cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subrings of Finite Index in Finitely Generated Rings

THEOREM 2. A subring of Jinite index in a finitely generated ring is again finiteZy generated. Both Theorems 1 and 2 are analogs of well-known group-theoretic facts which are easy consequences of the existence of a Schreier set of representatives for a subgroup of a free group (see, e.g., Kurosh, [4). However, another proof of the group theoretic version of Theorem 2 was given by M. Hall [I], and it is his techniques that we apply in part of the proof of our theorem. We also note that once we have Theorem 2, then, again as for groups, we have
Three-Dimensional Fluid Flow and Coupled Heat Transfer in Simplified Bipolar Plates

Numerical simulations were performed for three-dimensional fluid flow and coupled heat transfer in simplified bipolar plates. The Reynolds number of inlet flow is varied from 100 to 900 on the anode side while the Reynolds number is maintained as a constant of 100 on the cathode side. The solid wall surfaces of the bipolar plates are assumed to be adiabatically insulated, except that the active areas of the channels are supplied with uniform heat flux. Results of velocity and temperature distributions for different Reynolds numbers are presented and discussed. It is shown that effects of flow pattern on temperature distributions in channels becomes negligible when the Reynolds number is as high as 900.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Damming the Amazon: Local Movements and Transnational Struggles Over Water

Growing contestation has arisen in the Brazilian Amazon regarding two proposed large hydroelectric dam complexes: Belo Monte and Rio Madeira. I explore the intersections between transnational and local contestation of these projects over time. I specifically focus on how scientific research and technical assessments are the field upon which these two different levels of activism operate, reflecting the importance of democracy in science and public involvement therein. I argue that the types of knowledge-based claims activists make and the political constrictions in which they work differentiate transnational and local claims. These cases address questions about the interaction of local and transnational organizers and how highly charged symbolic environmental resources are protected or developed as an outcome of movement struggles. This study also emphasizes the need to recognize hydrological resource development as an aspect of Amazonian development, especially as national and transnational demands for e...
The Medieval Super-Companies: A Study of the Peruzzi Company of Florence

List of tables Map of the Peruzzi network, 1335 Introduction Part I. Anatomy of the Super-Company: 1. The company and the family 2. The nature of the business 3. The structure of the Peruzzi Company 4. The accounting of the Peruzzi Company Part II. History of the Peruzzi Company from its Reorganization in 1300: 5. The prosperous years 1300-24 6. The decline begins 1325-35 7. The critical years 1335-40 8. The collapse 1340-43 9. The aftermath Conclusions Bibliography Appendices.
Effects of caudate lesions on signaled and nonsignaled Sidman avoidance in the rat

Rats with caudate lesions were clearly deficient on a nonsignaled Sidman avoidance schedule when compared with both normal subjects and subjects with cortical control lesions. Caudate subjects responded at lower rates, avoided a lower percentage of shocks, and failed to develop a temporal discrimination. In contrast with its effects upon normals and controls, the addition of a 5-sec warning cue failed to improve the performance of the caudate subjects.
Characterization of a Rhodococcus species that utilizes numerous aromatics

Abstract Rhodococcus species were isolated from oil-soaked soil in Newfoundland and found to utilize numerous aromatic compounds as sources of carbon and energy. This Gram-positive bacterium exhibited rod-cocci dimorphism during its growth cycle. Cell wall chemical composition (amino acids, sugars and fatty acids) was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography. Comparison of both acid production and growth substrates showed complete homology with Rhodococcus erythropolis No. 4277. A numerical taxonomic approach clustered the isolates with the genus Rhodococcus . Tentatively we have identified the aromatic-degrading isolates as Rhodococcus species.
Tables of the Function 1 — (1 — p)N

Tables are given for the function 1 – (1 – p)N, the probability of at least one success in N independent trials, each with probability of success p, for p = .01(.01).99, N = 1(1)15; and p = .02(.02).38, N = 16(2)104. Several examples of the use of this function are discussed briefly.
Free radical cross-linking in the preparation of non-extractable stationay phases for capillary gas chromatography

Abstract Free radical cross-linking of methylpolysiloxane stationary phases to form insoluble rubbers recently became of widespread interest in capillary column gas chromatography. The use of various peroxides as free radical generators to form carbon—carbon cross-links in conventional stationary phases has been reported. In this study the applicability of various peroxids and azo compounds fro free radical cross-linking and the effects that these free radical generators have on commercially available stationary phases are described. Characteristics of the stationary phases such as chain length and functional groups and their roles in the cross-linking mechanism are discussed. The properties of benzoyl peroxide, dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, tert. -butylperoxide, and azo- tert. -butane as free radical generators were evaluated. Stationary-phase polarity change, column activity change and loss of stationary phase were all considered in the overall evaluation of the effectiveness of these free radical generators. Azo- tert. -butane showed minimal effect on phase polarity and column activity while benzoyl peroxide and dicumyl peroxide were the most effective in forming insoluble stationary phases.
Bias in half-life estimates using log concentration regression in the presence of background exposures, and potential solutions

Regression of log serum concentrations or log urine concentrations on time elapsed after primary exposure ceases is a common method for estimating the elimination rates and corresponding half-lives for environmental contaminants. However, this method produces bias in the presence of ongoing background exposures. A general formula for the amount of bias introduced by background exposures under any single compartment pharmacokinetic model is derived here, and simpler expressions and graphical results are presented for the special case of regularly spaced biomarker measurements. The formulas are also applied to evaluate the potential bias from background exposures in recently published half-life estimates for perfluorooctanoate. These published half-lives are likely to be overestimated because of bias from background exposures, by about 1-26%. Background exposures can contribute substantial bias to half-life estimates based on longer follow-up times, even when the background contribution constitutes a small fraction of total exposure at baseline.
Commensurate Priors for Incorporating Historical Information in Clinical Trials Using General and Generalized Linear Models.

Abstract Assessing between-study variability in the context of conventional random-effects meta-analysis is notoriously difficult when incorporating data from only a small number of historical studies. In order to borrow strength, historical and current data are often assumed to be fully homogeneous, but this can have drastic consequences for power and Type I error if the historical information is biased. In this paper, we propose empirical and fully Bayesian modifications of the commensurate prior model (Hobbs et al., 2011) extending Pocock (1976), and evaluate their frequentist and Bayesian properties for incorporating patient-level historical data using general and generalized linear mixed regression models. Our proposed commensurate prior models lead to preposterior admissible estimators that facilitate alternative bias-variance trade-offs than those offered by pre-existing methodologies for incorporating historical data from a small number of historical studies. We also provide a sample analysis of a colon cancer trial comparing time-to-disease progression using a Weibull regression model.
Pifithrin-α supresses p53 and protects cochlear and vestibular hair cells from cisplatin-induced apoptosis

Cisplatin, a commonly used antineoplastic agent, destroys the sensory hair cells in the cochlear and vestibular system leading to irreversible hearing loss and balance problems. Cisplatin-induced hair cell damage presumably occurs by apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that p53 may play an important role initiating cisplatin-induced apoptosis in some cell types. To determine if p53 plays a role in cisplatin-mediated hair cell loss, cochlear and utricular organotypic cultures were prepared from postnatal day 3-4 rats and treated with cisplatin or cisplatin plus pifithrin-alpha (PFT), a p53 inhibitor. Control cultures were devoid of p53 immunolabeling, caspase-1 and caspase-3 labeling and p53 protein was absent from Western blots. Cisplatin (1-10 microg/ml) caused a dose-dependent loss of hair cells in cochlear and utricular cultures, up-regulated phospho-p53 serine 15 immunolabeling, increased the expression of phospho-p53 serine 15 in Western blots from 6 to 48 h after the onset of cisplatin-treatment, and increased caspase-1 and caspase-3 labeling in cochlear and vestibular cultures. Addition of PFT (20-100 microM) to cisplatin-treated cochlear and utricular cultures resulted in a dose-dependent increase in hair cell survival; suppressed the expression of p53 in Western blots and eliminated caspase-1 and caspase-3 labeling in cultures. These results suggest that the tumor suppressor protein, p53, plays a critical role in initiating apoptosis in cochlear and vestibular hair cells. Temporary suppression of p53 with PFT provides significant protection against cisplatin-induced hair cell loss and offers the potential for reducing the ototoxic, vestibulotoxic and neurotoxic side effects of cisplatin.
Triggering Faultline Effects in Teams: The Importance of Bridging Friendship Ties and Breaching Animosity Ties

We examine the complex effects of faultlines and network ties on team performance. By using panel data from 672 individuals in 148 research teams at a major U.S. university, we find that informal networks serve as triggers and dampeners of faultline effects. Team performance improved when friendship ties bridged the subgroups that were cleaved by existing faultlines but deteriorated when animosity ties breached the same subgroups. Overall, the results highlight the conceptual and empirical importance of the location of team members' network patterns when studying how member composition influences team outcomes.
Reduced Glutathione Levels in Young Chicks

Abstract Recent reports indicate that glutathione (GSH) is primarily genetically controlled and may be associated with growth rate (Kunkel et al., 1954; Stutts et al, 1956; Stutts and Kunkel, 1958; Charkey et al., 1965; Best, 1966). Thus, the possibility of using GSH levels as an aid in selection is indicated. It is the purpose of this paper to present the averages for GSH concentration and hematocrits in two-day intervals for chicks from hatching (0 day) to 20 days of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS The chicks used in this study were from a White Leghorn line, a line selected for dressing percentage (evisceration) and a rapid-growth line from a divergent growth-selection experiment. The adult average body weights of the females from these lines were approximately 2.0, 2.7, and 3.6 kilograms for the Leghorn, evisceration and rapid-growth lines, respectively. Blood samples from chicks were taken by cardiac puncture or by decapitation. Micro hematocrit. . .
Crying for a Vision: The Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony as Therapeutic Intervention

The most important thing to remember about ceremony is that it is a way for humans to give back to the Creation some of the energy that they are always receiving. The Earth Mother constantly gives us two-leggeds a surface on which to place our two feet; Father Sun warms us, and Grandmother Moon brings dreams. The element of Earth gives us a place to grow food and the ability to make homes and tools. The water keeps tis alive. The fire warms our homes and cooks our food. The air gives us the sacred breath of life. Through ceremony, we leam how to give back.
A comparison of learning models

Abstract We investigate learning in a probabilistic task, called "medical diagnosis." On each trial, a subject is presented with a stimulus configuration indicating the value of four medical symptoms. The subject responds by guessing which of two diseases is present and is then given feedback about which disease was actually present. The feedback is determined according to fixed conditional probabilities unknown to the subject. We test a normative Bayesian model as well as simple variants of well-known psychological models including the Fuzzy Logical Model of Perception, an Exemplar model, a two-layer Connectionist model and an ALCOVE model. Both the asymptotic predictions of these models (i.e., predictions regarding behavior after it has stabilized and learning is complete) and predictions of trial-by-trial changes in behavior are tested. The models are tested against existing data from Estes et al. (1989, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, & Cognition, 15, 556-571) and new data from medical diagnosis tasks that include not only asymmetric but also symmetric base rates. Learning was observed in all cases in that subjects tended to match the objective probabilities of the symptom configurations more closely in later trials. All of the descriptive models give a more accurate account of performance than the normative Bayesian model. Relative to a benchmark measure, however, none of these models does an especially good job of characterizing asymptotic performance or the learning process. We suggest that future experiments should address individual performance, rather than group learning curves.
Propagating uncertainty through spatial estimation processes for old-growth subalpine forests using sequential Gaussian simulation in GIS

Abstract Based on data from 83 plot locations, the geostatistical Monte Carlo technique of sequential Gaussian simulation (s.G.s.) was used to generate 1000 independent spatially continuous representations of three variables. These were then used in a geographic information system analysis to create maps of relative uncertainty for estimated areas of potential old-growth forest conditions across a 121 hectare first-order subalpine watershed. First, identical selection criteria were applied to each of the 1000 three-layer input sets to determine areas that simultaneously satisfied three old-growth forest conditions for mean stem diameter, percent crown cover, and mean age of overstory stems. This created 1000 equally probable realizations of potential old growth for the study area. An uncertainty image for the potential old-growth forest areas was created by summing these realizations. Cells were selected from the image histogram that indicated the highest proportions of old-growth conditions. Spatially, these results followed those obtained from a similar analysis using kriging. s.G.s. is recommended as a generic spatial Monte Carlo technique that can be used to assess stochastic elements in complex integrated ecological predictions.
Russian Resilience as a Great Power: A Response to Ambrosio

Two political scientists comment on Thomas Ambrosio's "The Geopolitics of Demographic Decay: HIV/AIDS and Russia's Great-Power Status" (Post-Soviet Affairs, 22, 1, January-March 2006). Ambrosio's three indicators of great-power capacity—Russia's society, military, and economy—are reviewed in terms of his argument about how the projected effects of HIV/AIDS weakens each factor.
Phospholipase C interacts with Sgd1p and is required for expression of GPD1 and osmoresistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae PLC1 gene encodes a homolog of the δ isoform of mammalian phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. Cells deleted for PLC1 (plc1Δ) are viable, but display several phenotypes, including osmotic, temperature, and nocodazole sensitivity. We have used a two-hybrid screen to identify Plc1p-interacting proteins. One of the interacting proteins found was Sgd1p, a recently identified, essential, nuclear protein. The SGD1 gene was originally cloned by complementation of an osmostress-sensitive mutant. The Plc1p-Sgd1p interaction was confirmed biochemically by affinity chromatography. SGD1 interacts genetically with both PLC1 and HOG1 (which encodes an osmosensing mitogen-activated protein kinase). Overexpression of Sgd1p suppresses the temperature sensitivity of cells bearing the plc1-4 allele, and the double mutant strain plc1Δ sgd1-1 displays enhanced temperature and nocodazole sensitivity. The plc1Δ hog1Δ strain displays increased osmosensitivity, and has a synthetic defect in glycerol synthesis and the expression of GPD1 (which encodes the enzyme glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase that is involved in glycerol biosynthesis), suggesting that Plc1p and Hog1p function in independent pathways. The hog1Δ sgd1-1 double mutant displays enhanced osmosensitivity relative to that of either single mutant. The triple mutant plc1Δ hog1Δ sgd1-1 is inviable, while the plc1Δ hog1Δ sgd1-2 strain grows extremely slowly and is more osmosensitive than the plc1Δ hog1Δ or hog1Δ sgd1-2 strain. These results are consistent with a model in which Plc1p and Hog1p function in parallel pathways affecting osmoregulation, and signals from both these pathways converge, at least partly, on Sgd1p.
Objective measures as predictors of reputational ratings

Reputational ratings of graduate departments have been said to be related to faculty size and characteristics, student body size and characteristics, physical facilities, funding, and program productivity. In this study stepwise multiple regression is used to predict the National Research Council rating of quality of graduate faculty from sets of the objective measures reported in the NRC study for the disciplines of English, French, geography, philosophy, political science, and sociology. The results show that at least one of the measures of faculty or student size is a significant predictor in all six disciplines and that some measure of publication is a significant predictor in the three disciplines for which the publication measures are available.
Efficient electromagnetic analysis of two-dimensional finite quasi-random gratings for quantum well infrared photodetectors

In this work, a recently developed full-wave electromagnetic analysis technique is applied to the simulation of two-dimensional finite quasi-random gratings for quantum well infrared photodetectors. This steepest descent fast multipole method is a mathematically rigorous technique that permits the rapid and accurate solution of the electric field integral equation governing scattering from a quasi-planar structure. In the present application, it enables the efficient and accurate simulation of scattering by finite two-dimensional grating structures interfacing with GaAs. Grating absorption is predicted by evaluating the scattered optical electric field component at the device layer along the growth direction. Numerical examples illustrating the functional dependence of the absorption on grating parameters and wavelength are discussed. The simulation approach presented here should prove to be a useful tool for the a priori design of novel aperiodic, quasi-random and rough surface two-dimensional gratings f...
On wave set-up in shoaling water with a rough sea bed

In very gradually shoaling coastal water the energy of incident waves appears to be absorbed not by breaking at the upper surface, but predominantly by turbulent dissipation near the rippled sea bed. The question has been asked whether there can be then any wave set-up, that is any increase in the mean water level, at, or close to, the shoreline. To answer this question the equations of wave energy and momentum in water of slowly varying depth are generalized so as to include the presence of a dissipative boundary layer at the bottom. It is then shown that the resulting equation for the mean surface slope can be integrated exactly, to give the mean surface depression (the 'set-down') in terms of the local wave amplitude and water depth, outside the surf zone. In the special case of a uniform beach slope s, a closed expression is obtained for the wave amplitude in terms of the local depth, under two different sets of conditions: (i) when the thickness of the boundary layer at the bottom is assumed to be constant, and (ii) for waves over a rippled bed, when the boundary-layer thickness corresponds to the measured dissipation of energy in oscillatory waves over steep sand ripples. In both cases it is found that there exists a maximum bottom slope s below which the wave amplitude must diminish monotonically towards the shoreline. This maximum value of s is of order 10 -3 . The waves can indeed penetrate close to the shoreline without breaking, and the corresponding wave set-up is negligible. An example of where suitable conditions exist is on the continental shelf off North Carolina.
Efficiency Studies in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography: Importance of Thermal Diffusivity Near the Critical Point

Fast efficient chromatography is important in order to resolve the individual components of complex biological mixtures. Classically, thermal effects that decrease chromatographic efficiency accompany both HPLC and SFC. In HPLC, viscous flow causes the mobile phase temperature to increase from the inlet to the outlet of steel analytical scale (2mm-5mm ID) columns. In SFC, a pressure drop is accompanied by isenthalpic expansion and cooling of the mobile phase. As a result, radial temperature gradients form across the column due to heat exchange with the column surroundings. These dynamic radial gradients form a radial distribution of retention properties and excess chromatographic band spreading. Thermal effects can be minimized in HPLC at the cost of narrow bore capillary columns which help to dissipate the heat formed at high flow rates. In SFC however, commercially available instruments are capable of handling the increased flow rate due to the high diffusivity of supercritical CO2. In addition, retention near the critical point is sensitive to variations in temperature and pressure. This allows chemists the ability to tune retention properties without changing mobile phase composition. Recent research has shown that efficiency in this region can be significantly improved by operating the SFC column under near-adiabatic conditions. The results presented here suggest that the thermal diffusivity of the mobile phase near the column outlet may be an important factor in controlling chromatographic efficiency near the critical point. In order for chromatographers to be able to take full advantage of the speed and "tunability" of operating near the critical point, a better understanding of the factors causing excess efficiency loss in this region is needed.
Involvement of Maillard reactions in Alzheimer disease.

Maillard reactions have been explored by food chemists for many years. It is only recently that the advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the end products of the Maillard reaction, have been detected in a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cataractogenesis, Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease (AD). In this review, we discuss the chemistry and biochemistry of AGE-related crosslinks such as pyrraline, pentosidine, carboxymethyllysine (CML), crosslines, imidazolidinones, and dilysine crosslinks (GOLD and MOLD), as well as their possible involvement in neurodegenerative conditions. Pentosidine and CML are found in elevated amounts in the major lesions of the AD brain. Glycation is also implicated in the formation of the paired helical filaments (PHF), a component of the neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Amyloid-β peptide and proteins of the cerebrospinal fluid are also glycated in patients with AD. In order to ameliorate the effects of AGEs on AD pathology, various inhibitors of AGEs have been increasingly explored. It is hoped that understanding of the mechanism of the AGEs formation and their role in the neurodegeneration will result in vovel therapeutics for neuroprotection.
Kinetics and Yield of Singlet Oxygen Photosensitized by Hypericin in Organic and Biological Media

The spectroscopy and photophysics of the photosensitizer hypericin when in homogeneous solutions and when bound to liposomes were studied. Hypericin was found to partition efficiently into DMPC liposomes, with a binding constant of 58 (mg lipid/mL)-1. In these liposomes the singlet oxygen production quantum yield was 0.43 +/- 0.09. To determine the deactivation constant of singlet oxygen in lipid bilayers for the first time, we calculated extrapolated values from its quenching by DMPC and lecithin in homogeneous solutions and obtained decay times of 36.4 and 12.2 microseconds, respectively. We also measured the quenching of singlet oxygen, sensitized by hypericin in DMPC liposomes, by NaN3, diphenyl isobenzofuran and H2O:D2O mixtures and explained the results on the basis of singlet oxygen diffusing rapidly out of the lipid bilayer into the aqueous medium. The observed temperature effect on the lifetime of singlet oxygen of about 50% over a 15 degrees C range in liposome suspension contrasts with a 3% change in a homogeneous solution in 1-nonanol and is explained by the temperature effect on the diffusion out of the liposome. A strong pH effect was observed, indicating that the deprotonated species formed above about pH 10 is a much weaker photosensitizer of singlet oxygen than the native, protonated species.
Effects of Bunker C oil on Juvenile horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus )

Newly hatched horsehoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) were exposed to autoclaved Bunker C oil for 8 weeks. Autoclaving served to prevent bacterial degradation of stored oil and to drive off the volatile fraction of the oil. The oil was introduced in the form of a whole oil suspension. Minimum lethal dose was shown to be 2.25 mg per 1. Concentrations greater than 0.25 mg per 1 caused a delay in molting.
Learning from Communities: Overcoming Difficulties in Dissemination of Prevention and Promotion Efforts

The model of prevention science advocated by the Institute of Medicine (P. J. Mrazek & R. J. Haggerty, 1994) has not lead to widespread adoption of prevention and promotion programs for four reasons. The model of dissemination of programs to communities fails to consider community and organizational capacity to implement programs, ignores the need for congruence in values between programs and host sites, displays a pro-innovation bias that undervalues indigenous practices, and assumes a simplistic model of how community organizations adopt innovations. To address these faults, researchers should locate, study, and help disseminate successful indigenous programs that fit community capacity and values. In addition, they should build on theoretical models of how locally developed programs work to make existing programs and polices more effective.
Dynamic coating for protein separation in cyclic olefin copolymer microfluidic devices

We report our study on using hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a dynamic coating for protein separation in microfluidic devices made from cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). The coating significantly enhances hydrophilicity of COC surface, evident from the decrease in contact angle of water in a COC channel. Surface treatment of COC channels with HEC also results in a 72% drop in electroosmotic (EO) mobility and a significant reduction in protein adsorption on the channel wall. Using bovine serum albumin as a model protein, the number of theoretical plates of 1.1 × 104 was achieved in a separation distance of 3.3 cm using free solution electrophoresis. Hydroxyethyl cellulose dynamic coating is also found to have an effect on isoelectric focusing (IEF) of proteins. It not only prevents proteins from adsorption, but also reduces EO flow, both of which help achieve IEF of proteins with a difference of 0.1 pH values in isoelectric points (pI).
Recent Progress on Compact and Portable Terahertz Sources Based on Parametric Conversion Using Dual-Frequency Pulses from Solid-State Lasers and Parametric Oscillators

We summarize the progress made by us on terahertz sources by frequency-mixing coherent radiation pulses generated by solid-state lasers and coupled parametric oscillators in nonlinear crystals.
Treatment of a four-year-old and her mother

Treatment approaches that only address very young children's environments or their family systems and exclude the child are frequently insufficient. Often direct psychotherapy of the preschool child should be the treatment of choice. This article uses a theoretical perspective that integrates ego psychology and systems theory to enable assessment and treatment from a dual perspective. Case illustration is presented.
Spectral properties of high contrast band-gap materials and operators on graphs

The theory of classical waves in periodic high contrast photonic and acoustic media leads to the spectral problem - Δu= λ∈u, where the dielectric constant ∈(x) is a periodic function which assumes a large value ∈ near a periodic graph Σ in R^2 and is equal to 1 otherwise. Existence and locations of spectral gaps are of primary interest. The high contrast asymptotics naturally leads to pseudodifferential operators of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann type on graphs and on more general structures. Spectra of these operators are studied numerically and analytically. New spectral effects are discovered, among them the “almost discreteness” of the spectrum for a disconnected graph and the existence of “almost localized” waves in some connected purely periodic structures.
A comparison of proportional control methods for pattern recognition control

Few studies have focused on proportional control with multi-channel electromyographic (EMG) pattern recognition systems. In a simple proportional control algorithm, movement speed is often calculated by averaging the mean absolute values of all EMG channels. The aim of our study was to compare the performance of two types of pattern recognition control (simple proportional and binary on/off) to direct proportional control. Six EMG channels were collected from non-targeted forearm muscles of four healthy subjects. Subjects were prompted to perform eight medium force isometric repetitions of the following contractions: wrist flexion/extension, wrist pronation/supination, hand open/close, and no movement (rest). Control performances were measured during a one-dimensional position-tracking task using a custom-made graphical user interface. The results show that a simple proportional control algorithm for the pattern recognition system outperformed binary on/off control and was comparable to the performance achieved with direct proportional control.
Pandemic influenza and pregnancy revisited: lessons learned from 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1).

a m d c 2 h So much has changed since May 4, 2009, when the second documented death from 2009 pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus infection in the United States occurred in a previously healthy pregnant woman. Since that time, our knowldge about influenza in pregnancy has expanded dramatically, nd much more attention has been focused on pregnancy isues. Before the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus, much of hat we knew about influenza in pregnancy was based on inirect evidence, such as studies that used acute respiratory hositalizations during influenza season as a proxy for influenza llness and observations from previous pandemics of case series of pregnant women with uncertain representativeness. In a very short time, our knowledge of 2009 H1N1 in regnancy has expanded greatly; with better diagnostic and reatment information, the increased severity of 2009 H1N1 mong pregnant women compared with the general populaion has been documented carefully and consistently in a wide ariety of clinical settings. We are pleased to bring you this pecial issue in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecolgy entitled “Emerging Issues in the Prevention, Detection, and reatment of Influenza among Pregnant Women in the United tates,” which contains a wide variety of articles that summaize some of what we have learned about influenza in pregancy from the recent pandemic. This special issue begins with ersonal reflections on past and present pandemics written by ear Admiral Anne Schuchat, MD, who, as the Chief Health fficer during the pandemic and the Director of the National
Simulation of Water in a Small Pore: Effect of Electric Field and Density

The behavior of water in a pore of nanometer dimensions is studied by Monte Carlo simulation over a series of densities, and with five different electric charge configurations, providing external fields from zero to extremely high values, exceeding 3 × 109 V m-1. The pore contained a tapered section that had an opening of radius 0.25 nm into a secondary tapered section below. The pore wall was a medium of dielectric constant 4 (comparable to the value in a protein), and the electric charges were placed in the wall. A reservoir, with which the remainder of the volume could exchange water molecules, was kept at constant density. Quantities that were obtained included the energy of the system, the orientation of the water molecules in the tapered section of the pore (and the remainder of the volume, but that proved to show little orientation), the density in response to the density of the reservoir section, molecular distributions, and electric potential and field. We observed that a high field, as expected,...
Postmodern self‐psychology mirrored in science and the arts

(1990). Postmodern self‐psychology mirrored in science and the arts. The Humanistic Psychologist: Vol. 18, Psychology and Postmodernity, pp. 85-94.
The Emerging Pharmacogenomics of the β-Adrenergic Receptors

Beta-adrenergic signaling mechanisms are of central importance to cardiovascular health and disease. Modulation of these pathways represents an important pharmacologic approach to the treatment of heart failure and hypertension. Advances in molecular genetics have identified genetic polymorphisms in the human beta-adrenergic receptor genes; some of this variation predicts changes in protein sequence/structure, and potentially changes in function, of the b-adrenergic receptors. This article reviews the current state of knowledge and understanding of the genetic variation present in the three human beta-adrenergic receptor genes. Already, variation in these genes has been associated with observed differences in several cardiovascular phenotypes. This work has led to the demonstration of functional differences in activity between receptors with certain known polymorphisms and "wild-type" receptors. An understanding of these polymorphisms is key to the development of studies of how differences in drug response/effects may be mediated by these polymorphisms. Such studies are anticipated to provide a foundation for the development of novel pharmacologic approaches where selection of and dosing of cardiovascular therapy is tailored to individuals on the basis of each patient's specific genetic makeup.
Secondary α-deuterium kinetic isotope effects in the decomposition of simple α-acetoxydialkylnitrosamines: Nitrosiminium ion intermediates

Abstract Secondary α-deuterium kinetic isotope effects for the pH independent decay of two (N-nitrosoalkylamino)methylacetates (4) and two (N-nitrosoalkylamino)propyl acetates (5) have been determined at 52 °C in aqueous solution, ionic strength 1 M. In all cases the isotope effects are kobsdH/kobsdD ∼ 1.1 – 1.2 (per hydrogen). It is concluded that the direction and magnitude of the isotope effects are inconsistent with mechanisms involving rate limiting reaction at the carbonyl group; and, are consistent with the formation of N-nitrosiminium ions in, or prior to, the rate limiting step.
Brain Mitochondrial Drug Delivery: Influence of Drug Physicochemical Properties

Purpose To determine the influence of drug physicochemical properties on brain mitochondrial delivery of 20 drugs at physiological pH.
Pharmacokinetic and Bioequivalent Study of a Generic Metoprolol Tablet Preparation

A study was conducted to compare the in vivo bioavailability of a generic metoprolol tablet preparation (Metoprolol) with that of the innovator product, Betaloc. Both preparations have a labeled dose of 100 mg metoprolol tartrate. Twelve healthy adult male volunteers participated in the study, which was conducted according to a standard two-way crossover design with a washout period of 1 week. The bioavailability was compared using the total area under the plasma level versus time curve (AUC0-infinity), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax). No statistically significant difference was observed between the logarithmically transformed AUC0-infinity values or the logarithmically transformed Cmax values of the two preparations. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the Tmax values, but may not be therapeutically significant or important. Moreover, the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the ratio of the logarithmically transformed AUC0-infinity values of Metoprolol over those of Betaloc was calculated to be between 0.94 and 1.02, while that of Cmax was between 0.98 and 1.01, both of which are within the acceptable limit of 0.80-1.25. From the data obtained, it was also observed that a high proportion of our volunteers of Asian origin appeared to be poor metabolizers of metoprolol, which was consistent with what had been observed in our previous study of another preparation of metoprolol.
Microsatellite DNA loci from the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)

We describe polymerase chain recation (PCR) primers and conditions to amplify one dinucleotide and five tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). The PCR primers were tested on 21 terrapins from Cape Romain, SC, USA. The microsatellite primers developed yielded a high number of alleles (8–14) and high observed heterozygosities (0.57–1.0).
Thermodynamic Analysis of Impurities in the Sublimation Growth of AlN Single Crystals

The vapor phase species responsible for the transport of impurities in the sublimation-recondensation growth of bulk AlN crystals was predicted by thermodynamic analysis. AlN powder containing oxygen was investigated in Al-O-N system for an inert reactor. Dialuminum monoxide (Al2O) is strongly favored over all other possible oxygen containing species including NO and NO2. For AlN crystal growth in a graphite furnace, the Al-O-C-N system was studied. CO is the main species containing carbon and oxygen, and has a partial pressure more than one hundred times higher than all other carbon or oxygen containing species. Its partial pressure even exceeds that of Al vapor. Pure AlN growth on SiC seed was represented in the Al-N-Si-C system. SiC is not stable at high temperatures, the presence of nitrogen accelerates the decomposition of the SiC, and the most probable volatile silicon and carbon species originating from the SiC seed are Si, CN and C2N2.
Characterization of the intermediate filament proteins of Murine Mammary Gland epithelial cells: Response to collagen substratum

The insoluble cytoskeletal material remaining after detergent lysis of 'Normal' Murine Mammary Gland (NMuMG) cells, growing on plastic or collagen gel substrata, was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The identity of the cytoskeletal elements was determined by their solubility properties, electrophoretic separation pattern, and immunoreactivity using monoclonal antibodies against intermediate filament proteins (AIF), keratins (AE1 and AE3) and actin. The electrophoretic pattern of the cytoskeletal elements from the NMuMG cell strain was found to be very similar to that of primary mouse mammary epithelial cells. Both NMuMG and primary mammary epithelial cells when grown on collagen exhibited an increased expression of a 49 kD protein with a pI of 5.6, that appeared to be a cytokeratin. Many of the cytoskeletal proteins remained tightly attached to the collagen gel substratum after cell lysis. These results demonstrate that the NMuMG cell strain has retained a stable expression of cytokeratins that remains responsive to the presence of extracellular matrix material.
Production and decays of extra gauge bosons in a left-right e(6) superstring model

We examine the production and decays of extra gauge bosons Z2 and WR in a recently proposed left-right E6 superstring model with alternative assignments of the fermions in the 27 representation of E6. We find that either or decay modes may have a branching fraction as high as 6% and 13%, respectively. The bosonic decays of the Z2 are similar to those found in the minimal rank 5 E6 superstring model, except for a possible new mode. Allowed regions of Z2 mass versus the Z, Z′ mixing are determined from neutral current data.
Significant impact of terminal room cleaning with bleach on reducing nosocomial Clostridium difficile.

Background We were alerted to increased rates of Clostridium difficile- positive tests at all 3 hospitals in our health care system by MedMined Data Mining Surveillance Service, CareFusion (San Diego, CA). In response, an intervention of terminal room cleaning with dilute bleach was instituted to decrease the amount of C difficile environmental spore contamination from patients with C difficile infection (CDI). Methods The intervention consisted of replacing quaternary ammonium compound as a room cleaning agent with dilute bleach to disinfect rooms of patients with CDI upon discharge. All surfaces, floor to ceiling were wiped with dilute bleach applied with towels to thoroughly wet the surfaces. Daily room cleaning remained unchanged. Patients remained on C difficile contact isolation precautions until discharge. To determine the effectiveness of this program, rates of nosocomial CDI for all 3 hospitals were determined using the MedMined Virtual Surveillance Interface for 10 months prior to and 2 years after the cleaning intervention. Statistical significance was determined using Poisson regression analysis. Results There was a 48% reduction in the prevalence density of C difficile after the bleaching intervention (95% confidence interval: 36%-58%, P .0001). Conclusion The implementation of a thorough, all-surface terminal bleach cleaning program in the rooms of patients with CDI has made a sustained, significant impact on reducing the rate of nosocomial CDI in our health care system.
The Clinical Characteristics and Infectious Outcomes of Febrile Infants Aged 8 to 12 Weeks

We reviewed 356 consecutive cases of febrile infants aged 8 to 12 weeks who received outpatient evaluation for sepsis over 4 years. Thirty-three infants (9.3%) had a serious bacterial infection (SBI), including bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, urinary tract infection (UTI), and Salmonella enteritis. The SBI rate, which was directly proportional to fever height, was significantly greater for infants with hyperpyrexia (35%) than those with lesser degrees of fever (7.7%) and for infants with peripheral blood leukocytosis (total WBC count > or = 15,000/mm3; 25%) than those with lesser total WBC counts (5.8%). An attending-level physician judged that 67% of infants with SBI appeared to be "well," including five or eight cases (63%) of bacteremia, 14 of 17 cases (82%) of UTI, and all three cases of Salmonella enteritis, whereas all five patients with bacterial meningitis appeared to be "ill." Urinalysis abnormalities indicative of UTI were present in 15 of 17 infants (88%) who had this infection. SBIs are not uncommon in febrile infants aged 8 to 12 weeks and occur significantly more often in those with either hyperpyrexia or peripheral blood leukocytosis.
Asymptotic analysis of a fast algorithm for efficient multiple frequency estimation

Based on an asymptotic analysis of the contraction mapping (CM) method of Li and Kedem (1993), a bandwidth shrinkage rule is proposed for fast and accurate estimation of the frequencies of multiple sinusoids from noisy measurements. The CM frequency estimates are defined as the fixed points of a contractive mapping formed by the lag-one autocorrelation coefficient calculated from the output. of a parametric filter applied to the observed time series. With bandwidth parameters judiciously chosen according to the asymptotic analysis, the algorithm is shown to be able to accommodate possibly poor initial values of precision O(n/sup -1/3/) and converge to a final estimate whose accuracy is arbitrarily close to O(n/sup -3/2/), the optimal error rate for frequency estimation under the Gaussian assumption. The total computational complexity of the algorithm is shown to be O(n log n), which is comparable to that of n-point fast Fourier transform (FFT). A novelty in the asymptotic analysis is that it accommodates closely spaced frequencies by allowing not only the filter bandwidth but also the frequency separation to be functions of the sample size n. This enables an assessment of the accuracy of the frequency estimates for given bandwidths and initial values in situations where some or all of the frequencies are close to each other.
Integrating primary care in cancer survivorship programs: models of care for a growing patient population.

The author describes the primary care physician’s role in caring for cancer survivors who are transitioning from oncology settings to primary care settings. Four scenarios are addressed and advantages and disadvantages of each are listed.
Utility of specimen angiography in angiodysplasia of the colon

This study reviews the utility of specimen angiography in identifying colonic lesions clinically thought to represent angiodysplasia. Four elderly patients presented with acute rectal bleeding. The diagnosis of angiodysplasia was made preoperatively in 3 patients by colonoscopy or angiography, or both. These specimens were injected with silicon rubber compound, xerographed, cleared with methyl salicylate, and examined with transillumination before histologic sampling. Although this technique was not used in the fourth case, fortuitous random sampling of the ascending colon revealed vascular changes indicative of angiodysplasia that correlated with a preoperative bleeding scan. Associated lesions in 1 patient were carcinoma of the colon and primary amyloidosis, the concurrence of which has not been described previously. With the injection technique the lesions of angiodysplasia appear grossly as spiderlike, dilated blood vessels. Microscopically, dilated veins, venules, and capillaries are found in the submucosa only or in the mucosa and submucosa. The importance of the postoperative injection is that it prevents the collapse of the blood vessels and enables the pathologist to identify the lesions grossly. As these lesions are usually small, this is important for proper sampling and histologic documentation.
Vicarious calibrations of HICO data acquired from the International Space Station

The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) presently onboard the International Space Station (ISS) is an imaging spectrometer designed for remote sensing of coastal waters. The instrument is not equipped with any onboard spectral and radiometric calibration devices. Here we describe vicarious calibration techniques that have been used in converting the HICO raw digital numbers to calibrated radiances. The spectral calibration is based on matching atmospheric water vapor and oxygen absorption bands and extraterrestrial solar lines. The radiometric calibration is based on comparisons between HICO and the EOS/MODIS data measured over homogeneous desert areas and on spectral reflectance properties of coral reefs and water clouds. Improvements to the present vicarious calibration techniques are possible as we gain more in-depth understanding of the HICO laboratory calibration data and the ISS HICO data in the future.