cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isoniazid preventive therapy, hepatitis C virus infection, and hepatotoxicity among injection drug users infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Treatment of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection with isoniazid can cause hepatotoxicity, but the risk of isoniazid-associated hepatotoxicity among persons coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is unknown. We conducted a prospective study among 146 injection drug users with M. tuberculosis infection and normal baseline hepatic transaminase values who were treated with isoniazid. Of 146 participants, 138 (95%) were HCV-seropositive. Thirty-seven participants (25%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—seropositive. Thirty-two (22%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16%–30%) of 146 participants developed transaminase value elevations to >3 times the upper limit of normal. Transaminase value elevation was associated with concurrent alcohol use but not with race, age, presence of hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV-1 infection, or current injection drug use. Isoniazid was withdrawn from 11 participants (8%; 95% CI, 4%–13%). Of 8 deaths during follow-up, none were attributed to isoniazid-associated hepatotoxicity. The risk of transaminase value elevation and drug discontinuation for HCV-infected persons receiving isoniazid was within the range reported for populations with lower HCV prevalence.
Video Based X-Ray Computed Tomography

The capabilities of a video based x-ray imaging system are investigated for performing transaxial ccmputed tomography. The detector which was used in the present study was a 12.5? diameter flat screen optically coupled to a light amplifier tube with a photocathode diameter of 3?. The output of the light amplifier was picked up by an isocon camera. The video projection images were digitized and stored in a computer for image reconstruction. A special aluminum field flattening filter was designed and used to reduce both the dynamic range and beam hardening problems. The spatial and density resolution capability as well as the uniformity of the images is discussed.
Understanding mRNA trafficking: Are we there yet?

There has been unexpected insight into the part that an mRNA plays in the function of the protein it encodes gleaned from visualizing where an mRNA resides in the cytoplasm. mRNAs can localize to distal domains of the cytoplasm in cells with vast cytoplasmic domains such as the central and peripheral nervous system or oocytes and embryos, but can localize within other somatic cell types as well. Localized translation of such mRNAs in the nervous system can supply distant cellular structures, such as synapses, with required proteins for proper function or development. Similarly, the spatially and temporally localized translation of mRNA early in development spatially segregates developmental cues within the egg to facilitate regional cell fate specification and body plan establishment. All mRNAs do not arrive at these sites of localization, an indication that the mechanisms to get these mRNAs to their destination are specially programmed into the mRNA sequence. Molecular recognition of mRNAs to be localized and the putative connection between the RNA and the cytoskeleton for trafficking to their destination are critical steps in the process. In this review I will present the recent years' progress in understanding these two steps in the mRNA localization process at the molecular level, which is among the most critical determinants for localized translation, since only mRNAs that reach the destination can be locally translated.
Orientation and structure dependence of interface magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Co/Cu overlayers and superlattices

The full potential linearized augmented plane wave method and atomic force approach are employed for the theoretical determination of interface magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) for superlattice systems of Co/Cu in (001), (110), and (111) orientations, and overlayer systems of the monolayer Co on Cu (111) substrate adsorbed by different further coverage of Cu. It is found in superlattices that the interface MCA is sensitive to the geometry arising from different orientations. In good agreement with experiment, the interface MCA with Cu overlayers is found to peak at 1 monolayer of Cu‐coated Co/Cu(111) and then to decrease with further Cu deposition. In addition to the hybridization of electronic states at the Co/Cu interface, the interaction between the interface layers and the next‐to‐interface layers in superlattices and structure relaxation in overlayers may have a significant influence on the MCA of the Co layer.
Peripherin gene is linked to keratin 18 gene on human chromosome 12.

Peripherin is a neuron-specific intermediate filament (IF) protein, found primarily in phylogenetically old regions of the nervous system. Whereas other neuronal IF genes have only two to three introns and are scattered in the genome, the peripherin gene (PRPH) has a complex intron-exon structure like nonneuronal IF genes that are clustered in tandem arrays, e.g., those encoding the keratins. We used a cosmid containing the human peripherin gene (PRPH) to determine its chromosomal location in relationship to nonneuronal IF genes. Using a rodenthuman mapping panel, we localized thePRPH gene to human chromosome 12. Since a cluster of keratin genes maps to 12q12–13, polymorphic markers were developed forPRPH and for one of the keratin genes presumed to be in the cluster, keratin 18 (KRT18). Both markers were typed in CEPH reference families. Pairwise and multipoint analyses of the CEPH data revealed thatKRT17 is tightly linked to DNA markersD12S4, D12S22, D12S90, D12S96 andD12S103, which lie betweenD12S18 andD12S8, with odds greater than 1000∶1. These markers are physically located at 12q11–13, thus supporting the fine localization ofKRT18 in or near the group of type II keratins in this region. Furthermore, linkage analysis showed that the peripherin gene (PRPH) is tightly linked toKRT18 (Ž=15.73, θ=0.013), and therefore appears to be in close proximity to the cluster.
Dorian Llywelyn, SJ, Toward a Catholic Theology of Nationality

(2012). Dorian Llywelyn, SJ, Toward a Catholic Theology of Nationality. Political Theology: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 388-391.
115 High‐Resolution MRI Relaxation of Water Protons in Proteins and Electroporated Rat Muscles

Introduction: Electroporation of cells leads to breakdown of the ion gradients and release of intracellular contents. This triggers edema, which raises the local hydration level over its physiological value. Therefore, the state of water in an injured tissue is changed and the compartmentalization and dynamics of the spin populations during magnetic relaxation differ from healthy tissue. Methods: We measured spin-spin relaxation time (T2) and spin density (M0) parameters of water protons in electroporated rat muscles by using a 4.7-Tesla GE/Bruker Omega scanner. The rats were sacrificed 3 h postshock and extensor digitorum longus, soleus and biceps femoris muscles were collected. Contralateral muscle samples served as controls. T2 and M0 were obtained using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill methods. Following MR imaging the water content in the tissue samples was measured. To infer T2 from the value corresponding to bulk water we also measured T2 of lysozyme and ribonuclease(1 mM) solutions (10 mM phosphate buffer at pH = 7.0) as a function of protein concentration. Results: T2 values were determined by fitting the signal amplitude from the echoes to the decay time. We obtained for deionized distilled water T2 = 614 ± 31 ms, for lysozyme, T2 = 478 ± 25 ms and for ribonuclease A, T2 = 423 ± 22 ms. The analysis of T2-weighted MR images in rat muscles showed a 25–75% increase of the water T2 relaxation time in the three different muscle samples, of which soleus muscle showed the largest increase of 75%, from ∼40 ms in controls to ∼70 ms in injured muscles. Conclusions: Electroporation leads to increased in T2, which may have two components. First, the accumulated water adds extra hydration layers to proteins. Second, the dynamics of water molecules may be altered as a result of development of the structural damage due to activation of degradative processes in the tissue.
The incompatibility of concentrated aqueous solutions of dextran and amylose and its effect on amylose gelation

Abstract At 75°C concentrated aqueous solutions of dextran and amylose exhibit immiscibility. The presence of dextran has a major effect on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of amylose gels formed on cooling. At low dextran concentrations the modulus of the gel increases with increasing dextran concentration, whereas at higher dextran concentrations, polymer incompatibility and segregation of dextran-rich droplets reduces the firmness of the gel.
Designing Rail Vehicle Suspensions for Reducing Track Dynamic Loading

This paper presents the results of a study to evaluate the effect of semiactive dampers in reducing track dynamic loading at the interface between the rail and moving wheel in rail vehicles. Considering an elastic foundation for the track, the study derives a simplified dynamic model for a railcar primary suspension, attached to the wheelset (unsprung mass) and car body (sprung mass). The performance of the system for different semiactive control strategies is presented and compared with conventional passive suspensions. Different system excitations, caused by track irregularities, are considered and the performance of the system is investigated in both time and frequency domains. Simulation results show that displacement-based groundhook control strategies can reduce the dynamic loads caused by the moving wheel in the vertical direction, therefore lessening the track damage caused by high wheel loads.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Nature of Vowel Sounds

IF you will permit me to refer at this late date to Prof. Scripture's articles in NATURE of January 13 and 20 last on the nature of vowel sounds, I should like to emphasise the great service that the writer has done in pointing out that the ordinary methods of harmonic analysis are not necessarily adequate for the determination of the composition of a given tone, and may, indeed, give quite a false representation of the facts, because the sound may have inharmonic components. At the same time, it is doubtful whether his note in NATURE of March 3 (p. 12) in reply to another correspondent, interpreting some of Prof. Miller's results in this field, are justifiable. Prof. Miller's curves are evidently harmonic, from the fact that they repeat themselves very faithfully at regular intervals and establish without much doubt that vowel sounds (and some others) at least can be so produced that they are susceptible of harmonic analysis, whether they are always of such nature or not. The fact that Prof. Scripture finds the quality of the voice constantly changing in speech is not a matter of surprise, any more than that the human face and form rarely remain exactly the same for two seconds at a time in waking hours; it need not preclude us, however, from seeking to maintain a given quality for a time for purposes of analysis and record, any more than the latter fact prevents us from sitting for portraits.
Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of pharmaceuticals—VII: Determination of aminophylline in tablets

Abstract An NMR procedure is described by which theophylline and ethylenediamine are simultaneously determined in aminophylline tablets. t-Butyl alcohol was chosen as the internal standard and 4% ammonia-0.3% potassium cyanide in deuterium oxide was the solvent. The solvent system was selected to deal with the problems of solubility of the theophylline, overlapping of the components' resonance signals, and potential interference from metal impurities. Known standard and commercial preparations were determined and the results compared with those obtained by alternative procedures. The technique, when applied to the determination of aminophylline in tablets, is rapid, simple and specific and has an error of 1–2%.
Scaffold-mediated symmetry breaking by Cdc42p.

Cell polarization generally occurs along a single well-defined axis that is frequently determined by environmental cues such as chemoattractant gradients or cell–cell contacts, but polarization can also occur spontaneously in the apparent absence of such cues, through a process called symmetry breaking1,2,3,4,5. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells are born with positional landmarks that mark the poles of the cell and guide subsequent polarization and bud emergence to those sites, but cells lacking such landmarks polarize towards a random cortical site and proliferate normally6. The landmarks employ a Ras-family GTPase, Rsr1p7,8,9, to communicate with the conserved Rho-family GTPase Cdc42p, which is itself polarized and essential for cytoskeletal polarization10,11. We found that yeast Cdc42p was effectively polarized to a single random cortical site even in the combined absence of landmarks, microtubules and microfilaments. Among a panel of Cdc42p effectors and interacting proteins, we found that the scaffold protein Bem1p was uniquely required for this symmetry-breaking behaviour. Moreover, polarization was dependent on GTP hydrolysis by Cdc42p, suggesting that assembly of a polarization site involves cycling of Cdc42p between GTP- and GDP-bound forms, rather than functioning as a simple on/off switch.
Exploring innate glycopeptide resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of hospital-acquired diseases, with some diseases as a result of infection of medical devices such as artificial heart valves, catheters and orthopedic implants. Multidrug resistance is commonly observed in hospital isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which are characterized by a mobile chromosomal element (SCCmec) encoding a penicillin binding protein (PBP) known as PBP2A. Because of its low affinity for β-lactam antibiotics, PBP2a allows cell–wall synthesis at β-lactam concentrations that inhibit other PBPs.
Immunology of Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Cancers that cause disturbances of organs or tissues remote from the site of the tumor or its metastases are called paraneoplastic syndromes. The nervous system can be affected at virtually any site, including the neuromuscular junction (e.g., Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, myasthenia gravis). Paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the central nervous system are characterized by (1) high titers of antibodies that react with both the cancer and the affected portion of the nervous system, (2) specifically reacting T cells in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and (3) autopsy evidence of neuronal destruction, inflammatory infiltrates, and antibody penetration. Clinically, paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the central nervous system are usually subacute in onset, rapid in evolution, and cause severe damage, but generally stabilize after several months with or without treatment. Immune suppression does not appear to be particularly effective in treating these disorders. Treatment of the underlying cancer sometimes ameliorates symptoms.
Tune Control Improvements on the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron

The as-built lattice of the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) had two sets of correction sextupoles and two sets of quadrupoles energized by dc power supplies to control the tune and the tune tilt. With this method of powering these magnets, adjustment of tune conditions during the accelerating cycle as needed was not possible. A set of dynamically programmable power supplies has been built and operated to provide the required chromaticity adjustment. The short accelerating time (16.7 ms) of the RCS and the inductance of the magnets dictated large transistor amplifier power supplies. The required time resolution and waveform flexibility indicated the desirability of computer control. Both the amplifiers and controls are described, along with resulting improvements in the beam performance. A set of octupole magnets and programmable power supplies with similar dynamic qualities have been constructed and installed to control the anticipated high intensity transverse instability. This system will be operational in the spring of 1981.
New approach to development aid

The prevailing disenchantment concerning the less developed countries (LDCs) has multiple roots. Two, however, are of particular importance. The first, symbolised by the report of the Club of Rome, is connected with the implications of the world’s finite resources. The second, underlined by Mr McNamara, is in the obstinately and grossly unequal distribution of the benefits of whatever progress is being made.
Effects of auditory recognition learning on the perception of vocal features in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

Learning to recognize complex sensory signals can change the way they are perceived. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) recognize other starlings by their song, which consists of a series of complex, stereotyped motifs. Song recognition learning is accompanied by plasticity in secondary auditory areas, suggesting that perceptual learning is involved. Here, to investigate whether perceptual learning can be observed behaviorally, a same–different operant task was used to measure how starlings perceived small differences in motif structure. Birds trained to recognize conspecific songs were better at detecting variations in motifs from the songs they learned, even though this variation was not directly necessary to learn the associative task. Discrimination also improved as the reference stimulus was repeated multiple times. Perception of the much larger differences between different motifs was unaffected by training. These results indicate that sensory representations of motifs are enhanced when starlings learn to recognize songs.
The enzymatic hydrolysis of folate analogues.

Abstract The enrichment culture technique has been used to isolate bacteria which contain enzymes for the hydrolysis of the terminal amino acid in various folate analogues. Each of the three purified enzymes is specific for the hydrolysis of only one of the following compounds : 4-amino-4-deoxypteroylalanine, 4-amino-4-deoxypteroyl-aspartate and 4-amino-4-deoxypteroylglutamate. The hydrolysis in each reaction is in accord with the equation: 4-amino-4-deoxypteroyl-N-(amino acid) + H2O → 4-amino-4-deoxypteroate + amino acid.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups. X. Measuring cognitive impairment with the cognitive symptoms inventory.

Objective To determine the factor structure of the Cognitive Symptoms Inventory (CSI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) participating in a multiethnic longitudinal study of outcome, the Lupus in Minority populations, Nature versus nurture (LUMINA) study. Methods LUMINA patients of Hispanic (n = 48), African American (n = 64), and Caucasian (n = 44) ethnicity who had a study visit (enrollment or followup) between January 1 and September 30, 2000 were included. Patients completed the CSI, a 21-item self-report measure of cognitive function. Sociodemographic, clinical, immunologic, psychosocial, and behavioral variables were ascertained per protocol and as previously described. Data were analyzed with SPSS. The factor structure of the CSI was determined using the principal axis method with oblique rotation as decided by Gorsuch. All factors having an Eigenvalue greater than 1 were considered. A 4-factor solution was derived that accounted for 42.6% of the common variance. The correlations between patient factor scale scores and variables from the demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral domains were then examined. Results The four factors and their respective variance are, Attention/Concentration (28.8%), Pattern Recognition/Activity Management (5.7%), Intermediate Memory (4.7%), and Initiation of Executive Functions (3.4%); each factor correlated with the total CSI score. Overall, patients' factor scale scores were positively and significantly correlated with other measures of cognitive dysfunction such as the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (neuromotor domain) or the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (neurocognitive impairment), as well as with measures of fatigue, maladaptive coping skills, poor mental functioning, poor social support, and helplessness. They were, however, not correlated with sociodemographic or clinical variables. Conclusions In addition to demonstrating that the CSI can be used to measure cognitive impairment in patients with SLE in the research setting, we have determined a 4-factor solution for the CSI that appears to have adequate metric properties. At present, the CSI may best be used as a screen for difficulties in daily activities involving intermediate memory, concentration, attention, and executive function. Nevertheless, further work with the CSI items and factor scales is necessary to establish internal and test–retest reliability of the factor scales; and provide additional evidence of the convergent and predictive validity of these scales in larger samples of patients from each ethnic subgroup.
The role of repeated end-range/pain response assessment in the management of symptomatic lumbar discs.

Background context: The selection of appropriate patients for lumbar disc surgery is a challenging task involving a highly variable, multifactorial decision process complicated by a lack of reliable, validated clinical signs and imaging findings. Recently, multiple studies have demonstrated the reli- ability and diagnostic utility of a standardized form of spinal assessment using repeated end-range test movements while monitoring patterns of pain response (McKenzie assessment). Purpose: It is the aim of this article to evaluate the utility of this assessment system and its literature support in the selection of candidates for surgery for disc-related pain. Study design and methods: A literature review. Results: Most patients under consideration for lumbar disc surgery, when examined using this form of dynamic mechanical spinal evaluation, based on patients' patterns of pain response to standard- ized repeated end-range lumbar test movements and positions, fall into one of three subgroups: 1) a reversible condition, 2) an irreversible condition or 3) an unaffected condition. Reversible condi- tions in acute to chronic low back and/or leg pain are recoverable, often rapidly so, using nonopera- tive self-care dictated by the patient's assessment findings. The elicitation of pain "centralization," an improvement (favorable change) in pain location in response to repetitive end-range testing, typi- cally occurring with only one direction of test movement(s), predicts a high likelihood of successful response to conservative care, even in the presence of neurologic deficits. Irreversible conditions are characterized by symptom aggravation by all directions of testing, including the absence of the centraliza- tion response, predicting a poor response to nonsurgical care. In those whose pain is unaffected with similar testing, evidence indicates the pain is likely nondiscogenic. A dynamic disc model has been described as a possible model for these varying pain responses. Insight into annular integrity of symptomatic discs is also provided using this repeated end-range/pain response (McKenzie) assessment. Conclusions: As described, the literature supports the use of a repeated end-range/pain response as- sessment (dynamic mechanical evaluation) in obtaining diagnostic and therapeutic information in patients with low back and leg pain. This may contribute to improving the selection process of surgi- cal patients. © 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Subpectoral biceps tenodesis: an anatomic study and evaluation of at-risk structures

Background:The neurovascular structures of the proximal arm may be at risk for iatrogenic injury during open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OSPBT).Purpose:To define the anatomic relationships and at-risk structures during OSPBT and to quantify the effect of arm rotation on the position of the musculocutaneous nerve.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:The OSPBT approach was performed in 17 unembalmed cadaveric upper extremities. The tenodesis site was inferior to the bicipital groove and positioned so the musculotendinous portion of the long head of the biceps rested at the inferior border of the pectoralis major. A meticulous dissection identified the brachial artery, deep brachial artery, cephalic vein, brachial vein, medial brachial cutaneous nerve, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, intercostal brachial cutaneous nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, axillary nerve, median nerve, and radial nerve. Superficial structures were measured from the superior and inferior aspects of the incision, and d...
VOICES: THE BIGGER GAME FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS

Manisha Dahad and Jackie Thorns chart the emerging agenda of global organisations being asked to go beyond profitability to create value for society as a whole.
Effect of internal carotid artery occlusion on intracranial hemodynamics. Transcranial Doppler evaluation and clinical correlation.

Neurologic deficits that occur simultaneously with or subsequent to internal carotid artery occlusion may be influenced by the adequacy of the intracerebral collateral circulation. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to evaluate mean middle cerebral artery blood velocity and blood flow in major collateral arteries in 78 patients, including 39 patients with 40 internal carotid artery occlusions and 39 control patients with less severe extracranial cerebrovascular disease, matched for age and sex distribution. Middle cerebral artery blood velocity was 38.9 +/- 17.9 cm/sec ipsilateral to an occlusion, 50.9 +/- 18.3 cm/sec contralateral to an occlusion (p less than 0.01), and 56.8 +/- 14.4 cm/sec in the controls (p less than 0.01). Pulsatility index ipsilateral to an occlusion (0.86 +/- 0.32) was reduced compared with contralateral and control pulsatility indexes (1.05 +/- 0.33 and 1.03 +/- 0.18) respectively; p less than 0.05). Major intracerebral collateral arteries were detectable in 94.9% of occ...
Infrared and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Thin Silane Films on Iron and Titanium

The properties of primer films formed by γ-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (γ-APS) adsorbed from dilute aqueous solutions onto metal adherends depend on the pH of the solutions. Reflection-absorption infrared (RAIR) and x-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy were used to determine the structure of thin γ-APS films on iron and titanium. Results from RAIR showed that films formed by adsorption at pH 10.4 were composed of partially polymerized polysiloxanes containing significant amounts of absorbed carbon dioxide. Such films appeared to react with epoxy resins. Films formed at pH 8.0 were much more polymerized and reacted with epoxy resins to only a very limited extent. These results could be related to the dry strength of iron/epoxy lap joints. Joints prepared from adherends primed with γ-APS at pH 10.4 consistently had higher dry strengths than joints prepared from adherends primed with γ-APS at pH 8.0 because of the greater primer/adhesive reaction in the former case. Results obtained from XPS showed that films formed on iron at pH 8.0 contained more oxygen than films formed at pH 10.4. This may indicate that pH affects the orientation of the molecules on the surface. However, no chemical shifts were observed that could be related to the adsorp tion of γ-APS onto the oxidized surface of iron.
High-Level Tuber Expression and Sucrose Inducibility of a Potato Sus4 Sucrose Synthase Gene Require 5' and 3' Flanking Sequences and the Leader Intron

The 3.6 kb of 5' flanking sequence, leader intron, and 0.7 kb of 3' sequence from the potato sucrose synthase gene Sus4-16 are sufficient to direct high-level expression in developing tubers, in basal tissues of axillary buds and shoots, and in meristems and caps of roots, and to confer sucrose inducibility in leaves. By examining a series of deletion and substitution constructs in transgenic potato plants, we found that this pattern of expression requires 5' flanking sequences both upstream and downstream of position -1500 and that sequences between positions -1500 and -267 are essential for sucrose induction. Replacement of the native 3' sequence with the nopaline synthase 3' sequence resulted in the loss of sucrose inducibility and of expression in basal tissues of axillary buds. A general decrease in expression in other tissues was also observed. Removal of the 1612-bp leader intron also had a dramatic effect on both the pattern and level of expression.
THE ROMOLA CODE: “MEN OF APPETITES” IN GEORGE ELIOT'S HISTORICAL NOVEL

The fifteenth-century Florentine world that George Eliot studied and recreated in Romola (Cornhill Magazine, July 1862–August 1863) was characterized by the idea of love between males and the practice of sex between males. Same sex desire took various forms from the love of the older teacher for his pupil to the illegal but common practice of penetrating adolescent boys, for which many fifteenth-century Florentine men were prosecuted, particularly under the regime of the Dominican monk Girolamo Savonarola (1494–98). The monasteries themselves constituted an intense, all-male community of voluntary celibacy. These various sexual behaviors co-existed with more visible heterosexual institutions and practices, from the often politicized arranged marriages of the wealthy elite to the casual coupling of the peasant classes.
Robust op amp circuit realizations using tridiagonal state space forms

The standard controllable and observable canonical realizations have A-matrices whose eigenvalue locations are highly sensitive to small perturbations to the nonzero entries of the A-matrix that correspond to the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial. On the other hand, the eigenvalue locations of tri-diagonal A-matrices are relatively insensitive to similar perturbations. Given a SISO transfer function with known poles and zeros, this paper details an approach to state space realizations with tridiagonal A-matrices using a genetic algorithm and the equivalence of the realization with a canonical form
A quasiparticle version of the Ginocchio S,D fermion pair algebra

The automo~hisms of SO(S) which exchange vector and spinor representations do not lead to new physically meaningful subgroup chains for the nuclear S,D fermion pair algebra; but a simpler transformation leads to a physically meaningful quasiparticle version of this algebra. 1. Intr~uction Recently the automorphisms of the group SO(S) have been used to advantage in several branches of physics. The very special nature of SO(8) arises from the unique three-fald symmetry of its Dynkin diagram. This has been highlighted by Georgi in a chapter entitled "Automorphisms: Fun with SO( 8)" in his book on Lie algebras ') and leads to the embedding of three distinct SO(7) subgroups within SO(8). These have been used in particle physics in superstring and supergravity theories '> and in the study of octonionic superstring solitons '). Very recently they have been used to great advantage by Judd and Lister 4-6) to explain many unexpected simple proportionalities and unexplained zeros in atomic f-shell matrix elements. These successes have led to the question: Are there three distinct physically relevant SO(7) subgroups in the most important nuclear physics application of SO(8), the Ginocchio S,D fermion pair algebra ') and its outgrowth, the fermion dynamic symmetry model ")?
Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Myocardial Viability in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background—The utility of contrast MRI for assessing myocardial viability in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with left ventricular dysfunction is uncertain. We therefore performed cine and contrast MRI in 24 stable patients with CAD and regional contractile abnormalities and compared MRI findings with rest-redistribution 201Tl imaging and dobutamine echocardiography. Methods and Results—Delayed MRI contrast enhancement patterns were examined from 3 to 15 minutes after injection of 0.1 mmol/kg IV gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Comparable MRI and 201Tl basal and midventricular short-axis images were subdivided into 6 segments. Segments judged nonviable by quantitative and qualitative assessment of 201Tl scans showed persistent, systematically greater MRI contrast signal intensity than segments judged viable (P≤0.002). Delayed contrast hyperenhancement also occurred in segments judged nonviable by dobutamine echocardiography (P≤0.03). The presence or absence of hyperenhancemen...
Model-based tracking of complex articulated objects

In this paper, we present methods for tracking complex, articulated objects. We assume that an appearance model and the kinematic structure of the object to be tracked are given, leading to what is termed a model-based object tracker. At each time step, this tracker observes a new monocular grayscale image of the scene and combines information gathered from this image with knowledge of the previous configuration of the object to estimate the configuration of the object at the time the image was acquired. Each degree of freedom in the model has an uncertainty associated with it, indicating the confidence in the current estimate for that degree of freedom. These uncertainty estimates are updated after each observation. An extended Kalman filter with appropriate observation and system models is used to implement this updating process. The methods that we describe are potentially beneficial to areas such as automated visual tracking in general, visual servo control, and human computer interaction.
Stiffness Characterization of Reinforced Asphalt Pavement Structures Built over Soft Organic Soils

Many existing roadways in Florida are built over thick organic and peat layers that cause excessive pavement distress in the form of cracking, distortion, rutting, and differential settlement. A case study shows the use of a variety of geosynthetic and steel mesh reinforcing products embedded in the asphalt overlay placed in SR-15 and US-98 in southeast Florida in an effort to extend the useful life of the pavement structure. Twenty-four test sections, each 152 m (500 ft) long, were constructed, which included eight control sections and 16 reinforced asphalt sections containing GlassGrid, PetroGrid, PaveTrac, and asphalt rubber membrane interlayer at two different test locations with different subsoil characteristics. Before the rehabilitation project, a series of falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests was conducted at every 15.2 m (50 ft) along the proposed test section alignment for evaluating the existing pavement capacity, statistically determining the site variability among the test sections. Six m...
Prevention of murine coxsackie B3 viral myocarditis and associated lymphoid organ atrophy with recombinant human leucocyte interferon αA/D

The effects of recombinant human leucocyte interferon alpha A/D on experimental myocarditis due to coxsackie virus B3 were investigated. Specific plaque reduction assays showed that 50% of in vitro plaque formation in VERO (kidney of African green monkey) cells was inhibited by interferon alpha A/D 48 U.ml-1 when administered 24 h before infection with coxsackie virus B3. Three week old male C3H/He mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 3 x 10(2) plaque-forming units (pfu) of coxsackie virus B3. Controls (group 1) were injected with saline. Interferon alpha A/D 10(4) (group 2) or 10(3) (group 3) U.g-1.day-1, was administered subcutaneously daily, starting 1 d before the infection. Interferon alpha A/D 10(4) U.g-1.day-1 (group 4) was also given, starting the same day. Each group consisted of ten mice. Animals were sacrificed on d 5 for evaluation. Myocardial virus titres were significantly lower in groups 2, 3, and 4 (p less than 0.05) compared with controls. Histological examination showed extensive myocardial necrosis and cellular infiltration in all untreated mice but less severe necrosis and cellular infiltration in treated groups. Thymus and spleen weights in treated groups were greater than in the untreated group, and cellular depletion was less. Thus interferon alpha A/D effectively inhibited myocardial replication of coxsackie virus B3, reduced the myocardial inflammatory response, and prevented the disease associated lymphoid organ atrophy in this animal model.
Are Stenting and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Blockade of Good Value in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?

Therapy for ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) has undergone remarkable change over the past decade, and more evolution is doubtless in store. First, it has become relatively clear that primary angioplasty provides a real, if small, benefit over thrombolytic therapy.1 More recently, clinical trial data have shown that coronary stenting, initially thought to be unsafe in the thrombotic setting of an STEMI, is indeed safe and provides for a reduction in early events and repeat revascularization, although there was lingering concern over possible increased mortality with stenting compared with balloon angioplasty.2 Finally, some have argued recently that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors also provide a benefit over conventional anticoagulation regimens.3–5 See p 2857 However, despite the potential benefits that each of these therapies may offer, each new therapy is also expensive, and a greater question of judgment has emerged, as follows: are the clinical benefits associated with each of these therapies adequate to justify the higher costs associated with their use? To answer this question, it has become standard for the major clinical trials evaluating a new therapy to include an economic study, and often a cost-effectiveness analysis. Indeed, some have argued that economics and cost-effectiveness evaluation must become fundamental in clinical decision-making.6 A major study addressing optimal adjunctive therapy with primary angioplasty was the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, which used a 2-by-2 factorial design to independently evaluate the effectiveness of adding coronary stents or the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab to standard balloon percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the setting of an acute MI. Considering stenting versus PTCA, there were no significant differences in initial hospital outcomes or in death, recurrent MI, and stroke at 1 year. Stenting, however, was associated with a significant 6.4% absolute risk reduction in …
Effect of organ site on nuclear matrix protein composition

The nuclear matrix has been linked to several important cellular functions within cells, such as DNA organization and replication, as well as regulation of gene expression. It has been reported that the nuclear matrix protein composition is altered in cells grown on different extracellular matrices in vitro. This study examined the nuclear matrix protein composition of tumors produced by MAT-LyLu (MLL) rat prostate tumor cells implanted at different organ sites within the rat. When high resolution two-dimensional gels were utilized to compare nuclear matrix protein composition to the prostate orthotopic tumor, it was found that there were distinct protein differences depending upon where the tumor grew. In particular, there were 14 proteins found in the lung, six proteins found in intramuscular, 17 proteins is the heart, and five proteins in the tail vein tumor tissue that were not present in the prostate orthotopic tumor tissue. Therefore, this study adds evidence to support that the nuclear matrix composition of a cell is dependent, at least in part, by the extracellular matrix and/or different cellular environments and may have a role in site-specific differences in tumor properties.
Murine model of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis. I: phenotypic characterization with development of a histopathologic grading system.

Purpose The aim of the study was to characterize enterocolitis in the Ednrb-null (Ednrb−/−) mouse with aganglionosis of the colon and to develop and validate a semiquantitative histopathologic grading system to assess enterocolitis.
Pharm-Econogenomics: A New Appraisal

Pharmacogenomics is poised to radically alter the way drugs are designed, developed, and prescribed. Given that much of the variation in drug response can be attributed to genetic differences, tailoring drugs to an individual's unique genetic signature provides the opportunity to reduce adverse drug events, improve drug efficacy, optimize trial design, and prevent costly drug recalls (1). Developing pharmacogenomic strategies to address these issues is critical, given that lack of efficacy and adverse drug events cost the US well over $100 billion annually and that the overall cost for developing a single drug now exceeds $1 billion (2–4). Although genomewide association studies have identified, in general, common sequence variants with increased risks in susceptibility of only 10%–20%, the odds ratios for major side effects or drug responsiveness have been exceptionally large, such as 3- to 20-fold (an increase in risk of 300% to 2000%). This large difference is likely attributable to the fact that humans have been exposed, in evolutionary terms, to most drugs only for a relatively short period of time and that limited genetic selection pressures have been applied (4). Accordingly, exploiting the marked interaction of the genome with drug response represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance the precision and lower the costs of prescription medications. This opportunity has been enhanced by the plummeting cost of sequencing and the recent precedents of accelerated regulatory drug approvals for breakthrough medications developed with genomic guidance (5). Although pharmacogenomics offers the prospect of distinct improvements in drug development and utilization, it is appropriate to ask whether this approach will be cost-effective. In this issue of Clinical Chemistry , Arnaout et al. describe a cost-effectiveness analysis of the costs and time scales involved in the discovery of pharmacogenomic variants, their validation, and their incorporation into future clinical guidelines (3 …
A digital single-loop control of multi-phase dc-dc converter for fuel cell powered truck auxiliary power unit

This paper proposes a digital single-loop control method which enables a seamless mode transition between voltage and current control mode and current slew-rate control for a battery connected multi-phase dc-dc converter. The proposed algorithm consists of a current reference generator and a digital average current controller. The current reference generator changes the time constant of the digital integrator to implement ramp-up and ramp-down of the current reference command. The digital average current controller is designed to track the current reference accurately. A small signal model of the current control loop is derived and the control parameters are determined by the small signal analysis. A startup method when the output of the dc-dc converter is connected to a battery is also proposed to prevent reverse current flowing back to the converter input which is connected to the fuel-cell stack in the design. A prototype 5 kW four-phase dc-dc converter serving as an auxiliary power supply in heavy duty trucks has been built and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Enhancing self-efficacy through a blended training: A pilot study with basketball players

In the last decade, research has shown that web-based technology can be effectively employed to support interventions aimed at the empowerment of psychological skills such as self-efficacy. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of an innovative blended training program combining face to face and web-based activities in enhancing self-efficacy and emotion regulation among young basketball players. The training program lasted seven weeks and was based on the four sources of self-efficacy information identified by Bandura. In a two-group pre-test and a post-test design, 37 basketball players received either a web-based or a control text-based training program. The results indicated that the athletes receiving the web-based interactive training reported higher levels of self-efficacy compared to the baseline assessment, while no significant differences emerged in the control group. Concerning emotion regulation, both groups reported less emotional suppression at the end of the training, while no signific...
A Design Solution for Efficient and Compact Electro-hydraulic Actuators

Abstract This paper presents and describes an innovative design solution for a compact Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA). Although the current trend in many mobile applications is towards the use of Electro Mechanical Solutions (EMAS) instead of Hydraulic Actuation Systems (HAS), HEAs can actually represent the best technological compromise. In fact, EHAs can combine the power to weight ratio advantage of hydraulic technology with the versatility and ease of installation and control of electric technology. Compared to EMAS, which are often equipped with low efficient load holding mechanisms, EHAs can also offer superior energy efficiency. Moreover, the EHAs do not suffer of jamming problems, which make them a strong candidate to be employed in harsh environments. Applications of EHAs like the one proposed in this work include aircrafts, cargo and vehicle doors, hatches and landing gears. The system studied in this research is based on miniature bi-directional gear pump (from 0.13 cc/rev), specifically designed to maximize performance in terms of efficiency, noise emissions and durability for the reference application. This pump is used in a system layout architecture that includes built-in valves to allow a power on demand strategy control of a differential linear actuator. In particular, a novel pressure compensation system was formulated to minimize power losses associated with the internal lubricating gaps in the whole field of operation. The paper details the numerical modelling of the system, showing also results which describe its main features of operation. Advantages in terms of energy consumption, with respect to a more common configuration of EHA are also discussed.
RAB in Harsh and Benign Environments

In Chapters 1 through 4, we explored resource-allocation problems and how the optimal solution to resource-allocation problems can be determined by using Linear Programming, either mathematically with the Simplex Method, or visually using the Graphical Method. In Chapter 5, we introduced the concept of resource-allocation behavior and examined how people might be expected to perform when solving simple resource-allocation problems under conditions of Certainty, Risk, and Uncertainty.
Are Some Minis Multiquantal

Frerking, Matthew, Salvador Borges, and Martin Wilson. Are some minis multiquantal? J. Neurophysiol. 78: 1293–1304, 1997. The amplitude distribution of miniature postsynaptic currents (minis) in ma...
Decentralized, Disruptive, and On Demand: Opportunities for Local Government in the Sharing Economy

In response to Daniel E. Rauch & David Schleicher, Like Uber, but for Local Government Law: The Future of Local Regulation of the Sharing Economy, 76 Ohio St. L.J. 901 (2015).
New species of Cophixalus (Anura: Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea

We describe nine new species of the microhylid frog genus Cophixalus from the Southeastern Peninsula and adjacent islands of Papua New Guinea. All but one of the new species are small – adult males attain 20 mm in only one of the new forms. None of the new species has finger discs consistently larger than toe discs, a character state sometimes claimed to be diagnostic for the genus; most have finger discs distinctly and consistently smaller than toe discs. This raises the number of recognized Papuan members of the genus to 34, and several more undescribed forms exist, making this one of the largest frog genera in the region.