cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved Methods for Evaluation of Rapid Thermal Processors

SEMATECH has worked with numerous commercial suppliers of RTP systems on both evaluation and development projects. It has adopted standardized methods which minimize monitor wafer impact and improve system characterization. RTP temperature control requirements are projected to tighten with each successive technology node (1). This paper discusses issues concerning performance evaluation of Rapid Thermal Processors (RTP).
Percutaneous discal cyst rupture in a professional football player using sublaminar epidural injection for thecal sac displacement.

Abstract A case of percutaneous discal cyst rupture in a 25-year-old professional American football player is reported. The patient presented with a 3-day history of severe left-sided back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging examination demonstrated a discal cyst effacing the left L4-L5 lateral recess, with interposed thecal sac. A sublaminar epidural injection was performed displacing the thecal sac, exposing the discal cyst, and allowing for percutaneous perforation. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms after discal cyst rupture and was able to compete in a professional football game 3 days later. Computed tomography–guided percutaneous rupture is a therapeutic modality that may be considered for treatment of a symptomatic discal cyst.
Eliminating hepatitis B virus through neonatal vaccination: Can we make it?

In the past decades, two effective strategies have been developed to fight against hepatitis B virus (HBV): neonatal vaccination to prevent new infection and antiviral agents to treat existing chronic hepatitis B. The immunogen in the hepatitis B vaccine is derived from a recombinant HBV surface protein, which elicits generation of a protective antibody directed against the HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs). In Taiwan, following the launch of the universal hepatitis B vaccination program, the carrier rate in the vaccination era has significantly decreased from around 10% to nearly 1% [1]. Furthermore, the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in children has decreased from 0.70 to 0.36 and further down to <0.2 per 100,000, in 10 and 20 years following the campaign [2]. Similar results have been observed in other parts of the world [3]. On the other hand, oral antiviral agents functioning as potent inhibitors of the HBV reverse transcriptase have proven to be successful in suppressing HBV replication and thus halting the progression of chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, pegylated interferon therapy could lead to seroclearance of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in a small but substantial proportion of patients and thus it could be considered a possible cure for the disease. Despite the great improvements, several new challenges emerge. HBV infection following completeness of neonatal vaccination has been recognized in a significant proportion of children. Although most of these patients experience a silent and transient infection with spontaneous recovery, some become chronic HBV carriers. The post-vaccination HBV carriers present with several different serological patterns. Serum HBsAg can be either positive or negative, with or without co-existing anti-HBs [4,5]. As such, the diagnosis of HBsAg-negative, post-vaccination HBV infection can only be made by detection of positive serum HBV-DNA. The latter condition is named ‘‘occult’’ HBV infection [6]. Previously, detection of viremia in occult HBV infection was mostly conducted by performing in-house PCR. Conceivably, significant variations of sensitivity and specificity among different laboratories are expected. PCRs targeted to at least two different regions of the HBV genome are usually required to obtain convincing results. With the availability of approved standardized qualitative
Some observations on eigenvectors of Hadamard matrices of order 2n

Abstract Several approaches for deriving orthonormal eigenbases for Hadamard matrices of order 2 n are discussed. In particular, the orthogonal modal matrix of Yarlagadda and Hershey is given a simple description in terms of tensor products.
Identification and Structural Analysis of an l-Asparaginase Enzyme from Guinea Pig with Putative Tumor Cell Killing Properties

The initial observation that guinea pig serum kills lymphoma cells marks the serendipitous discovery of a new class of anti-cancer agents. The serum cell killing factor was shown to be an enzyme with l-asparaginase (ASNase) activity. As a direct result of this observation, several bacterial l-asparaginases were developed and are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the subset of hematological malignancies that are dependent on the extracellular pool of the amino acid asparagine. As drugs, these enzymes act to hydrolyze asparagine to aspartate, thereby starving the cancer cells of this amino acid. Prior to the work presented here, the precise identity of this guinea pig enzyme has not been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. We discovered that the guinea pig enzyme annotated as H0W0T5_CAVPO, which we refer to as gpASNase1, has the required low Km property consistent with that possessed by the cell-killing guinea pig serum enzyme. Elucidation of the ligand-free and aspartate complex gpASNase1 crystal structures allows a direct comparison with the bacterial enzymes and serves to explain the lack of l-glutaminase activity in the guinea pig enzyme. The structures were also used to generate a homology model for the human homolog hASNase1 and to help explain its vastly different kinetic properties compared with gpASNase1, despite a 70% sequence identity. Given that the bacterial enzymes frequently present immunogenic and other toxic side effects, this work suggests that gpASNase1 could be a promising alternative to these bacterial enzymes.
A nonimprinted Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)-region gene regulates a different chromosomal domain in trans but the imprinted pws loci do not alter genome-wide mRNA levels

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that results from loss of function of 10 clustered, paternally expressed genes in a 1.5-Mb region of chromosome 15q11-q13. Many of the primary PWS region genes appear to have nuclear RNA regulatory functions, suggesting that multiple genetic pathways could be secondarily affected in PWS. Using a transgenic mouse model of PWS (TgPWS) with an approximately 4-Mb chromosome 7C deletion of paternal origin that models the neonatal phenotype of the human syndrome we compared by oligonucleotide microarrays expression levels of approximately 12,000 genes and ESTs in TgPWS and wild-type brain. Hybridization data were processed with two distinct statistical algorithms and revealed a dramatically reduced expression of 4 imprinted genes within the deletion region in TgPWS mice, with 2 nonimprinted, codeleted genes reduced twofold. However, only 3 genes outside the deletion were significantly altered in TgPWS mouse brain, with approximately 1.5-fold up-regulation of mRNA levels. Remarkably, these genes map to a single chromosome domain (18B3), and by quantitative RT-PCR we show that 8 genes in this domain are up-regulated in TgPWS brain. These 18B3 genes were up-regulated in an equivalent manner in Angelman syndrome mouse (TgAS) brain, which has the same deletion but of maternal origin. Therefore, the trans-regulation of the chromosome 18B3 domain is due to decreased expression of a nonimprinted gene within the TgPWS/AS mouse deletion in mouse chromosome 7C. Most surprisingly, since 48-60% of the genome was screened, it appears that the imprinted mouse PWS loci do not widely regulate mRNA levels of other genes and may regulate RNA structure.
Meeting of the Minds: Online Matching Program for Teaching and Learning Styles?

Although there are many disagreements on the major causes of problems in the educational system in the United States, few would disagree that the importance of ensuring the success of our students is not only a moral obligation to our youth, but imperative to our national resilience. And, as a nation, we are responding to this urgent need. The College Completion Agenda mandates that 55% of the nation’s 25-to-35-year olds will be degree holders by the year 2025 (Lee & Rawls, 2010). But how do we accomplish the ambitious challenge and a necessary aspiration to elevate America’s status as a world leader in educational attainment among its citizenry? Innovative ideas and technologies that can counterbalance the barriers that threaten student success must be identified and advanced. The purpose of this article is to discuss the opportunity to leverage the marvel of online phenomena and technology in innovative ways to help students reach their full potential. Specifically, we introduce a new conceptual tool th...
Effects of ingested mirex and DDT on juvenile Callinectes sapidus rathbun

Abstract The effects of ingested DDT and Mirex on juvenile blue crabs ( Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) were examined. Mirex is a much more potent stomach poison than DDT. High, subacute internal levels of Mirex (0.02–0.2 ppm) and DDT (0·8 ppm) cause pronounced metabolic rate elevations. Mirex internal concentrations 0·02 ppm and above inhibit the autonomy reflex. High internal levels of Mirex during carapace formation following a moult seem to result in decreases in carapace thicknesses relative to widths. Subacute levels of DDT and Mirex do not affect osmotic and ionic regulation by juvenile blue crabs. The probable impact on blue crab populations of Mirex and DDT contamination of estuarine food chains is discussed. Mirex and DDT are potentially disastrous agents with respect to blue crab populations. Mirex is far more hazardous than DDT.
Evaluation of bioassay for toxicity of ciguateric fish and associated toxins

Evaluation of the mouse toxicity assay symptom of hind leg paralysis (HLP) with mouse death by statistical analysis is presented in this study. The fishes assessed were herbivores including Ctenochaetus strigosus (kole), Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis, Acanthurus sandvicensis (manini), and Mugil cephalus (mullet); and the carnivores, Cephalopholis argus (roi) and Cheilinus rhodochrous (po'ou). The latter can also be considered an omnivore. The extracts of both herbivore and carnivore species appeared to be most toxic when HLP occurred in the mice. Ninety-three percent of the mice with HLP died, whereas when no HLP (NHLP) occurred, only 51% of the mice died. Carnivore flesh extracts (po'ou and roi) were least toxic with one death out of a total 22 mice. The unidentified toxin associated with HLP appears to differ in biological properties from that of ciguatoxin(s) in that it was not found in the flesh tissues of carnivores. Further chemical studies of this toxin(s) is being addressed presently. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TV viewing: application of a formal choice model

Choices of television programs is viewed as a process of deciding among a set of alternative goods with zero prices. A choice model can thus be based purely on individuals' preferences for various characteristics of a set of shows available, incorporating the option of not watching if all shows are too dissimilar to these desires. The shows are first grouped according to salient characteristics and a preferred value for each characteristic is estimated for each potential viewer. A perceived position of each show is similarly estimated and watching is shown to decline as similarity between preferred show and available alternatives declines. The choice model predicts show choice better than simpler models based on aggregate audience measures or on network loyalty, but the explanatory power is weak; some suggestions for improvement are made.
Electro-optical DC kerr effects and solid state deuteron NMR studies of stable gel-derived glass-organic polymer composites

Abstract Novel gel-derived silica glass-organic polymer composites containing 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA) have been prepared and fabricated in bulk forms for optical sampling. Such inorganic-organic composites exhibit improved mechanical and environmental stability over purely organic materials. Electro-optical DC Kerr measurements on these composites have been carried out. Complementary solid state deuteron NMR studies also provide further insight into the chemical and physical characteristics of these unique materials.
Hydration-Mediated Slow Dynamics in Phospholipid Membranes

Biological activities of integral membrane proteins depend on the nature of the surrounding lipid bilayer [1]. The dynamic organization of lipid bilayer systems spans a wide frequency range encompassing individual fast acyl motions, molecular rotations, lipid protrusions, and collective bilayer fluctuations [2]. Time scales of these motional modes typically span a large range from sub-picoseconds up to milliseconds, and can be investigated using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. To correlate structural changes of lipid bilayers mediated by osmotic stress [3] with biological function and molecular dynamics, we measured 2H longitudinal (R1Z) and transverse (R2CP) relaxation rates in the liquid-crystalline phase of DMPC-d54 membrane bilayers at various hydration levels. The R1Z experiments used a conventional inversion-recovery pulse sequence, while R2CP rates were measured from quadrupolar-echo intensities using a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse train. By Fourier transforming individual echoes with different pulse spacings we map the frequency dependence of relaxation rates and motional modes of individual acyl segments. Empirical correlations of acyl chain segmental order parameters (SCD) and R1Zprofiles followed a theoretical square-law functional dependence [4]. Our preliminary results show that R2CP is sensitive to hydration levels as well as the acyl position, thus indicating the presence of slow dynamic modes. The R2CPrates of the acyl segments near the polar head groups increase with lipid dehydration, while the acyl segments deeper in the hydrophobic region show lower R2CP values at high dehydration levels. Similar studies in presence of peptides and proteins can give insight into optimized lipid hydration for protein functionality and slow cooperative motions.[1] M.F. Brown (1994) Chem. Phys. Lipids 73, 159–180.[2] A. Leftin et al. (2011) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1808, 818–839.[3] K.J. Mallikarjunaiah et al. (2011) Biophys. J. 100, 98–107.[4] M.F. Brown (1982) J. Chem. Phys. 77, 1576–1599.
The efficacy of colchicine prophylaxis in articular gout—A reappraisal after 20 years

Prophylactic colchicine remains an efficacious drug in preventing recurrent attacks of acute gouty arthritis. Its use is indicated especially in those patients with frequent and severe attacks, and in those with coexisting medical complications. In the present study which reviews the experience of 540 patients, 518 males and 22 females over a period of more than 20 yr, excellent results were obtained in approximately 82% of the patients, the response was satisfactory in 12%, and unsatisfactory in 5%. Hyperuricemia per se did not offset the efficacy of the prophylactic regimen. Factors affecting the failure of the regimen were most frequently related to associated uncontrolled medical complications or intemperate habits of food or alcoholic beverages. Few patients were colchicine intolerant. No hematologic or renal toxic effects were observed with extended and regular ingestion of colchicine. At the dosage employed for prophylaxis 0.5 or 1.0 mg, colchicine was most likely involved in the suppression of chemotactic factors involving the synovial lining cells. There is no evidence of chromosomal aberration or infertility. Discontinuance of the prophylactic program may be attempted in any patient who has been free from recurrent attacks for several years, particularly in older patients with no medical complications.
Duplication of inferior vena cava : its importance in retroperitoneal surgery

Abstract Anomalies of the inferior vena cava arise infrequently. Knowledge of theirpresence can be established preoperatively with a variety of radiologic studies. This knowledge can prevent hemorrhagic complications from occurring during surgery. We present a case report of a patient with renal cell carcinoma and duplication of the inferior vena cava.
The effect of lithium upon brain neuroamines

Abstract Rats received lithium carbonate in their chow for 14 days, and attained plasma levels of lithium of 0.5–1.0 mequiv./1. Under these conditions, no alterations from controls could be demonstrated in either the absolute levels of brain norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine; or in the rate of metabolism of these neuromediators. This suggests that lithium may produce its therapeutic effects through means other than the general modulation of these systems in brain.
Coadsorption of Ba and O on polycrystalline W

Abstract The thin film properties of the barium-oxygen-tungsten system were studied using a combination of AES, Δφ, and low-damage SIMS techniques. Due to the extreme reactivity of barium toward residual gases, all experiments not requiring oxidation (including simultaneous SIMS and barium deposition) were completed at operating pressures never exceeding the 10 -11 Torr range. The barium-oxygen-tungsten system was found to have work function-coverage properties similar to those of the cesium-oxygen-tungsten system. The order of adsorption was found to give different structures; and in the case of Ba → O/W, a patchy surface was discovered. The low-damage SIMS yields showed correlation with work function.
Structure of equations specifying operating characteristics of energy converters constructed of anisotropic materials

Abstract The expressions for efficiency and coefficient of performance of galvano-thermomagnetic energy converters have been re-examined to determine what mathematical constraints are needed to guarantee that these quantities remain real, non-negative, and subject to the Carnot requirement. These constraints lead to conditions that must be satisfied by the anisotropy parameters, the transport coefficients, and the temperature differences within the device arms. Conditions for operating the devices at Carnot efficiency are also spelled out. In the appendix it is proved mathematically that no more than one device arm is needed for optimal operation of thermomagnetic converters and refrigerators.
Structure-property behaviour of segmented poly (tetramethylene oxide)-based bipyridinium ionene elastomers

Abstract Structure-property behaviour of poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO)-bipyridinium ionene elastomers have been investigated. These systems display high tensile properties and high elongation. Their general properties can be explained as being due to the high degree of microphase separation of ionic domains promoted by strong coulombic interactions in conjunction with strain induced crystallization of the PTMO soft segments. The microphase separation was established by use of small angle X-ray scattering as well as limited use of transmission electron microscopy. Some indication of the thermal stability characteristics of these materials is also presented.
Simulation of flat-plate turbulent boundary layers in cryogenic tunnels

The magnitudes of real-gas effects on flat-plate turbulent boundary layer simulations in a cryogenic nitrogen wind tunnel are investigated in order to determine the validity of the method used by Inger (1979) to estimate real-gas effects. Boundary layer solutions for real gases, ideal gases with a specific heat ratio of 1.6 and ideal diatomic gases (specific heat ratio 1.4) were obtained for the worst case conditions of maximum stagnation pressure (9 atm), minimum stagnation temperature (120 K) and Mach number of 1.2. Calculated boundary layer parameters such as friction coefficient and displacement thickness are shown to agree closely for the real gas and the ideal diatomic gas (specific heat ratio 1.4), while the ideal gas solution used by Inger is shown to differ from the real-gas values considerably. Results indicate that real-gas effects on a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer simulation in a cryogenic nitrogen tunnel are insignificant, and suggest the unlikelihood of the large real-gas effects reported by Inger for turbulent boundary layer shock interactions.
Annotation of the Affymetrix porcine genome microarray.

Overview: The Affymetrix porcine genome microarray (http:// www.affymetrix.com/products/arrays/specific/porcine.affx) is minimally annotated. Less than 10% of the probe sets on this array are described with gene names, posing a challenge to biological interpretation of data. Lack of annotation is likely due to the limited availability of full-length porcine cDNA sequence. Presented here is a strategy for improving the annotation of this microarray.
Development of enantioselective synthetic routes to (-)-kinamycin F and (-)-lomaiviticin aglycon.

The development of enantioselective synthetic routes to (−)-kinamycin F (9) and (−)-lomaiviticin aglycon (6) are described. The diazotetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorene (diazofluorene) functional group of the targets was prepared by fluoride-mediated coupling of a β-trimethylsilylmethyl-α,β-unsaturated ketone (38) with an oxidized naphthoquinone (19), palladium-catalyzed cyclization (39→37), and diazo transfer (37→53). The D-ring precursors 60 and 68 were prepared from m-cresol and 3-ethylphenol, respectively. Coupling of the β-trimethylsilylmethyl-α,β-unsaturated ketone 60 with the juglone derivative 61, cyclization, and diazo transfer provided the advanced diazofluorene 63, which was elaborated to (−)-kinamycin F (9) in three steps. The diazofluorene 87 was converted to the C2-symmetric lomaiviticin aglycon precursor 91 by enoxysilane formation and oxidative dimerization with manganese tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) (94, 26%). The stereochemical outcome in the coupling is attributed to the steric bias engendere...
Confused Johnny: when automatic encryption leads to confusion and mistakes

A common approach to designing usable security is to hide as many security details as possible from the user to reduce the amount of information and actions a user must encounter. This paper gives an overview of Pwm (Private Webmail), our secure webmail system that uses security overlays to integrate tightly with existing webmail services like Gmail. Pwm's security is mostly transparent, including automatic key management and automatic encryption. We describe a series of Pwm user studies indicating that while nearly all users can use the system without any prior training, the security details are so transparent that a small percentage of users mistakenly sent out unencrypted messages and some users are unsure whether they should trust Pwm. We then conducted user studies with an alternative prototype to Pwm that uses manual encryption. Surprisingly users were accepting of the extra steps of cutting and pasting ciphertext themselves. They avoided mistakes and had more trust in the system with manual encryption. Our results suggest that designers may want to reconsider manual encryption as a way to reduce transparency and foster greater trust.
Palladium-cerium-hydrogen solid solutions—II. Kinetic properties

Abstract Electrolytic techniques have been used to measure the hydrogen-diffusivity in disordered Pd-Ce-H solid solutions containing up to 12 at.% Ce in the temperature range 280–330 K. At any given Ce-concentration the H-diffusivity obeys an Arrhenius relation with reciprocal temperature and the diffusivity increases with increasing Ce-content. The corresponding activation enthalpies progressively decrease. The kinetic data have been shown to be in reasonable accord with the cell model for such solid solutions and compatible with the analysis of thermodynamic data using the cell model.
Strategic planning system for multinational companies

Abstract This article is based on a research study, the object of which is to illustrate the major components of global planning in the context of modern administration. Data were collected from a representative sample of multinational companies, both U.S. and non-U.S. based. The planning process in the companies surveyed followed a pattern based on formal planning systems. The author concludes that multinational corporate planning will in future become a blend of administrative and institutional types of plans.
Theoretical basis for improvement following reduction pneumoplasty in emphysema.

Reduction pneumoplasty may improve flow rates, comfort, and exercise tolerance in severe emphysema. The basis for improvement has not been systematically addressed. The major disability of emphysema stems from impairment of maximal expiratory flow-volume performance of the lung (MEFV). This requires the chest wall to operate at high volumes, which in turn severely compromises inspiratory muscle function. Clinical benefit, then, requires that MEFV performance improve so that the operating lung volume is reduced. This study presents theory and illustrative calculations. Removing nonventilating lung (e.g., bullae) simply displaces the MEFV curve down the volume axis. Removing ventilating parenchyma reduces both volume and maximal expiratory flow at iso-lung recoil pressure, and shortens the curve on the volume axis. The critical beneficial effect in both cases is reduction of the volume for a given limiting flow, VL (Vmax). Removing a given fraction of lung from the ventilating compartment is nearly as effective as removing it from the nonventilating compartment. Lowering of operating volumes benefits the strength, efficiency, endurance, and reserve of the inspiratory muscles and thus extends the metabolic scope of the emphysematous patient.
Measurement and Management of Increased Intracranial Pressure

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious complication of a variety of neurologic injuries and is a major challenge in intensive care units. The most common causes of increased ICP are: traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, neoplasms, hydrocephalus, hepatic encephalopathy, CNS venous return impairment, encephalitis, and abscesses. Prompt diagnosis and intensive monitoring and therapy of this condition are essential for successful management of this potentially devastating condition. Recent technical innovations in neuromonitoring may allow for improvement in morbidity and mortality rates attributable to elevated ICP. Normal ICP ranges from 3-15 mmHg. In routine intensive care unit (ICU) practice, the goal of ICP management is to maintain levels below 20 mmHg. Noninvasive and metabolic monitoring of ICP including imaging-clinical examination has been studied and suggested to be as efficient as the care based on invasive ICP monitoring; however its application in clinical practice is to be established. Raised intracranial pressure correlates with decreased survival and is often the only remediable element of brain pathology. While elimination of the cause of elevated ICP remains the definitive approach, there are maneuvers that should be used to decrease ICP urgently. Surgical decompression of mass effect may rapidly improve ICP elevation. Osmolar therapy, maintenance of euvolemia, cerebral metabolic suppression, and temperature control are part of the advanced management of elevated ICP.
Structural test cases analysis and implementation

The paper provides a discussion of test case analysis in general as well as the specific of performing modified condition/decision coverage on the digital system. The paper suggests that the extensive-testing requirement for an N input and one output Boolean variables can be met with a minimum of N+1 and a maximum of 2N tests cases; for a N input and M output Boolean variables can be met with a minimum of N+M and a maximum of the bottom between N/spl times/M and 2/sup N/.
Delivery of Calcium Hydroxide: Comparison of Four Filling Techniques

This study compared the weight and radiographic appearance of Ca(OH)2 delivered into standardized, minimally and fully prepared canals using (a) an injection system, (b) an endodontic Flex-O file rotated counterclockwise, (c) a lentulo spiral, and (d) a .04 rotary NiTi file rotated in reverse. Two extracted human second mandibular premolars with single canals were prepared to an MAF #25 or an MAF #40. A weight measurement and radiograph were made for each filling. Three independent examiners evaluated the radiographs. Regardless of technique, only about 45% of the optimal weight of Ca(OH)2 was delivered into the minimally prepared canal. Radiographically the filling quality was only 1 to 2 (10 scale). In contrast, all delivery techniques delivered near optimal weight of Ca(OH)2 in the completely prepared canal with a radiographic filling quality of 8.8 to 9.3. The results indicate that complete instrumentation is needed to obtain near optimal delivery of Ca(OH)2. (J Endod 2006;32:680–682)
Effects of Canine Growth Hormone on the Metabolism of Plasma Glucose and Free Fatty Acids in the Dog

Studies were carried out to compare certain metabolic effects of canine growth hormone administered to the normal dog with the effects produced by bovine growth hormone in the normal dog. The iv injection of canine growth hormone has no immediate effect on plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin and on glucose production and uptake, but plasma FFA and glycerol concentrations fall initially and rise significantly above control levels at 4 hr. Daily administration of canine growth hormone (1 mg⁄kg⁄day) results in a mild hyperglycemia and elevation of plasma insulin levels, and in an increased rate of glucose production and uptake, as measured by 14C-glucose primeinfusion. The canine growth hormone regimen can also produce diabetes which is characterized by marked elevation of plasma glucose and insulin levels and by an increased rate of glucose turnover. All the above effects are similar to those obtained with bovine growth hormone. The turnover of plasma FFA, as measured by infusion of 14C-palmitate, ...
Relationship between gene co-expression and probe localization on microarray slides.

Background: Microarray technology allows simultaneous measurement of thousands of genes in a single experiment. This is a potentially useful tool for evaluating co-expression of genes and extraction of useful functional and chromosomal structural information about genes. Results: In this work we studied the association between the co-expression of genes, their location on the chromosome and their location on the microarray slides by analyzing a number of eukaryotic expression datasets, derived from the S. cerevisiae, C. elegans, and D. melanogaster. We find that in several different yeast microarray experiments the distribution of the number of gene pairs with correlated expression profiles as a function of chromosomal spacing is peaked at short separations and has two superimposed periodicities. The longer periodicity has a spacing of 22 genes (~42 Kb), and the shorter periodicity is 2 genes (~4 Kb). Conclusion: The relative positioning of DNA probes on microarray slides and source plates introduces subtle but significant correlations between pairs of genes. Careful consideration of this spatial artifact is important for analysis of microarray expression data. It is particularly relevant to recent microarray analyses that suggest that co-expressed genes cluster along chromosomes or are spaced by multiples of a fixed number of genes along the chromosome.
A geometric analysis of surface deformation: Implications for the tectonic evolution of Ganymede

The identification of various types of surface deformation of Ganymede by a geometric study of the furrow system and an analysis of circularity of impact craters is addressed. The hypothesis that the furrow system was initially concentric and that the present configuration of the furrows provides a measure of lateral motion of dark terrain is tested by determining the present centers of the furrow system in several dark terrain blocks and observing the amount of deformation in bright terrain regions which separate these blocks. An upper scale limit is placed on the amount of extension associated with bright terrain formation by using the deviation from circularity of impact craters to calculate the strain field around wedge-shaped regions of bright terrain. Penetrative deformation in Ganymede's lithosphere is identified by examining the circularity of impact craters in dark terrain.
The impact of operating system structure on memory system performance

In this paper we evaluate the memory system behavior of two distinctly different implementations of the UNIX operating system: DEC's Ultrix, a monolithic system, and Mach 3.0 with CMU's UNIX server, a microkernel-based system. In our evaluation we use combined system and user memory reference traces of thirteen industry-standard workloads. We show that the microkernel-based system executes substantially more non-idle system instructions for an equivalent workload than the monolithic system. Furthermore, the average instruction for programs running on Mach has a higher cost, in terms of memory cycles per instruction, than on Ultrix. In the context of our traces, we explore a number of popular assertions about the memory system behavior of modern operating systems, paying special attention to the effect that Mach's microkernel architecture has on system performance. Our results indicate that many, but not all of the assertions are true, and that a few, while true, have only negligible impact on real system performance.
Tarsal strip procedure and plication sutures combined with lower blepharoplasty

Acquired ectropion may result from both horizontal lower eyelid laxity and attenuation of the lateral canthal tendon. The tarsal strip procedure ensures a normal horizontal length of the lower eyelid and also corrects the attenuated lateral canthal tendon. Lateral plication sutures, which unite the temporal lower lid orbicularis muscle to periosteum of the lateral orbital rim, can also be used to suspend lower eyelid skin. This article describes the technique of combining the tarsal strip and plication suture procedure with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
Automatically detecting pointing performance

Since not all persons interact with computer systems in the same way, computer systems should not interact with all individuals in the same way. This paper presents a significant step in automatically detecting characteristics of persons with a wide range of abilities based on observing their user input events. Three datasets are used to build learned statistical models on pointing data collected in a laboratory setting from individuals with varying ability to use computer pointing devices. The first dataset is used to distinguish between pointing behaviors from individuals with pointing problems vs. individuals without with 92.7% accuracy. The second is used to distinguish between pointing data from Young Adults and Adults vs. Older Adults vs. individuals with Parkinson's Disease with 91.6% accuracy. The final data set is used to predict the need for a specific adaptation based on a user's performance with 94.4% accuracy. These results suggest that it may be feasible to use such models to automatically identify computer users who would benefit from accessibility tools, and to even make specific tool recommendations.
Effects of Adiposity on Plasma Lipid Response to Reductions in Dietary Saturated Fatty Acids and Cholesterol

Dietary SFA and cholesterol are major targets for reducing plasma total and LDL cholesterol as a strategy to decrease cardiovascular disease risk. However, many studies show that excess adiposity attenuates the expected lipid and lipoprotein response to a plasma cholesterol-lowering diet. Diets low in SFA and cholesterol are less effective in improving the lipid profile in obese individuals and in patients with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, lean persons are more responsive to reductions in dietary SFA and cholesterol. Multiple mechanisms likely contribute to the altered plasma lipid responses to dietary changes in individuals with excess adiposity. The greater rate of hepatic cholesterol synthesis in obese individuals suppresses the expression of hepatic LDL receptors (LDLR), thereby reducing hepatic LDL uptake. Insulin resistance develops as a result of adipose-tissue induced inflammation, causing significant changes in enzymes necessary for normal lipid metabolism. In addition, the LDLR-mediated uptake in obesity is attenuated by alterations in neuroendocrine regulation of hormonal secretions (e.g. growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and cortisol) as well as the unique gut microbiota, the latter of which appears to affect lipid absorption. Reducing adipose tissue mass, especially from the abdominal region, is an effective strategy to improve the lipid response to dietary interventions by reducing inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and improving LDLR binding. Thus, normalizing adipose tissue mass is an important goal for maximizing the diet response to a plasma cholesterol-lowering diet.
Density-dependent growth and reproduction of Microstegium vimineum in contrasting light environments1

Abstract The invasive grass Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus grows in dense monocultures beneath the canopy of woodlands in eastern North America and along sunny forest edges. This annual matures seeds in chasmogamous (CH) spikelets on terminal racemes and cleistogamous (CL) spikelets on axillary racemes. The objectives were to determine whether density-dependent reductions in growth and reproduction occur, what patterns they show across densities in a sunny vs. shady environment, and whether the intensity of intraspecific competition depends on light environment. Seedlings of M. vimineum were grown at densities corresponding to 105, 526, 947, and 1368 individuals m−2 in 11 cm diameter pots in a greenhouse exposed to full sun or under deep shade (5.8% of full sun). Mature, partially senesced target plants were harvested prior to seed drop. Shoot dry mass, CH and CL spikelet, and seed production, were significantly reduced under shade and at all densities relative to the control (no competition). How...
Estimation following a Sequentially Designed Experiment

Abstract We investigate the design of experiments for the nonparametric estimation of the root of an unknown regression function. Approaches to this problem include the Robbins-Monro (1951), Venter (1967), and Lai-Robbins (1979, 1981) stochastic approximation procedures and Wu's (1985, 1986) sequential maximum likelihood estimators. Because the regression function is not assumed to belong to a parametric family, only experimentation near to the root is informative and the sequential design should converge to the root. After the sequential design has been generated, there are at least two distinct methods for estimation of the root: (a) estimate the root by the last design point, or (b) fit a parametric model. Except for Ruppert (1988) and simulation studies by Bodt (1985) and Bodt and Tingey (1990), all studies known to us of stochastic approximation procedures used the last design point as the estimator. Wu (1985, 1986) fit a generalized linear model. When the last design point is the estimator, then cle...
Order independent structural alignment of circularly permuted proteins

Circular permutation connects the N and C termini of a protein and concurrently cleaves elsewhere in the chain, providing an important mechanism for generating novel protein fold and functions. However, their in genomes is unknown because current detection methods can miss many occurrences, mistaking random repeats as circular permutation. Here we develop a method for detecting circularly permuted proteins from structural comparison. Sequence order independent alignment of protein structures can be regarded as a special case of the maximum-weight independent set problem, which is known to be computationally hard. We develop an efficient approximation algorithm by repeatedly solving relaxations of an appropriate intermediate integer programming formulation, we show that the approximation ratio is much better than the theoretical worst case ratio of r=1/4. Circularly permuted proteins reported in literature can be identified rapidly with our method, while they escape the detection by publicly available servers for structural alignment.
Alternate Measurement Approaches to Recreational Customer Satisfaction: Satisfaction-Only Versus Gap Scores

This study blends service quality and importance-performance methodologies to extend previous research beyond traditional customer service domains. The study examined water-based recreationists' importance and satisfaction ratings across a battery of 19 individual attributes within four domains relevant to outdoor recreation satisfaction (facilities, services, information, and recreation experience). Both the satisfaction-only item scores and gap scores (difference between importance and satisfaction level) were analyzed to determine their relationship within their respective satisfaction domain and with overall satisfaction. The satisfaction-only measures were found to be significantly better indicators than the gap scores of domain-level and overall satisfaction. The items were found to be stronger predictors within the four satisfaction domains than within the overall satisfaction model.
Global dynamics in principal singular subspace networks

A left (resp. right) principal singular subspace of dimension p is the subspace spanned by the p left (resp. right) singular vectors corresponding to the p largest singular values of the cross-correlation matrix of two stochastic processes. We study the global dynamics of a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that govern the unsupervised Hebbian learning of left and right principal singular subspaces from samples of the two stochastic processes. In particular, we show that these equations admit a simple Lyapunov function when they are restricted to a well defined smooth, compact manifold, and that they are related to a matrix Riccati differential equation. Moreover, we show that in the case p=1, the solutions of these ODEs can be given in closed form.
Current guidelines for cervical cancer screening

Purpose: To provide evidence-based information that will guide nurse practitioners in instituting the most current cervical cancer screening recommendations. Data sources: A literature search covering the years 2006 to the present conducted through Medline, CINAHL, and OVID. Conclusions: Human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infections are highly prevalent among females under 21 years, yet this age group has a low incidence of cervical cancer. For young women, 90% of HPV infections regress in 24 months, and, in longitudinal studies, no invasive cervical cancer was detected. HPV co-testing is effective for women age 30 and over. Implications for practice: Current scientific evidence supports initiating cervical cancer screening for immunocompetent women at age 21, biennial screening between ages 21 and 29, and HPV DNA co-testing for women over 30. Nurse practitioners play an important role in integrating the newest guidelines into practice and improving the quality of healthcare regarding women's cervical health and cancer prevention.
Caster Semenya and the “Question of Too”: Sex Testing in Elite Women's Sport and the Issue of Advantage

In 2009, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) forced Caster Semenya, the women's 800-meter champion from South Africa, to submit to “gender verification tests.” It took eleven months for officials to review the results of those tests and, ultimately, permit her compete again. Sports organizations, including the IAAF and the International Olympic Committee, have implemented sex testing since the 1960s, but Semenya's story reinvigorated debates about how to determine sex and whether sex testing is necessary in sport. However, I argue that there is another issue at which researchers should direct energies. That is, instead of asking whether an athlete “counts as” a woman, kinesiologists and those in affiliated fields might better concentrate their efforts on discerning which conditions, naturally occurring or otherwise, constitute unfair advantages.
Cytosolic enzymes from rat tissues that activate the cooked meat mutagen metabolite N-Hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6- phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP).

Abstract Heterocyclic amines are formed during the cooking of foods rich in protein and can be metabolically converted into cytotoxic and mutagenic compounds. These “cooked-food mutagens” constitute a potential health hazard because DNA damage arising from dietary exposure to heterocyclic amines can modify cell genomes and thereby affect future organ function. To determine enzymes responsible for heterocyclic amine processing in mammalian tissues, we performed studies to measure genotoxic activation of the N-hydroxy form of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) –a common dietary mutagen. O-Acetyltransferase, sulfotransferase, kinase, and amino-acyl synthetase activities were assayed using substrate-specific reactions and cytosolic enzymes from newborn and adult rat heart, liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lung, and skeletal muscle. The resultant enzyme-specific DNA adduct formation was quantified via 32 P-postlabeling techniques. In biochemical assays with rat tissue cytosolic proteins, O-acetyltransferases were the enzymes most responsible for N-hydroxy-PhIP (N-OH-PhIP) activation. Compared to O-acetyltransferase activation, there was significantly less kinase activity and even lesser amounts of sulfotransferase activity. Proyl-tRNA synthetase activation of N-OH-PhIP was not detected. Comparing newborn rat tissues, the highest level of O-acetyltransferase mutagen activation was observed for neonatal heart tissue with activities ranked in the order of heart > kidney > lung > liver > skeletal muscle > brain > spleen. Enzymes from cultured neonatal myocytes displayed high O-acetyltransferase activities, similar to that observed for whole newborn heart. This tissue specificity suggests that neonatal cardiac myocytes might be at greater risk for damage from dietary heterocyclic amine mutagens than some other cell types. However, cytosolic enzymes from adult rat tissues exhibited a different O-acetyltransferase activation profile, such that liver > muscle > spleen > kidney > lung > brain > heart. These results demonstrated that enzymes involved in catalyzing PhIP-DNA adduct formation varied substantially in activity between tissues and in some tissues, changed significantly during development and aging. The results further suggest that O-acetyltransferases are the primary activators of N-OH-PhIP in rat tissues.
Planning and control of UGV formations in a dynamic environment: a practical framework with experiments

This paper provides a practical framework for planning and control of formations of multiple unmanned ground vehicles to traverse between goal points in a dynamic environment. This framework allows online planning of the formation paths using a Dijkstra's search algorithm based on the current sensor data. The formation is allowed to dynamically change in order to avoid obstacles in the environment while minimizing a cost function aimed at obtaining collision-free and deadlock-free paths. Based on the feasible path for a virtual leader of the group, the trajectory planner satisfies the kinematic constraints of the individual vehicles while accounting for inter-vehicle collision and path constraints. A Lyapunov based controller is designed to keep the vehicles on their planned trajectories. Illustrative simulations of groups of unmanned ground vehicles and their laboratory implementation with three unmanned ground vehicles are presented.
Total Quality: Its Origins and Its Future

The reason that, having started as a chemist, I became a statistician was that Statistics seemed to me of much greater importance. It was about the catalysis of scientific method itself.