cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bandwidth Enhancement Strategies for Acoustic Data Transmission by Piezoelectric Transduction

Several applications, such as underwater vehicles or waste containers, require the ability to transfer data from transducers enclosed by metallic structures. In these cases, Faraday shielding makes electromagnetic transmission highly inefficient, and suggests the employment of ultrasonic transmission as a promising alternative. While ultrasonic data transmission by piezoelectric transduction provides a practical solution, the amplitude of the transmitted signal strongly depends on acoustic resonances of the transmission line, which limits the bandwidth over which signals are sent and the rate of data transmission. The objective of this work is to investigate piezoelectric acoustic transducer configurations that enable data transmission at a relatively constant amplitude over large frequency bands. This is achieved through structural modifications of the transmission line, which includes layering of the transducers, as well as the introduction of electric circuits connected to both transmitting and receiving transducers. Both strategies lead to strong enhancements in the available bandwidth and show promising directions for the design of effective acoustic transmission across metallic barriers.
Abstract P5-19-20: A phase I study of MK-2206 in combination with lapatinib in patients with advanced solid tumors followed by dose-expansion in advanced HER2+ breast cancer

Background : AKT mediates signaling in the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) pathway. HER2 inhibition can result in feedback regulation of signaling, leading to high AKT activity. Preclinical studies demonstrate activity of combined HER2 and AKT inhibition. MK-2206 is an oral selective inhibitor of AKT. This study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), adverse events (AEs), clinical activity, pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and explore potential biomarkers of the combination of MK-2206 with lapatinib. Methods : The dose escalation cohort included adult patients (pts) with solid tumors treated with MK-2206 (30-60 mg qod) and lapatinib (1000-1500 mg qd) continuously. Cycles were 28 days, except cycle 1 (35 days), due to a 1 week MK-2206 lead-in to evaluate for PK interactions. MK-2206 plasma concentrations were evaluated on day 1, 9 (steady state) and 15 (steady state in combination with lapatinib). Lapatinib plasma concentrations were evaluated on day 9 (first dose) and day 15 (steady state in combination with MK-2206). Both used a validated LC-MSMS assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods with WinNonLin Phoenix version. The dose expansion cohort included women with advanced HER2+ breast cancer treated at the MTD. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and archived tumor samples were collected for all pts. Results : In the dose escalation cohort, 23 pts (median age 59 [range 22-72];15 female:8 male) were enrolled. Cancers were colorectal (8 pts), lung (4 pts), breast (3 pts) and other (8 pts). 19 evaluable pts were treated a median of 8 weeks (range 3-35). At dose level four, 1 pt had grade 4 hyponatremia, grade 3 rash and hypocalcemia and 1 pt had intolerable grade 2 mucositis with delivery of Conclusions : Continuous dosing of MK-2206 in combination with lapatinib is well-tolerated. Preliminary results of pharmacokinetic analysis indicate a potential for a drug interaction. Clinical benefit was seen in patients with HER2+ breast cancer. Citation Format: Moniba Nazeef, Amye J Tevaarwerk, Jens Eickhoff, Mark E Burkard, Jennifer Heideman, Glenn Liu, Chris Flynn, Jill M Kolesar, Kari B Wisinski. A phase I study of MK-2206 in combination with lapatinib in patients with advanced solid tumors followed by dose-expansion in advanced HER2+ breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-19-20.
An Approach to the Constrained Design of Natural Laminar Flow Airfoils

A design method has been developed by which an airfoil with a substantial amount of natural laminar flow can be designed, while maintaining other aerodynamic and geometric constraints. After obtaining the initial airfoil''s pressure distribution at the design lift coefficient using an Euler solver coupled with an integral turbulent boundary layer method, the calculations from a laminar boundary layer solver are used by a stability analysis code to obtain estimates of the transition location (using N-Factors) for the starting airfoil. A new design method then calculates a target pressure distribution that will increase the laminar flow toward the desired amount. An airfoil design method is then iteratively used to design an airfoil that possesses that target pressure distribution. The new airfoil''s boundary layer stability characteristics are determined, and this iterative process continues until an airfoil is designed that meets the laminar flow requirement and as many of the other constraints as possible.
International Patent Strategies of Small and Large Firms: An Empirical Study of Nanotechnology

The aim of this article is to investigate to what extent small-firm foreign patents differ from those of their larger counterparts. The research setting consists of the population of U.S.-owned small and large businesses with patent applications at the World International Patent Organization during 1996–2006 in the emerging field of nanotechnology. Findings reveal a significant and growing contribution of small firms to the globalization of patents. The analysis also suggests that small-firm patents tend to be more novel and embedded in domestic innovation networks than large-firm patents. Policy implications are multiple, including putting international patenting on the policy agenda and helping highly innovative small companies to explore foreign commercial opportunities in new markets of capital and technology.
Sequential serum aluminum and urine aluminum: creatinine ratio and tissue aluminum loading in infants with fractures/rickets.

Aluminum toxicity is associated with the development of bone disorders, including fractures, osteopenia, and osteomalacia. Fifty-one infants with a mean (± SEM) birth weight of 1007 ± 34 g, gestational age of 28.5 ± 0.3 weeks, and serial radiographic documentation at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for the presence (n = 16) or absence (n = 35) of fractures and/or rickets were studied at the same intervals to determine the serial changes in serum aluminum concentrations and urine aluminum-creatinine ratios. Autopsy bone samples were used to determine the presence of tissue aluminum. Serum aluminum concentrations from 46 infants were stable and similar between groups, with mean values between 15 and 22 µg/L. Urine aluminum-creatinine (micrograms per milligram) ratios from 14 infants were higher in infants with fractures and/or rickets (0.26 ± 0.06 vs 0.12 ± 0.04) at onset, and rate of decrease in aluminum-cratinine ratio was faster in infants without fractures and/or rickets. All but three infants were tolerating complete enteral feeding at all sampling points. One infant who received aluminum-containing antacid had marked increase in serum aluminum to 83 µg/L while urine aluminum-creatinine ratio increased from 0.09 to a peak of 8.53. Vertebrae from three infants at autopsy (full enteral feeding was tolerated for 37 and 41 days in two infants, respectively) showed aluminum deposition in the zone of provisional calcification and along the newly formed trabecula. It is concluded that in enterally fed very low birth weight infants, serum aluminum levels and urine aluminum-creatinine ratios were similar in infants with and without fractures and/or rickets, presumably in part from modulation of aluminum absorption. However, aluminum absorption can be increased as indicated by increased serum and urine aluminum concentrations from aluminum antacid therapy. Bone accumulation of aluminum is possible with currently used enteral and parenteral nutrients, but the critical level of tissue aluminum loading associated with development of fractures and/or rickets remains to be determined.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism as a cause of generalized enlargement of the maxilla and mandible: Report of a case

Abstract The physiology of secondary hyperparathyroidism should be of interest to the dental practitioner, as demonstrated by the fact that the first symptom in this case involved the oral cavity. An understanding of the disease process may aid the dentist in the making of a better differential diagnosis when faced with this type of symptomatology.
A Meta-Analysis of the ELM's Argument Quality × Processing Type Predictions

One of the key dual-process model predictions is that audiences will be more persuaded by strong persuasive arguments than weak and that this difference in persuasiveness will be larger when they are processing centrally rather than peripherally. A series of meta-analyses were conducted (k = 134) to assess this claim and explore moderators. The data were generally consistent with the hypothesized interaction. The effects tended to be smaller when pre-post designs were used rather than post-test only. Assessments of the strength of the inductions did not tend to be associated with the size of the effects associated with those inductions.
Intrinsic Absorbers in Active Galactic Nuclei

We present Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) measurements and photoionization analysis of UV absorption in the 3 observations of the low‐z Seyfert 1 object IRAS F22456‐5125. These 5 distinct, narrow (FWHM>200 km/s) absorbers span a significant range in velocity (+100 to −700 km/s) and ionization (Lyman series, C III, N III, and O VI). We find that the object shows little evidence for corresponding X‐ray absorption, and shows variability in the continuum flux of the object (by a factor of 6) the timescale covered by the FUSE observations.In the coming HST cycle we will observe this object and 5 other low‐z quasars and Seyfert galaxies with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) as part of a systematic effort to determine the chemical abundances of AGN. These objects show strong C III absorption, which leads us to believe that these targets are good candidates to search for C III* 1173 A. This will provide us with both the density and the distance to the absorbers for several objects, which there...
Transfer of Computer Skills from Introductory Computer Courses.

AbstractThis paper identifies a very serious problem for computer educators. The positive transfer of computer-related skills to novel computer tasks is an underlying assumption of computer education. Yet, some evidence suggests that certain introductory computer courses produce very highly specific and non-generalizable skills. Consequently, learning to use one piece of software may not guarantee the easy mastery of another. The magnitude of this potential problem is increased by the certainty of technological change. Therefore, unlike in more static disciplines, the applicability of some computer education may be extremely short-lived. This paper reviews transfer-related literature in order to provide recommendations to facilitate better transfer of students’ skills from introductory computer classes to future technological challenges. The literature indicates that transfer is a complex phenomenon and that certain computer skills may transfer very specifically to closely related tasks and more generally...
Head injuries in hospital-admitted adolescents and adults with skateboard-related trauma

AbstractObjective: To provide new information on properties of skateboarders who were hospital admitted with head injuries with details of the injuries including region of head impact.Methods: Hospital records of patients aged 15 and older with a skateboard injury admitted to one Level II Trauma Centre during a 10-year period were reviewed. Data on demographic, exposure, severity, diagnostic and clinical factors for patients with head injury (HI) and without HI (N-HI) were compared analytically.Results: While there were no differences for patients with HI and N-HI by age, gender, mechanism of injury or alcohol use, patients with HI were more severely injured. Although significantly more head impacts occurred to the occipital region of the head, haematomas and/or contusions were much more likely to occur in the frontal region of the brain. Acute neurosurgical intervention was needed in 14% of HI skateboarders.Conclusion: Skateboarding is not an innocuous recreational activity, with head injury present in 7...
Chronic GvHD-associated serositis and pericarditis

Serositis is a rare manifestation of chronic GvHD (cGvHD). No risk factors or laboratory changes associated with this syndrome have been recognized to date, and outcomes have not been described in a large series. We searched our institutional database for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant identified as having serositis or pericarditis. Laboratory studies from prior to diagnosis, at diagnosis and post diagnosis of serositis, as well as outcomes from invasive procedures were included. Twenty patients met criteria for cGvHD-associated serositis, and all but three patients had a prior diagnosis of cGvHD. Fifteen were male, and the complication occurred in the setting of immunosuppressant taper in 12 cases. Ten patients required invasive interventions, including pericardial window or stripping. A significant increase in blood monocytes and decrease in serum albumin were identified at diagnosis compared with pre-diagnosis. Out of 20 patients, 17 were treated with steroids, with 12 demonstrating a complete response. These data suggest that cGvHD-associated serositis occurs mainly in the setting of treated as opposed to de novo cGvHD and biomarkers associated with the syndrome include a decrease in albumin and an increase in absolute monocyte count. Outcome data from larger series are required to better understand the optimal management of this rare complication.
Rho GTPases: Role in dendrite and axonal growth, mental retardation, and axonal regeneration

Ras-homologous guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases) are molecular switches that control the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and mediate the effects of multiple signals that regulate the growth and development of dendrites, dendritic spines, and axons. Mutations affecting Rho GTPase signaling are an important cause of mental retardation. These topics have been the subject of several excellent reviews.1–3 Some of the most salient concepts of the role of Rho GTPases in control of dendritic and axonal growth will be briefly summarized here because of their potential therapeutic implications. For example, inhibition of some Rho GTPase pathways may promote axonal regeneration in spinal cord injury.4–6 The Rho GTPases include at least 23 signaling proteins encoded by 21 different genes in humans. The best characterized are members of the RhoA, Rac, and Cdc42 families.8 These proteins are key regulators of the dynamics of the cytoskeleton, which is required to establish cell polarity and regulate growth and development of dendrites and axons. Rho GTPases function as binary molecular switches between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state (figure 1). Guanine nucleotide exchange factors facilitate the transition from the inactive GDP-bound to the active GTP-bound state, whereas guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors and GTPase activator proteins act as negative regulators of Rho GTPase signaling. Several stimuli, including neurotransmitters, growth factors, and guidance molecules, regulate the growth and development of axons and dendrites via different Rho GTPases. The downstream transduction pathways triggered by these Rho GTPases are complex, and their coordinated activity regulates the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubule organization.1,3,8 Figure 1. Mechanisms of activation of Ras-homologous guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases), some of their downstream pathways, and effects on cytoskeleton and neurite growth. The Rho GTPases are activated by guanine nucleotide exchanging factors (GEFs) and inhibited by guanine dissociation inhibitors …
Simulating Titan’s aerosols in a three dimensional general circulation model

Abstract We present results from a new three dimensional GCM with a complete microphysics treatment of the aerosols. We used the Titan Community Atmospheres Model (CAM), to which we have coupled the Community Aerosol and Radiation Model for Atmospheres (CARMA). This model was unable to reproduce superrotating winds without an ad hoc forcing of the zonal winds. Our model was validated by comparing the extinction, optical depth, phase functions, and number densities with data from Cassini and Huygens, as well as other space based and ground based observations. These comparisons allowed us to constrain the microphysical properties of Titan’s haze in the tropics at the time of the Huygens descent. Our best fit of the free aerosol parameters include a haze production rate of 1 × 10 −14 g cm −2 s −1 and a charge to radius ratio on the particles of 7.5 e − /μm. Despite recent evidence of equatorial precipitation on Titan, we find the aerosols are only slowly removed by rainfall, less than once in 50 Earth years. One way to fit the wavelength dependence of the optical depth is to model the haze as fractal particles with a changing fractal dimension of 2 above 80 km that increases to 2.8 below 30 km. We investigate the spatial and seasonal variability of Titan’s haze in our model. We find that the haze particle size and number density responds to the dynamics and creates a seasonal cycle in Titan’s albedo.
Differential Forms, Metrics, and the Reflectionless Absorption of Electromagnetic Waves

Two classes of formulations are prevalent on the perfectly matched layer (PML) concept for the reflectionless absorption of electromagnetic waves. In the first, additional degrees of freedom modify the curl and div operators of Maxwell's equations. This results in the so-called non-Maxwellian PML. The original Berenger formulation belongs to this class. The non-Maxwellian PML can be systematically derived by an analytic continuation of the coordinate space to a complex variables coordinate space (complex-space) which permits the extension of the PML to general geometries and media. In the second class of PML formulations, the additional degrees of freedom are entirely incorporated into modified constitutive tensors and the usual Maxwell's equations are recovered. This results in a Maxwellian PML. Interestingly enough, for all cases where the non-Maxwellian PML was derived, a Maxwellian PML was also later derived. This suggests a duality between the formulations and the possibility of a fundamental reason ...
Morphology and histochemistry of the oviduct and egg-jelly layers in the frog, Rana pipiens

Morphologically the oviduct of the frog, Rana pipiens, consists of a lining epithelium and tubular jelly-secreting glands. The oviduct can be divided into six regions (designated R1 anteriorly—R6 posteriorly) based on the differential staining of the jelly glands. The regions measured 1, 5, 6, 3, 20 and 3 cm, respectively. These regions correspond to 6 histochemically distinct layers of jelly (designated J1 nearest the egg through J6 farthest from the egg) which are deposited around the egg during the egg's sojourn in the oviduct. A correlation between lengths of each oviducal region and thickness of individual jelly layers was observed. That is, J5 is the thickest, followed by J3, 2, 6, 4 and J1 which is thinnest. Histochemical properties of jelly glands and corresponding jelly layers were essentially the same in the tests performed. All regions and layers except R5 and J5 contain a large amount of acid mucopolysaccharide and the mucopolysaccharide in R and J1, 3 and 4 is sulfated. Neutral mucopolysaccharide is present in R2, J2, R5 and J5. Although protein is present in all layers and oviducal regions it was found in higher concentration in R and J1, 3 and 6 and in lowest concentration in R and J2.
Co-evolution of terrorist and security scenarios for water distribution systems

Identification of vulnerabilities of water distribution systems and identification of appropriate counter-measures are important components of homeland security. These are difficult and time consuming tasks. This paper provides a new approach to resolve these problems in complex infrastructure systems. It is based on the use of co-evolutionary computation for the generation of both terrorist and security scenarios. The basic concepts of co-evolutionary computation are briefly explained. The concept of co-evolutionary generation of terrorist and security scenarios is introduced in the context of a hypothetical water distribution system for a small town. A tool developed at George Mason University is used for a number of experiments that reveal a variety of emerging security patterns. The experiments show that these patterns may be helpful in effectively protecting the network.
SB203580 promote EGF‐stimulated early morphological differentiation in PC12 cell through activating ERK pathway

MAP kinases have important role in PC12 cell differentiation, since the activities of both extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 have been indicated as necessary signal for PC12 cell differentiation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and NGF both activate ERK and p38 in PC12 cells, but only NGF trigger differentiation. It has been proposed that the duration of ERK activation determines the switch from proliferation to differentiation, since EGF causes more transient activation of ERK than NGF in PC12 cells. Here we report that treatment of PC12 cells with EGF in the presence of SB203580, a widely used p38 inhibitor, caused differentiation. The pro-differentiation effect of SB203580 in EGF-treated PC12 cells was found to be independent of its function of p38 inhibition but was through an effect on the ERK pathway that has been recently reported (Kalmes et al. [1999] FEBS Lett. 444: 71–74; Hall-Jackson et al. [1999] Onc. 18: 2047–2054). We found that SB203580 by itself did not affect the activity of ERK1/2 but significantly extended EGF-induced ERK activation in PC12 cells, which resulted in early morphological differentiation. Our data indicated that although both ERK and p38 are required for PC12 cell differentiation, activation of p38 is not required when ERK is superactivated. Our data provided further evidence for the threshold theory that differentiation is determined by the duration of ERK activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 585–596, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prenatal detection of methylmalonic acidemia

Summary The case report of a pregnant woman heterozygous for methylmalonic acidemia is presented. The fetus was suspected of having the disease prenatally because of increasing amounts of methylmalonate in the maternal urine and in amniotic fluid during the third trimester. After birth the diagnosis of methylmalonic acidemia was confirmed in the child. Neither mother nor child had evidence of vitamin B 12 deficiency. This demonstration appears to be the first example of an inborn error of metabolism identified by measuring maternal secretions for an inappropriate metabolite.
The role of instruction sequencing in structured microprogramming

The current literature is filled with descriptions of various microprogrammed processors and discussions of the improvements in performance that can be realized through microprogramming. Thus, Tucker and Flynn [1] describe a dynamically microprogrammed processor and give several examples of problem-oriented programming in which the performance of the microcode was much better than that of assembly language code (System/360, normalized technology). Recently, Abd-alla and Karlgaard [2] have developed an algorithm for the synthesis of applications-oriented microcode for a dynamically microprogrammed computer. Their paper gives examples of problem-oriented architectures (realized through specialized instruction sets) which have much better performance than the corresponding general purpose architectures. This trend toward realizing specialized computer systems by means of writable control store probably means that more people will be writing microcode in the future. In particular, it seems worthwhile to consider the relation of the instruction sequencing functions of a given machine to both the ease of writing correct microcode and the size of control memory required for that machine. So far there seems to have been little or no discussion of this topic in the literature [3].
Economics of Technological Change: A Joint Model for the Aircraft and Airline Industries

The principal focus of this econometric model is on the process of technological change in the U.S. aircraft manufacturing and airline industries. The problem of predicting the rate of introduction of current technology aircraft into an airline's fleet during the period of research, development, and construction for new technology aircraft arises in planning aeronautical research investments. The approach in this model is a statistical one. It attempts to identify major factors that influence transport aircraft manufacturers and airlines, and to correlate them with the patterns of delivery of new aircraft to the domestic trunk carriers. The functional form of the model has been derived from several earlier econometric models on the economics of innovation, acquisition, and technological change.
INHIBITION OF TRANSCRIPTION AFFECTS SYNTHESIS OF STEROIDOGENIC ACUTE REGULATORY PROTEIN AND STEROIDOGENESIS IN MA-10 MOUSE LEYDIG TUMOR CELLS

Hormonal induction of steroidogenesis in the adrenal and gonads is dependent on the synthesis and function of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). As a first approach to investigate the role of translation in the control of StAR expression, we examined StAR protein synthesis and steroid production in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells in the presence of the transcriptional inhibitor, actinomycin D. We show that human CG (hCG)-induced StAR synthesis, as determined by radiolabeling MA-10 cells with [35S]methionine and immunoprecipitation of StAR, is blocked by actinomycin D. The rate of hCG-stimulated progesterone production is also decreased, but not completely blocked, suggesting a possible StAR-independent mechanism that may contribute approximately 10-20% of the acute steroidogenic potential of the cells. When MA-10 cells were pretreated with hCG to increase StAR messenger RNA levels and then the proteins radiolabeled in the presence of hCG or hCG plus actinomycin D, no difference was observed in the amount of the 30-kDa StAR protein synthesized. However, a 50% increase in the precursor form of StAR protein was detected with hCG treatment alone. These data suggest that ongoing StAR protein synthesis is not inhibited by actinomycin D, but that continued synthesis requires transcriptional activity. Progesterone production was inhibited by actinomycin D in the hCG-pretreated cells, supporting the proposal that maintaining StAR protein synthesis is required for optimal steroid production in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells.
Attenuation in western Nevada: Preliminary results from earthquake and explosion sources

We present preliminary results from a study of the attenuation of regional seismic waves at frequencies between 1 and 15 Hz and distances up to 250 km in Western Nevada. Following the methods of Anderson and Hough (1984) and Hough et al. (1988), we parameterize the asymptote of the high frequency acceleration spectrum by a two-parameter model. We relate the model parameters to a two-layer model for Qi and Qd, the frequency-independent and the frequency dependent components of the quality factor. We comparing our results to previously published Q studies in the Basin and Range and find that our estimate of total Q, Qt, in the shallow crust is consistent with shear wave Q at close distances as determined by Chavez and Priestley (1985). For depths greater than 5 km, we obtain a Qt which is consistent with previous estimates of coda Q (Singh and Herrmann, 1983) and LgQ (Chavez and Priestley, 1986), suggesting that both coda Q and LgQ are insensitive to near-surface contributions to attenuation. In addition to our attenuation results, we compare the high frequency content of explosions with that of earthquakes. Our results from S waves are similar to results for Pg waves by Chael et al. (1987), and Chael (1988), who find that the Pg wave spectra from explosions are depleted in high frequency energy with respect to earthquake spectra. Taylor et al. (1988) look at spectral energy at 1–2 Hz compared to energy at 6–8 Hz for earthquakes and explosions and find, especially for Lg waves, relative depletion of the higher frequencies for explosion sources. This result is also consistent with the results from this study.
Synthesis of 4,5-disubstituted-3-trihalomethylisothiazoles

Herein, we describe the synthesis of 4,5-disubstituted-3-trihalomethylisothiazoles from trihaloacetonitriles and 2-cyanothioacetamides or 2-ethoxycarbonylthioacetamides. The reactivity of the necessary trihaloacetonitriles has a significant impact on the observed reaction pathways. Reactions with CF3CN require an oxidant to mediate cyclization, while CCl3CN functions as both the reactant and oxidant.
Prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans

Abstract Background We sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans following the Department of Veterans Affairs′ (VA) 2007 implementation of required brief SI assessments for veterans who screen positive for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Methods We retrospectively identified OEF/OIF veterans screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) between April 2008 and September 2009 at three geographically-distinct VA Medical Centers′ primary care or mental health clinics. Veteran responses to a two-item risk assessment tool (VA Pocket Card) or PHQ-9 9th item, administered following a positive depression screen (PHQ-2≥3), were determined using manual chart review. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for demographic and clinical correlates of positive SI assessments. Results Of 1340 OEF/OIF veterans with positive depression screens, 32.4% reported SI. In multivariate models, odds of SI were lower for non-Hispanic white veterans (AOR=0.68) and greater for those with PHQ-2≥5 (AOR=1.87), depression (AOR=1.45), bipolar disorder/schizophrenia (AOR=2.84), and 2 or ≥3 diagnoses (AORs=1.59 and 2.49, respectively). Limitations Study findings may not be generalizable to non-veteran patient populations and the study does not address the reliability and validity of tools employed for brief suicidal ideation assessment. Conclusions SI is common among OEF/OIF veterans who receive VA care, perhaps more so among non-white veterans. Targeting veterans with higher PHQ-2 scores for SI assessment should be considered to reduce patient and administrative burden.
Problems with ratio and proportion measures of imaged cerebral structures.

Abstract Ratio measures, such as the ventricle-brain ratio (VBR) based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are widely used in psychiatric research in studies of brain function and morphology. While imaging techniques have advanced considerably, the form of the index of a structure's size has remained the same—a proportion based on an estimate of the structure's size divided by a like estimate of the whole brain size. We demonstrate that ratio and similar indices can suffer greatly in reliability when compared with simple volume measures. This loss of reliability is related to the relation of a structure's size and whole brain size. We review various methods for measuring the size of structures and discuss their strengths and limitations in terms of reliability and validity. In many instances, other methods of “correcting” for brain size (e.g., regression or covariance) may yield measurements that are more appropriate than ratios.
Unifying dynamic economic optimization and model predictive control for optimal process operation

In this work, we propose a conceptual framework for integrating dynamic economic optimization and model predictive control (MPC) for optimal operation of nonlinear process systems. First, we introduce the proposed two-layer integrated framework. The upper layer, consisting of an Economic MPC (EMPC) system that uses real-time measurements, computes economically optimal time-varying operating trajectories for the process by optimizing a time-dependent economic cost function over a finite prediction horizon subject to a nonlinear dynamic process model. The lower feedback control layer may utilize conventional MPC schemes or even classical control to compute feedback control actions that force the process state to track the time-varying operating trajectories computed by the upper layer EMPC. Such a framework takes advantage of the EMPC ability to compute optimal process time-varying operating policies using a dynamic process model instead of steady-state models, and the incorporation of suitable constraints on the EMPC allows calculating operating process state trajectories that can be tracked by the control layer. Second, we prove practical closed-loop stability including an explicit characterization of the closed-loop stability region. Finally, we demonstrate through extensive simulations using a chemical process model that the proposed framework can achieve stability.
Fast Fourier transform for discontinuous functions

In computational electromagnetics and other areas of computational science and engineering, Fourier transforms of discontinuous functions are often required. We present a fast algorithm for the evaluation of the Fourier transform of piecewise smooth functions with uniformly or nonuniformly sampled data by using a double interpolation procedure combined with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. We call this the discontinuous FFT algorithm. For N sample points, the complexity of the algorithm is O(/spl nu/Np+/spl nu/Nlog(N)) where p is the interpolation order and /spl nu/ is the oversampling factor. The method also provides a new nonuniform FFT algorithm for continuous functions. Numerical experiments demonstrate the high efficiency and accuracy of this discontinuous FFT algorithm.
Contralateral degeneration in the cat spinal trigeminal nucleus following unilateral retrogasserian trigeminal rhizotomy.

Abstract Retrogasserian trigeminal rhizotomy was used to study the central projections and patterns of degeneration in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN). At survival times of 3–20 days, reduced silver stains show extensive degeneration throughout the ipsilateral STN and in addition, well delineated degeneration was identified in the periobex region of the contralateral STN that varied with survival time. The results suggest that primary afferents may contribute to this contralateral projection.
Improved Methods for Cobalt Filling and Silver Intensification of Insect Motor Neurons

A Parafilm disk floating on saline and bearing a drop of cobalt solution in which the nerve stump is bathed provides a convenient and versatile method for in vitro or in vivo filling of neurons for cobalt sulfide staining. Silicone grease around the edge of the disk provides an effective seal around the nerve as it passes between the two solutions.Using a modified developer, silver intensification of cobalt sulfide stained neurons may be done in the light at room temperature, and the time of optimum intensification may be observed under a dissecting microscope.
Ovomucin content and composition in chicken eggs with different interior quality

Egg albumen ovomucin distribution and composition were studied in fresh eggs with relatively low or high internal quality as indicated by Haugh unit (HU) values. Egg HU had been altered as a result of genetic selection (mean all eggs: 87 vs 73 HU) or by feeding vanadium (V) to hens (mean all eggs: 91 vs 80 HU). In both altered HU conditions, eggs with low HU values yielded significantly less water-insoluble ovomucin from the thick albumen than eggs with high HU values, whereas the yield of ovomucin from thin albumen did not differ. The amount of ovomucin differed between eggs with high or low HU values as a result of feeding V, but the composition of ovomucin from the thick albumen was not affected. This was confirmed by SDS-PAGE gels, carbohydrate contents, and amino acid contents. When HU values were different as a result of genetics, ovomucin was affected differently. The total amount of ovomucin isolated from the thick albumen of the eggs with high HU was much higher than the amount isolated from the low HU thick albumen. The composition of the ovomucin was also different. SDS-PAGE gels showed a greater proportion of the highly glycosylated β-subunit in the ovomucin from the low HU eggs. Carbohydrate analyses showed higher concentrations of sialic acids, hexoses and hexosamines in the ovomucin from the low HU eggs. The only difference between the ovomucins in the amino acid content was that isoleucine was slightly higher in the high HU ovomucin. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
DOING POWER The Confluence of Gender, Race, and Class in Contrapower Sexual Harassment

Contrapower sexual harassment occurs when the target of harassment possesses greater formal organizational power than the perpetrator. Traditional conceptualizations of power underlying sexual harassment have either focused on location within organizational hierarchies or sociocultural status differences between men and women. We suggest the utility of simultaneously considering the influence of gender, race, and class on power dynamics at organizational, sociocultural, and interpersonal or individual levels. Using qualitative data obtained from 8 focus groups, 20 interviews, and 1 in-depth case study, we examine how gender, race, and class influence varied sources of power available to perpetrators and targets in workplace contrapower situations. We argue that the exploration of the dynamics involved in contrapower sexual harassment can illuminate broader processes of doing gender and power in the workplace.
High Temperature Oxidation of Ammonia

Abstract Results are given for ignition delays of ammonia-oxygen-argon mixtures after shock heating to temperatures between 1570 and 2460 °K. Three pressure regions were used (0.2 to 0.3, 3.3 to 5.3 and 27.2 to 44.4 atm). Absorption spectroscopy showed the presence of NH, OH and NO before explosion. The influence of hydrogen on the system was studied and a mechanism is proposed to explain the results obtained.
Discussion of “Feedback loops, fair value accounting and correlated investments”

My paper discusses Bloomfield, Nelson, and Smith’s (BNS) model and experimental study of the price dynamics that arise when a firm’s accounting reports are predictable from its stock returns. This phenomenon occurs when the firm takes a position in an asset that generates unrealized gains and losses (UGL’s) that are correlated with the firm’s own returns. My discussion of BNS focuses on three features that are often used to evaluate research—namely, potential for falsification, internal validity, and external validity. I view and evaluate the BNS paper in light of each of these features. I also briefly comment on how well the paper addresses issues related to fair value accounting.
Further studies on the effects of topical lactate on amino acid efflux from the ischemic rat cortex.

Abstract A rat four-vessel cerebral occlusion model was used to examine the effects of d -lactate and oxamate, a lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor, on cortical window superfusate levels of amino acids, glucose and l -lactate. Superfusate levels of aspartate, glutamate, taurine, GABA and phosphoethanolamine rose during ischemia and then declined during reperfusion. Glycine and alanine levels tended to increase during reperfusion, whereas glutamine levels were lower. Serine levels were not altered. Glucose levels declined rapidly during ischemia and recovered during reperfusion. Lactate levels were sustained during ischemia and increased during reperfusion. Unlike l -lactate, which attenuated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) evoked amino acid release (J.W. Phillis, D. Song, L.L. Guyot, M.H. O’Regan, Lactate reduces amino acid release and fuels recovery of function in the ischemic brain, Neurosci. Lett. 272 (1999) 195–198), topical application of d -lactate (20 mM), which is not used as an energy substrate, enhanced the I/R release of aspartate, glutamate, GABA and taurine into cortical superfusates, and also elevated l -lactate levels above those in the controls. Glucose levels were not altered. Oxamate (20 mM) application elevated the pre-ischemia levels of alanine, glycine and GABA and those of GABA during ischemia. Levels of all amino acids, with the exception of phosphoethanolamine, were elevated during reperfusion. Oxamate, an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenases 1 and 5, did not alter the pattern of efflux of glucose and l -lactate. In the presence of oxamate, l -lactate (20 mM) failed to inhibit amino acid release. The failure of d -lactate to attenuate amino acid release confirms the inability of this isomer to act as a metabolic substrate. The oxamate data indicate that inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase is detrimental to the viability of cortical cells during I/R, even though extracellular lactate levels are elevated. The pre-ischemia increases in alanine and glycine are suggestive of elevations in pyruvate as a result of the block of its conversion to lactate, with transamination reactions converting pyruvate to form these amino acids. In summary, the results further substantiate the concept of a role for l -lactate as a cerebral energy substrate.
SOME NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES FROM PARTIALLY PURIFIED TRANSFER RIBONUCLEIC ACIDS.

1. 1. Transfer RNA from baker's yeast and from Escherichia coli have been fractionated by partition and ion-exchange chromatography. 2. 2. Partially purified samples of transfer RNA from yeast specific for serine and valine and from E. coli specific for phenylalanine and lysine, as well as unfractionated transfer RNA from both sources have been subjected to digestion with alkali, pancreatic RNAase (EC 2.7.7.16), and takadiastase RNAase, T1 (EC 3.1.4.8). The products of the digestions were separated by paper ionophoresis and chromatography in a two-dimensional system and identified. 3. 3. It was found that: (a) The nucleotide sequences of unfractionated transfer RNA's are non-random. (b) It appears unlikely that methylated purines occur in the serine transfer RNA reported on, and none have been identified in the partially purified samples from E. coli. (c) In transfer RNA from E. coli no runs of adenylic acid longer than 3 residues were found. (d) The following provision list of nucleotide sequences occurring in pancreatic ribonuclease digest of serine transfer RNA from yeast has been deduced: AC, 1; AU, 2; GC, 4; GU, 2; A2C, 1; A2U, 1; G2C, 2; G2U, 1; G2ψ, 1; [AG]C, 1; [AG]U, 2; [AG2]U, 2; C, 11; U, 10; and ψ, 1.
Ultra-violet Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Chromatograms

THE sensitivity of the normal human eye to light does not extend far below 400 mµ. Nevertheless, ultra-violet-absorbing compounds appear as dark spots on paper chromatograms illuminated with ultra-violet light. This is due to absorption of the light before it can excite the fluorescence of the paper, and constitutes one variety of quenching. Compounds which fluoresce in ultra-violet light will be detected on paper chromatograms if their fluorescence exceeds that of the surrounding paper. The light sources commonly employed emit the mercury lines at 254mµ or 366mµ. In chromatograms of biological extracts the short-wave lamp detects principally the absorbing compounds and the long-wave lamp fluorescing compounds. Beyond this the method possesses little inherent specificity. Thus compounds such as cortisone, nicotinic acid, caffeine and uric acid (λmax 240, 260, 273 and 292 mµ respectively) all appear indistinguishable as dark spots under the short-wave lamp. Furthermore, for substances such as oestrogens, the absorption maximum (280 mµ.) of which is very different from the 254 mµ emission of the handlamp, the method is relatively insensitive. A need therefore exists for an instrument with which absorption and activation maxima can be rapidly determined on the paper. I have accordingly designed an ultra-violet spectroscope in which the ultraviolet light is shifted to the visible region by the fluorescence of either the paper itself or a superimposed screen.
Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss

In Nature's marketplace, there are many ways to compete. Most species carve out a niche where they are particularly effective at turning resources into offspring. Others play a more dangerous game: They win not by outcompeting their adversaries but by killing them. Sometimes this is as simple as applying a little poison. On page 1014 of this issue, LeBrun et al. ( 1 ) reveal how the tawny crazy ant ( Nylanderia fulva ), newly arrived to the United States from South America, may be ending the more than 60-year reign of the red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta ), a competitor armed with a powerful alkaloid venom. The crazy ant's secret? It knows the antidote.
Effect of Lipid Extraction Process on Performance of Texturized Soy Flour Added Wheat Bread

: Wheat breads were prepared to contain 0%, 2%, 6%, or 12% non-solvent extracted texturized soy flour (NSETSF) or solvent extracted texturized soy flour (SETSF) to evaluate their effects on instrumental and sensory characteristics. To compare the effects of added dough enhancers versus those contained in lip id-extracted soy flour, a sucrose ester was included in some formulations. Both soy flours produced comparable loaves relative to percent inclusion. Texture analysis and trained sensory panel evaluation indicated that SETSF loaves were softer than NSETSF loaves. The consumer panel found bread with 12% NSETSF similar to the control. Texturized, lipid-extracted soy flours added to wheat breads produced a “sucrose ester”-like property.
Effect of temperature, pH and electron donor on the microbial reductive dechlorination of chloroalkenes

In order to elucidate the effect of environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, and electron donor on the microbial reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene and its transformation products, batch, acetate-fed methanogenic cultures were developed from a field contaminated soil and incubated within a pH range of 4 to 9.5 and a temperature range of 5 to 45°C. Optimum conditions for reductive dechlorination were achieved at pH and temperature values of around 7 and 35°C, respectively. Methane production was more affected by pH and temperature than was the rate of dechlorination. Increased levels of electron donor (acetate) resulted in faster rates of both methanogenesis and reductive dechlorination. The effect of pH and temperature on the dechlorination rate and methane production were simulated by using previously established relationships pertaining to the activation and deactivation of enzymatic processes.
Maternal inheritance of mammalian mitochondrial DNA

EUKARYOTIC cells contain a class of cytoplasmic DNA molecules which are found only within the mitochondria, where they replicate and are transcribed (for a general review see ref. 1). This mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) constitutes the ‘mitochondrial genome’ and carries genetic information essential to mitochondrial function. In view of its extranuclear location, it is not surprising that inheritance of the mitochondrial genome is not governed by the same rules that apply to chromosomal genes. For fungi2–7 and amphibians8 there is evidence that the mitochondrial genome of an individual is derived solely from the maternal parent (in contrast to chromosomal genes, which are inherited biparentally). We present here evidence that the mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally in mammals too.