cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical properties and structure of nanodiamonds

Abstract We present a theoretical study of the structure and optical properties of nanodiamonds. Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, we confirm that quantum confinement effects become negligible between 2 and 3 nm in size. In this size domain, specific surface reconstructions occur upon sample dehydrogenation, leading to fullerene-capped structures, or ‘bucky diamonds’ with absorption spectra similar to the experiment. We finally show that the HOMO and LUMO states are interface states in the reconstructed structures.
The significance of psychotic features in manic episodes: a report from the NIMH collaborative study.

Abstract Background : Psychotic features in the context of major depressive syndromes have correlates in symptom severity, acute treatment response and long-term prognosis. Little is known as to whether psychotic features have similar importance when they occur within manic syndromes. Methods : These data derive from a multi-center, long-term follow-up of patients with major affective disorder. Raters conducted follow-up interviews at 6-month intervals for the first 5 years and annually thereafter. A sub-set of probands participated in a family study in which all available, adult, first-degree relatives were interviewed as well. Results : Of 139 who entered the study in an episode of mania, 90 patients had psychotic features. Symptom severity ratings at intake were more severe for this group. Though time to first recovery and time to first relapse did not distinguish the groups, psychotic features were associated with a greater number of weeks ill during follow-up and the strength of this association was similar to that seen for psychotic features within depressed patients described in an earlier publication. Patients with psychotic mania at intake did not differ significantly from those with nonpsychotic mania by response to acute lithium treatment, suicidal behavior during follow-up, or risks for affective disorder among first-degree relatives. Psychotic features within manic syndromes were not associated with high psychosis ratings during follow-up. In contrast, when psychotic features accompanied depressive syndromes, they strongly predicted the number of weeks with psychosis during follow-up, particularly among individuals whose episodes at intake were less acute. Conclusions : As with major depressive syndromes, psychotic features in mania are associated with greater symptom severity and higher morbidity in the long-term. Psychotic features are much less predictive of future psychosis when they occur within a manic syndrome than when they occur within a depressive syndrome.
Statistical Entity Extraction From the Web

There are various kinds of valuable semantic information about real-world entities embedded in webpages and databases. Extracting and integrating these entity information from the Web is of great significance. Comparing to traditional information extraction problems, web entity extraction needs to solve several new challenges to fully take advantage of the unique characteristic of the Web. In this paper, we introduce our recent work on statistical extraction of structured entities, named entities, entity facts and relations from Web. We also briefly introduce iKnoweb, an interactive knowledge mining framework for entity information integration. We will use two novel web applications, Microsoft Academic Search (aka Libra) and EntityCube, as working examples.
Pontine GABAergic pathways: role and plasticity in the hypoxic ventilatory response.

Abstract The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) was compared before and after uni- and bi-lateral injections of bicuculline, a GABA A receptor antagonist, into the ventrolateral (vl) pons and before and after conditioning animals to chronic sustained hypoxia (CSH). The HVR was assessed by recording phrenic nerve activity (PNA) during and after brief exposures to hypoxia (8% O 2 and 92% N 2 for 45 s). Inspiratory ( T I ) and expiratory ( T E ) durations were averaged before hypoxia, at the peak breathing frequency during hypoxia, before the end of hypoxia, immediately after hypoxia, and 60 s after hypoxia. Blocking GABA A receptors in the vl pons prolonged T E during, but not after hypoxia. After CSH induced by 14 days in a hypobaric chamber (0.5 atm), the HVR was attenuated compared to that in the naive animals. This plasticity of HVR was associated with selective induction of α6 and δ GABA A receptor subunit mRNAs specifically in the pons compared to the medulla. These physiological and molecular results illustrate the importance of pontine GABAergic pathways in shaping the response to hypoxia.
Bringing balance by force: live cell extrusion controls epithelial cell numbers

To function as an intact barrier, epithelia must maintain constant cell numbers despite high rates of turnover. If the rate of death exceeds proliferation, epithelial barrier function could become compromised; if it lags behind proliferation, cells could amass into tumors. Although the balance between cell death and division is critical for preventing pathology, most studies focus on each process in isolation. Loss of contact inhibition is a hallmark of cancer cells and has suggested that cell contacts are important for linking rates of cell division and death. However, epithelial cells continuously divide and die while maintaining contacts with each other, so other factors must control this balance. Recent studies have found that cell-crowding forces from cell proliferation can drive cells to die by extrusion from the epithelium. Factors that alter this response to cell crowding may lead to barrier function diseases or promote hyperplasia and cancer.
Symmetry and degeneracy in density functional theory

The superhamiltonian formalism is used to construct a totally symmetric superdensity for a system whose ground state corresponds to a multidimensional irreducible representation of the symmetry group of the Hamiltonian. A Hohenberg–Kohn theorem is proven and the Levy constrained-search procedure is adapted. An appropriate generalization allows the application of this procedure to degenerate excited states. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001
Supply chain simulation: a simulation-based tool for inventory analysis in a server computer manufacturing environment

In this paper, we describe a simulation-based inventory management tool developed for the IBM Enterprise Server Group. Through the Web interface of the tool, an inventory manager is able to visualize Days of Supply (DOS) levels — current and projected, and to carry out what-if scenario analysis to identify potential opportunities for improvement. The highly complicated server manufacturing environment poses simulation modeling challenges such as two-stage fabrication/fulfillment process, multi-echelon bills-of-materials, complex server box configurations, part tests with random yields, stochastic lead times and so on. In the following sections, we will introduce the common characteristics of the server manufacturing environment, present the overall architecture of our tool, and describe the simulation model design and how we addressed those challenges. At the end of the paper, we will show some results collected from the tool and point out our future research directions.
Fermi-surface nesting, closed orbits, and the ''threshold field'' in an organic superconductor

The Fermi surface of the organic superconductor (TMTSF)/sub 2/PF/sub 6/ (bis-tetramethyltetraselena- fulvalenium hexafluorophosphate) should be open in a one-electron picture. Magnetotransport results, on the other hand, indicate the presence in the metallic state of small closed and compensated orbits. Such orbits can arise if there is an instability of commensurate wave vectors nesting the Fermi surface. The areas calculated here for these orbits are shown to strongly favor nonoptimal nesting over optimal nesting (i.e., the optimal areas are far too small). A model of instability commensuration change at the observed threshold associated with the Shubnikov--de Haas effect, driven by the magnetic field dependence of the Landau-level energies for the optimal orbits, is seen to be consistent with the present results and with many of the novel properties of this material.
A Dewpoint Device for HTGR Coolant

High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) use a gaseous coolant for heat transfer between the nuclear core and two or more steam generators. Leakage of steam or water from the steam generators to the coolant would expose the nuclear core to water vapor. A moisture measuring system is required to determine the moisture content of the coolant gas in the range of 0.1 to 3000 volume parts per million (ppm). Another requirement is the rapid detection of large leaks resulting in 2000 ppm or more and the identification of the leaking steam generator, thus permitting isolation of the faulty coolant loop. An optical dewpoint detector has been developed that can be used either as a dewpoint monitor or as a dewpoint trip device. The response time of the device as a trip instrument is typically 1 sec in the dewpoint range of 27°F to 128°F (100 to 3000 ppm). As a dewpoint monitor, the mirror temperature can be changed at a rate of 1°F/sec, in the range of -87°F to +128°F (0.1 to 3000 ppm). The moisture detector head is designed to operate at the full coolant pressure of 700 psia. In the HTGR application, access to the device is difficult during reactor operation, and will be cumbersome at all times because of gamma radiation environment. Therefore, exhaustive testing of all detector head components, subassemblies, and materials selection from inorganic substances has been performed to reduce maintenance to a minimum.
THE TESTICULAR HORMONE CONTENT OF HUMAN URINE

Loewe, Voss, Lange and Wahner (1) reported that by their seminal vesicle “regeneration test” on the castrated mouse, they found it necessary to use the equivalent of 3.6 liters of male urine to demonstrate the presence of the male hormone therein. Funk, Harrow and co-workers (2, 3, 4), as well as workers in this laboratory, showed that by the comb growth method testicular hormone in the urine of adult men can easily be detected by injecting the equivalent of 50 to 150 cc. of urine per capon per day. The earlier investigations (5, 6, 7, 8) in these laboratories on the extraction of the testis hormone from testis tissue naturally led us to investigate other tissues and fluids. In this paper we present some of our recent findings on human urine.
Src Homology 3 Domain of Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Protein Interacts With Bin1 and Is Important for Apoptosis and Infectivity

Background & Aims HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) has been implicated in regulating cell growth and interferon response. The NS5A protein contains proline-rich regions that are highly conserved among HCV genotypes and match Src homology 3 (SH3)-binding motifs (PxxP) found in various cellular signaling molecules. Methods We screened for HCV NS5A interacting proteins by using the yeast 2-hybrid system and studied the functional consequence of this interaction. Results Several independent clones containing SH3 domains were isolated along with Bin1, a tumor suppressor with pro-apoptotic properties, being the most frequently identified clone. The protein–protein interaction between NS5A and Bin1 was confirmed by in vitro binding, in vivo co-immunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopy. Deletion and mutation analyses indicated that the SH3 binding motif of HCV NS5A and SH3 domain of Bin1 are essential for interaction. Human hepatoma (HepG2) cells lacking expression of Bin1 undergo apoptosis upon infection with adeno-Bin1. Bin1-induced apoptosis was inhibited in HepG2 cells expressing wild-type NS5A but not NS5A mutant with mutations in the SH3 binding motif. Infectious HCV genome containing mutations in the SH3 binding motif was not infectious in chimpanzees. Conclusions Our results indicate that this interaction is implicated in productive HCV infection and may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the NS5A PxxP motif may represent a novel target for antiviral development.
Confronting The Barriers To Chronic Care Management In Medicare

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the ability of the current Medicare program—both traditional fee-for-service and risk-based contracting—to address the needs of beneficiaries with chronic conditions, ...
HP1γ expression is elevated in prostate cancer and is superior to Gleason score as a predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy

Aberrant chromatin structure in cancer cells results from altered proteins involved in its packaging. Heterochromatin protein 1 gamma (HP1γ) is a non-histone heterochromatic protein that functions to maintain chromatin stability and is important in embryonic development. Given an interest in the role developmental genes play in cancer, we investigated HP1γ expression in prostate cancer (PCa) and its prognostic associations. Tissue microarrays consisting of benign (N = 96), localized cancer (N = 146), metastatic PCa (N = 44), and HGPIN (N = 50) were immunoflourescently stained for HP1γ and Ki-67. Using a novel, automated quantitative imaging system, VECTRA™, epithelial staining in both the nucleus and cytoplasm was quantified and compared against clinicopathologic variables. HP1γ is significantly elevated in HGPIN (80%), localized PCa (76%), and metastatic PCa (98%) compared to benign tissues from both the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments (P < 0.0001). Increased nuclear and total HP1γ expression was associated with Gleason score (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04 respectively). Given known binding to the C-terminus of Ki-67, a co-expression analysis was performed that revealed a correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic HP1γ and Ki-67 (Pearson Coefficient 0.321 and 0.562 respectively, P < 0.0001). Cox survival analysis demonstrated that cytoplasmic HP1γ expression was an independent prognostic marker and out-performed pathological Gleason score for predicting PSA-recurrence after radical prostatectomy. In this first detailed analysis of HP1γ expression in cancer, VECTRA™ demonstrates compartmentalized and total HP1γ protein expression is increased in PCa and that expression correlates with clinical outcomes better than Gleason score. Given the critical role HP1γ plays in chromatin organization and gene expression, it represents a novel prognostic and therapeutic target.
Annihilating measures of the algebra R(X)

Abstract A special class of “analytic measures” in the totality of measures orthogonal to the algebra of rational functions on a compact set X⊂C is introduced. It is proved that there always exist nontrivial (i.e., nonzero) analytic measures provided that R(X) ≠ C(X). We also give sufficient conditions in order to have the linear span of analytic measures be weak (∗) dense in the whole annihilator of the algebra R(X).
Sildenafil Improves Exercise Hemodynamics and Oxygen Uptake in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure

Background— Heart failure (HF) is frequently associated with dysregulation of nitric oxide–mediated pulmonary vascular tone. Sildenafil, a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, lowers pulmonary vascular resistance in pulmonary hypertension by augmenting intracellular levels of the nitric oxide second messenger, cyclic GMP. We tested the hypothesis that a single oral dose of sildenafil (50 mg) would improve exercise capacity and exercise hemodynamics in patients with chronic systolic HF through pulmonary vasodilation. Methods and Results— Thirteen patients with New York Heart Association class III HF underwent assessment of right heart hemodynamics, gas exchange, and first-pass radionuclide ventriculography at rest and with cycle ergometry before and 60 minutes after administration of 50 mg of oral sildenafil. Sildenafil reduced resting pulmonary arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance, and increased resting and exercise cardiac index (P<0.05 for all) without alteri...
Empty Sets or Empty Self A Response to Comments on `Whose Right is it to Define the Self?'

Responses to my critique of social constructionism (Fisher, 1995b) aver not only that my concepts of self appear dualistic, re-evoking Cartesian and neo-Cartesian dualities, but also that my claims about the self lack evidence. Freeman, Gergen, Harre, Hermans and Shotter (all 1995) reassert consciousness and conscience as social constructions. Yet, their reductionism splits mind from body. I argue to the contrary-that mind and body interrelate within the same metaphysical structuring and without such splits as Harre's proposed metaphysical/ontological. Ironically, constructionist reduction of the self to a derivation within social context multiplies dualities and disjunctions for two reasons: the use of reduction to theorize about the self, and the focus on rhetoric-not only as context for the metaphysical structuring of theoretical concepts, but also as substitute for logic in evaluating theory. I reject as fallacy the argument that it is my burden of proof to show evidence for the psychobiology of self ...
International Distributive Justice

Should international justice imitate domestic justice? Do borders make a difference? Liberal philosophers have tended to discount the moral significance of borders. Some have argued that obligations of common humanity and respect for moral autonomy require the provision of basic needs or the distribution of social products according to just standards. For them, borders are not morally relevant grounds for discrimination in an era of int rnational interdependence. But scholars commonly identified with the Realpolitik school of world politics question whether domestic standards of justice are relevant in the international arena, which is radically different from the domestic one. And Marxist scholars question whether the prevailing standards of domestic justice can be neutral between classes, either within or across national borders. Our roundtable set out
On the financial characteristics of firms that initiated new dividends during a period of economic recession and financial market turmoil

The initiation of new dividends and increases in dividend payout ratios occur infrequently because once initiated it would be expected by most investors that the new dividends will be maintained. Dividend announcements are said to have informational content concerning the value of the firm, and financial signaling theory would lead investors to conclude that the initiation of new dividends is an indication that the firm expects increased cash flows in the future. Thus, unless the initiation is identified beforehand as a special dividend resulting from unanticipated cash inflows, it is difficult to reverse the action without having an adverse effect on the value of the firm. In periods of economic recession and financial turmoil most firms conserve cash and the initiation of new dividends or increases in the dividend payout ratio in such periods are extraordinary and noteworthy. The purpose of this study is to provide a financial analysis of those firms described by Value Line as having initiated or increased the dividend payout ratio in the most recent period of economic recession and financial market turmoil. Specifically, the analysis will test for significant differences in the financial profiles of those firms that initiated new dividends in such a period, and companies selected at random but from the same industries. A unique financial profile is established for the dividend initiating firms, and it is suggested that the profile may be used to identify firms that will initiate new dividends in future periods of economic downturn. As in previous studies of this nature Multiple Discriminant Analysis is used.
Expanding the spectrum of NPHS1-associated disease

The nephrin gene NPHS1 was cloned in 1998. Studies in families with congenital nephrotic syndrome led to the identification of this critical component of the glomerular slit diaphragm. Studies such as the new one by Santin et al. are expanding our understanding of the spectrum of disease associated with NPHS1 mutations.
THE METALLIC NATURE OF BORON LAYERS IN MAGNESIUM DIBORIDE

We performed ab initio, local density functional calculations for the electronic structure of MgB2. The Fermi level of MgB2 cuts through relatively narrow electron bands which have a dominant contribution from B(2p) states. The above metallic behavior of boron layers can also be seen from the calculated partial density of states. The metallic nature, strong covalent bonds, and the light atomic mass in the boron layers could lead to a strong electron-phonon (e–ph) interaction. The strong e–ph interaction is particularly important for the high energy phonons that are associated with boron layers in MgB2.
Prevention of blow-up by fast diffusion in chemotaxis

Abstract In this paper, we study a strongly coupled parabolic system with cross diffusion term which models chemotaxis. The diffusion coefficient goes to infinity when cell density tends to an allowable maximum value. Such ‘fast diffusion’ leads to global existence of solutions in bounded domains for any given initial data irrespective of the spatial dimension, which is usually the goal of many modifications to the classical Keller–Segel model. The key estimates that make this possible have been obtained by a technique that uses ideas from Moser's iterations.
Linkage map of seven polymorphic markers on rat chromosome 18.

A genetic linkage map of seven polymorphic markers was created with F2 intercross progeny of F344/N and LEW/N rats and assigned to rat Chromosome (Chr) 18. Five of the markers described were defined by simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) associated with five genes: transthyretin (TTR), trypsin inhibitor-like protein (TILP), β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), olfactory neuron-specific G protein (OLF), and gap junction protein (GJA1). One marker was defined by a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected with a probe for the human colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) gene. The D18N1R locus was defined by an anonymous DNA fragment amplified by the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique with a single short primer. These seven DNA loci formed a single genetic linkage group 30.4 cM in length with the following order: TTR-6.8 cM-D18N1R-9.1 cM-TILP-4.3 cM-CSF1R-0 cM-ADRB2-10.2 cM-OLF-0 cM-GJA1. The five SSLP markers were highly polymorphic. In a total of 13 inbred rat strains analyzed (F344/ N, LEW/N, LOU/MN, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, MR/N, MNR/N, ACI/N, SHR/N, WKY/N, BN/SsN, BUF/N, and LER/N), three to six alleles were detected for each marker. Remarkable linkage conservation was detected between the region of rat Chr 18 mapped and a region of mouse Chr 18. However, genes associated with these markers have been mapped to three different human chromosomes (Chrs 5, 6, and 18). The markers described here should be useful for genetic mapping studies and genetic monitoring of inbred rat strains.
The Sūra of the Poets Revisited

The sūra of the poets (xxvi) is unique among all the sūras of the Qur'ān. It is the only sūra which treats in a significant manner the secular art of Arabic poetry (verses 224-227) in the context of the defense of the Qur'ān as the Word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (verses 1-9). For Arabic poetry, verse 227 documents the birth of an entirely new genre in the history of Arabic poetry, the Islamic, and what is more, it legitimates poetic composition along strictly Islamic lines, bringing poetry within the purview of the Shari'a. For Qur'ānic studies, verse 226 "and they say what they do not do," has been closely examined and the examination has yielded the conclusion that this "unfulfilled promise" on the part of the poets is the key to discovering what the important Qur'ānic dogma inimitability, I' jāz, consists in. The regnant view of later times understood it in literary terms, but the detailed microscopic examination of the verses, 224-226 has revealed the soundness of this view, already confirmed in the Qur'ān itself. Hence, the twofold significance of these crucial verses in the sūra of the poets to both the history of Arabic poetry and to Qur'ānic studies and the importance of their correct exegesis, discussed by the present writer in JAL (2004, pp 175-220).This has been challenged recently by Michael Zwettler in a long article which appeared in JAL (2007, pp 111-166) and so has reopened the debate on the sūra. It is therefore necessary to examine the arguments, advanced in this article, necessary for both the history of Arabic poetry and of Qur'ānic studies, and also for considering some new elements to be found in this article. This will be done in the spirit of a dialogue, that is essential for advancing the frontiers of knowledge in both disciplines, the literary and the Qur'ānic.
The Autonomic Computing Paradigm

The advances in computing and communication technologiesand software tools have resulted in an explosive growth innetworked applications and information services that coverall aspects of our life. These services and applications are in-herently complex, dynamic and heterogeneous. In a similarway, the underlying information infrastructure, e.g. the In-ternet, is large, complex, heterogeneous and dynamic, glob-allyaggregatinglargenumbersofindependentcomputingandcommunication resources, data stores and sensor networks.The combination of the two results in application develop-ment, conﬁguration and management complexities that breakcurrent computing paradigms, which are based on static be-haviors, interactions and compositions of components and/orservices.Asaresult,applications,programmingenvironmentsand information infrastructures are rapidly becoming brittle,unmanageable and insecure. This has led researchers to con-sider alternative programming paradigms and managementtechniques that are based on strategies used by biological sys-tems to deal with complexity, dynamism, heterogeneity anduncertainty.Autonomiccomputingisinspiredbythehumanautonomicnervoussystemthathandlescomplexityanduncertainties,andaims at realizing computing systems and applications capableof managing themselves with minimum human intervention.In this paper we ﬁrst give an overview of the architecture
Incorporating interactive compute environments into web-based training materials using the Cornell job runner service

Online training materials, such as the Cornell Virtual WorkshopSM have many advantages, the foremost being that they are always available as a 24x7 option for learners who want to study a topic on demand and at their own pace. It can be challenging to create online materials that are engaging and provide a realistic learning environment. Traditionally, training materials and compute environments have been separate entities. Even in the HPC environment, students learn from online materials in one window, then log into a new machine or session to try out new skills or concepts. Accessing this second environment can impose obstacles such as gaining access to the appropriate computer and learning to navigate a computer-specific login environment and file system. In an effort to circumvent these obstacles, the Cornell University Center for Advanced Computing (CAC) developed the Cornell Job Runner ServiceSM (CJRS), along with a general-purpose toolkit for using the CJRS to embed a computing environment directly into web pages, backed by real or virtual compute resources. This implementation provides the learner immediate access to a compute environment that looks and feels like a typical HPC login node or batch job, allowing incorporation of on-demand learning experiences interspersed with general training content. With CJRS, students can try out commands and run jobs without obtaining an account or leaving the learning environment to sign in to a remote machine. This paper explores the use of the CJRS toolkit to provide three different interactive modes for learners: a Linux console configured as a general login node, a form element that launches a pre-defined SLURM job, and a guided session which allows the user to walk through pre-planned steps of compiling, fixing, and running MPI code.
Identification of mRNA that encodes an alternative form of H-CAM(CD44) in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues.

The cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), hereafter referred to as H-CAM(CD44), represents a novel class of polymorphic (M r 80 000–215 000) cell adhesion molecules that are involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion events in a variety of organ systems. We report the detection of distinct mRNAs, in both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic human cell lines, that encode H-CAM(CD44) with different cytoplasmic domains. Genomic Southern blot analyses indicate that the exons encoding these two cytoplasmic domains are located on the same ∼ 16 kilobase (kb) Eco RI restriction fragment. Restriction endonuclease and Southern blot analyses performed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification copies of these mRNAs confirm that their sequences correspond with previously reported cDNA sequences. A consensus splice donor site which is conserved in human, baboon, and mouse mRNAs that encode a molecule with an elongated cytoplasmic domain (H-CAM-L) is utilized to generate a distinct but low-abundance mRNA species that encodes H-CAM(CD44) with a truncated cytoplasmic domain of only three amino acids (H-CAM-S). Estimations of the relative abundance of these mRNA species in B-lymphoblastoid cells using the PCR amplification technique exhibit average H-CAM-L/H-CAM-S ratios ranging between 100 and 200. Therefore, H-CAM(CD44)-mediated adhesive events may be regulated through a differential capacity of H-CAM-L and H-CAM-S to interact with the cytoskeleton and to participate in intracellular signaling events.
Common genetic variants may identify women with large uterine fibroids on ultrasound: the cardia women’s study (CWS)

ASSOCIATION OF BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND ADIPOKINES WITH THE PREVALENCE OF FIBROIDS IN YOUNG AFRICANAMERICAN WOMEN: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY. E. E. Marsh, M. Steinberg, L. Bernardi, P. de Chavez, M. S. Ghant, L. M. Neff, M. Carnethon. Obstetrics and Gynecology REI Division, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Medicine Division of Endocrinology andMetabolism, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
Rational delay functions based on continued-fraction expansion of ex

Rational approximations to the ideal delay function e−ts (where τ is the delay time, and s is the complex frequency) based on the continued fraction expansion (c.f.e.) of ex are studied in both the frequency and the time domains. Comparisons with other approximations show that the new approximations have the least ratios of rise time to delay time for the same order of the function and within certain tolerances of overshoot and undershoot in the step response.
Neurons, psychons, and emotion

It is proposed by Eccles that (1) The mental world consists of mental units called psychons; (2) The brain world consists of nerve units called dendrons; (3) In mind-brain interaction, psychons and dendrons are linked through quantum physics. In this note, we formalize the above ideas. Emotions are represented by emotion state vectors. The motion of emotion (emotion state vector) depends on the previous psychon state vector, the previous emotion and brain state. The brain state is in turn stimulated by outside stimuli and influenced by psychon state vectors. In this paper, we specify the mind-brain interaction by several operators. A complete theory is presented in this paper. © (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
γ-Herpesvirus Latency Is Preferentially Maintained in Splenic Germinal Center and Memory B Cells

The γ-herpesviruses are oncogenic B cell lymphotrophic viruses that establish life-long latency in the host. Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) infection of mice represents a unique system for analyzing γ-herpesvirus latency in splenic B cells at different stages of infection. After intranasal infection with MHV-68 we analyzed the establishment of latency 14 days after infection, and the maintenance of latency 3 months after infection in different purified subpopulations of B cells in the spleen. The data show that MHV-68 latency is mainly established in germinal center B cells and that long-term latency is preferentially maintained in two different subsets of isotype-switched B cells, germinal center and memory B cells. Cell cycle analysis indicates that MHV-68 is located in both cycling and resting isotype-switched B cells. Analysis of viral gene expression showed that both lytic and latent viral transcripts were differentially expressed in germinal center and memory B cells during long-term latency. Together, these observations suggested that γ-herpesviruses exploit the B cell life cycle in the spleen.
The role of Th17 cytokines in primary mucosal immunity

The T helper type 17 (Th17) lineage of CD4+ T-cells produce several effector molecules including IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. In addition to CD4+, αβ T-cells, these cytokines can be produced by natural killer and γδ T-cells. These effector cytokines can be produced rapidly upon infection at mucosal sites and evidence to date strongly implicates that this arm of the immune system plays a critical role in mucosal immunity to many extracellular pathogens. Moreover these cytokines can also coordinate adaptive immunity to some intracellular pathogens. In this review, we will highlight recent progress in our understanding of these cytokines, and mechanisms of their effector function in the mucosa.
Controlling homoclinic orbits

In this paper we analyze various control-theoretic aspects of a nonlinear control system possessing homoclinic or heteroclinic orbits. In particular, we show that for a certain class of nonlinear control system possessing homoclinic orbits, a control can be found such that the system exhibits arbitrarily long periods in a neighborhood of the homoclinic. We then apply these ideas to bursting phenomena in the near wall region of a turbulent boundary layer. Our analysis is based on a recently developed finite-dimensional model of this region due to Aubry, Holmes, Lumley, and Stone.
A Transient EHL Analysis for Line Contacts With Measured Surface Roughness Using Multigrid Technique

Transient EHL analysis for line contacts with measured surface roughness is performed by using the multigrid method. Results show that the transient effect, induced by surface roughness, has a remarkable influence on pressure distribution and the film thickness profile. Pressure fluctuation increases with the relative sliding speed between the contact surfaces. For simple sliding with stationary surface roughness, the roughness profile is almost flattened. When the rough surface moves, the elastically deformed surface roughness, in the contact zone, increases with the moving speed
Using Technology for Collaborative Research and Writing

This article describes the experience of using technology to facilitate collaborative research and writing. Initially, two faculty members at Indiana University and a research associate used a group decision support system (GDSS) called GroupSystemsT to design an active learning experience for undergraduate nursing students. In addition, GroupSystems was used to gather qualitative data from student participants. The authors then explored how tools within GroupSystems might support qualitative data analysis (QDA) and collaborative writing. Reflecting on the value of this technology and its potential applications, the authors conclude that the technology enhances the process of QDA but is not sufficient to achieve final negotiation and articulation of emergent themes. In addition, the authors suggest that use of the technology for collaborative writing challenges the conventional manner of assigning authorship.
Blood glucose monitoring as a teaching tool for endocrinology: a new perspective.

The education of new allied health professionals and nurses in proper endocrine evaluation and care has become critical in recent years, especially considering the greatly increased prevalence of d...
Differentiating Depression from PBA-Related Crying in ALS: Use of PHQ-9 and CNS-LS (P7.041)

OBJECTIVE: Examine validity of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9, a depression instrument based upon DSM-IV criteria) and Center for Neurologic Study-Lability Scale (CNS-LS, an instrument to measure pseudobulbar affect, or PBA) as measures of distinctive traits in ALS. BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of depression in ALS is confounded by PBA and motor deterioration, which may resemble emotional and somatic symptoms of depression, respectively. METHODS: Multiple self-reported measures including PHQ-9, CNS-LS and a QOL measure EQ-5D™, were obtained from ALS patients using tablet devices in waiting rooms and a software system developed in-house at Cleveland Clinic (Knowledge Program). Analyses included descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: Of 1008 ALS patients seen in the Cleveland Clinic Neuromuscular Center, 749 had simultaneous responses to the 9 questions of PHQ-9 and the 7 questions of CNS-LS. Cronbach9s alpha was 0.83 and 0.87 for the two instruments respectively. Questions 3, 4 and 8 of PHQ-9 representing somatic symptoms disclosed a bimodal distribution and confounding by motor deterioration. However, near-perfect correlation (0.94) between the full PHQ-9 score and a subscore of non-somatic questions was found. Of EQ-5D dimensions, the fifth (Anxiety/Depression) correlated best with PHQ-9. From 693 patients who had also answered question 10 of PHQ-9, 113 (16.4[percnt]) met DSM-IV criteria for major depression. Corresponding ROC analysis indicated an optimal cutoff of 13 or higher of the PHQ-9 score. Exploratory factor analysis disclosed 3 latent factors underlying pooled questions of PHQ-9 and CNS-LS corresponding to depression, PBA (laughter) and PBA (crying). Moderate correlation between PHQ-9 and the crying (but not the laughter) subscale of CNS-LS was seen. CONCLUSIONS: PHQ-9 is an acceptable measure of depression in the ALS population. There is excellent discriminant validity between PHQ-9 and CNS-LS corresponding to the aims of these instruments. © 1990 EuroQol Group. EQ-5D™ is a trademark of the EuroQol Group Disclosure: Dr. Thakore has nothing to disclose. Dr. Menon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pioro has nothing to disclose.
A Comparison of the NCEP-NCAR Reanalysis Precipitation and the GPCP Rain Gauge-Satellite Combined Dataset with Observational Error Considerations

Abstract The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) has released monthly mean estimates of precipitation that comprise gauge observations and satellite-derived precipitation estimates. Estimates of standard random error for each month at each grid location are also provided in this data release. One of the primary intended uses of this dataset is the validation of climatic-scale precipitation fields that are produced by numerical models. Nearly coincident with this dataset development, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the National Center for Atmospheric Research have joined in a cooperative effort to reanalyze meteorological fields from the present back to the 1940s using a fixed state-of-the-art data assimilation system and large input database. In this paper, monthly accumulations of reanalysis precipitation are compared with the GPCP combined rain gauge–satellite dataset over the period 1988–95. A unique feature of this comparison is the use of standard error estimates tha...
Anomalous constitutive Src kinase activity promotes B lymphoma survival and growth

Previously we have shown that B cell receptor (BCR) expression and B cell receptor signaling pathways are important for the basal growth of B lymphoma cells. In particular we have shown that the activation of Syk, a non-src family protein tyrosine kinase and the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), ERK and JNK that mediate BCR signals are required for the constitutive growth of B lymphoma cells. Since src family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) like Lyn are known to be needed for the phosphorylation of BCR co-receptors, Ig-α and Ig-β, we hypothesized that one or more SFKs will be constitutively activated in B lymphoma cells and may be necessary for B lymphoma growth. Src kinase activity was found to be constitutively high in many murine and human B lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma samples. The specific pharmacological inhibitors of SFKs, PP1 and PP2 inhibited the proliferation of a number of both murine and human B lymphomas in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, dasatinib (BMS-354825), an oral dual BCR-ABL and SFK specific inhibitor inhibited the growth of B lymphomas in the nanomolar range in vitro and strongly inhibited a mouse lymphoma growth in vivo. Among the SFKs, Lyn is predominantly phosphorylated and Lyn-specific small interfering RNA inhibited the growth of B lymphomas, supporting an important role for Lyn in B lymphoma growth. Suppression of SFK activity blocks BCR mediated signaling pathways. PMA or CpG can partially reverse the growth inhibition induced by SFK inhibition. Although blocking SFK activity inhibited the growth of a number of B lymphomas, some lymphomas such as SudHL-4, SudHL-6, OCI-Ly3 and OCI-Ly10 are more resistant due to an increased expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. These studies further support our concept that BCR signaling pathways are important for the continued growth of established B lymphoma cells. Some of the intermediates in this BCR pathway are potential immunotherapeutic targets. In particular, inhibition of SFK activity alone or in synergy with inhibition of the prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins holds promise in developing more effective treatments for B lymphoma patients.
Optimizing the Perception of Soft Speech and Speech in Noise with the Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant System

AbstractObjective: This study aimed to provide guidelines to optimize perception of soft speech and speech in noise for Advanced Bionics cochlear implant (CI) users. Design: Three programs differing in T-levels were created for ten subjects. Using the T-level setting that provided the lowest FM-tone, sound-field threshold levels for each subject, three additional programs were created with input dynamic range (IDR) settings of 50, 65 and 80 dB. Study sample: Subjects were postlinguistically deaf adults implanted with either the Clarion CII or 90K CI devices. Results: Sound-field threshold levels were lowest with T-levels set higher than 10% of M-levels and with the two widest IDRs. Group data revealed significantly higher scores for CNC words presented at a soft level with an IDR of 80 dB and 65 dB compared to 50 dB. Although no significant group differences were seen between the three IDRs for sentences in noise, significant individual differences were present. Conclusions: Setting Ts higher than the man...
The MAGNeT Toolkit: Design, Implementation and Evaluation

The current trend in constructing high-performance computing systems is to connect a large number of machines via a fast interconnect or a large-scale network such as the Internet. This approach relies on the performance of the interconnect (or Internet) to enable fast, large-scale distributed computing. A detailed understanding of the communication traffic is required in order to optimize the operation of the entire system. Network researchers traditionally monitor traffic in the network to gain the insight necessary to optimize network operations. Recent work suggests additional insight can be obtained by also monitoring traffic at the application level. The Monitor for Application-Generated Network Traffic toolkit (MAGNeT) we describe here monitors application traffic patterns in production systems, thus enabling more highly optimized networks and interconnects for the next generation of high-performance computing systems.
Prevalence, characteristics and causes of aggressive behaviour observed within a neurobehavioural rehabilitation service: Predictors and implications for management

Primary objective: To describe the characteristics and determinants of aggressive behaviour observed within a neurobehavioural unit.Research design: Statistical analysis of a database of routinely administered clinical measures, including the Overt Aggression Scale–Modified for Neurorehabilitation.Methods and procedures: Records of aggressive behaviour shown by 108 patients over 14 days were studied. Patient characteristics were also captured using 23 items from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago–Functional Assessment Scale. Four factors were identified: ‘communication’, ‘cognition/function’, ‘neurobehavioural disability’ and ‘mood & self-esteem’. Relationships between patient characteristics, external factors and their interactions with aggression were examined.Main outcomes and results: Many (5548) episodes of aggression were recorded. Whilst most comprised verbal aggression, 729 physical assaults were made on others. Aggressive behaviour typically followed staff prompting or no obvious antecedent....
Sodium Hydride–Nickel(II) Acetate–Sodium tert‐Pentoxide

(NaH) [7646-69-7] HNa (MW 24.00) InChI = 1S/Na.H InChIKey = MPMYQQHEHYDOCL-UHFFFAOYSA-N (Ni(OAc)2·4H2O) [6018-89-9] C4H14NiO8 (MW 248.87) InChI = 1S/2C2H4O2.Ni.4H2O/c2*1-2(3)4;;;;;/h2*1H3,(H,3,4);;4*1H2/q;;+2;;;;/p-2 InChIKey = OINIXPNQKAZCRL-UHFFFAOYSA-L (NaO-t-C5H11) [14593-46-5] C5H11NaO (MW 110.15) InChI = 1S/C5H11O.Na/c1-4-5(2,3)6;/h4H2,1-3H3;/q-1;+1 InChIKey = CGRKYEALWSRNJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (highly active and selective nickel hydrogenation catalyst at atmospheric pressure; allows semihydrogenation of alkynes to cis-alkenes1, 2 and stereoselective reduction of ketones9) Physical Data: see Sodium Hydride and Nickel(II) Acetate; the t-pentoxide salt is prepared in situ. Solubility: sol THF, DME. Preparative Methods: the nickel catalyst (referred to as NiC) is easily prepared by addition of the alcohol, the sodium salt of which has been chosen as an activating agent (in this case, sodium t-pentoxide), to a stirred suspension of Ni(OAc)2 and a calculated excess of NaH in THF at 45 °C. Before hydrogenation, EtOH is used to wash NiC to eliminate excess soluble alkoxide. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: when long storage is required, the excess sodium hydride must not be neutralized, but rather destroyed before use in hydrogenation. Simple washing with EtOH can eliminate excess alkoxide. Store under argon. Use in a fume hood.
Burn depth determination using high-speed polarization-sensitive Mueller optical coherence tomography with continuous polarization modulation

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) estimates more than 1.1 million burn injuries per year in the United States, with nearly 15,000 fatalities from wounds and related complications. An imaging modality capable of evaluating burn depths non-invasively is the polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography. We report on the use of a high-speed, fiber-based Mueller-matrix OCT system with continuous source-polarization modulation for burn depth evaluation. The new system is capable of imaging at near video-quality frame rates (8 frames per second) with resolution of 10 μm in biological tissue (index of refraction: 1.4) and sensitivity of 78 dB. The sample arm optics is integrated in a hand-held probe simplifying the in vivo experiments. The applicability of the system for burn depth determination is demonstrated using biological samples of porcine tendon and porcine skin. The results show an improved imaging depth (1 mm in tendon) and a clear localization of the thermally damaged region. The burnt area determined from OCT images compares well with the histology, thus proving the system's potential for burn depth determination.