cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What is the role of pharmacogenetics in optimization of warfarin dosing

Warfarin has been the mainstay of chronic anticoagulation therapy for decades. The use of warfarin is complicated by its highly complicated pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics such that dose requirements for warfarin may vary by an order of magnitude. The clinical importance of this variability is highlighted by a recent report that warfarin is one of the most commonly implicated causes of adverse drug-related emergency hospitalization among the elderly [1], consistent with the drug's narrow therapeutic index. In an attempt to improve the safety and efficacy of warfarin treatment, pharmacogenetic variants have been identified that influence the response to warfarin dosing; however, investigations of the clinical utility of dosing strategies incorporating genotype information have had equivocal results [2]. As the article by Johnson and Cavallari notes, clinical trials have inconsistently demonstrated value in incorporation of patient-specific pharmacogenetic information as an effective means to improve the response to warfarin therapy. Further complicating the interpretation and application of these variable results is the reliance on surrogate (e.g., time in therapeutic range) endpoints rather than true clinical endpoints (e.g., hemorrhagic or thrombotic events). The use of surrogate endpoints is based on a number of assumptions that may confound or obscure a true endpoint [3].
Theoretical treatment of the distribution and degradation of vascular, interstitial and intracellular albumin.

Abstract The distribution and kinetics of albumin in the biological system is developed based on a catenary three-compartmental model, the three compartments representing the vascular pool, the intestitial pool and a third pool which is presumed to be intracellular. Solutions are derived to describe the behaviour of albumin in each of the three compartments in terms of transfer rate constants which can be calculated from the individual pool sizes. Then, the model is modified imposing certain constraints and appropriate solutions are derived. Finally, alternate models are proposed and analyzed. Though the theoretical model has been developed for the distribution and degradation of albumin, the same model can be applied to the distribution and degradation of other macromolecules in the biological system.
Melting mechanism in single screw extrusion

Flow visualization experiments of polycarbonate and polystyrene resin extrusion were performed to observe the melting mechanism and the flow kinematics around the solid-bed in the melting zone of a single screw extruder. The axial solids content and pressure profile calculations of the Tadmor melting model were modified as a result of variable solid-bed velocity and solid-bed temperature observations.
The role of climate in stratigraphic patterns exhibited by late Palaeozoic rocks exposed in Kansas

Abstract Late Palaeozoic “cyclothems” of the midcontinental U.S. cannot be represented by a single ideal facies sequence. Rather, they encompass a wide range of cycle types depending on their stratigraphic position. The exposed Late Palaeozoic (Pennsylvanian and Permian) rocks of Kansas, as compiled by Zeller (1968), can be divided into nine major lithofacies. These lithofacies were ordered based on their times of greatest abundance through the section. From oldest to youngest, they attain their peak abundance in the following order: (1) coal; (2) gray mudrocks and sandstones; (3) black mudrocks; (4) limestones; (5) cherty limestones; (6) fossiliferous mudrocks; (7) variegated mudrocks; (8) evaporites; and (9) variegated dolomitic siliciclastics. Climatically, these nine lithofacies suggest a change from generally wetter, at the base, to generally drier, at the top of the section. This climatic trend was probably generated by a complex interaction of factors primarily driven by global tectonics. Climatic changes can be used to explain the five generally recognized types of lithofacies “cyclothems” in Kansas, and thus are a potential explanation for the changing stratigraphic patterns of the entire Late Palaeozoic time interval of Kansas, and perhaps elsewhere.
Resistive signal line wiring net designs in multichip modules

To approximate the frequency dependence of the characteristic impedance and signal attenuation of a DC resistive transmission line, formulas with one pole and one zero on the negative real axis are proposed. The algebraic time-domain solutions for the near-end and far-end voltages of this line, which is driven by a constant resistance source, are derived. The far end of this line is either open-circuited or terminated by a constant resistance load. Nomographs to guide the multichip module (MCM) wiring net designs are developed and presented. Their application is illustrated by an MCM-D address bus wiring net design example. >
Crime as structured action: doing masculinities, race, class, sexuality, and crime

The second edition of the book, Crime as Structured Action, addresses the relationship between masculinities, race, class, sexuality, and crime. It is divided into five chapters plus an introductio...
Experimental and Clinical Evaluation in Man of Hexamethonium (C6), A New Ganglionic Blocking Agent

In man, C6, a new ganglionic blocking agent (50 mg. intravenously) produced inhibition of the Valsalva, tiltback and cold pressor vasopressor responses. Marked increases in digital blood flow and skin temperature with inhibition of digital reflexes to "noxious" stimuli were consistently observed (room temperature 70 F.). The increase in skin temperature was greater and more lasting than following Priscoline or tetraethylammonium chloride. Except for severe postural hypotension, side effects were minimal. Clinically the drug may be useful in the evaluation of sympathetic vasoconstriction in peripheral vascular disease as well as in the treatment of acute neurogenic vasospasm.
Interarticulator phasing, locus equations, and degree of coarticulation

A locus equation plots the frequency of the second formant at vowel onset against the target frequency of the same formant for the vowel in a consonant–vowel sequence, across different vowel contexts. It has generally been assumed that the slope of the locus equation reflects the degree of coarticulation between the consonant and the vowel, with a steeper slope showing more coarticulation. This study examined the articulatory basis for this assumption. Four subjects participated and produced VCV sequences of the consonants /b, d, g/ and the vowels /i, a, u/. The movements of the tongue and the lips were recorded using a magnetometer system. One articulatory measure was the temporal phasing between the onset of the lip closing movement for the bilabial consonant and the onset of the tongue movement from the first to the second vowel in a VCV sequence. A second measure was the magnitude of the tongue movement during the oral stop closure, averaged across four receivers on the tongue. A third measure was the magnitude of the tongue movement from the onset of the second vowel to the tongue position for that vowel. When compared with the corresponding locus equations, no measure showed any support for the assumption that the slope serves as an index of the degree of coarticulation between the consonant and the vowel.
Specialization of CML message-passing primitives

Concurrent ML (CML) is a statically-typed higher-order concurrent language that is embedded in Standard ML. Its most notable feature is its support for first-class synchronous operations. This mechanism allows programmers to encapsulate complicated communication and synchronization protocols as first-class abstractions, which encourages a modular style of programming where the underlying channels used to communicate with a given thread are hidden behind data and type abstraction.While CML has been in active use for well over a decade, little attention has been paid to optimizing CML programs. In this paper, we present a new program analysis for statically-typed higher-order concurrent languages that enables the compile-time specialization of communication operations. This specialization is particularly important in a multiprocessor or multicore setting, where the synchronization overhead for general-purpose operations are high. Preliminary results from a prototype that we have built demonstrate that specialized channel operations are much faster than the general-purpose operations.Our analysis technique is modular (i.e.,, it analyzes and optimizes a single unit of abstraction at a time), which plays to the modular style of many CML programs. The analysis consists of three steps: the first is a type-sensitive control-flow analysis that uses the program's type-abstractions to compute more precise results. The second is the construction of an extended control-flow graph using the results of the CFA. The last step is an iterative analysis over the graph that approximates the usage patterns of known channels. Our analysis is designed to detect special patterns of use, such as one-shot channels, fan-in channels, and fan-out channels. We have proven the safety of our analysis and state those results.
Nonlinear Schrödinger solitons in a periodic structure

It is demonstrated theoretically that a nonlinear medium with a spatially periodic refractive index can support solitons of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
Bharti-Wal-Mart: A Glocalization Experience

This paper analyzes the experience of Bharti-Wal-Mart, a joint venture between Wal-Mart and Bharti Enterprises (an Indian telecommunications company), based on the principles of glocalization theor...
Formal reliability analysis of combinational circuits using theorem proving

Reliability analysis of combinational circuits has become imperative these days due to the extensive usage of nanotechnologies in their fabrication. Traditionally, reliability analysis of combinational circuits is done using simulation or paper-and-pencil proof methods. But, these techniques do not ensure accurate results and thus may lead to disastrous consequences when dealing with safety-critical applications. In this paper, we mainly tackle the accuracy problem of these traditional reliability analysis approaches by presenting a formal reliability analysis framework based on higher-order-logic theorem proving. We present the higher-order-logic formalization of the notions of fault and reliability for combinational circuits and formally verify the von-Neumann fault models for most of the commonly used logic gates, such as, AND, NOT, OR, etc. This formal infrastructure is then used along with a computer program, written in C++, to automatically reason about the reliability of any combinational circuit within a higher-order-logic theorem prover (HOL). For illustration purposes, we utilize the proposed framework to analyze the reliability of a few benchmark combinational circuits.
Effects of light and ammonium on nitrate uptake by two species of estuarine phytoplankton

The incident light intensity, preconditioning light history, and the presence or absence of ammonium affected the rate of nitrate uptake by a chlorophyte and Skeletonema costatum isolated from the Hudson estuary. In the absence of ammonium, shade-adapted cells reached the highest maximum velocity of nitrate uptake (Vmax). Skeletonema costatum had a lower half-saturation constant for light (KLT) than the chlorophyte and reached a greater Vmax. In the presence of ammonium, nitrate uptake was depressed at all light intensities, but more in shade-adapted than in sun-adapted cells of both species, and more in S. costatum than in the chlorophyte. The Vmax for ammonium was greater in shade-adapted than in sun-adapted cells. Since nitrate and ammonium uptake were related to the Chl a content of the cell, energy for uptake was probably derived primarily from photosynthesis in the light but may also be derived from respiration since substantial dark uptake was observed, especially in S. costatum.
PIKE GTPase Signaling and Function

PIKE (PI 3-Kinase Enhancer) is a recently identified brain specific nuclear GTPase, which binds PI 3-kinase and stimulates its lipid kinase activity. Nerve growth factor treatment leads to PIKE activation by triggering the nuclear translocation of phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1), which acts as a physiologic guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for PIKE through its SH3 domain. To date, three forms of PIKE have been characterized: PIKE-S, PIKE-L and PIKE-A. PIKE-S is initially identified shorter isoform. PIKE-L, a longer isoform of PIKE gene, differs from PIKE-S by C-terminal extension containing Arf-GAP (ADP ribosylation factor-GTPase Activating Protein) and two ankyrin repeats domains. In contrast to the exclusive nuclear localization of PIKE-S, PIKE-L occurs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. PIKE-L physiologically associates with Homer 1, an mGluR I binding adaptor protein. The Homer/PIKE-L complex couples PI 3-kinase to mGluR I and regulates a major action of group I mGluRs, prevention of neuronal apoptosis. More recently, a third PIKE isoform, PIKE-A was identified in human glioblastoma multiforme brain cancers. Unlike the brain specific PIKE-L and -S isoforms, PIKE-A distributes in various tissues. PIKE-A contains the same domains present in PIKE-L but lacks N-terminal proline-rich domain (PRD), which binds PI 3-kinase and PLC-gamma1. Instead, PIKE-A specifically binds to active Akt and upregulates its activity in a GTP-dependent manner, mediating human cancer cell invasion and preventing apoptosis. Thus, PIKE extends its roles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, mediating cellular processes from cell invasion to programmed cell death.
Histidase from the unicellular green alga Dunaliella tertiolecta: purification and partial characterization

In summer, the concentrations of dissolved organic nitrogen compounds are often higher than that of inorganic nitrogen. Under such conditions it would be advantageous if phytoplankton species could utilize organic nitrogen sources, including free or combined amino acids, in addition to inorganic nitrogen. This study focused on histidine, the degradation of which potentially yields three nitrogen atoms for each molecule of histidine. In this work, histidase from Dunaliella tertiolecta, a deaminating enzyme catalysing the first steps of histidine degradation, was purified 4000-fold and partially characterized. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was estimated to be 155 kDa, corresponding to four subunits of 38 kDa. D. tertiolecta histidase is stable in the presence of dithiothreitol and is inactivated by cyanide. Histidinol phosphate, histidine and Mn2+ are effective protectors against cyanide inactivation. The enzyme did not exhibit classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics but showed a relationship betwee...
Search me if you can: Privacy-preserving location query service

Location-Based Service (LBS) becomes increasingly popular with the dramatic growth of smartphones and social network services (SNS), and its context-rich functionalities attract considerable users. Many LBS providers use users' location information to offer them convenience and useful functions. However, the LBS could greatly breach personal privacy because location itself contains much information. Hence, preserving location privacy while achieving utility from it is still an challenging question now. This paper tackles this non-trivial challenge by designing a suite of novel fine-grained Privacy-preserving Location Query Protocol (PLQP). Our protocol allows different levels of location query on encrypted location information for different users, and it is efficient enough to be applied in mobile platforms.
Double framing in Lilya 4-Ever: Sex trafficking and postsocialist abjection

The image of the trafficked woman from a former state socialist country has come to symbolize the global crisis in sex trafficking. The 'Natasha' image is also a referent for the failure of state socialism. This article provides an analysis of the film Lilya 4-Ever (dir. Lukas Moodyson, 2002) to show how both sex trafficking and postsocialism are framed in representations of sex trafficking. The film presents the problem of sex trafficking in two covertly problematic ways, narrowing the issue to prostitution and illegal migration. While the film avoids voyeurism of sexual violence, this is replaced by voyeurism of postsocialist abjection. Postsocialist abjection is aesthetically captured as an eternal state of collapse. Thus, the tragedy of sex trafficking is the result of and a symbol for the failure (post-)state socialism. Language: en
Two new sympatric species of Eusarsiella (Ostracoda: Myodocopida: Sarsiellidae) from the Florida Keys with a morphological phylogeny of Sarsiellinae

We describe two new sympatric species of Sarsiellidae from coastal Florida, USA: Eusarsiella bryanjuarezi sp. nov. and Eusarsiella eli sp. nov. We also present a morphological character matrix and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis for Sarsiellinae based on original species descriptions, representing 139 sarsiellins (including E. bryanjuarezi and E. eli). While support values across the phylogeny are low, E. bryanjuarezi and E. eli form a sister group pair with 68 % bootstrap support. Our phylogeny also showed support for six other sympatric sister-species pairs, distributed across Sarsiellinae’s range, which may be candidates for the study of speciation and niche differentiation. Similar to other analyses of myodocopids, our Sarsiellinae phylogeny recovered only three monophyletic genera: Anscottiella, Cymbicopia, and Chelicopia, indicating that characters used in taxonomy may often be homoplasious. Because of our finding of multiple polyphyletic genera, including the two most speciose genera in the subfamily (Eusarsiella and Sarsiella, the type genus) Sarsiellinae is a strong candidate for taxonomic revision.
Performance of TCP traffic and ATM feedback congestion control mechanisms

This paper presents a performance investigation of TCP traffic carried over ATM networks when feedback congestion control is exercised at the ATM layer. Two feedback congestion control schemes are investigated: the threshold feedback scheme and the optimal feedback scheme. Both schemes ensure a lossless operation so that TCP retransmissions are triggered by timer expirations. The focus of this study is the effective throughput experienced by the end users, when the effect of retransmissions is taken into account. The effective throughput of these schemes as well as of the early packet discard control mechanism is obtained by means of simulation, and the results are compared to the case in which no congestion control is exercised at the ATM layer.
Comparative Effectiveness of Acellular Versus Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccines in Teenagers

BACKGROUND: During the 1990s, the United States switched from combined diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, whole-cell pertussis (DTwP) vaccines to combined acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines because of safety concerns. After a 2010–2011 pertussis outbreak, we sought to evaluate whether disease risk in 10 to 17 year olds differed between those who previously received DTwP from those who received DTaP. METHODS: A case-control study among individuals born from 1994 to 1999 who received 4 pertussis-containing vaccines during the first 2 years of life at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). We separately compared pertussis polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive cases with PCR-negative and KPNC-matched controls. We assessed risk of pertussis relative to vaccine type in early childhood (4 DTwPs, mixed DTwP/DTaP, or 4 DTaPs) by using conditional logistic regression stratified for calendar time and adjusted for gender, race, medical clinic, and receipt of reduced antigen content acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. RESULTS: We compared 138 PCR-positive cases with 899 PCR-negative and 54 339 KPNC-matched controls. Teenagers who had received 4 DTwPs were much less likely to be pertussis PCR-positive than those who had received 4 DTaPs (odds ratio 5.63, 95% confidence interval 2.55–12.46) or mixed DTwP/DTaP vaccines (odds ratio 3.77, 95% confidence interval 1.57–9.07). Decreasing number of DTwP doses was significantly associated with increased pertussis risk ( P CONCLUSIONS: Teenagers who received DTwP vaccines in childhood were more protected during a pertussis outbreak than were those who received DTaP vaccines.
Depth of interocular suppression associated with continuous flash suppression, flash suppression, and binocular rivalry

When conflicting images are presented to the corresponding regions of the two eyes, only one image may be consciously perceived. In binocular rivalry (BR), two images alternate in phenomenal visibility; even a salient image is eventually suppressed by an image of low saliency. Recently, N. Tsuchiya and C. Koch (2005) reported a technique called continuous flash suppression (CFS), extending the suppression duration more than 10-fold. Here, we investigated the depth of this prolonged form of interocular suppression as well as conventional BR and flash suppression (FS) using a probe detection task. Compared to monocular viewing condition, CFS elevated detection thresholds more than 20-fold, whereas BR did so by 3-fold. In subsequent experiments, we dissected CFS into several components. By manipulating the number and timing of flashes with respect to the probe, we found that the stronger suppression in CFS is not due to summation between BR and FS but is caused by the summation of the suppression due to multiple flashes. Our results support the view that CFS is not a stronger version of BR but is due to the accumulated suppressive effects of multiple flashes.
Differences in Intrinsic Properties and Local Network Connectivity of Identified Layer 5 and Layer 6 Adult Mouse Auditory Corticothalamic Neurons Support a Dual Corticothalamic Projection Hypothesis

Intrinsic properties, morphology, and local network circuitry of identified layer 5 and layer 6 auditory corticothalamic neurons were compared. We injected fluorescent microspheres into the mouse auditory thalamus to prelabel corticothalamic neurons, then recorded and filled labeled layer 5 or layer 6 auditory cortical neurons in vitro. We observed low-threshold bursting in adult, but not juvenile, layer 5 corticothalamic neurons that was voltage and time dependent with nonlinear input-output properties, whereas adult layer 6 corticothalamic neurons demonstrated a regular spiking. Layer 5 corticothalamic neurons had larger somata, thicker apical dendrites and were more likely to have a layer 1 apical dendrite than layer 6 neurons. Using laser photostimulation, identified layer 5 corticothalamic neurons received excitatory input from a wide area of layers 2/3, 4, and 5 with widespread gamma-aminobutyric acidergic input from layer 2/3 and lower layer 5, whereas layer 6 corticothalamic neurons from the same cortical column received circumscribed excitatory input and discrete patches of inhibition derived from layer 6 of adjacent columns. These data demonstrate that layer 5 and layer 6 corticothalamic neurons receive unique sets of inputs and process them in different manners, supporting the hypothesis that layer-specific corticothalamic projections play distinct roles in information processing.
Discontinuity preserving surface reconstruction

A two-stage algorithm for visual surface reconstruction while preserving discontinuities is presented. The primary contribution is the second stage, a weighted bicubic spline as a surface descriptor. The weighted bicubic spline has a factor in the regularizing term that adapts the behavior of the spline across the discontinuity. The weighted bicubic interpolating spline is able to interpolate data with step discontinuities with no discernible distortion (such as Gibbs phenomena) in the interpolated surface. Since regularization is related to spline approximation, extensions to this work should suggest ideas for solving ill-posed problems in vision. Experiments with weighted bicubic spline interpolation are presented. >
GENETIC CONTROL OF THYMUS-DERIVED CELL FUNCTION : I. IN VITRO DNA SYNTHETIC RESPONSE OF NORMAL MOUSE SPLEEN CELLS STIMULATED BY THE MITOGENS CONCANAVALIN A AND PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ

Concanavalin A- or phytohemagglutinin-stimulated DNA synthetic responses of 1 million normal mouse spleen cells in vitro were significantly different among various inbred strains. BALB/cJ (H-2(d)) responded better than C57BL/6J (H-2(b)) spleen cells, and the responses of C3H/HeJ or AKR/J (both H-2(k)) cells were intermediate. These responses, measured as the increment in thymidine-(3)H incorporation of mitogen-stimulated compared with unstimulated cultures, varied according to the number of cells cultured or the mitogen concentration. BALB/c spleens had the highest proportion of theta-positive cells, but no direct relationship between the proportion of theta-positive cells and the DNA synthetic response was observed. (BALB/cJ x C57BL/6)F(1) spleen cells responsed as well as BALB/c cells. Responses of spleen cells from (F(1) x C57BL/6) backcross littermates varied over a range equal to, or greater than, that of BALB/c and C57BL/6 cells. There was no correlation between H-2 specificity (H-2(bd) or H-2(bb)) or sex and the mitogen-stimulated DNA synthetic response of backcross animals. Con A- and PHA-stimulated responses of individual backcross animals were positively correlated with the level of thymidine-(8)H incorporation by unstimulated spleen cells. These results are consistent with autosomal dominant, non-H-2-linked, polygenic control of the mitogen-stimulated in vitro DNA synthetic response of mouse spleen cells.
Structuralism, Hermeneutics, and Contextual Meaning

erhaps one should begin by defining one's terms. But, were I to attempt to define "structuralism" and "hermeneutics" carefully, completely, and in a way that would satisfy all-or even moststructuralists or hermeneuticists, I fear I would never move beyond this beginning. Thus, although I shall not begin entirely in mediis rebus, I must assume some experience of the workings of structuralism and of hermeneutics. I regard structuralism and hermeneutics as approaches to meaning, as ways of investigating the significance of "things"-from individual texts to whole cultures-and the significance of significance. My present task is to compare and contrast these two approaches to meaning-structuralism and hermeneutics-by considering especially their goals, or end points, and their presuppositions, or beginning points. Although my references will be chiefly to approaches to meaning in biblical studies, I wish to understand in a more general way the contexts in which structuralism and hermeneutics seek meaning and seek to make meaning. Relations between structuralism and hermeneutics are often implied in the characterization of either structuralism or hermeneutics. For example, Robert Culley, in characterizing structuralism, presents a model of the three focal points of scholarly approaches to biblical texts: author, text, reader./1/ According to this model, the author is the shared focal point of source criticism; the text is the focus of rhetorical criticism and structural analysis; the reader is the focus of biblical hermeneutics (167-69). Thus Culley's model indicates a fundamental difference between structuralism and hermeneutics. A model presented by Robert Polzin, on the other hand, suggests a fundamental similarity between structuralism and hermeneutics: self-conscious awareness of the role of
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

This book covers the basic aspects of Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA. It begins with an introduction to the basic ideas behind fixed and random access systems in order to demonstrate the difference between CDMA and the more widely understood TDMA, FDMA or CSMA. Secondly, a review of basic spread spectrum techniques are presented which are used in CDMA systems including direct sequence, frequency-hopping and time-hopping approaches. The basic concept of CDMA is presented, followed by the four basic principles of CDMA systems that impact their performance: interference averaging, universal frequency reuse, soft handoff, and statistical multiplexing. The focus of the discussion will then shift to applications. The most common application of CDMA currently is cellular systems. A detailed discussion on cellular voice systems based on CDMA, specifically IS-95, is presented. The capacity of such systems will be examined as well as performance enhancement techniques such as coding and spatial filtering. Also discussed are Third Generation CDMA cellular systems and how they differ from Second Generation systems. A second application of CDMA that is covered is spread spectrum packet radio networks. Finally, there is an examination of multi-user detection and interference cancellation and how such techniques impact CDMA networks. This book should be of interest and value to engineers, advanced students, and researchers in communications.
A multi-channel coherent Amplitude Modulated Time Division Multiplexed Software Defined Radio receiver architecture for Programmable-Logic-Device technology implementation

Some wireless communication systems must be able to receive and process signals from multiple source channels (stations) simultaneously. A common practice is to use multiple duplicated hardware resources; a different set of resources for each received channel. A new coherent Amplitude Modulated (AM) Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) receiver system architecture and design, based on the Software Defined Radio (SDR) standard, is proposed, developed and validated via simulation and experimental hardware prototype testing. The new receiver system architecture and approach enables reception and processing of signals from multiple channels using the hardware resources normally needed for reception and processing of only one channel. Production models of the proposed receiver/processing system architecture and design would be implemented to Programmable-Logic-Device (PLD) technology to accommodate rapidly changing communication protocols and standards and to enhance processing performance.
Degrees of comprehension: children's understanding of a visual programming environment

A new generation of innovative, highly visual children’s programming environments is under development. In this paper, we consider the instructional requirements for children learning to program in a visual environment. Based on our year-long experience using Apple Computer’s KidSim/Cocoa prototype [2] and the results of a year-end assessment, we conclude that the children failed to grasp many aspects of the program operation. The children readily mastered drawing and animating characters in imaginary worlds, but struggled to achieve more complex behaviors. Lack of explicit instruction on program functionality hindered these children in their attempts to create more sophisticated science programs. We explore the prospects for more effective instruction and suggest some guidelines for designing visual programming environments.
Depletion of zebrafish Tcap leads to muscular dystrophy via disrupting sarcomere–membrane interaction, not sarcomere assembly

Tcap/telethonin encodes a Z-disc protein that plays important roles in sarcomere assembly, sarcomere-membrane interaction and stretch sensing. It remains unclear why mutations in Tcap lead to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2G (LGMD2G) in human patients. Here, we cloned tcap in zebrafish and conducted genetic studies. We show that tcap is functionally conserved, as the Tcap protein appears in the sarcomeric Z-disc and reduction of Tcap resulted in muscular dystrophy-like phenotypes including deformed muscle structure and impaired swimming ability. However, the observations that Tcap integrates into the sarcomere at a stage after the Z-disc becomes periodic, and that the sarcomere remains intact in tcap morphants, suggest that defective sarcomere assembly does not contribute to this particular type of muscular dystrophy. Instead, a defective interaction between the sarcomere and plasma membrane was detected, which was further underscored by the disrupted development of the T-tubule system. Pertinent to a potential function in stretch sensor signaling, zebrafish tcap exhibits a variable expression pattern during somitogenesis. The variable expression is inducible by stretch force, and the expression level of Tcap is negatively regulated by integrin-link kinase (ILK), a protein kinase that is involved in stretch sensing signaling. Together, our genetic studies of tcap in zebrafish suggested that pathogenesis in LGMD2G is due to a disruption of sarcomere–T-tubular interaction, but not of sarcomere assembly per se. In addition, our data prompted a novel hypothesis that predicts that the transcription level of Tcap can be regulated by the stretch force to ensure proper sarcomere–membrane interaction in striated muscles.
Analysis of Permethrin (Cis- and Trans-Isomers) and Esfenvalerate on Almond Twigs and Effects of Residues on the Predator Mite Galendromus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

A gas chromatograph-electron capture detection method for analysis of permethrin (cis- and trans-isomers) and esfenvalerate on the surface of almond twigs is described. Permethrin and esfenvalerate were extracted from the substrate with a hexane sonication, Florisil solid phase extraction cleanup, and quantification by gas-liquid chromatography with electron capture detector with a megabore capillary column. The mean recoveries for all three analytes were 87% with a coefficient of variation <13% at fortification levels ranging from 50 to 1,000 ng for each analyte. The limit of detection was 14, 13, and 4 ng for cis-permethrin, trans-permethrin and esfenvalerate respectively for almond twigs. Field collected twig samples taken 7 mo after pesticide application were found to contain measurable bark surface residues. Bioassays using those twigs indicated significant mortality to the beneficial mite, Galendromus occidentalis Nesbitt.
Potential Problems Associated with the Rustrak® Ranger Data Logger's Data Storage Technique

To maximize the 8 kilobyte memory of the Rustrak® Ranger data logger, a patented technique called adaptive storage was used. With adaptive storage, the data logger predicts the value of an incoming reading. Based on previously stored readings, the data logger predicts the next reading to be constant, linear, or exponential. If the reading falls outside a window surrounding the predictions, it is stored; otherwise, it is discarded. The size of the window affects the rate at which the readings are stored, and thus is adjusted so data can be collected for the specified sampling time. If the windows are made too large, there is a resultant loss in the resolution of the data. The characteristics of the instrument and the contaminant or physical agent being measured (i.e., air contaminant versus noise) also affect data resolution. In this evaluation, previously collected exposure data (air monitoring) were sent by a computer to the Rustrak Ranger for recording. To determine the effect of the sampling time on re...
TCT-68 Predictors of Elective Support Device Insertion Prior to High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Changing Trends between 1993–2013

Introduction: High risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) may be preceded by elective support device insertion, though the evidence for such a practice is relatively weak. We sought to analyze the changing trends and predictors for prophylactic support device insertion in these patients over the last 20 years. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent PCI at Cleveland Clinic between 1993 - 2013 with or without support device insertion was performed. Trends for device insertion in high risk patients undergoing PCI, like those in clinical shock, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and unprotected left main intervention over the last 20 years were reviewed. Predictors for support device insertion in these patients from 1993-2000 were compared to those from 2001-2013. Results: A total of 666 elective support devices were inserted prior to high risk PCI from 1993-2013. Between 1993-2000, acute myocardial infarction (MI) (OR: 10.05), ejection fraction < 40% (OR: 8.31) and unprotected le...
Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Method Combined with Hybrid All-Atom and Coarse-Grained Model: Theory and Application on Redox Potential Calculations.

We developed a new multiresolution method that spans three levels of resolution with quantum mechanical, atomistic molecular mechanical, and coarse-grained models. The resolution-adapted all-atom and coarse-grained water model, in which an all-atom structural description of the entire system is maintained during the simulations, is combined with the ab initio quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics method. We apply this model to calculate the redox potentials of the aqueous ruthenium and iron complexes by using the fractional number of electrons approach and thermodynamic integration simulations. The redox potentials are recovered in excellent accordance with the experimental data. The speed-up of the hybrid all-atom and coarse-grained water model renders it computationally more attractive. The accuracy depends on the hybrid all-atom and coarse-grained water model used in the combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical method. We have used another multiresolution model, in which an atomic-level...
Neonatal Iron Supplementation Induces Striatal Atrophy in Female YAC128 Huntington’s Disease Mice

Background: Dysregulation of iron homeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease. We have previously shown that increased iron intake in R6/2 HD neonatal mice, but not adult R6/2 HD mice potentiates disease outcomes at 12-weeks of age corresponding to advanced HD [Redox Biol. 2015;4 : 363–74]. However, whether these findings extend to other HD models is unknown. In particular, it is unclear if increased neonatal iron intake can promote neurodegeneration in mouse HD models where disease onset is delayed to mid-adult life. Objective: To determine if increased dietary iron intake in neonatal and adult life-stages potentiates HD in the slowly progressive YAC128 HD mouse model. Methods: Female neonatal mice were supplemented daily from days 10–17 with 120μg/g body weight of carbonyl iron. Adult mice were provided diets containing low (50 ppm), medium (150 ppm) and high (500 ppm) iron concentrations from 2-months of age. HD progression was determined using behavioral, brain morphometric and biochemical approaches. Results: Neonatal-iron supplemented YAC128 HD mice had significantly lower striatal volumes and striatal neuronal cell body volumes as compared to control HD mice at 1-year of age. Neonatal-iron supplementation of HD mice had no effect on rota-rod motor endurance and brain iron or glutathione status. Adult iron intake level had no effect on HD progression. YAC128 HD mice had altered peripheral responses to iron intake compared to iron-matched wild-type controls. Conclusions: Female YAC128 HD mice supplemented with nutritionally-relevant levels of iron as neonates demonstrate increased striatal degeneration 1-year later.
Minnesota's Congressional Election at Large.

On November 8, 1932, Minnesota, for the first time in her history, chose Democratic presidential electors. The breach in the ranks of the Solid South in 1928 was hardly more of a break with tradition. That, however, was not the only interesting feature of the recent election. In the first place, all nine of the state's representatives in Congress were elected at large. That alone would not confer any great distinction, but the importance of an election at large was magnified in the present case by the fact that Minnesota is the only state in the Union in which a genuine three-party system prevails. The third party, or Farmer-Labor party is in this instance not only a factor in state politics, but at present the dominant one.
Solid-Phase Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Analogs of the Sweet Protein Monellin

Monellin, an intensely sweet protein, was isolated from the fruit of the West African plant, Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii Monellin consists of two noncovalently associated polypeptide chains, the A chain with 44 amino acid residues and the B chain with 50 residues. The tertiary structure has been determined, and the native conformation is essential for the sweet taste. Recently, the primary structure of monellin was unambiguously determined, and monellin was synthesized by the Fmoc solid-phase method. In an attempt to delineate the active site(s) of monellin, amino acid residues within potential active sites were replaced. Replacement of CysB41 by Ser led to a small change in sweetness. Replacement of IleB6, AspB7 or IleB8 by different amino acids resulted in a complete or marked loss of sweetness. Replacement of AspA16 or TyrA13 by other amino acids did not reduce the substantial sweetness. Replacement of each Lys residue by L-2-aminohexanoic acid (L-norleucine) significantly diminished the sweetness potency, but did not completely remove the sweetness. Analysis of the synthetic analogs by circular dichroism (CD) showed that the major structural features of monellin were not significantly altered. These findings suggest that IleB6, AspB7 and IleB8 are responsible for eliciting a sweet taste, and that one or more basic residues may also be important for eliciting a sweet taste. In the course of the investigation, the D-enantiomer of monellin was synthesized by the Fmoc solid-phase method, and crystallized by the hanging drop vapor diffusion method. The D-isomer was shown by CD to be the mirror image of the synthetic L-monellin, and was devoid of any sweetness (essentially tasteless). DL-Monellin was crystallized from a 1 : 1 mixture of the synthetic L- and D-monellin, and its CD spectrum did not show any absorption. DL-Monellin was 2000 times sweeter than sucrose on a weight basis (cf., monellin is 4000 times sweeter than sucrose) These results indicate that the crystals consist of the racemates of DL-monellin.
Filtered Mass Density Function for Numerical Simulations of Spray Combustion

This paper briefly describes our recent efforts on the modeling and numerical simulations of two-phase turbulent reacting flows in realistic combustion systems with a new large-eddy simulation (LES) model. The model is constructed based on the two-phase extension of scalar filtered mass density function (FMDF) and a Lagrangian-EulerianLagrangian mathematical/numerical methodology. In this methodology, the “resolved” fluid velocity field is obtained by solving the filtered form of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations with a high-order finite difference scheme. The liquid (droplet) phase and scalar (temperature and species mass fractions) fields are both obtained by stochastic Lagrangian models. There are two-way interactions between the phases and all the Eulerian and Lagrangian fields. The LES/FMDF is used for systematic analysis of turbulent combustion in the spray-controlled dump combustor and double-swirl spray burner for various flow and spray parameters. The effects of fuel type, spray angle, mass loading ratio, droplet size distribution, fuel/air composition, wall, and inflow/outflow conditions on the combustion are investigated. It has been found that the main features of the turbulence and combustion are modified by changing the inflow/outflow conditions. The LES/FMDF results also confirm the significance of the spray parameters.
Geographical issues and physics applications of “very” long NF baselines

We discuss several potential applications of “very” long neutrino factory (NF) baselines, as well as potential detector locations for these applications.
Finite Element Bond Modeling for Indented Wires in Pretensioned Concrete Crossties

Indented wires have been increasingly employed by concrete crosstie manufacturers to improve the bond between prestressing steel reinforcements and concrete, as bond can affect several critical performance measures, including transfer length, splitting propensity and flexural moment capacity of concrete ties. While extensive experimental testing has been conducted at Kansas State University (KSU) to obtain bond characteristics of about a dozen commonly used prestressing wires, this paper develops macro-scale or phenomenological finite element bond models for three typical wires with spiral or chevron indent patterns. The steel wire-concrete interface is homogenized and represented with a thin layer of cohesive elements sandwiched between steel and concrete elements. The cohesive elements are assigned traction-displacement constitutive or bond relations that are defined in terms of normal and shear stresses versus interfacial dilatation and slip within the elasto-plastic framework. A yield function expressed in quadratic form of shear stress and linear form of normal stress is adopted. The yield function takes into account the adhesive mechanism and hardens in the post-adhesive stage. The plastic flow rule is defined such that the plastic dilatation evolves with the plastic slip. The mathematical forms of the yield and plastic flow functions are the same for all three wire types, but the bond parameters are specific for each wire. The adhesive, hardening and dilatational bond parameters are determined for each wire type based on untensioned pullout tests and pretensioned prism tests conducted at KSU. Simulation results using these bond models are further verified with surface strain data measured on actual concrete crossties made with the three respective prestressing wires at a tie manufacturing plant.
Direct Generation of Triketide Stereopolyads via Merged Redox-Construction Events: Total Synthesis of (+)-Zincophorin Methyl Ester

(+)-Zincophorin methyl ester is prepared in 13 steps (longest linear sequence). A bidirectional redox-triggered double anti-crotylation of 2-methyl-1,3-propane diol directly assembles the triketide stereopolyad spanning C4–C12, significantly enhancing step economy and enabling construction of (+)-zincophorin methyl ester in nearly half the steps previously required.
Affordability of and Access to Information About Health Insurance Among Immigrant and Non-immigrant Residents After Massachusetts Health Reform.

Immigrants’ perceptions of affordability of insurance and knowledge of insurance after health reform are unknown. We conducted face-to-face surveys with a convenience sample of 1124 patients in three Massachusetts safety net Emergency Departments after the Massachusetts health reform (August 2013–January 2014), comparing immigrants and non-immigrants. Immigrants, as compared to non-immigrants, reported more concern about paying premiums (30 vs. 11 %, p = 0.0003) and about affording the current ED visit (38 vs. 22 %, p < 0.0001). Immigrants were also less likely to report having unpaid medical bills (24 vs. 32 %, p = 0.0079), however this difference was not present among those with any hospitalization in the past year. Insured immigrants were less likely to know copayment amounts (57 vs. 71 %, p = 0.0018). Immigrants were more likely to report that signing up for insurance would be easier with fewer plans (53 vs. 34 %, p = 0.0443) and to lack information about insurance in their primary language (31 vs. 1 %, p < 0.0001) when applying for insurance. Immigrants who sought insurance information via websites or helplines were more likely to find that information useful than non-immigrants (100 vs. 92 %, p = 0.0339). Immigrants seeking care in safety net emergency departments had mixed experiences with affordability of and knowledge about insurance after Massachusetts health reform, raising concern about potential disparities under the Affordable Care Act that is based on the MA reform.
Acute brainstem haemorrhage as a presenting feature of high-grade glioma

A 7-year-old previously healthy girl presented with 1-day history of headache and unsteady gait. Neurological examination revealed intranuclear ophthalmoplegia, vertical nystagmus and ataxic gait. CT scan showed hyperdense haemorrhagic lesion in the fourth ventricle (figure 1) and MRI further demonstrated a large focus of haemorrhage in the posterior pons and surrounding oedema with two small foci of enhancement along the anterior margin of …