cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preserving Location Privacy in Geosocial Applications

Using geosocial applications, such as FourSquare, millions of people interact with their surroundings through their friends and their recommendations. Without adequate privacy protection, however, these systems can be easily misused, for example, to track users or target them for home invasion. In this paper, we introduce LocX, a novel alternative that provides significantly improved location privacy without adding uncertainty into query results or relying on strong assumptions about server security. Our key insight is to apply secure user-specific, distance-preserving coordinate transformations to all location data shared with the server. The friends of a user share this user's secrets so they can apply the same transformation. This allows all location queries to be evaluated correctly by the server, but our privacy mechanisms guarantee that servers are unable to see or infer the actual location data from the transformed data or from the data access. We show that LocX provides privacy even against a powerful adversary model, and we use prototype measurements to show that it provides privacy with very little performance overhead, making it suitable for today's mobile devices.
Quality of Mechanically Deboned Turkey Meat: Effect of Storage Time and Temperature.

Abstract Mechanically deboned turkey was stored at −32, −26, −21, and −13° C. and evaluated during 14 wk. of storage. Both storage time and temperature affected percentages of total cooking loss. Storage for 2 or 14 wk. resulted in the greatest total cooking losses. Samples stored at −21° C. had greater total cooking loss than those stored at other temperatures. In general, storage time, but not storage temperture affected eating quality. Flavor and aroma scores were constant through 10 wk. of storage but for 12 or 14 wk. were significantly lower. Juiciness was affected by storage time with samples stored 6, 10, and 14 wk. being less juicy than the others. Gardner color values indicated no differences in color of raw or cooked samples. Visual color differences were observed on the surfaces of raw samples; however, since samples were mixed before Gardner color readings were taken, those differences may not have been measured. TBA values of the mechanically deboned turkey increased with time and temperature of storage.
Flexible finite‐difference stencils from isoparametric finite elements

A new finite-difference technique for the numerical solution of boundary value problems for partial differential equations in two space variables is described. Isoparametric finite elements are used in a finite-difference context to derive difference approximations to space derivatives on a locally curvilinear grid. The result is a generalization of a classical finite-difference stencil which is ‘flexible’ in that it is adaptable to variable meshes, such as those arising from regions with curved boundaries. Numerical results presented for a test problem (potential flow past a circle) using a 9 × 10 grid agree with the analytic solution to within one per cent.
942-42 Is Mitral Valve Prolapse with Significant Mitral Regurgitation a Different Condition from Uncomplicated Mitral Prolapse? Results of Family Studies

Mild instances of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have been suggested to represent variants of normal, whereas individuals with complicated forms of MVP have a distinct medical condition. This hypothesis would predict different phenotypic features and patterns of inheritance in relatives of index cases with complicated or uncomplicated MVP. Accordingly, we performed clinical and echocardiographic assessment of 16 MVP patients with and 76 without moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR+and MR– probands) and 60 and 256, respectively, first-degree relatives (MR+ and MR– relatives). MR+ probands were older (p = 0.01), more likely to be male (p = 0.002), were more overweight (p = 0.004) and had higher systolic blood pressures (p = 0.05) and larger aortic roots (p = 0.034) after the effects of age and body size were taken into account. MR+ and MR– relatives had similar prevalences (27 and 32%) and age distribution of MVP, but affected MR+ relatives were younger (expected because more children and fewer parents of MR+ probands could be evaluated). and more likely to be male. MR+ and MR- relatives were virtually identical in regard to body habitus, blood pressure, the prevalence of auscultatory findings, thoracic bony abnormalities and palpitations and all echo measurements including anterior mitral leaflet thickness. Four instances of significant MR and two MVP-related complications (infective endocarditis and transient ischemic attack) occurred in the 82 relatives of MR– probands as opposed to none among relatives of MR+ probands. In 20 families, one proband or relative with MVP had severe MR and at least one other with MVP (presumably due to the same gene) was free of MR or complications. Thus, MVP with severe MR does not represent a heritable phenotype and commonly coexists with mild forms of MVP in the same family, making their classification as separate conditions illogical and potentially misleading.
Evaluation of the United States pediatric urology workforce and fellowships: a series of surveys performed in 2006-2010.

Abstract Objective In the US, there has been an evolution in the practice of pediatric urology from a primary academic sub-specialty focused on reconstruction of major congenital genitorurinary abnormalities to a mixed academic and private practice that serves as the primary care giver for all pediatric urologic concerns. The estimated manpower needs were unable to be resolved, due to our inability to determine the impact of sub-specialty certification on referral patterns, along with the failure to embrace the use of physician extenders. Here, we review a series of surveys performed in 2006–2010 regarding the sub-specialty of pediatric urology. Materials and Methods The four surveys focused on workforce needs, appraised the financial impact of educational debt on the pediatric urology community, and evaluated concerns of the current fellows in training. Results The median financial income for a pediatric urologist, the resident’s educational debt load, and a desire of the fellows to have an open dialog with the urologic community regarding the merits of the research year are revealed. Conclusion We have identified that the ability to recruit fellows into our field is dependent upon a combination of factors: interest in the field, job availability in relationship to geographic locations, mentoring, concerns regarding financial/familial hardships encountered during a 2-year fellowship, and the lack of increased financial reimbursement for the extra training required.
Laboratory Performance Characteristics of Sulfur-Modified Warm-Mix Asphalt

The objective of this study was to compare the laboratory mechanistic properties of sulfur-modified warm-mix asphalt (WMA) with conventional asphalt mixtures. Three mixtures, two hot-mix asphalt (H...
Energy flow in jerk-decoupled translatory feed axes

AbstractThis paper describes the energy flow in jerk-decoupled translatory feed axes. After an introductory survey on jerk-decoupled feed axes, a system simulation is presented. This system simulation includes a model of the mechanical parts, a model of a synchronous linear motor, and a model of the control circuits. Different energy flows can be simulated using an energy observer. The results are shown in the last section of this paper. With these results, an energy-optimal design of jerk-decoupled linear feed axes can be accomplished.
Early Myocardial Revascularization for Postinfarction Angina

In 1983 and 1984, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed on 107 consecutive patients for postinfarction angina. In each instance, CABG was done within 30 days of infarction. Sixty-three patients (59%) required intravenous administration of nitroglycerin and/or the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) for relief of angina. Oral medications relieved angina in the remaining 44 patients. Thirty-eight patients underwent CABG 7 days or less after the infarction (Group 1), 25 received it between 8 and 15 days later (Group 2), and 44 had CABG between 16 and 30 days later (Group 3). There were 9 in-hospital deaths: 4 in Group 1, 2 in Group 2, and 3 in Group 3. Thirteen patients needed the IABP for hemodynamic stability as well as relief of angina. Even when the patient was stable hemodynamically, death was more likely to occur among these 13 patients if CABG was conducted within 7 days of infarction. Follow-up was 94% complete at 29.4 months. Eighty-six percent of patients were asymptomatic or in New York Heart Association Functional Class I, and 6% were in Class II. There were 2 late deaths. CABG for angina can be accomplished within 30 days of an acute infarction with good results. The exception to this rule is the patient in whom shock develops after a myocardial infarction and who, despite stabilization, receives CABG within 7 days of the infarction.
SYNTHESIS OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS BY RAT THYMUS AFTER THYMIC IRRADIATION.

THE thymus distinctively lacks plasma cells and pyroninophilic precursors, even after massive parenteral injection of protein1–3. Direct injection of antigens into the thymus in guinea-pigs, however, can induce the formation of germinal centres, plasma cells and the production of antibodies4. An increase in the plasma cell population has been observed in the spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow of chimpanzees5, rats6–9 and germ-free mice10 after whole body irradiation.
Eternal recurrence and the categorical imperative

The question has been raised whether Nietzsche intends eternal recurrence to be like a categorical imperative. The obvious objection to understanding eternal recurrence as like a categorical imperative is that for a categorical imperative to make any sense, for moral obligation to make any sense, it must be possible for individuals to change themselves. And Nietzsche denies that individuals can change themselves. Magnus thinks the determinism “implicit in the doctine of the eternal recurrence of the same renders any imperative impotent…. How can one will what must happen in any case?” At the other end of the spectrum, those who do hold that eternal recurrence is like a categorical imperative, for their part, tend to ignore or deny the determinism involved in eternal recurrence. This article explores the extent to which it can be claimed that eternal recurrence is like a categorical imperative without downplaying Nietzsche's dterminism.
Effects of orchidectomy and hormone replacement on rat hepatic hexose monophosphate pathway enzymes

Abstract This study was designed to determine if the attenuated starvation-refeed (SRF) over shoot response of hepatic G6PDH and 6PGDH observed in adult female rats is due to the presence of high levels of estrogen or lower levels of testosterone in the female. Male rats were castrated as weanlings, then allowed to reach adulthood before initiation of the remainder of the study. Ten days prior to the dietary study, when the rats were 9 weeks old, they began to receive daily injections of one of the following preparations: carrier only, 17- β -estradiol or testosterone propionate. Next, the rats were starved for 2 days and refed either a nonpurified diet or a purified 65% carbohydrate diet (sucrose, fructose, glucose or cornstarch) for 3 days. Castration suppressed the magnitude of the SRF overshoot response by 40% compared to that observed in intact males. Testosterone injections did not restore the SRF response. In fact, the enzyme activities of testosterone- injected, castrated rats were indistinguishable from those of castrated, carrier-injected controls. Estrogen injections doubled basal G6PDH and 6PGDH activities, but decreased the SRF overshoot response by 60% compared to castrated carrier injected rats. These results suggest that estrogen promotes higher basal enzyme activities and suppresses the magnitude of the SRF overshoot response in adult female rats.
The pharmacology and toxicology of midaflur

Abstract Midaflur (EXP 338, 4-amino-2,2,5,5-tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)-3-imidazoline) is a potent, well absorbed, chemically novel imidazoline derivative with central skeletal muscle relaxant and sedative properties in several species including man. In mice, it was qualitatively similar to but more potent than several psychosedative drugs; it could not be clearly categorized from its activity profile. Midaflur was a potent anticonvulsant. In rats, midaflur resembled meprobamate, mephenesin, and pentobarbital but was considerably more potent. Unlike pentobarbital midaflur had no effect on drug metabolizing enzyme systems (duration of hexobarbital sleeping time). Unlike chlordiazepoxide and pentobarbital, midaflur did not increase appetite. In dogs, midaflur resembled pentobarbital more than mephenesin. In cats, both midaflur and mephenesin reduced decerebrate rigidity and preferentially depressed reflex responses mediated by polysynaptic pathways; midaflur was less selective and considerably more potent than mephenesin. Midaflur had no effect on neuromuscular junction transmission. Midaflur more closely resembled diazepam and chlordiazepoxide than pentobarbital and meprobamate in its effects on the cat spontaneous and activated electroencephalogram. Midaflur had minimal effects at high doses in cardiovascular studies. It was inactive in anti-inflammatory, diuretic and plasma glucose studies. Chronic toxicity studies in rats and dogs showed no compound-related changes in hematologic, biochemical, or urinalysis values and no compound-induced gross or microscopic pathologic changes. No noteworthy effects on reproduction were found in rabbits and rats.
Notes: Criteria for Selection of Scale‐Sampling Sites in Growth Studies of Yellow Perch

Abstract Standardization of body site for scale sampling would improve comparability of growth data among studies. Although some standardization has been achieved, reasons for choosing sites have rarely been documented. In our study, four scales were collected from each of several sites on yellow perch Perca flavescens from West Okoboji Lake and Clear Lake, Iowa. On the basis of the least variability in scale size and lowest frequency of regenerated scales, the site below the lateral line at the tip of the pectoral fin when the fin was pressed to the body was selected. Sex of fish and season of collection did not significantly affect the body–scale regression, intercept values for which ranged from 15 mm for scales from the caudal peduncle to 50 mm for scales from the most anterior site.
Acute biliary pancreatitis: when should the endoscopist intervene?

A 63-year-old usman is admitted to the hospital with acute pancreatitis of presumed biliary origin. Laboratory results include white blood cell count (WBC) 18,500; hemoglobin 13.0; platelets 191,000; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 330; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 260; alkaline phosphatase 250; bilirubin 1.4; glucose 225; blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 47; creatinine 1.4; and prothrombin time 12 seconds. Ultrasound shows gallstones in the gallbladder; the common bile duct is 5 mm without stones identified.
Cost-share program participation and family forest owners' past and intended future management practices

Abstract Cost-share programs are commonly-used policy tools designed to influence management on privately-owned lands. Widely popular on agricultural lands, these programs and their association with landowner behavior have not been as thoroughly studied on forested lands. Based on a dataset of over 3500 observations and using propensity score matching to reduce possible selection bias, this study found that family forest owners in the U.S. Northern region enrolled in cost-share programs were more actively engaged in both silvicultural and conservation management activities than non-participants. These findings point to the capacity of cost-share public programs to promote better forest management. This study found that cost-share participation varied across size of forest holdings, owners' demographic characteristics, ownership objectives and forest location. Owners of smaller sized forestlands had a lower participation rate and might be a prime target group of future cost-share programs to widen forest and wildlife habitat management.
Thymic and peripheral blood T‐and B‐cell levels in myasthenia gravis

We have compared the percentage of T and B lymphocytes in the thymus and peripheral blood populations of patients with myasthenia gravis. There were significantly fewer thymic T cells in myasthenic hyperplastic thymus (MG-H), but not in myasthenia gravis-thymoma (MG-T), compared with normal thymus biopsies obtained at cardiac surgery. Conversely, B cells were increased in MG-H versus MG-T and normals. Peripheral blood T and B cells were not different in any group of myasthenic patients compared to normal populations. In vitro autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions between thymus and peripheral blood lymphocytes occurred in MG-H, but did not correlate with the degree of thymic B-cell increases in these patients.
Paul Tillich and Psychoanalysis

Paul Tillich (1886–1965) was one of the leading theologians of the twentieth century. Tillich was born in Germany and received his education and first academic appointments there. Tillich left Germany in 1933 to teach at Union Theological Seminary after having been dismissed from his university position by the National Socialist government for his radical views and political associations. In the United States, he became a highly successful lecturer, preacher, and public intellectual who reached numbers of persons who had departed or who had doubts regarding traditional religious belief and practice. Tillich underwent a series of traumatic losses in the early decades of his life that powerfully shaped his subsequent contributions to religious and cultural discourse. This essay outlines this pattern of loss and speculates about its impact upon his theological work. It lifts up Tillich’s perspective of living and working “on the boundary” of disciplines, eras, and cultures, most particularly where psychoanalytic ideas contributed to his “theology of culture.” It also stresses Tillich’s role in initiating the ongoing dialogue between religion and psychiatry and psychoanalysis. The essay concludes with a summary critique of Tillich’s work along with an affirmation of his considerable legacy. This essay was originally a presentation for the Richardson Research Seminar in the History of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Effect of statin therapy prior to elective percutaneous coronary intervention on frequency of periprocedural myocardial injury

This study evaluated whether pretreatment with statins was associated with a decreased incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury. Periprocedural myocardial injury occurs after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with adverse outcomes. The pleiotropic properties of statins stabilize plaque and decrease the inflammatory milieu of atherosclerotic lesions. Accordingly, we hypothesized that preprocedural statin therapy would decrease periprocedural myocardial injury. We enrolled 425 patients who underwent successful PCI. The control arm (n = 150) included patients not on statin therapy at the time of PCI, and the statin arm (n = 275) included patients who were taking statin medication before PCI. All patients had serial enzymes measured, including creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and troponin I. The incidence of increased levels of CK and CK-MB >3 times normal and the absolute increase in CK and troponin I were compared between groups. The control arm had significantly higher periprocedural levels of CK. In the control group, 6% of patients had CK increases >3 times the upper limit of normal compared with 1.8% in the statin group (p = 0.02). The control arm had a higher frequency of CK-MB increases >3 times the upper limit of normal (7.3% vs 2.2%, p = 0.01). There was a trend toward higher levels of troponin I in the control group (3.21 vs 1.85 ng/ml, p = 0.06). Thus, statin therapy before elective PCI was associated with lower levels of periprocedural CK.
Interrelationship between central bradykinin and vasopressin in conscious rats.

Abstract Intracerebroventricular administration of bradykinin (1, 5 and 20 μg) into conscious rats resulted in significant dose-dependent increases in the plasma vasopressin concentration, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Peripheral blockade of the pressor action of vasopressin with a vasopressin pressor antagonist (10 μg/kg, i.v.) did not cause an attenuation but rather a potentiation and prolongation of the pressor effects of central bradykinin (20 μg). Central administration of the vasopressin antagonist (150 ng) caused no peripheral blockade of the pressor effects of exogenous i.v. vasopressin but almost abolished the bradykinin-induced tachycardia, with little effect on the pressor effects of central bradykinin (20 μg). The results indicate that centrally administered bradykinin stimulates vasopressin release into the plasma and that central vasopressin may modulate the cardiovascular actions of central bradykinin.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Insulating Hafnium and Zirconium Nitrides

Highly uniform, smooth, and conformal coatings of higher nitrides of hafnium and zirconium were produced by atomic layer deposition from homoleptic tetrakis(dialkylamido)metal(IV) complexes and ammonia at low substrate temperatures (150−250 °C). The precursor vapors were alternately pulsed into a heated reactor, yielding 1.15−1.20 A of metal nitride film for every cycle. Successful depositions were carried out on silicon, glass, quartz, and glassy carbon. All of the films showed good adhesion to the substrates, were chemically resistant, and did not oxidize over time. The films were characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and ellipsometry. These films were amorphous as deposited, as shown by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Step coverage is 100% in vias with an aspect ratio of 40:1, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Evidence is given for the existence of nitrogen-rich phases with compositions Hf3N4 and Zr3N4. These two materials are insulating, transpare...
Fibril formation by amyloid‐β proteins may involve β‐helical protofibrils

We have proposed that amyloid fibrils contain subunits (protofibrils) that are formed from beta-strands wound into continuous 2-3 nm-diameter beta-helices. Subsequent lateral aggregation of the beta-helices to form the widely observed 5-12 nm-diameter fibrils could be promoted by hydrophobic residues on the exterior of the postulated beta-helix. A number of short peptide fragments of the amyloid-beta (A beta) proteins, such as A beta34-42 [LMVGGVVIA], the nine-residue, carboxyl-terminal portion of A beta1-42, can also form amyloid fibrils. In the present study, it was found that a beta-helix formed from A beta34-42 accounts for features suggested by published rotational resonance solid-state NMR data, including an anomalous conformation about the Gly-37-Gly-38 region and exaggerated pleating. An analogue of A beta34-42 was synthesized in which the hydrophobic groups on the exterior of the postulated beta-helix were replaced with glutamates, giving LEVGGVEIE. The analogue was completely soluble at pH 7, but at pH 2.5 it produced 2-2.5 nm-diameter fibrils which did not associate into larger-diameter bundles. The results of this study support the proposal that amyloid fibrils are formed from beta-helical subunits.
Explaining subsistence change in southern New Zealand using foraging theory models

New Zealand provides one of the earliest examples of foraging theory applications to archaeological situations (Anderson 1981). Since this landmark study, significant developments over the last twenty years have led to an increasing number of detailed analyses examining the effects of resource depression on human foraging. In particular, foraging theory analyses have become better at documenting resource depression and integrating butchery/transport studies into these analyses. Using the faunal data from the Shag River Mouth site, I illustrate how these methodological advances have resulted in a more comprehensive understanding of the processes of subsistence change in southern New Zealand.
Assembly of Drosophila Centromeric Chromatin Proteins during Mitosis

Semi-conservative segregation of nucleosomes to sister chromatids during DNA replication creates gaps that must be filled by new nucleosome assembly. We analyzed the cell-cycle timing of centromeric chromatin assembly in Drosophila, which contains the H3 variant CID (CENP-A in humans), as well as CENP-C and CAL1, which are required for CID localization. Pulse-chase experiments show that CID and CENP-C levels decrease by 50% at each cell division, as predicted for semi-conservative segregation and inheritance, whereas CAL1 displays higher turnover. Quench-chase-pulse experiments demonstrate that there is a significant lag between replication and replenishment of centromeric chromatin. Surprisingly, new CID is recruited to centromeres in metaphase, by a mechanism that does not require an intact mitotic spindle, but does require proteasome activity. Interestingly, new CAL1 is recruited to centromeres before CID in prophase. Furthermore, CAL1, but not CENP-C, is found in complex with pre-nucleosomal CID. Finally, CENP-C displays yet a different pattern of incorporation, during both interphase and mitosis. The unusual timing of CID recruitment and unique dynamics of CAL1 identify a distinct centromere assembly pathway in Drosophila and suggest that CAL1 is a key regulator of centromere propagation.
APLICACIÓN DE METODOLOGÍA DE MARCO LÓGICO PARA EL ANÁLISIS DEL PROGRAMA NACIONAL DE PESQUISA Y CONTROL DEL CÁNCER CERVICOUTERINO EN CHILE

La metodologia de marco logico (MML) es una herramienta de gestion utilizada para el diseno, monitoreo y evaluacion de proyectos y programas. Promovida por el Banco Mundial y usada por la Direccion de Presupuestos de Chile, desde 1997. Algunos de los actuales programas de salud de nuestro pais, se remontan a epocas en que esta metodologia no estaba en boga. En el presente trabajo, se analiza utilizando esta metodologia, el Programa de Pesquisa y Control de Cancer Cervicouterino, vigente en Chile desde 1987. Este metodo nos permitio detectar posibles areas falentes, principalmente en la definicion de la poblacion objetivo, en la explicitacion del presupuesto, en la coordinacion de los diferentes niveles del programa y en la participacion comunitaria. Se presentan algunas propuestas que podrian contribuir al mejor desarrollo de este programa.
How to learn a language like a chimpanzee

Abstract This paper develops the hypothesis that languages may be learned by means of a kind of cause‐effect analysis. This hypothesis is developed through an examination of E. Sue Savage‐Rumbaugh's research on the abilities of chimpanzees to learn to use symbols. Savage‐Rumbaugh herself tends to conceive of her work as aiming to demonstrate that chimpanzees are able to learn the Preferential function’ of symbols. Thus the paper begins with a critique of this way of viewing the chimpanzee's achievements. The hypothesis that Savage‐Rumbaugh's chimpanzees learn to use symbols by means of cause‐effect analysis is then supported through a detailed examination of the tasks they have learned to perform. Next, it is explained how language learning in humans might be conceptualized along similar lines. The final section attempts to explain how the pertinent cause‐effect analysis ought to be conceived.
Comparison of the microstructure, tensile, and creep behavior for Ti-24Al-17Nb-0.66Mo (atomic percent) and Ti-24Al-17Nb-2.3Mo (atomic percent) alloys

The effect of small molybdenum additions, 0.66 and 2.3 at. pct, on the microstructure, tensile, and creep behavior of a nominally Ti-24Al-17Nb (at. pct) alloy was investigated. The alloy containing 2.3 at. pct Mo contained higher body-centered-cubic (bcc) phase volume fractions, which was expected as Mo stabilizes the bcc phase. Constant load, tensile-creep experiments were performed in the stress range of 29 to 275 MPa and the temperature range of 650 °C to 710 °C, in both air and vacuum environments. In-situ creep experiments were performed inside a scanning electron microscope chamber in order to identify the deformation evolution from surface observations. From these experiments, it was evident that α 2 intergranular cracking was prevalent and initiated the fracture process where the crack path followed the α 2 grain boundaries. The Ti-24Al-17Nb-2.3Mo (at. pct) alloy exhibited significantly lower creep rates than the Ti-24Al-17Nb-0.66Mo (at. pct) alloy, and this was associated with less contiguity of the α 2 phase.
Kink solutions for three new fifth order nonlinear equations

Abstract In this work we examine three new fifth order nonlinear evolution equations. The simplified form of the Hirota’s direct method is used to derive multiple kink solutions for the first two (1+1)-dimensional equations, and only two soliton solutions for the third (2+1)-dimensional equation. The dispersion relation is the same for the first two equations whereas the third one possesses a different dispersion relation.
The effect of integrator leak in Sigma - Delta modulation

A method is presented which makes it possible to determine exactly the effect of integrator leak on the performance of the single-loop Sigma - Delta modulator with DC input. Theory from the field of nonlinear dynamics is used to provide an analytical description of the behavior of the single-loop modulator with leaky integrators. Integrator leak is inevitable in any practical circuit implementation due to finite op-amp gain. The results obtained make it possible to discuss in quantitative rather than qualitative terms the robustness of the sigma-delta system to this circuit imperfection. >
Control theories in motor behavior

Abstract The goal of contemporary motor control theorist is the delineation of the “language” of movements. That is, in what unambiguous code are the parameters of movement specified, given the composition of the human body? In this pursuit not only are the elements of the language of movement sought, but the rules of combination or syntax of movement are also to be derived. This paper compares a number of motor control theories according to the form of control they exhibit and according to their ability to address issues in the area. Recurring theoretical trends in motor control are examined and the evidence for each is reviewed, emphasizing their explanatory power in the classical problems of control: motor equivalence (Hebb 1949), complexity (Bernstein 1967), and variability (Glencross 1980; Schmidt 1975, 1976).
Applicability of distal protection for aortocoronary vein graft interventions in clinical practice

Percutaneous revascularization of diseased saphenous vein grafts is associated with increased risk of adverse events, although the use of distal protection mitigates this to a significant extent. However, anatomic characteristics may preclude the use of such devices in a proportion of vein grafts intended for percutaneous treatment. We reviewed our consecutive experience of saphenous vein graft interventions from 1 May 2001 through 30 April 2002 to determine suitability for distal protection. Relevant angiographic characteristics included lesion within 5 mm of the ostium; lesion 6 mm in diameter; total occlusion of the vein graft; or lesion in a sequential vein graft distal to the first anastomosis. One hundred twenty-seven patients (140 procedures, 147 vein grafts) were treated. One or more of the angiographic exclusion criteria for a balloon occlusion protection system existed in 57% of grafts, while 42% had exclusions for a filter device. A large number of patients with vein graft disease intended for percutaneous treatment have anatomic exclusions to available distal protection technology.
Small intestinal disease, folate deficiency anemia, and oral contraceptive agents

Two females without obvious symptoms of small intestinal disease presented with severe folate-deficiency anemia, initially attributed to oral contraceptive medication. Folate deficiency, however, developed again after the oral contraceptive had been discontinued. One patient was found to have subclinical idiopathic sprue and the other regional enteritis. In view of this experience it is suggested that patients who develop folate deficiency anemia while taking oral contraceptives be carefully investigated regarding dietary habits, drug therapy, and the presence of unsuspected small bowell disease.
Dynamic Positron Emission Tomography With F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Imaging in Differentiation of Benign From Malignant Lung/Mediastinal Lesions

Purpose This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic utility of dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging in patients with suspected malignant pulmonary lesions. We wanted to test the hypothesis that the rate of FDG uptake (FDG influx constant values) would differentiate malignant from benign lung or mediastinal lesions. Materials and methods We performed segmental dynamic PET imaging studies following administration of FDG in 19 patients with indeterminate pulmonary lesions based on chest radiograph and/or CT scans. Patlak analysis was done to compute Ki (FDG influx constant) values and compared with FDG standardized uptake values (SUVs) and histology. Results FDG Ki values (mean ± SD) were significantly greater (p Conclusion Dynamic PET-FDG imaging accurately differentiates malignant from benign pulmonary lesions. In certain cases with equivocal findings on visual analysis and SUV values, dynamic imaging may be further helpful in differentiating benign and malignant lesions.
Inhibition of Tolbutamide Elimination by Cimetidine but not Ranitidine

This study was designed to compare the effects of equivalent therapeutic doses of two H2 antagonists, cimetidine and ranitidine, on tolbutamide pharmacokinetics. Twelve healthy men were given a 1-g oral dose of tolbutamide on three occasions. Subjects were randomly assigned to three treatments in a crossover fashion: cimetidine 1,200 mg/d, ranitidine 300 mg/d, and placebo. Cimetidine significantly increased the tolbutamide area under the plasma concentration-time curve by 20% (range, -5% to 42%), increased the elimination half-life by 17%, and decreased the carboxytolbutamide:tolbutamide plasma ratio from 0.042 to 0.036. Ranitidine did not significantly alter tolbutamide pharmacokinetics.
The Changes in the Circulation After Birth Their Importance in Congenital Heart Disease

Circulatory changes at birth have a profound influence on the physiology of the circulation in normal infants and those with congenital heart disease. Since the concept that cardiac defects are fixed entities is being superseded by an appreciation of the changing nature of physiologic disturbances and their clinical consequence, the course and distribution of the fetal circulation with the influences of the major changes at birth, including changes in pulmonary vascular resistance, and closure of the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale, require study. This lecture traces these and other changes and discusses their influences on congenital heart disease.
Studies of dijet pseudorapidity distributions and transverse momentum balance in pPb collisions at sNN=5.02TeV

Abstract Dijet production has been measured in pPb collisions at a nucleon–nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. A data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35 nb − 1 was collected using the Compact Muon Solenoid detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dijet transverse momentum balance and pseudorapidity distributions are studied as a function of the transverse energy in the forward calorimeters ( E T HF [ | η | > 4 ] ). For pPb collisions, the dijet transverse momentum ratio is comparable to the same quantities obtained from a simulated pp reference and insensitive to E T HF [ | η | > 4 ] . In contrast, the distribution of the dijet pseudorapidity is changing with increasing E T HF [ | η | > 4 ] , indicating a correlation between the energy emitted at large pseudorapidity and the longitudinal motion of the dijet frame. The observed pseudorapidity distribution of the dijet system in minimum bias pPb collisions is consistent with next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD predictions from nuclear parton distribution functions.
The Beamline X28C of the Center for Synchrotron Biosciences: a national resource for biomolecular structure and dynamics experiments using synchrotron footprinting.

Structural mapping of proteins and nucleic acids with high resolution in solution is of critical importance for understanding their biological function. A wide range of footprinting technologies have been developed over the last ten years to address this need. Beamline X28C, a white-beam X-ray source at the National Synchrotron Light Source of Brookhaven National Laboratory, functions as a platform for synchrotron footprinting research and further technology development in this growing field. An expanding set of user groups utilize this national resource funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health. The facility is operated by the Center for Synchrotron Biosciences and the Center for Proteomics of Case Western Reserve University. The facility includes instrumentation suitable for conducting both steady-state and millisecond time-resolved footprinting experiments based on the production of hydroxyl radicals by X-rays. Footprinting studies of nucleic acids are routinely conducted with X-ray exposures of tens of milliseconds, which include studies of nucleic acid folding and their interactions with proteins. This technology can also be used to study protein structure and dynamics in solution as well as protein–protein interactions in large macromolecular complexes. This article provides an overview of the X28C beamline technology and defines protocols for its adoption at other synchrotron facilities. Lastly, several examples of published results provide illustrations of the kinds of experiments likely to be successful using these approaches.
Predictors of airway complications after thyroidectomy for substernal goiter.

Hypothesis Airway complications after thyroidectomy for substernal goiter can be predicted by preoperative symptom profiles, radiologic findings, or other factors. Design Retrospective review. Settings A university tertiary care center and a veterans' hospital. Patients Sixty patients with substernal goiter who underwent thyroidectomy between 1993 and 2002. Main Outcome Measures Symptoms, preoperative radiologic findings, extent of thyroid resection, tumor size, and postoperative complications. Results Dysphagia was the most common preoperative symptom (n = 26), followed by dyspnea (n = 21), orthopnea (n = 13), and hoarseness (n = 6); 18 patients (30%) had superior vena caval obstruction. Thirteen patients (22%) were asymptomatic. Preoperative imaging identified tracheal deviation or compression in 45 patients (75%). Substernal goiter was resected via a cervical approach in 59 patients (98%). Of 47 patients with preoperative symptoms, 41 (87%) reported improvement postoperatively. Seven patients (12%) had postoperative airway complications: 1 developed a neck hematoma requiring reoperation, and 6 could not be immediately extubated; all 6 were successfully extubated after 1 to 10 days. Patients with airway complications were older (mean ± SEM, 70.3 ± 3.6 years vs 61.5 ± 2.2 years), had larger goiters (mean ± SEM, 210.7 ± 37.0 g vs 112.2 ± 7.7 g), and were more likely to have tracheal compression on preoperative imaging than those who did not have complications (P Conclusions Most patients with substernal goiters underwent thyroid resection via a cervical approach with an improvement in symptoms. The few patients who developed postoperative airway complications were older, had larger goiters, and were more likely to have tracheal compression on preoperative imaging than those without airway complications.
Ethical and social aspects of treatment of spina bifida.

In our society the actions of one individual towards another are not without their effect on the rest of the community. Our plans of action in the treatment of myelomeningocele and their attainment are directed in the first place to the patient, but there are also important and significant effects on the family and on the community. Although we acknowledge and accept these wider effects of our treatment, we have always thought that our primary duty is to the patient, and that the most important decision is to do what is right and best for him.
A law of iterated logarithm for the wavelet transforms of i.i.d. random variables

We apply a general result on the law of iterated logarithm to the wavelet transforms of i.i.d. random variables and show that a version of this law holds under some regularity conditions on the wavelet. This result provides asymptotic estimates of the rate of decay of the wavelet coefficients at intermediate scaling levels.
Post‐ischemic vascular adhesion protein‐1 inhibition provides neuroprotection in a rat temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion model

We examined the neuroprotective efficacy associated with post-ischemic vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) blockade in rats subjected to transient (1 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). We compared saline-treated control rats to rats treated with a highly selective VAP-1 inhibitor, LJP-1586 [Z-3-fluoro-2-(4-methoxybenzyl) allylamine hydrochloride]. Initial intraperitoneal LJP-1586 (or saline control) treatments were delayed until 6 h or 12 h reperfusion. At 72-h reperfusion, LJP-1586-treated rats displayed 51% and 33% smaller infarct volumes, relative to their controls, in the 6- and 12-h treatment groups, respectively. However, only in the 6-h treatment group was the infarct volume reduction significant (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we observed significantly improved neurologic functions in both 6- and 12-h treatment groups, versus their matched controls (p < 0.05). Also, the effect of 6-h LJP-1586 treatment on post-ischemic leukocyte trafficking in pial venules overlying the ischemic cortex was evaluated using intravital microscopy. These experiments revealed that: 1) LJP-1586 did not affect intravascular leukocyte (largely neutrophil) adhesion, at least out to 12-h reperfusion; and 2) the onset of neutrophil extravasation, which occurred between 6-8-h reperfusion in control rats, was prevented by LJP-1586-treatment. In conclusion, in rats subjected to transient MCAo, selective VAP-1 pharmacologic blockade provided neuroprotection, with a prolonged therapeutic window of 6-12-h reperfusion.
High affinity interleukin-3 receptor expression on blasts from patients with acute myelogenous leukemia correlates with cytotoxicity of a diphtheria toxin/IL-3 fusion protein.

Abstract Diphtheria fusion proteins are a novel class of agents for the treatment of chemotherapy resistant AML. We prepared DT 388 IL3 composed of human interleukin-3 (IL3) fused to the catalytic and translocation domain of diphtheria toxin (DT 388 ) and assessed its activity on patient AML blasts. The number and affinity of IL3 receptors in circulating blasts was measured using a radiolabeled IL3 agonist (SC-65461). Ninety-two percent of patients’ blasts had both high and low affinity IL3 receptors. DT 388 IL3 cytotoxicity (>1 log cell kill) was seen in nine of 25 samples (36%). There was a significant correlation between DT 388 IL3 log cell kill and blast high affinity IL3 receptor density ( P =0.0044). These results show that specific high affinity IL3 binding is one factor important in the sensitivity of patients’ leukemic blasts to DT 388 IL3.
Collisional studies involving Ar+/Ar2+ and HgBr2 with reference to blue-green laser emission

Abstract The emission spectra of HgBr (B-X) band systems and atomic mercury lines have been observed during collisions involving HgBr 2 and Ar + /Ar 2 + in the kinetic energy (laboratory) range of 10-700 eV.
Review of low-background GE photoconductors

ABSTRACTGermanium photoconductors are currently the most sensitive detectors for use in low background, far infrared applications. In particular. between the wavelengths of 40 im and 200 tm, these detectors have been used in a number of existing or planned systems for space infrared astronomy. We describe briefly the physical mechanisms of photoconductivity, including a discussion of various non-ideal behaviors seen at low backgrounds. The requirements forspecialized cryogenic electronics are discussed along with some current implementations. Examples of past focal planearray designs are given, and the extension of the technology to large format imaging arrays is described. I. INTRODUCTIONPhotoconductivity is a familiar process that has been used for many years for the detection infrared radiation. Specifically, detectors that rely on photoconductivity due to small amounts of impurities in a semiconductor ( extrinsicdetectors ), have been a mainstay of infrared detector technology. Although much of the early work in extrinsic detectorswas based on germanium ( e.g., Burstein
Use of Montmorillonite clay for the synthesis of linear tetrapyrroles and their cyclization to Uroporphyrinogens

Linear tetrapyrroles, such as the formylbilane (1), were obtained by condensation of α-hydroxymethyldipyrromethanes with α-free dipyrromethanes using Montmorillonite clay as acid catalyst. After reduction of the formyl group, hydroxymethylbilanes were cyclized to Uroporphyrinogens in presence of the clay.
An investigation of relationships among genetic counselors' supervision skills and multicultural counseling competence.

As racial and ethnic diversity increase in the U.S., genetic counselor multicultural competence is growing in importance. In mental health counseling, supervisor multicultural competence has been shown to promote supervisees’ multicultural competence. Moreover, developmentally-advanced supervisors tend to be more effective. This study was designed to investigate relationships among genetic counselor supervisors’ perceived multicultural counseling competence and development as supervisors, and their ability to evaluate a supervisee’s multicultural skills. One hundred twenty-two supervisors completed an online survey of demographics, the Multicultural Counseling Knowledge and Awareness Scale, the Supervisor Development Scale, and a hypothetical vignette in which they evaluated a supervisee’s multicultural skills and provided written feedback. Stepwise multiple regression yielded five significant predictors accounting for 31% of the variance in accuracy of supervisor evaluations of the student: multicultural awareness, multicultural knowledge, age, supervision experience, and supervisor development. Six feedback themes were identified from written responses. Practice and research suggestions are provided.
Electrochemical Cantilever Sensors and Scanning Probe Microscopy

Electrochemical microcantilever sensors in combination with scanning probe microscopy offer unique tool for solid-liquid interface characterization as well as localized chemical speciation of electro-active species. The resonance response can be used to probe the physical characteristics of the interface while electrochemically induced surface stress variation can be used for chemical speciation. Scanning the solid-liquid interface using a combined physical and electrochemical cantilever probe provides chemically functional images of surfaces and interfaces.
Salvaging the concept of nudge

In recent years, ‘nudge’ theory has gained increasing attention for the design of population-wide health interventions. The concept of nudge puts a label on efficacious influences that preserve freedom of choice without engaging the influencees’ deliberative capacities. Given disagreements over what it takes genuinely to preserve freedom of choice, the question is whether health influences relying on automatic cognitive processes may preserve freedom of choice in a sufficiently robust sense to be serviceable for the moral evaluation of actions and policies. In this article, I offer an argument to this effect, explicating preservation of freedom of choice in terms of choice-set preservation and noncontrol. I also briefly explore the healthcare contexts in which nudges may have priority over more controlling influences.