cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of oleic acid-induced lung injury on oxygen transport and aerobic capacity.

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that oleic-acid ( OA ) infusion impairs gas exchange, decreases total cardiopulmonary O 2 delivery and lowers maximal aerobic capacity ( V ˙ O 2 max ). We infused 0.05 ml OA kg −1 (∼3 ml) and ∼563 ml saline into the right atria of four goats [59.1 ± 14.0 (SD) kg] prior to running them on a treadmill at V ˙ O 2 max 2-h and 1-d following OA -induced acute lung injury, and with no lung injury. Acute lung injury decreased V ˙ O 2 max , O 2 delivery, arterial O 2 concentration and arterial O 2 partial pressure compared to no lung injury. The V ˙ O 2 max positively correlated with O 2 delivery and inversely correlated with alveolar–arterial O 2 partial pressure difference, suggesting that impaired pulmonary gas exchange decreased O 2 delivery and uptake. Results indicate OA infusion may be a useful model for acutely impairing pulmonary gas exchange for exercise studies. Seven OA infusions induced smaller chronic gas exchange and arterial O 2 partial pressure changes than acute infusion.
Predicting heats of detonation using quantum mechanical calculations

Abstract Heats of detonation of pure explosives and explosive formulations are predicted using quantum mechanical (QM) information generated for isolated molecules. The methodology assumes that the heat of detonation of an explosive compound of composition CaHbNcOd can be approximated as the difference between the heats of formation of the detonation products and that of the explosive, divided by the formula weight of the explosive. Two sets of decomposition gases were assumed: the first corresponds to the H2OCO2 arbitrary [J. Chem. Phys. 48 (1968) 23]. The second set assumes that the product composition gases consist almost solely of H2, N2, H2O, CO, and CO2. The heats of formation used in this method are predicted using equations that convert QM information for an isolated energetic molecule to condensed phase heats of formation. Solid phase heats of formation predicted using the methods described herein have a root mean square (rms) deviation of 13.7 kcal/mol from 72 measured values (corresponding to 30 molecules). For the calculations in which the first set of decomposition gases is assumed, predicted heats of detonation of pure explosives with the product H2O in the gas phase have a rms deviation of 0.138 kcal/g from experiment; results with the product H2O in the liquid state have a rms deviation of 0.116 kcal/g from experiment. Predicted heats of detonation assuming the second set of decomposition gases have a rms deviation from experiment of 0.098 kcal/g. Heats of detonation for explosive formulations were also calculated, and have a rms deviation from experiment of 0.058 kcal/g.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae expresses two genes encoding isozymes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.

The identification, expression, and assay of two Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductases (MTHFR) is described. MTHFR catalyzes the reduction of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, used to methylate homocysteine in methionine synthesis. The MET12 gene is located on chromosome XVI and encodes a protein of 657 amino acids. The MET13 gene is located on chromosome VII and encodes a protein of 599 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two genes are 34% identical to each other and 32-37% identical to the human MTHFR. A phenotype for the single disruption of MET12 was not observed, however, single disruption of MET13 resulted in methionine auxotrophy. Double disruption of both MET12 and MET13 also resulted in methionine auxotrophy. Growth of the methionine auxotrophs was supported by both methionine and S-adenosylmethionine. Transcripts of both MET12 and MET13 were detected in total RNA from wild type cells grown in the presence or absence of methionine. The methionine requirement of the met12 met13 double disruptant was complemented by plasmid-borne MET13, but not MET12 even when a multicopy plasmid was used. Furthermore, overexpression of the human MTHFR in the met12 met13 double disruptant complemented the methionine auxotrophy of this strain. In contrast, overexpression of the Escherichia coli metF gene did not complement the methionine requirement of met12 met13 cells. Assays for MTHFR in crude extracts and expression of the yeast proteins in Escherichia coli verified that both MET12 and MET13 encode functional MTHFR isozymes.
Illness representations predict adherence in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes

Objective: Most adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes struggle with diabetes self-management and exhibit suboptimal glycemic control. This study examined two models of association between illness representations, a modifiable predictor of suboptimal outcomes, and adherence and glycemic control in AYAs with type 1 diabetes.Design and main outcome measures: Ninety-nine AYAs (ages 15–20 years) completed measures of illness representations and adherence at two visits. Blood glucose monitoring frequency and haemoglobin A1c were obtained via chart review. Relationships were examined using structural equation modelling.Results: Illness representations accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in blood glucose monitoring frequency (ΔR2 = .23, p < .01) and adherence to emergency precautions at Time 1 (ΔR2 = .07, p = .03). Illness representations also accounted for significant variance in blood glucose monitoring frequency (ΔR2 = .08, p = .01), adherence to recommendations for insuli...
Agency problem, institutions, and technology policy: Explaining Taiwan's semiconductor industry development

Abstract Taiwan has made significant progress in the semiconductor industry with government agencies and bureaucrats as the driving forces over the past 30 years. Taiwan's impressive achievement in the semiconductor industry clearly indicates that the government failures and agency problem usually associated with deep government involvement did not occur in Taiwan. Why is that the case? This paper proposes a principal–agent framework for technology policy and applies the framework to discuss the institutional arrangements through which bureaucrats were controlled effectively in executing the semiconductor industry policies in Taiwan. By analyzing the institutional and organizational arrangements Taiwanese leaders made to mitigate the agency problem, this paper brings bureaucrats into the popular developmental state theory and emphasizes that the success of state intervention should not be taken for granted, and it also brings politics into technology policy analysis and stresses the importance and complexity of agency problem in technology policy.
Thermodynamic Decomposition of Hydration Free Energies by Computer Simulation: Application to Amines, Oxides, and Sulfides

The calculation of the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of hydration of ammonia, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, water, methanol, dimethyl ether, hydrogen sulfide, methanthiol, and dimethylsulfide is presented to illustrate the usefulness of the enthalpy and entropy of solvation in studying microscopic phenomena affecting the thermodynamics of the hydration of simple organic molecules. The free energy perturbation (FEP) method is used in conjunction with constant temperature and constant pressure molecular dynamics (MD) configurational sampling. The hydration free energies are studied as a function of the temperature in order to evaluate the hydration entropy by finite differences (FD). The TIP3P water model is used for the solvent water and revised AMBER parameters for the solutes. Partial charges of the solutes are obtained from fitting the electrostatic potential obtained from electronic structure calculations. Discrepancies with the experiments, especially noticeable for the amines...
Effect of bioaugmentation and biostimulation on sulfate‐reducing column startup captured by functional gene profiling

Sulfate-reducing permeable reactive zones (SR-PRZs) depend upon a complex microbial community to utilize a lignocellulosic substrate and produce sulfides, which remediate mine drainage by binding heavy metals. To gain insight into the impact of the microbial community composition on the startup time and pseudo-steady-state performance, functional genes corresponding to cellulose-degrading (CD), fermentative, sulfate-reducing, and methanogenic microorganisms were characterized in columns simulating SR-PRZs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Duplicate columns were bioaugmented with sulfate-reducing or CD bacteria or biostimulated with ethanol or carboxymethyl cellulose and compared with baseline dairy manure inoculum and uninoculated controls. Sulfate removal began after ~ 15 days for all columns and pseudo-steady state was achieved by Day 30. Despite similar performance, DGGE profiles of 16S rRNA gene and functional genes at pseudo-steady state were distinct among the column treatments, suggesting the potential to control ultimate microbial community composition via bioaugmentation and biostimulation. qPCR revealed enrichment of functional genes in all columns between the initial and pseudo-steady-state time points. This is the first functional gene-based study of CD, fermentative and sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea in a lignocellulose-based environment and provides new qualitative and quantitative insight into startup of a complex microbial system.
Quantification of mucosal mononuclear cells in tissues with a fluorescent bead-based polychromatic flow cytometry assay

Since the vast majority of infections occur at mucosal surfaces, accurate characterization of mucosal immune cells is critically important for understanding transmission and control of infectious diseases. Standard flow cytometric analysis of cells obtained from mucosal tissues can provide valuable information on the phenotype of mucosal leukocytes and their relative abundance, but does not provide absolute cell counts of mucosal cell populations. We developed a bead-based flow cytometry assay to determine the absolute numbers of multiple mononuclear cell types in colorectal biopsies of rhesus macaques. Using 10-color flow cytometry panels and pan-fluorescent beads, cells were enumerated in biopsy specimens by adding a constant ratio of beads per mg of tissue and then calculating cell numbers/mg of tissue based on cell-to-bead ratios determined at the time of sample acquisition. Testing in duplicate specimens showed the assay to be highly reproducible (Spearman R = 0.9476, P < 0.0001). Using this assay, we report enumeration of total CD45+ leukocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, NK cells, CD14+ monocytes, and myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in colorectal biopsies, with cell numbers in normal rhesus macaques varying from medians of 4486 cells/mg (T cells) to 3 cells/mg (plasmacytoid dendritic cells). This assay represents a significant advancement in rapid, accurate quantification of mononuclear cell populations in mucosal tissues and could be applied to provide absolute counts of a variety of different cell populations in diverse tissues.
Contraband and violence: lessons from the Southeast Asian case

This article looks at the intersection between contraband and violence in Southeast Asia. I argue that the two activities are often linked and play off one another in specific, contextualized ways. To make this case, I examine instances of smuggling in the history of the region; through the trade in human beings, both historically and today; through the transit of narcotics, again historically and today; and via the conduit of a range of other contraband cargoes. Race, religion, memory and geography all factor into the outcome of when smuggling may take on violent forms. I chronicle these occasions throughout the width and breadth of the region, stretching from the Thai/Burmese border in the north to the island world of Insular Southeast Asia in the south. Throughout the essay, I pay particular attention to the larger milieus of commerce, politics, and society that condition moments when acts of smuggling may in fact turn violent.
Microfabricated Array of Iridium Microdisks as a Substrate for Direct Determination of Cu2+ or Hg2+ Using Square-Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

In this paper, we report for the first time the characterization and separate electrochemical determinations of Cu2+ and Hg2+ directly on a microlithographically fabricated array of iridium ultramicroelectrodes (Ir-UMEA). Square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry was used to optimize experimental parameters such as supporting electrolyte, square-wave frequency, and deposition time and potential. Reproducible stripping peaks were obtained for solutions containing low parts per billion (ppb) concentrations of either metal. Excellent linearity was obtained for Cu2+ in the 20−100 ppb range and for Hg2+ in the 1−10 ppb range when the bare iridium substrate was used. Detection limits were calculated to be 1 ppb (0.1 M KNO3 and 0.1 M HClO4, deposition time 180 s) and 5 ppb (0.1 M H2SO4, deposition time 120 s) for Cu2+ (S/N = 3) and 85 ppt for Hg2+ (deposition time 600 s). The experimental detection limits were determined to be 5 ppb for Cu2+ (deposition time 180 s) and 100 ppt for Hg2+ (deposition time 600 s). In...
Moving data, not paper, enhances productivity: `Portable¿ shop orders and process specifications may give way to accessible-at-will readouts

Discusses the concept of the product enterprise system in which digital data are used as the medium of information exchange.
Pentafluorobenzyl chloroformate derivatization for enhancement of detection of amino acids or alcohols by electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Pentafluorobenzyl chloroformate (PFB-chloroformate) has been utilized as a derivatization reagent to impart electron affinity and provide structurally relevant fragmentation in electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (ECNICI-MS). Phenylalanine (Phe) and decanol were used as model analytes. The conditions used for their derivatization and the chromatographic and mass spectrometric properties of the derivatives are reported. Phenylalanine in aqueous solution was derivatized in one step by using PFB-chloroformate and a mixture of water, ethanol, and pyridine. The phenylalanine N-pentafluorobenzyl-oxycarbonyl ethyl ester (N-PFBC-Phe-OEt) exhibited good gas chromatographic properties and in ECNICI-MS, a dominant [M — 181]− fragment carries most of the ion current. Selected ion monitoring experiments on N-PFBC-Phe-OEt resulted in the facile detection of 400 fmol of material. Decanol was derivatized by using anhydrous conditions, and the resultant pentafluorobenzyl carbonate also exhibited a predominant [M — 181]− ion in ECNICI-MS. Initial results indicate that the ECNICI-MS molar response of the decyl pentafluorobenzyl carbonate derivative is six-fold that of the decyl pentafluorobenzoate.
Unexpected low-temperature CO dissociation on Ru by Li promoter atoms

Abstract The dissociation of CO molecules on a stepped Ru surface in the presence of Li promoter atoms is probed by reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). We find that even at 85 K, Li adsorbate atoms cause the rupture of the C–O chemical bond.
Octave bandwidth absorbers for the mid-ir based on electromagnetic band-gap surfaces

Infrared (IR) absorbers have been previously studied for use in narrow-band, multi-band, and broadband applications. Here, we investigate through synthesis and experiment a broadband absorber structure based on an electromagnetic band-gap type of metasurface. A genetic algorithm is successfully employed to optimize a structure with a single patterned Pd screen to exhibit high absorptivity over more than an octave bandwidth across the mid-IR regime.
ACTIVATION OF BRAIN ANP RECEPTORS DURING CHRONIC ECF VOLUME CONTRACTION IN YOUNG RATS. † 2192

ACTIVATION OF BRAIN ANP RECEPTORS DURING CHRONIC ECF VOLUME CONTRACTION IN YOUNG RATS. † 2192
Experimental verification of modified synthetic discriminant function filters for rotation invariance

A modified binary synthetic discriminant function filter designed to recognize objects over a range of rotated views has been verified on a laboratory optical correlator. A binary synthetic discriminant function filter has been previously described that will produce a specified correlation response for a set of training images. [See D. A. Jared and D. J. Ennis, "Inclusion of Filter Modulation in Synthetic-Discriminant-Function Construction," Appl. Opt. 28, 232-239 (1989).] In the filter design, the modulation characteristics of the device onto which the filter is mapped are included in the synthesis equations. The system of nonlinear equations is then solved using an iteration procedure based on the Newton-Raphson algorithm. The development of the filter-SDF (fSDF) method was driven by the practical concern to make currently available spatial light modulators with limited modulation capabilities functional for distortion invariant pattern recognition. This technique is used to synthesize filters for a binary magnetooptic spatial light modulator (MOSLM), the Sight-MOD produced by Semetex. Two MOSLMs are used in the laboratory correlator, one in the filter plane and one in the input plane. We demonstrate that a single filter produces equal correlation peaks for a sample object (a Shuttle Orbiter in these tests) over in-plane and out-of-plane rotation ranges up to 75 degrees . The correlator is able to track dynamically the shuttle as it moves along a curved path across the input field. Views of the object in between those in the training set are also recognized when training images are sufficiently close in angle (~5 degrees apart).
Airblast atomization of micronized coal slurries using a twin-fluid jet atomizer

Airblast atomization of micronized coal water slurries was carried out at low atomizing air pressures (< 270k Pa) using twin-fluid jet atomizers of various distributor designs. Drop size and size distribution were measured using the laser diffraction technique. It was found that the atomized drop sizes of micronized coal water slurries substantially decrease as the atomizing air pressure exceeds a threshold value. In addition, the atomized drop size, represented by the mass median diameter scaled to a characteristic atomizer length (MMDLc), can be described by wave mechanism based models in terms of three non-dimensional groups, the slurry to air mass ratio (sA), the Weber number (We) and the Ohnesorge number (Z): MMDLc = (1 + SA)(x2We−x1 + x3Zjx1) where j = 1 and 2, We equals the ratio of aerodynamic force to surface tension and Z represents the viscous effect. The linear dependency on (1 + SA) is based on momentum balance and energy considerations. The three parameters (xi, i = 1−3) are determined by the best least-squares fit of the equation to the experimental results using the iterative generalized inverse method. Excellent agreement with coefficients of correlation of 0.97–0.98 has been obtained. The presence of coal particles causes a broader drop size distribution curve compared to pure viscous liquids. Nevertheless, the effects of coal volume fraction and liquid composition on slurry atomization can be accounted for by their effects on slurry rheology. Whereas the slurry pseudoplasticity plays a significant role in slurry atomization, the high shear slurry viscosity based on the free stream slurry velocity during atomization dictates the atomized drop sizes. The effects of distributor design on airblast atomization can be accounted for by its effects on the Weber number and the air mass flow rate.
Curved-straight lines-analysis (CSLA) algorithm for handwritten digit recognition enhancement

In this paper, we propose a new recognition algorithm for handwritten digit recognition. This algorithm is designed to enhance the recognition accuracy of current Microsoft SDK recognizer. The algorithm recognizes the unique signature of each number by comparing curved and straight lines, and writing sequences of the stroke. Through the trial experiments, we achieved 97.67% of positive recognition accuracy.
Fuzzy logic based voltage controller for a synchronous generator

Fuzzy logic controllers are rapidly becoming a viable alternative for classical controllers. The reason for this is that a fuzzy controller can imitate human control processes closely. Fuzzy logic technology enables the use of engineering experience and experimental results in designing an embedded system. In many applications, this circumvents the use of rigorous mathematical modeling to derive a control solution. Another advantage of fuzzy logic control is that it allows for a model-free estimation of the system. In other words, the designer does not need to state how the outputs depend mathematically upon the inputs. A fuzzy controller can be developed by encoding the structured knowledge of the system, which will allow faster control algorithms to be developed in less time and at less cost. With the advance of microprocessors and digital signal processors (DSPs), fuzzy logic control techniques are becoming more attractive for real-time control problems. It is expected that it will be implemented in many power system control applications in the near future. The paper describes a fuzzy logic based closed loop control system which controls the armature voltage of a generator by varying its field current in real-time.
MOSFETs in laser-recrystallized poly-silicon on quartz

MOSFETs have been fabricated in layers of laser-recrystallized poly-crystalline silicon on bulk, amorphous, fused quartz substrates, with the silicon film formed into device islands either before or after laser recrystallization. Field-effect mobilities as high as 320 cm2/V-sec have been obtained. The recrystallization is influenced by the different light absorption in the transparent substrate and in the absorbing silicon film.
ASCOS: an asymmetric network structure COntext similarity measure

Discovering similar objects in a social network has many interesting issues. Here, we present ASCOS, an Asymmetric Structure COntext Similarity measure that captures the similarity scores among any pairs of nodes in a network. The definition of ASCOS is similar to that of the well-known SimRank since both define score values recursively. However, we show that ASCOS outputs a more complete similarity score than SimRank because SimRank (and several of its variations, such as P-Rank and SimFusion) on average ignores half paths between nodes during calculation. To make ASCOS tractable in both computation time and memory usage, we propose two variations of ASCOS: a low rank approximation based approach and an iterative solver Gauss-Seidel for linear equations. When the target network is sparse, the run time and the required computing space of these variations are smaller than computing SimRank and ASCOS directly. In addition, the iterative solver divides the original network into several independent sub-systems so that a multi-core server or a distributed computing environment, such as MapReduce, can efficiently solve the problem. We compare the performance of ASCOS with other global structure based similarity measures, including SimRank, Katz, and LHN. The experimental results based on user evaluation suggest that ASCOS gives better results than other measures. In addition, the asymmetric property has the potential to identify the hierarchical structure of a network. Finally, variations of ASCOS (including one distributed variation) can also reduce computation both in space and time.
Randomized double-blind study of pindolol in patients with stable angina pectoris

Twelve patients with documented coronary arteriosclerosis and severe stable angina pectoris were treated with the beta blocker pindolol, 5 mg four times a day, utilizing a double-blind crossover protocol. Following 4 weeks of baseline observation with no active treatment, pindolol and placebo were given for 4 weeks each. End points evaluated were episodes of angina pectoris/week, number of nitroglycerin tablets used per week, time on treadmill test until onset of angina pectoris, double product of heart rate and blood pressure at onset of angina pectoris, and amount of ST depression during the treadmill exercise test. Episodes of angina pectoris and nitroglycerin consumption were reduced by 18% on placebo and 32% on pindolol (not significant). All of the improvement occurred in the third and fourth weeks of pindolol treatment. Less difference between pindolol and placebo was noted when the placebo period came after the pindolol period, suggesting a carry-over effect of pindolol. With pindolol, treatment exercise tolerance was increased 13% (33 seconds) over baseline levels but only 2% over the levels achieved with placebo treatment (not significant). ST depression with exercise was 6% less when patients were on pindolol than when they were on placebo (not significant). There was a marked decrease in myocardial oxygen demand as measured by the double product of blood pressure and pulse during exercise (23% reduction when on pindolol and no change when on placebo, p less than 0.01). This study shows that there was an important placebo effect when treatment of angina pectoris was evaluated and that pindolol significantly reduced myocardial oxygen demand but evidence of ischemia was not significantly reduced. Possible mechanisms to explain the disparity between reduction in estimated myocardial oxygen demand (double product) and objective improvement in ischemia include coronary spasm and altered regional flow resulting from beta blockade. Alternative explanations may be the relatively small fixed dose of pindolol and the small number of patients studied.
Melanoma differentiation-associated 7 (interleukin 24) inhibits growth and enhances radiosensitivity of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Purpose: Despite therapeutic interventions including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a very poor prognosis and novel therapies are required. Experimental Design: Melanoma differentiation-associated 7 (mda-7) (interleukin 24), when expressed via a recombinant replication-defective adenovirus, adenovirus (Ad). mda-7 , has profound antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in a variety of tumor cells but not in nontransformed cells. The present studies examined the combined impact of Ad. mda-7 and ionizing radiation on the proliferation and survival of GBM cell lines. Results: Ad. mda-7 caused a dose-dependent reduction in the proliferation of glioma cells in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. The antiproliferative effects of Ad. mda-7 were enhanced by radiation in a greater than additive fashion. These effects were not observed in cultures of nontransformed primary astrocytes. Purified MDA-7 protein caused a similar dose-dependent reduction in GBM cell growth that was enhanced after radiation exposure. The enhanced reduction in growth correlated with increased necrosis and DNA degradation. These modifications in cell phenotype correlated with reduced expression of Bcl- XL and enhanced expression of BAX. Overexpression of Bcl- XL protected cells from the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of Ad. mda-7 + radiation. Incubation of cells with N -acetyl cysteine abolished the enhancing effects of radiation. In vitro , Ad. mda-7 and radiation reduced colony formation ability, which was significantly increased when the two treatments were combined. In vivo , Ad. mda-7 enhanced the survival of Fischer 344 rats implanted intracranially with glioma cells. Radiation did not alter survival in control infected animals, whereas it prolonged survival in those infected with Ad. mda-7 . Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that mda-7 reduces the proliferation and enhances the radiosensitivity of GBM cells in vitro and in vivo .
Asymmetric three-dimensional Stokes flows about two fused equal spheres

Exact solutions to three-dimensional Stokes flow problems for asymmetric translation and rotation of two fused rigid spheres of equal size have been obtained in toroidal coordinates. The problems have been reduced to three-contour equations for meromorphic functions from a certain class, and then the latter have been reduced to Fredholm integral equations of the second kind by the Mehler–Fock transform of order 1. For the specified class of functions, the equivalence of the corresponding three-contour and Fredholm equations has been established in the framework of Riemann boundary-value problems for analytic functions. As an illustration for the obtained solutions, the pressure has been calculated at the surface of the body for both problems, and resisting force and torque, experienced by the body in asymmetric translation and rotation, have been computed as functions of a geometrical parameter of the body.
Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Does It Matter If RA Is Diagnosed in Early or Late Age?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disorder with heterogeneous clinical presentations, including age at disease onset. Indeed, RA can be diagnosed at any age. Although the peak age of onset is between 50 and 75 years, the prevalence of RA in females over age 65 is up to 5%1. Given the prevalence of RA is about 1% in whites2, there is a substantial subgroup of RA patients who are elderly (over age 65) at disease onset. There are over 50 countries with current life expectancies of 75 years or older3. Hence, the risk of morbidity and mortality even in the subgroup of elderly-onset RA patients is of clinical relevance. The approximately 2 to 3-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA is well-established4,5,6. It is suggested that both traditional CV risk factors as well as RA-specific disease mechanisms (e.g., systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and premature immunosenescence) contribute to the overall CV risk in RA. However, few studies have examined the risks and determinants of CVD in subgroups of RA patients depending on their age at diagnosis. In a previous population-based study6, it was shown that the 10-year absolute cardiovascular (CV) risk in given age groups varied substantially according to the presence of CV risk factors; among 60 to 69-year-old RA patients with no risk factors, the absolute CV risk was only 16.8%, but rose to 60.4% if CV risk factors of smoking, hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity were present. A recent study by Ajeganova and colleagues in this issue of The Journal 7 complements these findings by examining the effect of early RA disease factors on CV risk, stratified by age at RA disease onset. Their study sought to examine the associations of … Address correspondence to Dr. Liang, University of Pittsburgh, Division of Rheumatology, 3500 Terrace St., BST S723, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. E-mail: liangkp{at}upmc.edu
Power delivery validation of processor front side bus

With lower I/O operating voltage and decreasing noise margin targets, it is imperative that the amount of noise generated on the voltage rails is kept within tight tolerances for high speed signaling. For this a good understanding of the behavioral model of the package and on-die passives is required in addition to the on-die transients generated on the power supply network when I/O's toggle. One of the major challenges is to accurately measure this dynamic power fluctuation (di/dt) for various I/O bit pattern excitation to understand the effectiveness of decoupling capacitors in the power distribution network. This paper discusses the power delivery validation methodology of the processor front side bus (FSB) that allows the user to input a stream of data into the I/O's to measure the power supply noise and the resulting dynamic power fluctuation. A detailed three dimensional model of the package, motherboard was then created and simulated using Speed2K/PowerSI by Sigrity Corporation to correlate with measured results.
Recent outbreaks of atypical contact lens-related keratitis: what have we learned?

Purpose To examine the public health implications of 2 recent outbreaks of atypical contact lens-related infectious keratitis. Design Perspective based on the literature and authors' experience. Results The contact lens-related Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis outbreaks were each detected by dramatic rises seen in tertiary care centers in Singapore and the United States, respectively. Case-control studies of both outbreaks were able to identify a strong association with the use of different contact lens disinfection solutions. Their respective recalls resulted in a steep decline of Fusarium keratitis, but not of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Early investigations into each solution association implicated components not directly related to their primary disinfectant, but the true pathogenesis remains unknown. However, the number of Acanthamoeba cases individually attributed to each of almost all available disinfection systems exceeds the previously understood total United States incidence, suggesting other risk factors. Current standards do not require demonstration of anti-acanthamoebal activity. Yet, despite the inclusion of Fusarium in mandatory testing for solutions, current premarket testing was not predictive of the outbreak. Conclusions The 2 recent outbreaks of atypical contact lens-related keratitis have reinforced the value of tertiary care eye care centers in detecting early rises in rare infections and the power of adaptable, well-designed epidemiologic investigations. Although Fusarium keratitis has declined significantly with the recall of Renu with MoistureLoc (Bausch & Lomb Inc.), the persistence of Acanthamoeba keratitis demands fundamental changes in contact lens hygiene practices, inclusion of Acanthamoeba as a test organism, and contact lens disinfectant test regimens for all contact lens-related pathogens that are verifiably reflective of end user contact lens wear complications.
Using Aerial Imagery to Characterize Redband Trout Habitat in a Remote Desert Landscape

AbstractRemote sensing products, including aerial imagery, can be used to quantify characteristics of watersheds and stream corridors that often predict the distribution and abundance of aquatic species. We conducted a supervised, object-oriented classification of imagery from the National Agricultural Imagery Program to develop a high-resolution (1-m) land cover data set with four cover classes, emphasizing accurate characterization of woody riparian vegetation along stream corridors in northern Nevada and southwestern Idaho. The overall classification accuracy was 76%, and producer's accuracy (reflecting false positives) and user's accuracy (reflecting false negatives) for the woody vegetation class were 84% and 70%, respectively. Using logistic and quantile regression models in a model-selection framework, we found woody vegetation to be positively associated with the occurrence and density of Redband Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri. In addition, occurrence probabilities and densities were highest ...
Work Satisfaction as a Function of Gender and Job Status

Male lawyers, female lawyers, and female legal secretaries were interviewed concerning their work satisfaction, the nature of their employment-related gratifications and deprivations, and their work values. The data showed that the three samples' responses concerning work-related gratifications, deprivations, and values were largely similar. When they differed, the splits tended to be along the lines of job status (lawyer vs. secretary) rather than along the lines of gender (male vs. female). In addition, lawyers tended to be more satisfied with their work than were secretaries.
Inversion of Parameters of a Layered Rough Surface by a New Approach to the Simulated Annealing Method

We use the simulated annealing (SA) method to find the global minimum of a cost function associated with scattering from a layered dielectric structure with rough boundaries. In the case of a two layer structure, even a simple implementation of the SA algorithm is capable of retrieving more parameters than is possible with local optimization methods. We discuss different strategies that can improve the performance of this algorithm for our purpose.
Visually Exploring a Design Space Through the Use of Multiple Contextual Self-Organizing Maps

Understanding relationships amongst n-dimensional design spaces has long been a problem in the engineering community. Many visual methods previously developed, although useful, are limited to comparing three design variables at a time. Work described in this paper builds off the idea of a self-organizing map in order to visualize n-dimensional data on a two dimensional map. By using the contextual self-organizing map, current work shows that more design space information can be gleaned from map nodes themselves. By breaking the final visualization up into three maps containing separate contextual information, an investigator can quickly obtain information about the overall behavior of a design space. Tests run on well-known optimization functions show that information such as modality and curvature may be quickly suggested by these maps, and that they may provide enough information for a designer to choose a function to proceed with formal optimization of a given data set.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Achieving Filter Effectiveness and Insuring Reliability

This paper presents recently employed methods and techniques for properly designing and testing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) filters from the viewpoints of EMC and reliability. Because of the application of current probes in the latest EMC specifications, the use of attenuation as a filter design criteria has less value to the EMC engineer. A more applicable characteristic has been found to be the Transfer Impedance. High transfer impedance is best obtained if the filter presents a high input and output impedance in the stop band. Therefore, the T section filter is well suited for the job. The transfer impedance equation of a T section filter, using series inductors and a shunt capacitor, is as follows: --Z L) + jX T K~ C L (2 ~ L). C -- For frequencies well above cutoff and for the worse case condition of generator impedance approaching zero this can be reduced to: -- X 2 | T| XC-- As with attenuation, the transfer impedance is more easily given in logarithmic terms, or decibels above one ohm. With the transfer impedance characteristics and a predicted circuit noise voltage, it is easy to arrive at the final value of short circuit current that the current probe will see. In a T section filter, the values of transfer impedance are characteristically higher than those of attenuation in the stop band.
The Role of the Hippocampus in Instrumental Conditioning

Considerable evidence suggests that, in instrumental conditioning, rats can encode both the specific action‐outcome associations to which they are exposed and the degree to which an action is causal in producing its associated outcome. Three experiments assessed the involvement of the hippocampus in encoding these aspects of instrumental learning. In each study, rats with electrolytic lesions of the dorsal hippocampus and sham-lesioned controls were trained while hungry to press two levers, each of which delivered a unique food outcome. Experiments 1A and 1B used an outcome devaluation procedure to assess the effects of the lesion on encoding the action‐ outcome relationship. After training, one of the two outcomes was devalued using a specific satiety procedure, after which performance on the two levers was assessed in a choice extinction test. The lesion had no detectable effect on either the acquisition of instrumental performance or on the rats’ sensitivity to outcome devaluation; lesion and sham groups both reduced responding on the lever associated with the devalued outcome compared with the other lever. In experiment 2, the sensitivity of hippocampal rats to the causal efficacy of their actions was assessed by selectively degrading the contingency between one of the actions and its associated outcome. Whereas sham rats selectively reduced performance on the lever for which the action‐outcome contingency had been degraded, hippocampal rats did not. These results suggest that, in instrumental conditioning, lesions of the dorsal hippocampus selectively impair the ability of rats to represent the causal relationship between an action and its consequences.
Measurement of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Synovial Tissue Extracts by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

We developed methods for measuring inflammatory biomarkers (cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteinases) in synovial biopsy specimens from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Soluble extracts of synovial fragments were prepared with mild detergent and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase 3. The optimal detergent was 0.1% Igepal CA-630, which interfered minimally with ELISA detection but extracted 80% of IL-6 from synovial tissue. Upon spiking, 81 to 107% of added biomarkers could be recovered. To determine within-tissue variability, multiple biopsy specimens from each RA synovial extract were analyzed individually. A resulting coefficient of variation of 35 to 62% indicated that six biopsy specimens per synovial extract would result in a sampling error of ≤25%. Preliminary power analysis suggested that 8 to 15 patients per group would suffice to observe a threefold difference before and after treatment in a serial biopsy clinical study. The previously described significant differences in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels between RA and OA could be detected, thereby validating the use of synovial extracts for biomarker analysis in arthritis. These methods allow monitoring of biomarker protein levels in synovial tissue and could potentially be applied to early-phase clinical trials to provide a preliminary estimate of drug efficacy.
Modeling the metabolic effects of terbutaline in β2-adrenergic receptor diplotypes

Objective Our objective was to determine whether β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms influence terbutaline-stimulated changes in glucose, insulin, and potassium concentrations in healthy adults. Methods Seven healthy adults homozygous for the Arg−19/Gly16/Glu27 haplotype (RGE) and seven homozygous for the Cys−19/Arg16/Gln27 haplotype (CRQ) volunteered to receive a 1-hour infusion of terbutaline (0.01 mg/kg). A 2-compartment pharmacokinetic model was fitted to the terbutaline concentrations. Concentrations of glucose and insulin were fitted simultaneously by use of a coupled feedback indirect response model. An indirect response model was also fitted to the plasma potassium concentration versus time data. The −2 log-likelihood ratio test was used to determine whether estimates of the covariates of diplotype and sex improved the model fittings. Results Demographic variables, anthropometric characteristics, and pharmacokinetics did not differ by diplotype. The coupled feedback model fitted the glucose and insulin concentration data well with excellent precision. Terbutaline stimulated production of glucose (S1) to a greater extent in RGE compared with CRQ diplotypes, as follows: S1 = 0.039 ± 0.007 (mean ± SD) versus 0.0276 ± 0.01, respectively (P < .05, −2 log-likelihood criterion). The baseline values, disposition rate constants for glucose (kout1) and insulin (kout2), production rate of insulin (S2), feedback effect of insulin on glucose (S3), and pharmacodynamic parameters for potassium did not differ by diplotype or sex. Conclusions The β2 receptor diplotype influences receptor-stimulated glucose production in healthy, nonobese individuals, which is consistent with β2 receptor–mediated hepatic glycogenolysis. Future metabolic studies of this system should consider β2 receptor genetic variants. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 76, 27–37; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.03.006
Extraction of topologically simple isosurfaces from volume datasets

There are numerous algorithms in graphics and visualization whose performance is known to decay as the topological complexity of the input increases. On the other hand, the standard pipeline for 3D geometry acquisition often produces 3D models that are topologically more complex than their real forms. We present a simple and efficient algorithm that allows us to simplify the topology of an isosurface by alternating the values of some number of voxels. Its utility and performance are demonstrated on several examples, including signed distance functions from polygonal models and CT scans.
How Shall I Name Thee? The Construction of Natural Selves

The relation between Cartesian dualism and the developmental dualism of the nature-nurture dichotomy is discussed, with special attention to the treatment of subjectivity and agency. I argue that causal explanation need not drive out active subjects, as it so often seems to, and that it is especially questionable to attempt to solve questions of moral responsibility by weighing biological against environmental causes, or causes in general against reasons. A developmental systems perspective provides a way of seeing subjectivity as both constructed and natural. Aspects of persons cannot then be attributed to biology or culture, and responsibility is a matter not of independence from causal influence, but of action and accountability in a social world.
A generic multirobot control experimental system

This article describes a generic experimental system that implemented the activity controller theory. The controller has the ability to coordinate any number of robots (and other automated machines) and to respond to the random arrival of components, so as to efficiently assemble various mixes of products. The work also briefly presents the structure of the coordination system, and a solution frame to the dynamic collision avoidance problem. The computer-controlled experimental system is used to simultaneously operate two robots sharing tasks and auxiliary devices in an assembly cell.
Novel Pneumocystis Antigen Discovery Using Fungal Surface Proteomics

Pneumonia due to the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii is a life-threatening infection that occurs in immunocompromised patients. The inability to culture the organism as well as the lack of an annotated genome has hindered antigen discovery that could be useful in developing novel vaccine- or antibody-based therapies as well as diagnostics for this infection. Here we report a novel method of surface proteomics analysis of Pneumocystis murina that reliably detected putative surface proteins that are conserved in Pneumocystis jirovecii. This technique identified novel CD4(+) T-cell epitopes as well as a novel B-cell epitope, Meu10, which encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein thought to be involved in ascospore assembly. The described technique should facilitate the discovery of novel target proteins for diagnostics and therapeutics for Pneumocystis infection.