cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of nerve growth factor on dihydrotetrabenazine binding to PC12 cells.

Abstract Tetrabenazine and dihydrotetrabenazine (TBZOH) are potent inhibitors of substrate transport by the predominant forms of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) present in bovine brain synaptic vesicles and bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin vesicles. Radiolabeled TBZOH binds to these preparations with apparent dissociation constants in the low nanomolar range. However, tetrabenazine is a much less potent inhibitor of transport by rVMAT1, a form of the transporter cloned from a rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cDNA library and expressed in CHO cells. Reported attempts to observe binding of [ 3 H]TBZOH to rVMAT1 have not been successful. We examined binding of [ 3 H]TBZOH to a crude membrane fraction from PC12 cells. Computerized nonlinear least squares curve fitting revealed two classes of binding sites ( K d 1 = 1.5 nM, R 1 = 0.2 pmol/mg protein, K d 2 = 340 nM, R 2 = 15.2 pmol/mg protein). While the identity of the higher affinity sites is not certain, their high affinity for TBZOH suggests that they may be associated with rVMAT2. The lower affinity sites are likely to be associated with rVMAT1 on the basis of their affinity for TBZOH and sensitivity to inhibition of TBZOH binding by transporter substrates and inhibitors. NGF-treated PC12 cells also exhibited two classes of sites ( K d 1 = 1.9 nM, R 1 = 0.18 pmol/mg protein; K d 2 = 370 nM, R 2 = 23.7 pmol/mg protein). While there were no significant differences between control and NGF-treated cells in binding capacity of the higher affinity sites, nor in apparent dissociation constants for either class of sites, there was a highly significant increase in number of lower affinity binding sites in the NGF-treated cells ( p = 0.001). These results provide direct evidence that the differential sensitivity of rat brain and adrenal catecholamine stores to depletion by tetrabenazine and its derivatives is due to a much lower affinity of rVMAT1 for these compounds, and that NGF treatment may increase levels of rVMAT1 expression in PC12 cells. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Studying Dynamic Decision-Making in Construction Management Using Adaptive Interactive Simulations

Construction projects consist of multiple components such as on-site equipment resources, site layout, labor productivity, unexpected external events, and human decisions regarding resource allocation and activity rescheduling. Stochastic spatial and temporal interactions between those components result in dynamic complexity of construction projects. Decisions made in such dynamic task environments must consider both immediate impacts and long-term dynamic feedback. The objective of this research is to use the adaptive interactive simulation framework as an experimental test bed to study dynamics of decisions in construction scenarios. A simulation of a four story structural steel framed office building project was implemented within Interactive Construction Decision Making Aid (ICDMA) under five different decision strategies. Simulated construction performance data at each decision control point was collected and analyzed to compare the project dynamics resulting from five strategies, and those strategies were assessed as well. This research provides a perspective to study dynamics of decision making through interactive simulation while furthering the knowledge of effective decision making and the development of dynamic decision support systems in construction management.
Ubiquitous computing in the military environment

Increasingly people work and live on the move. To support this mobile lifestyle, especially as our work becomes more intensely information-based, companies are producing various portable and embedded information devices. The late Mark Weiser coined the term, 'ubiquitous computing' to describe an environment where computers have disappeared and are integrated into physical objects. Much industry research today is concerned with ubiquitous computing in the work and home environments. A ubiquitous computing environment would facilitate mobility by allowing information users to easily access and use information anytime, anywhere. As war fighters are inherently mobile, the question is what effect a ubiquitous computing environment would have on current military operations and doctrine. And, if ubiquitous computing is viewed as beneficial for the military, what research would be necessary to achieve a military ubiquitous computing environment? What is a vision for the use of mobile information access in a battle space? Are there different requirements for civilian and military users of this technology? What are those differences? Are there opportunities for research that will support both worlds? What type of research has been supported by the military and what areas need to be investigated? Although we don't yet have all the answers to these questions, this paper discusses the issues and presents the work we are doing to address these issues.
Polyfunctional epoxies: Part I. rubber‐toughened brominated and nonbrominated formulations for graphite composites

A new trifunctional epoxy resin, Tris-(hydroxyphenyl)methane triglycidyl ether, was compared to a state-of-the-art resin, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM), in graphite composites. Rubber-toughened brominated and nonbrominated formulations were compared for their mechanical performance, environmental stability, thermochemical behavior, and flame retardancy. It was found that the new resin performs almost the same way as the TGDDM does, but has some improved properties. The fracture toughness of the various formulations was studied carefully and the overall performance of the new resin is discussed.
High-resolution diode laser absorption spectroscopy of the O-H stretch overtone band (2, 0, 0) ← (0, 0, 0) of the HO2 radical

Abstract The O–H stretching overtone (2ν1) of the HO2 radical was observed between 6603.2 to 6685.5 cm −1 by using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS). About 1000 lines were observed in this region of which 491 transitions could be definitively assigned to the 2ν1. The spectrum is observed to be an A/B hybrid band with band features of both a perpendicular and parallel nature. Transitions of the A-type bands with Ka′=0–3, N′⩽16 and transitions of the B-type bands with Ka′=0,1, N′⩽15 were assigned. The origin calculated from the best fit to the present spectrum is at 6651.1876(38) cm −1 which is ∼ 4.6 cm −1 higher than previously reported. The overtone spectrum is observed to be heavily perturbed, possibly by Fermi resonance with energy levels of the nearby (ν2+5ν3) state.
Experience with computer monitoring, verification and record keeping in radiotherapy procedures using a clinac-4

Abstract Computer programs were developed to replace the manual daily records kept for each patient undergoing radiation therapy on our Clinac-4 linear accelerator. These programs are tailored to closely simulate the written record, both in form and data entry procedure. The computer record includes patient identification information, diagnosis, therapy prescription, field definitions, and a daily record of treatments. The number of monitor units for each field is calculated based on the field size at the time of simulation. Treatment machine parameters and dose are recorded and verified each time a field is treated. Results are presented for a total of 2155 machine settings corresponding to 46 patients followed on the computer. Error rates are relatively low, and presently there is little compensating savings in time and resources. Consequently, we do not plan to implement our computerized system in the near future.
Specific-Heat and Magnetic Measurements in Superconducting Ta-Nb Alloys

The specific heats of Ta and the Ta-Nb alloys ${\mathrm{Ta}}_{0.963}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.037}$, ${\mathrm{Ta}}_{0.86}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.14}$, ${\mathrm{Ta}}_{0.595}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.405}$, and ${\mathrm{Ta}}_{0.42}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.58}$ were measured from 1.5 to 7 K in both normal and superconducting states. The electronic specific-heat coefficient $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and the Debye temperature ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}$ were obtained from normal-state measurements below 4.2 K. The electron-phonon coupling factor $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and the bare-band-structure density of states at the Fermi surface ${N}_{\mathrm{bs}}(0)$, calculated from these results using McMillan's theory, show a smooth increase with increasing Nb concentration. The values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ are also compared with the predictions of Hopfield's theory. The thermodynamic critical field ${H}_{c}(T)$ for these intermediate coupling alloys was determined by integrating the difference between the normal and superconducting specific heat $\ensuremath{\Delta}C(T)$. A comparison with independent values of ${H}_{c}(T)$ obtained from magnetization measurements carried out on the same samples shows agreement at low temperatures and suggests the magnetic measurements tend to emphasize sample inhomogeneities particularly near ${T}_{c}$. Finally, $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is compared with other indicators of strong coupling in superconductors such as the deviation of ${H}_{c}(T)$ from ${T}^{2}$ behavior, $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}C}{\ensuremath{\gamma}{T}_{c}}$, $\frac{2\ensuremath{\Delta}(0)}{{k}_{B}{T}_{c}}$, and $\frac{{H}_{c}^{2}(0)}{\ensuremath{\gamma}{T}_{c}^{2}}$ determined for these alloys from the specific-heat measurements.
The changing food outlet distributions and local contextual factors in the United States

Little is known about the dynamics of the food outlet distributions associated with local contextual factors in the U.S. This study examines the changes in food stores/services at the 5-digit Zip Code Tabulated Area (ZCTA5) level in the U.S., and assesses contextual factors associated with the changes. Data from 27,878 ZCTA5s in the contiguous United States without an extreme change in the number of 6 types of food stores/services (supermarkets, small-size grocery stores, convenience stores, fresh/specialty food markets, carry-out restaurants, and full-service restaurants) were used. ZCTA5s’ contextual factors were from the 2000 Census. Numbers of food stores/services were derived from the Census Business Pattern databases. Linear regression models assessed contextual factors’ influences (racial/ethnic compositions, poverty rate, urbanization level, and foreign-born population%) on 1-year changes in food stores/services during 2000–2001, adjusted for population size, total business change, and census regions. Small-size grocery stores and fresh/specialty food markets increased more and convenience stores decreased more in Hispanic-predominant than other areas. Among supermarket-free places, new supermarkets were less likely to be introduced into black-predominant than white-predominant areas (odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30-0.92). However, among areas without the following type of store at baseline, supermarket (OR = 0.48 (0.33-0.70)), small-size grocery stores (OR = 1.32 (1.08-1.62)), and fresh/specialty food markets (OR = 0.70 (0.53-0.92)) were less likely to be introduced into areas of low foreign-born population than into areas of high foreign-born population. Higher poverty rate was associated with a greater decrease in supermarket, a less decrease in small-size grocery stores, and a less increase in carry-out restaurants (all p for trends <0.001). Urban areas experienced more increases in full-service and carry-out restaurants than suburban areas. Local area characteristics affect 1-year changes in food environment in the U.S. Hispanic population was associated with more food stores/services capable of supplying fresh food items. Black-predominant and poverty-afflicted areas had a greater decrease in supermarkets. Full-service and carry-out restaurants increased more in urban than suburban areas. Foreign-born population density was associated with introduction of grocery stores and fresh/specialty food markets into the areas.
Charting new territory: assessing the online frontier of student ratings of instruction

Computer‐mediated communication pervades society today. Higher education is no exception. Recently in the USA, a debate has emerged regarding online administration of student ratings of instruction (SROIs). Since these end‐of‐semester messages offered by students are used to influence merit, promotion and tenure decisions, the utility of administering them online ought to be examined. This comparative analysis of messages communicated by students via online and paper‐and‐pencil SROIs revealed several conclusions. First, the means by which online data were collected positively influenced overall student response rate, as well as internal question‐by‐question response rate. Second, no significant differences were revealed in (1) student responses to the Likert‐type scale assessments, (2) number of comments provided to the open‐ended questions, (3) number of positively and negatively charged comments offered in the open‐ended responses or (4) major content themes addressed in the open‐ended comments. Finally...
Review of "Machine Intelligence and Related Topics: An Information Scientist's Weekend Book by Donald Michie"; Gordon & Breach, Science Publishers, Inc., ISBN 0-677-05560-9, 1982.

Machine Intelligence is a collection of articles that Donald Michie has published in various, sometimes obscure, places over the years and which he thought would make an entertaining, informative anthology for the information scientist.
Connection between the low temperature anomaly in glasses and the glass transition temperature

Abstract The low temperature specific heat anomaly in water-doped K-Ca nitrate glass has been found to scale with the reciprocal glass transition temperature. Similarly, the anomaly in Na2O-containing and in neutron-irradiated silica scales with the reciprocal fictive temperature. These observations lead to the suggestion that the frozen-in disorder is connected with the low temperature anomaly characteristic of the glassy state.
The formation of titanium oxide monolayer coatings on silica surfaces

The formation of a dispersed titanium oxide layer on Cabosil-fumed silica and on nonporous silica spheres was studied by infrared and Raman spectroscopies and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The procedure for obtaining the titania coatings involved reacting the silanol groups on the silica surface with titanium alkoxides under a N2 atmosphere. This self-limiting reaction led to a coating of dispersed titania on the silica spheres with a weight loading between 0.5 and 1.4 × 10−3 g/m2. The dispersed titanium oxide on the silica spheres was visible as a surface texturing of the silica in TEM images, and led to over two orders of magnitude increase in the reactivity of the silica spheres for 1-propanol dehydration. Raman spectroscopy and TEM confirmed that the dispersed titania was stable to calcination in dry air at 973 K or to heating under a vacuum of 2 × 10−7 Torr up to 1058 K. However, under alcohol dehydration reaction conditions, the dispersed titania transformed into crystals of anatase, 3 nm in diameter. On Cabosil-fumed silica, on the other hand, a similar preparation resulted in a titania loading (per square meter) that was only 7% of that seen on the silica spheres. Higher loadings caused the appearance of bands due to crystalline TiO2 (anatase) in the Raman spectra. The lower monolayer capacity on Cabosil silica can be correlated with the presence of singly bound hydroxyls as seen by IR. The Stober spheres on the other hand show hydroxyl bands that show significant hydrogen bonding.
A facet model for image data

Abstract Image processing algorithms implicitly or explicitly assume an idealized form for the image data on which they operate. The degree to which the observed data meets the assumed idealized form is typically not examined or accounted for. This causes processing errors often attributed to noise. In this paper we discuss a facet model for image data which has the potential for fitting the form of the real idealized image, and for describing how the observed image differs from the idealized form. It is also an appropriate form for a variety of image processing algorithms. We give a relaxation procedure, and prove its convergence, for determining an estimate of the ideal image from observed image data.
Historic aspects of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

The earliest preparations of immunoglobulins (Ig) decreased the susceptibility of agammaglobulinemic patients to infections caused by pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococci, streptococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Intramuscular administration of such preparations was painful and traumatic, especially for children. Ethanol-fractionated Ig could not be administered intravenously (IV) because the IgG molecules tended to aggregate and thus were more likely to produce anaphylactoid reactions. New Ig preparations, isolated at low pH (e.g., pH 4) in the presence of traces of pepsin to inhibit reaggregation, were well tolerated when administered IV. Thus a new era of treatment and prophylaxis of disease using IV Ig (IVIG) was launched. The IVIG preparations revolutionized the management of virtually all immunodeficiency syndromes characterized by failure of antibody responses. Amelioration of antibody deficiency secondary to certain chronic diseases or surgical trauma can be achieved with these preparations. Newer uses of IVIG include treatment of some autoimmune diseases; in some conditions, the beneficial influences may be attributable to antiidiotype antibodies present in the IVIG. Another likely explanation is that IVIG inhibits damage to cells and tissues by antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity or blocks phagocytosis that is facilitated by Fc receptor mechanisms. The value of IVIG in preventing infection in patients undergoing bone marrow or organ transplantation and in the treatment and prophylaxis of life-threatening infections in neonates and premature infants also is reviewed.
Knowing Who You Are and Adding to It: Reduced Self-Concept Clarity Predicts Reduced Self-Expansion

People are generally motivated to increase the diversity of their self-concepts, within their relationships and outside of them. Self-expansion enhances both individual and relationship well-being;...
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced accumulation of follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit messenger ribonucleic acid in adenohypophysial cells developing in an ectopic position.

We investigated the influence of LHRH on the accumulation of FSH beta messenger RNA (mRNA) in anterior pituitary glands removed from hamster pups less than 36 h old and transplanted beneath the renal capsules of adult male hamsters (hosts). Three experiments were performed in which some hosts were injected sc with LHRH (1 microgram/injection) and others were injected with vehicle. Injections were begun in the afternoon of the day of transplantation (day 1) and were given at 0800 and 1700 h for 6 days and at 0800 h on the eighth day. An additional experiment was performed in which adult male hamsters not bearing allografts were injected with the same regimen of LHRH or vehicle. The hamsters were decapitated on the eighth day of the study, 2 h after the last injection. The allografts, adenohypophyses of the hosts, adenohypophyses of hamsters without allografts, and adenohypophyses of normal adult male rats were removed and frozen on dry ice immediately. Additionally, adenohypophyses were collected from hams...
The dialectics of paradox and the dynamics of desire

Reprenant la theorie de la rationalisation de Weber et celle de l'ambivalence de Freud, l'A. fait une synthese des deux : le paradoxe dialectique et la rationalisation de l'ambivalence. Il explique en quoi la dialectique est paradoxale (theories de l'univers, de la matiere, de la lumiere, principe d'incertitude). Il montre que les raisonnements de Weber et Freud sont a lier a ceux de Kant et d'Hegel puis il applique la synthese Weber-Freud a l'etude de la divination dans la caste jalari en Inde
Radial transport in the outer radiation belt due to global magnetospheric compressions

Earth's outer radiation belt is populated by relativistic electrons that produce a complex dynamical response to varying geomagnetic activity. One fundamental process defining global state of the belt is radial transport of electrons across their drift shells. Radial transport is induced by resonant interaction of electron drift motion with ULF oscillations of electric and magnetic fields and is commonly believed to be a diffusive process. The goal of this paper is the analysis of radial transport due to typical ULF fluctuations in the inner magnetospheric fields. For this purpose a test-particle approach is used in the guiding center approximation. In particular we consider ULF oscillations due to global magnetospheric compressions. It is shown that typical pressure variations induce large-scale fluctuations in magnetic and inductive electric fields that produce a substantial impact on relativistic electrons. Electron motion becomes stochastic due to overlap of electron populations trapped in the vicinities of drift resonances with adjacent harmonics of the field spectrum. It is shown that in spite of the underlying stochasticity the radial diffusion limit is not fully attainable in the outer radiation belt. This is attributed to the fact that phase correlations in electron motion do not have time to decay due to finite size of the system. As a result collective motion of the outer belt electrons can exhibit large deviations from radial diffusion. Solution of the full Liouville's equation is required for accurate description of radial transport in the belt.
A retrospective analysis of factors contributing to calf mortality and dystocia in beef cattle

Records of 2191 calvings from the Clemson University Beef Physiology Unit between 1981 and 1993 were analyzed to determine factors affecting malpresentation, mortality and dystocia. Only 20 (0.91%) parturitions involved malpresentation: posterior presentation (n = 14), leg deviations (n = 3), head deviations (n = 2) and breech birth (n = 1). Dystocia affected calf mortality within 24 h of birth (P < 0.05), with mortality increasing as the severity of dystocia increased. There was an overall 4.5% death loss within 24 h of birth, with 4 and 7% mortality rates for calves from multiparous and primiparous dams, respectively (P < 0.05). Mortality was higher for bull vs heifer calves (P < 0.05). Ninety-four percent of calvings were unassisted, while 6% were assisted births. Dystocia was greater (P < 0.01) in primiparous (17%) than in multiparous dams (4%). In births involving dystocia, 28.1% required mild traction, 69.3% required heavy traction and 2.6% required Cesarean section. Birth weights associated with normal births and mild traction (36 and 36 kg) were lighter than those associated with heavy traction and Cesarean section (40 and 42 kg, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, malpresentations were too few to be of significance, and dystocia influenced mortality within 24 h of birth. Calf birth weight and parity of dam explained most of the observed variations in dystocia.
Time resolved SAXS and RNA folding.

Small angle X-ray scattering provides low resolution structural information about macromolecules in solution. When coupled with rapid mixing methods, SAXS reports time-dependent conformational changes of RNA induced by the addition of Mg2+ to trigger folding. Thus time-resolved SAXS provides unique information about the global or overall structures of transient intermediates populated during folding. Notably, SAXS provides information about the earliest folding events, which can evade detection by other methods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 543–549, 2011.
Paraplegia in children with malignant teratoma

Two young children presenting with paraplegia secondary to epidural tumors were found to have unresectable malignant teratomas. Following partial resection and aggressive chemotherapy, both patients have done extremely well with disappearance of all disease and dramatic improvement in neurologic function. It is suggested that children with spinal cord compression might have a much better prognosis for recovery of neurologic function than adults. A treatment approach utilizing chemotherapy as the primary mode of therapy is discussed.
Carebene and isocyanide ligation at ruthenium(II) with (η6-arene) and tethered phosphinopropylarene ligands

Abstract Reactions of [(η6-1,2,4,5-Me4C6H2)Ru(DPVP)Cl2] (DPVP=diphenylvinyl phosphine), with (trimethylsilyl)acetylene and phenylacetylene in the presence of NaPF6 in methanol gave the (methoxy)–alkylcarbene complexes [(η6-1,2,4,5-Me4C6H2)Ru(C (OMe)(R))(DPVP)(Cl)]PF6 (R=CH3, 1a; CH2Ph, 2a). Similarly, treatment of [(η6-1,2,4-Me3C6H25-CH2CH2CH2P(C6H5)2)RuCl2] with (trimethylsilyl)acetylene, phenylacetylene and 1,1-diphenylpropargyl alcohol in the presence of NaPF6 gave the tethered carbene complexes [(η6-1,2,4-Me3C6H25-CH2CH2CH2P(C6H5)2)Ru(C(OMe)(R))(Cl)]PF6 (R=CH3, 1b; CH2Ph, 2b; CHCPh2, 3b), respectively. The complexes, [(η6-arene)Ru(DPVP)Cl2] and [(η6-areneCH2CH2CH2P(C6H5)2)RuCl2] are shown to be useful catalyst precursors for the hydration of phenylacetylene to afford acetophenone. The complexes, [(η6-arene)Ru(DPVP)Cl2] (arene=1,3,5-Me3C6H3 1, p-MeC6H4CHMe2 2, 1,2,4,5-Me4C6H2 3 and Me6C6 4) react with excess phenyl-isocyanide and NaPF6 in methanol to produce [(η6-arene)Ru(DPVP)(CNPh)(Cl)]PF6 derivatives 1c–4c. The related tethered complexes 1d and 2d were prepared from [(η6-arene-CH2CH2CH2P(C6H5)2)RuCl2] by using the same methodology. All the complexes have been characterized spectroscopically and the crystal structures of some of them have been obtained.
An interactive, multi-modal workspace for physically based sound

Physically based sound synthesis holds great promise for creating instruments that produce realistic sound but which can go beyond what is possible in the physical world.
Actinomycin D Inhibition of Deoxyribonucleic Acid-Dependent Synthesis of Ribonucleic Acid

Minute amounts of actinomycin D inhibit the synthesis of ribonucleic acid by nuclear extracts of HeLa cells in a ribonucleic acid-synthesizing system that is dependent on deoxyribonucleic acid and requires the presence of all four ribonucleoside triphosphates. The inhibition can be reversed by adding deoxyribonucleic acid to the enzymatic reaction. These findings support the work of others on the mode of action of actinomycin D in vivo.
Antidepressant adherence and risk of coronary artery disease hospitalizations in older and younger adults with depression.

Objectives: To assess whether the relationship between antidepressant adherence and coronary artery disease (CAD) hospitalizations varied between older and younger adults with depression. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics nationwide. Participants: Chronically depressed individuals (n = 50,261; aged 20–97) who had been prescribed an antidepressant were identified from records indicating an outpatient clinic visit for depression (index depression visit) during fiscal years 2009 and 2010. Individuals were considered chronically depressed if they had had prior depression visits and treatment for depression within the previous 4 months. The sample was age-stratified into younger (<65) and older (≥65) groups. Measurements: After the index depression visit, medication possession ratios were calculated from pharmacy refill data to determine whether participants had 80% or greater adherence to antidepressant refills during a 6-month treatment observation period. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes were used to derive CAD-related hospitalizations during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Older participants with 80% or greater antidepressant adherence had 26% lower risk of CAD hospitalizations (hazard ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.60–0.93). Antidepressant adherence was not significantly related to CAD hospitalizations in younger adults. Conclusion: Older adults with chronic depression with 80% or greater antidepressant adherence had significantly lower risk of CAD hospitalizations at follow-up than those with less than 80% adherence. These preliminary results suggest that older adults with depression may derive cardiovascular benefits from clinical efforts to increase antidepressant adherence.
A composite step bi-conjugate gradient algorithm for nonsymmetric linear systems

The Bi-Conjugate Gradient (BCG) algorithm is the simplest and most natural generalization of the classical conjugate gradient method for solving nonsymmetric linear systems. It is well-known that the method suffers from two kinds of breakdowns. The first is due to the breakdown of the underlying Lanczos process and the second is due to the fact that some iterates are not well-defined by the Galerkin condition on the associated Krylov subspaces. In this paper, we derive a simple modification of the BCG algorithm, the Composite Step BCG (CSBCG) algorithm, which is able to compute all the well-defined BCG iterates stably, assuming that the underlying Lanczos process does not break down. The main idea is to skip over a step for which the BCG iterate is not defined.
Reduced water exchange in sickle cell anemia red cells: a membrane abnormality.

Abstract We have measured the diffusional water permeability of sickle cell anemia red blood cells under isotonic conditions using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. We have found that the equilibrium diffusional permeability for sickle cells is about 1.61 · 10 −3 cm/s, or about 60% of the value measured for normal cells. This abnormality is not related to the heterogeneity generally found in cell populations in sickle red cells with different mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. We speculate that the abnormality of water exchange under isotonic conditions in sickle cells reflects an alteration of membrane proteins responsible for water exchange, possibly caused by oxidation of Band 3 proteins.
Theoretical frameworks for competency in cognitively impaired elderly adults

Abstract Determinations of a cognilively impaired elderly adult's competency to make decisions about self-care, property-care and medical-care occur in clinical and legal domains and obligate clinicians or the state to intervene in the interest of protecting the individual or society. Traditionally, competency assessments utilize expert opinion based on neuropsychological testing, functional evaluation and competency guidelines and scales. These assessments have implications for an individual's autonomy and present significant challenges to the evaluator. Validated construct definitions and assessment techniques are needed to advance knowledge and practice. In this article, current methods and problems of competency evaluations are reviewed. From this, a construct validation approach to the problem is described. Next, three theoretical frameworks related to ontological perspectives for competency constructs are presented to illustrate different ways of conceptualizing competency. These theoretical frameworks can be used to identify assumptions and organize approaches to assessment and research and are presented as starling points to organize future research and practice.
Bullous amyloidosis presenting as naproxen-induced photosensitivity.

Case Report A 65-year-old man presented with a 6-month history ofasymptomatic blisters and skin fragility of his hands. Thepatient had not noticed skin changes elsewhere and wasunsure whether the symptoms were photo-exacerbated. Thepatient had noticed hair thinning and finger nail dystropy.The patient had no prior history of skin disease. Previousevaluation at another medical institution was unrevealing,including porphyrin studies. Treatment had consisted oftopical corticosteroids which were slightly helpful but thepatient continued to develop new blisters. The patient’smedical history included hypertension, hyperlipidemia,arthritis, and borderline diabetes not requiring treatment. Thepatient’s medications were simvastatin, lisinopril, naproxen,fexofenadine, acetaminophen, asprin, and calcium. Thepatient had no family history of blistering disorders or otherskin diseases. On review of the history, the patient hadnoticed mild shortness of breath and dyspnoea on exertion.The patient had also experienced atypical chest pain,although a recent coronary angiogram was negative. Thepatient denied any recent neurologic changes, but had ahistory of carpal tunnel surgery of both wrists within thepast few years. Otherwise, the patient was negative for weightchange, fevers, chills, night sweats, abdominal pain, diarrhea,malabsorption or changes in the stool.On examination the patient had a few hemorrhagic bullaeon the dorsal surfaces of the hands along with healingerosions (Fig. 1). There was also slight nail dystropy includingonycholysis and longitudinal ridging of the nail plate. Abiopsy from the hand revealed a pauci-inflammatory sub-epidermal bulla on routine histology (Fig. 2). On direct immuno-fluorescence, many thick-walled vessels stained intenselywith IgG and C3. Indirect immunofluorescence was negative.Serum, urine, and stool porphyrin studies were within normal
Mechanism of diclofop resistance in an Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) biotype

Abstract The biochemical basis for diclofop resistance in an Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.) biotype discovered in Oregon was examined. Herbicide rates that inhibited shoot growth by 50% (GR 50 values) were determined for two aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid herbicides (diclofop, haloxyfop) and one cyclohexanedione herbicide (sethoxydim). As compared to a wild type Italian ryegrass biotype, the GR 50 values for diclofop, haloxyfop, and sethoxydim were approximately 130-, 22-, and 2-fold greater, respectively, for the resistant biotype. There were little or no differences in the retention, absorption, translocation, or metabolism of diclofop-methyl in resistant and susceptible biotypes. The susceptibility of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) to inhibition by selected graminicide herbicides was evaluated in extracts from etiolated shoots of both resistant and susceptible biotypes. The herbicide concentrations that inhibited ACCase activity by 50% (I 50 vulues) for diclofop, haloxyfop, and quizalofop were approximately 28-, 9-, and 10-fold greater, respectively, for the enzyme from the resistant biotype. For the cyclohexanedione herbicides, sethoxydim and clethodim, the I 50 values for ACCase were similar for both biotypes. It is concluded that resistance to diclofop and other aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid herbicides in the Italian ryegrass biotype from Oregon is due to the presence of a tolerant form of ACCase. This modification confers tolerance to the aryloxyphenoxypropionic acids but little or no tolerance to the cyclohexanediones.
The Relation of Fluid Properties and High Temperature Hydraulic Performance

The performance of hydraulic systems at high temperatures is particularly sensitive to the properties of the hydraulic fluids. The effects of stability, viscosity, compressibility, volatility, gas solubility, and lubrication on hydraulic component and system performance are discussed. These properties singly and in combination affect many aspects of hydraulic system operation. The reaction of fluids to high temperatures causes significant changes in hydraulic performance. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Rochester, New York, October 15–17, 1963.
Contracts for first-class modules

Behavioral software contracts express properties concerning the flow of values across component (modules, classes, etc) interfaces. These properties are often beyond the reach of theorem provers and are therefore monitored at run-time. When the monitor discovers a contract violation, it raises an exception that simultaneously pinpoints the contract violator and explains the nature of the violation.Currently contract monitoring assumes static module interfaces. Specifically, the contract compiler partitions a contract into disjoint obligations for the static modules that communicate to an interface. At run-time, the information is used for catching and explaining contract violations. While static modules suffice for many situations, first-class modules - such as the units provided by PLT Scheme - support the dynamic and multiple linking that is often required in open software systems. The problem is, of course, that in such a world, it becomes impossible to tell from the source program alone which components have agreed to which contracts.In this paper, we develop the semantic framework of monitoring contracts for dynamic modules. We establish the internal consistency of the semantics, and we sketch an implementation based on our experience of equipping PLT Scheme with such contracts.
Copper-oxygen hybridization in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O measured by magnetic-susceptibility anisotropy

Anisotropic-magnetic-susceptibility measurements on single crystals of the high-temperature superconductor Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (2:2:1:2) with {ital T}{sub {ital c}}{congruent}80 K are reported. The anisotropy is a measure of the degree of hybridization of the copper and oxygen orbitals.
Necessary, unpleasant, and disempowering: reputation management in the internet age

In this paper, we report on a qualitative study of how users manage their reputation online. We focus particularly on people who are bothered by content online about themselves and how they manage reputation damage and repair. We describe how users view reputation management chores as necessary but unpleasant, and how they feel disempowered to repair their online reputation. Participants were unable to identify feasible repair mechanisms and ultimately failed to resolve their problems. Given the current state of dysfunction indicated by our findings, we advocate for increased HCI research attention to this area.
STONES, BONES, AND CROWDED PLAZAS: Evidence for Terminal Classic Maya warfare at Colha, Belize

This study provides a synthetic review of the Terminal Classic collapse of the Maya site of Colha, Belize, based on new data drawn from recent lithic and osteological studies and previously reported information. The well-known Colha skull pit has figured prominently in previous hypotheses of the site's collapse, which focus on either warfare or ritual termination. In this review, these two hypotheses are reexamined using data from: (1) shifts in settlement patterns; (2) transitions in lithic production; and (3) the death en masse of at least 55 individuals coincident with the site's abandonment. Based on the evidence presented here, we argue that warfare precipitated Colha's collapse. In light of Colha's role as a secondary site that functioned primarily as a lithic-production locality, the Terminal Classic destruction of the site illustrates the significance of material motivations in Maya warfare and accents the diversity of collapse processes in the Maya Lowlands.
Shoulder arthroplasty in sickle cell patients with humeral head avascular necrosis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of avascular necrosis in patients with sickle cell disease. Medical records, radiographs, operative reports, and outcome scores of 8 adult patients with sickle cell disease were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 51 months (range, 2-10 years). Seven patients had a hemiarthroplasty, and one had a total shoulder arthroplasty. One patient had an intraoperative rotator cuff tear. Two had sickle cell crises in the immediate postoperative period. In one patient, stiffness developed that required arthroscopic capsular release 22 months after her arthroplasty. Another patient with a hemiarthroplasty underwent revision to a total shoulder arthroplasty 5 years after the index procedure. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved by 31.9 points. However, only 2 patients reported improvement in pain as assessed with a visual analog scale. Although shoulder arthroplasty provides improvements in range of motion and function in the majority of patients, pain relief is less predictable.
A fungus among us: broad patterns of endophyte distribution in the grasses

Plant-associated microbes have been increasingly recognized for influencing host populations, plant communities, and even herbivores and predators. Thus, understanding factors that affect the distribution and abundance of microbial symbioses may be important for predicting the ecological dynamics of communities. Using endophytic fungi-grass symbioses, we explored how intrinsic traits of the symbiosis, specifically transmission mode, may influence symbiont frequencies in host populations. Combining published literature with new field surveys, we compared Epichloe endophytes, which had mixed horizontal and vertical transmission, with Neotyphodium endophytes, which were exclusively vertically transmitted from host plants to seeds. Exclusively vertical transmission should select against pathogenicity because symbionts depend entirely on hosts for reproduction. Across 118 host species, we found that Neotyphodium hosts had 40-130% higher symbiont frequencies than Epichloe hosts. In field surveys, endophyte frequency was positively correlated with the local density of hosts, but only for Epichloe, suggesting that contagiously spread Epichloe may attain higher frequencies when hosts are more abundant. Epichloe endophytes were also more likely than Neotyphodium to have imperfect vertical transmission; thus, hosts may reduce the transmission of more pathogenic symbionts to seeds. Results are consistent with the conclusion that the evolutionary transition to exclusively vertical transmission can alter patterns of symbiont frequency in nature.
INFLUENCES OF FIBERS ON DRYING SHRINKAGE OF FIBER-REINFORCED CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITE

An analytical model has been formulated for the drying shrinkage performance of a fiber-rein- forced cementitious composite. The model is based on the assumption that shear stress is produced between the fiber and surrounding matrix as the matrix shrinks. This shear stress in turn influences the matrix deformation behavior resulting in macroscopic composite shrinkage lower than that of a pure cement-based matrix. Through systematic derivation, a free shrinkage expression, which reflects the influences of the matrix and fiber properties as well as fiber orientation characteristics, is presented. A parametric study, including the influence of elastic moduli of the fiber and matrix, fiber dimension, and fiber content in the case of 3D fiber distribution, is carried out. The model results indicate that shrinkage of a fiber-reinforced cement-based composite is significantly influenced by elastic moduli of fiber and matrix as well as fiber length and thickness (i.e., diameter for fiber with a circular cross section). Model predictions based on independent parametric inputs compare favorably with experimental measurements of free shrinkage of fiber-reinforced mortar and concrete.
Dynamic Programming Approach to Optimization of Site Remediation

Environmental restoration is a matter of national concern. Decades of abuse by industry, agriculture, and the military have caused devastating contamination of the earth, air, and water. The Department of Energy alone will spend hundreds of billions of dollars on containment and restoration. It is imperative that restoration costs are minimized. Every dollar spent on restoration is a dollar that will not go toward research, a dollar that will not go to upgrade our nation’s infrastructure. The work presented here uses cost as a decision variable in restoration projects. Contaminated sites frequently vary from one point to another in type and level of contamination. In addition, a single piece of property may contain several distinct contaminated areas, each of which has characteristics unlike any of the other areas. Thus one should look at optimizing the selection of remediation technologies to address the variation. A methodology has been developed that will optimize the selection of remediation technolog...
The impact of marriage and social support on persons with active epilepsy

Abstract Persons with epilepsy (PWE) are more likely to report never being married than those without epilepsy. Social support, especially from marriage, may buffer the negative impact of stressful events and chronic health conditions. In 2005, sixteen U.S. states asked about epilepsy and social support in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. A set of survey weight-adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the impact of marriage and social support on self-rated health status and life satisfaction in persons with active epilepsy. PWE who were married with poor social support were less likely to report excellent/very good self-rated health status (OR = 0.34) and better life satisfaction (OR = 0.20), compared with those who were married with good support (reference group) after controlling for demographics and comorbid conditions. Once poor mental health status was controlled for, these differences were no longer significant. In contrast, persons with active epilepsy who were not married with poor support were significantly less likely to report better life satisfaction (OR = 0.22) after controlling for demographics, comorbid conditions, and poor mental health status. Epilepsy practitioners need to address poor mental health through appropriate treatment and/or referral. Practitioners should also encourage PWE to improve their social support contacts.
Optimized Adaptive Jitter Buffer Design for Wireless Internet Telephony

The advent of mobile wireless Internet technology coupled with media streaming has raised the expectation of having quality consumer experience in using voice over IP (VoIP) over wireless LAN (WiFi) environment. In order to provide VoIP call quality comparable to regular telephony, one must correlate the performance impact of various parameters on VoIP over WiFi networks. Past work of Linden, J. (2004) has stressed the importance of adaptive jitter buffering (AJB) and latency management in wireless VoIP endpoints. Recent studies have focused on studying individual impact of components, namely, code- aware aspects, audio-quality awareness and wireless-specific optimizations, on jitter buffer technology. This paper studies the combined impact of the various components affecting adaptive jitter buffer (AJB) design. Our proposed AJB algorithm is codec-aware, E-model audio-quality aware, and co-exists with wireless optimizations such as frame packing and repeating. Moreover, our AJB design is based on actual network delay characteristics, obtained via a signaling protocol, as opposed to on packet inter-arrival times, thereby making our work novel in this domain.