cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue Doppler Imaging and Strain Echocardiography

Doppler principle has been routinely used in echocardiography to provide hemodynamic data to the anatomical information offered by two-dimensional (2D) examination. It measures high-frequency, low-amplitude signals from rapidly moving red blood cells enabling quantification of blood flow velocities. Recently, modifications have been applied to the filter settings on pulsed Doppler to allow imaging low-velocity, high-intensity myocardial signal, thereby selectively calculating and displaying on-line myocardial velocity information derived from Doppler shifts created by cardiac motion. This technique referred to as tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) or Doppler myocardial imaging (DMI) provides segmental velocity information utilizing three principal approaches: spectral pulsed-Doppler (PW), color-coded M-mode Doppler display, and 2D color-coded Doppler approach. PW and 2D color-coded TDI are more commonly used in clinical settings. While both techniques provide the same mechanical information, data acquired via each method may differ and may not be interchangeable requiring appropriate labeling to avoid confusion (Figs. 7.1 and 7.2). Pulsed Doppler technique yields peak tissue velocity that is 20–30% higher than the mean velocity provided by color-coded Doppler approach; a difference that should be considered when estimating left ventricular filling pressures using the E/E? ratio.
Psychosocial care for children with haemophilia and their parents in the Netherlands.

Introduction Children growing up with haemophilia are at greater risk for psychosocial problems than their healthy peers. Providing psychosocial care to children with haemophilia and their families is indispensable, since psychosocial factors can have a significant impact on health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Aims Our aim was to give a description of psychosocial care provided by the multidisciplinary team of the Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre (HCCC) at the Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With this overview, other caregivers and hospitals can benefit in organizing their psychosocial care for children with haemophilia. Methods The focus of the psychosocial care provided by the multidisciplinary team is on preventing psychosocial problems and medical-related stress, and supporting and equipping the child with haemophilia and its parents with as many skills as possible to lead an independent life with a high HRQOL. Results Core elements of the psychosocial care are therefore monitoring and screening of HRQOL (e.g. in daily clinical practice via www.hetklikt.nu), psychoeducation (haemophilia camp, haemophilia school, disease-specific activities, meetings for girls, parent meetings), practical help (Emma at Work, an employment agency for adolescents and young adults; Educational Facility and school visits), psychosocial interventions (the On Track group intervention and the Haemophilia Coping and Perception Test) and individual care (psychological counselling and referrals). Conclusion By providing this overview of psychosocial support offered and by sharing this knowledge, psychosocial care can become more structured and consistent between HCCCs around the world. Potentially, processes and outcomes of care can be improved.
Multiscale simulation models of Xe bubble formation in irradiated Mo

Multiscale simulation models for Xe bubble nucleation and growth in irradiated Mo were developed that consist Ab-initio calculations of the interatomic potentials for the Mo and Xe-Mo systems, atomistic MD simulations of the kinetic rate coefficients of radiation defects, and nucleation mechanisms of Xe bubbles in Mo. Simulations of various Xe concentrations, temperatures and pressures were carried out. A critical concentration of Xe atoms was determined at which the nucleation occurs spontaneously.
Identification, Confirmation, and Replication of Novel Urinary MicroRNA Biomarkers in Lupus Nephritis and Diabetic Nephropathy

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing the underlying etiology of CKD, but the procedure carries complication risks. The aim of this study was to identify novel noninvasive biomarkers correlating with kidney function and histopathology in biopsy-proven CKD patients. METHODS: We profiled 2402 urinary microRNAs (miRNAs) to identify and confirm differentially expressed miRNAs associated with kidney function and histopathology in patients with diabetic nephropathy (n = 58) or lupus nephritis (n = 89), important etiologies of CKD, compared with healthy controls (n = 93 and 119, respectively). Top performing miRNAs were then measured in 2 independent multi-institutional cohorts of patients with diabetes mellitus with (n = 74) or without nephropathy (n = 71) and systemic lupus erythematosus with (n = 86) or without (n = 37) nephritis. RESULTS: In patients with diabetic nephropathy, miR-2861, miR-1915-3p, and miR-4532 were down-regulated (>10-fold, P P P c -statistics for miR-2861, miR-1915-3p, and miR-4532 were 0.91, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively. In lupus nephritis patients, miR-3201 and miR-1273e were down-regulated (>3-fold, P P c -statistics of 0.97 and 0.91, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified novel miRNAs that correlate with histopathological lesions and functional markers of kidney damage to facilitate sensitive, specific, and noninvasive detection of diabetic nephropathy and lupus nephritis.
Laser-based cross-section measurement of cold-formed steel members: Model reconstruction and application

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present procedures for processing three-dimensional point clouds that are generated from laser-based scanning of a cold-formed steel member into useful measurements of cross-section dimensions and imperfections, as well as for use in finite element simulations of the as-measured geometry. The measurement data comes from a unique laser-based scanning platform developed by the authors. Multiple passes on the target cold-formed steel specimen using a line laser are registered with an iterative closest point algorithm to develop the initial three-dimensional point cloud. A novel feature recognition method is proposed to distinguish and extract geometric characteristics such as corners and flats in the targeted specimen. Three different applications are demonstrated herein for the three-dimensional point cloud: feature recognition for determination of nominal dimensions, deviation from nominal configuration for determination of simplified imperfection patterns, and re-mapping of the three-dimensional point cloud onto regularized grids appropriate for subsequent shell finite element modeling. The high fidelity of the measured data provides potential for new insights across all three application areas. Extensions of the algorithms to other cold-formed steel cross-sections, as well as built-up cold-formed steel cross-sections, are currently being pursued.
A temporal permission analysis and enforcement framework for Android

Permission-induced attacks, i.e., security breaches enabled by permission misuse, are among the most critical and frequent issues threatening the security of Android devices. By ignoring the temporal aspects of an attack during the analysis and enforcement, the state-of-the-art approaches aimed at protecting the users against such attacks are prone to have low-coverage in detection and high-disruption in prevention of permission-induced attacks. To address the aforementioned shortcomings, we present TERMINATOR, a temporal permission analysis and enforcement framework for Android. Leveraging temporal logic model checking, TERMINATOR's analyzer identifies permission-induced threats with respect to dynamic permission states of the apps. At runtime, TERMINATOR's enforcer selectively leases (i.e., temporarily grants) permissions to apps when the system is in a safe state, and revokes the permissions when the system moves to an unsafe state realizing the identified threats. The results of our experiments, conducted over thousands of apps, indicate that TERMINATOR is able to provide an effective, yet non-disruptive defense against permission-induced attacks. We also show that our approach, which does not require modification to the Android framework or apps' implementation logic, is highly reliable and widely applicable.
mRNA Polyadenylation in Eukaryotes

The mature 3′ ends of nearly all eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are created by a two-step reaction that involves an endonucleolytic cleavage of the precursor-mRNA (pre-mRNA), followed by addition of a polyadenylate tail onto the upstream cleavage product. This relatively simple reaction requires numerous trans -acting protein factors that are directed to the correct cleavage site by cis -acting sequence elements within the pre-mRNA. The core molecular machinery responsible for 3′ end formation in mammals includes four multi-subunit protein complexes: cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor, cleavage stimulation factor, cleavage factor I, and cleavage factor II, as well as the single subunit poly(A) polymerase. Today, we know that many more proteins are involved in the fine-tuning of the process, and several of these are thought to mediate cross talk between pre-mRNA maturation and other nuclear events. Even though each step of gene expression, such as transcription, capping, splicing, and 3′ end formation, can be reconstituted independently in in vitro systems, it is becoming increasingly evident that in vivo all these processes are coupled and dependent on each other. The correct processing of the 3′ end of pre-mRNA is crucial for gene expression, and defects in this reaction can greatly affect cell viability and growth.
Monthly, seasonal, and interannual variations of the heat content in the surface layers of the northern hemisphere oceans

Monthly heat content changes in the upper 120 m of northern hemisphere oceans were computed for the years 1967 and 1968 to study the seasonal and interannual differences in ocean heat content. During the winter, greatest interannual differences in heating/cooling occur in the tropics due to cloud cover and trade wind variations, whereas greatest advective changes of heat in the ocean surface layers occur in the mid-latitudes during this season. In the summer, heat exchange patterns are more complex and greater year-to-year and east to west differences occur than during winter. Advective changes at mid-latitudes in summer are smaller, mainly due to slower surface currents, caused by lighter surface winds. Greatest monthly changes in sea surface temperature (SST) occur in mid-latitudes during May and November, while interannual differences in SST in these months are of the order of 1 to 2.5 °C. Year-to-year differences occur also in the net heat exchange. Most ocean regions north of 15° N lose heat to the atmosphere annually. This heat loss must be compensated by the heat transport with ocean currents. Preliminary calculations show that the heat transport by major ocean currents can fully balance the heat loss at medium and higher latitudes.
Using mercury injection pressure analyses to estimate sealing capacity of the Tuscaloosa marine shale in Mississippi, USA: Implications for carbon dioxide sequestration

Abstract This work used mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) analyses of the Tuscaloosa Group in Mississippi, including the Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS), to assess their efficacy and sealing capacity for geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. Tuscaloosa Group porosity and permeability from MICP were evaluated to calculate CO2 column height retention. TMS and Lower Tuscaloosa shale samples have, respectively, Swanson permeability values less than 0.003 md and 0.00245 md; porosity from 3.86% to 9.86% and 1.34% to 7.96%; median pore throat sizes from 0.00342 to 0.0111 μm and 0.00311 to 0.017 μm; and pore radii from 0.0130 to 0.152 μm and 0.0132 to 0.149 μm. Mercury entry pressures for the TMS and Lower Tuscaloosa range from 4.9 to 57.1 MPa and 5.0 to 56.3 MPa, respectively. Calculated CO2 column heights that the TMS sample set can retain in the reservoir range from 23 to 255 m when the TMS is near 100% water saturation. Potential top seal leakage is more likely to be influenced by the numerous well penetrations through the confining system of the TMS rather than capillary failure. Results of this study demonstrate desirable sealing capacity of the TMS for geologic CO2 sequestration in reservoir sandstones of the Lower Tuscaloosa and could provide an analogue to other potential CO2 sequestration top seals.
A review of scientific research in defensive cyberspace operation tools and technologies

ABSTRACTThe realm of cybersecurity is perhaps one of the most quickly evolving areas within today’s research space. New and emerging technologies, as well as the growth of cybersecurity environment...
Dynamics and sources of response variability and its coordination in visual cortex.

The trial-to-trial response variability in sensory cortices and the extent to which this variability can be coordinated among cortical units have strong implications for cortical signal processing. Yet, little is known about the relative contributions and dynamics of defined sources to the cortical response variability and their correlations across cortical units. To fill this knowledge gap, here we obtained and analyzed multisite local field potential (LFP) recordings from visual cortex of turtles in response to repeated naturalistic movie clips and decomposed cortical across-trial LFP response variability into three defined sources, namely, input, network, and local fluctuations. We found that input fluctuations dominate cortical response variability immediately following stimulus onset, whereas network fluctuations dominate the response variability in the steady state during continued visual stimulation. Concurrently, we found that the network fluctuations dominate the correlations of the variability during the ongoing and steady-state epochs, but not immediately following stimulus onset. Furthermore, simulations of various model networks indicated that (i) synaptic time constants, leading to oscillatory activity, and (ii) synaptic clustering and synaptic depression, leading to spatially constrained pockets of coherent activity, are both essential features of cortical circuits to mediate the observed relative contributions and dynamics of input, network, and local fluctuations to the cortical LFP response variability and their correlations across recording sites. In conclusion, these results show how a melange of multiscale thalamocortical circuit features mediate a complex stimulus-modulated cortical activity that, when naively related to the visual stimulus alone, appears disguised as high and coordinated across-trial response variability.
Online sex partner seeking and HIV testing frequency among young black sexual minority men

Dating apps are a novel means of delivering HIV prevention messages. Young black sexual minority men (YBSMM) app users are at high risk for HIV and could benefit from frequent testing. Understanding testing behaviors among YBSMM is critical to inform tailored prevention interventions. We analyzed testing behaviors of 273 YBSMM, comparing typical testing frequency between app users and non-users using odds ratios. Overall, testing rates were high. App users were more likely than non-users to test at least every 12 months. App-using YBSMM exhibit high compliance with testing guidelines, which may indicate future successful uptake of biomedical preventions, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Does Training Predict Second-Grade Teachers’ Use of Student Data for Decision-Making in Reading and Mathematics?:

Although national legislation and policy call for the use of student assessment data to support instruction, evidence suggests that teachers lack the knowledge and skills required to effectively us...
Analyzing Public Discourse on Social Media With A Geographical Context: A Case Study of 2017 Tax Bill

This paper presents a series of social media analytic methods with geographical context which are useful for understanding public discourse in different cities regarding social and political issues through content analysis and social network analysis. Moreover, this study shows that geographical context should be considered in understanding social media discussion in different cities by using a case study, the 2017 tax bill issue in the US. While previous studies mainly focused on examining non-spatial aspects in online discourse, this study attempts to explain how geographical contexts play a role in shaping the discourse in cyberspace. We found out that point mutual information (PMI) analysis and retweet social network analysis are two effective methods to compare public discourse among different cities. The results of this study indicate that topics and the information diffusion networks regarding the issue reflect the characteristics of each city.
p53 Controls Murine Gammaherpesvirus Latency and Prevents Infection-Associated IgH/c- Myc Translocations

Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) establish life-long infections and cause cancer in humans and other animals. To facilitate chronic infection, GHV oncoproteins promote cellular proliferation and differentiation. Aberrant cell-cycle progression driven by viral oncogenes should trigger activation of tumor suppressor p53, unless p53 is functionally deactivated during GHV latency establishment. However, interactions of GHVs with the p53 pathway during the establishment and maintenance of latent infection are poorly defined. Here we demonstrate in vivo that p53 is induced specifically in infected cells during latency establishment by murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68). In the absence of p53, MHV68 latency establishment was significantly increased, especially in germinal center B cells, and correlated with enhanced cellular proliferation. However, enhanced latency was not sustainable, and MHV68 exhibited a defect in long-term latency maintenance in p53-deficient mice. Moreover, IgH/c-Myc translocations were readily detected in B cells from infected p53-null mice indicating virus-driven genomic instability. These data demonstrate that p53 intrinsically restricts MHV68 latency establishment and reveal a paradigm in which a host restriction factor provides a long-term benefit to a chronic pathogen by limiting infection-associated damage.
The lateral arm free flap for head and neck reconstruction.

Purpose of review The aim of this study was to review the recent literature on the utilization of the lateral arm free flap use in head and neck reconstruction. Recent findings The lateral arm free flap provides a reliable fasciocutaneous free tissue transfer option ideally suited for reconstruction of the oral cavity, pharynx and parotid. Primary donor site closure, compartmentalized fat and excellent colour match make it an excellent option for head and neck reconstruction. Donor site morbidity is low, and the primary limitation is the short and narrow vascular pedicle. Summary The lateral arm free flap should be considered in cases of oral cavity and skin reconstruction, particularly in cases wherein pedicle length is not restrictive.
Potentials of Interferons and Hydroxychloroquine for the Prophylaxis and Early Treatment of COVID-19

The symptoms of the COVID-19 range from asymptomatic or mild disease to severe disease that results in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and eventually death. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for the progression from mild to severe disease is the key to decreasing the mortality of COVID-19. Compared to mild cases, severe cases of the COVID-19 have decreased interferon (IFN) α, β, λ production. Type I (IFN α/β) and III IFNs (λ) work coordinately to induce inhibition of viral reproduction through the stimulation of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). Failure to mount an IFN response leads to suboptimal activation of adaptive immune response and increased viral load. The increased viral load causes severe tissue damage, inducing a late wave of IFNs and an exacerbated inflammatory response. There are two known risk factors associated with severe disease- obesity and aging. Both lead to the activation of inflammasome NLRP3, which stimulates transcription factor NFκB and the production of inflammatory cytokines. Type I IFNs inhibit activation of NRLP3. Taken together, an early deficient IFN response and the following hyperinflammatory state are the hallmarks of severe COVID-19. This suggests that both type I and III IFNs could potentially be beneficial as prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 at the early stage of infection. Indeed, clinical studies have shown benefit of IFN Is, and there are ongoing trials testing type III IFNs for the treatment of COVID-19. Another strategy is to use hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to inhibit the viral entry into the cells. Our reanalysis of the results from two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has concluded that use of HCQ is beneficial in postexposure prophylaxis. These two strategies can have great potential in the current pandemic of COVID-19.
Conspiracy in ontological models with measurement contextuality.

The conspiracy of ontic states responding to measurements contextually to comply with noncontextual quantum mechanical probabilities is analyzed for general ontological models. A general physical picture of ontological space structure and how ontic states are disturbed by measurement contexts is presented. A common assumption in ontological models called lambda-sufficiency is analyzed and argued to be inconsistent with measurement contextuality for ontological models with certain symmetry in ontic space with respect to quantum states and measurements.
Economics of respiratory disease in dairy replacement heifers

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a frequent disease concern in dairy cattle and is most commonly diagnosed in young dairy heifers. The impact of BRD is highly variable, depending on the accuracy and completeness of detection, effectiveness of treatment, and on-farm culling practices. Consequences include decreased rate of weight gain, a higher culling risk either as heifers or as cows, delayed age at first service, delayed age at first calving, and in some cases, lower future milk production. In this data set of 104,100 dairy replacement heifers from across the USA, 36.6% had one or more cases diagnosed within the first 120 days of age with the highest risk of new cases occurring prior to weaning. Comparison of the raising cost for heifers with BRD and those without a recorded history of BRD resulted in an estimated cost per incident case occurring in the first 120 days of age of $252 or $282, depending upon whether anticipated future milk production differences were considered or not. Current market conditions contributed to a cost estimate that is significantly higher than previously published estimates, driven in part by the losses associated with selective culling of a subset of heifers that experienced BRD.
Client-Oriented Projects: GIS Course Design with the Potential to Serve Multiple Constituents

Project-based learning geared toward a client provides the instructor with an applied method for classroom teaching. This article provides detailed information on how to incorporate project-based assignments into public administration courses. Student evaluations indicate that students perceive their learning to be more effective when it is project-based and client- or real-world oriented. This article looks at the integration of project-based assignments to coursework even when there is no identified “real” client.
Globalization and world culture

This article explores the origins, development, structure, and impact of world culture in relation to globalization over the past two centuries. It discusses the complex and largely rationalized content of world culture and the rise and proliferation of organizations that generate, debate, and propagate world culture, particularly international nongovernmental organizations. It describes world-cultural processes that promote homogenization and heterogeneity at the global, national, and local level, and the consequences for national identity of world-spanning cultural development. The article concludes with a discussion of the role and significance of religions and religiosity in a globalized world.
The α-Bungarotoxin-binding Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor from Rat Brain Contains Only the α7 Subunit

When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the rat alpha7 subunit forms homo-oligomeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin. Since the pharmacological and physiological properties of the alpha7 receptor expressed in oocytes are similar to those of the alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic currents recorded from neuronal preparations and the distribution patterns of alpha7 mRNA and alpha-bungarotoxin-binding sites in the rat brain are very similar, alpha7 is thought to be the main component of the alpha-bungarotoxin-binding nicotinic receptor in the mammalian brain. However, while alpha7 is found in purified alpha-bungarotoxin-binding complexes from rat brain or PC12 cells, other proteins copurify with it. Therefore, the question whether alpha7 forms a homo-oligomeric alpha-bungarotoxin-binding nicotinic receptor in the mammalian brain remains. We have developed and characterized affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies and used these antibodies in Western blot analyses of alpha-bungarotoxin-binding proteins purified from rat brains. We report here that our experimental data support the current working hypothesis that the alpha-bungarotoxin-binding nicotinic receptor is a homo-oligomer of alpha7 subunits in the rat brain.
Perinatal outcome after prenatal diagnosis of single-ventricle cardiac defects.

Objectives To investigate the perinatal outcome of cases with a prenatal diagnosis of single-ventricle cardiac defects, single ventricle being defined as a dominant right ventricle (RV) or left ventricle (LV), in which biventricular circulation was not possible. Methods We reviewed patients with a prenatal diagnosis of single-ventricle cardiac defects, made at one institution between 1995 and 2008. Cases diagnosed with double-inlet LV, tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and severe RV hypoplasia and those with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) were included in the study population. Patients with HLHS were identified prenatally as being standard risk or high risk (HLHS with highly restrictive or intact atrial septum, mitral stenosis with aortic atresia and/or LV coronary artery sinusoids). Patients with an address over 200 miles from the hospital, diagnosed with heterotaxy syndrome or referred for fetal intervention, were excluded. Results We identified 312 cases of single-ventricle cardiac defect (208 dominant RV; 104 dominant LV) that were diagnosed prenatally. Most (96%) patients with a dominant RV had HLHS. Among the total 312 cases there were 98 (31%) elective terminations of pregnancy (TOP), 12 (4%) cases of spontaneous fetal demise, 12 (4%) cases lost to prenatal follow-up and 190 (61%) live births. Among the 199 patients that underwent fetal echocardiography before 24 weeks' gestation, there were 97 (49%) cases of elective TOP. There was no difference in prenatal outcome between those with a dominant RV and those with a dominant LV (P = 0.98). Of the 190 live births, five received comfort care. With an average of 7 years' follow-up (to obtain data on the Fontan procedure), transplantation-free survival was lower in those with a dominant RV than in those with a dominant LV (standard-risk HLHS odds ratio (OR), 3.0 (P = 0.01); high-risk HLHS OR, 8.8 (P < 0.001)). Conclusions The prenatal outcome of cases with single-ventricle cardiac defects was similar between those with a dominant RV and those with a dominant LV, however postnatal intermediate-term survival favored those with a dominant LV. High-risk HLHS identified prenatally was associated with the lowest transplantation-free survival. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Stress and Somatic Complaints in Low-Income Urban Adolescents

The present study examined (1) rates of somatic complaints and (2) the association between stress and somatic complaints in low-income urban youth. Participants were 1030 low-income urban 6th–8th grade adolescents. Results indicate that, for both boys and girls, somatization was the most commonly reported internalizing symptom in this sample, and that heightened rates of urban stress predicted heightened rates of somatic complaints. In addition, a significantly higher percentage of youth in this sample reported clinically elevated levels of somatic complaints (17%) relative to that reported by normative samples (5%). The 2 most common somatic complaints were stomachaches and headaches, and females reported higher rates of somatic complaints than males. These findings suggest that somatic complaints are the most common expression of internalizing symptoms among low-income urban youth, and that exposure to heightened rates of stress places low-income urban adolescents at heightened risk for somatization. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Current Trends in Computer-Assisted Instruction

Publisher Summary The chapter presents the survey of current activities in computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Some examples of CAI at the stage of research and development for elementary and secondary schools and some examples of commercial products that are fairly widely distributed are considered in this chapter. The PLATO projects in elementary reading and elementary mathematics are examined. Commercial CAI courses now offered by Computer Curriculum Corporation are surveyed. The salient examples of CAI at universities, community colleges, or other postsecondary institutions are examined to provide a sense of the conceptual variety of the work. The chapter explores some of the main areas of current research most significant for CAI; the first concerns natural language processing; the second, the use of audio; the third, informal mathematical procedures; and the fourth, efforts at modeling the student. The chapter concludes with a brief attempt to forecast the main trends in computer-assisted instruction, although, of course, the forecasts must be treated with skepticism in view of the notorious difficulty of making successful predictions about trends in either computer theory or applications.
A Semantics for Approximate Program Transformations

An approximate program transformation is a transformation that can change the semantics of a program within a specified empirical error bound. Such transformations have wide applications: they can decrease computation time, power consumption, and memory usage, and can, in some cases, allow implementations of incomputable operations. Correctness proofs of approximate program transformations are by definition quantitative. Unfortunately, unlike with standard program transformations, there is as of yet no modular way to prove correctness of an approximate transformation itself. Error bounds must be proved for each transformed program individually, and must be re-proved each time a program is modified or a different set of approximations are applied. In this paper, we give a semantics that enables quantitative reasoning about a large class of approximate program transformations in a local, composable way. Our semantics is based on a notion of distance between programs that defines what it means for an approximate transformation to be correct up to an error bound. The key insight is that distances between programs cannot in general be formulated in terms of metric spaces and real numbers. Instead, our semantics admits natural notions of distance for each type construct; for example, numbers are used as distances for numerical data, functions are used as distances for functional data, an polymorphic lambda-terms are used as distances for polymorphic data. We then show how our semantics applies to two example approximations: replacing reals with floating-point numbers, and loop perforation.
A History of Renaissance Rhetoric 1380–1620, Peter Mack

In the first sentence of his History, Peter Mack states, “This is the first comprehensive history of renaissance rhetoric” (1). This sounds like a bold statement, but it is one that Mack proceeds t...
Targeted cytotoxic analog of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone AN-207 inhibits the growth of PC-82 human prostate cancer in nude mice

BACKGROUND Receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) found in prostate cancers might be used for targeting of chemotherapeutic agents. Doxorubicin derivative 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (AN-201) can be linked to carrier analog [D-Lys6]LH-RH to form the targeted cytotoxic analog of LH-RH, AN-207. METHODS We evaluated the effects of AN-207 and its components on the growth of LH-RH receptor-positive human prostate cancer PC-82 xenografted into nude mice. Analog AN-207, radical AN-201, carrier [D-Lys6]LH-RH, or a mixture of [D-Lys6]LH-RH and AN-201 were injected intravenously once at doses of 200 nmol/kg. Tumor growth, body weight, total WBC counts, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were determined. Receptors for LH-RH on PC-82 tumors were evaluated, and the expression of mRNA for LH-RH receptors was assessed by RT-PCR. RESULTS Eight weeks after administration of cytotoxic analog AN-207, there was a 67.8% reduction in tumor volume (P < 0.01), 70.7% decrease in tumor burden (P < 0.01), and 36.5% decrease in serum PSA levels (P < 0.01) as compared with controls. Only one of 8 animals treated with AN-207 died. Cytotoxic radical AN-201 caused a 34.2% (not significant, NS) reduction in tumor volume with no change in serum PSA, and killed 3 of 8 mice due to toxicity. Carrier [D-Lys6]LH-RH and the unconjugated mixture of [D-Lys6]LH-RH and AN-201 had no effect on tumor growth. LH-RH receptors as well as the expression of their mRNA were found in PC-82 tumors. CONCLUSIONS The cytotoxic analog of LH-RH AN-207 powerfully inhibited growth of PC-82 human prostate cancer with only minor toxicity. Targeted cytotoxic LH-RH analogs may be useful for treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate 38:151–158, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Molecular dynamics simulation of amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane langmuir monolayers at the air/water interface.

Bistable [2]rotaxanes display controllable switching properties in solution, on surfaces, and in devices. These phenomena are based on the electrochemically and electrically driven mechanical shuttling motion of the ring-shaped component, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT4+), between a monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene (mpTTF) unit and a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) unit located along a dumbbell component. The most stable state of the rotaxane (CBPQT4+@mpTTF) is that in which the CBPQT4+ ring encircles the mpTTF unit, but a second less favored metastable co-conformation with the CBPQT4+ ring surrounding the DNP (CBPQT4+@DNP) can be formed experimentally. For both co-conformations of an amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane, we report here the structure and surface pressure−area isotherm of a Langmuir monolayer (LM) on a water subphase as a function of the area per molecule. These results from atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) studies are validated by comparing with experiments based on similar amphiphilic rotaxa...
Transparent Optimization of Parallel File System I/O via Standard System Tool Enhancement

Standard system tools employed by users on a daily basis do not take full advantage of parallel file system I/O bandwidth and do not understand associated idiosyncrasies such as Lustre striping. This can lead ton on-optimal utilization of both the user's time and system resources. This paper describes a set of modifications made to existing tools that increase parallelism and automatically handle striping. These modifications result insignificant performance gains in a transparent manner with maximum speedups of 27×, 15×, and 31× for parallelized cp, tar creation, and tar extraction, respectively.
Inflationary gravitational-wave background and measurements of the scalar spectral index

Inflation predicts a stochastic background of gravitational waves over a broad range of frequencies, from those accessible with cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements, to those accessible directly with gravitational-wave detectors, like NASA's Big-Bang Observer (BBO), currently under study. In a previous paper [Phys. Rev. D 73, 023504 (2006)] we connected CMB constraints to the amplitude and tensor spectral tilt of the inflationary gravitational-wave background (IGWB) at BBO frequencies for four classes of models of inflation by directly solving the inflationary equations of motion. Here we extend that analysis by including results obtained in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe third-year data release as well as by considering two additional classes of inflationary models. As often noted in the literature, the recent indication that the primordial density power spectrum has a red spectral index implies (with some caveats) that the amplitude of the IGWB may be large enough to be observable in the CMB polarization. Here we also explore the implications for the direct detection of the IGWB.
Mock Defendants' Procedural Justice Judgments of Alternative Trial Procedures in a Medical Malpractice Case

Mental health professionals were asked to imagine themselves in the role of defendant in a medical malpractice case. Each participant was told that their case could be tried according to standard adversary trial procedures or by an alternative procedure. The alternative procedures involved either varying the way that expert testimony would be developed or bifurcation of issues at trial. Participants rated the available alternative procedure relative to the ADVERS procedure in terms of preference, fairness, willingness to comply with trial outcomes, and other procedural justice dimensions. Results indicated a strong endorsement of potential alternatives to the standard adversarial trial process for resolving medical malpractice claims.
Effects of collision-broadening on apparent spectral absorption coefficients for dimers

Abstract The Mayer-Goody random model for the distribution of spectrum lines over an observational intervals is used in order to demonstrate that the apparent spectral absorption coefficient for pressure-broadened dimer-bands can depend quadratically on the total pressure, even in the non-transparent absorption regime. Therefore, reported data which were obtained under these conditions depend still on the parameters describing the particular experimental measurement system and the applicable effects of pressure broadening. This problem can be avoided if integrated band-absorption data are obtained in the non-transparent regime under conditions for which the spectral line features are sufficiently smoothed by collision broadening.
A model for the association of intercalating ligands with mononucleosomes and chromatin.

Abstract Scatchard plots in the literature on the association of ethidium bromide with mononucleosomes do not agree as to whether the association process is cooperative or non-cooperative or if the primary set of binding sites can be classified as strong or weak. A model is proposed in the present communication which appears to bring these conflicting studies into concert. The only assumption in this model is that a certain major fraction of the assumed potential binding sites are physically inaccessible to the binding of intercalating ligands as long as the mononucleosome is in its native conformation. It is argued that the nature of the Scatchard plot depends on the preparation of the sample, i.e. amount of DNA in the particle and whether or not the external histones H1 and H5 are present, since these quantities determine the amount of accessible DNA for inter-calating ligands. It is proposed that strong core histone-DNA contacts prevent access of intercalating ligands to ∼ 120 base pairs of DNA in the core particle substructure of the nucleosome unit in the initial binding process and that additional ligand binding requires the disruption of these contacts. The model is generalized to the structure of whole chromatin and applied to oligonucleosome data.
Deep Pacific circulation: Intensification during the Early Cenozoic☆

Abstract The biostratigraphic record in three piston cores from the Samoan Passage suggests that the flow of the deep western boundary current through the passage was substantially intensified at some time between the Early Eocene and Early Oligocene. The cause of this intensification may be related to the final separation of Australia from Antarctica, a major tectonic event which re-directed the circumpolar circulation system, and allowed Antarctic Bottom Water to pass south of Australia and enter the South Pacific Ocean. This interpretation is consistent with that proposed previously by N. D. Watkins and J. P. Kennett in 1974 and J. P. Kennett and co-workers in 1972 and 1973 to explain widespread sedimentary disconformities in the southern oceans.
Michael Porter answers managers' FAQs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an interview with Professor Michael Porter of Harvard, the noted academic and consultant whose concepts are central to the practice of strategic management, and the answers to questions he is often asked by practitioners who solicit his advice.Design/methodology/approach – For her new book, Understanding Michael Porter: The Essential Guide to Competition and Strategy (2011), award‐winning author Joan Magretta edited this dialog with him which has been adapted for Strategy & Leadership.Findings – Professor Porter delivers warnings on the most common strategy mistakes. When it comes to dealing with disruptive technology, he cautions managers to be sure they have rigorously identified the underlying source of the disruption. On the relentless pressure to find growth, he offers ways to approach it without damaging strategy and profitability. Futhermore he offers advice on managing the planning process itself.Practical implications – Porter's advice on successf...
Native Tissue Harmonic Imaging Improves Endocardial Border Definition and Visualization of Cardiac Structures

Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of native tissue harmonic imaging on endocardial border definition, wall motion scoring, and visualization of intracardiac structures. Methods and Results. For wall motion analysis, 60 consecutive patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiograms in both harmonic and fundamental modes. Three experienced echocardiographers reviewed each echocardiogram. Endocardial border definition for each wall segment was graded from 1 to 4 (1 = excellent endocardial definition). Wall motion was scored by using a standard 16-segment model and 1 to 5 scale. For visualization of cardiac structures, 50 consecutive patients were studied. Two experienced interpreters reviewed each echocardiogram for both normal and abnormal structures by using the following scoring scale: (1) harmonic is much better than fundamental, (2) harmonic is slightly better than fundamental, (3) harmonic and fundamental are equivalent, (4) fundamental is slightly better than harmonic, and (5) fundamental is much better than harmonic. Visualization of 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61 to 0.66) of all segments improved in harmonic mode, with 26% (95% CI 0.24 to 0.29) improving from poor/not seen to good/excellent. Of 444 segments deemed poor/not seen, visualization of 312 (70%) (95% CI 0.66 to 0.75) improved to good/excellent with harmonic mode. Of these 312 segments, 55% comprised the lateral and anterior walls on apical views. Interobserver agreement on endocardial border definition was 82% to 86%. Scoring of wall motion was altered in 171 of 1075 (16%) of segments by harmonic mode. This was significantly greater than the interobserver disagreement, which was only 10% ( p Conclusions. Native tissue harmonic imaging has significant impact on endocardial border definition and wall motion scoring and improves the visualization of both normal and abnormal cardiac structures. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1998;11:693-701.)
Stimulus configuration and location in the visual field affect appetitive responses by the praying mantis, Sphodromantis lineola (Burr.).

Adult female praying mantises, Sphodromantis lineola (Burr.), were presented with computer-generated black rectangular stimuli that moved horizontally or vertically at 82 deg/s against a homogeneous white background. Both stimulus configuration (orientation in relation to direction) and the retinal location of the stimulus image affected the rate at which mantises responded appetitively (approached or struck at the stimulus). Mantises responded most to square stimuli (12.5 deg × 12.5 deg) when they moved horizontally or vertically through, or horizontally at 24.5 deg below the center of their visual field. Mantises also responded most to vertically (vs. horizontally) oriented rectangular stimuli (12.5 deg × 47 deg) that moved through their visual-field center, irrespective of whether the stimuli moved downward or horizontally. Upward moving stimuli elicited intermediate amounts of behavior with no configuration preference. Mantises did not demonstrate a configuration preference when rectangular stimuli moved ≥24.5 deg outside of the visual-field center. Furthermore, mantises responded very little and demonstrated no configuration preferences to stimuli that moved less than ≈83 deg through their visual field even if the stimuli moved through the visual-field center.
Polar Interfacial Interactions in RPLC

The three principal forces that govern the interaction between dissolved proteins and solid (flat or particulate) surfaces immersed in a polar liquid are: A. Lifshitz-van der Waals forces (LW interactions) B. Polar (hydrogen bond, or Lewis acid-base) forces (AB interactions, which include “hydrophobic” interactions) C. Electrostatic forces (EL interactions) EL interaction energies can be determined via electrokinetic measurements. LW and AB interaction energies are derived from the LW component and the electron-acceptor (γ⊕) and electron-donor (γ⊖) parameters of the AB component of the surface tension, all three of which can be determined by contact angle (Θ) measurements on (a) hydrated layers of protein and (b) flat layers of particulate surface, using at least 3 polar liquids in each case. By this approach, the optimal conditions for attachment as well as for detachment of a given protein to a well-characterized solid surface or particle can be determined quantitatively. Reversed phase liquid chromatography of immunoglobulin G (1) on phenyl Sepharose (2) shows that the elution of the protein, by an increasing concentration of ethylene glycol (EG) in the aqueous medium (3), occurs at the EG concentration where the value of ΔG132TOT changes from negative to positive.
Recent progress in inverse problems in electrocardiology

The considerable progress achieved in the inverse problem of electrocardiography over the last decade has provided grounds for optimism about the possibility of approaching significant clinically relevant applications in the next decade. However, there are a number of basic questions that still remain. In addressing these questions, the authors feel it is important to seek solutions that emphasize physiological rather than mathematical significance. This approach leads to twin requirements for useful inverse solutions: accuracy, defined in a physiologically meaningful (and not just averaged and mathematical) sense, and reliability, not only to measurement noise but also to geometric modeling errors and other uncertainties that are inescapable in practical application. Studies using analytically tractable models may still be relevant, but it seems more important to find solutions to practical inverse problems, which will move the field toward wider acceptance and credibility.