cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sorption of diffusants by polymeric cylinders under isothermal, finite bath conditions : Advances in mathematical modeling

Diffusion-controlled, isothermal sorption (or desorption) of diffusants by cylindrical polymeric materials can be modeled for finite bath conditions by the use of the conventional diffusion equation solutions of Wilson or Crank when certain limiting assumptions apply. Iterative determination of diffusion coefficients by the use of these advanced equations, however, requires accurate seed roots for efficient solution. An empirical seed root generating function has been found that is so very accurate that it can be used in place of the conventional diffusion equation solutions for all but the most extreme levels of definitude. The parameters of the empirical equation as functions of equilibrium bath exhaustion are given, and values of fractional equilibrium uptake, M t /M∞, as a function of dimensionless time, Dt/r 2 , found by the use of both the diffusion equation solutions and the empirical equation are compared.
Monte Carlo modeling of ion adsorption at the energetically heterogeneous metal oxide/electrolyte interface: Micro- and macroscopic correlations between adsorption energies.

Abstract Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are carried out for the basic Stern model of the electrical double layer formed at the energetically heterogeneous metal oxide/electrolyte interface. The effect of the global (macroscopic) and local (microscopic) adsorption energies correlations as well as the influence of the model parameter on the surface charge density curves were investigated. The linear dependence of point of zero charge (PZC) as a function of H+ ion adsorption energy proves that the acidic/basic properties of the system are mainly governed by proton uptake/release. Two kinds of systems were taken into account: one neglecting lateral interactions and the other one including them. The effect of electrolyte concentrations as well as the surface heterogeneity on the surface charge density curves were shown too. The presented simulation algorithm allows to model two experimentally observed instances of the metal oxide/electrolyte interface: one possessing a common intersection point (CIP) at pH = PZC and the other one with CIP ≠ PZC.
The hemodynamic results of surgical correction of atrial septal defects: a report of thirty-three cases.

An experience with surgical treatment for atrial septal defects in 59 patients has given evidence as to the safety and efficacy of the procedure utilizing the atrial-well technic. Data from the first 33 cases of this series are presented in detail, to allow analysis by others of the basis for these conclusions.
Studies on cytokinesis in neuroblasts of the grasshopper, Chortophaga viridifasciata (De Geer) I. Formation and behavior of the mitotic apparatus

Abstract 1. 1. Formation and behavior of the spindle body in the neuroblast of the grasshopper, Chortophaga viridifasciata , were observed in both living and stained cells. 2. 2. The formation of the spindle body begins in the cytoplasm, and after disappearance of the nuclear membrane its further development depends principally on the nuclear substances. 3. 3. Shift of the spindle body toward the ganglion cell side occurs during anaphase with elongation of the spindle body. It seems probable that this shift is induced by the asynchronous development in the asters, and by the spindle elongation. 4. 4. During cleavage stage, the attachment of the furrow region of the cell surface to the middle part of the spindle body is followed by a remarkable decrease in the spindle volume. Reconstruction of the daughter nuclei occurs at the same time.
Aging-related changes of QT and RR intervals in conscious guinea pigs

Abstract Introduction Although guinea pigs are suitable for in vivo QT assessment of newly discovered drugs at the pre-clinical stage because of the similarity of the ion channels between the guinea pig heart and the human, there is limited data available regarding the characteristics of QT interval in conscious guinea pigs. Aging is one of several factors which have been shown to affect the QT interval in humans and animals. In the present study, we examined the influence of age on QT and RR intervals in conscious guinea pigs. Methods Electrocardiograms were recorded from female Hartley guinea pigs at the age of 6 weeks (young; n = 6) and 23 months (old; n = 4) via a telemetry system. The QT and RR intervals were measured during daytime and nighttime, and following intravenous bolus injection of E-4031 (0.1 mg/kg) or terfenadine (4 mg/kg). Comparisons were made to determine group differences in: (1) the normal values of the QT and RR intervals, (2) the best-fit QT-correction formula, (3) the circadian rhythm of QT and RR intervals, and (4) drug effects on repolarization. Results The normal values of QT and RR intervals in the old group were significantly longer than those in the young group. The best-fit formula for correcting QT interval was a modified Bazett's formula for both young and old groups. The old group did not show the nocturnal variation of either QT or RR interval. Terfenadine caused significantly greater QTc prolongation in the old group compared to the young. Discussion Aging affects resting QT and RR intervals in conscious female guinea pigs, a factor which should be considered when examining the effects of compounds on cardiac repolarization. Also, the present study suggests a possibility that age can affect QTc prolongation induced by some IKr blockers.
Prevalence of chronic pain seven years following limb threatening lower extremity trauma.

Abstract Although the etiology of chronic pain following trauma is not well understood, numerous retrospective studies have shown that a significant proportion of chronic pain patients have a history of traumatic injury. The present analysis examines the prevalence and early predictors of chronic pain in a cohort of prospectively followed severe lower extremity trauma patients. Chronic pain was measured using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale, which measures both pain severity and pain interference with activities. Severe lower extremity trauma patients report significantly higher levels of chronic pain than the general population (p
A search for fast planetary-scale instabilities in the equatorial stratosphere

A method proposed by Salby for computing space-time Fourier transforms of asynoptic satellite data has been applied to stratospheric brightness temperature measurements from January and February 1979 in a search for two fast-moving low-wavenumber instabilities predicted in a numerical study by Lynch. The method is capable of producing spectra down to periods of approximately one day with no distortion due to the asynopticity of the data. No spectral peaks corresponding to the predicted modes were found; taking the noise level as the upper limit for their amplitudes at the altitudes observed, an upper limit of approximately 0.6 to 1.2 degrees Kelvin may be set for their peak amplitudes near the mesopause.
The theory of nondissipative flow in the helium film

The necessary conditions are examined for a film in contact with its own vapor to flow without dissipation. When the local gas is in equilibrium with the vapor of a bulk reservoir, the equilibrium thickness of the flowing film is the same as that of the film at rest. For nonsteady flow, the predicted thickness depends on a nonequilibrium condition that cannot be deduced from thermodynamic arguments. A plausible form is proposed for the needed condition. It is shown that the film may be thinner than the rest value for times large compared with apparent relaxation times of the system. The results reconcile a number of experiments which had previously appeared contradictory. In addition, the theory is consistent with measurements of the convection speed of third sound and shows why previous efforts to explain the attenuation of third sound have failed.
Improved coupling of protected peptides on the kaiser oxime resin using bop activation

Abstract Protected peptides and amino acids can be coupled to resin-bound amine in high yield with low levels of racemization using BOP activation. The synthesis of the 16 amino acid protected peptide VI derived from the ice nucleation protein is described and experimental procedures for these couplings are provided.
Homoallylic alcohol isomerization in water over an immobilized Ru(II) organometallic catalyst with mesoporous structure.

PPh2-functionalized SBA-15 was synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and 2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyltriethoxysilane through prehydrolysis. The as-prepared PPh2-SBA-15 was used as the support to immobilize the Ru(II) organometallic catalyst through the strong coordination between the Ru(II) and the PPh2-ligand (Ru-PPh2-SBA-15). During 1-phenyl-3-buten-1-ol isomerization carried out in water as an environmentally friendly medium, the Ru-PPh2-SBA-15 catalyst exhibited almost the same activity and selectivity as the corresponding RuCl2(PPh3)3 homogeneous catalyst and could be used repetitively nearly 7 times. On the basis of various characterizations, the correlation of the catalytic behaviors of the Ru-PPh2-SBA-15 to its structural characteristics was discussed briefly. Obviously, the high activity of the Ru-PPh2-SBA-15 could be attributed to both the high surface area of the support, which ensured the good dispersion of Ru(II) active sites, and the ordered mesoporous structure, which fac...
Stochastic integration on partially ordered sets

Abstract The stochastic integral is introduced with respect to a stochastic process X = (Xs)sϵV, where V is any general partially ordered set satisfying some mild regularity conditions. As important examples the stochastic integral is constructed with respect to a class of Gaussian processes having similarities to the Brownian motion on the real line, and also with respect to L2-martingales under an assumption of conditional independence on the underlying σ-fields.
Peptidomic profile of milk of Holstein cows at peak lactation.

Bovine milk is known to contain naturally occurring peptides, but relatively few of their sequences have been determined. Human milk contains hundreds of endogenous peptides, and the ensemble has been documented for antimicrobial actions. Naturally occurring peptides from bovine milk were sequenced and compared with human milk peptides. Bovine milk samples from six cows in second-stage peak lactation at 78–121 days postpartum revealed 159 peptides. Most peptides (73%) were found in all six cows sampled, demonstrating the similarity of the intramammary peptide degradation across these cows. One peptide sequence, ALPIIQKLEPQIA from bovine perilipin 2, was identical to another found in human milk. Most peptides derived from β-casein, αs1-casein, and αs2-casein. No peptides derived from abundant bovine milk proteins such as lactoferrin, β-lactoglobulin, and secretory immunoglobulin A. The enzymatic cleavage analysis revealed that milk proteins were degraded by plasmin, cathepsins B and D, and elastase in all ...
Effect of computerized requisition of radiology examinations on the transmission of clinical information

Rationale and Objectives. The authors developed a method to evaluate the availability and accuracy of clinical data proffered by clinicians when ordering radiologic examinations with a computer order-entry system. Methods. Two thousand consecutive clinical indications for a spectrum of pediatric imaging studies were scrutinized for accuracy by means of computerized chart review, verbal communication with clinical attending staff, and reference to surgical and laboratory results. The indications were classified as appropriate, incorrect, misleading, or incomplete. Results. Of the 2,000 stated indications, 1,464 (73%) provided a reasonable, if minimal, amount of clinical information; however, in 376 (19%) cases the diagnosis or proximate indication was incorrect, in 108 (5%) cases the data were incomplete, and in 52 (3%) cases the information was misleading. Conclusion. Computer order-entry systems can improve the transmission of clinical information but they allow misinformation to be provided.
Radiation Optic Neuropathy

The ophthalmoscopic findings in a series of 14 eyes with radiation-induced optic neuropathy are described. Typically, the entity manifests acutely as disc swelling with surrounding exudate, hemorrhages, and subretinal fluid. Optic atrophy may ensue in the later stages. Similar to radiation retinopathy, radiation optic neuropathy also seems to occur secondary to vascular damage. In contrast to visual loss secondary to radiation retinopathy, the visual acuity in certain eyes with decreased vision attributable to radiation optic neuropathy may improve over a period of several months.
Empowering Adolescent Readers: Intertextuality in Three Novels by David Almond

In Skellig, Kit’s Wilderness, and Clay, David Almond employs various types of intertextuality to enrich his narratives. Through the use of allusion, adaptation, collage, and mise-en-abyme, he encourages his adolescent readers to seek out precursor texts and to consider the interrelationships between these texts and his own. By so doing, he demonstrates the respect he has for his readers and empowers them to become active makers of meaning.
Political Choice, Public Policy, and Distributional Outcomes

I address the functioning of the U.S. governing system by analyzing distributional outcomes from 1947 to 2000. The key question is whether public policy influences distributional outcomes. The macropolitics model and power resource theory suggest that left policies should equalize the distribution of income. I utilize single equation error correction models to assess the impact of policy on income inequality through two mechanisms—market conditioning and redistribution. Since nearly every government action influences markets in some way, I examine policy in the aggregate rather than focusing only on policies explicitly designed to redistribute income. The analysis indicates that policy influences inequality through both mechanisms, with left policy producing more equality. The results are consistent with power resource theory and strongly support the macropolitics model. Furthermore, I find that market conditioning is as important as, and works in tandem with, explicit redistribution.
Design and analysis of a quad-ferential ampilifer

This paper presents a design and analysis of a quad-ferential amplifier. A quad-ferential amplifier consists of four inputs, four outputs, and a V OCM pin which controls the output common-mode voltage. It is similar to the differential amplifier in that it amplifies differences and rejects overall input common-mode. The transfer function shows that quad-ferential amplifier requires symmetry of feedback and gain resistors to approach its ideal behavior. Using a graphical approach the amplifier is compensated to drive a capacitive load of 50pF. The output current drive is designed for minimum load resistance of 150Ω. Statistical models are utilized in performing Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate offset voltage and common-mode rejection. These simulations show mean offset voltage of 265µV and a common-mode rejection of 126dB.
Early and midterm outcomes following surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

Objective Surgical repair of acute Type A aortic dissection (AADA) is still associated with high in-hospital mortality. We evaluated the impact of perioperative risk factors on early and midterm survival. Methods Retrospective (2002–2011) database analysis at a single institution of 132 consecutive AADA patients (88 male, age 59.8 ± 13.6). All but five patients underwent repair with open distal anastomoses and hypothermic circulatory arrest: aortic valve replacement/root replacement (n = 44, 33.3%) and valve re-suspension/repair (n = 88, 66.7%). Ascending aorta, hemi-arch, and total arch repairs were performed in 11, 113, and eight patients, respectively. Antegrade and retrograde cerebral perfusion were used in all but six patients. Results Overall in-hospital mortality was 17.4% (n = 23). Actuarial survival at one, five, and eight years was 82%, 72%, and 62%, respectively. Perfusion time (cardiopulmonary bypass) (226.5 ± 71.3 vs. 177.5 ± 51.7, p = 0.0002), aortic cross-clamp time (min) (132.8 ± 45.7 vs. 109.8 ± 41.2, p = 0.01), aortic arch (T2) tear (31% vs. 14%, p = 0.03), instability (26% vs. 11%, p = 0.02), postoperative stroke (38% vs. 14%, p = 0.009), and low cardiac output (50% vs. 15%, p = 0.04) all correlated with increased perioperative mortality. A Cox proportional hazard model showed perfusion time (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.01), postoperative stroke (HR = 2.73), age (HR = 1.03), and unstability (HR = 1.8) as significant risk factors (p < 0.05) affecting the overall survival. Conclusion There is a modern trend towards improving overall perioperative outcomes after surgical repair of AADA; however, early mortality and morbidity remain high even in aortic surgery referral centers. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12170 (J Card Surg 2013;28:543–549)
Studying the Effects of the Intensity of US State Growth Management Approaches on Land Development Outcomes

Driven by negative externalities from suburban sprawl, many states in the US have adopted comprehensive growth management legislation in an effort to regulate land development more directly. Most extant scholarship evaluating the effects of growth management programmes employs a design that averages growth management's effect across all of the growth management states. Yet, this approach largely ignores descriptive analyses of individual state growth management approaches which show large variation in both the methods and intensity of means by which states manage growth. This paper seeks to ascertain if differences in growth management intensity yield different evaluative outcomes. Analysis of panel data for nine growth management states using fixed effects regressions, across eight different model specifications, shows that only states with the strongest growth management intensity experience consistent success at reducing the expansion of urban land and increasing population densities.
Frequency-estimation-based signal-processing algorithm for white-light optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers

A novel signal-processing algorithm based on frequency estimation of the spectrogram of single-mode optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors under white-light illumination is described. The frequency-estimation approach is based on linear regression of the instantaneous phase of an analytical signal, which can be obtained by preprocessing the original spectrogram with a bandpass filter. This method can be used for a relatively large cavity length without the need for spectrogram normalization to the spectrum of the light source and can be extended directly to a multiplexed sensor system. Experimental results show that the method can yield both absolute measurement with high resolution and a large dynamic range. Performance analysis shows that the method is tolerant of background noise and variations of the source spectrum.
Development of a High-Throughput Assay To Measure the Neutralization Capability of Anti-Cytomegalovirus Antibodies

Infection by human cytomegalovirus (CMV) elicits a strong humoral immune response and robust anti-CMV antibody production. Diagnosis of virus infection can be carried out by using a variety of serological assays; however, quantification of serum antibodies against CMV may not present an accurate measure of a patient's ability to control a virus infection. CMV strains that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins can be used as screening tools for evaluating characteristics of CMV infection in vitro. In this study, we employed a CMV virus strain, AD169, that ectopically expresses a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fused to the immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein product (AD169IE2-YFP) to quantify a CMV infection in human cells. We created a high-throughput cell-based assay that requires minimal amounts of material and provides a platform for rapid analysis of the initial phase of virus infection, including virus attachment, fusion, and immediate-early viral gene expression. The AD169IE2-YFP cell infection system was utilized to develop a neutralization assay with a monoclonal antibody against the viral surface glycoprotein gH. The high-throughput assay was extended to measure the neutralization capacity of serum from CMV-positive subjects. These findings describe a sensitive and specific assay for the quantification of a key immunological response that plays a role in limiting CMV dissemination and transmission. Collectively, we have demonstrated that a robust high-throughput infection assay can analyze the early steps of the CMV life cycle and quantify the potency of biological reagents to attenuate a virus infection.
Invertibility of linear periodically time-varying filters

The invertibility of linear periodically time-varying (LPTV) filters is addressed. A necessary and sufficient condition under which a LPTV filter can be inverted is shown using a LPTV postfilter. Such techniques find application, for example, in aliasing cancellation in multirate systems. >
Natural born killers?: the development of the sexually sadistic serial killer

Today's society seems enthralled with serial killers in the news and the media. Forensic psychiatrists often interview serial killers after they have been caught. There are retrospective studies and case reports of individuals who have committed sexually sadistic serial murders. However, there exists a dearth of case reports on adolescents who have expressed serious fantasies about becoming serial killer prior to actualizing their fantasy. This article presents nine clinical cases of 14- to 18-year-olds who have clinically significant fantasies of becoming a serial killer. Similarities exist in these adolescent cases when compared with retrospective studies and case reports of serial killers on the role of sexually sadistic fantasies and actual killings. Since it has been established that sexual paraphilias may develop at a young age, one can surmise that sadistic paraphilias may also develop in some adolescents. The question is posed, can we predict which of these adolescents may go on to actually become serial killers? This article focuses on how the sexually sadistic fantasy can eventually be acted out and possible motives for the act to be repeated multiple times. Finally, recommendations are made about assessing and treating a youngster who expresses violent sexually sadistic killing fantasies so that attempts can be made to interrupt the progression to actual killing.
Factors associated with persistent delirium after intensive care unit admission in an older medical patient population.

Abstract Purpose This study was designed to identify factors associated with persistent delirium in an older medical intensive care unit (ICU) population. Materials and Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 309 consecutive medical ICU patients 60 years or older. Persistent delirium was defined as delirium occurring in the ICU and continuing upon discharge to the ward. The Confusion Assessment Method was used to assess for delirium. Patient demographics, severity of illness, and medication data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to assess factors associated with persistent delirium. Results Of 309 consecutive admissions to the ICU, 173 patients had ICU delirium, survived the ICU stay, and provided ward data. One-hundred patients (58%) had persistent delirium. In a multivariable logistic regression model, factors significantly associated with persistent delirium included age more than 75 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-5.16), opioid (morphine equivalent) dose greater than 54 mg/d (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.15-7.28), and haloperidol (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.38-6.02); change in code status to “do not resuscitate” (OR, 2.62; 95% CI 0.95-7.35) and dementia (OR, 1.93; 95% CI 0.95-3.93) had less precise associations. Conclusions Age, use of opioids, and haloperidol were associated with persistent delirium. Further research is needed regarding the use of haloperidol and opioids on persistent delirium.
Dynamic approximate vertex cover and maximum matching

We consider the problem of maintaining a large matching or a small vertex cover in a dynamically changing graph. Each update to the graph is either an edge deletion or an edge insertion. We give the first randomized data structure that simultaneously achieves a constant approximation factor and handles a sequence of k updates in k ċ polylog(n) time. Previous data structures require a polynomial amount of computation per update. The starting point of our construction is a distributed algorithm of Parnas and Ron (Theor. Comput. Sci. 2007), which they designed for their sublinear-time approximation algorithm for the vertex cover size. This leads us to wonder whether there are other connections between sublinear algorithms and dynamic data structures.
Provably minimal energy using coordinated DVS and power gating

Both energy and execution speed can be greatly impacted by clock and power gating, nonlinear voltage scaling, and leakage energy. We address the problem of coordinated power gating and dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) to minimize the overall energy consumption of an application under user-specified timing constraints. We prove that a solution provided by our convex programming formulation that uses at most two versions of hardware, where each version uses its own constant voltages, is optimal. Comprehensive evaluation of the new approach demonstrates energy improvements over traditional DVS and DVS and power gating techniques by factors of 1.44X-2.97X and 1.44X-2.82X, respectively.
Review: Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: hypercalcaemia

Hypercalcaemia is commonly seen in the context of parathyroid dysfunction and malignancy and, when severe, can precipitate Life-threatening sequelae. The differential of hypercalcaemia is broad and can be categorized based on parathyroid hormone (PTH) Levels. The acute management of severe hypercalcaemia is discussed along with a brief review of therapeutic advances in the field.
An Empirical Investigation of the Contribution of Strategic Sourcing to Manufacturing Flexibilities and Performance

Empirical studies for achieving manufacturing flexibility goals have centered around the uses and advantages of advanced technology. Few studies have examined alternative ways of attaining flexibility objectives. Strategic sourcing finds mention in the literature as a potential route to manufacturing flexibility. However, little empirical evidence exists to validate this view. Literature also describes manufacturing flexibility as a multidimensional concept but fails to adequately examine the synergies among the different dimensions. This research investigates the influence of strategic sourcing and advanced manufacturing technologies on specific manufacturing flexibilities, and examines relationships among different flexibilities. The results are tied to manufacturing cost reduction. The findings suggest that strategic sourcing can assist in the achievement of modification flexibilities. Volume and modification flexibility are found to influence new product flexibility. Modification flexibility is found to influence manufacturing cost reduction. The results show that strategic sourcing can be used to target specific manufacturing flexibilities and that interflexibility synergies need to be considered while formulating flexibility-based manufacturing strategies.
Comparison Promotes Learning and Transfer of Relational Categories

We investigated the effect of co-presenting training items during supervised classification learning of novel relational categories. Strong evidence exists that comparison induces a structural alignment process that renders common relational structure more salient. We hypothesized that comparisons between exemplars would facilitate learning and transfer of categories that cohere around a common relational property. The effect of comparison was investigated using learning trials that elicited a separate classification response for each item in presentation pairs that could be drawn from the same or different categories. This methodology ensures consideration of both items and invites comparison through an implicit same-different judgment inherent in making the two responses. In a test phase measuring learning and transfer, the comparison group significantly outperformed a control group receiving an equivalent training session of single-item classification learning. Comparison-based learners also outperformed the control group on a test of far transfer, that is, the ability to accurately classify items from a novel domain that was relationally alike, but surface-dissimilar, to the training materials. Theoretical and applied implications of this comparison advantage are discussed.
The "Angel Dust" States: Phencyclidine Toxicity

Phencyclidine (1-[1-phenylcyclohexyl]piperidine, PCP, hog, sheets, angel dust, Sernylan, and many other common names) is a primate anesthetic that has emerged as a common drug of abuse and as a medical emergency problem during the past few years. Phencyclidine abuse is primarily a youthful activity. It is associated with multiple clinical states, an unusual amount of aggressive behavior, and a variety of problems in management.1 Thirty years ago phencyclidine was developed as an intravenous anesthetic for humans, but the frequency and intensity of emergence deliriums made it unsuitable. It is currently used as a veterinary anesthetic. Because of the availability of its precursors, its ease of manufacture, and its relative inexpensiveness, it became a common street drug during the late 1960s. At that time it was sold when mescaline, psilocybin, or tetrahydrocannabinol was requested, and it served as a virtually universal adulterant for hallucinogens. Not highly regarded among users of psychedelics, it was only infrequently purchased under its own name. During the past few years the picture has changed. Now it is a preferred substance, the most widely available and used hallucinogen. It usually is consumed as part of a polydrug abuse pattern along with alcohol, sedatives, and marihuana. PREVALENCE The extent of its usage is not easily assessed, the wide variety of names and of dosage forms make surveys imprecise.
Design decisions in the RideNow project

The RideNow Project is designed to help individuals within a group or organization coordinate ad hoc shared rides. This paper describes three design decisions the RideNow team made in order to allow incremental adoption and evolution and to capitalize on local conditions. (1) The system allows users to interact with the system through email or Web, because we anticipate that email will be most convenient when there are few users but the Web interface will be more useful as the number of users increase. (2) The system does not force structure on user-entered data such as dates, times, and locations, instead allowing conventions to emerge. (3) We use the group's shared physical spaces to provide additional information about ride sharing activity.
Combination of proteasome and HDAC inhibitors for uterine cervical cancer treatment

Purpose: Cervical cancer cells are addicted to the expression of the human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins E6 and E7. The oncogencity of E6 is mediated in part by targeting p53 and PDZ-family tumor suppressor proteins for rapid proteasomal degradation, whereas the E7 oncoprotein acts in part by coopting histone deacetylases (HDAC)1/2. Here, we examine the hypothesis that inhibition of proteasome function and HDAC activity would synergistically and specifically trigger cervical cancer cell death by the interruption of E6 and E7 signaling. Experimental Design: The sensitivity and molecular responses of keratinocytes and HPV-positive and HPV-negative cervical cancer cells and xenografts to combinations of proteasome and HDAC inhibitors were tested. The expression of HDAC1/HDAC2 in situ was examined in cervical cancer, its precursors, and normal epithelium. Results: Cervical cancer cell lines exhibit greater sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors than do HPV-negative cervical cancers or primary human keratinocytes. Treatment of cervical cancer cells with bortezomib elevated the level of p53 but not hDlg, hScribble or hMAGI. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HDAC1/HDAC2 expression in cervical dysplasia and cervical carcinoma versus normal cervical epithelium. The combination of bortezomib and HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A or vorinostat shows synergistic killing of HPV-positive, but not HPV-negative, cervical cancer cell lines. Similarly, treatment of HeLa xenografts with the combination of bortezomib and trichostatin A retarded tumor growth significantly more effectively than either agent alone. Conclusions: A combination of proteasome and HDAC inhibitors, including bortezomib and vorinostat, respectively, warrants exploration for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Hormonal therapy for advanced prostatic carcinoma.

Since the work of Huggins and Hodges, hormonal therapy, i.e., orchiectomy or estrogens, has been the gold standard of treatment for patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Recently, many new drugs have been introduced in the hope of achieving a beneficial response as compared with hormonal therapy, while avoiding some of the adverse effects. Various newer agents are reviewed. It appears that while these agents may be attractive secondary to specific effects, they do not appear to offer any survival advantage over diethylstilbestrol or orchiectomy. Finally, the theory of total androgen blockade is reviewed. Institution of total blockade does not appear to offer a survival advantage over standard androgen blockade.
A population-based statistical approach identifies parameters characteristic of human microRNA-mRNA interactions

MicroRNAs are ~17–24 nt. noncoding RNAs found in all eukaryotes that degrade messenger RNAs via RNA interference (if they bind in a perfect or near-perfect complementarity to the target mRNA), or arrest translation (if the binding is imperfect). Several microRNA targets have been identified in lower organisms, but only one mammalian microRNA target has yet been validated experimentally. We carried out a population-wide statistical analysis of how human microRNAs interact complementarily with human mRNAs, looking for characteristics that differ significantly as compared with scrambled control sequences. These characteristics were used to identify a set of 71 outlier mRNAs unlikely to have been hit by chance. Unlike the case in C. elegans and Drosophila, many human microRNAs exhibited long exact matches (10 or more bases in a row), up to and including perfect target complementarity. Human microRNAs hit outlier mRNAs within the protein coding region about 2/3 of the time. And, the stretches of perfect complementarity within microRNA hits onto outlier mRNAs were not biased near the 5'-end of the microRNA. In several cases, an individual microRNA hit multiple mRNAs that belonged to the same functional class. The analysis supports the notion that sequence complementarity is the basis by which microRNAs recognize their biological targets, but raises the possibility that human microRNA-mRNA target interactions follow different rules than have been previously characterized in Drosophila and C. elegans.
Prosodic rhythm and African American English

Prosodic rhythm was measured for a sample of 20 African American and 20 European American speakers from North Carolina using the metric devised by Low, Grabe and Nolan (2000), which involves comparisons of the durations of vowels in adjacent syllables. In order to gain historical perspective, the same technique was applied to the ex-slave recordings described in Bailey, Maynor and Cukor-Avila (1991) and to recordings of five Southern European Americans born before the Civil War. In addition, Jamaicans, Hispanics of Mexican origin who spoke English as their L2, and Hispanics speaking Spanish served as control groups. Results showed that the North Carolina African Americans and European Americans were both quite stress-timed overall, with no significant difference between them. Spanish emerged as solidly syllable-timed, while Jamaican English and Hispanic English were intermediate. The ex-slaves were significantly less stress-timed than either younger African Americans or European Americans born before the Civil War. This finding suggests that African American English was once similar to Jamaican English in prosodic rhythm.
The Isolation of a Family of Cysteine-containing Phosphoproteins from Human Submandibular-Sublingual Saliva

A family of acidic proteins has been isolated from human submandibular-sublingual saliva using Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, DE-52 cellulose chromatography, and immuno-affinity chromatography. These molecules were homogenous in size and by immunological criteria, but exhibited charge heterogeneity. The heterogeneity displayed was not due to gustatory stimulation or degradation during isolation procedures.
High-frequency jet ventilation in children with the adult respiratory distress syndrome complicated by pulmonary barotrauma

High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) was used in 29 children with severe ARDS complicated by pulmonary barotrauma (PST). Treatment with HFJV was begun when PBT was progressing over a 24-h period while receiving conventional ventilation (CV). The mean (±SD) age was 0.95 ± 1.21 years (range, 0.03-4 years). The most common diagnosis was viral pneumonia (n = 17); other diagnoses included aspiration pneumonitis (n = 4), bacterial pneumonia (n = 3), multiple trauma (n = 2), and near-drowning (n = 3). The Bunnell Life-Pulse ventilator was used at a rate of 240/min or 300/min, with inspiratory time of 0.02 sec. Twenty children survived (69%). Survivors and nonsurvivors had equal disease severity prior to HFJV as assessed by ventilator settings, alveolar-to-arterial oxygen tension gradient, oxygenation index, and blood gas values. Survivors had spent significantly less time on conventional ventilation prior to HFJV than nonsurvivors, with a mean (±SD) of 3.7 ± 2.1 days vs 9.6 5 4.5 days, respectively (P < 0.05). Survivors underwent an average of 4.4 ± 3.9 days of HFJV, which supported adequate gas exchange with lower airway pressures, and produced resolution or significant improvement in airleak on chest radiograph. In conclusion, we speculate that the application of HFJV early in the course of severe hypoxemic respiratory failure complicated by airleak, allows the reduction of airway pressures, thereby minimizing pulmonary barotrauma and allowing the lung to recover from the underlying insult. Further controlled evaluation of HFJV in this high risk group of patients is warranted. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The logic of ecological patchiness.

Most ecological interactions occur in environments that are spatially and temporally heterogeneous—‘patchy’—across a wide range of scales. In contrast, most theoretical models of ecological interactions, especially large-scale models applied to societal issues such as climate change, resource management and human health, are based on ‘mean field’ approaches in which the underlying patchiness of interacting consumers and resources is intentionally averaged out. Mean field ecological models typically have the advantages of tractability, few parameters and clear interpretation; more technically complex spatially explicit models, which resolve ecological patchiness at some (or all relevant) scales, generally lack these advantages. This report presents a heuristic analysis that incorporates important elements of consumer–resource patchiness with minimal technical complexity. The analysis uses scaling arguments to establish conditions under which key mechanisms—movement, reproduction and consumption—strongly affect consumer–resource interactions in patchy environments. By very general arguments, the relative magnitudes of these three mechanisms are quantified by three non-dimensional ecological indices: the Frost, Strathmann and Lessard numbers. Qualitative analysis based on these ecological indices provides a basis for conjectures concerning the expected characteristics of organisms, species interactions and ecosystems in patchy environments.
Rapid modulation of GaAs luminesence intensity using lateral drift with selectable apertures

A potential luminesence intensity modulation technique in LED utilizing lateral carrier drift and optical exit apertures has been proposed. An externally applied lateral voltage can dynamically control both the external intensity and the spatial position of a photoluminescence spot from a GaAs region. Lateral drift of the photogenerated electrons from their original position by the electric field resulting from the applied voltage produces these effects. If the bulk of the electrons are transported outside the spatial limits of the area defined to be the exit aperture before recombining the external light emission from the semiconductor is effectively attenuated. This technique, referred to as field aperture selection transport (FAST).
Recent events dominate interdomain lateral gene transfers between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and, with the exception of endosymbiotic gene transfers, few ancient transfer events persist

While there is compelling evidence for the impact of endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT; transfer from either mitochondrion or chloroplast to the nucleus) on genome evolution in eukaryotes, the role of interdomain transfer from bacteria and/or archaea (i.e. prokaryotes) is less clear. Lateral gene transfers (LGTs) have been argued to be potential sources of phylogenetic information, particularly for reconstructing deep nodes that are difficult to recover with traditional phylogenetic methods. We sought to identify interdomain LGTs by using a phylogenomic pipeline that generated 13 465 single gene trees and included up to 487 eukaryotes, 303 bacteria and 118 archaea. Our goals include searching for LGTs that unite major eukaryotic clades, and describing the relative contributions of LGT and EGT across the eukaryotic tree of life. Given the difficulties in interpreting single gene trees that aim to capture the approximately 1.8 billion years of eukaryotic evolution, we focus on presence-absence data to identify interdomain transfer events. Specifically, we identify 1138 genes found only in prokaryotes and representatives of three or fewer major clades of eukaryotes (e.g. Amoebozoa, Archaeplastida, Excavata, Opisthokonta, SAR and orphan lineages). The majority of these genes have phylogenetic patterns that are consistent with recent interdomain LGTs and, with the notable exception of EGTs involving photosynthetic eukaryotes, we detect few ancient interdomain LGTs. These analyses suggest that LGTs have probably occurred throughout the history of eukaryotes, but that ancient events are not maintained unless they are associated with endosymbiotic gene transfer among photosynthetic lineages.
On Project Cost-Duration Analysis Problem with Quadratic and Convex Cost Functions

Optimality conditions for convex programming problem are applied to the project cost-duration analysis problem for project network with convex cost. The optimality conditions give an optimality curve or an out-of-kilter type diagram for this problem. A solution is optimal if and only if when the values for activities are plotted on their optimality diagram, the values lie on the optimality curve. An algorithm is developed for the case when the cost is quadratic and convex. The different steps of the algorithm generate the solutions in such a way that it always lies on the optimality curve. Thus, problems with convex cost functions can be approximated by quadratic functions. This is better than linear approximation as is generally discussed in literature.
Do Justice, Love Mercy: The in Appropriateness of the Concept of Justice Applied to Bedside Decisions

Discussions about the allocation of scarce resources to individual patients have frequently been based on the concept of justice. I am going to argue that it is usually not appropriate to ground individual treatment decisions on ideas of justice. Compassion and mercy are the moral concepts better suited to the inequalities and individual differences of the sick.
Small-Scale Activities and Productivity Divide

This paper attempts to answer these questions, first by defining what small-scale enterprises are and describing what their contribution to economic development and employment creation is It then presents evidence on the productivity differences between small and large firms, and then explores why small firms, disadvantaged relative to large firms, are not driven from the market. As small firms often provide lower incomes for their employees, the paper then addresses the wage gap and the broader social dimensions of the productivity divide. The next section reviews some of the organizational models through which the small-firm productivity disadvantage can be addressed. The final section concludes with a summary of the political implications for development strategies drawn from the present research.
Policy: Reassess New Mexico's nuclear-waste repository

Proposals to bury plutonium from nuclear weapons must address chemical interactions and intrusion risks, say Cameron L. Tracy, Megan K. Dustin and Rodney C. Ewing.
Noise in a small genetic circuit that undergoes bifurcation: Research Articles

Based on the consideration of Boolean dynamics, it has been hypothesized that cell types may correspond to alternative attractors of a gene regulatory network. Recent stochastic Boolean network analysis, however, raised the important question concerning the stability of such attractors. In this paper a detailed numerical analysis is performed within the framework of Langevin dynamics. While the present results confirm that the noise is indeed an important dynamical element, the cell type as represented by attractors can still be a viable hypothesis. It is found that the stability of an attractor depends on the strength of noise related to the distance of the system to the bifurcation point and it can be exponentially stable depending on biological parameters. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 11: 45–51, 2005
Epitaxial Growth of High-κ Dielectrics for GaN MOSFETs

High-dielectric constant (high-κ) oxide growth on hexagonal-GaN (on sapphire) is examined for potential use in enhancement-mode metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Enhancement-mode MOSFET devices (ns > 4×1013 cm−2) offer significant performance advantages, such as greater efficiency and scalability, as compared to heterojunction field effect transistor (HFET) devices for use in high power and high frequency GaN-based devices. High leakage current and current collapse at high drive conditions suggests that the use of a high-κ insulating layer is principle for enhancement-mode MOSFET development. In this work, rare earth oxides (Sc, La, etc.) are explored due to their ideal combination of permittivity and high band gap energy. However, a substantial lattice mismatch (9-21%) between the rare earth oxides and the GaN substrate results in mid-gap defect state densities and growth dislocations. The epitaxial growth of the rare earth oxides by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on native oxide passivated-GaN is examined in an effort to minimize these growth related defects and other growth-related limitations. Growth of the oxide on GaN is characterized analytically by RHEED, XRD, and XPS. Preliminary MOS electrical analysis of a 50 A La2O3 on GaN shows superior leakage performance as compared to significantly thicker Si3N4 dielectric.
Comparison of atmospheric refractive index gradient variations derived from time-lapse imagery and mesoscale modeling

An imaging experiment was conducted to measure the temporal variability of atmospheric refractive index gradient. The refractive index gradient changes inferred from image motion correspond well with those derived from a coupled mesoscale model and ray tracing framework.