cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Web-Based Patient Tool for Preventive Health Preliminary Report

Background: The Internet is a promising medium for engaging the community in preventive care and health promotion, particularly among those who do not routinely access health care. Objective: The authors pilot-tested a novel website that translates evidence-based preventive health guidelines into a patient health education tool. The web-based tool allows individuals to enter their health risk factors and receive a tailored checklist of recommended preventive health services based on up-to-date guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Methods: The authors conducted surveys and in-depth interviews among a purposive sample of adults from an urban African American community who pilot-tested the website in a standardized setting. Interviews were designed to assess the usability, navigability, and content of the website and capture patient perceptions about its educational value and usefulness. Each interview was audiotaped, transcribed, and exa...
Binding of polycation DEAE-dextran to chinese hamster ovary cells induces reversible Ca2+ influx and inhibits capping of concanavalin A acceptor proteins

Binding of the polycation DEAE-dextran to the cell surface of HA-1 CHO cells caused a marked increase in 45Ca2+ exchange influx. The effect was fairly selective for Ca2+, undirectional (efflux was not increased) and was rapidly reversed by treatment with polyanion dextran sulfate. 45Ca2+ influx could not be stimulated by treatment with multivalent lectins or fibronectin. In addition to stimulating 45Ca2+ flux, DEAE-dextran inhibited the capping of concanavalin-A acceptor proteins. Inhibition of capping occurred over the same DEAE-dextran concentration range (20–200 μg/ml) which stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake, possibly implicating increased cellular [Ca2+] in the inhibition of concanavalin A acceptor protein capping in this cell type. The profound effect of DEAE-dextran on cellular Ca2+ uptake and the rapid reversal of the effect by dextran sulfate might make the polycation a useful agent for the induction of transient increases in cellular [Ca2+].
Scarless lip rehabilitation for the adynamic lip.

Abstract Objective Paralysis of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve can be a debilitating condition resulting in compromised speech and oral incompetence. We describe a static procedure performed to address the functional and cosmetic deficits seen with an adynamic lip. Methods Three patients with complete facial nerve paralysis were evaluated after the scarless lip rehabilitation, a modification of the traditional wedge resection of the lower lip. The procedure is novel in that the removal of lip laxity and advancement of the contralateral innervated lip is achieved without an external facial skin incision. Results All 3 patients in the study reported improvement in oral competence and lip symmetry; however, articulation was less consistently affected. All 3 patients were able to drink from a glass without leaking from their oral commissure. No complications were seen in this series of patients. Conclusion Oral incompetence and asymmetry are often the overlooked sequelae from complete facial nerve paralysis. Scarless lip rehabilitation of the adynamic lip is a novel, safe, and effective means to improve these functional and aesthetic deficits.
Temperature-dependent regulation of Yersinia enterocolitica Class III flagellar genes.

Temperature is a key environmental cue for Yersinia enterocolitica as well as for the two other closely related pathogens, Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Between the range of 30°C and 37°C, Y. enterocolitica phase-varies between motility and plasmid-encoded virulence gene expression. To determine how temperature regulates Y. enterocolitica motility, we have been dissecting the flagellar regulatory hierarchy to determine at which level motility is blocked by elevated temperature (37°C). Here we report the cloning, DNA sequences, and regulation of the two main regulators of Class III flagellar genes, fliA (σF) and flgM (anti-σF), and a third gene, flgN, which we show is required for filament assembly. Identification of the Y. enterocolitica fliA and flgM genes was accomplished by functional complementation of both S. typhimurium and Y. enterocolitica mutations and by DNA sequence analysis. The Y. enterocolitica fliA gene, encoding the flagellar-specific σ-factor, σF, maps immediately downstream of the three flagellin structural genes. The flgM and flgN genes, encoding anti-σF and a gene product required for filament assembly, respectively, map downstream of the invasin (inv) gene but are transcribed in the opposite (convergent) direction. By using Northern blot analyses we show that transcription of both fliA and flgM is immediately arrested when cells are exposed to 37°C, coincident with the timing of virulence gene induction. Unlike S. typhimurium flgM− mutants, Y. enterocolitica flgM− mutants are fully virulent.
Dietary regimens modify early onset of obesity in mice haploinsufficient for Rai1.

Smith-Magenis syndrome is a complex genomic disorder in which a majority of individuals are obese by adolescence. While an interstitial deletion of chromosome 17p11.2 is the leading cause, mutation or deletion of the RAI1 gene alone results in most features of the disorder. Previous studies have shown that heterozygous knockout of Rai1 results in an obese phenotype in mice and that Smith-Magenis syndrome mouse models have a significantly reduced fecundity and an altered transmission pattern of the mutant Rai1 allele, complicating large, extended studies in these models. In this study, we show that breeding C57Bl/6J Rai1+/− mice with FVB/NJ to create F1 Rai1+/− offspring in a mixed genetic background ameliorates both fecundity and Rai1 allele transmission phenotypes. These findings suggest that the mixed background provides a more robust platform for breeding and larger phenotypic studies. We also characterized the effect of dietary intake on Rai1+/− mouse growth during adolescent and early adulthood developmental stages. Animals fed a high carbohydrate or a high fat diet gained weight at a significantly faster rate than their wild type littermates. Both high fat and high carbohydrate fed Rai1+/− mice also had an increase in body fat and altered fat distribution patterns. Interestingly, Rai1+/− mice fed different diets did not display altered fasting blood glucose levels. These results suggest that dietary regimens are extremely important for individuals with Smith- Magenis syndrome and that food high in fat and carbohydrates may exacerbate obesity outcomes.
The family feud: turning off Sp1 by Sp1-like KLF proteins

Sp1 is one of the best characterized transcriptional activators. The biological importance of Sp1 is underscored by the fact that several hundreds of genes are thought to be regulated by this protein. However, during the last 5 years, a more extended family of Sp1-like transcription factors has been identified and characterized by the presence of a conserved DNA-binding domain comprising three Kruppel-like zinc fingers. Each distinct family member differs in its ability to regulate transcription, and, as a consequence, to influence cellular processes. Specific activation and repression domains located within the N-terminal regions of these proteins are responsible for these differences by facilitating interactions with various co-activators and co-repressors. The present review primarily focuses on discussing the structural, biochemical and biological functions of the repressor members of this family of transcription factors. The existence of these transcriptional repressors provides a tightly regulated mechanism for silencing a large number of genes that are already known to be activated by Sp1.
Characterization of two new enzymatic activities of the rat ventral prostate: 5α-Androstane-3β, 17β-diol 6α-Hydroxylase and 5α-androstane-3β,17β-Diol 7α-Hydroxylase

Abstract This study has characterized two new enzymatic hydroxylase activities specific for 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol (3β-diol) in the rat ventral prostate: 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol 6α-hydroxylase (6α-hydroxylase) and 5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol 7α-hydroxylase (7α-hydroxylase). Both of these irreversible hydroxylase activities require NADPH and are localized in the microsomal fraction of the prostate. The apparent K m for 3β-diol is 2.5 μm for both the 6α-and 7α-hydroxylase activities. The apparent K m for NADPH is 7.6 μm for the 6α-hydroxylase and 7.0 μm for the 7α-hydroxylase. The pH optimum for both activities is 7.4. Several steroid inhibitors of these hydroxylase activities in vitro were identified including cholesterol, progesterone, and estradiol. Estradiol was found in vitro to be a noncompetitive inhibitor (K i = 5 μM). Injection of estradiol into intact male rats, simultaneously receiving exogenous testosterone, also produced a significant lowering of the 6α-plus 7α-hydroxylase activities. Both the 6α-and 7α-hydroxylase were found to be androgen sensitive. Following castration there is a rapid decrease in both activities.
High-energy X-ray measurements of structural anisotropy and excess free volume in a homogenously deformed Zr-based metallic glass

We have used high-energy X-ray scattering to measure the structural anisotropy and excess free volume in a homogeneously deformed Zr-based metallic glass alloy. The scattering results show that bond length anisotropy is present in the samples following isothermal tensile creep deformation. The average atomic bond length in the direction parallel to the tensile loading axis is larger than that in the direction normal to the loading axis. The magnitude of the bond length anisotropy is found to be dependent on the gradient of macroscopic plastic strain along the gauge length. Furthermore, the scattering results show that the excess free volume also increases with increasing macroscopic plastic strain. Results from differential scanning calorimetry analysis of free volume variations along the gauge length of the creep samples are consistent with results from the X-ray scattering experiments.
Lemierre Syndrome Complicating Pharyngotonsilitis in a Young Male: A Case Report

Lemierre syndrome is a very rare complication of head and neck infections. We present a case report on a healthy young male who developed unremitting fever, marked leucocytosis, multiple pulmonary consolidation, and internal jugular vein thrombosis in the setting of a pharyngotonsilitis. The atypicality of the presentation is emphasized , diagnostic and therapeutic considerations and complications are discussed. This report makes the case for entertaining a diagnosis of Lemierre’ syndrome complicating antecedent head and neck space infection especially when presentation is atypical or response to conventional care is suboptimal. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc1448w
Some recent results on lattice fermions

Abstract I discuss some recent work on the Hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm as applied to the simulation of dynamical fermions as well as some interesting aspects of the nature of the phase transition at κc in the Wilson fermion formulation.
The cHS4 chromatin insulator reduces gammaretroviral vector silencing by epigenetic modifications of integrated provirus

The cHS4 chromatin insulator has been shown to improve the expression of integrating gene transfer vectors by reducing the impact of silencing chromosomal position effects. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of this protection, we investigated the influence of this element on the epigenetic modifications of a gammaretroviral reporter vector. In HT1080 cells, we found that a fourfold increase in the level of green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter expression from the cHS4-insulated vector was correlated with a twofold increase in acetylation at lysines 9 and 14 of histone H3, but not with CpG methylation. In a mouse bone marrow transduction and transplantation model, we found that a 10-fold increase in the likelihood of GFP expression from the cHS4-insulated vector was correlated with an eightfold increase in histone H3 acetylation, as well as a fourfold decrease in CpG methylation. Histone hyperacetylation peaked at the cHS4 core, and in vivo diminished nearly threefold through the central portion of the vector. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the cHS4 chromatin insulator reduces gammaretroviral vector silencing by modulating epigenetic modifications of integrated provirus, and identify a specific topological distribution of these modifications that may prove informative for future vector designs.
Potential use of 3-methylhistidine excretion as an index of progressive reduction in muscle protein catabolism during starvation☆

Abstract Based on animal studies, the amino acid 3-methylhistidine, a component of actin and myosin, is not reutilized for protein synthesis following the breakdown of muscle protein but is quantitatively excreted in the urine and should thus provide an index of the rate of muscle protein breakdown. The urinary outputs of total N, urea N, 3-methylhistidine, 1-methylhistidine, and creatinine are reported for three obese subjects during a 20-day starvation period. The excretion of 3-methylhistidine decreased progressively and on day 20 was 34% less than on day 3. This reduction was proportionally similar to the reduction in urinary total N output but was much greater than the 15% decrease in creatinine excretion and in calculated loss of muscle mass. Assuming that tissues other than muscle are not significant sources of urinary 3-methylhistidine, these findings suggest that the reduced output of urinary N is due to an adaptive decrease in the rate of catabolism of muscle proteins as starvation progressed.
Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction at Platinum/Mesoporous Carbon/Zirconia/Ionomer Thin-Film Composite Electrodes

Abstract Platinum catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction were prepared on mesoporous carbon supports, some of which included embedded zirconia nanoparticles, by borohydride reduction of hexachloroplatinic acid in ethylene glycol solution. The resulting materials are approximately 20 percent platinum by weight and consist of platinum particles having diameters in the 2-3 nm range, evenly distributed throughout the support structure. Electrochemical surface areas for platinum were measured by hydrogen adsorption/desorption and carbon monoxide stripping and were found to be lower for platinum on carbon containing zirconia than for carbon without zirconia. This finding is thought to reflect a slightly larger platinum particle size and also a higher degree of particle aggregation for platinum on the carbon support containing zirconia, possibly caused by localized patches of positive charge on zirconia particles under the acidic conditions used to deposit platinum. Zirconia-containing carbon supports that had been treated with platinum were subsequently treated with polymer electrolytes having terminal aryl phosphonate groups that can covalently bind to exposed zirconia sites, thereby producing composite materials having intimately integrated platinum catalysts and polymer electrolytes immobilized within a mesoporous carbon support structure. Electrochemical ORR activity of these materials as thin-film electrodes was assessed using rotating disk electrode voltammetry in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions. Activity for platinum on a mesoporous carbon support without zirconia is comparable to that of benchmark materials, e.g., platinum on Vulcan carbon XC-72, but is diminished on the mesoporous carbon support containing zirconia. Remarkably, the platinum ORR activity is fully recovered and slightly enhanced on zirconia-containing supports following treatment with polymer electrolyte. Possible reasons for the recovery of the platinum ORR activity upon polymer electrolyte treatment, and implications for possible application in polyelectrolyte membrane fuel-cell technology, are discussed.
Use of cholesterol-lowering medications in the United States from 1991 to 1997.

The benefits of cholesterol-lowering medication in hypercholesterolemic patients was first suggested by the long-term follow-up of the Coronary Drug Project, which studied the use of niacin in men with previous myocardial infarction (1). Since that study, several secondary prevention trials using different 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have found even greater benefit in these patients (2,3), including men and women with average serum cholesterol levels (4). Benefits have also been shown in a primary prevention trial among men with hypercholesterolemia (5). In 1988, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) issued recommendations for the detection and control of hypercholesterolemia (6). Subsequently, there has been increased use of cholesterol-lowering medications (7,8), although several studies indicate that these drugs are underutilized (9 –11). Several investigators have studied the patterns of use of cholesterol-lowering medications by geographic region, physician specialty, and type of health care insurance (9,11), and there have also been studies of adherence and adequacy of dosage (12–14). None of these reports evaluated a national sample to determine whether the patterns of cholesterol-lowering therapy have changed with time, in terms of class of medication or use of specific medications. To provide information on these questions, we examined national trends in prescribing patterns for cholesterol-lowering medications from 1991 through 1997.
Acquired cutis laxa following urticarial vasculitis associated with IgA myeloma

Cutis laxa (CL) is an inherited or acquired connective tissue disorder characterized clinically by loosely hanging skin folds. There is often preceding cutaneous inflammatory eruption (ie, urticaria, eczema, erythema multiforme), and there is frequently internal organ involvement of the gastrointestinal, urogenital, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems. Histologically, there are degenerative changes in the dermal elastic fibers. Of the few reports on this rare disorder, authors have speculated about an immune-mediated destruction of elastic fibers, and monoclonal gammopathies, such as multiple myeloma or heavy chain deposition disease, have a recognized association with CL. We report an unusual case of rapidly progressing acquired CL associated with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, IgA myeloma, and an immune complex–mediated glomerulonephritis. Light microscopy of the lax skin revealed complete absence of elastic fibers in areas of vasculitis.
Pediatric third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies: a population-based study.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the population-based incidence and cause of cranial nerve palsies affecting ocular motility in children in the circumscribed population of Olmsted County, Minnesota. MethodsM: The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system captures virtually all medical care provided to Olmsted County residents. By means of this database, all cases of third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsy were identified among county residents less than 18 years of age from 1978 through 1992. Medical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis, determine the cause, and document county residency. Incidence rates were adjusted to the age and sex distribution of the 1990 white population in the United States. Results: Over this 15-year period, 36 incidence cases of cranial nerve palsy were identified in 35 children in this defined population. The age-adjusted and sex- adjusted annual incidence of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies combined was 7.6 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 5.1 to 10.1). The most commonly affected nerve was the fourth (36%), followed by the sixth (33%), the third (22%), and multiple nerve palsies (9%). The most common cause was congenital for third and fourth nerve palsy, undetermined for sixth, and trauma for multiple nerve palsies. Although three cases were associated with neoplasia, a cranial nerve palsy was not present at the time of diagnosis in any case. Conclusions: Unlike many institutionally based referral series, our population-based study provides data on the incidence and cause of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsies in a geographically defined population. In contrast to previous institutionally based series, nearly half the cases were congenital in origin, and in no case did intracranial neoplasia present as an isolated nerve palsy.
Implementation of a merit based resident ranking system: Does competition motivate?

INTRODUCTION: Current methods of resident evaluation do not take into account the entire breadth of what makes up a successful surgeon. We have introduced a standardized, objective, bi-annual raking system based on the merit system principle as part of the assessment of the residents in our academic program. This study presents the influence that a merit system based ranking has had on the educational, administrative, and academic performance of the surgical residents in our program.
Fast algorithm for computer complex number-theoretic transforms

A high-radix FFT algorithm for computing transforms over FFT, where q is a Mersenne prime, is developed to implement fast circular convolutions. This new algorithm requires substantially fewer multiplications than the conventional FFT.
Functions of the prefrontal cortex in the human brain

The prefrontal cortex of the human brain is affected by various pathological conditions, and for the apparent theoretical gains and clinical benefits, brain scientists and clinicians alike have for decades endeavored to understand the precise role of this region of the brain. Recent findings in electrophysiological and functional neuroimaging studies provide a better insight into the neuronal activities during various cognitive processes performed by the prefrontal cortex. Nevertheless, some of these findings are at odds with others, and the theorized roles of the prefrontal cortex remain largely under dispute. On the clinical side, a longer history of research provides a wealth of symptom descriptions on the multifaceted prefrontal dysfunction. In the midst of this abundance, however, there still exists a need for coherent categorization of these seemingly disparate symptoms. This task could be done based on the nature of affected cognitive processes and their putative neural substrates. With this view in mind, the present article selectively reviews major anatomical evidence and experimental data together with clinical observations on prefrontal patients in an attempt to integrate findings in science with behavioral data and ultimately to propose a model of functional organization within the prefrontal cortex.
Decision making for seriously compromised newborns: the importance of exploring cultural differences and unintended consequences.

Decision making for seriously compromised newborns: the importance of exploring cultural differences and unintended consequences
Microbioreactors to manipulate oxygen tension and shear stress in the microenvironment of vascular stem and progenitor cells

The dynamics of dissolved oxygen (DO) and shear stress in the vasculature microenvironment play a major role in determining the fate of stem cells in adults and during early embryonic development. In this study, we present a microbioreactor (MBR) that provides independent control over oxygen tension and shear stress in cultures of stem and progenitor cell types. We first describe the design principles and use a model-driven approach for the optimization of the MBR geometry and operating conditions prior to its fabrication and assembly. We then demonstrate the utilization of the MBR for culturing adult human endothelial progenitors, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and human embryonic stem cell-derived smooth muscle cells under different DO and shear stress levels.
Blended spaces and performativity

Mental Spaces theory, with its sophisticated mechanisms for representing the contents of speech, thought, and perception, opens routes for the exploration of relations between these domains and the ‘‘real’’ world. One of the most intriguing of these relations isperformativity, defined by Searle (1989) as the ability of some descriptions to bring about the described situations in reality. My broader definition of performativity treats it as mental-space blending (in Fauconnier and Turner’s terminology) wherein structure is transferred from a representing space to the space represented. Performative uses of metaphorical representations (pervasive in ritual and magic) are treated alongside literal cases, using our well-developed system for representing metaphor in terms of metal space blends. This approach oAers a general treatment of the ways in which linguistic and non-linguistic representations (e.g., ritual enactments or pictures) are understood to aAect reality.
Modeling the temperature dependence of tertiary creep damage of a Ni-based alloy

To capture the mechanical response of Ni-based materials, creep deformation and rupture experiments are typically performed. Long term tests, mimicking service conditions at 10,000 h or more, are generally avoided due to expense. Phenomenological models such as the classical Kachanov–Rabotnov (Rabotnov, 1969, Creep Problems in Structural Members, North-Holland, Amsterdam; Kachanov, 1958, “Time to Rupture Process Under Creep Conditions,” Izv. Akad. Nauk SSSR, Otd. Tekh. Nauk, Mekh. Mashin., 8, pp. 26–31) model can accurately estimate tertiary creep damage over extended histories. Creep deformation and rupture experiments are conducted on IN617 a polycrystalline Ni-based alloy over a range of temperatures and applied stresses. The continuum damage model is extended to account for temperature dependence. This allows the modeling of creep deformation at temperatures between available creep rupture data and the design of full-scale parts containing temperature distributions. Implementation of the Hayhurst (1983, “On the Role of Continuum Damage on Structural Mechanics ,” in Engineering Approaches to High Temperature Design, Pineridge, Swansea, pp. 85–176) (tri-axial) stress formulation introduces tensile/compressive asymmetry to the model. This allows compressive loading to be considered for compression loaded gas turbine components such as transition pieces. A new dominant deformation approach is provided to predict the dominant creep mode over time. This leads to development of a new methodology for determining the creep stage and strain of parametric stress and temperature simulations over time.
Low-dose mifepristone for uterine leiomyomata.

Abstract Objective To compare the effect of 5 and 10 mg of mifepristone on uterine leiomyoma size and symptoms, and to measure side effects. Methods Forty premenopausal women with large, symptomatic leiomyomata were randomized to receive either 5 or 10 mg of mifepristone daily for 6 months in an open-label study. Uterine volume was measured at bimonthly intervals by sonography. Serum concentrations of hemoglobin levels, follicle-stimulating hormone, and liver enzymes were obtained, and endometrial samples, symptoms, and menstrual bleeding were also assessed. Results Nineteen of 20 subjects taking 5 mg and all 20 subjects taking 10 mg completed all 6 months of the study. Mean uterine volume shrank by 48% ( P P Conclusion Mifepristone in doses of 5 mg or 10 mg results in comparable leiomyoma regression, improvement in symptoms, and few side effects. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of low-dose mifepristone.
Sustainability (green) initiatives and company's value - an examination of S&P 500 US companies

The increased adoption of sustainability practices in corporations raises the question of whether these practices add value to companies and their shareholders. In this paper, we utilise a sample of the S&P 500 US companies to examine if sustainability (green) initiatives add value to corporations. Quantitative metrics and ratios are utilised as proxies for company value. The results of our analysis indicate that companies indeed increase their value by enacting sustainable initiatives. These results will undoubtedly lead to more informed and improved decision making by managers and stakeholders regarding the enactment of sustainable initiatives in organisations.
Checked Load: Architectural support for JavaScript type-checking on mobile processors

Dynamic languages such as Javascript are the de-facto standard for web applications. However, generating efficient code for dynamically-typed languages is a challenge, because it requires frequent dynamic type checks. Our analysis has shown that some programs spend upwards of 20% of dynamic instructions doing type checks, and 12.9% on average. In this paper we propose Checked Load, a low-complexity architectural extension that replaces software-based, dynamic type checking. Checked Load is comprised of four new ISA instructions that provide flexible and automatic type checks for memory operations, and whose implementation requires minimal hardware changes. We also propose hardware support for dynamic type prediction to reduce the cost of failed type checks. We show how to use Checked Load in the Nitro JavaScript just-in-time compiler (used in the Safari 5 browser). Speedups on a typical mobile processor range up to 44.6% (with a mean of 11.2%) in popular JavaScript benchmarks. While we have focused our work on JavaScript, Checked Load is sufficiently general to support other dynamically-typed languages, such as Python or Ruby.
Remote sensing and mapping of Earth resources

Detailed knowledge of the natural resources of any nation is a pre-requisite for its economic development. In most developing countries, this knowledge is scarce or lacking. Acquiring the needed information by conventional means may require a large investment in time, personnel, and therefore, in cost. In the meantime, space-age technology provides the necessary tools to conduct surveys of natural resources in a timely manner. Such are the means to obtain the required data by digital sensors, radar imaging systems, and stereo cameras. These data can be utilized in mapping structures that may contain oil and gas deposits, recognizing high concentrations of economic minerals, discovering regions with fertile soils and good potential for groundwater, and monitoring cyclical climatic changes, particularly in arid lands. Such applications warrant greater use of remote sensing methods and techniques by the international scientific community, particularly for the development of natural resources in the Third World. This paper represents a general review of the available, and easily interpretable space-borne data that are useful in the mapping of such resources.
Biaxial orientation behavior of polystyrene: Orientation and properties

Square sheets of extrusion grade polystyrene (PS) were biaxially stretched using a laboratory biaxial stretcher. The effects of process parameters such as stretch ratio, drawing sequence, drawing speed, and temperature were studied. Birefringence, mechanical properties, and thermal shrinkage of the stretched sheets were the focus of this study. A high orientation was achieved at high stretch ratio, and orientations from uniaxial to equi-biaxial were obtained by controlling the relative magnitude of stretch ratio in machine (MD) and transverse (TD) directions. Stretching increased tensile strength and elongation at break significantly, which indicated an improvement in the toughness of the oriented PS sheets. Those properties were correlated with biaxial orientation factors: a rapid increase was observed for both tensile strength and elongation at break for birefringence levels above −0.005, and below, a plateau was observed. The shrinkage strain and stress were found to correlate well with the biaxial orientation factors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 487–496, 2003
ATPase Kinetic Characterization and Single Molecule Behavior of Mutant Human Kinesin Motors Defective in Microtubule-Based Motility†

Conventional kinesin is a microtubule-based motor protein that is an important model system for understanding mechanochemical transduction. To identify regions of the kinesin protein that participate in microtubule binding and force production, Woehlke et al. ((1997) Cell 90, 207-216) generated 35 alanine mutations in solvent-exposed residues. Here, we have performed presteady-state kinetic and single molecule motility analyses on three of these mutants (Y138A, loop 11 triple (L248A/D249A/E250A), and E311A) that exhibited a similar 3-fold reduction in both microtubule gliding velocity and microtubule- stimulated ATPase activity. All mutants showed normal second-order ATP binding kinetics, indicating correct folding of the active site. The Y138A and loop 11 triple mutants were defective both in nucleotide hydrolysis and in microtubule-stimulated ADP release rates, the latter suggesting a defect in allosteric communication between the microtubule and the active site. A single molecule fluorescence assay further revealed that the loop 11 mutant is defective in initiating processive motion, suggesting that this loop is important for the initial contact between kinesin and the microtubule. Y138A, on the other hand, can bind to the microtubule normally but cannot move processively. For E311A, neither the rate of nucleo- tide hydrolysis nor ADP release could account for its slower ATPase and gliding velocity, which sug- gests that either phosphate release or a conformational transition is rate-limiting in this mutant. The single molecule assay showed that E311A has a reduced velocity of movement, but is not defective in processivity. Thus, while these mutants behave similarly in solution ATPase and multiple motor gliding assays, kinetic and single molecule analyses reveal defects in distinct processes in kinesin's mechano- chemical cycle.
DNA sequencing by denaturation: experimental proof of concept with an integrated fluidic device

We report the proof of concept of a novel DNA sequencing technology called sequencing by denaturation (SBD). SBD is based on the Sanger sequencing reaction performed on amplified target templates immobilized on a solid surface followed by the denaturation of these Sanger fragments. As these fluorescently labeled fragments denature sequentially, the fluorescence intensities in the four channels corresponding to the four base types are monitored in a flow cell. A sequencing instrument with a microfluidic flowcell has been custom-designed to integrate automated fluidics, temperature control, and fluorescence imaging. The denaturation profiles of several synthetic oligonucleotides were measured with this system and our data demonstrated the ability to sequence short DNA by SBD. SBD is a simple and fast method with the potential to improve the speed and cost of large-scale genome re-sequencing.
Design of microstrip resonators using balanced and unbalanced composite right/left-handed transmission lines

Balanced and unbalanced composite right/left-handed transmission lines are used in the design of resonators. The balanced resonator is designed by changing the nonlinear phase response in order to control the spacing between modes and the Q factor. Two balanced ring resonators are measured and one demonstrates increased mode spacing/decreased Q factor and the other demonstrates decreased mode spacing/increased loaded Q factor. The unbalanced resonator is designed by changing the nonlinear phase response and magnitude response. A measured unbalanced ring resonator shows increased mode spacing with a reasonable Q factor. A microstrip line resonator is measured to demonstrate higher frequency capabilities.
Storage management and caching in PAST, a large-scale, persistent peer-to-peer storage utility

This paper presents and evaluates the storage management and caching in PAST, a large-scale peer-to-peer persistent storage utility. PAST is based on a self-organizing, Internet-based overlay network of storage nodes that cooperatively route file queries, store multiple replicas of files, and cache additional copies of popular files.In the PAST system, storage nodes and files are each assigned uniformly distributed identifiers, and replicas of a file are stored at nodes whose identifier matches most closely the file's identifier. This statistical assignment of files to storage nodes approximately balances the number of files stored on each node. However, non-uniform storage node capacities and file sizes require more explicit storage load balancing to permit graceful behavior under high global storage utilization; likewise, non-uniform popularity of files requires caching to minimize fetch distance and to balance the query load.We present and evaluate PAST, with an emphasis on its storage management and caching system. Extensive trace-driven experiments show that the system minimizes fetch distance, that it balances the query load for popular files, and that it displays graceful degradation of performance as the global storage utilization increases beyond 95%.
Developments in health and safety accounting at Baxter International

Cost effective management relies upon a systemic and fully integrated understanding of which corporate actions lead to specific financial results. It is particularly relevant for hidden and underemphasized costs. This case study presents the efforts of corporate environment, health and safety staff at Baxter International to design a health and safety accounting system in 1998. Bringing together activity-based costing and information technology to build an integrated data system, they have achieved an evolution beyond their benchmark environmental accounting system. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Prediction capabilities of vulnerability discovery models

Quantitative approaches for software security are needed for effective testing, maintenance and risk assessment of software systems. Vulnerabilities that are present in an operating system after its release represent a great risk. Vulnerability discovery models (VDMs) have been proposed to model vulnerability discovery and have has been fined to vulnerability data against calendar time. The models have been shown to fit very well. In this paper, we investigate the prediction capabilities that these models offer by evaluating accuracy of predictions made with partial data. We examine both the recently proposed logistic model and a new linear model. In addition to VDMs, we consider static approaches to estimating some of the major attributes of the vulnerability discovery process, presenting a static approach to estimating the initial values of one of the VDM's parameters. We also suggest the use of constraints for parameter estimation during curve-fitting. Here we develop computational approaches for early applications of the models and examine the predictive capability of the models. We use data from Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Red Hat Linux 7.1. We examine the impact of using a specific constraint when the parameters of the logistic model are estimated plots for the prediction error are given. The results demonstrate that the prediction error is significantly less when a constraint based on past observations is added. It is observed that the linear model may yield acceptable projections for systems for which vulnerability discovery has not yet reached saturation. The results also suggest that it may be possible to improve the prediction capability by combining static and dynamic approaches, or by combing different models
The timing of early treatment : An overview

In determining the optimal timing for orthodontic treatment, 2 considerations are important: effectiveness (how well does it work?) and efficiency (what is the cost-benefit ratio, with cost in its broader sense of the burden of treatment?). The timing of treatment can affect both important issues. Both must be kept in mind when deciding when to treat various orthodontic problems, and both are an important background for the application of some principles of treatment timing. These principles are: ● Growth modification often is desirable. Ample evidence now shows that growth modification is most successful when it accompanies the adolescent growth spurt and ends about the time rapid growth subsides. Otherwise, the original growth pattern will lead to a loss of the correction. The bottom line: if you start growth modification too late, it doesn’t work; if you start it too soon, it takes too long. ● Facial growth in the 3 planes of space declines to adult levels at different times. Therefore, it makes sense to time growth modification procedures differently for different problems. This is the focus of the discussion below. ● Tooth eruption correlates, but not very well, with the stage of skeletal growth. The timing of treatment often must be adjusted because skeletal and dental development are not in synchrony. ● Permanent teeth often do not erupt where their deciduous predecessors were. This means that a second stage of treatment in the early permanent dentition is usually necessary when the initial treatment was done in the mixed dentition. Based on these principles, the gold standard for orthodontic treatment timing is during the adolescent growth spurt, starting in the late mixed or early permanent dentition. At that time, some growth (especially vertical growth) remains available to assist treatment, permanent teeth are available for final positioning, treatment usually ends as the adolescent growth spurt ends, and the shorter treatment time lowers the burden of treatment. The question for a conference on treatment timing, therefore, is when would it be advantageous to treat before or after the gold standard time? The answer, of course, is only when treatment at a different time would be either more effective or more efficient. The primary indication for delaying treatment beyond the adolescent growth spurt is prolonged growth in an unfavorable pattern. That happens in 2 circumstances: Class III
Social Support to Empower Parents (STEP): an intervention for parents of young children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a social support intervention with parents of children <13 years old newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsFor this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 10 parent mentors of children diagnosed with T1DM ≥1 year and 60 parent participants were recruited from 2 pediatric diabetes centers. Mentors were trained to provide social support (home visits and phone calls) for 12 months to families in the experimental arm (32 mothers). Control group parents (28 mothers) received the phone number of an experienced parent (not trained to give social support) to call as needed.FindingsMothers in the experimental and control arms differed at baseline only in birth order of the child with T1DM. The 2 groups did not differ significantly at 3, 6, or 12 months in parent concern, confidence, worry, impact on the family, or perceived social support. Mothers in the experimental arm identified the parent mentor as someone they would seek for ad...
Influence of Storage, Heat, and Homogenization upon Xanthine Oxidase Activity of Milk

Abstract Xanthine oxidase activity in milk was determined by measuring the rate of formation of vanillic acid from vanillin. Raw milk received at a dairy plant had .208 units xanthine oxidase activity per ml and after 24-h storage at 4C, .228 units per ml. Upon further storage activity decreased. Heating the fresh raw milk in a water bath to 55C increased xanthine oxidase activity to .236 units per ml. Partial inactivation of the enzyme occurred when milk was heated at 60, 65, or 70C for 5min, and destruction was almost complete with heat at 75C for 5min. Raw milk heated at 48C for 5min and homogenized at pressures between 70.3 and 281.2 kg/cm 2 had xanthine oxidase activities which were a linear function of pressure and showed that each additional kg/cm 2 pressure resulted in additional xanthine oxidase activity of .16 milliunits per ml of milk.
Optimal Cooperative Sensing using a Team of UAVs

The authors investigates the joint optimal estimation of both the position and velocity of a ground moving target (GMT) using pulse Doppler radars on-board unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The problem of cooperative estimation using a UAV team and the optimization of the team's configuration to achieve optimal GMT position and velocity estimates are addressed. Based on the Cramer-Rao bound, the minimum achievable error variance of the GMT position and velocity estimates is derived. The expression of the minimum achievable estimation error variance for unbiased estimation provided by the Cramer-Rao bound is minimized yielding the optimal configuration of the UAV team. Our solution is complete in that it addresses various GMT tracking scenarios and an arbitrary number of UAVs. Optimal sensor geometries for typical applications are illustrated
Chemation: a handheld chemistry modeling and animation tool

Chemation, a simple 2-D modeling and animation tool for handhelds (e.g., PalmOS computers), was developed to help teach important chemistry concepts, such as chemical reaction, conservation of mass, and the particulate nature of matter (as specified in national standards). Users build 2-D molecular models of substances and then, through a process of copying and modifying the model, create flipbook-style animations to illustrate various processes. Chemation is currently being piloted by teachers using a standards-based, inquiry-oriented 7th grade chemistry curriculum. The tool is intended to be an alternative or a supplement to current hands-on activities in which students build physical (ball-and-stick) models to represent various chemical phenomena. In this demonstration, we will show the basic functions of Chemation highlighting its important features---modeling and animation of chemical processes on a handheld tool. We will also show example student models of various chemical processes.
Current saturation in zero-bandgap, top-gated graphene field-effect transistors.

The first observation of saturating transistor characteristics in a graphene field-effect transistor is reported. The saturation velocity is attributed to scattering by interfacial phonons in the silicon dioxide layer supporting the graphene channels. These results demonstrate the feasibility of graphene devices for analogue and radio-frequency circuit applications without the need for bandgap engineering.
The behavioral thresholds of testosterone in castrated male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

To determine the lowest doses of testosterone propionate (TP) that cause clearcut behavioral changes in castrated male rhesus monkeys (behavioral thresholds), observations were made on eight males during successive 4-week treatment periods while they received daily doses of TP ranging from 25 micrograms to 12.8 mg subcutaneously. Males were tested with each of the same four ovariectomized females (32 pairs, 1408 one-hour behavior tests). Two females were untreated and the other two received either 5 or 15 micrograms estradiol benzoate sc per day. TP injections were given at 1600 hr, and plasma samples were obtained at 0800 hr (352 samples). Individual males had widely different behavioral thresholds from 50 micrograms up to 3.2 mg TP per day. Males showed two types of response: A, a graded increase in ejaculatory activity as plasma testosterone values increased, and B, an all-or-none type of response in which there were no further increases in ejaculation with increasing plasma levels once the behavioral threshold had been reached. At levels below the physiological range, small changes in plasma testosterone were associated with marked changes in behavior. The female partner exerted a pronounced effect upon the responses of males to TP treatment.
Macromodels for generating signal integrity and timing management advice for package design

The electrical design of packaging for high speed digital systems requires intensive efforts on the part of signal integrity engineers. We have produced a set of tools that assist these engineers in efficiently producing PCB and MCM designs that meet timing and other electrical needs. This paper describes the most important aspect of this solution, the internal 'macromodels' that accurately capture the relationships between electrical/timing design and the package physical design (or layout). >