cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions among DIV voltage-sensor movement, fast inactivation, and resurgent Na current induced by the NaVβ4 open-channel blocking peptide.

Resurgent Na current flows as voltage-gated Na channels recover through open states from block by an endogenous open-channel blocking protein, such as the NaVβ4 subunit. The open-channel blocker and fast-inactivation gate apparently compete directly, as slowing the onset of fast inactivation increases resurgent currents by favoring binding of the blocker. Here, we tested whether open-channel block is also sensitive to deployment of the DIV voltage sensor, which facilitates fast inactivation. We expressed NaV1.4 channels in HEK293t cells and assessed block by a free peptide replicating the cytoplasmic tail of NaVβ4 (the “β4 peptide”). Macroscopic fast inactivation was disrupted by mutations of DIS6 (L443C/A444W; “CW” channels), which reduce fast-inactivation gate binding, and/or by the site-3 toxin ATX-II, which interferes with DIV movement. In wild-type channels, the β4 peptide competed poorly with fast inactivation, but block was enhanced by ATX. With the CW mutation, large peptide-induced resurgent currents were present even without ATX, consistent with increased open-channel block upon depolarization and slower deactivation after blocker unbinding upon repolarization. The addition of ATX greatly increased transient current amplitudes and further enlarged resurgent currents, suggesting that pore access by the blocker is actually decreased by full deployment of the DIV voltage sensor. ATX accelerated recovery from block at hyperpolarized potentials, however, suggesting that the peptide unbinds more readily when DIV voltage-sensor deployment is disrupted. These results are consistent with two open states in Na channels, dependent on the DIV voltage-sensor position, which differ in affinity for the blocking protein.
Clinician-targeted intervention and patient-reported counseling on physical activity.

Introduction Limited time and lack of knowledge are barriers to physical activity counseling in primary care. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a clinician-targeted intervention that used the 5As (Ask, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange) approach to physical activity counseling in a medically underserved patient population. Methods Family medicine clinicians at 2 community health centers were randomized to Group 1 or Group 2 intervention. Both clinician groups participated in 4 training sessions on the 5As for physical activity counseling; Group 2 training took place 8 months after Group 1 training. Both groups were trained to refer patients to a community exercise program. We used a pre-post analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on clinician use of 5As. Eligible patients (n = 319) rated their clinicians' counseling skills by using a modified Physical Activity Exit Interview (PAEI) survey. Clinicians (n = 10) self-assessed their use of the 5As through a survey and interviews. Results Both patient and clinician groups had similar sociodemographic characteristics. The PAEI score for both groups combined increased from 6.9 to 8.6 (on a scale of 0-15) from baseline to immediately postintervention (P = .01) and was 8.2 (P = .09) at 6-month follow-up; most of the improvement in PAEI score was due to increased use of 5As skills by Group 2 clinicians. Group 1 reported difficulty with problem solving, whereas Group 2 reported ease of referral to the community exercise program. Conclusion A clinician training intervention showed mixed results for 5As physical activity counseling.
The remineralization of organic carbon on the North Carolina continental slope

The sources and fates of metabolizable organic carbon were examined at three sites on the North Carolina slope positioned offshore of Cape Fear, Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras. The13C/12C compositions (δ13C) of the solid phase organic matter, and the dissolved inorganic carbon (ΣCO2) produced during its oxidation, suggested that the labile fraction was predominantly marine in origin. The ΣCO2 concentration gradient across the sediment-water interface, and by inference the ΣCO2 flux and production rate, increased northward from Cape Fear to Cape Hatteras. Methane distributions and ΣCO2 δ13C values suggest that the rate of anaerobic diagenesis increased northward as well. The differences in sedimentary biogeochemistry are most likely driven by an along-slope gradient of reactive organic carbon flux to the seabed. This trend in reactive organic carbon flux correlates well with macrofaunal densities previously observed at the three sites. Proximity to the shelf and the transport of particulate material by surface boundary currents may control the deposition of metabolizable material on the Carolina slope. Evidence for methanogenesis was found only on the Cape Hatteras slope. The methane, which was produced at a depth of approximately 1 m in the seabed, was consumed nearly quantitatively in the biologically mixed layer as it diffused upward. Irrigation of the sediments by infauna may have provided the necessary oxidant for the consumption of the methane.
Recognition of handprinted characters in Italian cadastral maps

Automatic understanding of line drawings is a fundamental task in order to feed a Geographic Information System. Furthermore, the amount of alphanumeric data in engineering drawings and maps makes it necessary to automatically process characters and to provide efficient interactive tools for recognition validation. In this paper, we present the character recognition subsystem implemented within a larger system for the automatic interpretation of Italian cadastral maps (A0 format monochrome drawings representing land properties by means of continuous lines, dashed lines, shading patterns, characters, and special symbols). The system relies upon quite general methodologies, and experiments are now in progress on different kinds of line drawings. The character recognition subsystem consists of a sequence of steps -- from the detection of characters within the raster image to the reconstruction of text strings by grouping single characters, from character recognition to the placement of recognized texts in the vector image. Fully automatic steps are followed by interactive sessions, during which an operator checks and corrects the results provided by the system. The system is currently running on two different platforms: (1) S/370 or S/390 architecture running VM/CMS, equipped with IBM 5080 graphic stations, (2) IBM RS/6000 workstation running AIX.
WE-E-332-02: Dosimetric Characterization of a Cone Beam O-Arm Imaging System

Purpose: The O‐arm is a cone beam imaging system designed primarily to support orthopedic surgery as well as for image‐guided and vascular surgery. Using a gantry that can be opened or closed, the O‐arm can function as a 2D fluoroscopy device or collect 3D volumetric imaging data like a CT system. Our clinical applications of the O‐arm in spine surgical procedures, assessment of pedicle screw position, kyphoplasty procedures, and etc show that the O‐arm 3D mode provides enhanced imaging information in the surgical procedure compared to radiographs or fluoroscopy alone. However, the radiation dose of the O‐arm has remained uninvestigated. This study is to investigate patient dose and scatter radiation from an O‐arm and compare the results to those from a CT scanner and a conventional C‐arm. Method and Materials: The patient dose was measured using a 0.6 cc Farmer ion chamber and 30 cm long CT head and body phantoms. Scatter radiation was measured at several locations around the O‐arm, at 1m, 2m and 3m distances from the iso‐center of the O‐arm, in both the 2D fluoroscopic mode and the 3D mode with a Radcal 10×5−180 pancake ion chamber using a 30 cm long CTDI body phantom as the source of scatter. The same measurements were made for an OEC C‐arm and a 64 slice CT scanner, respectively. Results: The results show that under identical technical conditions and with the same scan length, the O‐arm 3D mode delivers radiation dose to patients and scatterdose to personnel that is comparable to that of the 64 slice CT scanner. The O‐arm 2D mode produces similar scatter radiation as a conventional GE OEC fluoroscopic C‐arm system. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the O‐arm had comparable radiation dose to patients and radiologists as CT and C‐arm systems.
LONG-TERM OBSERVATION OF THE AUTOKINETIC ILLUSION: FREQUENCY AND DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT.

This study was designed to test the following hypotheses: (a) reports of autokinetic movement increase with increasing exposure time; (b) reports of movement in the vertical plane occur with greater frequency than reports of movement in the horizontal plane. Forty Ss, who were told that they were radar watchkeepers, observed a pin point of light in a dark room for 30 min. and indicated the direction of apparent movement. The results obtained supported both hypotheses. The increase in reports of movement is accounted for in terms of increased suggestibility due to the effects of sensory deprivation. A possible explanation for the greater frequency of reports of vertical movement is discussed in terms of Kuennapas' theory of the relevance of the horizontally-extended oval shape of the visual field for the horizontal-vertical illusion.
HIGH PRESSURE INACTIVATION OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE, ENDOGENOUS MICROFLORA AND PECTINMETHYLESTERASE IN ORANGE JUICE

Decimal reduction times (D-values) for Saccharomyces cerevisiae ascospores inoculated into pasteurized orange juice ranged from 4 to 76 s at pressures between 500 and 350 MPa. At the same pressures, D-values of S. cerevisiae vegetative cells ranged from 1 to 38 s while those for the native microflora in nonpasteurized Hamlin orange juice were between 3 and 74 s. Corresponding z-values were 123, 106 and 103 MPa for ascospores, vegetative cells and native microflora, respectively. Native microorganisms that survived high pressure treatments included yeasts, gram-positive and gram-negative bacilli. Pectinmethylesterase activity in nonpasteurized Hamlin orange juice was reduced to 5% of initial activity after 30 s at 900 MPa.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Standard therapy does not exist for the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma. This is because of low patient numbers, slow accrual to clinical trials, and the absence of phase III randomized clinical trials. Neuro-oncologists agree that whole brain irradiation alone is no longer the best treatment option; treatment should include high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy, and treatment strategies must combine efficacy without untoward toxicity. However, beyond this, there is no widespread consensus. Significant neurocognitive toxicity has been associated with combined chemotherapyradiation regimens, especially in elderly patients. This has prompted many to defer radiation therapy in all patients except those that refuse chemotherapy, those that have a partial response to chemotherapy, or those that have disease progression through chemotherapy. There is supporting evidence for this approach; however, confirmatory data from multicenter clinical trials and 5-year survival rates are unavailable. This underscores the importance of ongoing clinical trials.
Particle-size-distribution retrieval from backscattered polarized radiation measurements: a proposed method

Equations are derived for estimating the size distribution of particles from measurements of components of the Stokes vector of radiation backscattered from an optically thick, plane-parallel aerosol. A two-step inversion procedure is needed. The inverse (Fredholm) size-distribution procedure utilizes the lowest-order angular moment of the element S44 of the normalized scattering matrix at different wavelengths obtained from an inverse radiative-transfer procedure. This procedure requires time-dependent, backscattered polarized radiance measurements at long and short times after radiation pulses at different wavelengths illuminate the aerosol; the procedure is based on the assumption of azimuthal symmetry in order to obtain an uncoupling of the components of the polarized radiance. If the radiation wavelengths are between 0.3 and 10.6 μm, the procedure will work best if the radii of spherical particles are between 0.04 μm and a few micrometers.
Influence of viscosity on the impingement of laminar liquid jets

The impingement of low-viscosity liquid jets has been studied extensively for over a century due to their fundamental scientific interest and their practical importance in spray and atomization technologies. However, the role of the fluid viscosity in the impingement dynamics is largely unknown despite the fact that viscous liquids are common in spray and atomization processes ranging from spray drying in the food industry to the atomization of gelled propellants in rocket engines. Here, we report direct numerical simulations that enable a detailed analysis of the influence of viscosity on the impingement dynamics. The simulations solve the complete Navier–Stokes system governing the free-surface dynamics, and so fully account for the interplay of inertia, viscous and capillary forces. Results show that the liquid viscosity profoundly affects the impingement dynamics. The collision of viscous liquid jets generates a fluid sheet that thins at a rate r−1 with the distance r from the impact point at intermediate viscosities, in contrast to the inertial case in which the sheet thins at a faster rate r−2. As the viscosity increases, the fluid sheets become thicker and more uniform, and contrary to the inertial case, the velocity of the sheets is lower than the velocity of the jets. Results further reveal that due to viscous stresses the impact pressure generated by the collision of viscous liquid jets scales as Re−1, where Re is the jet Reynolds number.
An exact algorithm for solving the economic lot and supply scheduling problem using a power-of-two policy

It is not sufficient for a manufacturer of products to merely optimize lot sizes and production schedules to reduce company-wide costs. Optimal policies for raw materials purchasing, stock keeping of input material, inventory management of end products and customer demand fulfillment also have to be implemented in an integrated manner. The economic lot and supply scheduling problem (ELSSP) deals with the problem of the simultaneous planning of raw materials purchasing, production planning and storage of finished goods. The underlying assumptions of an ELSSP can be observed in several industrial areas, e.g., the retailing and automotive industries. After a brief problem description and a literature review, this paper presents a complete mathematical model and an exact procedure to solve the ELSSP using a power-of-two policy. The solution procedure is based on the junction point method. Analytical results for a broad range of test instances are calculated comparing the results of a power-of-two policy to the results from applying a common cycle policy. The results emphasize the economic advantages of the power-of-two policy especially for certain parameter values.
Occult Pneumonias: Empiric Chest Radiographs in Febrile Children With Leukocytosis

Abstract Study objective: We sought to determine the incidence of radiographic findings of pneumonia in highly febrile children with leukocytosis and no clinical evidence of pneumonia or other major infectious source. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study at a large urban pediatric hospital. Clinical practice guidelines for the use of chest radiography in febrile children were established by the emergency medicine attending staff. All records of emergency department patients with leukocytosis (WBC count ≥ 20,000/mm 3 ), triage temperature 39.0°C or higher, age 5 years or less were reviewed daily for 12 months. Physicians completed a questionnaire to note the diagnosis, the presence of respiratory symptoms and signs, and the reason for the chest radiograph (if one was obtained). Patients were excluded for immunodeficiency, chronic lung disease, or major bacterial sources of infection other than pneumonia. Pneumonia was defined by an attending radiologist's reading of the radiograph. Results: We studied 278 patients. Chest radiographs were obtained in 225 for the following reasons: 79 because of respiratory findings suggestive of pneumonia and 146 because of leukocytosis and no identifiable major source of infection. Fifty-three patients did not undergo radiography. Pneumonia was found in 32 of 79 (40%; 95% confidence interval, 20% to 52%) of those with findings suggestive of pneumonia and in 38 of 146 (26%; 95% confidence interval, 19% to 34%) of those without clinical evidence of pneumonia. If patients who did not have a radiograph are assumed to not have pneumonia, the minimum estimate of occult pneumonia was 38 of 199 patients (19%; 95% confidence interval, 14% to 25%). Conclusion: Empiric chest radiographs in highly febrile children with leukocytosis and no findings of pneumonia frequently reveal occult pneumonias. Chest radiography should be considered a routine diagnostic test in children with a temperature of 39°C or greater and WBC count of 20,000/mm 3 or greater without an alternative major source of infection. [Bachur R, Perry H, Harper MB: Occult pneumonias: Empiric chest radiographs in febrile children with leukocytosis. Ann Emerg Med February 1999;33:166-173.]
A study of orally-administered degraded carrageenan in the baboon.

Abstract No urinary metachromasia was observed when adult baboons were given degraded carrageenan (number-average mol wt 16,000–19,000) in a single dose of 240 mg/kg, which is more than three times the therapeutic dose in man. Even at a dose level of 3 g/kg, more than forty times the therapeutic dose, only 3–6 mg/kg were excreted in the urine over 24 hr, and carrageenan could not be detected in the blood up to 18 hr after dosing, despite the fact that the limit of detection was 5 μg/ml of blood. Urinary metachromasia was determined quantitatively by a spectrophotometric method, and the sulphated polysaccharides responsible for the metachromatic colour were isolated and shown to contain a high proportion of carrageenan, which was characterized by specific rotation, content of ester sulphate and 3,6-anhydrogalactose, infra-red analysis, and paper chromatography of the hydrolysis products. Methods have been developed for the isolation and characterization of degraded carrageenan added in vitro to blood, down to a concentration of 100 μg/ml of blood, and for detecting metachromasia down to 5 μg/ml. In the studies undertaken, no detectable amounts of degraded carrageenan were found in the urine of the baboons given three times the therapeutic dose and only very small quantities were detected in specimens of 24-hr urine from animals given the massive dose of 3 g/kg. These results indicate that absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract is unlikely to occur at the levels of degraded carrageenan used therapeutically.
Our experience with unusual gastrointestinal tract duplications in infants

Background: Classical duplications may present along any part of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from mouth to anus. Atypical or unusual rare varieties of GIT duplications may also occur, but with different anatomical features. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our 5-year record (February 2008-January 2013) to describe clinical profile of unusual GIT duplications in neonates and small infants. Results: Three patients with atypical variety of GIT duplications were managed in our department during this tenure. Two were females and one male. Age was ranged between 11 days and 2 months. All patients presented with massive abdominal distension causing respiratory embarrassment in two of them. In all patients, the pre-operative differential diagnoses also included GIT duplication cysts. Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed single huge cyst in one and multiple cysts in two patients. In one patient the CT scan also depicted a thoracic cyst in relation to posterior mediastinum. At operation, one patient had colonic tubular duplication cyst along with another isolated duplication cyst, the second case had a tubular duplication cyst of ileum with its segmental dilatation, and in the third case two isolated duplications were found. Duplication cysts were excised along with mucosal stripping in one patient, cyst excision and intestinal resection and anastomosis in one patient, and only cysts excision in one. All patients did well post-operatively. Conclusion: We presented unusual GIT duplications. These duplications are managed on similar lines as classical duplications with good prognosis when dealt early.
The retained penile prosthesis reservoir: a risk

Complications associated with penile prostheses include malfunction, infection, and patient dissatisfaction. We present a rare complication of a retained abdominal reservoir eroding into the bladder and causing irritative voiding symptoms several years after the removal of the penile components of a three-piece penile prosthesis.
How many times and how many ways: the impact of number of nonsuicidal self-injury methods on the relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury frequency and suicidal behavior

Several variables have been proposed as heavily influencing or explaining the association between nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior. We propose that increased comfort with bodily harm may serve as an incrementally valuable variable to consider. We sought to indirectly test this possibility by examining the moderating role of number of NSSI methods utilized on the relationship between NSSI frequency and lifetime number of suicide attempts, positing that increased variability in methods would be indicative with a greater general comfort with inflicting harm upon one's own body. In both a large sample of emerging adults (n = 1,317) and a subsample with at least one prior suicide attempt (n = 143), results were consistent with our hypothesis. In both samples, the interaction term was significant, with the relationship between NSSI frequency and suicidal behavior increasing in magnitude from low to mean to high levels of NSSI methods. Although frequency of NSSI is robustly associated with suicidal behavior, the magnitude of that relationship increases as an individual engages in a wider variety of NSSI methods. We propose that this may be due to an increased comfort with the general concept of damaging one's own body resulting from a broader selection of methods for self-harm.
Mössbauer study of magnetic properties in low stage FeCl3 intercalated graphite

Abstract Using relaxation theory, we have completed the first fits to the broadened Mossbauer spectra observed about the magnetic transition temperature in stage 1 and 2 ferric chloride intercalated graphite compounds. We conclude that the major Fe 3+ site undergoes a magnetic phase transition at 4.2 ± 0.3 K for the stage 1 compound and 2.0 ± 1.0 K for the stage 2 compound. These results are significant in showing that the magnetic phase transition, at least in the stage 1 compound, is strongly influenced by three-dimensional interactions.
Electro-Machining (EM) Using Metal Coated Atomic Force Microscope Tip and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper Films

Using metal-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tips and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) BuckyPaper films, the authors have successfully explored the feasibility of electro-machining (EM) at the nanometer scale. Highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and thin metal films were used as a substrate (workpiece) and metal-coated (Cr/Au) Si AFM tips and BuckyPaper films were used as electrodes. A negative voltage pulse was applied to the AFM tip to fabricate holes as small as 30 nm in diameter on the HOPG surface. Using SWNT BuckyPaper films, the submicron holes were fabricated on a metal surface, demonstrating that SWNTs can work as electrodes.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A PROSPECTIVE, 1-YEAR TRIAL USING SAW PALMETTO VERSUS FINASTERIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF CATEGORY III PROSTATITIS/ CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of saw palmetto or finasteride in men with category III prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, open label, 1-year study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of saw palmetto and finasteride in the treatment of men diagnosed with CP/CPPS. Patients were randomized to finasteride (5 mg once daily) or saw palmetto (325 mg daily) for 1 year. Patients were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, individual domains (pain, urinary symptoms, quality of life and mean pain score) and the American Urological Association Symptom Score at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.Results: A total of 64 consecutive men 24 to 58 years old (mean age 43.2) with a diagnosis of CP/CPPS were equally randomized to the 2 treatment arms. All 64 men had previously received antibiotics (duration of 3 to 93 weeks), 52 (82%) had been on α-blockade. There wer...
The isolation and preliminary characterization of apotransketolase from human erythrocytes.

Human erythrocyte apotransketolase (EC 2.2.1.1) has been isolated with greater than 400 fold purification, and free of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The preparation has an absolute requirement for thiamin pyrophosphate in order to exhibit enzyme activity. Neither thiamin nor thiamin monophosphate could substitute for this requirement, nor were they inhibitory separately or together at concentrations of 1 mM. The Km for thiamin pyrophosphate was 0.4 μM. The Km for ribose-5-phosphate was 3 × 10−4M and for xylulose-5-phosphate 1.8 × 10−4M.
Paradoxical enhancement of learned anxiety responses.

Studies demonstrating paradoxical enhancement, the increase in the magnitude of a conditioned response following exposure to the conditioned stimulus alone, are reviewed. Theories currently used in explaining the phenomenon are discussed. Increased understanding of the parameters involved in the traditional extinction situation have implications for research into the ontogeny of human anxiety syndromes and for differential therapeutic prescriptions in a behavior modification setting.
COMPARISON OF WISC-R AND WISC-III SCORES OF URBAN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS '

Summay.-WISC-R IQs and WISC-111 IQs of 65 urban, exceptional students who underwent a 3-yr. reevaluation were compared. Primary questions concerned (a) mean Merences in scores between respective WISC-R and WISC-ILI scales and subtests and (b) the relationships among scores on WISC-R and WISC-III scales and subrests. Analysis indicated that mean scores on the WISC-111 scales were significantly lower than those on the WSC-R scales. Among the subtests, WISC-I11 IQs were signi£icantly lower than WISGR IQs on Similarities, Comprehension, and Coding. Intercorrelations computed benveen all Wechsler scales' IQs indicated substantial conceptual overlap (Full Scale IQ = .88, Verbal IQ = .86, Performance IQ = .82). The utility of che WISC-LIT in the placement process was supported; however, the changes on che WISC-III scales and subtests are such that caution must be exercised in the reclassification of exceptional students. Identification of exceptional students is predicated on the assumption that intelltgence is a highly stable construct. While this assumption has received a considerable amount of support in the general population (Stavrou, 1990; Wechsler, 1991), it is less well-documented for exceptional children. These children may demonstrate significant variabhty in test performance and present erratic test profiles (Bolen, Achinger, Hall, & Webster, 1995; Webster, 1988). Currently, there are relatively few published studies using the WISC-I11 which have examined long-term changes in IQ between initial evaluation and reevaluation of exceptional students. These studies demonstrated the expected decrement in mean WISC-I11 IQs; however, not all decrements were significant. Newby, Recht, Caldwell, and Schaefer (1993) tested 26 dyslexic children with the WISC-R and retested them with the WISC-111 two years later. They obtained significantly lower WISC-I11 scores on Verbal and Full Scale IQs. Differences in WISC-R and WISC-111 scores with a mixed sample of 84 regular and exceptional students were assessed by Graf and Hinton (1994). After a 3-year interval, WISC-I11 Performance IQs and Full Scale IQs were significantly lower than the comparable WISC-R scale scores. Citing outcomes from 22 studies of varying duration, Weiss (1995) re
Dynamic signature forgery and signature strength perception assessment

Dynamic signature verification has many challenges associated with the creation of the impostor dataset. The literature discusses several ways of determining the impostor signature provider, but this takes a different approach - that of the opportunistic forger and his or her relationship to the genuine signature holder. This examines the accuracy with which an opportunistic forger assesses the various traits of the genuine signature, and whether the genuine signature holder believes that his or her signature is easy to forge.
Wide Area Frequency Visualization using Smart Client Technology

In order to significantly improve the situation awareness, the operators or operations engineers in the energy management systems and the regional and sub-regional security coordinators of large interconnected systems need to know in real-time the large system disturbance events such as generator outages, load outages and transmission outages over an entire interconnection. This paper describes a wide-area real-time frequency monitoring and visualization application using GPS synchronized frequency measurements including phasor measurement units (PMU) and frequency data recorders (FDR) and using advanced smart client technology. This wide area real-time frequency visualization application can also show the location, magnitude and the related event message on the frequency display in real-time by integration with the on-line event triggering and location of disturbance applications. This frequency visualization application can also be used for performing the post-disturbance analysis. The smart client technology used for the wide area real time frequency monitoring and visualization application significantly improves the performance by fully utilizing the local computer resources, the Internet and the Web services. The system architecture, the technical approaches and the solution algorithms used in this frequency visualization application are described in detail in this paper. The wide area frequency contours for the real-time monitoring and event replay functions provide interconnection frequency overview. The location, magnitude and the related event message shown on the display immediately after the event occurs will allow the users to know what is happening in the interconnected power system and to take appropriate control actions if necessary. This application has been tested using the wide area real-time frequency data sets related large generator outage events in the Eastern Interconnection. The test results are presented in this paper.
Myofilament remodeling during the progression of heart failure

Background: Myocardial failure is associated with complex, pleiotropic responses involving multiple signaling mechanisms and alterations in structure-function relationships. Myofilament proteins are a central component of these responses and may be modified in various ways, including isoform variation, phosphorylation, and degradation. Methods and Results: We have modeled the transition from compensated hypertrophy to failure using a combination of isolated heart and in vitro motility methods in the Dahl salt sensitive rat model. Conclusions: Our results and prior data indicate that myosin isoform switching probably does not have major functional consequences in failing human myocardium. In contrast, a defect in the thin filament appears to play an important role in the Dahl rat and possibly in patients. The mechanism is uncertain, but preliminary data suggest altered phosphorylation of troponin I and/or T.
MasPaWS—a massively parallel war simulator

Describes the design, implementation and performance of a battlefield simulator for massively parallel SIMD machines. MasPaWS (Massively Parallel War Simulator) is a first-generation prototype that simulates the battle dynamics of a 2D theater to the level of individual tanks in a battlefield having certain terrain features. Objects in the battlefield are the terrain features and tanks. The battle cycles through a set of protocols: perception and combat, update combat, migration, and update migration. MasPaWS, written in the MasPar Programming Language (MPL), has been implemented on a MasPar machine. The salient features of MasPaWS include: (1) use of simple protocols to match the machine architecture, (2) parametrization of several quantities to control the computation of and communication between MasPar processors and to estimate performance, and (3) interactive user input for terrain specification and generation, and other key parameters. Our work appears to be the first of its kind in war simulation on a massively parallel SIMD machine, using thousands of processors. Our results indicate that MasPaWS is both data- and architecture-scalable for battlefield simulation, while achieving high efficiency at the same time.
The Cramér-Rao Bound for joint parameter estimation of burst-mode QPSK

We derive the Cramer-Rao Bound (CRB) on the performance of joint estimators for timing offset, carrier phase offset, and carrier frequency offset for use in a QPSK packetbased communication link. It is shown that the CRB is a function of the pilot or training sequence, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the pulse shape. We also compute QPSK training sequences of different lengths that minimize the CRB for each of the parameters.
Reply: Qualitative 18F-FDG PET/CT Response Evaluation After Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Is There an Equivocal Group?

REPLY: We agree that having an equivocal group is a challenging clinical issue in assessing patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after chemoradiation therapy. The Hopkins criteria ([1][1]) are a simple, standardized, qualitative method of assessing therapy, or a “perceptual
Conformation of alamethicin in phospholipid vesicles: Implications for insertion models

The secondary structure of alamethicin, a membrane channel-forming polypeptide, has been examined by circular dichroism spectroscopy to determine the relationship of its conformation in organic solution to its conformation in a membrane-bound state. The spectrum of alamethicin in small unilamellar dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine vesicles is significantly different from its spectrum in 10% methanol/acetonitrile, the solvent from which it was crystallized (Fox and Richards: Nature 300:325–330, 1982), as well as its spectrum in methanol, the solvent in which NMR studies have been done (Banerjee and Chan: Biochemistry 22:3709–3713, 1983). This suggests that structural models based on studies of the molecule in organic solvents may not be entirely appropriate for the membrane-bound state. To distinguish between different models for channel formation and insertion, two different methods were used to associate the alamethicin with vesicles; in addition, the effect of oligomerization on the conformation of the membrane-bound state was investigated. These studies are consistent with a modified insertion model in which alamethicin monomers, dimers, or trimers associate with the bilayer and then spontaneously oligomerize to form a prechannel with a higher helix content. This aggregate could then “open” upon application of an appropriate gating transmembrane potential.
Atrioventricular valve morphology and dynamics in congenital heart disease as imaged with real-time 3-dimensional matrix-array echocardiography: comparison with 2-dimensional imaging and surgical findings.

Objective We sought to describe our initial experience with real-time 3-dimensional echocardiographic (RT3DE) imaging of atrioventricular valve (AVV) anomalies in pediatric patients to resolve a specific morphologic or dynamic detail, which, although suggested, could not be well resolved during the conventional 2-dimensional (2D)/Doppler examination. Methods In all, 41 patients (age range 1 day-24 years) with different AVV anomalies underwent RT3DE as part of their comprehensive echocardiographic assessment. Matrix-array transducers with a frequency range of 1 to 4 MHz were used. The first 27 patients were not consecutive, and the RT3DE findings interpreted by one examiner were compared directly with the 2D findings interpreted by a different examiner. In the following consecutive 14 patients, the RT3DE findings were compared with the surgical findings and with the interpretations of their corresponding 2D examinations by 3 examiners who were blinded to the findings of RT3DE for more objective comparison. Results RT3DE imaging was successful in resolving the raised question in all patients. The morphology of the valve leaflets and their chordal attachments, the mechanism and origin of regurgitation, and the geometry of the regurgitant volume were well delineated by RT3DE imaging. In the second group of patients, there was agreement between the morphologic details delineated by RT3DE (a total of 21 specific questions raised) and the surgical findings in those patients who had immediate surgery. On the other hand, RT3DE showed prominent AVV chordal attachments in the left ventricular outflow tract in one patient, which was not considered surgically relevant during the repair. Conclusions Although RT3DE is still in its initial phase, has some technical limitations, and does not change the basic diagnosis made by 2D imaging, echocardiographic examination using the matrix-array transducer is a useful adjunct in delineating specific morphologic and dynamic details of the AVV in congenital heart disease.
A comparative study of two useful discrete-valued random fields for the statistical modeling of images

The author presents two interesting discrete-valued random fields for the statistical modeling and analysis of random images. The first random field, the mutually compatible Gibbs random field, is a special nontrivial case of a general Gibbs random field, whereas the second random field, the semi-Markov random field is a non-Markovian generalization of a mutually compatible Gibbs random field. >
Role of laser myringotomy in a pediatric otolaryngology practice: initial experience

A new technology (OtoLAM) to fenestrate the tympanic membrane with the carbon dioxide laser (CO 2 ), in the office or the operating room, has been introduced over the last three years. While not new conceptually, this product offers the ability to easily create a precise window into the middle ear using a portable system. Controversy regarding the indications and benefits of this technique, amplified by the costs of the system and the marketing of the technology prior to extensive clinical testing, has plagued the clinical application of this technology. We report our experience over the past year with this system in a busy pediatric otolaryngology practice. Laser fenestration of the tympanic membrane has been useful for the insertion of tympanostomy tubes, and for the minimally invasive evaluation of the middle ear. Our small experience to date reveals that there is a limited role for laser tympanic membrane fenestration in a busy pediatric otolaryngology practice.
Inhibition of Stearoyl-Coenzyme A Desaturase 1 Dissociates Insulin Resistance and Obesity From Atherosclerosis

Background— Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a well-known enhancer of the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of SCD1 in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis progression. Methods and Results— Antisense oligonucleotides were used to inhibit SCD1 in a mouse model of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis (LDLr−/−Apob100/100). In agreement with previous reports, inhibition of SCD1 protected against diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Unexpectedly, however, SCD1 inhibition strongly promoted aortic atherosclerosis, which could not be reversed by dietary oleate. Further analyses revealed that SCD1 inhibition promoted accumulation of saturated fatty acids in plasma and tissues and reduced plasma triglyceride, yet had little impact on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Because dietary saturated fatty acids have been shown to promote inflammation through toll-like receptor 4, we examined macrophage toll-like receptor 4 function...
Using camera trap photos and direct sightings to identify possible refugia for the Vulnerable Sumatran striped rabbit Nesolagus netscheri

The endemic Sumatran striped rabbit Nesolagus netscheri , categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, is one of the rarest lagomorphs and little is known about its ecology, status or distribution. After nearly a decade with no published sightings, new camera-trap photos have been taken and observations made in Bukit Barisan Seletan and Kerinci Seblat National Parks, renewing interest in this rare species. We suggest that Bukit Barisan Seletan National Park is an ideal location to initiate a much needed ecological study of the species. Documentation and protection of a population in this Park would facilitate refinement of study techniques applicable to other areas in Sumatra, including Kerinci Seblat National Park, and thus facilitate an assessment of the status and distribution of the species. We believe that in light of ongoing encroachment and deforestation in many of Sumatra's protected areas it is important to implement immediate conservation initiatives in both parks to ensure the persistence of these known populations.
Spectral shaping of circuit errors in digital-to-analog converters

Recently, various multibit noise-shaping digital-to-analog converters (DACs) have been proposed that use digital signal processing techniques to cause the DAC noise arising from analog component mismatches to be spectrally shaped. Such DACs have the potential to significantly increase the present precision limits of /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ data converters by eliminating the need for one-bit quantization in delta-sigma modulators. This paper extends the practicality of the noise-shaping DAC approach by presenting a general noise-shaping DAC architecture along with two special-case configurations that achieve first- and second-order noise-shaping, respectively. The second-order DAC configuration, in particular, is the least complex of those currently known to the author. Additionally, the paper provides a rigorous explanation of the apparent paradox of how the DAC noise can be spectrally shaped even though the sources of the DAC noise-the errors introduced by the analog circuitry-are not known to the noise-shaping algorithm.
Multi-sensory experience and environmental encounter: rethinking the sustainability of humanities education

This paper explores interdisciplinary teaching methods that combine studies in the humanities (particularly literature and philosophy) with multisensory environmental experience (outdoor fieldwork and reflection). While various forms of outdoor practice are already familiar in environmental humanities education, I emphasise their role as a powerful tool for examining rationalist traditions that trivialise embodied experience and estrange our intelligence from the intimacy and mystery of everyday contact with non-human nature. Drawing directly from student reflections in environmental humanities courses at the University of Washington, Bothell, I illustrate ways that undergraduates apply insights from phenomenology and literary studies to trace connections between ordinary sensory experience, contemporary and historical environmental values, and the literary and philosophical traditions that inform them. Through this integrated approach, students also develop awareness of the ethical implications of sense experiences we share with other forms of life, and draw on their embodied encounters to critique Cartesian legacies that privilege logical abstractions at the expense of other ways of knowing.
Mems design and verification

The long term impact of MEMS technology will be in its ability to integrate novel sensing and actuation functionality on traditional computing and communication devices enabling the ubiquitous digital computer to interact with the world around it. The design and verification of such integrated systems will occur at the system level, driven primarily by the application. Application-driven systemlevel design methodologies that ease the integration of the digital domain to the real world using mixed domain technologies are therefore needed. A hierarchical structured approach that is compatible with standard IC design is outlined. It starts with schematic capture of a design topology, followed by behavioral simulation, layout generation, parasitic extraction, and final verification.
Field-scale monitoring of the long-term impact and sustainability of drainage water reuse on the west side of California's San Joaquin Valley

Diminishing freshwater resources have brought attention to the reuse of degraded water as a water resource rather than a disposal problem. Drainage water from tile-drained, irrigated agricultural land is degraded water that is often in large supply, but the long-term impact and sustainability of its reuse on soil is unknown. Similarly, nothing is known of the ramifications of terminating drainage water reuse. The objective of this study is (i) to monitor the long-term impact on soil chemical properties and thereby the sustainability of drainage water reuse on a marginally productive, saline–sodic, 32.4 ha field located on the west side of California's productive San Joaquin Valley and (ii) to assess spatially what happens to soil when drainage water reuse is terminated. The monitoring and assessment were based on spatial chemical data for soil collected during 10 years of irrigation with drainage water followed by 2 years of no applied irrigation water (only rainfall). Geo-referenced measurements of apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) were used to direct the soil sampling design to characterize spatial variability of impacted soil properties. Chemical analyses of soil samples were used (i) to characterize the spatial variability of salinity, Na, B, and Mo, which were previously identified as critical to the yield and quality of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (l.) Pers.) grown for livestock consumption and (ii) to monitor their change during the 12 year study. Soil samples were taken at 0.3 m increments to a depth of 1.2 m at each of 40 sample sites on five occasions: August 1999, April 2002, November 2004, August 2009, and May 2011. Drainage water varying in salinity (1.8–16.3 dS m−1), SAR (5.2–52.4), Mo (80–400 μg L−1), and B (0.4–15.1 mg L−1) was applied from July 2000 to June 2009. Results indicate that salts, Na, Mo, and B were leached from the root zone causing a significant improvement in soil quality from 1999 to 2009. Salinity and SAR returned to original levels or higher in less than two years after termination of irrigation. Boron and Mo showed significant increases. Long-term sustainability of drainage water reuse was supported by the results, but once application of irrigation water was terminated, the field quickly returned to its original saline–sodic condition.
Bringing systems biology to cancer, immunology and infectious disease

A report on the seventh annual ‘International Conference on Systems Biology of Human Disease’ held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 17–19 June, 2014.
Plea-Bargaining, Negotiating Confessions and Consensual Resolution of Criminal Cases

This report explores the various types of consensual procedures that make up the procedural arsenals of modern criminal justice systems and if and how they have contributed to procedural economy in the respective country. It discusses whether or not important procedural principles have been compromised, undermining the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.