cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mid-infrared absorption measurements of liquid hydrocarbon fuels near

Abstract Quantitative absorption spectra for several hydrocarbon fuels in the liquid phase at 27 ∘ C are presented. Measurements of toluene, n-dodecane, n-decane, and three samples of gasoline were made over the spectral region 2700–3200 cm - 1 to support the development of mid-infrared laser-absorption diagnostics for measurements of fuel vapor in the presence of liquid films and aerosols. A procedure for quantitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption measurements of strongly absorbing liquids is described and the resulting absorption spectra are compared with previously measured absorption spectra in the vapor phase. The measured absorption spectra for liquid gasoline are shown to scale with the volume percent of olefin, alkane, and aromatic hydrocarbons in each sample. Finally, the observed frequency shift of ∼ 8 cm - 1 in the spectra of vapor and liquid hydrocarbons is discussed, including the potential for measurements of fuel vapor in the presence of liquid films.
Galectins CLIC cargo inside

Clathrin-independent endocytosis removes membrane receptors and other proteins from the cell surface, yet the mechanisms controlling this process remain unclear. Galectin-3 is now shown to regulate the biogenesis of a subpopulation of clathrin-independent carriers (CLICs). Galectin-3 binds to glycosylated cargo proteins and interacts with membrane glycosphingolipids to induce membrane deformation and CLIC formation.
Using “off‐topic” presentations to engage students and create a sense of community in the classroom

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a straightforward technique for engaging students and building a sense of community in the university classroom by allowing students to give brief extra‐credit presentations on topics of personal interest.Design/methodology/approach – The paper includes an overview of the literature related to engagement and “sense of community,” a discussion of the motivation for incorporating “off‐topic” presentations in the university classroom, a description of the presentation requirements and grading practices, and comments on the results of employing the presentations. Because individual perceptions were the goal of this research, survey methodology was used. All items were measured on a five‐point Likert scale and administered to students at the end of the most recent term.Findings – Using survey results, factor analysis, and regression, the paper finds that the presentations increased student attentiveness and fostered a sense of community in the classes in which ...
VT Matrix Multiply Design for MEMOCODE '07

This design presents a system optimized for complex matrix multiplications on the XUP Virtex-II board. Utilizing the GEZEL HW/SW co-simulation environment, the resulting system achieves ~25x speedup over a standard software only implementation. Further system level optimization (with DMA) results in the same coprocessor being speedup by at least another order of magnitude.
Biochemical characterization of Ia antigens encoded by theRT1.B andRT1.D loci in the rat MHC

Ia antigens in rats are genetically associated with typical MHC-linked immune response (Ir) genes. One ratIr gene (IR-GLT) has recently been mapped to theRT1.D locus in a rat MHC recombinant, WRC. We have studied the expression of la antigenic determinants in WRC and its parental strains BN and WRA using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Our results suggest that the inheritance of1R-GLTcorresponds with the inheritance of I-E-like, but not I-A-like, antigens in the WRC rat. These observations were confirmed when WRC I-E-like antigens were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. We propose thatRT1.D shares both functional and antigenic homologies with the mouseI-E subregion.
Analytic solution of flat-top Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian laser field components.

We generalized the nonparaxial field components of Laguerre–Gaussian and flattened Gaussian beams obtained using the angular spectrum method to include symmetric radial and angular expansions and simplified them using an approximate evaluation of the integral equations for the field components. These field components possess series expressions in orders of a natural expansion parameter, which clarifies the physical interpretation of the series expansion. A connection between Laguerre–Gaussian and flat-top Gaussian profiles is obtained.
Thermal, irradiation and cyclic loading analysis for stress fatigue crack in reactor vessels

Abstract The thermal, irradiation and cyclic loading analysis for stress fatigue crack (SFC) of the base and weld materials of LMFBR (liquid metal fast breeder reactor) and LWR (light water reactor) pressure vessels is theoretically carried out based on experimental data. The power function and exponential function crack (rate) laws and the SFC theory are introduced and postulated for the stress intensity factor, K, or the effective stress intensity factor, K eff , versus the fatigue crack growth rate in the vessel materials. Experimental data of austenitic stainless steels 304 and 316, nickel alloy Inconel 600, and low-carbon alloy steels A516 and A533 of the LMFBR and LWR pressure vessels were respectively computedly measured, examined and analyzed, and then plotted for either power function crack rate and/or exponential function crack law. The theoretical prediction and the computerized experimental data are in excellent agreement. These results can be applied in the respective LMFBR and LWR pressure vessel design, construction, operation and lifetime prediction in a fast or thermal nuclear power reactor to generate electricity.
A Response: The Importance of Being Humane.

(1982). A Response: The Importance of Being Humane. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 56, No. 3, pp. 141-141.
Plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α in disorders involving hypokalemia

We measured plasma levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) by radioimmunoassay in patients with hypokalemia due to various disorders. Plasma 6-keto-PGF(1α) in patients with disorders involving hypokalemia was not different from that of normal controls. Treatment with inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis for 5-7 days in three patients with Bartter's syndrome decreased 6-keto-PGF(1α) plasma levels by about 25%. It is suggested that, plasma 6-keto-PGF(1α) may, on occasions, be a poor index of circulating prostacyclin.
Investigating organic matter in Fanno Creek, Oregon, Part 1 of 3: estimating annual foliar biomass for a deciduous-dominant urban riparian corridor

Summary For this study, we explored the amount, type, and distribution of foliar biomass that is deposited annually as leaf litter to Fanno Creek and its floodplain in Portland, Oregon, USA. Organic matter is a significant contributor to the decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations observed in Fanno Creek each year and leaf litter is amongst the largest sources of organic matter to the stream channel and floodplain. Using a combination of field measurements and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data, the annual foliar biomass was estimated for 13 stream reaches along the creek. Biomass estimates were divided into two sets: (1) the annual foliage available from the entire floodplain overstory canopy, and (2) the annual foliage overhanging the stream, which likely contributes leaf litter directly to the creek each year. Based on these computations, an estimated 991 (±22%) metric tons (tonnes, t) of foliar biomass is produced annually above the floodplain, with about 136 t (±24%) of that foliage falling directly into Fanno Creek. The distribution of foliar biomass varies by reach, with between 150 and 640 t/km2 produced along the floodplain and between 400 and 1100 t/km2 available over the channel. Biomass estimates vary by reach based primarily on the density of tree cover, with forest-dominant reaches containing more mature deciduous trees with broader tree canopies than either wetland or urban-dominant reaches, thus supplying more organic material to the creek. By quantifying the foliar biomass along Fanno Creek we have provided a reach-scale assessment of terrestrial organic matter loading, thereby providing land managers useful information for planning future restoration efforts.
Anti-Coxsackievirus B3 neutralizing antibodies with pathological potential.

Adolescent CD-1 mice inoculated with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3m) will develop acute myocarditis with focal lesions by 7 days post-inoculation (p.i.). Administration of murine sera containing anti-CVB3m-neutralizing antibodies into CVB3m-inoculated mice at 3 days p.i. will exacerbate myocarditis, suggesting the presence of pathological antibodies. To study potential pro-inflammatory properties of virus-induced antibodies, a panel of anti-CVB3m-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was generated. Several studies demonstrated shared epitopes between CVB3m particles and cultured murine cardiac or neonatal skin fibroblasts: (1) one or more mAbs bound to cultured cardiac fibroblasts; (2) several mAbs can participate in complement-mediated lysis of neonatal skin fibroblasts; and (3) at least one mAbs stimulated synthesis of a macrophage chemoattractant from cultured neonatal skin fibroblasts. Injection of one mAb in three doses, each of about 5 micrograms, into adolescent male CD-1 mice induced focal myocarditic lesions which were similar to CVB3m-induced lesions. One mAb induced a diffuse interstitial hypercellularity in most mice and two mAbs did not induce detectable cardiopathology. These data suggest that some anti-CVB3m neutralizing idiotypes (antibodies) which initially can provide protection via virus clearance mechanisms can also bind to cross-reacting epitopes on normal tissues. Binding of antibodies to normal heart tissues could stimulate proinflammatory reactions by several mechanisms and sustain myocarditis.
Criminal Justice Reform as HIV and TB Prevention in African Prisons

Katherine Todrys and Joseph Amon argue for criminal justice system reforms in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce HIV and TB transmission in prisons and to guarantee detainees' human rights and health.
Adaptive Evolution in LINE-1 Retrotransposons

We traced the sequence evolution of the active lineage of LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons over the last approximately 25 Myr of human evolution. Five major families (L1PA5, L1PA4, L1PA3B, L1PA2, and L1PA1) of elements have succeeded each other as a single lineage. We found that part of the first open-reading frame (ORFI) had a higher rate of nonsynonymous (amino acid replacement) substitution than synonymous substitution during the evolution of the ancestral L1PA5 through the L1PA3B families. This segment encodes the coiled coil region of the protein-protein interaction domain of the ORFI protein (ORFIp). Statistical analysis of these changes indicates that positive selection had been acting on this region. In contrast, the coiled coil segment hardly changed during the evolution of the L1PA3B to the present L1PA1 family. Therefore, selective pressure on the coiled coil segment has changed over time. We suggest that the fast rate of amino acid replacement in the coiled coil segment reflects the adaptation of L1 either to a changing genomic environment or to host repression factors. In contrast, the second open-reading frame and the nucleic acid-binding domain of the first open-reading frame are extremely well conserved, attesting to the strong purifying selection acting on these regions.
The role of platelet CD154 in the modulation in adaptive immunity

Platelets’ primary role is hemostasis. However, a growing body of research has demonstrated that platelets are integral to the initiation of an inflammatory response and are potent effector cells of the innate immune response. Activated platelets express CD154, a molecule critical to adaptive immune responses, which has been implicated in platelet-mediated modulation of innate immune responses and inflammation. Recent studies utilizing CD154 knockout mice extend the role of platelet-derived CD154 to the modulation of adaptive immune response by enhancing antigen presentation, improving CD8+ T cell responses, and playing a critical function in T-dependent humoral immunity under physiological conditions. Together these data provide a basis for the expansion of the current paradigm of B cell activation and germinal center formation to include a role for platelets.
Factors affecting coercivity in (Y,Sm,Tm)3(FeGa)5O12 and (Y,Sm,Lu,Ca)3(FeGe)5O12 LPE films

Abstract Factors which influence coercivity, H c , in (Y,Sm,Lu,Ca) 3 (FeGe) 5 O 12 films and in (Y,Sm,Tm) 3 (FeGa) 5 O 12 films grown by LPE have been identified. An anomalous layer at the film-substrate interface exhibits coercivity values different from that of the middle, bulk, portion of the film. The contribution of the transient layer at the substrate interface could be reduced by increasing the rotation rate while immersing the substrate into the melt. Films containing Ga show lower coercivities than films containing CaGe possibly because films with Ga are more uniform in composition. Films with Ga show increased coercivities with increasing growth rates and with increasing Sm content throughout the film.
Multiplicity dependence of the mass of φ mesons from Si+Au collisions at 14.6 A·GeV/c

Abstract The multiplicity dependence of the mass of φ mesons was studied for central Si+Au collisions. It was found that the mass of φ mesons for the events with the highest multiplicity (top 2% of the interaction cross-section) dropped 2.3 ± 0.9 MeV compared to the mass of normal φ-meson. The momentum dependence of the φ-meson mass is also studied. A preliminary analysis of possible experimental contributions to this effect is presented.
Periodic Korteweg de Vries equation with measures as initial data

The main result of the paper is that the periodic KdV equation $y_t + \partial^3_x y + yy_x = 0$ has a unique global solution for initial data y(0) given by a measure $\mu\in M({\Bbb T})$ of sufficiently small norm $\parallel\mu\parallel$ . There are two main ingredients in the proof. The first is the study of the local well-posedness problem in terms of the space-time Fourier-norms as exploited in [Bo] and also subsequent work such as [K-P-V2]. At the end the estimates eventually depend on a uniform estimate in terms of the Fourier coefficients¶¶ $ {{\rm sup}\atop{n\in{\Bbb Z},\,t\in{\Bbb R}}}|\hat{y}(n)(t)| < C .$ .¶¶Such a priori bound (in the space of pseudo-measures) on the solution may be derived from spectral theory and more precisely from the preservation of the periodic spectrum of a potential evolving according to KdV, which is the second ingredient. Thus the result at this stage depends heavily on integrability features of this particular equation. We also sketch an argument establishing almost periodicity properties of these solutions. This work is in spirit closely related to [Bo]. Natural questions suggested by these investigations is an extension of the result (at least for the IVP local in time) to a more general nonintegrable setting as well as to what extent the estimates on Fourier coefficients by spectral invariants and vice versa remains valid in distributional spaces.
Work in progress: Audio reflections provide evidence of metacognition during students' problem solving attempts

Creating instructional materials that facilitate students' metacognition (activities such as planning, monitoring, and evaluating) and critical thinking is challenging for instructors of first year engineering students. Students come into these programs at various levels of academic preparation, and students may experience cognitive overload when asked to simultaneously use mathematical skills and higher-order thinking skills. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of new approaches to introducing complex, relevant contexts and skills, methods must be developed that can provide evidence of metacognition and critical thinking skills. These methods can also facilitate research into problem-solving strategies. The overall goal of this project is to design problems for first year students that introduce complex real world topics that are effective for building problem-solving skills for students at all levels of academic preparation. The study presented here is the preliminary qualitative analysis of students' audio commentary in which they reflect on their written problem solutions in a first year engineering course. These reflections were performed within 24 hours of completing written work. Our analysis provides evidence of metacognition retrospectively, as well as during the post-hoc think-aloud commentary. This research methodology effectively identifies student problem-solving strategies, including cognitive, metacognitive and procedural information, and provides evidence that think-aloud protocols are useful in eliciting metacognition and critical thinking.
Qualitative modeling of complex systems for cognitive engineering

In this paper, the techniques of using fuzzy cognitive maps will be outlined, and demonstrated with an example. Fuzzy cognitive maps will be used as a way to model the causal process in a cognitive system. With such a model interventions to change the dynamics of the system can be developed. In the particular example, the information on a display needed to be improved to support group situation awareness within an AWACS team. A fuzzy cognitive map was developed of the chain of causality that led from the current information structure of the AWACS display to the loss of situation awareness. The map could then be examined to identify ways in which the linkages could be altered to improve situation awareness, and points at which technology could be applied. From this a set of design changes could be recommended.
World War III Just the Highlights

The Solo vocal style should be as “casual” as possible; that is, it should be as much like speech as possible but focused on a sung pitch. This style is a kind of “crooning.” This means that the sounds of “extended vocal techniques” are not appropriate to the meaning of the text. Also, the Soloist uses the microphone rather than “projecting” the voice. This means that the vocal sound is rather softer than in traditional singing.
Town Hall on AGU Publishing Practices

Representatives from AGU's leadership and Wiley fielded questions at a town hall during Fall Meeting that ranged from the pricing of AGU's digital library to the fate of AGU books to the role of the governance structure in approving the AGU-Wiley publications partnership.
Theory of angular-correlation experiments in electron scattering, including fine structure

A theory of electron-impact excitation of atoms in which fine structure is included as a perturbation is presented in detail. Hyperfine structure is included in the target atom but neglected in the electron-atom interaction. Expressions for electron-photon angular-correlation parameters and scattering cross sections are derived in terms of products of complex scattering amplitudes, with emphasis on electron-sodium excitation. Examples are given in which zero-field quantum beats may be observed in electron-photon angular-correlation and differential-cross-section measurements. Some of the interference terms are only observable in angular-correlation experiments. Examples are also given of partial cross sections for electron-impact excitation of state-to-state hyperfine levels in terms of direct- and exchange-scattering amplitudes plus additional terms due to the inclusion of fine-structure effects. The expressions given allow a comparison between the various possible scattering experiments.
RETRAN-02 MOD5 and RETRAN-03 code benchmarks for Beaver Valley plant transients and FSAR analyses

Abstract A RETRAN-02 MOD5 model and a RETRAN-03 model for the Beaver Valley Unit 1 plant were developed from an existing, but untested RETRAN deck. This study uses FSAR transient analyses, actual plant event data, and similar plant analyses performed with RETRAN and TRAC-BF1 MOD1 to benchmark the RETRAN-02 MOD5 and RETRAN-3 plant model. Eight transients were chosen to qualify the RETRAN models: (1) a standard reactor trip, (2) a loss of one reactor coolant pump, (3) a loss of all reactor coolant pumps, (4) an inadvertent opening of a pressurizer relief valve, (5) a loss of normal feedwater with auxiliary feedwater available, (6) a turbine trip, (7) a main steam line isolation valve closure, and (8) a main steam line break. These design basis transients were each chosen to isolate specific phenomena or plant design aspects of the RETRAN models that are exhibited in depressurization events, over-pressurization and over-temperature transients, and over-cooling accidents. Both the RETRAN-02 MOD5 and RETRAN-03 Beaver Valley models were successfully benchmarked. The RETRAN results compared well with the FSAR LOFTRAN analyses, an actual Beaver Valley single pump trip event, and Ringhals 2 and 4 analyses. The RETRAN-03 model performed well and provided a better best-estimate of plant phenomena than the RETRAN-02 MOD5 results; moreover, both the RETRAN models predicted more realistic transient behavior than the FSAR LOFTRAN results.
A generalization of the Busemann-Petty problem on sections of convex bodies

The 1956 Busemann-Petty problem asks whether symmetric convex bodies in ℝ n with larger central hyperplane sections must also have greater volume. The solution to the problem has recently been completed, and the answer is negative ifn≥5 and affirmative whenn≤4. We show a more general result, where the inequalities for the volume of central sections are replaced by similar inequalities for the derivatives of the parallel section functions at zero. The dimension of affirmative answer goes up together with the order of the derivatives. The proof is based on a version of Parseval's formula.
Authoritarianism as an agent of status quo maintenance: Implications for women's careers and family lives

We examined how right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) influenced career and family plans and life outcomes in 2 samples of educated women. In the college-aged sample, participants who planned to earn professional degrees scored higher on RWA than those who planned to earn graduate degrees in the humanities or social sciences. RWA was also positively related to the expression of preferences for male partners who possess masculine characteristics. In the midlife sample, RWA scores were higher for participants with traditional career and family outcomes at midlife. For midlife participants following a nontraditional career path, RWA was positively related to compartmentalizing career and family responsibilities and finding role combination stressful. Authoritarianism is important for understanding women's decisions about combining career and family.
Cold-active chemoorganotrophic bacteria from permanently ice-covered Lake Hoare, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica.

Eight strains of chemoorganotrophic bacteria were isolated from the water column of Lake Hoare, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, using cold enrichment temperatures. The isolates were Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria spp. All isolates grew at 0°C, and all but one grew at subzero temperatures characteristic of the water column of Lake Hoare. Growth temperature optima varied among isolates, but the majority showed optima near 15°C, indicative of cold-active phenotypes. One isolate was truly psychrophilic, growing optimally around 10°C and not above 20°C. Half of the isolates grew at 2% salt while the other half did not, and all but one isolate grew at 2 atm of O2. Our isolates are the first prokaryotes from the water column of Lake Hoare to be characterized phylogenetically and physiologically and show that cold-active species of at least two major phyla of Bacteria inhabit Lake Hoare.
Wittgenstein’s Confession’s

Observant avec S. Cavell la nature confessionnelle du style des «Investigations philosophiques» de Wittgenstein, l'A. etablit un rapprochement entre l'oeuvre du logicien et les «Confessions» de Saint Augustin, a travers le theme de l'illusion applique a la definition des problemes philosophiques chez l'un, et a la conception du peche chez l'autre. Reperant les elements de la critique, de la connaissance de soi et du style confessionnel chez les deux penseurs, l'A. montre qu'ils partagent, par leur interet distinct pour le manicheisme et les jeux de langage, le meme souci realiste pour la pertinence du langage.
Strengthening student engagement: what do students want in online courses?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to identify pertinent studies on the important issue of student engagement strategies in online courses and to establish from empirical studies student engagement strategies that work. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopted the literature review approach. The authors conducted a thorough and systematic search of the literature to find empirical studies focusing on online engagement strategies within the field of education and distance learning. To generate as many relevant publications as possible, both manual and electronic searches were conducted. The databases used included; Academic Search Complete (Ebsco), Social Sciences Full Text (Wilson), ProQuest Education Journals, ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis, ProQuest Central, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCIISI), ERIC, (Ebsco), SAGE Full-Text Collection (CSA), Google Scholar and Emerald. Findings – The results of this paper revealed the several factors that can create engaging learning experiences for t...
REM sleep interruption: experimental shortening of REM period duration.

This experiment concerns itself with the extent to which psychological factors can influence normal sleep patterns. After 4 baseline nights of uninterrupted sleep, each of 4 Ss was awakened in the course of 2 nights during every REM period about 10 min following each REM onset. Ss, however, were not REM deprived. The interruption nights were followed by a recovery night of uninterrupted sleep. All nights were consecutive. The results show that during recovery nights all Ss continued to have significantly shorter than normal REM periods by going into NREM sleep at about the time they would have been awakened during the interruption nights. These shortened REM periods occurred even during early morning hours, when REM periods normally become longer. Arguments are advanced that this finding may best be explained in terms of a conditioned avoidance response.
Thiamin transport in Escherichia coli: the mechanism of inhibition by the sulfhydryl-specific modifier N-ethylmaleimide

Abstract Active transport of thiamin (vitamin B 1 ) into Escherichia coli occurs through a member of the superfamily of transporters known as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Although it was demonstrated that the sulfhydryl-specific modifier N -ethylmaleimide (NEM) inhibited thiamin transport, the exact mechanism of this inhibition is unknown. Therefore, we have carried out a kinetic analysis of thiamin transport to determine the mechanism of inhibition by NEM. Thiamin transport in vivo exhibits Michaelis–Menten kinetics with K M =15 nM and V max =46 U mg −1 . Treatment of intact E. coli KG33 with saturating NEM exhibited apparent noncompetitive inhibition, decreasing V max by approximately 50% without effecting K M or the apparent first-order rate constant ( k obsd ). Apparent noncompetitive inhibition is consistent with an irreversible covalent modification of a cysteine(s) that is critical for the transport process. A primary amino acid analysis of the subunits of the thiamin permease combined with our kinetic analysis suggests that inhibition of thiamin transport by NEM is different from other ABC transporters and occurs at the level of protein–protein interactions between the membrane-bound carrier protein and the ATPase subunit.
Earthquake Performance of Gas Transmission Pipelines

Abstract Over 61 years of earthquake performance of steel transmission and distribution supply pipelines operated by the Southern California Gas Company are reviewed. The seismic record includes 11 major earthquakes with ML ≥ 5.8 and epicenters within the transmission system. An evaluation is made of the most vulnerable types of piping, failure mechanisms, break statistics, threshold seismic intensity to cause failure, and damage induced by permanent ground displacement. The database assembled represents one of the most comprehensive and detailed records of seismic response in a large, complex gas transmission system.
Absorption of Gamma Radiation as a Possible Mechanismfor Bigu: Theory and Data:

The qigong state of bigu is believed to be supported by the absorption of qi from the universe. Gamma radiation is ubiquitous in the cosmos and, according to some, may be a possible source of energy for cellular functioning. When the concept of energy is integrated with the concept of dynamical systems, the logic leads to the theory—termed systemic memory—that predicts all systems, from the micro to macro, store information and energy to various degrees. New research indicates that the human body absorbs gamma radiation from the environment and emits high-frequency X rays. There are substantial individual differences in these effects that appear to be related, in part, to the psychological state of the person. Future research can determine if bigu is associated with increased absorption of gamma radiation and/or decreased emission of high frequency X rays. The hypothesis that qi can be viewed as quality information is proposed.
Efficacy of lipid lowering therapy in inducing arrest or reversal of coronary disease: Serial assessment of perfusion with PET predicts clinical outcome

Abstract Background: PET myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI) identifies coronary disease (CAD) progression and reversal in response to lipid lowering therapy (LLT), however, the optimal lipid values necessary to reverse CAD are unknown. In practice, NCEP ATP III guidelines (NCEP) are used as clinical targets. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of aggressive LLT, beyond NCEP guidelines, to induce arrest or reversal of CAD as assessed with PET MPI. Methods: 147 patients with iv dipyridamole stress induced myocardial perfusion defects at baseline, treated for 1.5 years to beyond NCEP guidelines, underwent follow-up PET MPI and outcome assessment for MI, coronary death, CABG, CVA, and PTCI. Paired stress PET MPI studies were analyzed with automated software to determine the average uptake of 82-Rb in the anterior, septal, inferior, lateral and apical segments, normalized to peak myocardial activity. Baseline and follow-up MPI studies were then compared with the paired t-test, to identify significant improvement, worsening, or stabilization in segmental perfusion in each patient. Results: With LLT: 24 patients demonstrated improvement in myocardial perfusion, 96 patients no change, and 27 progression of CAD despite LLT. At mean follow-up of 15 months after the second PET study, coronary events occurred in 4.2%, 4.2%, and 22.2% respectively. Conclusions: PET MPI identifies 18% of patients with progressive CAD despite successful LLT which exceeds NCEP guidelines. These patients with progressive CAD identified by PET, have a significant (five fold ) increased risk of subsequent hard coronary events, compared with those patients demonstrating CAD arrest or reversal. Baseline Follow Up % Change p-value Total Cholesterol 169 +/− 38 152 +/− 30 −10.1 0.0001 LDL 96 +/− 35 84 +/− 23 −12.5 0.001 HDL 45 +/− 13 49 +/− 14 8.9 0.01 Triglyceride 136 +/− 73 106 +/− 60 −22.1 0.0001
Expression of N-acetyltransferase (NAT) in cultured human uroepithelial cells

To determine which of the N-acetyltransferase (NAT) alleles [monomorphic (NAT1) or polymorphic (NAT2)] are expressed in the target cells for arylamine carcinogenesis, namely normal human uroepithelial cells, cDNA was prepared from cellular RNA and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using upstream primer 1 comprising the 5' end (nt 47-68) and either downstream primers 2 (nt 908-889) or 3 (nt 953-931) corresponding with the 3' end. With primers 1 and 2, selective for NAT1, a characteristic 861 bp DNA fragment was obtained, whereas with primers 1 and 3, selective for NAT2, a characteristic 907 bp fragment was formed. Similarly, the PCR-amplified cDNA products from the SV40-immortalized human uroepithelial cell line were also found to contain both NAT1 and NAT2. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with HincII (digesting NAT2 to produce 659 bp and 248 bp fragments) and HindIII (digesting NAT1 to produce a 786 bp fragment) further confirmed the authenticity of the NAT alleles. Furthermore, the NAT genotypes of 38 individuals were determined by PCR amplification of lymphocyte DNA and subsequent RFLP analysis using TaqI, KpnI and BamHI. The genotypes were compared to their in vivo acetylator phenotypes which were determined by measuring 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil and 1-methylxanthine in urine following administration of caffeine. A good correlation between the genotype and phenotype was obtained in the study population and the frequency of NAT2 allele distribution was M1 > wild-type > M2 > M3. These results suggest that susceptibility to arylamine-induced bladder cancer might be influenced by both hepatic and bladder NAT and that the NAT genotype might be a useful biomarker for screening high risk individuals for bladder cancer resulting from exposure to arylamines.
Boundary Formulations for Sensitivity Analysis Without Matrix Derivatives

A new hybrid approach to continuum structural shape sensitivity analysis employing boundary element analysis (BEA) is presented. The approach uses iterative reanalysis to obviate the need to factor perturbed matrices in the determination of surface displacement and traction sensitivities via a univariate perturbation/finite difference (UPFD) step. The UPFD approach makes it possible to immediately reuse existing subroutines for computation of BEA matrix coefficients in the design sensitivity analysis process. The reanalysis technique computes economical response of univariately perturbed models without factoring perturbed matrices. The approach provides substantial computational economy without the burden of a large-scale reprogramming effort.
A computationally efficient method for robust minimum variance beamforming

This paper concerns a robust beamforming problem. Specifically, we consider the problem of maximizing the worst-case signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) in the presence of uncertainties in the steering vector. We give a zero-sum game-theoretic interpretation of the problem and prove the existence of a saddle point for the associated zero-sum game. Using this saddle point property, we then show that the problem can be cast as a trust-region problem, which can be solved extremely efficiently. This trust-region formulation leads to a faster algorithm than the second-order cone programming (SOCP) formulation. The game-theoretic interpretation also shows that the robust minimum variance beamforming, which has been a topic of active research, is in fact to maximize the worst-case SINR, although the motivation behind it was not directly related to the worst-case SINR maximization.
Bridge to Transplantation: Current Outcomes

The use of implantable ventricular assist devices for the treatment of advanced, decompensated heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation has experienced considerable evolution over the past decade. Improvements in the management and prevention of serious adverse events, and introduction of new continuous-flow rotary pumps that are smaller, more durable, and associated with fewer serious adverse advents has expanded the use of this therapy to a larger population of patients for bridge to transplant indication. (J Card Surg 2010;25:455-461)
On constructing the minimum orthogonal convex polygon in 2-D faulty meshes

Summary form only given. The rectangular faulty block model is the most commonly used fault model for designing fault-tolerant and deadlock-free routing algorithms in mesh-connected multicomputer. The convexity of a rectangle facilitates simple and efficient ways to route messages around fault regions using relatively few or no virtual channels to avoid deadlock. However, such a faulty block may include many nonfaulty nodes which are disabled, i.e., they are not involved in the routing process. Therefore, it is important to define a fault region that is convex and, at the same time, to include a minimum number of nonfaulty nodes. We propose an optimal solution that can quickly construct a set of minimum faulty polygons, called orthogonal convex polygons, from a given set of faulty blocks in a 2-D mesh (or 2-D torus). The formation of orthogonal convex polygons is implemented using either a centralized or distributed solution. Both solutions are based on the formation of faulty components each of which consists of adjacent faulty nodes only, followed by the addition of a minimum number of nonfaulty nodes to make each component a convex polygon. Extensive simulation has been done to determine the number of nonfaulty nodes included in the polygon, and the result obtained is compared with the best existing known result. Results show that the proposed approach can not only find a set of minimum faulty polygons but also does so quickly in terms of the number of rounds of information exchanges and updates between neighbors in the distributed solution.
Doping-spike PtSi Schottky infrared detectors with extended cutoff wavelengths

A technique incorporating a p/sup +/ doping spike at the silicide/Si interface to reduce the effective Schottky barrier of the silicide infrared detectors and thus extend the cutoff wavelength has been developed. In contrast to previous approaches which relied on the tunneling effect, this approach utilizes a thinner doping spike ( >
Is online pediatric continuing education effective in a rural state

Objective. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of online pediatric education for prehospital emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods. Online emergency medical services (EMS) continuing education modules, on various pediatric emergency topics, were developed for dissemination statewide. Pre- andposttest scores were compared by EMT level of training, rural versus urban location, andindividual module performance. Results. A total of 539 participants completed both the pre- andposttests. Of these, more than one-third (38.0%) reported Bernalillo County, the only urban county in the state, as the county in which they worked. Pretest scores ranged from 0 to 15 (mean = 8.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.2, 8.7), with a median of 8.0 anda mode of 8.0. Posttest scores were higher, ranging from 4 to 15 (mean = 11.6; 95% CI = 11.4, 11.7). For the posttest, the median score was 12.0 andthe mode was 13.0. Urban andrural EMTs improved in posttests comparably. EMT-Basic participants...
The recent decline in mammography rates is limited to low- to average-risk women

Abstract Introduction There has recently been a decline in mammography rates noted in the general population. We sought to determine whether similar trends hold in high-risk populations. Methods Mammography rates from the National Health Interview Survey for 2000 and 2005 were analyzed for differences among risk-stratified populations of women over the age of 40. Results Although high-risk women (those with a personal of family history of breast cancer) were more likely to report having had a mammogram than lower risk women, they, too, showed a small decline in mammography rates. This, however, did not reach statistical significance. The decline in mammography rates in lower risk women, however, was significant and correlated with that of the general population. Conclusions The decline in breast cancer–screening rates noted over the past 5 years has been predominantly in lower-risk women.
Intraguild interactions between generalist predators and an introduced parasitoid of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Homoptera: Psylloidea)

Studies were conducted to evaluate potential impacts of generalist predators on the biological control of Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Homoptera: Psylloidea), a pest of eucalyptus trees in California, and its introduced parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Based on the results of the monitoring populations of G. brimblecombei and their natural enemies in inland and coastal California in the field, P. bliteus or Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), alone or both species together were released into cages with G. brimblecombei to simulate predatory interference on the introduced parasitoid in the laboratory. Although coastal sites had higher densities of natural enemies as were percent parasitism and predation, the mean number of G. brimblecombei did not vary between inland and coastal sites. P. bliteus or A. nemoralis significantly reduced the psyllid densities in cages. However, when both species were together, the presence of A. nemoralis increased the parasitoid mortality relative to the mortality observed in the parasitoid-alone treatment. Moreover, the increase in parasitoid mortality was followed by the decrease in mortality of the psyllids. The current study also indicated that predation risk of parasitized hosts varies depending on the developmental stages of the psyllids.
Cocaine Differentially Modulates Chemokine Production by Mononuclear Cells from Normal Donors and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Patients

Earlier studies have supported a significant role for cocaine in the susceptibility to and the progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Recently, several unique HIV-1 entry coreceptors (e.g., CCR5 and CCR3) and a trio of HIV-1-specific suppressor chemokines, namely, RANTES (regulated-upon-activation T expressed and secreted), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β, were identified. Although cocaine has been linked to the immunopathogenesis of HIV-1 infection, the corresponding cellular and molecular mechanism(s) have not been well defined. We hypothesize that cocaine mediates these pathologic effects through the downregulation of HIV-1-suppressing chemokines and/or upregulating HIV-1 entry coreceptors in HIV-1-infected subjects, resulting in disease progression to AIDS. Our results show that cocaine selectively downregulates endogenous MIP-1β secretion by normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), while cocaine did not affect the MIP-1β production by PBMC from AIDS patients. Cocaine also selectively suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced MIP-1β production by PBMC from HIV-infected patients. Further, cocaine significantly downregulates endogenous MIP-1β gene expression, while it upregulates HIV-1 entry coreceptor CCR5 by normal PBMC. These studies suggests a role for cocaine as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and support the premise that cocaine increases susceptibility to and progression of HIV-1 infection by inhibiting the synthesis of HIV-1 protective chemokines and/or upregulating the HIV-1 entry coreceptor, CCR5.
Process simulation will soon come of age: where's the party?

It has been said that any good idea takes about 25 years to be widely adopted by industry. Simulation modeling was adapted to software development projects and processes in the early late 80s and 90s with the seminal work of Abdel-Hamid and Madnick [1] in applying Systems Dynamics to software project management, as well as the work of Kellner [2] and Raffo [3] in adapting State-based and Discrete Event Simulation models to software development. Using the 25 year metric above, Process Simulation will soon come of age -- but where's the party? Why has Process Simulation not been widely adopted as other software engineering best practices such as inspections or cost estimation?Some of the obstacles include:• The need to show business value• Lack of understanding among software engineers and project managers• Lack of credibility in the inputs and consequently model results• The perceived cost of implementation• The lack of integration with existing process management tools• Not a critical project needThis presentation discusses the obstacles which inhibit wide adoption of process simulation within industry and opportunities the process research community has to overcome them.
Structural and Photoelectrochemical Evaluation of Nanotextured Sn‐Doped AgInS2 Films Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis

Spray pyrolysis was used to prepare films of AgInS2 (AIS) with and without Sn as an extrinsic dopant. The photoelectrochemical performance of these films was evaluated after annealing under a N2 or S atmosphere with different amounts of the Sn dopant. DFT was used to calculate the band structure of AIS and understand the role of Sn doping in the observed properties. All AIS films were n-type, and Sn was found to increase the photocurrent and carrier concentration of AIS with an optimum doping level of x=[Sn]/([Ag]+[In])=0.02, which gave a photocurrent of 4.85 mA cm−2. Above this level, the Sn dopants were detrimental to the photoelectrochemical performance, likely a result of a self-compensating effect and the introduction of a deep acceptor level, which could act as a recombination site for photogenerated carriers.
Why on-chip cache coherence is here to stay

Today’s multicore chips commonly implement shared memory with cache coherence as low-level support for operating systems and application software. Technology trends continue to enable the scaling of the number of (processor) cores per chip. Because conventional wisdom says that the coherence does not scale well to many cores, some prognosticators predict the end of coherence. This paper seeks to refute this conventional wisdom by showing one way to scale on-chip cache coherence with bounded, modest costs by combining known techniques such as: shared caches augmented to track cached copies, explicit cache eviction notifications, and hierarchical design. Based on this scalable proof-of-concept design, we predict that on-chip coherence and the programming convenience and compatibility it provides are here to stay.
Activins A and B Regulate Fate-Determining Gene Expression in Islet Cell Lines and Islet Cells From Male Mice

TGFβ superfamily ligands, receptors, and second messengers, including activins A and B, have been identified in pancreatic islets and proposed to have important roles regulating development, proliferation, and function. We previously demonstrated that Fstl3 (an antagonist of activin activity) null mice have larger islets with β-cell hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the absence of altered β-cell proliferation. This suggested the hypothesis that increased activin signaling influences β-cell expansion by destabilizing the α-cell phenotype and promoting transdifferentiation to β-cells. We tested the first part of this hypothesis by treating α- and β-cell lines and sorted mouse islet cells with activin and related ligands. Treatment of the αTC1-6 α cell line with activins A or B suppressed critical α-cell gene expression, including Arx, glucagon, and MafB while also enhancing β-cell gene expression. In INS-1E β-cells, activin A treatment induced a significant increase in Pax4 (a fate determining β-cell gene) and insulin expression. In sorted primary islet cells, α-cell gene expression was again suppressed by activin treatment in α-cells, whereas Pax4 was enhanced in β-cells. Activin treatment in both cell lines and primary cells resulted in phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic-2 phosphorylation. Finally, treatment of αTC1-6 cells with activins A or B significantly inhibited proliferation. These results support the hypothesis that activin signaling destabilized the α-cell phenotype while promoting a β-cell fate. Moreover, these results support a model in which the β-cell expansion observed in Fstl3 null mice may be due, at least in part, to enhanced α- to β-cell transdifferentiation.