cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency shifts due to the interference of resolved peaks in magnitude-mode fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectra

We have obtained relationships for frequency shifts resulting from the interference of spectral components for the magnitude mode Fourier transform. The approximation of a weak perturbation of well resolved peaks has been used. Both the low- and high-pressure limits for Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) operation have been considered. We have found that the shifts can be either negative or positive, depending on the initial phase and/or the choice of the time-domain interval. The magnitude of shifts generally does not exceed the peak width. In the approximation of small perturbations the shifts produced by multiple peaks are additive. We have compared theoretical results with experimental shifts for isotopic clusters of multiply charged insulin. Up to 1 ppm frequency variations were experimentally observed for the insulin 5+ charge state, consistent with theoretical estimates. The peak interference is of particular significance in the case of bio-molecular mass spectra having a large number of peaks and covering a considerable dynamic range (i.e., relative abundance). We conclude that the common mass measurement procedure based on the location of the magnitude mode maxima of well resolved peaks can result in systematic mass measurement errors. The relationships obtained provide corrections for the frequency shifts and thus improve the mass measurement accuracy.
Translin-associated Factor X Is Post-transcriptionally Regulated by Its Partner Protein TB-RBP, and Both Are Essential for Normal Cell Proliferation

To determine the functions of the DNA/RNA-binding protein TB-RBP in somatic cells, we examined cultured primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from TB-RBP-deficient mice. The TB-RBP-deficient MEFs exhibit a reduced growth rate compared with MEFs from littermates. Reintroduction of TB-RBP remedies this defect. A partner protein of TB-RBP, Translin-associated factor X (TRAX), was absent in TB-RBP-deficient MEFs, despite normal TRAX mRNA levels. TRAX is dependent upon the presence of TB-RBP and is removed from null MEFs following ubiquitination. Re-introduction of TB-RBP, but not TB-RBP lacking an oligomerization domain, into null MEFs stabilized TRAX protein without changing TRAX mRNA levels. The coordinated expression of TB-RBP and TRAX is also seen in synchronized cells, where the amount of TRAX protein but not TRAX RNA closely parallels TB-RBP levels throughout the cell cycle. In transgenic mice overexpressing TRAX in testis, total TB-RBP and TRAX levels are constant with reductions of endogenous TRAX compensating for exogenous TRAX. Using RNA interference, reductions of either TB-RBP or TRAX (without affecting TB-RBP) slow cell growth rates. We conclude that TRAX is post-transcriptionally stabilized by TB-RBP and both proteins are needed for normal cell proliferation.
Micromechanical finite element framework for predicting viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixtures

A micromechanical finite element (FE) framework was developed to predict the viscoelastic properties (complex modulus and creep stiffness) of the asphalt mixtures. The two-dimensional (2D) microstructure of an asphalt mixture was obtained from the scanned image. In the mixture microstructure, irregular aggregates and sand mastic were divided into different subdomains. The FE mesh was generated within each aggregate and mastic subdomain. The aggregate and mastic elements share nodes on the aggregate boundaries for deformation connectivity. Then the viscoelastic mastic with specified properties was incorporated with elastic aggregates to predict the viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixtures. The viscoelastic sand mastic and elastic aggregate properties were inputted into micromechanical FE models. The FE simulation was conducted on a computational sample to predict complex (dynamic) modulus and creep stiffness. The complex modulus predictions have good correlations with laboratory uniaxial compression test under a range of loading frequencies. The creep stiffness prediction over a period of reduced time yields favorable comparison with specimen test data. These comparison results indicate that this micromechanical model is capable of predicting the viscoelastic mixture behavior based on ingredient properties.
Inhalation of Dihydrostreptomycin Dust in the Treatment of Diseases of the Respiratory Tract

Antibiotics given in the form of dry dust aerosols, offer a simple therapeutic approach to many of the common diseases of the respiratory tract. The favorable reports in the recent literature on the inhalation of therapeutic agents (particularly penicillin) both by dry dust and moist aerosolization have instigated the present clinical investigation of the inhalation of dry dust dihydrostreptomycin sulfate in the treatment of pulmonary disease. The investigation had four objectives: 1) To determine the effectiveness of dihydrostreptomycin dust therapy upon the bacterial flora of the respiratory tract. 2) By means of blood level assays, to show the absorbability of dihydrostreptomycin sulfate into the circulatory system-to determine whether its action is purely topical or systemic or both. 3) To note the frequency of allergic responses and the extent of untoward reactions of this drug when inhaled. 4) To observe clinically its effects on the symptomatology and course of acute and chronic pulmonary diseases. In the early investigations of penicillin mist and dust inhalations, the number of allergies and sensitivities was reported as 3 to 6 per cent.’2 However, following mere extensive use of the method, local and generalized allergic reactions were found to be much higher (25 to 40 per cent). An even larger number of reactions was anticipated with streptomycin than with penicillin; for this reason the inhalation of streptomycin was discontinued until a less sensitizing form, dihydrostreptomycin sulfate, was introduced. Procedure The dihydrostreptomycin sulfate used in this experiment has been processed to a particle size of 44 microns or less, and packaged in 50 mg. amounts in the powder cup of a disposable plastic inhalor. Each powder cup is held In place by means of a plastic stylet and the inhalor is enclosed in an airtight glass tube (Figure 1). This inhalor is a simple plastic tube with a tapered rounded end (for oral or nasal use) and with an air hole at the opposite end. The cup containing the powder medicament slides freely up and down the cylindrical tube. The patient is instructed to take a sharp inhalation through the nose or mouth depending upon
Prefrontal cortex and impulsive decision making

Impulsivity refers to a set of heterogeneous behaviors that are tuned suboptimally along certain temporal dimensions. Impulsive intertemporal choice refers to the tendency to forego a large but delayed reward and to seek an inferior but more immediate reward, whereas impulsive motor responses also result when the subjects fail to suppress inappropriate automatic behaviors. In addition, impulsive actions can be produced when too much emphasis is placed on speed rather than accuracy in a wide range of behaviors, including perceptual decision making. Despite this heterogeneous nature, the prefrontal cortex and its connected areas, such as the basal ganglia, play an important role in gating impulsive actions in a variety of behavioral tasks. Here, we describe key features of computations necessary for optimal decision making and how their failures can lead to impulsive behaviors. We also review the recent findings from neuroimaging and single-neuron recording studies on the neural mechanisms related to impulsive behaviors. Converging approaches in economics, psychology, and neuroscience provide a unique vista for better understanding the nature of behavioral impairments associated with impulsivity.
Characterization of wind power resource in the United States

Abstract. Wind resource in the continental and offshore United States has been reconstructed and characterized using metrics that describe, apart from abundance, its availability, persistence and intermittency. The Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) boundary layer flux data has been used to construct wind profile at 50 m, 80 m, 100 m, 120 m turbine hub heights. The wind power density (WPD) estimates at 50 m are qualitatively similar to those in the US wind atlas developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), but quantitatively a class less in some regions, but are within the limits of uncertainty. The wind speeds at 80 m were quantitatively and qualitatively close to the NREL wind map. The possible reasons for overestimation by NREL have been discussed. For long tailed distributions like those of the WPD, the mean is an overestimation and median is suggested for summary representation of the wind resource. The impact of raising the wind turbine hub height on metrics of abundance, persistence, variability and intermittency is analyzed. There is a general increase in availability and abundance of wind resource but there is an increase in intermittency in terms of level crossing rate in low resource regions.
NMR study of the alkaline isomerization of ferricytochrome c.

The pH-induced isomerization of horse heart cytochrome c has been studied by 1H NMR. We find that the transition occurring in D2O with a pKa measured as 9.5 +/- 0.1 is from the native species to a mixture of two basic forms which have very similar NMR spectra. The heme methyl peaks of these two forms have been assigned by 2D exchange NMR. The forward rate constant (native to alkaline cytochrome c) has a value of 4.0 +/- 0.6 s-1 at 27 degrees C and is independent of pH; the reverse rate constant is pH-dependent. The activation parameters are delta H not equal to = 12.8 +/- 0.8 kcal.mol1, delta S not equal to = -12.9 +/- 2.0 e.u. for the forward reaction and delta H not equal to = 6.0 +/- 0.3 kcal.mol-1, delta S not equal to = -35.1 +/- 1.3 e.u. for the reverse reaction (pH* = 9.28). delta H degree and delta S degree for the isomerization are 6.7 +/- 0.6 kcal.mol-1 and 21.9 +/- 1.0 e.u., respectively.
Beta-adrenergic blockade 2002: a pharmacologic odyssey in chronic heart failure.

The treatment for heart failure has evolved considerably during the past two decades. Initially focused on hemodynamic derangement, diuretics and vasodilator agents were employed for symptomatic management. Beta blocking agents, with intrinsic negative inotropic activity, were considered specifically contraindicated. Neurohormonal activation subsequently became recognized and validated as a self-perpetuating influence on chronic heart failure and progressive adverse ventricular remodeling. Antagonism of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis produced significant survival benefits in chronic heart failure populations. Concomitant intense sympathetic nervous system activation remained an additional therapeutic target. Pathophysiologic insights revealed a biologically plausible framework for the use of β blocking agents in heart failure. This review summarizes the major clinical trials of β blockers in heart failure populations with systolic left ventricular dysfunction. These trials support the integration of β blockade as a critical component of standard therapy for chronic heart failure. Ongoing trials and unresolved issues are also discussed.
Recovery of synaptic transmission predicted from extracellular K+ undershoots following brief anoxia in hippocampal slices

In rat hippocampal slices exposed to short duration anoxia, recovery of synaptic transmission was dependent upon the magnitude of the K+o undershoot (K+o drop below resting level) seen following return to normoxic conditions. Because the K+o undershoot is likely to be related to ion pump activity, our results imply that recovery of brain from stroke depends upon how well ion transport and energy production recover.
The warrior's combat surgeon: COL (ret.) John B. Holcomb, MD, FACS--US Army 1985-2008.

Abstract : John Holcomb's career in the US Army began as a general surgery resident at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso. After a year as a general medical officer in Sinop, Turkey, in 1986, he returned to William Beaumont Army Medical Center to complete his general surgery residency in 1991. His first duty assign- ment was at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg where he supported the Special Operations Command. In 1993, with his vacation plans cancelled, he deployed to the coast of Somalia (Fig. 1). Little did he know how this trip would affect his life and the lives of future service members. The peacekeeping quickly turned into 48 non-stop hours of operating on severely wounded from the battlefield of Mogadishu. His Somalia experience gave him a unique and an enduring insight into combat prehospital and surgical care more than any other individual since the Vietnam War. Upon return to the States, John Holcomb converted this experience into the indefatigable pursuit of improved combat casualty care. First stop was the US Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAIR) where he was Chief, Military Trauma Research from 1997 until 1999. In 2001, he became the first Director of the Joint Trauma Training Center at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston where he developed combat trauma training, research, and a simulation center. He received additional training in surgical critical care at the University of Texas in Houston from 2001 to 2002. From 2002 until 2008, when he retired, he was the commander of the USAISR and trauma consultant to the US Army Surgeon General.
CONFLICTS OF RIGHTS:: Typology, Methodology, and Nonconsequentialism

In this article, I shall first try to examine the ways in which rights may conflict (or at least seem to conflict). This will be a sketchy survey at best, but I believe it may be helpful. I shall also consider how the resolution of the conflicts is not solely a function of the weight of the interest (as ordinarily understood) involved and consider what this suggests about the correct theory of rights. Finally, I will discuss how we might measure the relative strength of rights.When an attacker who threatens to cut off someone’s leg is killed by his potential victim in self-defense, it is sometimes said that there is a conflict between the right of the attacker not to be killed and the right of a person not to be harmed. However, this is a pseudo-conflict of rights, since the attacker’s right not to be killed is in some way weakened by his being a threat, at least for the purpose of eliminating the threat he presents. Considered alone and not weakened, how would we rank the rights involved in this case? How does the right not to have one’s leg be cut off compare with the right not to be killed? If I heard of two people, one of whom was threatened with violation of the first right and one who was threatened with violation of the second, I would think it right to help the second. This is some indication that I believe the second right is stronger. But this need not determine how we resolve all problems involving such rights, since in some cases the right may be weakened. For example, we may help the person attacked in the case I described rather than the attacker. Henceforth, I shall try to consider conflicts among unweakened rights. In this article, I draw on past work of mine in which I go into much greater detail about how conflicts to get scarce resources should be resolved and when it is permissible to harm some to save others. These more detailed discussions can be found in 1 MORALITY, MORTALITY, DEATH AND WHOM TO SAVE FROM IT and 2 MORALITY, MORTALITY, RIGHTS, DUTIES, AND STATUS (Oxford University Press 1993 and 1996); and in Toward the Essence of Nonconsequentialism, in FACT AND VALUE: ESSAYS ON ETHICS AND METAPHYSICS FOR JUDITH JARVIS THOMSON (A. Byrne et al., eds., M.I.T. Press 2001).
A gentle reminder

Purpose – This paper aims to address how utilizing positive psychology can be beneficial when academic libraries are faced with obstacles and challenges. Design/methodology/approach – Opinion piece. Findings – Personal observations. Originality/value – Personal opinion and experience.
Neonatal Graves Disease Caused by Transplacental Antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease is common in pregnancy. Graves disease is present in about 0.2% of pregnancies, and clinical hyperthyroidism occurs in approximately 1% of neonates born to women who have Graves disease. Antibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) (stimulating or blocking) freely cross the placenta and can act in the fetal thyroid gland during the second half of pregnancy. A few cases of fetal hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism related to maternal TSH-R antibodies (TRAbs) have been reported. Neonatal hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is usually apparent by 10 days after birth. Such states should be considered emergencies and treated promptly to prevent damage in the newborn.
Indium channel implants for improved MOSFET behavior at the 100-nm channel length regime

Summary form only given. The authors report on the use of indium as an alternative channel implant in MOSFETs. Indium has an atomic weight of 115, and the implant peak can be placed with tens of nanometers of the surface. The profile is skewed toward the bulk, resulting in a very low surface concentration. Deep-submicrometer-channel-length devices with oxide thickness of 2.5 nm were fabricated using X-ray lithography and indium channel implants from 100 keV to 300 keV, keeping the dose constant at 10/sup 13/ cm/sup -2/. Activation of the indium implant was achieved by rapid thermal annealing (5 s at 1050 degrees C). As expected, low indium implant energies result in high device threshold voltage (up to 0.33 V for L=0.15 mu m and up to 0.24 V for L=0.1 mu m). Turn-off characteristics were excellent (subthreshold slope=80 mV/dec for L=0.15 mu m and 100 mV/dec for L=0.1 mu m, at V/sub DS/=1 V). Low-field mobility for indium-doped channels was about 380 cm/sup 2//V-s (as compared to 420 for boron doped channels), and no degradation in mobility was observed as implant energy was reduced. A reduction in normalized substrate current is observed in indium-implanted channels for very short channel lengths. >
Free oscillations of new lunar models

Abstract Twenty new Moon models are developed, based on a moment of inertia of 0.39 as determined from the Lunar Orbiters, and on composition and phase change studies of the corresponding pressure region, the upper 150 km, of the Earth. Periods of free oscillations and surface wave dispersion are computed and compared to those of homogeneous, self-compression, heavy core, and density reversal models found previously. The mechanical spectra and dispersion curves are sufficiently different that observations of free oscillations on the Moon will be able to choose among most models. The dispersion curves developed will allow rapid interpretation of initial lunar seismic data.
Studies on the mechanism of action of Win 49596: a steroidal androgen receptor antagonist.

Abstract Win 49596 is an orally active antiandrogen in the rat. This report describes a series of in vitro and in vivo studies which were performed to characterize the mechanism of action of this compound. In vitro competition and Lineweaver-Burk analyses indicate that Win 49596 binds competitively to the rat ventral prostate androgen receptor with a K i of 2.2 ± 0.4 μ M. Similar to other androgen antagonists, the relative binding affinity (RBA) of Win 49596 was greater after 1 h of incubation with androgen receptor than after an 18 h incubation (RBA of 2.2 versus 0.05, respectively). Win 49596 did not bind to rat cytosolic uterine estrogen or progesterone receptors or thymus glucocorticoid receptors. Furthermore, Win 49596 did not inhibit rat ventral prostate 5α-reductase or 3α-oxidoreductase, rat adrenal 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase or human placental aromatase activity in vitro at concentrations as high as 10μM. A series of in vivo studies demonstrated that Win 49596 inhibited the uptake of [ 3 H]testosterone as well as testosterone-induced nuclear accumulation of androgen receptor in the rat ventral prostate. Collectively, these results support direct androgen receptor antagonism as the mechanism for the antiandrogenic effects of Win 49596.
The Runoff Primary Controversy: Implications for Southern Politics

Occasionally a political issue comes along that so completely threatens the status quo that everyone immediately recognizes its potency and importance. Those most directly affected quickly calculate their stake in all potential outcomes. Some recognize the grave danger the issue poses for their position, while others view it as a godsend destined to lift them out of a difficult impasse. Still others hope against hope that somehow the thing will just quietly go away. No figure of any prominence, however, can afford to ignore it. Such an issue is the currently raging controversy over the Southern runoff primary.
Spatial versus object working memory: Pet investigations

We used positron emission tomography (PET) to answer the following question: Is working memory a unitary storage system, or does it instead include different storage buffers for different kinds of information? In Experiment 1, PET measures were taken while subjects engaged in either a spatial-memory task (retain the position of three dots for 3 sec) or an object-memory task (retain the identity of two objects for 3 sec). The results manifested a striking double dissociation, as the spatial task activated only right-hemisphere regions, whereas the object task activated primarily left-hemisphere regions. The spatial (right-hemisphere) regions included occipital, parietal, and prefrontal areas, while the object (left-hemisphere) regions included inferotemporal and parietal areas. Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1 except that the stimuli and trial events were identical for the spatial and object tasks; whether spatial or object memory was required was manipulated by instructions. The PET results once more showed a double dissociation, as the spatial task activated primarily right-hemisphere regions (again including occipital, parietal and prefrontal areas), whereas the object task activated only left-hemisphere regions (again including inferotemporal and parietal areas). Experiment 3 was a strictly behavioral study, which produced another double dissociation. It used the same tasks as Experiment 2, and showed that a variation in spatial similarity affected performance in the spatial but not the object task, whereas a variation in shape similarity affected performance in the object but not the spatial task. Taken together, the results of the three experiments clearly imply that different working-memory buffers are used for storing spatial and object information.
Rapid, simple detection of trace amounts of synovial fluid.

Two rapid, simple methods for demonstrating trace amounts of synovial fluid are compared. Both a) mucin formation and b) metachromatic staining are capable of detecting as little as 0.5 μl of synovial fluid and, hence, will be useful whenever the ability to identify small amounts of synovial fluid with certainty is of clinical importance.
Continuous monitoring of ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles in a residence for 18 months in 1999-2000.

Continuous monitors were employed for 18 months in an occupied townhouse to measure ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles; air change rates; wind speed and direction; temperature; and relative humidity (RH). A main objective was to document short-term and long-term variation in indoor air concentrations of size-resolved particles (0.01-20 microm) caused by (1) diumal and seasonal variation of outdoor air concentrations and meteorological variables, (2) indoor sources such as cooking and using candles, and (3) activities affecting air change rates such as opening windows and using fans. A second objective was to test and compare available instruments for their suitability in providing real-time estimates of particle levels and ancillary variables. Despite different measuring principles, the instruments employed in this study agreed reasonably well for particles less than 10 microm in diameter. The three instruments measuring fine and coarse particles (aerodynamic diameter between 0.3 and 20 microm) agreed to within 30% in their overall estimates of total volume. Two of these instruments employed optical scattering, and the third used an aerodynamic acceleration principle. However, several lines of evidence indicated that the instrument employing aerodynamic acceleration overestimated concentrations for particle diameters greater than 10 microm. A fourth instrument measuring ultrafine and accumulation-mode particles (0.01-1 microm) was operated with two different inlets providing somewhat different particle size ranges. The two inlets agreed in the ultrafine region ( 0.8 air changes per hour (hr(-1))], particle concentrations were either elevated (when no source was present) or depressed (when an indoor source was operating) by factors of up to 2 compared with low air change rates.
Mapping the Views of Adolescent Health Stakeholders.

Abstract Purpose Health research that includes youth and family stakeholders increases the contextual relevance of findings, which can benefit both the researchers and stakeholders involved. The goal of this study was to identify youth and family adolescent health priorities and to explore strategies to address these concerns. Methods Stakeholders identified important adolescent health concerns, perceptions of which were then explored using concept mapping. Concept mapping is a mixed-method participatory research approach that invites input from various stakeholders. In response to prompts, stakeholders suggested ways to address the identified health conditions. Adolescent participants then sorted the statements into groups based on content similarity and rated the statements for importance and feasibility. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were then applied to create the concept maps. Results Stakeholders identified sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and obesity as the health conditions they considered most important. The concept map for STIs identified 7 clusters: General sex education, support and empowerment, testing and treatment, community involvement and awareness, prevention and protection, parental involvement in sex education, and media. The obesity concept map portrayed 8 clusters: Healthy food choices, obesity education, support systems, clinical and community involvement, community support for exercise, physical activity, nutrition support, and nutrition education. Ratings were generally higher for importance than for feasibility. Conclusions The concept maps demonstrate stakeholder-driven ideas about approaches to target STIs and obesity in this context. Strategies at multiple social ecological levels were emphasized. The concept maps can be used to generate discussion regarding these topics and to identify interventions.
Landmarks: a new model for similarity-based pattern querying in time series databases

In this paper we present the landmark model, a model for time series that yields new techniques for similarity-based time series pattern querying. The landmark model does not follow traditional similarity models that rely on pointwise Euclidean distance. Instead, it leads to landmark similarity, a general model of similarity that is consistent with human intuition and episodic memory. By tracking different specific subsets of features of landmarks, we can efficiently compute different landmark similarity measures that are invariant under corresponding subsets of six transformations; namely, shifting, uniform amplitude scaling, uniform time scaling, uniform bi-scaling, time warping and non-uniform amplitude scaling. A method of identifying features that are invariant under these transformations is proposed. We also discuss a generalized approach for removing noise from raw time series without smoothing out the peaks and bottoms. Beside these new capabilities, our experiments show that landmark indexing is considerably fast.
Small cell carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) is a high-grade malignancy usually encountered in the lungs but also seen in almost any site including the salivary glands. SCC is important to recognize because it often metastasizes widely and is treated with systemic chemotherapy. Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasm arising in a pre-existing benign mixed tumor (i.e., pleomorphic adenoma, PA). While virtually any salivary carcinoma can arise from a PA, to our knowledge SCC ex-PA has not been described. We report a case of a woman presenting with fullness of the right neck and a parotid gland mass. The tumor was resected and evaluated grossly, by light microscopy, and by immunohistochemistry. Grossly, a 1.6 cm well-circumscribed nodule was identified within the parotid. Microscopic examination revealed foci of SCC associated with high-grade adenocarcinoma, in the background of a PA. The SCC was immunoreactive for cytokeratin in a dot-like pattern and neuroendocrine markers synaptophysin and CD56. Despite the focal nature of the SCC in the parotid, a pure SCC metastasis was present in one neck level II lymph node. The patient was free of disease with 8 months of follow-up. Our case illustrates that: (1) although rare, in the salivary glands SCC may arise from lower grade neoplasms including PAs; (2) SCC ex PA may metastasize as pure SCC even if the primary SCC component was focal; (3) adequate sampling of PAs is crucial to prevent missing a rare SCC that must be treated with chemotherapy.
A 1.2mW 1.6V pp -Swing Class-AB 16Ω Headphone Driver Capable of Handling Load Capacitance up to 22nF

We present a compensation scheme with a damping circuit that automatically adjusts according to the load condition to overcome this problem and still maintain the power efficiency improvement over NMC. Capacitive loads as large as 20nF are used in some platforms for ESD protection and EMI suppression. Several compensation schemes for 3-stage amplifiers driving large capacitive loads with power efficiency more than 10 times that of the conventional nested Miller compensation (NMC) scheme have been reported recently.
Striatal dopaminergic dysfunction at rest and during task performance in writer’s cramp

Writer's cramp is a task-specific focal hand dystonia characterized by involuntary excessive muscle contractions during writing. Although abnormal striatal dopamine receptor binding has been implicated in the pathophysiology of writer's cramp and other primary dystonias, endogenous dopamine release during task performance has not been previously investigated in writer's cramp. Using positron emission tomography imaging with the D2/D3 antagonist 11C-raclopride, we analysed striatal D2/D3 availability at rest and endogenous dopamine release during sequential finger tapping and speech production tasks in 15 patients with writer's cramp and 15 matched healthy control subjects. Compared with control subjects, patients had reduced 11C-raclopride binding to D2/D3 receptors at rest in the bilateral striatum, consistent with findings in previous studies. During the tapping task, patients had decreased dopamine release in the left striatum as assessed by reduced change in 11C-raclopride binding compared with control subjects. One cluster of reduced dopamine release in the left putamen during tapping overlapped with a region of reduced 11C-raclopride binding to D2/D3 receptors at rest. During the sentence production task, patients showed increased dopamine release in the left striatum. No overlap between altered dopamine release during speech production and reduced 11C-raclopride binding to D2/D3 receptors at rest was seen. Striatal regions where D2/D3 availability at rest positively correlated with disease duration were lateral and non-overlapping with striatal regions showing reduced D2/D3 receptor availability, except for a cluster in the left nucleus accumbens, which showed a negative correlation with disease duration and overlapped with striatal regions showing reduced D2/D3 availability. Our findings suggest that patients with writer's cramp may have divergent responses in striatal dopamine release during an asymptomatic motor task involving the dystonic hand and an unrelated asymptomatic task, sentence production. Our voxel-based results also suggest that writer's cramp may be associated with reduced striatal dopamine release occuring in the setting of reduced D2/D3 receptor availability and raise the possibility that basal ganglia circuits associated with premotor cortices and those associated with primary motor cortex are differentially affected in primary focal dystonias.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the anabolic effect of intermittent PTH.

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates bone formation by increasing osteoblast number, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this effect are not completely understood. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that PTH directly activates survival signaling in osteoblasts; and that delay of osteoblast apoptosis is a major contributor to the increased osteoblast number, at least in mice. This effect requires Runx2-dependent expression of anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl-2. PTH also causes exit of replicating progenitors from the cell cycle by decreasing expression of cyclin D and increasing expression of several cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Exit from the cell cycle may set the stage for pro-differentiating and pro-survival effects of locally produced growth factors and cytokines, the level and/or activity of which are known to be influenced by PTH. Observations from genetically modified mice suggest that the anabolic effect of intermittent PTH requires insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and perhaps Wnts. Attenuation of the negative effects of PPARγ may also lead to increased osteoblast number. Daily injections of PTH may add to the pro-differentiating and pro-survival effects of locally produced PTH related protein (PTHrP). As a result, osteoblast number increases beyond that needed to replace the bone removed by osteoclasts during bone remodeling. The pleiotropic effects of intermittent PTH, each of which alone may increase osteoblast number, may explain why this therapy reverses bone loss in most osteoporotic individuals regardless of the underlying pathophysiology.
Medieval Kirschsteinite-Bearing Iron Slags of the Develi-Yahyali Area (Kayseri), Turkey

While continuing our investigation of the geology of copper occurrences in central Anatolia, it was noted that there were a few places in the highlands south of Kayseri, such as Bakirdagi, with the Turkish word for copper (bakir) in their name. However, the search among place names with bakir (dotless i) is complicated by the presence of place names using the similar sounding word bakir (doted i ) meaning virgin or untouched. Enquires with local residents brought to our attention a number of slag sites which we hoped would be for copper. Inspection of these sites revealed that these slags showed no signs of copper alteration and that, when broken open with a rock hammer, showed prills of iron. These slags closely resembled the iron slags that we had previously investigated at Yaprakli in the Cankiri Province north-east of Ankara. As with the slags at Yaprakli, these slags are fully exposed with no sediment cover which would suggest a rather young age. To obtain some idea of their age, charcoal embedded in a selected piece of slag from one of the sites was submitted for AMS radiocarbon dating. The slag which was from Farasaolugu Mevkii, near Yahyali, gave an age of 393 years BP with an expected standard deviation of 39 years. A graph of 14C age versus calibrated calendar age gives an expected primary calendar age of 1470 CE and a secondary calendar age of 1610 CE. The primary age is similar to the average date for the slags at Yaprakli of 1412 CE, and places the slag in early Ottoman times. Most of the sites were similar in size to many of those at Yaprakli, but none were as small nor as large as some of those sites. The individual pieces of slag have the appearance of scoriaceous lava and are 8–10 cm in diameter. The slags, in roughly ‘hand’ size pieces, generally have the texture of a compact ceramic usually with abundant vesicles. While some pieces are glass and some pieces have ropey surfaces, none of the pieces showed any flow banding. Compositionally the iron slags consist mainly of kirschsteinite, calcic fayalite, fayalite, wustite, plagioclase, metallic iron and interstitial glass. Slag samples with high lime contents contain modal wollastonite and calcic-augite. The interstitial glass between the crystalline phases is normative in kalsilite-anorthite-wollastonite-fayalite-quartz. Most of the glasses lie adjacent to but on the silica-rich side of the anorthite-fayalite join, and on both sides of the anorthite-fayalite cotectic. This along with the compositions of the calcic-fayalites suggests that the interstitial glass formed at temperatures in the 1,100–1,200°C range. The glasses of the Develi-Yahyali slags are distinctly richer in iron and lime and lower in silica than those from Yaprakli.
A High-Resolution Quasi Optical Spectrometer for Complex Permittivity and Loss Tangent Measurements at Millimeter Wavelengths

This paper presents for the first time a high power free space dielectric measurement technique to evaluate the complex dielectric permittivity and loss tangent of solid dielectric materials at millimeter waves. This new method enables us to obtain broad band high-resolution transmittance spectra at extended V-band (40 -90 GHz) using a quasi-optical free space spectrometer equipped with a new extended V-band backward-wave oscillator as a high power tunable source of coherent radiation. Due to the sufficiently strong energy throughput in the transmission and a very fine frequency sweep step of the measurement, this instrumentation is superior in obtaining reliable complex permittivity and loss tangent data with great stability and reproducibility over a much broader millimeter wave frequency range. Dielectric permittivity and loss tangent measurement results are reported for a variety of materials and compared with previously published data.
A Semi-Fragile Lossless Digital Watermarking Scheme Based on Integer Wavelet Transform

In this paper, a new semi-fragile lossless digital watermarking scheme based on integer wavelet transform is presented. The wavelet family applied is the 5/3 filter bank which serves as the default transformation in the JPEG2000 standard for image lossless compression. As a result, the proposed scheme can be integrated into the JPEG2000 standard smoothly. Different from the only existing semi-fragile lossless watermarking scheme which uses modulo-256 addition, this method takes special measures to prevent overflow/underflow and hence does not suffer from annoying salt-and-pepper noise. The original cover image can be losslessly recovered if the stego-image has not been altered. Furthermore, the hidden data can be retrieved even after incidental alterations including image compression have been applied to the stego-image
Economic design of X control charts for two manufacturing process models

Control charts are widely used for process surveillance. The design of a control chart refers to the choice of sample size, the width of the control limits, and the interval between samples. Economic designs have been widely investigated and shown to be an effective method of determining control chart parameters. This article describes two different manufacturing process models to which the X¯ control chart is applied: The first model assumes that the process continues in operation while searches for the assignable cause are made, and the second assumes that the process must be shut down during the search. Economic models of the control chart for these two manufacturing process models are developed, and the sensitivity of the control chart parameters to the choice of model is explored. It is shown that the choice of the proper manufacturing process model is critical because selection of an inappropriate process model may result in significant economic penalties.
Teaching and learning online: reflections of a practitioner

Working collaboratively with colleagues in the Technical Communications Program at IUPUI, I developed and have continued to modify and teach a Web-based course, TCM 320-Written Communication in Science and Industry. The course is designed to maximize the benefits of computer-mediated communication to promote best practices in undergraduate teaching and learning. Reflecting on my experiences developing and teaching this course over three years, as well as literature related to online education and technology studies, I discuss several critical success factors and issues having to do with learner readiness, course design, instructional methodologies, and technology design and support.
Sample size evaluation for a multiply matched case-control study using the score test from a conditional logistic (discrete Cox PH) regression model.

The conditional logistic regression model (Breslow NE. Covariance adjustment of relative-risk estimates in matched studies. Biometrics, 1982; 38:661-672) provides a convenient method for the assessment of qualitative or quantitative covariate effects on risk in a study with matched sets, each containing a possibly different numbers of cases and controls. The conditional logistic likelihood is identical to the stratified Cox proportional hazards model likelihood with an adjustment for ties (Regression models and life-tables (with discussion). J. Roy. Statist. Soc., B, 1972; 34:187-220). This likelihood also applies to a nested case control study with multiply matched cases and controls selected from those at risk at selected event times. Herein the distribution of the score test for the effect of a covariate in the model is used to derive simple equations to describe the power of the test to detect a coefficient θ (log odds ratio or log hazard ratio), or the number of cases (or matched sets) and controls required to provide a desired level of power. Additional expressions are derived for a quantitative covariate as a function of the difference in the assumed mean covariate values among cases and controls, and for a qualitative covariate in terms of the difference in the probabilities of exposure for cases and controls. Examples are presented for a nested case-control study and a multiply matched case-control study.
Effect of Prior Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge on Compression Performance by Hospital Providers

Results: Data from 200 enrollments were analyzed by evaluators blinded to subject knowledge. Regarding knowledge, 94% of participants correctly identified parameters for rate, 58% for hand placement, 74% for depth, and 94% for recoil. Participants identifying an effective rate of ≥100
Rejuvenation improves roller pump–induced physical stress resistance of fresh and stored red blood cells

Background: Retrospective studies on transfusion recipients suggested that transfusion of older red blood cells (RBCs) was associated with higher morbidity. Similar studies were also done on cardiac surgery patients who were placed on cardiac bypass pumps. It is possible that stored RBCs are more fragile and could be more easily damaged by these pumps, thus leading to additional morbidity. Study design and methods: Fresh and stored (42 days) RBCs, rejuvenated and nonrejuvenated, were compared in resistance to physical stress, induced by a roller pump, and osmotic fragility changes during physical stress to model RBCs going through cardiac bypass instruments. In addition, posttransfusion in vivo recovery was evaluated in an immunodeficient mouse model to minimize species differences between transfusion product and recipient. Results: Fresh RBCs were more resistant to both osmotic and physical stress than stored cells. After 2 hours of physical stress, the osmotic stress resistance of fresh cells declined and was the same as for stored cells. Rejuvenated fresh cells did not demonstrate a decline in osmotic resistance during the stress test and both fresh and stored cells had the same improved resistance to osmotic stress before and after the physical stress. Rejuvenation slightly improved recovery of fresh RBCs but almost doubled the recovery of stored cells in the mouse model. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that rejuvenation improves roller pump-induced physical and osmotic stress resistance of stored RBCs.
Context-aware search using cooperative agents in a smart environment

In this paper we present the design of a decentralized vision-based object search system that can be used for el- der care in a smart environment. In our approach, each autonomous search agent maintains separate estimates of the probability density function (PDF) of the object location and makes independent decisions about its search process. Asynchronous cooperative search is achieved by transmit- ting perceptual information among the agents. Our work also investigates how context such as the detection history and density of activity by people influence the estimation of the prior PDF of the target and the use of this information to improve the search efficiency. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed cooperative search strategy is efficient and the methods we use to incorporate contextual information into the target's posterior PDF can improve the efficiency further.
A Study of Ventilation Measurement in an Office Building

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has conducted a study of ventilation and ventilation measurement techniques in the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Building in Portland, Oregon. The project involved the use of the following outdoor air ventilation measurement techniques: tracer gas decay measurements of whole-building air change rates, the determination of air change rates based on peak carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) concentrations, the determination of percent outdoor air intake using tracer gas (sulfur hexafluoride and occupant-generated CO{sub 2}), and direct airflow rate measurements within the air handling system. In addition, air change rate measurements made approximately three years apart with an automated tracer gas decay system were compared. Airflow rates were measured in the air handling system ductwork using pitot tube, hot-wire anemometer, and vane anemometer traverses, and good agreement was obtained between the different techniques. While accurate determinations of percent outdoor air intake were achieved using tracer gas techniques, the use of CO{sub 2} detector tubes yielded unreliable results. Reliable determinations of ventilation rates per person were made based on SF{sub 6} decay and direct airflow rate measurements, but the use of peak CO{sub 2} concentrations led to overestimations of building air change rates. The measured values ofmore » the whole-building air change rates, and their dependence on outdoor air temperature, did not change significantly over a three-year period. The whole-building air change rate under minimum outdoor air intake conditions was determined to be twice the outdoor air intake rate provided by the minimum outdoor air intake fans due to leakage through the main outdoor air intake dampers.« less