cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harmonic distortion in the frog's ERG and its possible relation to differences in latencies

Abstract The harmonic distortion in the frog's ERG has been analyzed as a function of input frequency and modulation percentage for sinusoidal stimulation. It turns out that the relative magnitudes of the fundamental, second harmonic and third harmonic, change drastically with frequency. These changes can be related to a simple unidirectional nonlinearity with different gains and delay times for the on- and off-response. In particular, a sharp minimum in second harmonic magnitude at 7 Hz can be associated with a difference in delay time of about 36 msec between the on- and off-response.
The melting of a monatomic amorphous surface: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract A monatomic amorphous surface has been simulated above and below the gradual melting transition using molecular dynamics for atoms interacting through a Lennard-Jones 12−6 potential energy function. Detailed atomic trajectories are presented and averaged to yield diffusion constants and activation energies. Surface melting, which occurs at lower temperatures than for the amorphous bulk and most crystalline surfaces, is described in terms of radial distribution functions, velocity correlations, and vibrational spectra.
Population Genetics Identifies Challenges in Analyzing Rare Variants

Geneticists have, for years, understood the nature of genome-wide association studies using common genomic variants. Recently, however, focus has shifted to the analysis of rare variants. This presents potential problems for researchers, as rare variants do not always behave in the same way common variants do, sometimes rendering decades of solid intuition moot. In this paper, we present examples of the differences between common and rare variants. We show why one must be significantly more careful about the origin of rare variants, and how failing to do so can lead to highly inflated type I error. We then explain how to best avoid such concerns with careful understanding and study design. Additionally, we demonstrate that a seemingly low error rate in next-generation sequencing can dramatically impact the false-positive rate for rare variants. This is due to the fact that rare variants are, by definition, seen infrequently, making it hard to distinguish between errors and real variants. Compounding this problem is the fact that the proportion of errors is likely to get worse, not better, with increasing sample size. One cannot simply scale their way up in order to solve this problem. Understanding these potential pitfalls is a key step in successfully identifying true associations between rare variants and diseases.
Plasmodium falciparum: Growth response to potassium channel blocking compounds

Potassium channels are essential for cell survival and regulate the cell membrane potential and electrochemical gradient. During its lifecycle, Plasmodium falciparum parasites must rapidly adapt to dramatically variant ionic conditions within the mosquito mid-gut, the hepatocyte and red blood cell (RBC) cytosols, and the human circulatory system. To probe the participation of K(+) channels in parasite viability, growth response assays were performed in which asexual stage P. falciparum parasites were cultured in the presence of various Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blocking compounds. These data describe the novel anti-malarial effects of bicuculline methiodide and tubocurarine chloride and the novel lack of effect of apamine and verruculogen. Taken together, the data herein imply the presence of K(+) channels, or other parasite-specific targets, in P. falciparum-infected RBCs that are sensitive to blockade with Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blocking compounds.
Critical mode interaction in the presence of external random excitation

The effects of random external excitation on nonlinear systems with marginally stable/unstable modes is studied within the context of stochastic bifurcation theory. Using the method of stochastic averaging, a Markdv approximation is derived and a perturbation technique is developed to solve the resulting Fokker-Planck equation. It is found that, due to mode interaction through system nonlinearities, deterministic bifurcation characteristics are not preserved in the presence of external random excitation. In general, one critical mode can experience a stabilizing effect at the expense of the other. The theory is then applied to a flight dynamics problem at large angles of attack and sideslip.
Oxygen isotopes in synthetic goethite and a model for the apparent pH dependence of goethite–water 18O/16O fractionation

Goethite synthesis experiments indicate that, in addition to temperature, pH can affect the measured value of the 18O/16O fractionation factor between goethite and water (αG–W). A simple model was developed which expresses αG–W in terms of kinetic parameters associated with the growth of goethite from aqueous solution. The model predicts that, at a particular temperature, the range of pH over which αG–W changes as pH changes is expected to be comparatively small (∼3 pH “units”) relative to the range of pH values over which goethite can crystallize (pH from ∼1 to 14). Outside the range of sensitivity to pH, αG–W is predicted to be effectively constant (for constant temperature) at either a low-pH αG–W value or a high-pH αG–W value. It also indicates that the values of αG–W at high pH will be disequilibrium values. Values of αG–W for goethite crystallized at low pH may approach, but probably do not attain, equilibrium values. For goethite synthesized at values of pH from ∼1 to 2, data from two different laboratories define the following equation for the temperature dependence of 1000 ln αG–W (T in degrees Kelvin) equation(IV) 1000lnαG–W=1.66×106T2-12.6 Over the range of temperatures from 0 to 120°C, values of 1000 ln αG–W from Eq. (IV) differ by ⩽0.1‰from those of a published equation [Yapp C.J., 1990. Oxygen isotopes in iron (III) oxides. 1. Mineral–water fractionation factors. Chem. Geol.85, 329–335]. Therefore, interpretations of data from natural goethites using the older equation are not changed by use of Eq. (IV). Data from a synthetic goethite suggest that the temperature dependence of 1000 ln αG–W at low pH as expressed in Eq. (IV) may be valid for values of pH up to at least 6. This result and the model prediction of an insensitivity of αG–W to pH over a larger range of pH values could explain the observation that Eq. (IV) yields values of αG–W which mimic most 18O/16O fractionations measured to date in natural goethites.
Differential allelic expression of c.1568C > A at UGT2B15 is due to variation in a novel cis-regulatory element in the 3'UTR.

Abstract Differential allelic expression (DAE) is a powerful tool to identify cis-regulatory elements for gene expression. The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2 family, polypeptide B15 (UGT2B15), is an important enzyme involved in the metabolism of multiple endobiotics and xenobiotics. In the present study, we measured the relative expression of two alleles at SNP c.1568C>A (rs4148269) in this gene, which causes an amino acid substitution (T523K). An excess of the C over the A allele was consistently observed in both liver (P = 0.0021) and breast (P = 0.012) samples, suggesting that SNP(s) in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with c.1568C>A can regulate UGT2B15 expression in both tissues. By resequencing, one such SNP, c.1761T>C (rs3100) in 3′ untranslated region (UTR), was identified. Reporter gene assays showed that the 1761T allele results in a significantly higher gene expression level than the 1761C allele in HepG2, MCF-7, LNCaP, and Caco-2 cell lines (all P
Goodwill: Have new rules killed mergers?

Goodwill can have a big impact on any M&A transaction. The authors examined recent financial statements to determine the effect of the latest goodwill standards. While merger activity is alive and well, the economic downturn has led many firms to write down their goodwill. Were the latest rules responsible for a decline in M&A? © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A counterexample to the rigidity assumption in the visual perception of structure from motion

It has been proposed that the human visual system prefers perceptions of objects that are rigid or undergo minimum form change. A counterexample is presented in which a rigid two-dimensional figure rotating in the frontal plane is perceived as a distorting three-dimensional shape. It is argued that this perception results from the stimulation of automatic processes for perceiving size change, and that these processes are not subject to a general rigidity assumption.
Macroeconomics in Emerging Markets: Short-Run Macroeconomic Equilibrium

In Chapter 2, we described how simultaneous short-run equilibrium in the labor and goods markets could be summarized in the form of the GM curve, a relationship between the domestic price level and the domestic interest rate. To find the value of the domestic price level – and thus of the real exchange rate – that cleared the market for domestic goods, we needed to know the value of the domestic interest rate. In Chapter 3, we saw that in general, the short-run equilibrium value of the domestic interest rate itself depends on the domestic price level, through the effects of the latter on financial market equilibrium in the economy. In this chapter we will put these two pieces of the story together to see how the domestic price level and interest rate are simultaneously determined in a general equilibrium involving the labor market, the goods market, and the financial markets. We will then explore how this short-run general macroeconomic equilibrium is affected when the economy is subjected to a variety of policy and exogenous shocks originating in various domestic markets as well as abroad. This short-run model will link the determination of intertemporal and intratemporal relative prices with domestic macroeconomic policies, as well as with the various types of exogenous shocks to which emerging economies are typically vulnerable. In the chapter that follows, we will see how the configuration of domestic macroeconomic prices evolves over time as the economy moves from a short-run to a medium-term equilibrium.
The comparative strength of laryngeal fracture fixation

Purpose: To assess the fixation strength provided by miniplate fixation, wire-tube batten fixation, and wire fixation alone in repair of thyroid cartilage. Materials and Methods: Segments 2.5-cm wide × 1-cm long were cut from three fresh, frozen, human cadaveric larynges from an 83-year-old man, a 58-year-old woman, and an unknown cadaver. A vertical fracture was induced and repaired with one of three randomly assigned fixation techniques (n = 10 in each fixation group). The repaired cartilage was placed in an Instron Universal Testing Device (Boston, MA) and subjected to a three-point bending test. Load to failure was recorded on an analogue graph. Results: All reconstruction techniques significantly differed from each other, with miniplate fixation providing a stronger repair than wire tube batten (P < .05), wire tube batten providing a stronger repair than wire alone (P < .01), and miniplate providing a stronger repair than wire alone (P < .001). Conclusion: In experimentally induced fractures of the human larynx, miniplate fixation consistently yielded the strongest repair. Although both miniplate and wire batten produced excellent anatomic reaction, we feel that miniplate fixation was easier to perform.
Absorption spectrum, vapor pressure equations and thermodynamics of NpCl4

Abstract The absorption spectrum of NpCl4 vapor has been obtained at temperatures up to 632°C. The vapor pressure of NpCl4 was determined spectroscopically in the range 468°–632°C. These values were combined with Knudsen Cell measurements in the range 279°–423°C and Bourdon gauge measurements in the range 436°–601°C to give the following equations for the vapor pressure of NpCl4. log P mm =−9932/° K +13·54(279–537° C ) and log P mm =−6471/° K +9·23(539–632° C ) The calculated thermodynamic values are: ΔH ( sublimation ) =45·3±0·4 kcal/mole ΔS ( sublimation ) =61·7±0·5 cal /°/ mole ΔH( vaporization )=29·5±0·2 kcal/mole ΔS( vaporization )=42·1±1·7 cal /°/ mole Attempts to identify NpCl5 from the reaction NpCl 4 (s,l)+ 1 2 Cl 2 (g)→ NpCl 5 (g) were unsuccessful.
The Responsive Workbench: a virtual work environment

In this virtual environment, customized scientific visualization tools offer specialists new ways to work cooperatively, which opens the door to more comprehensive analysis and, perhaps, reduced costs. Implementing the Responsive Workbench required close attention to several important elements: its components, a typical setup, the user interface, feedback speed and real-time rendering. >
Transition from 2D to 3D collective response: surface sensitivity

Abstract We present electronic excitation spectra calculated in the random phase approximation (RPA) for bimetallic jellium films with widths ranging from zero to several Fermi wavelengths. We find that for q ∥ below roughly 0.1 k F , excitation frequencies converge to the surface plasmon frequencies of the Drude model at strikingly different rates as the slab thickens; and that this onset behavior is quite sensitive to the shape of surface potential barriers. At larger wavevectors, the RPA response deviates from local behavior for all layer widths.
Design and capabilities of a novel cylindrical-post magnetron sputtering source☆

Abstract A cylindrical-post magnetron sputtering source is described in which the paths of the magnetic confinement tunnel and entrapped electron drift circuit extend along the cylindrical axis. Then (and only then) can the associated sputtering discharge be scanned circumferentially over the target by rotating the generating magnet within the cylindrical cathode. The design of a basic magnet for this purpose is given which can have any desired length of extension and consequent uniform target erosion and sputter emission of coating material from a cylindrical cathode. From the variations in discharge voltage and deposition rate with applied current for a cylindrical magnetron operating with such a rotating magnet, it is concluded that the trapping of secondary electrons is nearly complete and the energy efficiency of sputtering emission corresponds closely to the theoretical limit. Measurements of the magnetic field, deposition rate, probe potential, heating flux and film stresses as functions of the angle around a stationary (non-rotating) magnet reveal that the emission of coating material, electrons and energetic particles from such a source is markedly directional, although these effects are time averaged by rotation during normal operation. Finally, an advanced spiral discharge is shown, which incorporates the same basic principle of axial extension of the magnetic tunnel and electron drift circuit but accomplishes spatial as well as time averaging of the sputtered flux to a given substrate.
The Occurrence and Distribution of Selected Trace Elements in the Upper Rio Grande and Tributaries in Colorado and Northern New Mexico

Two sampling trips were undertaken in 1994 to determine the distribution of trace elements in the Upper Rio Grande and several of its tributaries. Water discharges decreased in the main stem of the Rio Grande from June to September, whereas dissolved concentrations of trace elements generally increased. This is attributed to dilution of base flow from snowmelt runoff in the June samples. Of the three major mining districts (Creede, Summitville, and Red River) in the Upper Rio Grande drainage basin, only the Creede District appears to impact the Rio Grande in a significant manner, with both waters and sediments having elevated concentrations of some trace elements considerably downriver. For example, dissolved zinc concentrations upriver of Willow Creek, which primarily drains the Creede District, were about 2–3 μg/L; immediately downstream of the Willow Creek confluence, concentrations were above 20 μg/L; and elevated concentrations occurred in the Rio Grande for the next 100 km. The Red River District does not significantly impact the Upper Rio Grande for most trace elements. Because of current water management practices, it is difficult to assess the impact of the Summitville District on the Upper Rio Grande. There are, however, large increases in many dissolved trace element concentrations as the Rio Grande passes through the San Luis Valley, coincident with elevated concentrations of those same trace elements in tributaries. Among these elements are As, B, Cr, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, U, and V. None of the trace elements exceeded U.S. EPA primary drinking water standards in either survey, with the exception of cadmium in Willow Creek. Secondary drinking water standards were frequently violated, especially in tributaries draining areas where mining has occurred. Dissolved zinc (in Willow Creek in both June and September) was the only element that exceeded the EPA Water Quality Criteria for aquatic life of 120 μg/L.
Viscoelastic Behavior of Heart Valve Tissues Under Biaxial Stretch

Recent in-vitro studies have demonstrated the peak strain rates of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve (MV) to be between 500–1000%/s. Quantification of the MV biaxial mechanical behavior is a critical step in the development of a comprehensive constitutive model to predict in-vivo stresses from in-vitro or in-vivo strain data. However, previously reported biaxial testing methods have been limited to quasistatic strain rates on the order of 10%/s or less, which is insufficient to quantify the MV visco-elastic behavior. In order to address these issues, a novel high-speed biaxial stretching device was developed. This new device was used to fully characterize the biaxial mechanical properties of the anterior leaflet of the MV at physiological strain rates.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Unique one- and two-photon absorption processes near 6000 Å in nascent CN in a flame. Direct and collision-assisted population of the B 2Σ+ electronic state

Abstract Tunable dye laser excitation of CN near 6000 A in an atmospheric pressure CH4/N2O flame has resulted in the production of B 2Σ+−X 2Σ+ system fluorescence, detected in the Δv=0 region (≈3860 A). Analysis shows that four different mechanisms contribute to the spectrum in overlapping laser wavelength regions: (1) In the range from 5890–6016 A, the spectrum is dominated by transitions in the B 2Σ+−A 2Π (0, 0) band. This technique can be used with care as a quantitative CN A 2Π diagnostic in flames. (2) In the range 6016–6180 A the excitation spectrum is positively identified as that of the A 2Π−X 2Σ+ (8, 3) and (9, 4) bands. However, fluorescence occurs from the B 2Σ+ state which can be populated only by collisional uptransfer. Part of the A 2Π−X 2Σ+ (10, 5) band near 6300 A has also been observed via the same mechanism; however, because A 2Π, v=10 is nearly isoenergetic with B 2Σ+, v=0 endoergic collisions are not necessary to promote the intersystem crossing. (3) In the range 6180–6298 A, the spectrum consists mainly of lines produced by a collision-assisted single-color optical—optical double resonance (OODR). The first photon of the OODR is absorbed in the A 2Π−X 2Σ+ (4, 0) band, the second in the B 2Σ+−A 2Π (3, 4) band. The density of lines in the region is possible only if collisional rotational relaxation occurs in the intermediate A 2Π, v=4 level during the laser pulse. (4) In the same wavelength region (6180–6298 A) a second, independent process occurs: near-resonant two-photon excitation (NR2PE) in the B 2Σ+−X 2Σ+ (3, 0) band by means of intermediate A 2Π, v=4 rotational levels. The only B 2Σ+−X 2Σ+ (3, 0) NR2PE transitions observed are those for which the laser is detuned from a resonance in A 2Π−X 2Σ+ (4, 0) by less than 20 cm−1. This two-photon absorption process is independent of collisional conditions. The observed spectra illustrate some of the unexpected effects of collisions and laser intensity on absorption and fluorescence in this molecule, characterized by multiple low-lying electronic states.
Beyond boundaries: Selected Papers on Refugees and Immigrants

Beyond boundaries: selected papers on refugees and immigrants, vol. 5. Diane Baxtor and Ruth Krufeld. eds. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association, 1997. + 247 pp., list of contributors.
IDENTIFYING THE PATIENT WITH SLEEP APNEA: UPPER AIRWAY ASSESSMENT AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex disease process whose etiology is multifactorial and incompletely understood. Because the final common pathway for this disease process, whether caused by neurologic, muscular, anatomic, or other etiology, is obstruction of the upper airway during nocturnal respiration, examination and assessment of the anatomy of the upper airway plays a central role in the patient evaluation. Examination of the patient with OSA is not confined to the upper airway, however, as other anatomic and physiologic processes can be important in managing patients with this disease. For example, blood pressure, height, and weight are critical in the general assessment. Close cooperation with the patient's primary physician is also important in managing a patient's blood pressure and general medical condition and can elucidate other causes of apnea such as increased alcohol consumption, recent weight gain, and metabolic conditions. Conditions might coexist that mimic or exacerbate symptoms of apnea. Depression, insomnias, and use of sedating medications are examples of other important information that can be obtained from the primary physician. Conceptually, the upper airway is composed of a semirigid bony and cartilaginous framework with attached soft tissue structures. Because the upper airway begins at the nose and lips and ends at the larynx, a complete assessment of the upper airway evaluates the entire length of this anatomic region including the framework and soft tissue. It must be remembered that office assessment of these structures does not necessarily mimic the appearance or behavior of these structures during sleep. These state dependent changes and the dynamic physiology of the upper airway during sleep represent a major limitation of the office examination. Nevertheless, the office examination provides important information as to the site of potential obstruction during sleep that can help to direct therapy.
Partition regularity and the primes

Abstract The purpose of this Note is to point out, as a simple yet nice consequence of Green and Taoʼs program on counting linear patterns in the primes and Deuberʼs work on partition regularity, that if a system of equations is partition regular over the positive integers, then it is also partition regular over the sets { p − 1 : p prime } as well as { p + 1 : p prime } . This answers a question of Li and Pan.
Trimellitic anhydride exposure in a 55‐gallon drum manufacturing plant: Clinical, immunologic, and industrial hygiene evaluation

Nine workers at a 55-gallon drum manufacturing plant had history of exposure to a paint powder that contained trimellitic anhydride (TMA). Environmental monitoring revealed airborne levels of TMA to be over 100 times the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.04 mg/m3. The exposed workers were evaluated in a cross-sectional study by questionnaire, physical examination, screening pulmonary function tests, serial peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR), and serum antibody levels. Four workers had symptoms consistent with TMA-induced irritant effects. Three had symptoms and IgG levels consistent with TMA late respiratory systemic syndrome (LRSS). Two of these three had PEFR changes that showed significant drops (greater than 20%) 12-18 hours after the end of a work shift. The material safety data sheet for the paint powder failed to list TMA as an ingredient. Despite the well-described toxic effects of TMA, the present study documents that TMA-related illness may continue to be a problem in situations where workers and management are not properly notified of the potential hazards. The measurement of PEFR may be useful in identifying TMA-exposed workers with LRSS.
Reply to comment by N. Kartal Toker, John T. Germaine, and Patricia J. Culligan on "Cavitation during desaturation of porous media under tension"

: water/energy interactions, unsaturated zone, soil moisture, surfaces andinterfaces, microstructureCitation: Or, D., and M. Tuller, Reply to comment by N. Kartal Toker, John T. Germaine, and Patricia J. Culligan on ‘‘Cavitationduring desaturation of porous media under tension,’’ Water Resour. Res., 39(11), 1306, doi:10.1029/2003WR002492, 2003.
Mobius dual-mode resonators and bandpass filters

It is shown that a topological surface known as the Mobius strip has applications to electromagnetic resonators and filters. Using identical rectangles to construct a cylindrical loop and a Mobius strip results in the path length of the edge of the Mobius strip being twice the path length of an edge of the cylindrical loop. This path-length advantage is consistent with the electromagnetic analog of a Mobius strip resonating at half the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic analog of the cylindrical loop even though b) they have the same mean diameter. Dual-mode Mobius resonators have been demonstrated in planar format and as wire-loaded cavities. Two-pole bandpass filters have been constructed using these resonators. It is shown that these bandpass filters possess intrinsic transmission zeros that can be adjusted to enhance filter response. An equivalent circuit, which demonstrates excellent agreement with measured data, is presented and discussed.
Narrating Trauma and Reconstruction in Post-conflict Karachi: Feminist Liberation Psychology and the Contours of Agency in the Margins

The article examines poor women's responses to direct and structural violence in Karachi, Pakistan, by combining goals and themes from liberation psychology with transnational feminism. We draw on interviews with Mohajir women survivors to analyse constructions of psychosocial trauma and attempts to rebuild post-conflict life-worlds, in a bid to understand the scope and contours of their agency within their `limit situations'. Although agency, resistance, and critical consciousness remain constrained by multi-layered power relations, women's narratives reflect crucial insights about social structures impacting their lives, and point to the need for interventions that integrate trauma alleviation and opportunities for local, national, and transnational grassroots activism, advocacy and policy initiatives.
Vascular growth factors in neuropsychiatry

Recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular basis of psychiatric illnesses have shed light on the important role played by trophic factors in modulating functional parameters associated with disease causality and drug action. Disease mechanisms are now thought to involve multiple cell types, including neurons and endothelial cells. These functionally distinct but interactively coupled cell types engage in cellular cross talk via shared and common signaling molecules. Dysregulation in their cellular signaling pathways influences brain function and alters behavioral performance. Multifunctional trophic factors such as VEGF and EPO that possess both neurotrophic and angiogenic actions are of particular interest due to their ability to rescue structural and plasticity deficits in neurons and vasculature. Obtaining insight into the behavioral, cellular and molecular actions of multi-functional trophic factors has the potential to open new and transformative therapeutic approaches.
Cyclic Watering of Broiler Cockerels

Abstract Two trials were designed to compare the performance of broilers receiving free access to water with those receiving cyclic access to water. Birds that received water in a cyclic pattern were presented water by the activation of waterers for 15 min in each 3-h cycle (Trial 1) or 30 min in each 4-h cycle (Trial 2). In each trial, the control group received water ad libitum. Feed and water consumption and body weight were reduced in the cyclic-watered birds after 21 days of age in Trial 1 and were not different in the cyclic-watered birds in Trial 2 when compared with values for controls. Water:feed ratio and feed conversion values of the cyclic-watered birds were not altered by the cyclic watering regimens used in Trials 1 and 2. Observations of drinking patterns in Trial 2 demonstrate that the cyclic presentation of water can induce meal-drinking in cyclic-watered birds, but the feeding pattern of these birds was not altered. These data demonstrate that alteration of drinking activity can be accomplished without affecting growth and feed efficiency, and that altered drinking activity does not necessarily alter feeding activity.
Computer-Animated Displays and the Jury: Facilitative and Prejudicial Effects

Two experiments assessed the effects of computer-animated displays on mock jurors. In both, participants watched a trial involving a dispute over whether a man who fell to his death had accidentally slipped or jumped in a suicide. They watched a proplaintiff or prodefendant version in which the body landed 5–10 feet or 20–25 feet from the building. Within each condition, the distance testimony was presented orally or with an animated display. When the tape depicted the event in a neutral manner, judgments were more consistent with the physical evidence. But when the plaintiff and defense used the tape to depict their own partisan theories, participants increasingly made judgments that contradicted the physical evidence. Results suggest that computer-animated displays have greater impact than oral testimony. Whether that impact is to facilitate or mislead a jury, however, depends on the nature of the display.
FPGA implementation of a fast Hadamard transformer for WCDMA

In code division multiple access (CDMA) systems the base station identifies each user in a cell by unique orthogonal (Walsh) codes. The Walsh codes are generated at the transmitter using a Walsh-Hadamard function. A Fast Hadamard Transformer (FHT) is used at the receiver to decode the transmitted codes. The purpose of this study is to design a FHT which utilizes less hardware resources as compared to the existing designs and also suggest means for reducing the input length of the Walsh sequence. Our study results indicate that the FHT design using 16-chip sequence achieves 90% reduction in hardware resources (equivalent gate count) as compared to the design which uses 256-chip sequence. Also, the maximum frequency of operation of the 16-chip FHT (35.679 MHz) is more than double as compared to the 256-chip FHT (16.025 MHz).
Mammalian Complex I pumps 4 protons per 2 electrons at high and physiological proton motive force in living cells.

Mitochondrial complex I couples electron transfer between matrix NADH and inner-membrane ubiquinone to the pumping of protons against a proton motive force. The accepted proton pumping stoichiometry was 4 protons per 2 electrons transferred (4H+/2e−) but it has been suggested that stoichiometry may be 3H+/2e− based on the identification of only 3 proton pumping units in the crystal structure and a revision of the previous experimental data. Measurement of proton pumping stoichiometry is challenging because, even in isolated mitochondria, it is difficult to measure the proton motive force while simultaneously measuring the redox potentials of the NADH/NAD+ and ubiquinol/ubiquinone pools. Here we employ a new method to quantify the proton motive force in living cells from the redox poise of the bc1 complex measured using multiwavelength cell spectroscopy and show that the correct stoichiometry for complex I is 4H+/2e− in mouse and human cells at high and physiological proton motive force.
Peripheral vascular complications in the Coronary Angioplasty Versus Excisional Atherectomy Trial (CAVEAT-I)

Objectives. In-hospital peripheral vascular complications of balloon angioplasty were compared with those of directional atherectomy in the Coronary Angioplasty Versus Excisional Atherectomy Trial (CAVEAT-I) to identify patients at risk and evaluate costs and outcomes. Background. The incidence, costs and outcomes of peripheral vascular complications after coronary intervention have not been fully characterized as a function of randomly assigned therapy. Methods. At 35 sites in the United States and Europe, 1,012 patients were randomized. Peripheral vascular complications were defined as the composite of pulse loss, pseudoaneurysm, hematoma >4 cm in diameter or groin hemorrhage necessitating blood transfusion. Logistic models were derived to 1) predict these complications from baseline and procedural characteristics, 2) test the relevance of randomization assignment, and 3) assess their impact on hospital costs and long-term outcomes. Results. Sixty-seven patients (6.6%) developed peripheral vascular complications, of whom 15 (22.4%) required a blood transfusion, 14 (20.9%) underwent vascular surgery, and 2 (3.0%) died. Both in-hospital deaths occurred in patients with peripheral vascular complications. There was no difference in composite peripheral vascular complication rates among patients randomized to angioplasty or atherectomy. Greater age, female gender, postprocedural heparin and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation were predictive of increased risk. In a representative 60% subset, mean hospital costs increased from $9,583 in patients without to $18,350 in those with peripheral vascular complications (p = 0.0001). The unadjusted mortality rate at 1 year was 7.5% for patients with peripheral vascular complications compared with 1.1% for all others (p = 0.0001). These complications identified patients at greater risk of death, myocardial infarction or repeat revascularization at 30 days and 1 year. The atherectomy group had a trend toward more frequent deaths and myocardial infarction. Conclusions. Directional atherectomy and balloon angioplasty had similar in-hospital peripheral vascular complication rates. Female gender, greater age, postprocedural heparin and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation were predictive of higher risk. The twofold increase in cost and sevenfold increase in long-term deaths highlight the need to prevent these periprocedural events and monitor patients closely.
Basic fibroblast growth factor induces 3T3 fibroblasts to synthesize and secrete a cyclophilin-like protein and β2-microglobulin

When stimulated by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) BALB/c 3T3 cells synthesize and secrete elevated amounts of five proteins called the 'superinducible proteins', or SIPs. The expression of these proteins is greatly enhanced if the cells are treated with cycloheximide during induction. The 24 kDa protein (SIP24) has been purified and antiserum raised against it. This protein is N-glycosylated and probably structurally constrained by one or more intramolecular disulfide bonds. The amino acid sequences of three of four peptides show significant identity with cyclophilin, an abundant cytoplasmic protein believed to mediate the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A. Several members of the cyclophilin family have been identified, and cDNA clones of two cyclophilin-like proteins with signal sequences have been reported. Here we show that at least one cyclophilin-like protein is secreted and that its expression is regulated by growth factors. The 12.5 kDa protein (SIP12.5) was found to be immunoprecipitated by an antiserum raised to human beta 2-microglobulin. This protein is strongly induced by interferon, which is a characteristic of the beta 2-microglobulin gene. Thus, FGF stimulates mouse embryo 3T3 cells to produce two proteins related to immune regulatory molecules. This may reflect an interaction between immune cells and nonimmune cells that occurs in vivo during processes such as wound healing when growth factors are released locally.
Physiological measures of neurotoxicity of diazinon and malathion to larval rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and their correlation with behavioral measures

Relations between neurotoxicants and changes in physiological parameters and behavior were investigated in larval rainbow trout (RBT; Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sublethal concentrations of two organophosphate pesticides (OPs). Fish were exposed to diazinon and malathion in static-renewal experiments. After exposures for 24, 96, or 96 h, followed by 48 h of recovery, individual RBT were videotaped to assess locomotory behaviors. Brain tissue from the same fish was assayed for the physiological endpoints, cholinesterase (ChE) activity, muscarinic cholinergic receptor (MChR) number (Bmax), and MChR affinity (KD). Cholinesterase activity decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of both diazinon and malathion and differed significantly among exposure durations, with 24- and 96-h means less than 48-h recovery means. Decreases in Bmax with OP concentration were not significant for either chemical, and KD was unaffected. Changes in swimming speed and distance were significantly correlated with changes in ChE activity for both chemicals; rate of turning was significantly correlated with ChE activity in malathion exposures. These results suggest that correlations between physiological and behavioral changes previously seen in mammals also occur in fish.
Experiences in Accurately Estimating Electronic Forms Conversion Services with a Spiral Estimate Process

Electronic forms (eforms) are a key component in the information system for today's enterprises. The growing adoption of eforms generates a great demand for eforms services. These services are batch services, as they do not produce only one or two software systems, but usually produce hundreds or even thousands of eforms, which are different from each other. Compared with other software services, the period of an eforms service is very short, usually a few weeks. In addition, they share a critical risk with other software service, that is, the delay of the delivery date due to under-estimate. Therefore, the success of eforms services largely depends on the service estimate. Obviously, accuracy is the major challenge. The authors of this paper are working on eforms services and have experience on accurately estimating eforms services at hour level before the service starts. In this paper, the entire estimate process is described, which consists of 3 pre-service phases and 1 post-service phase. The estimate only covers eforms development circle. Eforms integration with legacy system is out of the scope of this paper. During our previous service projects, we developed a couple of simple, but effective tools to help improve the accuracy of estimate for eforms services. The tools are also described in the paper.
Crystal Structures of Ral-GppNHp and Ral-GDP Reveal Two Binding Sites that Are Also Present in Ras and Rap

RalA is a GTPase with effectors such as Sec5 and Exo84 in the exocyst complex and RalBP1, a GAP for Rho proteins. We report the crystal structures of Ral-GppNHp and Ral-GDP. Disordered switch I and switch II, located away from crystal contacts, are observed in one of the molecules in the asymmetric unit of the Ral-GppNHp structure. In the other molecule in the asymmetric unit, a second Mg(2+) ion is bound to the GppNHp gamma-phosphate in an environment in which switch I is pulled away from the nucleotide and switch II is found in a tight beta turn. Clustering of conserved residues on the surface of Ral-GppNHp identifies two putative sites for protein-protein interaction. One site is adjacent to switch I. The other is modulated by switch II and is obstructed in Ral-GDP. The Ral structures are discussed in the context of the published structures of the Ral/Sec5 complex, Ras, and Rap.
Three-phase model for surgical training: a proposal for improved resident training, assessment, and satisfaction.

The currently prevalent Halstedian structure of resident training for surgery, effective in producing outstanding surgeons for generations, has been criticized for the failure to adapt to trainees’ needs in modernity. Critics contend that our time-based system does not individualize training, and that it assumes that residents, by being in the hospital long enough, will be prepared for practice. Moreover, some have raised concerns that residents are evaluated suboptimally during training, and sometimes advance into their senior years before clear deficiencies are formally recognized and ameliorated. Finally, there is increasing concern among educators that candidates presenting for the certification examination have insufficient knowledge and experience in critical areas of surgery. In an era of an ever-increasing scope of training and regulatory requirements, and decreasing resident work hours and autonomy, nearly all residents seek additional training before entering practice. Their sense of lack of preparation for independent practice s thought to be a primary cause for this trend. Residents and educators in a variety of specialties believe that the limitations of work hours interfere with their educational goals. Our current pedagogy is disadvantaged by conflicting demands on the faculty, who are forced continually to increase their clinical throughput while being insufficiently incentivized to teach. Additionally, as a direct result of work-hours restrictions, faculty receive less dependable and consistent resident coverage. Residents, themselves, are also conflicted: Despite their escalating educational loans and social pressures which might drive them to begin gainful work, more than 80% pursue fellowships. Moreover, the American oard of Surgery qualifying and certifying examination passage ate has trended downward since the introduction of the work-
Heavy mesons in a relativistic model

Motivated by the present interest in the heavy quark effective theory, the authors use the spectator equations to treat the mesonic bound states of heavy quarks. The kernel they use is based on scalar confining and vector Coulomb potentials. Wave functions are treated to leading order and energies to order 1/m{sub Q} in the heavy-light systems, and order 1/m{sub Q{sup 2}} in heavy-heavy systems. Their results are in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements. They estimate two of the parameters of the heavy quark effective theory, and propose further calculations that may be undertaken in the future.
Passive localization in range-rate of shallow-water moving targets, by sequential importance sampling

We examine the problem of passive localization of moving targets in shallow-water environments. In contrast with standard Matched Field Processing approaches, we localize targets in range-rate, rather than in range. This approach avoids smearing of target energy across range, and is more robust with respect to uncertainties about the ocean environment. In particular, it depends on the product of the channel-mode horizontal wave numbers and the differential distance traveled in a sampling interval, rather than the horizontal wave numbers and baseline distance to the sensor array. Thus it is less sensitive to errors in specifying the wavenumbers. The technique assumes some target dynamics and physics of the channel modes to hypothesize candidate sequences of mode coefficients. We evaluate the likelihood in range-rate and depth, updating it with a recursive Bayesian state-space model for the mode coefficients. To update the likelihood we employ a method of sequential importance sampling (SIS).
Safety of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Clinical Practice

Background— Outcomes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation have been described in clinical trials and single-center studies. We assessed the safety of VT ablation in clinical practice. Methods and Results— Using administrative hospitalization data between 1994 and 2011, we identified hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of VT (International Classification of Diseases-9 Clinical Modification code: 427.1) and cardiac ablation (International Classification of Diseases-9 Clinical Modification code: 37.34). We quantified in-hospital adverse events (AEs), including death, stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, pericardial complications, hematoma or hemorrhage, blood transfusion, or cardiogenic shock. Secondary outcomes included major AEs (stroke, tamponade, or death) and death. Multivariable mixed effects models identified patient and hospital characteristics associated with AEs. Of 9699 hospitalizations with VT ablations (age, 56.5±17.6; 60.1% men), AEs were reported in 825 (8.5%), major AEs in 295 (3.0%), and death in 110 (1.1%). Heart failure had the strongest association with death (odds ratio, 5.52; 95% confidence interval, 2.97–10.3) and major AE (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.15–4.16). Anemia (odds ratio, 4.84; 95% confidence interval, 3.79–6.19) and unscheduled admission (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–1.97) were associated with AEs. During the study period, incidence of AEs increased from 9.2% to 12.8% as did the burden of AE risk factors (0.034 patient/y; P 25 cases/y was associated with fewer AEs compared with lower volume centers (6.4% versus 8.8%; P =0.008). Conclusions— VT ablation–associated AE rates in clinical practice are similar to those reported in the literature. Over time rates have increased as have the number of AE risk factors per patient. Ablations done electively and at hospitals with higher procedural volume are associated with lower incidence of AEs.
203Hg and other gamma-emitting radio-isotopes as labels for Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae

The in vitro uptake of gamma-emitting radionuclides by microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis was investigated. Radionuclides tested were 133Ba, 207Bi, 82Br, 109Cd, 51Cr, 60Co, 59Fe, 203Hg, 125I, 54Mn, 32P, 125Sb, 46Sc, 75Se and 65Zn. Only 207Bi, 59Fe, 203Hg, 54Mn and 46Sc showed more than 2% of the available radioactivity to bind to the microfilariae. When tested for retention in vitro only 203Hg showed retention levels approaching 90%. Moreover, when dimethyl-sulphoxide was incorporated into the medium at levels of 1% (v/v) the uptake of 203Hg could be increased by 3-5 times; no other radio-isotope tested responded in this manner. The uptake of 203Hg was directly related to temperature and time of incubation. Mercury, as mercuric chloride, was toxic to the microfilariae and represents an impediment to the incorporation of high levels of 203Hg in microfilariae.
MICROBIOLOGY OF PALE, DARK AND NORMAL PORK

Pale, soft, exudative (PSE), dark cutting, and normal colored pork were compared to determine differences in susceptibility to microbial growth. Chops were packaged and stored under simulated retail conditions. Color, marbling, pH, numbers of total aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria and fluorescent Pseudomonas and incidence of Salmonella and coagulase positive Staphylococcus were recorded for pork chops as storage time progressed. Data were statistically analyzed. Differences in pH between PSE and normal chops, after aging, were significant, and dark chops had significantly higher pH values than normal chops. Development of microorganisms during storage was influenced by pH. Most rapid growth of organisms occurred on dark meat and slowest bacterial growth on PSE pork, although exudative conditions of the latter provided the highest expressible juice. pH of the meat also seemed to have a selective action on the microflora. Marbling of the meat did not influence growth of lipslytic bacteria. Relevance of various stages of processing as sources of contamination for the meat is discussed.
Cryptographic measures in information hiding

Recent information hiding schemes are scrutinized in terms of their cryptographic performance. We establish conditions under which the key equivocation function is optimal for the studied schemes, and show that, under a reasonable key generation model, the perfect secrecy property is nearly satisfied, limited by a mutual information measure that decreases exponentially with the block length. The novelty of the work is to extend classical cryptographic analysis results to schemes involving cover signals, a component absent from standard cryptography. The schemes show unexpectedly good cryptographic security, although we observe that information embedding with robustness has steganographic weaknesses.