cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure of donor-spacer-acceptor molecules of potential interest for molecular electronics. III. Geometry and absorption spectrum of CH3-αP3CNQ

Abstract The geometry of Z-β-(1-methyl-2-pyridinium)-α-cyano-4-styryldicyanomethanide was optimized using semi-empirical and ab initio quantum chemical methods. The predicted geometries using a one determinant description do not compare well with the observed geometry. A better description of the geometry is obtained with a multi-determinant approach. Good agreement with experiment is obtained only when consideration of the media is taken into account. Absorption spectra in the solid and state in solution were calculated and the results compare very well with the experimental spectra. The solvatochromic shift of the absorption spectrum was calculated using a self-consistent reaction field approach. We also discuss the question of whether the title molecule is best described as a zwitterion.
Modeling of Convective Mode Combustion through Granulated Propellant to Predict Detonation Transition

An analysis of the transient reactive flow through highly loaded but mobile particles of solid propeliant is presented in order to determine whether the high-speed flame front can provide a pressure wave that can interact with the flow to build up to a condition of detonation. Discussions are presented which deal with the various forms of the field balance conservation equations, as well as the significant number of additional constitutive relations required to model this flow. Results are presented which indicate the sensitivity of the most important parameters on the unsteady flame-spreading rate. Possible criteria for DOT (deflagration-to-detonation transition) are presented.
Dermatoglyphics of Apache and Navajo Indians

The Apaches and Navajos, both members of the Athapascan Family, have lived in the Southwest for several hundred years. Finger and palmar dermatoglyphics were collected from 94 Apaches and 102 Navajos. Both tribes exhibited characteristics similar to those generally reported for American Indians, such as, high whorl frequencies, high total ridge counts, longitudinal alignment of main lines, and high frequencies of absent C lines. Absence of significant intertribal differences indicates close genetic relationship between these tribes.
Allergy: Is localized immunoglobulin E synthesis the problem?

Cell-cell interactions controlling immunoglobulin E synthesis could be important components of the feedback loops that are initiated by exposure to allergens.
A decade of innovation in pharmaceutical R&D: the Chorus model.

Chorus is a small, operationally independent organization within Eli Lilly and Company that specializes in drug development from candidate selection through to clinical proof of concept. Here, we describe its development philosophy, organizational structure, operational model and results in the decade since it was established, which indicate substantial productivity improvements in both time and cost compared to traditional drug development approaches. Chorus is a small, operationally independent clinical development organization within Eli Lilly and Company that specializes in drug development from candidate selection to clinical proof of concept. The mission of Chorus is to achieve proof of concept rapidly and at a low cost while positioning successful projects for 'pharma-quality' late-stage development. Chorus uses a small internal staff of experienced drug developers and a network of external vendors to design and implement chemistry, manufacturing and control processes, preclinical toxicology and biology, and Phase I/II clinical trials. In the decade since it was established, Chorus has demonstrated substantial productivity improvements in both time and cost compared to traditional pharmaceutical research and development. Here, we describe its development philosophy, organizational structure, operational model and results to date.
The embryonic development of the snapping shrimp, Alpheus angulosus McClure, 2002 (Decapoda, Caridea)

Alpheus angulosus McClure, 2002 is one of several species of snapping shrimp that live along the east coast of the United States and belong to the edwardsii group of Alpheus. The genus Alpheus presents with bilateral asymmetry in their chelipeds, specifically a large snapper and a smaller pincer. This is an extreme example of the asymmetry found in many other crustaceans. A significant amount of work has been done on the adult behavior, physiology, and transformation/regeneration of the two claws, but less is known about the early development of the nervous system that underlies this asymmetry. The work reported here begins to establish an atlas of embryonic development in this species staged by using both eye index and percent development connected to yolk depletion during embryogenesis. This represents the first step toward a more comprehensive understanding of embryonic development that can be used to address future neuro-developmental questions regarding limb asymmetry and plasticity.
Semiclassical Wave Packet Dynamics with Electronic Structure Computed on the Fly: Application to Photophysics of Electronic Excited States in Condensed Phase

Many semiclassical wave packet propagation methods require only local potential energy surface information in order to update a Gaussian wave packet over a short time interval. These data, which include the evaluation of the potential energy at the instantaneous configuration space center of the wave packet, plus the gradient vector and Hessian (second derivative) matrix at the same configuration, can be generated efficiently by extant electronic structure packages. This leads to an algorithm for propagating semiclassical Gaussian wave packets using electronic structure data computed “on the fly” in the course of the propagation. The feasibility of such a strategy for condensed phase systems is demonstrated by using it (with an appropriate approximate level of electronic structure theory) to calculate Franck−Condon absorption and emission spectra of all-trans 1,3,5,7-octatetraene in the gas phase, and in both chloroform and methanol solvents. Good agreement with the corresponding experimentally measured s...
Detection of carotid stenosis. From NASCET results to clinical practice.

Background and Purpose Results from large multicenter studies have shown that carotid endarterectomy, performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality, is beneficial for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥70% as calculated according to strict angiographic criteria. To apply these results in clinical practice, individual institutions should determine whether locally implemented duplex ultrasonography adequately identifies patients with ≥70% stenosis and whether the degree of stenosis reported by local angiographers correlates with strict angiographic measurements. Methods We compared estimates of carotid stenosis obtained by duplex ultrasonography and the radiologists’ reports from conventional cerebral angiography with each other and with results obtained using North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) criteria. Results One hundred seventy-one vessels were available for review. In 155 (91%) of the cases, the reports from the ultrasound and angiogram were in agreemen...
Pareto-optimal formulations for cost versus colorimetric accuracy trade-offs in printer color management

Color management for the printing of digital images is a challenging task, due primarily to nonlinear ink-mixing behavior and the presence of redundant solutions for print devices with more than three inks. Algorithms for the conversion of image data to printer-specific format are typically designed to achieve a single predetermined rendering intent, such as colorimetric accuracy. In the present paper we present two CIELAB to CMYK color conversion schemes based on a general Pareto-optimal formulation for printer color management. The schemes operate using a 149-color characterization data set selected to efficiently capture the entire CMYK gamut. The first scheme uses artificial neural networks as transfer functions between the CIELAB and CMYK spaces. The second scheme is based on a reformulation of tetrahedral interpolation as an optimization problem. Characterization data are divided into tetrahedra for the interpolation-based approach using the program Qhull, which removes the common restriction that characterization data be well organized. Both schemes offer user control over trade-off problems such as cost versus reproduction accuracy, allowing for user-specified print objectives and the use of constraints such as maximum allowable ink and maximum allowable ΔEaab. A formulation for minimization of ink is shown to be particularly favorable, integrating both clipping and gamut compression features into a single methodology. Codes developed as applications of these schemes were used to convert several CIELAB Tiff images to CMYK format, providing both qualitative and quantitative verification of the Pareto-optimal approach. Prints of the MacBeth ColorCheckertm chart were accurate within approximately to 3 ΔEaab for in-gamut colors. Modifications to this approach are presented that offer user control over grey component replacement and provide additional options for rendering intent.
On probabilistic yielding of materials

Uncertainty in material properties can have large effect on numerical modeling of solids and structures. This is particularly true as all natural and man-made materials exhibit spatial non-uniformity and point-wise uncertainty in their behaviors. A methodology that accounts for the probabilistic yielding of elastic–plastic materials is presented. The recently developed Eulerian–Lagrangian form of the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equation is used to obtain a second-order exact solution to elastic–plastic constitutive differential equations. In this paper that solution is used in deriving the weighted probabilities of elastic, elastic–plastic behavior and yielding. A number of examples for two commonly used material models, von Mises and Drucker–Prager, illustrated the findings. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Everyday Thinking about Bodily Sensations

In the opening section of this paper we spell out an account of our naive view of bodily sensations that is of historical and philosophical significance. This account of our shared view of bodily sensations captures common ground between Descartes, who endorses an error theory regarding our everyday thinking about bodily sensations, and Berkeley, who is more sympathetic with common sense. In the second part of the paper we develop an alternative to this account and discuss what is at stake in deciding between these two ways of understanding our everyday view. In the third and final part of the paper we offer an argument in favour of our alternative.
Wide Dynamic Range Preselectors

Crowding of the Military communication spectrum has aggravated the need for preselectors capable of receiving a low-level desired signal in the presence of a high-level adjacent channel signal. Described herein are two novel HF preselection approaches which appear eminently suitable to cope with this problem. Applicable to the frequency range of 2 to 30 Mc/s, one preselector employs parametric mixing and the other exploits the low loss properties of superconductivity. In addition to other advantageous features, both preselectors have demonstrated an outstanding dynamic range capability in the order of 140 dB. Each of the preselectors is evaluated as a conventiona1 filter. In addition, performance data of a high quality military receiver is compared with that obtained when the receiver is preceded by each of two preselectors. Considerable stress is placed on the use of crossmodulation characteristics as a more meaningful and precise measure of preselector performance.
Peptide determinants of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) in autoimmune demyelinating disease: A review

This article reviews recent advances in understanding the role of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) in autoimmune demyelination. It is drawn largely from work published within the last ten years and discusses the immunology of PLP in the historical context of what has been learned from extensive studies on the immune response to myelin basic protein (MBP). Despite the fact that PLP is the major protein constituent of mammalian myelin, its role in autoimmune demyelination has not been widely recognized. The lack of understanding about the immunology of PLP is a direct result of the biochemical characteristics of the protein. PLP is a highly hydrophobic membrane protein with limited aqueous solubility. The hydrophobicity of PLP has thwarted immunologic studies of the intact protein. Recent work has circumvented the technical obstacles of studying the intact protein by using soluble synthetic PLP peptides. This approach has rapidly resulted in a more definitive understanding of the immune response to PLP. Presently, the data indicate that: i) PLP is a major central nervous system (CNS) specific encephalitogen; ii) CD4+ T cell reactivity to discrete PLP peptide determinants can mediate the development of acute, chronic relapsing, and chronic progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE); and iii) T cell reactivity to multiple PLP determinants occurs in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the major human CNS demyelinating disease.
Spatial scale effects on conservation network design: trade-offs and omissions in regional versus local scale planning

Ecological patterns and processes operate at a variety of spatial scales. Those which are regional in nature may not be effectively captured through the combination of conservation plans derived at the local level, where land use planning frequently takes place. Conversely, regional conservation plans may not identify resources important for conservation of intraregional ecological variation. We compare modeled conservation networks derived at regional and local scales from the same area in order to analyze the impact of scale effects on conservation planning. Using the MARXAN reserve selection algorithm and least cost corridor analysis we identified a potential regional conservation network for the Central Valley ecoregion of California, USA, from which we extracted those portions found within five individual counties. We then conducted the same analysis for each of the five counties. An overlay of the results from the two scales shows a general pattern of large differences in the identified networks. Especially noteworthy are the trade-offs and omissions evident at both scales of analysis and the disparateness of the identified corridors that connect core reserves. The results suggest that planning efforts limited to one scale will neglect biodiversity patterns and ecological processes that are important at other scales. An intersection of results from the two scales can potentially be used to prioritize areas for conservation found to be important at several spatial scales.
African Americans in Rural Society: Needed Directions in Public Policy

Economic theory and historical evidence indicate that economic development is a process that transforms agrarian economies into urban, industrial-service, higher income based economies (Lewis). This transformation has taken place in the United States, beginning roughly at the turn of the century and accelerating during the post World War II period. During the last five decades, the farm sector, once the largest economic sector in the United States, has become one of the smallest, accounting for approximately 2% of the GNP, losing 5.4 million workers and declining in net farm income by $45 million (1982 dollars) [Council of Economic Advisers 1987 and 1990; Thurow]. This transformation frees up labor and helps provide capital for industrial and manufacturing sectors of the economy. However, such rapid development also carries economic and social costs, which the nation continues to pay. The agrarian transformation resulted in the outmigration of millions of Americans from the farm to urban and nonfarm rural areas. African
Structure and inhibition of orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase from Plasmodium falciparum.

Orotidine 5′-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase from Plasmodium falciparum (PfODCase, EC 4.1.1.23) has been overexpressed, purified, subjected to kinetic and biochemical analysis, and crystallized. The native enzyme is a homodimer with a subunit molecular mass of 38 kDa. The saturation curve for OMP as a substrate conformed to Michaelis–Menten kinetics with Km = 350 ± 60 nM and Vmax = 2.70 ± 0.10 µmol/min/mg protein. Inhibition patterns for nucleoside 5′-monophosphate analogues were linear competitive with respect to OMP with a decreasing potency of inhibition of PfODCase in the order: pyrazofurin 5′-monophosphate (Ki = 3.6 ± 0.7 nM) > xanthosine 5′-monophosphate (XMP, Ki = 4.4 ± 0.7 nM) > 6-azauridine 5′-monophosphate (AzaUMP, Ki = 12 ± 3 nM) > allopurinol-3-riboside 5′-monophosphate (Ki = 240 ± 20 nM). XMP is an ∼150-fold more potent inhibitor of PfODCase compared with the human enzyme. The structure of PfODCase was solved in the absence of ligand and displays a classic TIM-barrel fold characteristic of ...
Properties of hydride-forming metals and of multilayer hydrogen permeation barriers☆

Interference microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been used to measure mechanical effects of tritium decay and 3He accumulation in thin film tritides of Sc, Ti, Y, Ho, and Er, all of which exhibit thickness increase of 2–4% y−1, followed by the development of bubbles and craters and the occurrence of significant mechanical film failure. Scandium and erbium deuterotritide films have been subjected to 20 keV N2+ ion bombardment in an ion microprobe mass analyzer to produce sputter ion species characteristic not only of the original film (e.g., M+, MO+, MD+, MT+) but also of compounds formed during the sputtering operation (e.g., ScN+). Hydrogen isotope permeation has been measured for the homogeneous metals Cu, Ceramvar and Mo, for a Ceramvar-copper-Ceramvar laminate, and for tin-coated Rodar. Measured permeation rates through the laminate are significantly less than those predicted from the permeabilities of its individual constituents. Permeation rates of deuterium through Mo exhibit a somewhat lower activation energy than has been reported in the literature.
The Coca Cola of Self Help: The Branding of John Gray's Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

Publie en 1993, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want, de John Gray, une sorte de romance sur la reconnaissance et le respect des differences - traditionnelles - sexuelles, fut un succes d'edition enorme, incitant son auteur a lancer dans la foulee une chaine de franchisage de therapie/conseil conjugal exploitant le titre du livre. Au-dela des explications sur la reception et l'adequation des valeurs de l'air du temps, l'A. tente d'expliquer ce succes par des considerations plus pragmatiques en analysant une methode de marketing aujourd'hui courante dans le domaine de l'edition, la commercialisation des marques. Il suggere que l'utilisation de conventions et de formules, comme le concept de l'aide par soi-meme, revele simplement des strategies commerciales. Il soutient que la concentration oligopolistique de l'edition a genere la standardisation des produits, afin de controler les risques et les couts et d'augmenter les profits. En restant dans les limites d'une formule acceptable par le public, l'editeur reduit les risques. Ces formules, qui permettent le succes d'une marque, et de la franchise correspondante, sont creees par le producteur et non par le public.
A finite element model for induction heating of a metal crucible

In support of a combined theoretical and experimental program designed to grow large oxide crystals at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, we have developed a quantitative model of the induction heating process for the Czochralski crystal growth technique. When integrated into the overall thermo-capillary-hydrodynamic model, this sub-model will provide the driving force for the entire process by describing the spatially-varying heat generation rate in the metal crucible. Herein we present the development of this sub-model and apply it to some typical cases of interest.
Pointwise properties of convergence in probability

Abstract If a sequence of random variables Xn converges to X in probability we know little about the pointwise behavior Xn(ω). In this note we show that if Xn converges to X quickly enough (for example, like n−α for α > 0) then, for almost all ω, Xn(ω) converges to X(ω) outside a set of density zero.
Human endothelial dihydrofolate reductase low activity limits vascular tetrahydrobiopterin recycling.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄) is required for NO synthesis and inhibition of superoxide release from endothelial NO synthase. Clinical trials using BH₄ to treat endothelial dysfunction have produced mixed results. Poor outcomes may be explained by the rapid systemic and cellular oxidation of BH₄. One of the oxidation products of BH₄, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (7,8-BH₂), is recycled back to BH₄ by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). This enzyme is ubiquitously distributed and shows a wide range of activity depending on species-specific factors and cell type. Information about the kinetics and efficiency of BH4 recycling in human endothelial cells receiving BH₄ treatment is lacking. To characterize this reaction, we applied a novel multielectrode coulometric HPLC method that enabled the direct quantification of 7,8-BH₂ and BH₄, which is not possible with fluorescence-based methodologies. We found that basal untreated BH₄ and 7,8-BH₂ concentrations in human endothelial cells (ECs) are lower than in bovine and murine endothelioma cells. Treatment of human ECs with BH₄ transiently increased intracellular BH₄ while accumulating the more stable 7,8-BH₂. This was different from bovine or murine ECs, which resulted in preferential BH₄ increase. Using BH₄ diastereomers, 6S-BH₄ and 6R-BH₄, the narrow contribution of enzymatic DHFR recycling to total intracellular BH₄ was demonstrated. Reduction of 7,8-BH₂ to BH₄ occurs at very slow rates in cells and needs supraphysiological levels of 7,8-BH₂, indicating this reaction is kinetically limited. Activity assays verified that human DHFR has very low affinity for 7,8-BH₂ (DHF 7,8-BH₂) and folic acid inhibits 7,8-BH₂ recycling. We conclude that low activity of endothelial DHFR is an important factor limiting the benefits of BH4 therapies, which may be further aggravated by folate supplements.
Unexpected instabilities in the dynamic Kingdon trap

We report the discovery of unexpected instabilities of a trapped charged particle in the dynamic Kingdon trap. A detailed phase-space analysis shows that these instabilities are caused by the collapse of the primary trapping island. A resonance condition accurately predicts the locations of the instabilities. Avoiding these instabilities is essential for successfully operating the dynamic Kingdon trap.
Long-term adequacy of metal resources

Abstract Although the earth's crust contains vast quantities of metals, extraction technologies and associated costs are inextricably bound to three fundamental geological factors — the amount of metal available in the earth's crust in each range of grades, the mineralogical form and chemical state of the metal, and the spatial distribution of the metal. The energy required to recover a given amount of metal increases substantially as grade declines. Most metal is produced from sulphide or oxide minerals, whereas most metal in the crust may be locked in the structures of the more refractory silicates. Recovery from silicate minerals could require orders of magnitude more energy than that used at present as also could exploitation of small, widely scattered or thin, deeply buried deposits. Although specific information on the fundamental factors is not available, each factor must in turn tend to further restrict exploitation. Independence of average grade and tonnage for many deposit types further reduces the availability of rock as a source of metal. In the long term, effects of these factors will be large increases in price for many metals.
The Prineipal's Headaehe— Teacher Evaluation

What are the goals of teaeher evalua tion? Who and what should be evaluated? Some suggestions are provided on the following pages.
Avoidance of stomas and delayed anastomosis for bowel necrosis: The ‘Clip and drop-back’ technique

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and midgut volvulus (MGV) often are associated with extensive bowel necrosis. These cases may require extensive enterectomy and the formation of high or multiple stomas, and frequently are complicated by short bowel syndrome, excessive fluid losses, fistulas, stenosis, and skin breakdown. This report describes a "clip and drop-back" technique, followed by delayed anastomosis performed 48 to 72 hours later. The technique was successful in five severely ill infants (3 NEC, 2 MGV) with extensive necrosis, bowel perforation(s), and peritonitis, who required either a high stoma near the ligament of Treitz or multiple resections and enterostomies. This method removes obvious necrotic perforated bowel, controls contamination, avoids stomas (and their inherent complications in this age group), and preserves bowel length. All five babies survived. The technique is a useful addition to the pediatric surgeon's operative armamentarium in selective cases.
Effects of behavioral intervention and interpersonal feedback on fear and avoidance components of severe agoraphobia: a case analysis.

Four treatments with a severe agoraphobic were compared in a single-case analysis in which daily anxiety, self-appraisal, Valium intake, and mileage ridden in a car were dependent variables. Treatment conditions sequentially added were relaxation, self-instruction, cognitive restructuring, and interpersonal feedback. Behavioral interventions produced desired changes in anxiety, Valium intake, and self-appraisal, but only after interpersonal feedback did these treatments influence avoidant behavior per se (mileage). A 16-mo. (post-treatment) follow-up showed that, while the patient continued to travel distances from his home which were roughly equivalent to those attained in Phase 4 of treatment, his travels were mainly confined to an area within a 5-mi. radius of his home. This adjustment was accompanied by far fewer hospitalizations, relative freedom from panic, and more expressed interest in family and sexual matters (the latter verified by spouse).
Response of various thin-film scintillators to low-energy particles

Abstract The response of several different types of plastic thin-film scintillator detectors (TFD) to low-energy protons and alpha particles is presented. Film thickness vary from ∼50μg/cm 2 to ∼400μg/cm 2 . Particle energies vary from ∼0.05 MeV/ nucleon to ∼2.5 MeV/nucleon and are both penetrating and non-penetrating. The results extend previously published work and are consistent with it 1,2 ). Response of the TFDs shows the effect of ionization quenching at low energies and the non-linearity of light output with deposited energy ( ΔE ). The double-valued nature of specific luminescence (d L /d x ) as a function of specific energy loss (d E /d x suggested by Muga and Griffith 1 ) is confirmed.
Strategies for dealing with solar particle events in missions beyond the magnetosphere

For long duration missions beyond the magnetosphere, the hazards posed by solar particle events (SPE) require the development of new strategies to minimize both the radiation dose and the effects. Potential strategies include the development of improved short-term forecasting of SPE through better observations and research, consideration of HZE particles in real-time forecasting and monitoring, improved knowledge of the biological effects of the particles involved in SPE, and the development of methods for combining SPE forecasts with temporary shielding and chemical countermeasures. Evaluation of present capabilities and the identification of areas of further research to achieve the necessary capabilities are discussed.
A common-path heterodyne interferometer for surface profiling in microelectronic fabrication

We describe the design of a common-path heterodyne laser interferometer for the surface profiling of micron-sized photopatterned features during the microelectronic fabrication process. The common-path design of the interferometer’s reference and measurement arms effectively removes any path length difference in the measurement which can be attributed to the movement of the target surface. It is shown that repeated surface profiling during the ion milling process allows the difference in etch rates between the photoresist layer and the exposed portions of the underlying substrate layer to be monitored online. A prototype apparatus has been assembled and results demonstrating the usefulness of the device are reported. The surface profiles of both a photopatterned nickel–iron trench and an unmasked aluminum trench are measured and compared to those obtained using a stylus-based scanning profiler and an atomic force microscope.
WHO'S THE REAL VICTIM?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandates equal employment opportunity by providing that: It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail or refuse to hire or discharge any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of such individual's race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin.
Heat transfer consequences of condensation during premixed flame quenching

In this study, the dynamics of a one dimensional flame quenching process are analyzed using a two step chemical mechanism, and the effects of condensation on wall heat flux and the reaction rate are noted
A comparative study of radical vulvectomy and modified radical vulvectomy for the treatment of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

Forty-five patients who underwent a modified radical vulvectomy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were compared with forty-five patients who underwent radical vulvectomy for similar lesions. Vulvar wound infection and breakdown were infrequent in both groups. Anal incontinence developed postoperatively in five of the modified radical vulvectomy patients and in none of the radical vulvectomy patients. Urinary incontinence developed postoperatively in two of the modified radical vulvectomy patients and in seven of the radical vulvectomy patients. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed. One invasive local recurrence (2.2%) developed in the modified radical vulvectomy group and two (4.4%) local recurrences developed in the radical vulvectomy group. A modified radical vulvectomy appears to be efficacious for the vulvar phase of treatment of localized invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
Gender differences in genetic linkage and association on 11p15 in obsessive–compulsive disorder families

Several clinical and genetic studies have reported gender differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Previously, we conducted a linkage genome scan using multipoint allele-sharing methods to test for linkage in 219 families participating in the OCD Collaborative Genetics Study. When these families were stratified by proband's gender, suggestive linkage to chromosome 11p15 at marker D11S2362 (KAC(all) = 2.92, P = 0.00012) was detected in families with male probands, but not in the ones with female probands. We have since conducted fine mapping with a denser microsatellite marker panel in the region of 11p15, and detected a significant linkage signal at D11S4146 (KAC(all) = 5.08, P < 0.00001) in the families of male probands. Subsequently, 632 SNPs were genotyped spanning a 4.0 Mb region of the 1 LOD unit interval surrounding the linkage peak in the original families and an additional 165 families. Six SNPs were associated with OCD (P < 0.001): two SNPs were identified when all the families were included, and four SNPs only in male proband families. No SNP showed significant association with the OCD phenotype only in the families with a female proband. The results suggest a possible gender effect in the etiology of OCD.
Coverage‐dependent Bond Length of Chlorine Adsorbed on Cu{111}

The adsorption of Cl 2 on Cu{111} at 300 K has been studied using shadow-cone-enhanced secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The system has been investigated for chlorine coverages ranging from 0.08 to 0.33 monolayer (ML), including the Cu{111}-(√3 x √3)R30°-Cl surface. The secondary Cu + ion intensity has been measured as a function of the incidence angle of the primary ion beam. The enhanced intensity features in the spectra are compared with results from a two-body interaction calculation that uses the Moliere approximation to the Thomas-Fermi potential. A chlorine-copper interlayer spacing of 1.87 ± 0.04 A is measured between the coverages of 0.17 and 0.33 ML. This value corresponds to a chlorine-copper bond length of 2.38 ± 0.04 A. At 0.08 ML, the chlorine-copper bond length is expanded to 2.48 ± 0.04 A. These results suggest that the chlorine-copper bond is more ionic in the low coverage limit.
A CMOS Low-Power Digital Polar Modulator System Integration for WCDMA Transmitter

This paper presents a novel low-power design and highly cost effective chip implementation solution of digital polar modulator for WCDMA transmitters using 0.35 μm mixed mode CMOS technology. The proposed coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) in the polar modulator converts rectangular coordinate to polar coordinate with significantly less hardware and power comparing to the existing computational intensive algorithm by employing hard wired pipeline strategy to increase the performance and to reduce the hardware size. The proposed CORDIC performs a sequence of elementary rotations using shift and add operations without multiplications, providing a highly cost effective solution. The separate distribution of angle constants to each adder permits a hard-wire solution instead of using a lookup table, and all the shifters are hard-wired. Linear interpolators to extend the sampling rate for WCDMA specification are used to decrease the operating frequency. The proposed approach reduces both size and power by integrating booth CORDIC and power amplifier on the same die. The measured average power consumption is 27 mW with 67 MHz clock and 3 V power supply.
Formulation of Microneedles Coated with Influenza Virus-like Particle Vaccine

Mortality due to seasonal and pandemic influenza could be reduced by increasing the speed of influenza vaccine production and distribution. We propose that vaccination can be expedited by (1) immunizing with influenza virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines, which are simpler and faster to manufacture than conventional egg-based inactivated virus vaccines, and (2) administering vaccines using microneedle patches, which should simplify vaccine distribution due to their small package size and possible self-administration. In this study, we coated microneedle patches with influenza VLP vaccine, which was released into skin by dissolution within minutes. Optimizing the coating formulation required balancing factors affecting the coating dose and vaccine antigen stability. Vaccine stability, as measured by an in vitro hemagglutination assay, was increased by formulation with increased concentration of trehalose or other stabilizing carbohydrate compounds and decreased concentration of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or other viscosity-enhancing compounds. Coating dose was increased by formulation with increased VLP concentration, increased CMC concentration, and decreased trehalose concentration, as well as increased number of dip coating cycles. Finally, vaccination of mice using microneedles stabilized by trehalose generated strong antibody responses and provided full protection against high-dose lethal challenge infection. In summary, this study provides detailed analysis to guide formulation of microneedle patches coated with influenza VLP vaccine and demonstrates effective vaccination in vivo using this system.
Efficient Estimation of First Excursion Failure of Dynamic Systems by Probabilistic Re-analysis

In design of real-life systems, such as an offshore wind turbine, there are significant uncertainties in the excitation. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability of a system for different probability distributions of the input variables that are consistent with the available evidence. This is usually accomplished by Monte Carlo simulation, which is computationally expensive or even impractical for large-scale systems. This paper presents a methodology to assess efficiently the probability of first excursion failure of structures under random, dynamic loads, which are represented by stochastic processes, for different power spectra. We achieve that by reweighting the results calculated in one simulation. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method on two examples. The first involves a linear, one degree of freedom beam under random, dynamic loads. The second example involves an offshore wind turbine under dynamic wind and wave loads. The probability of failure for loads generated by a sampling spectrum is calculated. Then, the probability of failure for different spectra is estimated by using re-analysis. We compare the results with those from Monte Carlo simulation to validate the method and demonstrate its efficiency.
Improved Bit-Error Analysis for Time-Hopping Spread-Spectrum Impulse Radio Systems

This paper develops an improved and generalized analytical model for time-hopping ultra-wideband (UWB) systems. In particular, the important effects of multiple access, multipath channels, and imperfect power control are incorporated in the analysis, whereas in prior work they were often neglected. Biterror probability is derived for two different modulation schemes: time-hopping spread-spectrum with pulse position modulation (TH-PPM) and time-hopping spread-spectrum with binary phase shift keying (TH-BPSK). Invariant of the channel model, number of users, or power control error, it is found that binary antipodal modulation has superior performance to PPM. The developed model and analytical framework is quite general and can be adapted to the analysis of future impulse radio piconet systems.
Factors associated with a provider's recommendation of carotid endarterectomy: implications for understanding disparities in the use of invasive procedures.

Objective This study assessed the relative importance of clinical and nonclinical factors in a provider's decision to recommend carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for a patient, with emphasis on the role of the patient's race in the provider's assessment of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Methods The study was a secondary analysis of data on the use of CEA conducted in a patient sample of 355 white and black patients who were referred for evaluation for CEA and were adjudicated preoperatively as appropriate candidates for the procedure by objective criteria. The patients were from five VA medical centers nationally. The primary outcome was the provider's recommendation that the patient receive CEA. Patient factors included age, race, the degree of carotid artery stenosis, clinical status, trust in the provider, and aversion to surgery. Provider factors were assessment of the patient's risks and benefits from CEA, including perceived efficacy of the surgery, perceived risk of stroke ≤1 year without the surgery, and perceived risk of stroke ≤30 days from the surgery. Results The primary factor associated with a provider's decision to recommend CEA was his or her assessment of the patient's risk of stroke without the surgery. The patient's race was not associated with the provider's assessments of the patient's risks or benefits from CEA. Conclusion A major determinant of a provider's recommendation for a patient to receive CEA endarterectomy is the assessment of the patient's likely future risk of stroke, regardless of the patient's race.
Mapping clinical phenotype data elements to standardized metadata repositories and controlled terminologies: the eMERGE Network experience.

Background Systematic study of clinical phenotypes is important for a better understanding of the genetic basis of human diseases and more effective gene-based disease management. A key aspect in facilitating such studies requires standardized representation of the phenotype data using common data elements (CDEs) and controlled biomedical vocabularies. In this study, the authors analyzed how a limited subset of phenotypic data is amenable to common definition and standardized collection, as well as how their adoption in large-scale epidemiological and genome-wide studies can significantly facilitate cross-study analysis. Methods The authors mapped phenotype data dictionaries from five different eMERGE (Electronic Medical Records and Genomics) Network sites studying multiple diseases such as peripheral arterial disease and type 2 diabetes. For mapping, standardized terminological and metadata repository resources, such as the caDSR (Cancer Data Standards Registry and Repository) and SNOMED CT (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine), were used. The mapping process comprised both lexical (via searching for relevant pre-coordinated concepts and data elements) and semantic (via post-coordination) techniques. Where feasible, new data elements were curated to enhance the coverage during mapping. A web-based application was also developed to uniformly represent and query the mapped data elements from different eMERGE studies. Results Approximately 60% of the target data elements (95 out of 157) could be mapped using simple lexical analysis techniques on pre-coordinated terms and concepts before any additional curation of terminology and metadata resources was initiated by eMERGE investigators. After curation of 54 new caDSR CDEs and nine new NCI thesaurus concepts and using post-coordination, the authors were able to map the remaining 40% of data elements to caDSR and SNOMED CT. A web-based tool was also implemented to assist in semi-automatic mapping of data elements. Conclusion This study emphasizes the requirement for standardized representation of clinical research data using existing metadata and terminology resources and provides simple techniques and software for data element mapping using experiences from the eMERGE Network.
Positive margins after breast-conserving therapy: localization technique or tumor biology?

Abstract Background The relative contributions of patient and tumor factors versus radiologic localization technique to the rates of inadequate margins of excision in breast-conserving therapy have not been defined. Methods Patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy were studied. Margins less than 2 mm from tumor were considered inadequate. Results Of 539 patients, 31% were guided by palpation and 69% were guided by preoperative radiologic localization. The palpation-guidance patients had larger tumors ( P P = .0005). The rates of inadequate margins were 10% for palpation-guided patients and 11% for radiologic-localization patients ( P = .53). The 3-year rates of local recurrence were .7% for palpation-guided patients and 1.8% for radiologic-guided patients ( P = .5). Conclusions Patient, tumor, and intraoperative pathologic factors, not just localization device shortcomings, produce inadequate margins of excision in breast-conserving therapy. A reasonable expected rate of inadequate margins owing to patient and tumor factors is 10%. Quality improvement for margin management must focus on intraoperative assessment of margins, especially for patients with identified risk factors, in addition to improving localization technique.
Using a voice-synchronous GDSS in dispersed locations: a preliminary analysis of participant satisfaction

Preliminary results are given from a laboratory experiment that was performed to assess the effects of using a group decision support system (GDSS) on synchronous face-to-face versus synchronous dispersed location meetings. Subjects in dispersed locations were linked via voice and GDSS screen. Location and GDSS-use formed the basis for two 1*2 designs. Ninety-eight three or four person groups were placed in three treatments: dispersed location with GDSS support; dispersed location without GDSS support; and same location with GDSS support. All groups solved a preference allocation task and then reported their satisfaction with the meeting process and the meeting outcome. Whereas members of the dispersed location GDSS supported groups appreciated the concept of this environment, they did not appreciate its implementation. In a dispersed real-time meeting, subjects who were not supported by GDSS technology were more satisfied with both the process and the outcome of their meeting than subjects who were supported by GDSS technology. When GDSS support was available, subjects in same-location groups reported higher satisfaction with the meeting outcome than those subjects in remote locations. >
Exploiting group symmetries to improve precision in kinodynamic and nonholonomic planning

We address the problem of eliminating gaps in paths that are constructed by some nonholonomic and kinodynamic motion planning algorithms. In many of these algorithms, control inputs at each planning step are chosen from a finite set, obtained from discretization of the available control set. While this approach is attractive for computational reasons, it can generate gaps, or discontinuities, either between path segments or between the final state and the desired goal. For the purpose of reducing gaps, the original control set and continuous time interval can be utilized, and perturbations may be applied to incrementally optimize the gap error while respecting collision constraints. By exploiting Lie group symmetries, which emerge in a broad class of robot systems, we are able to avoid costly numerical integrations that usually occur in each step of gradient-based optimization techniques. It is hoped that the approach can ultimately lead to faster planning algorithms by allowing coarser discretizations of time and the available input set, with the understanding that later refinements can be made efficiently.
The synergistic effect of X-rays and deficiencies in DNA repair in P-M hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

X-rays and deficiencies in DNA repair had a synergistic effect on genetic damage associated with P-element mobility in Drosophila melanogaster . These interactions, using sterility and fecundity as endpoints, were tested in dysgenic males deficient in either excision or post-replication DNA repair. Three sublines of the Harwich P strain were used for the construction of hybrid males. These sublines differ in P-induction ability based on gonadal dysgenesis sterility (GD) and sn w mutability tests, in P-element insertion site pattern, and in the types of defective P-elements, such as KP elements, they possess. A lower degree of gonadal dysgenesis was correlated with the presence of KP elements. GD sterility and sn w mutability were not always correlated. Dysgenic hybrids originating from the standard reference subline, Harwich white , were much more sensitive to the post-replication repair than the excision repair defect. In contrast, sterility of hybrids derived from the weak subline was least affected by, and that of hybrids of the strongest subline was most affected by either DNA repair deficiency. The exacerbation by X-rays of the effects of DNA repair deficiencies on genetic damage indicates that both repair mechanisms are required for processing DNA lesions induced by the combined effect of P activity and ionizing radiation.