molecule will be trapped using an Anti-Brownian Electrokinetic trap, and fluctuations in the dynamics of PR will be observed using spectral shift FRET. The technique of spectral shift FRET provides an important new tool for studies of photosensitive proteins.
Purse-string Suture to Prevent Bleeding after Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Insertion

Purpose To determine whether placing a purse-string suture at the tunnel exit site at the time of tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertion will decrease postprocedural bleeding. Materials and Methods In a retrospective single-center, single-operator study, 51 patients in the control group had TDCs inserted without purse-string sutures at the tunnel exit site and 50 patients in the experimental group had TDCs inserted with purse-string sutures at the tunnel exit site. The patients' charts were evaluated for postprocedural progress notes describing bleeding, plasma hemoglobin levels before and after catheter insertion, and transfusion of packed red blood cells in the first 5 days after catheter insertion. Results Thirteen patients in the control group (25.4%) and three patients in the experimental group (6%) had postprocedural chart notes describing bleeding. The difference between the two groups was highly significant ( P = .0124). Six percent of patients in the control group and none of the patients in the experimental group required prolonged compression or compression dressing placement after catheter insertion. There was a significant mean hemoglobin decrease of 0.3 g/dL after catheter insertion in the control group and an insignificant mean hemoglobin decrease of 0.1 g/dL in the experimental group. The difference in hemoglobin decrease between the two groups was not significant. The difference in the number of patients requiring transfusion in the 5 days after catheter insertion (eight of 51 vs nine of 50) was not significant. Conclusions Venous bleeding after TDC insertion is a complication that merits attention. Routine purse-string suture placement at the tunnel exit site is a minor change in standard technique that can nearly eliminate this problem, as reflected in postprocedural chart notes.
Role of JNK in a Trp53-dependent mouse model of breast cancer.

The cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction pathway has been implicated in mammary carcinogenesis. To test the role of JNK, we examined the effect of ablation of the Jnk1 and Jnk2 genes in a Trp53-dependent model of breast cancer using BALB/c mice. We detected no defects in mammary gland development in virgin mice or during lactation and involution in control studies of Jnk1−/− and Jnk2−/− mice. In a Trp53−/+ genetic background, mammary carcinomas were detected in 43% of control mice, 70% of Jnk1−/− mice, and 53% of Jnk2−/− mice. These data indicate that JNK1 and JNK2 are not essential for mammary carcinoma development in the Trp53−/+ BALB/c model of breast cancer. In contrast, this analysis suggests that JNK may partially contribute to tumor suppression. This conclusion is consistent with the finding that tumor-free survival of JNK-deficient Trp53−/+ mice was significantly reduced compared with control Trp53−/+ mice. We conclude that JNK1 and JNK2 can act as suppressors of mammary tumor development.
Immobilization stress rapidly decreases hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone secretion in vitro in the male 344/N Fischer rat.

Abstract Corticotropin-Releasing-Hormone (CRH) is the principal secretagogue for plasma ACTH and corticosterone secretion and plays an important role in coordinating a variety of physiological and behavioral responses to stress. To explore whether there is a rapid change in the secretory response of the hypothalamic CRH neuron during acute stress, we report here a study of the effects of KCl and norepinephrine (NE) on CRH release in vitro from rat hypothalami explanted after 5, 30, 60, and 120 minutes of immobilization. We also measured the plasma levels of ACTH, β-endorphin, corticosterone, prolactin, GH, and TSH at these intervals. As the duration of immobilization increased, KCl and NE-induced CRH release in vitro progressively fell. After reaching a maximal rise after 30 minutes of immobilization, plasma ACTH, β-endorphin, and prolactin progressively fell in plasma, whereas corticosterone remained elevated up to 120 minutes; TSH and GH secretion rapidly declined and remained suppressed. Taken together, these data suggest that during immobilization stress, the responsiveness of the hypothalamic CRH neuron rapidly falls, owing either to CRH depletion and/or desensitization to NE, and this is paralleled by a concomitant decrease in pituitary-adrenal responsiveness.
Detrimental effects of antiapoptotic treatments in spinal cord injury

Long-term functional impairments due to spinal cord injury (SCI) in the rat result from secondary apoptotic death regulated, in part, by SCI-induced decreases in protein levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL. We have shown that exogenous administration of Bcl-xL spares neurons 24 h after SCI. However, long-term effects of chronic application of Bcl-xL have not been characterized. To counteract SCI-induced decreases in Bcl-xL and resulting apoptosis, we used the TAT protein transduction domain fused to the Bcl-xL protein (Tat-Bcl-xL), or its antiapoptotic domain BH4 (Tat-BH4). We used intrathecal delivery of Tat-Bcl-xL, or Tat-BH4, into injured spinal cords for 24 h or 7 days, and apoptosis, neuronal death and locomotor recovery were assessed up to 2 months after injury. Both, Tat-Bcl-xL and Tat-BH4, significantly decreased SCI-induced apoptosis in thoracic segments containing the site of injury (T10) at 24 h or 7 days after SCI. However, the 7-day delivery of Tat-Bcl-xL, or Tat-BH4, also induced a significant impairment of locomotor recovery that lasted beyond the drug delivery time. We found that the 7-day administration of Tat-Bcl-xL, or Tat-BH4, significantly increased non-apoptotic neuronal loss and robustly augmented microglia/macrophage activation. These results indicate that the antiapoptotic treatment targeting Bcl-xL shifts neuronal apoptosis to necrosis, increases the inflammatory response and impairs locomotor recovery. Our results suggest that a combinatorial treatment consisting of antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory agents may be necessary to achieve tissue preservation and significant improvement in functional recovery after SCI.
A system and method to interface with multiple groups of axons in several fascicles of peripheral nerves

Abstract Background Several neural interface technologies that stimulate and/or record from groups of axons have been developed. The longitudinal intrafascicular electrode (LIFE) is a fine wire that can provide access to a discrete population of axons within a peripheral nerve fascicle. Some applications require, or would benefit greatly from, technology that could provide access to multiple discrete sites in several fascicles. New method The distributed intrafascicular multi-electrode (DIME) lead was developed to deploy multiple LIFEs to several fascicles. It consists of several (e.g. six) LIFEs that are coiled and placed in a sheath for strength and durability, with a portion left uncoiled to allow insertion at distinct sites. We have also developed a multi-lead multi-electrode (MLME) management system that includes a set of sheaths and procedures for fabrication and deployment. Results A prototype with 3 DIME leads was fabricated and tested in a procedure in a cadaver arm. The leads were successfully routed through skin and connective tissue and the deployment procedures were utilized to insert the LIFEs into fascicles of two nerves. Comparison with existing method(s) Most multi-electrode systems use a single-lead, multi-electrode design. For some applications, this design may be limited by the bulk of the multi-contact array and/or by the spatial distribution of the electrodes. Conclusion We have designed a system that can be used to access multiple sets of discrete groups of fibers that are spatially distributed in one or more fascicles of peripheral nerves. This system may be useful for neural-enabled prostheses or other applications.
Ion layer separation and equilibrium zonal winds in midlatitude sporadic E

In-situ observations of a moderately strong mid-latitude sporadic-E layer show a separation in altitude between distinct sublayers composed of Fe(+), Mg(+), and NO(+). From these observations it is possible to estimate the zonal wind field consistent with diffusive equilibrium near the altitude of the layer. The amplitude of the zonal wind necessary to sustain the layer against diffusive effects is less than 10 meters per second, and the vertical wavelength is less than 10 km.
A phase II study of enzastaurin in combination with erlotinib in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Introduction Regardless of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, erlotinib improves survival for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after one or more chemotherapy regimens. Enzastaurin is an oral serine/threonine kinase inhibitor. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of erlotinib and enzastaurin in NSCLC, a combination with promise to overcome EGFR resistance based on preclinical models. Methods Eligible patients with advanced NSCLC (IIIB or IV) who had failed one or two prior systemic treatment regimen(s) were enrolled and received erlotinib 150 mg/day and enzastaurin 500 mg/day (after a 1125-mg loading dose on day 1, cycle 1), both orally in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results From January 2008 to July 2009, 49 patients were enrolled: 29 (59%) men and 20 (41%) women; 8 (16%) were non-smokers. The median PFS was 1.7 months (one-sided 90% CI: 1.5–NA) and median overall survival (OS) was 8.3 months (95% CI: 5.3–14.3). Five patients had partial response, for an overall response rate of 10.2%; the disease control rate was 30.6% (responders + 10 patients with stable disease). Grade 3–4 drug-related adverse events in ≥5% of patients were diarrhea, acne, and nausea. One possibly drug-related death due to interstitial lung disease occurred during the study. Conclusions In previously treated, unselected, advanced NSCLC patients, the addition of enzastaurin to erlotinib did not improve PFS, response, or OS compared with historical data of single-agent erlotinib, but was well tolerated.
Clinical and economic review of erlotinib in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among cancers of both men and women. Treatment strategies for non-small-cell lung cancer, the most common form of lung cancer, continue to evolve, most recently with the positive trial results for EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the first-line setting in molecularly targeted populations. Despite these promising findings, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors remain costly, and it is therefore important to assess the value of erlotinib therapy across the full spectrum of use. This is an up-to-date review of the clinical and economic impact of erlotinib for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Overall, the studies found that erlotinib, compared with available agents, provides slightly improved outcomes with variability in the incremental costs depending on the health system and patient characteristics. Additional studies are warranted exploring the cost–effectiveness of erlotinib as a first-line agent as well as the clinical and economic impact...
A sequential study assessing functional outcomes of first-time stroke survivors 1 to 5 years after rehabilitation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of first-time cerebrovascular accident survivors 1 to 5 years after rehabilitation. Subjects (n=68) consisted of individuals discharged from a regional rehabilitation center between 1992 and 1996 with the diagnosis of first-time cerebrovascular accident. The Adult Functional Independence Measure (FIM), an on-site outcomes measurement tool, was used to assess subjects' admittance and discharge total FIM scores. The Adult Functional Independence Measure, a phone interview methodology, was used to assess individuals' functional levels from 1 through 5 years after discharge from rehabilitation. Motor (Rasch Motor) and cognitive (Rasch Cognitive) components of the FIM also were analyzed over time. Data pertaining to differences in function between genders, site of lesion, family support, and whether therapy was received after discharge were collected. Data were analyzed to determine changes in function over time. Significant increases in total FIM and motor and cognitive scores occurred between admittance and discharge and between discharge and 1 year after discharge. Although not significant, slight increases were noted in all three measures up to 3 years after discharge. From 3 to 5 years after discharge, a steady decline was noted. First-time cerebrovascular accident survivors who did not experience additional medical problems continued to improve during the first 3 years after discharge from a rehabilitation center. After this time, however, declines were noted in total FIM, Rasch Motor, and Rasch Cognitive scores
Biophysical modeling of alpha rhythms during halothane-induced unconsciousness

During the induction of general anesthesia there is a shift in power from the posterior regions of the brain to the frontal cortices; this shift in power is called anteriorization. For many anesthetics, a prominent feature of anteriorization is a shift specifically in the alpha band (8-13 Hz) from posterior to frontal cortices. Here we present a biophysical computational model that describes thalamocortical circuit-level dynamics underlying anteriorization of the alpha rhythm in the case of halothane. Halothane potentiates GABAA and increases potassium leak conductances. According to our model, an increase in potassium leak conductances hyperpolarizes and silences the high-threshold thalamocortical (HTC) cells, a specialized subset of thalamocortical cells that fire at the alpha frequency at relatively depolarized membrane potentials (>-60 mV) and are thought to be the generators of quiet awake occipital alpha. At the same time the potentiation of GABAA imposes an alpha time scale on both the cortical and the thalamic component of the frontal portion of our model. The alpha activity in the frontal component is further strengthened by reciprocal thalamocortical feedback. Thus, we argue that the dual molecular targets of halothane induce the anteriorization of the alpha rhythm by increasing potassium leak conductances, which abolishes occipital alpha, and by potentiating GABAA, which induces frontal alpha. These results provide a computational modeling formulation for studying highly detailed biophysical mechanisms of anesthetic action in silico.
Are the American Society for Radiation Oncology guidelines accurate predictors of recurrence in early stage breast cancer patients treated with balloon-based brachytherapy?

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) consensus statement (CS) provides guidelines for patient selection for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) following breast conserving surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recurrence rates based on ASTRO CS groupings. A single institution review of 238 early stage breast cancer patients treated with balloon-based APBI via balloon based brachytherapy demonstrated a 4-year actuarial ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) rate of 5.1%. There were no significant differences in the 4-year actuarial IBTR rates between the “suitable,” “cautionary,” and “unsuitable” ASTRO categories (0%, 7.2%, and 4.3%, resp., P = 0.28). ER negative tumors had higher rates of IBTR than ER positive tumors. The ASTRO groupings are poor predictors of patient outcomes. Further studies evaluating individual clinicopathologic features are needed to determine the safety of APBI in higher risk patients.
Making optimal use of the asymmetric interference channel

The asymmetric interference channel is an appropriate model for many realistic scenarios, especially those arising more frequently as dynamic spectrum access (DSA) becomes more prevalent. As DSA nodes evolve to become more cognitive (e.g. self aware, environment aware, and adaptive), the prevailing white space seeking and gray space adapting policies leave a significant portion of the spectrum, namely, the black space, untapped[10]. This paper offers a throughput versus SINR result and corresponding technique for jointly choosing the transmission rate and multiuser detection algorithm that allows computationally constrained cognitive DSA nodes high rate operation in spectrum black space. In addition, this paper derives an information theoretic motivated policy for seemingly insignificant waveform design choices that greatly enhance the throughput of a secondary sender-receiver pair while fulfilling a given complexity requirement within the secondary node's receiver. This paper shows typical throughput improvements of 10 to 50 times when using this technique over the traditional approach to maintaining a disadvantaged link within an asymmetric interference channel.
Expression of multiple copies of mitochondrially targeted catalase or genomic Mn superoxide dismutase transgenes does not extend the life span of Drosophila melanogaster

The simultaneous overexpression of multiple copies of Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ectopic catalase (mtCat) transgenes in the mitochondria of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, was shown previously to diminish the life span. The hypothesis tested in this study was that this effect was due primarily to the presence of one or the other transgene. An alternative hypothesis was that both transgenes have additive, negative effects. Crosses were performed between five pairs of transgenic lines containing single-copy insertions of mtCat, Mn SOD, or P element vector control transgenes at unique loci, and the life spans of progeny containing two mtCat, Mn SOD, or vector insertions were determined. Increasing amounts of mitochondrial catalase activity tended to be associated with decreases in mean life span. Overexpression of two copies of the genomic Mn SOD transgene had no effect on life span. The results do not support the hypothesis that enhanced mitochondrial SOD or catalase activity promotes longevity in flies.
Icosahedral quasicrystal formation in Ti-Zr-based alloys and a new classification technique

Until recently, icosahedral phase (i-phase) formation was studied primarily in Al-transition metal alloys. The Al-based i-phases generally fall into one of two classes: those believed to be based on the Pauling triacontahedron, fundamental to the Bergman 1/1 phase, and those based on the double-shell Mackay icosahedra found in the 1/1α-(Al-Mn-Si) phase. Notable Bergman-type quasicrystals include i-(Al Li-Cu) and i-(Al-Mg-Zn); i-(Al-Mn-Si) forms the best known Mackay-type i-phase. The large number of Ti-based i-phases now known, and the differences in their diffraction features raise the question of their fundamental structural units. To address this partially, results of X-ray and electron microscopy studies of Ti-Zr-Ni alloys, where Ni is replaced by Fe and Co, are reported. The character of the i-phases varies smoothly from the Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystals, which probably are Bergman-type i-phases, to the Ti-Zr-Fe quasicrystals, which probably are Mackay types. A new classification method for icosahedral quasicrystals based on the ratio of the quasilattice constant a q to the average atomic separation , computed from the measured density, is introduced and applied to both Al- and Ti-based quasicrystals. On the basis of this scheme, most Ti-based i-phases, including the Ti-3d transition metal-Si-O phases and Ti Zr Fe, form a third group, different from the Al-based Mackay and Bergman groups. Ti-Zr-Ni and Ti-Zr-Co quasicrystals fall into the same class as the Bergman-type Al-based i-phases.
Emissions of size-segregated aerosols from on-road vehicles in the Caldecott tunnel.

Particulate matter emissions from the California in-use vehicle fleet were measured as 37 500 vehicles traveled through two bores of the Caldecott Tunnel located in the San Francisco Bay area. Microorifice cascade impactors and filter-based samplers were used to determine the particle chemical composition as a function of particle size. Ammonia emissions from the vehicle fleet were measured as well. Concentrations of aerosol mass, organic carbon, elemental carbon, sulfate ion, nitrate ion, and ammonium ion, as well as 13 elements are reported. The particle mass distribution peaks in the particle size range 0.1−0.18 μm aerodynamic diameter (D_a). Elemental carbon and organic matter were the largest components of particle mass in all the size ranges studied. The Caldecott Tunnel bores studied include one which carries light-duty vehicle traffic and one which carries a mixture of light- and heavy-duty vehicle traffic. From experiments conducted in both bores, estimates are made of the size distribution and chemical composition of particulate matter emissions extrapolated to the 100% light-duty and 100% heavy-duty vehicle fleets. The heavy-duty vehicle fleet emitted 1285 ± 237 mg of fine particulate matter (D_a < 1.9 μm)/kg of C contained in the fuel burned (corresponding to approximately 430 ± 79 mg/km driven). Light-duty vehicles emitted less than 85 ± 6 mg/kg of C in the fuel burned (corresponding to less than approximately 5.5 ± 0.4 mg/km driven). Emissions of gas-phase ammonia in the Caldecott Tunnel were measured to be 194 and 267 mg/L of gasoline-equivalent fuel burned in the tunnel. The ammonia emissions are attributed to automobiles that were equipped with 3-way catalysts and operating fuel rich.
High-density recording characterization using a merged MR head and a dual-layer perpendicular disk

The combination of a merged MR head and a dual-layer perpendicular disk is a promising technology for future high-density recording. High-density recording using this combination was characterized to obtain a D/sub 50/ of 98 kFCI for read operations, a D/sub 50/ of 80 kFCI for write operations, and an overwrite of 50 dB, and the results were compared with those for longitudinal recording. Higher-density recording is expected to be achieved by optimizing the shield gap length in the read element, the pole thickness in the write element, and the Ms value of a disk.
Semiautomated matching for network database integration

High-resolution imagery is now routinely utilized to acquire geometric and attribute data for road networks. Frequently, these data must be integrated with data from other sources to meet application requirements. A critical first step in this process of data integration is to identify the correspondences between networks, so that data can be merged or transferred from one network to another. This paper introduces a semiautomated method that combines an automated algorithm and an interactive procedure to match networks that are represented differently. The automated algorithm establishes robust correspondences for nodes, edges, and segments between two networks using a cluster-based matching mechanism. The interactive procedure allows a user to visually check and correct correspondences that are mismatched by the automated algorithm. Two matching examples are presented in the paper to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The results of these two matching examples illustrate that this semiautomated method is highly effective and can meet the needs of real-world applications. The automated algorithm is capable of generating reliable matching measures, resolving difficult matches, and in both cases, correctly identifying the overwhelming majority of the matching counterparts. The interactive procedure, on the other hand, is useful for checking and correcting mismatched counterparts during the early stage of the matching process, which significantly improves performance and reliability.
Robust Control for Multiple Time Delay Systems With Delay–Decouplability Concept

In this paper, we consider linear time-invariant minimum phase MIMO plants with multiple control delays. The time delays appear at several components of the state. The delay decoupling control (DDC) aims to force the characteristic equation to facilitate the assessment of stability in each of the delays, independently from one another (thus introducing “delay decouplability”). When, however, some system parameters are uncertain, the corresponding characteristic equation exhibits truly coupled delays, which brings the stability assessment problem into N-P hard complexity class. This operation can still be very efficient using a recent paradigm called the Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots (CTCR). The main contribution of this study is to show that, for a class of uncertain time-delayed dynamics, if the feedback control is properly designed, decouplability may still hold, consequently the robustness analysis can be performed efficiently. This result is demonstrated for a 2-input, 2-output system, and it is claimed that the findings are scalable to higher dimensional dynamics. An example case study of a cart-pendulum system is examined, considering varying parametric uncertainties.
Synthesis of 3‐(tert‐Butoxycarbonylmethyl)‐N‐vinyl‐2‐caprolactam and Homologous Copolymerization Toward Biocompatible Carboxylated Poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐caprolactam) Responsive to pH and Temperature

A new monomer derivative of N-vinyl-2-caprolactam (VCL), namely 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethyl)-N-vinyl-2-caprolactam (TBMVCL), was synthesized via nucleophilic substitution at the α-carbon to the lactam carbonyl group. The monomer was copolymerized radically with VCL and the copolymer compositions were controlled through varying the molar feeding percentages of TBMVCL. The resulting copolymers exhibited temperature-responsive properties in water, with cloud points decreasing from 33 °C to 13 °C when the TBMVCL composition increased from 2.2 mol % to 18.6 mol %. Removal of the tert-butyl protecting groups via acid hydrolysis exposed the carboxyl groups, which conferred pH sensitivity to the thermoresponsive properties of the resulting deprotected copolymers. The cloud point was found to increase with the increase of solution pH from 2.0 to 7.4, due to the ionization of the carboxyl groups. The influence of pH was most drastic for the 18.6 mol % copolymer composition. Furthermore, the phase transition temperature of the deprotected copolymers was found to be dependent on the polymer solution concentration, exemplifying classical Flory–Huggins miscibility behavior. Comparison of responsiveness was also made with another type of carboxyl functionalized poly(N-vinyl-2-caprolactam) copolymer reported in our prior study, to examine the influence of the chemical structure of the carboxyl substitution group. Finally, the deprotected copolymer was demonstrated to be biocompatible using a fibroblast cell culture. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 112–120
An evaluation of the narrowing gender gap in DUI arrests

Abstract Although males account for the vast majority of those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs (DUI), female DUI convictions have increased over the past two decades. In this study, we examined the ratio of males-to-females who were court-mandated between the years 1992 and 2008 to attend the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP), a DUI intervention program in Mississippi. The data for this study came from MASEP records; the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS); the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR); the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS); the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS); and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the US Department of Transportation. Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) tests were used to assess the nature (i.e., convergence, divergence, or stability) of this trend and to identify predictors. The results showed that, over the 17-year period, the gender gap in DUI convictions, self-reported history of prior arrest, official drug arrests, and substance abuse treatment admissions has narrowed considerably. Results from the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models show that three factors account for increases in the proportion of women mandated to attend MASEP: self-reported arrest prior to the DUI conviction, female admissions to substance abuse treatment, and annual miles driven. Changes in both women's behavior and law enforcement practices have increased female exposure to DUI arrests and narrowed the gender gap in DUI convictions.
Alternating Wenckebach Periods with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Report of Two Cases

This report describes two patients with the spontaneous occurrence of alternating Wenckebach periods during the course of acute myocardial infarction. Both patients demonstrated alternating Wenckebach periods which terminated in a sequence of two blocked P waves. In one patient, His bundle electrocardiographic study documented the site of block to be proximal to the His bundle. Alternating Wenckebach periods with the block proximal to the His bundle may be compatible with a benign prognosis.
Inhibition of the cat's skin potential response by sensory stimulation pulsating at a low frequency.

Abstract In an earlier study it was found that low-frequency electrical stimulation of parts of the anterior cortex partially inhibits the cat's skin-potential (SP) response to an alerting stimulus. In the present study I found that a pulsating sensory stimulus produced by low-frequency electrical stimulation of the skin at the side of the body also partially inhibits the SP response. I conclude that the brain contains an inhibitory system that reacts to sensory stimulation pulsating at a low frequency, and that low-frequency electrical stimulation of the brain simulates the effects of pulsating sensory input to the brain.
A TEST OF ATKINSON'S FORMULA FOR PREDICTING CHOICE BEHAVIOR.

Predicted distribution.-154 Cornell ~lndergrad~~ates were given a word unscrambling task consisting of 4 words at each of 8 word lengths ranging from 4 to 11 letters. They were given fixed time limits ranging from 2 min. (for the 4 4letter words) to 6 min. (for the 4 11-letter words) to work on all the words in each group. To provide for a double replication, Ss were classified as being High, Medium, or Low in ability on the basis of their performance. Ss had no knowledge of being classified. Eighty-nine of these Ss were then selected at random and asked to renirn for another experiment. Forty-two were able to come, 11 of 27 from the High group, 16 of 30 from the Medium group and 15 of 32 from the Low group. Only these Ss were used in the subsequent analysis. (Noncomers had leeway in participation in experiments.) To obtain the predicted choice distributions, the proportion of successes (P, scores) was calculated for each group for each word Iength. These scores were multiplied by their corresponding 1 - P, values, yielding P, (1 - P,) scores, and thus a predicted
Flip the Model: Strategies for Creating and Delivering Value

Preface: Not So Quiet On the Set The Jazz Singer is arguably the most disruptive film of all time. Released in 1927, it launched the transition from the silent film era into the talkies. Much more than an incremental improvement, this musical introduced a radically new technology (synchronized dialogue) resulting in a game-changer for the film industry. While silent movies didn't disappear overnight, it was obvious that “living pictures” were the future of the box office. By the end of 1929 nearly all films were talkies ( Griffith & Quick, 1971 ). Consider the impact on the established order. The musical Singin' In the Rain (1952) depicts this critical point where movie stars from one era struggled to adapt in the new environment ( Sunset Boulevard, 1950 ). Actors had to reinvent themselves, and many headliners simply could not adjust. The production side was similarly upended, demanding new processes and workflows. Sound engineers, technicians, screenwriters, and voice coaches were now in high demand. The industry's support infrastructure was transformed as well ( Eyman, 1999 ). Cinemas outfitted their buildings with new audio and projection systems. Studios developed new marketing and distribution models. Film critics altered criteria by which motion pictures were evaluated. The Academy Awards added additional categories. A new art form had emerged. Talkies opened creative possibilities that had previously been unavailable and even unimaginable. Academic libraries are encountering a similar inflection point. In our case it isn't a single technology that is disrupting our established system, but a barrage of advancements in publishing, pedagogy, and user preferences. Higher education itself is in trouble. Both Moody's and Standard and Poor's recently issued troubling outlooks for public and private institutions. The landscape is shifting around us, and the future of scholarship requires us to develop new skills, design new environments, and deliver new service capacities. In short, we need new models.
Intermittent versus continuous alkaline therapy for uric acid stones and ureteral stones of uncertain composition

Although it is well established that oral alkaline salts can dissolve existing uric acid stones 1 and prevent their reformation, 2,3 two aspects of management remain controversial. The treatment regimen may either keep the urinary pH close to 7 continuously with multiple daily doses or alkaline salts can be given less frequently to make the urinary pH rise to greater than 7 and then fall back to more acidic levels. The latter approach comes closer to simulating the normal elevation of urinary pH that occurs after meals. This review argues that the intermittent approach with daily or even less frequent dosing is better tolerated, easier to monitor, less likely to create secondary deposition of apatite, and, in most instances, works as well as the continuous approach. Second, although it is clear that the passage of radiolucent ureteral stones of borderline size can be facilitated by alkaline salts, no study has ever addressed such treatment for ureteral stones visible on plain x-ray. Nevertheless, there is a cogent argument for believing that opaque stones in the 4 to 8-mm range will pass more easily with oral alkaline therapy if it is likely that the stone contains some uric acid. There are also reasons to think that the passage of stones without uric acid may be aided by such therapy, but they are less compelling.
On Plato's Philebus 15B1-8

The meaning of the questions which Socrates sets forth at Philebus 1 5B 1-8 has been a matter of heated debate in the last two centuries. It seems to me that the translations and explications of the text have been unsatisfactory, and I shall try to show where scholars have gone astray and why. The problem concerns the nature of Unity, Being, and the relation between the One and Many. Let us now consider the passage. 29. Hp&,rov pV ?'; TLVOS 6 TOLMaTag eTvLaL ovVs axv TavOTas, piacv 2 ixOTI1v ovyav ELT?T yEVEOLV I1TE 6XEipOV 3 iTpoa8UXoRuEvYsv, OIws EIVXL i3eIa3cLOTca RiaLV TOXVTqV; iET& 4 8e TOVT 'EV TOLS YLYVOILEVOLS aUv Xvi 'aELpOLS E'LTE 8LEaaVXV 5 XaL 'roXXa yeyovvtav rTtOV, E'CO' 8X'qV av %o0XXOLS yy?VEa&XL. 8
Study designs in patient-oriented research.

E variety of study designs are used in patientriented research. Selected designs are more uitable in certain situations, and it therefore is mportant for researchers to understand the advanages and disadvantages of various study designs o apply them appropriately. The characteristics f a disease (eg, prevalence, acute versus chronic ourse) and the research question being adressed influence the corresponding study design architecture) for that study. Figure 1 gives the verview of research architecture, and the subseuent text gives salient features, strengths, and imitations of each study design. The Appendix rovides a glossary of commonly used terms.