cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPECIFICITY OF SYNERGISTIC CORONARY FLOW ENHANCEMENT BY ADENOSINE AND PULSATILE PERFUSION IN THE DOG

In vivo coronary artery flow is modulated by biochemical/ion channel mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), adenosine and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP), and by mechanical forces stemming from pulsatile perfusion. In intact hearts, increasing coronary flow pulsatility at the same mean pressure, cardiac workload and energy consumption raises mean flow by nearly 15% (Saeki et al. 1995). Studies have further shown that this mechanical effect can be biochemically amplified by adenosine, and partially inhibited by Nω-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (Recchia et al. 1996). These findings suggest important interactions of perfusion pulsatility with adenosine which could be due to changes in basal flow, nitric oxide signalling and/or specific mechano/humoral synergies. Understanding the mechanisms for this interaction is important as both signals rise during exertional demands. One mechanism for an adenosine-flow pulsatility synergy is that by enhancing basal shear and lowering vascular tone, adenosine augments cyclic shear and distension-related signals (Goto et al. 1996). If true, then similar interactions would be predicted with alternative dilators such as verapamil, or submaximal bradykinin and acetylcholine. Alternatively, the adenosine response might depend upon specific agonist activity on KATP channels (Akatsuka et al. 1994; Kleppisch & Nelson, 1995). Support for this hypothesis stems from in vitro data showing that flow-induced NO-dependent dilatation is enhanced by adenosine via KATP channel activation (Kuo & Chancellor, 1995). Other mechanisms of adenosine dilatation, such as protein kinase A-linked activation of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels (Hartley & Kozlowski, 1996; Shinoda et al. 1997), or A1 receptor-coupled effects (Merkel et al. 1992), might contribute. Lastly, adenosine dilates predominantly distal resistance vessels (< 150 μm) (Kanatsuka et al. 1989) and this site selectivity may be important for enhancing proximal arteriole responses to greater pulsatility. The present study was designed to test the specificity of the synergistic interaction of perfusion pulsatility and adenosine, and clarify the likely mechanisms for this interaction in vivo. Studies were conducted by employing a novel model in open-chest anaesthetized dogs, in which the left anterior descending coronary artery is cannulated and perfused with blood by a computer servosystem that independently controls mean and pulsatile perfusion pressure. The effect of steady-state increases in pulse pressure on phasic and mean epicardial coronary flow were determined under basal conditions and after administration of equi-dilating concentrations of agents that acted via differing mechanisms and sites of action within the coronary vascular bed.
Patterns of change in family-based aggression prevention.

Patterns of change on three intervention targets were examined in 151 families that participated in a family intervention designed to reduce and prevent children's aggressive behavior. Measures of parents' alliance and parenting skills and children's aggressive behavior were obtained at five times during the intervention. Three cluster analyses were conducted to identify patterns of change on each target. Linear and nonlinear patterns of improvement as well as two distinct patterns of no change were obtained. The patterns were differentiated by net improvement, overall level of skill, and trajectory of change. Family characteristics also differentiated the patterns and relations were found among patterns across intervention targets. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed. Language: en
Computed tomography of the acute abdomen in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective To investigate the frequency and basis of clinically relevant computed tomographic (CT) findings in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute abdominal pain. Materials and methods We retrospectively identified 30 patients with atrial fibrillation referred for enhanced (n = 26) or unenhanced (n = 4) abdominal CT from our emergency department because of acute nontraumatic abdominal pain. All CT images were independently reviewed by a single reader who evaluated the studies for findings that might explain acute pain. Results were correlated with laboratory and surgical findings, clinical course and outcome, and final diagnosis. Results Eleven (37%) of the 30 patients had CT findings for abdominal pain that related to atrial fibrillation, including end-organ ischemia or infarction (n = 8, 27%) and spontaneous hemorrhage presumably related to anticoagulation (n = 3, 10%). Of the remaining patients, 5 (17%) had nonatrial fibrillation-related CT findings for abdominal pain, and 14 (47%) had no cause for abdominal pain found at CT. Conclusions Patients with atrial fibrillation who present to CT with acute abdominal pain have a high likelihood of being found with abdominal pathology relating to their atrial fibrillation, such as arterial embolus or hemorrhage, and a lower likelihood of having more typical causes for abdominal pain. Increased awareness of the high likelihood of atrial fibrillation-related causes for abdominal pain may improve diagnoses and triage for this special and difficult population.
Preparation and characterization of copolymers of chloroprene and methyl methacrylate

The preparation of chloroprene–methyl methacrylate copolymers in the presence of Lewis acids (Et1.5AlCl1.5) in hydrocarbon solvent and the effect of Lewis acids concentration on copolymer composition are described. 13C NMR spectra were obtained on these copolymers. In samples of high MMA content, tactic placements of MMA were observed as well as several different kinds of sequences for chloroprene and MMA. In samples of low MMA content, no tactic placements of MMA were found but several different kinds of chloroprene sequences were observed. From the analysis of the 13C NMR spectra of the different copolymers examined, it is apparent that all the various kinds of chloroprene sequences in these copolymers can be determined.
Low-energy collision-induced dissociation of deprotonated dinucleotides: determination of the energetically favored dissociation pathways and the relative acidities of the nucleic acid bases

Abstract Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy has been used to examine the collision-induced dissociation pathways of all 16 of the possible deprotonated dinucleotides. These quasimolecular ions were generated by cesium ion bombardment of a mixture of triethanolamine, ammonium hydroxide and the dinucleotide. Collisional activation using continuous off-resonance excitation permits observation of energetically-favorable dissociation pathways. Dissociation products were examined over the range of center of mass energies from 0 to the minimum energy required to bring about complete dissociation of the reactant ion which did not exceed 7.7eV for deprotonated parent ions and 8.8eV for fragment ions in any of the systems. Semiempirical calculations were performed using the PM3 method, a variant of the AM1 method, to obtain gas-phase model structures and energies of the deprotonated dinucleotides and their collision-induced dissociation fragments. The acidities of the nucleic acid bases and dimethyl phosphate were calculated using the AM1 method. The deprotonated quasimolecular ions dissociate to yield several characteristic products. The major products formed in all systems are the deprotonated 5′-terminus base, the ion resulting from loss of the neutral 5′-terminus base, or the metaphosphate anion, PO−3. Insight into the relative stabilities of the fragment ions is gained by comparing the product distributions observed in each of the systems. The relative yields of products involving either the 3′- or 5′-end of the molecule suggest the 3′-terminus base is stabilized through hydrogen bonding interaction with the phosphate group. The relative strength of this stabilization follows the order guanine > thymine > cytosine > adenine. Additionally, the relative abundances of the deprotonated nucleic acid fragments suggest that the relative acidities of the nucleic acid bases follow the order adenine > thymine > guanine > cytosine. Only minor yields of sequence ions in which one of the phosphate diester linkages is cleaved are observed with these quasimolecular ions. Reaction mechanisms which account for the observed products are proposed.
Laser ablation and the laser microprobe

Abstract The development of laser optical sources has made possible a variety of powerful, new analytical techniques. One such technique, the laser microprobe, is used for the microanalysis of a large variety of samples ranging from single crystals and aerosols, to refractory minerals.
Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases in Women

Objective To review the presenting symptoms, possible complications, treatment options, and reproductive considerations for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's syndrome. Data Sources Articles retrieved from MEDLINE and OVID using the search terms women and female in combination with autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's syndrome. References identified from citations in these articles were also reviewed. Data Synthesis Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more common in women than in men and are most likely to manifest during the reproductive years. The reasons for this incidence pattern remain unclear but appear to be related to sex hormones and microchimerism. These diseases have varied clinical presentations that may be local or systemic and range from mild to severe. There is no cure for these autoimmune rheumatic diseases; treatments focus on managing symptoms. Many of the agents used for treating these diseases are contraindicated in pregnancy, posing special considerations for women who develop these diseases during their childbearing years. Conclusion Knowledge of the presenting symptoms of, treatment options for, and reproductive considerations with these diseases is important for pharmacists who counsel women with them.
Immune involvement in schizophrenia and autism: Etiology, pathology and animal models

There is increasing evidence of immune involvement in both schizophrenia and autism. Of particular interest are striking abnormalities in the expression of immune-related molecules such as cytokines in the brain and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). It is proposed that this represents a permanent state of brain immune dysregulation, which begins during early development. One possibility is that maternal infection, a known risk factor for schizophrenia and autism, sets this immune activation in motion. Several animal models are being used to investigate this hypothesis. There is also recent evidence that, among schizophrenic subjects, those associated with maternal infection display a distinctive pathology, which suggests that diverse causes for this disorder may explain some of its heterogeneity. The human and animal results related to immune involvement suggest novel therapeutic avenues based on immune interventions.
The Problematic Unity of Biometrics

Summary. The word “biometry” may be less than 200 years old, but it can be argued that work we would now consider biometric dates back even to the pre-Christian era. The unity of biometry is attested through examples spanning two millennia, and a lesson from Francis Galton is recalled from a century ago.
47-Electron organometallic clusters derived by chemical and electrochemical oxidation of trihydrido(alkylidyne)triruthenium clusters

Abstract The decomposition of 47-electron clusters, generated by chemical or electrochemical oxidations of 48-electron H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -CX)(CO) 9− n L n (X=OMe; L=PPh 3 ; n =0–3: X=OMe, SEt; L=dppm; L=PPh 3 ; n =3: X=SEt, NMeBz; L=PR 3 , SbPh 3 ; n =2,3) occurs by disproportionation back to the 48-electron precursor and very unstable 46-electron species. Both 47/48- and 46/47-e redox potentials display similar ligand additivity trends, which are correlated with HOMO energies determined by Fenske–Hall MO calculations. Decomposition of [H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -COMe)(CO) 6 (PPh 3 ) 3 ] 1+ in the presence of added PPh 3 forms 48-e H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -COMe)(CO) 6 (PPh 3 ) 3 , 46-e [H 3 Ru 3 (CO) 7 (PPh 3 ) 3 ] 1+ , and [MePPh 3 ] 1+ ; the rate law is second order with respect to concentration of the 47-e cluster and displays a small dependence on PPh 3 concentration. Decompositions of [H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -COMe)(CO) 7 (PPh 3 ) 2 ] 1+ , [H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -CSEt)(CO) 7 (dppm)] 1+ , and [H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -CSEt)(CO) 6 (PPh 3 ) 3 ] 1+ are also second order, although only the 48-e product could be characterized. The mechanism is proposed to involve rate-limiting outer-sphere electron transfer, the slow rate of disproportionation is a consequence of the fact that the reaction involves transfer of an electron from one half-filled bonding orbital to another half-filled bonding orbital, thus requiring considerable reorganization energy. Electrochemical studies of the 2-e oxidations of H 3 Ru 3 (μ 3 -COMe)(CO) 9− n (PPh 3 ) n , n =0 and 1, indicate that the initial 46-e cluster rearranges very rapidly to a new 46-e species, which decomposes rapidly to electrochemically inactive products.
The Roadmap For Global Expansion Of Evergreen Marine Corp

Evergreen Marine Corp (EMC) started as a privately‐owned single vessel company and became a global ocean carrier giant with 240 service locations; its shipping network now covers 80 countries. The success of the company’s global expansion has been well recognized. This article will explore the journey of Evergreen’s globalization through an interview with one of the senior managers who has been involved in every stage of the company’s globalization process.
The pharmacology of lunarine, the alkaloid of Lunaria biennis†

General pharmacologic studies of this alkaloid are presented including effects on the cardiovascular system, smooth muscle, carbohydrate metabolism, and glandular secretions. The general reaction of rabbits was recorded and intravenous toxicity studies were carried out in albino mice.
The Global Compact. Corporate Leadership in the World Economy

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan first proposed the Global Compact in an address to The World Economic Forum on the 31st January 1999. The Global Compact’s operational phase was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on the 26th July 2000. The Secretary-General challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support nine principles in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment. The Global Compact is a voluntary corporate citizenship initiative. The Global Compact is a network. The Global Compact involves all the relevant social actors: governments, companies, civil society organizations, and The United Nations.
Genetic variation and spatial structure in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and implications for predicted global‐scale environmental change

Summary Current ecosystem model predictions concerning the effects of global temperature increase on forest responses do not account for factors influencing long-term evolutionary dynamics of natural populations. Population structure and genetic variability may represent important factors in a species' ability to adapt to global-scale environmental change without experiencing major alterations in current range limits. Genetic variation and structure in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) were examined across three regions, between two stands within regions, and among four to five open-pollinated families within stands (total N = 547 genotypes) using 58 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Differences within open-pollinated families account for the largest portion of the total variation (29%), while differences among regions represent less than 2% of the total variation. Genetic diversity, as indicated by estimates of percent polymorphic loci, expected heterozygosity, fixation coefficients, and genetic distance, is greatest in the southern region, which consists of populations with the maximum potential risk due to climate change effects. The high level of genetic similarity (greater than 90%) among some genotypes suggests that gene flow is occurring among regions, stands, and families. High levels of genetic variation among families indicate that vegetational models designed to predict species' response to global-scale environmental change may need to consider the degree and hierarchical structure of genetic variation when making large-scale inferences.
INCREASED MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF TRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR ISOLATED FROM PLACENTAS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS. • 1842

INCREASED MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF TRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR ISOLATED FROM PLACENTAS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS. • 1842
Photometric correction of Mercury's global color mosaic

Abstract During the third flyby of Mercury by the MESSENGER spacecraft, a dedicated disk-integrated photometric sequence was acquired with the wide-angle multispectral camera to observe Mercury's global photometric behavior in 11 spectral filters over as broad a range of phase angle as possible within the geometric constraints of the flyby. Extraction of disk-integrated measurements from images acquired during this sequence required careful accounting for scattered light and residual background effects. The photometric model fit to these measurements is shown to fit observed radiances at phase angles below 110°, possibly except where both solar incidence and emission angles are high (>70°). The complexity of the scattered light at wavelengths greater than 828 nm contributes to a less accurate photometric correction at these wavelengths. The model is used to correct the global imaging data set acquired at a variety of geometries to a common geometry of incidence angle=30°, emission angle=0°, and phase angle=30°, yielding a relatively seamless mosaic. The results here will be used to correct image mosaics of Mercury acquired in orbit.
Stress echocardiography versus myocardial SPECT for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease.

Purpose of review Diagnostic testing using noninvasive imaging has become an integral part of risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease. It is important to understand the integral strengths and weaknesses between the different modalities of stress testing and to apply accurately the type of test the clinical scenario demands. Recent findings There have been tremendous advances made in the field of cardiac imaging. Both myocardial perfusion imaging and stress echocardiographic techniques continue to evolve and play an important role in the assessment of patients with coronary artery disease. Summary In this review the authors discuss the relative merits of both stress echocardiography and myocardial single photon emission computed tomographic imaging for diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease.
Seed flotation and postflooding germination in tropical terra firme and seasonally flooded forest species

Summary 1 Seed flotation, postflooding germination and initial height and expansion rates of seedlings of six terra firme (upland forest) and six seasonally flooded forest (SFF) species from Panama were examined as indicators of their potential for dispersal by water. 2 Compared to terra firme species, SFF species had larger seeds with greater volumes and lower seed specific weights, resulting in greater buoyancy. 3Across all species, seed specific weight was negatively correlated with initial flotation. 4 After 60 days in water, an average of 53% of the seeds of SFF species remained buoyant. In contrast, no seeds of the terra firme species remained buoyant after 15 days. On average more than half the seeds of SFF species germinated after 60 days, while for the terra firme species germination was reduced by 50% after 13 days. 5 Seedling expansion rates of SFF species were twice as fast as those of terra firme species. Three weeks after germination, seedlings of SFF species were twice the height of those of terra firme species, a trait which may minimize immersion of the photosynthetic tissue. 6 The superior flotation and postflooding germination of SFF relative to terra firme species suggests that dispersal by water is an important adaptation in habitats where flooding is common. Lack of hydrochory among terra firme species may be a key selective filter contributing to the poor species diversity found in SFFs even though saplings and adults may be flood-tolerant.
Copper(II) Mediated Homo‐Coupling of 1,2‐difluorovinylstannanes

The reaction of substituted 1,2-difluorovinylstannanes with anhydrous Cu(OAc)2 in dimethylformamide, under an oxygen atmosphere, at room temperature stereospecifically gives the corresponding symmetrical 1,3-dienes in good to excellent yields. Moisture drastically reduces the yield of homo-coupled product and produces significant amounts of RCF=CFH. The Cu(II) promoted homo-coupling of the fluorinated vinylstannanes is superior to the Cu(I)Cl mediated homo-coupling of the corresponding hydrocarbon vinylstannanes. When 1,2-difluorovinylstannanes are treated with Cu(I)Cl, the reaction is sluggish and significant amounts of RCF=CFH are formed.
The future of utility customer-funded energy efficiency programs in the USA: projected spending and savings to 2025

We develop projections of future spending on, and savings from, energy efficiency programs funded by electric and gas utility customers in the USA, under three scenarios through 2025. Our analysis, which updates a previous LBNL study, relies on detailed bottom-up modeling of current state energy efficiency policies, regulatory decisions, and demand-side management and utility resource plans. The three scenarios are intended to represent a range of potential outcomes under the current policy environment (i.e., without considering possible major new policy developments). Key findings from the analysis are as follows:
Two skyrmion interaction for the Atiyah-Manton ansatz☆

Abstract The Atiyah-Manson construction is used to form a baryon number two ansatz for skyrmions that connects the strongly attractive toroidal ground state at small separation and the weakly attractive one pion exchange limit of two widely separated skyrmions. At moderate separation the interacting skyrmions are deformed and have strong attraction.
Multiple forms of human dopamine β-hydroxylase in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells☆

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase exists as three forms in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The membrane-bound form of the hydroxylase contains three different species with apparent relative molecular weights of 73,000, 77,000, and 82,000. The intracellular soluble form of dopamine beta-hydroxylase was present as a single species with an apparent molecular weight of 73,000. Pulse-chase experiments showed that membranous dopamine beta-hydroxylase contains two subunit forms of 73,000 and 77,000 after short chase times. The soluble hydroxylase was synthesized as a single species of 73,000 at approximately the same rate as the lower molecular weight species of the membranous enzyme. A constitutively secreted third form of the enzyme with an intermediate apparent molecular weight also incorporated [35S]sulfate, whereas no significant amount of [35S]sulfate was observed in the cellular forms of the enzyme. The [35S]sulfate was incorporated on N-linked oligosaccharides. Approximately 12% of the enzyme is released constitutively within 1 h. These results demonstrate that neuronal cells have the ability to constitutively secrete a specific form of dopamine beta-hydroxylase which may contribute to the levels of this enzyme found in plasma.
U. S. Standards for Quality of Individual Shell Eggs and the Relationships Between Candled Appearance and More Objective Quality Measures

Abstract A MAJOR problem in classifying eggs into various quality categories is the lack of an objective means of determining differences among eggs of varying interior quality. Candling is the only method being used commercially at the present time. Therefore in specifying quality differences, those factors which are apparent when the egg is candled must be used. Four quality grades (AA, A, B, C) for eggs with clean shells are included in the latest U. S. Standards (1946). The specifications include factors relating to the shell, aircell, white and yolk. The shell must be unbroken for all quality categories. “Normal” shells or departures therefrom determine the quality into which the egg is placed. Aircell factors considered are depth and regularity. White condition is determined by the degree of firmness, clearness, and defects. Yolk condition is based on yolk centering and movement, outline, and degree of defects. It is obvious that in . . .
A neurochemically distinct third channel in the macaque dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

The primate visual system is often divided into two channels, designated M and P, whose signals are relayed to the cerebral cortex by neurons in the magnocellular and parvicellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. We have identified a third population of geniculocortical neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of macaques, which is immunoreactive for the alpha subunit of type II calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. This large third population occupies interlaminar regions (intercalated layers) ventral to each principal layer. Retrograde labeling of kinase-immunoreactive cells from the primary visual cortex shows that they provide the geniculocortical input to cytochrome oxidase-rich puffs in layers II and III.
EVALUATING THE PH SENSITIVITY OF CARBON NANOTUBE-POLYANILINE THIN FILMS WITH DIFFERENT DOPANTS

The objective of this study is to characterize the pH sensing performance of carbon nanotube-based thin films and compare them to their non-carbon nanotube-based counterparts. A layer-by-layer technique is employed for fabricating the nanocomposites, and pH sensitivity is encoded by incorporating polyaniline (PANI) by itself or with single-walled carbon nanotubes during film fabrication. In particular, polyaniline is doped with different counter ions such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and methane sulfonic acid (MeSA) for fabricating four different thin film sample sets. The as fabricated films are subjected to various pH buffer solutions ranging from pH 1 to 13 while their electrical properties are simultaneously measured using two different techniques. First, time-domain bulk film resistance measurements have been conducted, and the findings show that all four types of films exhibit pH sensitivity. Their bulk film resistances increase in tandem with increasing pH. Second, frequency-domain electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has also been conducted when the films are exposed to different pH buffers. The recorded EIS spectra have been fit to a proposed equivalent circuit model consisting of resistors, capacitors and a constant-phase element. The results suggest that the MeSA-based films exhibit linear sensitivity, whereas the HCl-based films exhibit a bilinear sensitivity in the time-domain case. Both HCl- and MeSA-based films exhibit a bilinear pH response in the frequency domain. The equivalent circuit has also revealed that the equivalent parallel capacitor and the constant-phase element of the HCl-and MeSA-doped films also exhibit an inverse bilinear sensitivity to pH buffer solutions.
Role of neurokinin receptors in the behavioral effect of intravesical antigen infusion in guinea pig bladder.

Purpose: To characterize a guinea pig behavior model of bladder pain due to intravesical antigen infusion and to determine the role of neurokinin receptor subtypes in mediating this behavior. Materials and Methods: The influence of subtype-selective neurokinin receptor antagonists on increased abdominal licking behavior in response to intravesical antigen infusion in guinea pigs immunized with ovalbumin (OA) was determined. Results: Intravesical OA infusion for 30 minutes induced a significantly greater frequency (about 3-fold) of abdominal licking behavior than during either the 30 minutes pre-challenge or post challenge saline infusions. Treatment with IP capsaicin 7 to 10 days before OA challenge abolished the intravesical antigen-induced behavior. IP injection of the NK1 receptor antagonist CP 99994 (10 mg./kg. or 30 mg./kg.), 30 minutes pretreatment, inhibited the increase in the average number of abdominal licks during antigen infusion. The 30 mg./kg., but not the 10 mg./kg. dose increased the percent of animals showing antinociceptive activity (defined as 4 or less abdominal licks during the antigen infusion). The NK2 receptor antagonist SR 48968 reduced the antigen-induced abdominal licking behavior at IP doses of 3 and 10 mg./kg. but was ineffective at 1 mg./kg. The NK3 receptor antagonist SB 235375 (30 mg./kg., IP) did not reduce this behavior. Conclusions: These results suggest a role for activation of NK1 and NK2, but not NK3 receptors, by tachykinins released from capsaicin-sensitive nerves, in the increased abdominal licking behavior response of guinea pigs to intravesical antigen infusion.
Database Allocation in a Distributed Environment: Incorporating a Concurrency Control Mechanism and Queuing Costs

This research investigates the problem of allocating database fragments across a set of computers connected by a communication network. A mathematical model is presented to aid designers in the development of distributed database systems. The model takes into account the pattern of usage of the databases, communication costs in the network, delays due to queuing of data requests, costs for maintaining consistency among the various copies of a database, and storage costs. A solution procedure based on Lagrangian relaxation is proposed to solve the model. Computational results are reported along with several useful observations. The model is applicable to organizations that are considering migration from a centralized to a distributed computing environment.
Population-based risk assessment for other cancers in relatives of hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) cases.

BACKGROUND To identify associations of other cancers with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) we estimated relative risks (RRs) of 36 different cancers in relatives of prostate cancer cases in the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), which combines genealogical and cancer data for Utah. METHODS We utilized known genetic relationships between prostate cancer cases and their relatives with cancer, combined with age- and sex-specific cancer rates calculated internally from the UPDB, to estimate RRs for cancer in relatives of prostate cancer cases. RESULTS Multiple other cancers were observed in excess in both first- and second-degree relatives of HPC cases including colon cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, multiple myeloma, rectal cancer, cancer of the gallbladder, and melanoma (skin). CONCLUSIONS This analysis supports the existence of heritable prostate cancer syndromes that include other cancers. We hypothesize that the study of homogeneous pedigrees co-segregating prostate cancer and another cancer could allow more straightforward localization and identification of the gene(s) responsible. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
First-principles model-based robust control of the current profile evolution in the DIII-D tokamak

Setting up a suitable toroidal current profile in a fusion tokamak reactor is vital to the eventual realization of a commercial nuclear fusion power plant. Creating the desired current profile during the ramp-up and early flat-top phases of the plasma discharge and then actively maintaining this target profile for the remainder of the discharge is the goal at the DIII-D tokamak. The evolution of the toroidal current profile in toka-maks is related to the evolution of the poloidal magnetic flux profile, which is modeled by the magnetic diffusion equation. A simplified first-principles-driven, nonlinear, dynamic, control-oriented, partial differential equation model of the poloidal flux profile evolution is obtained by combining the magnetic diffusion equation with empirical correlations obtained from experimental data at DIII-D and is used to synthesize a robust H ∞ feedback controller to track a desired reference trajectory of the poloidal magnetic flux gradient profile. We employ a singular value decomposition of the static gain matrix of the plant model to identify the most relevant channels which we control with the feedback controller. A framework for real-time feedforward + feedback control was implemented in the DIII-D Plasma Control System and experimental results in the DIII-D tokamak are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the feedback controller. These experiments mark the first time ever a first-principles-driven model-based magnetic profile controller was successfully implemented and tested in a tokamak device.
Structural model correlation using large admissible perturbations incognate space

A nonlinear perturbation method is developed to solve the problem of correlating a finite element model to a structure for which an incomplete set of natural frequencies and mode shapes and/or some static deflections have been measured.
Boresight and gimbal axis alignment for the CRISM instrument

Precise knowledge of the instrument boresight was required over the gimbal range for the CRISM Instrument (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars), which will fly aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Vector metrology techniques were applied to measure both the optical axis and the axis-of-rotation of the instrument housing about its mount (gimbal axis). Boresight stability was quantified through comparison of pre-environmental and post-environmental alignment data. In addition, checks were made of the instrument internal alignment and field-of-view. Distillation of the boresight data into gimbal axis and optical axis offset knowledge allowed the calculation of the instrument boresight at all gimbal settings. Finally, alignment information was mapped into the instrument reference cube, ensuring proper instrument orientation during installation.
Cytological studies of the epidermis of Rana pipiens and Rana clamitans tadpoles, with special reference to the figures of Eberth

The conspicuous intracellular fibers (figures of Eberth) which are present in the basal epidermal cells of Rana pipiens and Rana clamitans tadpoles are thought to be connective tissue branches from the corium. They are not believed to represent fused mitochondria as concluded by Saguchi ('13). Their probable function is to furnish support to the basal epidermal cells and to strengthen the connection of the epithelial layer to the corium. It is believed that fully developed tadpole skin, before the period of metamorphosis has begun, consists of only two layers of cells, although there may appear to be more. Each of these layers is believed to be self-maintaining by mitotic division within the individual layer. The basal layer apparently does not furnish cells to the outer layer, nor was any evidence found that the outer layer is sloughed during the larval period.
Polarimetric detection of glucose in biologically based fluids

The use of polarimetry in the investigation of chiral molecules has been researched for over a century. However, it has not been until recently that the sensitivity and accuracy of this technology has improved enough to be applied to the quantification of the low optically active metabolite concentrations seen within the body. The long term goal of this research is the development of a polarimetric detection system with enough sensitivity to estimate both in vivo and in vitro metabolite concentrations, such as glucose, in the presence of other confounders (i.e. protein, ascorbic acid, and lactic acid). In this study, a robust polarimeter utilizing digital closed-loop control was designed and constructed that can effectively measure millidegree rotations of plane-polarized light within biological media. In vitro experiments were conducted using a 1 cm path length sample cell in both glucose doped cell culture and bovine aqueous humor media with analyte concentrations on the order of those seen in the body. A high degree of linearity between the measured signal and glucose concentration is seen during calibration of both the cell culture and aqueous humor experiments with correlation coefficients of 0.9995 and 0.9912, respectively. In addition, validation of the obtained calibration models yielded standard errors of prediction of 8.469 and 20.25 mg/dl for each media, respectively. Overall, we feel the conducted experiments are a logical step to furthering the development of using polarimetry in the detection of optically active metabolites, and our results indicate that accurate detection of glucose in the presence of additional confounders can be accomplished in both cell culture and aqueous humor media.
Nonfinancial Information and Accounting: A Reconsideration of Benefits and Challenges

SYNOPSIS: Recent years have seen widespread interest in supplementing or replacing accounting information with nonfinancial information (NFI) in a variety of uses such as incentive compensation, prediction of costs and profits, and firm valuation. The joint use of NFI and accounting has had mixed results, however. Research has documented benefits to such use but has also documented significant challenges. This commentary summarizes research that addresses two particularly important challenges in using combinations of accounting and NFI: measuring nonfinancial performance accurately and weighting measures appropriately when multiple accounting and nonfinancial measures are used together. These challenges are related, in that the nature and magnitude of measurement error helps to determine appropriate weights on multiple measures. Two common themes appear in strategies for dealing successfully with these challenges. The first is that matching information properties to decision types can limit the need for c...
Role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with hemoptysis and a normal chest roentgenogram

We reviewed the charts of 48 consecutive patients who had fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed in the evaluation of hemoptysis with a normal chest roentgenogram. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy provided a diagnosis other than endobronchial inflammation in only four patients--benign fibromuscular polyp in one patient, Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 patient, and carcinoma in two others. A literature review revealed an overall 3 percent incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma in patients with hemoptysis and normal findings on chest roentgenogram. Other than abnormal findings on chest roentgenogram, risk factors for carcinoma in patients with hemoptysis include: (1) age greater than 40; (2) significant smoking history; and (3) duration of hemoptysis for longer than one week. We concluded that in patients with hemoptysis and normal chest x-ray film findings, routine fiberoptic bronchoscopy may not always be indicated to rule out malignancy.
A Graduate Level Course on Image Sensors and Digital Cameras

Abstract: A graduate level course on the design and analysis of image sensors and digital cameras is described. The course uses a MATLAB based camera simulator. Information on the course and brief descriptions of several class projects are presented.
Contribution of chloride channels to volume regulation of cortical astrocytes.

The objective of this study was to determine the relative contribution of Cl− channels to volume regulation of cultured rat cortical astrocytes after hypotonic cell swelling. Using a Coulter counte...
A new formulation of energy transport in nonuniform waveguiding structures

The authors discuss flaws recently found in two classical and nearly universally used formulations of generalized reflection and transmission coefficients as they relate to a nonuniform waveguiding structure (NOWS). It has been demonstrated that those formulations, R/sub s/( chi /sub b/) by S.A. Schelkunoff (1943) and R/sub w/( chi ) by L.R. Walker and N. Wax (1946), may not adequately characterize reflected or transmitted power if either the source or the receiver or both are located within a NOWS. When they are both outside of a NOWS but in some way use a reflecting device within such a structure, the potential for error still remains. It is also shown here that R/sub w/( chi ) does not seem to be even a meaningful candidate for the voltage reflection coefficient. Several intuitively satisfying reasons are provided on why discrepancies between theoretical and measured values were not detected earlier. >
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Survival Functions of Stochastically Ordered Random Variables

Abstract Many times, aspects of populations exist that must satisfy a stochastic ordering requirement. Nevertheless, estimates may not bear out this stochastic ordering because of the inherent variability of the observations. This article will consider the problem of finding maximum likelihood estimates of stochastically ordered survival functions for the cases (a) one survival function being fixed in advance and (b) estimating two survival functions when the data include censored observations. A numerical example is discussed in detail to illustrate the solution to this problem.
Using C++ in an object oriented paradigm. A practical approach

The most significant impact of C++ is its ability to support many different programming paradigms. C++ easily adapts to procedural abstraction, modular abstraction, data abstraction, and most importantly object-oriented programming. Software designed using object-oriented technology can meet the challenges of large real-world systems by enhancing the ability to produce reliable and maintainable code. Through object-oriented programming and design, such software can naturally evolve to meet changing needs. To effectively accomplish this, we must learn a new way of thinking about programming and problem solving. The following paper describes how C++ can be used to improve productivity and software quality by offering features such as classes, objects, data hiding, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and templates.
The Long-Term Effects of Prison-Based Drug Treatment and Aftercare Services on Recidivism

This article examines recidivism among a cohort of formerly incarcerated people released from the Sheridan Correctional Center (SCC), a dedicated drug treatment facility based on a Therapeutic Community (TC) model of prison-based drug treatment. After an average of 6.9 years post-release, the SCC releasees had a 15% lower likelihood of recidivism than the comparison group, and a 44% reduction in the likelihood of recidivism when both prison-based drug treatment and aftercare programming were accessed. The current analyses showed that the beneficial effects of prison-based drug treatment were bolstered by aftercare services and continued long after release from prison.
Vertically stacked multi-heterostructures of layered materials for logic transistors and complementary inverters

Graphene has attracted considerable interest for future electronics, but the absence of a bandgap limits its direct applicability in transistors and logic devices. Recently, other layered materials such as molybdenum disulphide (MoS(2)) have been investigated to address this challenge. Here, we report the vertical integration of multi-heterostructures of layered materials for the fabrication of a new generation of vertical field-effect transistors (VFETs) with a room temperature on-off ratio > 10(3) and a high current density of up to 5,000 A cm(-2). An n-channel VFET is created by sandwiching few-layer MoS(2) as the semiconducting channel between a monolayer graphene sheet and a metal thin film. This approach offers a general strategy for the vertical integration of p- and n-channel transistors for high-performance logic applications. As an example, we demonstrate a complementary inverter with a larger-than-unity voltage gain by vertically stacking graphene, Bi(2)Sr(2)Co(2)O(8) (p-channel), graphene, MoS(2) (n-channel) and a metal thin film in sequence. The ability to simultaneously achieve a high on-off ratio, a high current density and a logic function in such vertically stacked multi-heterostructures can open up possibilities for three-dimensional integration in future electronics.
Can the impact of human genetic variations be predicted

Compared with an arbitrary reference, the protein-coding sequence of any human genome contains about 20,000 single-nucleotide variants, most of which are heterozygous, and far fewer variants of other types. When their frequency is >1% in a given population, variants are designated as common. The others are rare, including some that appear to be private to the individual or kindred studied. In each individual, at most two variations can underlie a monogenic disorder. It has thus been hoped that computational methods would be able to prioritize these variants and point at a handful of candidate culprits in the exome of any patient, not only for diagnostic but also more ambitiously for research purposes (1). This vision culminated in the utopia, or dystopia, of genetic medicine relying only on a dry laboratory to draw conclusions from genome sequencing (2). To work, such methods should show both a low false-positive (FP) prediction rate, to filter out irrelevant variants (the smaller the size of the haystack the better), and a low false-negative (FN) rate, to avoid filtering out the disease-causing mutations (the needle must stay in the haystack). Many “variant-level” approaches predict the biochemical impact of variants. Examples include sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT), which is based on protein sequence homology (3), polymorphism phenotyping v2 (PolyPhen-2), which is based on a combination of sequence conservation and biochemical properties of proteins and was trained by a set of known disease-causing mutations (4), and combined annotation-dependent depletion (CADD), which combines existing variant-level methods (including SIFT and PolyPhen-2) with an analysis of the impact of actual versus simulated human variants (5). In an important study, Miosge et al. show experimentally that the current software generate a low rate of FNs but a high rate of FPs (6).
Spatially mapping random lasing cavities.

A mapping technique is developed to spatially resolve random laser-emission spectra from disordered solid media with an optical gain above the threshold excitation intensity for lasing; the technique is applied to π-conjugated polymer 1ms. By mapping the spatial extent of emission peaks in the random laser spectrum, bright areas that correspond to naturally formed lasing microcavities are unraveled. The size of the obtained microcavities matches the size extracted from the Fourier transform analysis of the laser-emission spectrum. Mapping at increased excitation intensities shows multiple resonant microcavities that lase at increasing threshold intensities.
Neighborhood disorder and incarceration history among urban substance users.

This research examines the relationship between neighborhood physical and social disorder and incarceration history among urban drug users. A cohort of 358 African American and White urban drug use...
Generating, Visualizing, and Evaluating High-Quality Clusters for Information Organization

We present and analyze the star clustering algorithm. We discuss an implementation of this algorithm that supports browsing and document retrieval through information organization. We define three parameters for evaluating a clustering algorithm to measure the topic separation and topic aggregation achieved by the algorithm. In the absence of benchmarks, we present a method for randomly generating clustering data. Data from our user study shows evidence that the star algorithm is effective for organizing information.