cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Semantic composition in sentence verification

Verifying simple sentences generally involves a process wherein the meanings of individual words are combined to form the meaning of the entire sentence. In this paper we investigated the combination process by asking subjects to decide whether sentences of the form S-V-Adj-O (e.g., Pines have green needles ) were true or false. Such sentences can be factored into three component propositions: (1) a proposition formed from the adjective and object noun (e.g., Needles can be green ); (2) a proposition formed from the subject noun, verb, and object noun ( Pines have needles ); and (3) a proposition formed from the subject noun, verb, and adjective ( Pines have green [ parts ]). In Experiment 1, we varied the truth value and semantic relatedness of Propositions (1) and (2) in an effort to determine which of these components plays a role in the semantic composition process. Reaction time results indicated reliable effects of truth and relatedness for both propositions. Experiment 2 employed the same task and extended it by testing all three of the above propositions. This time, the results exhibited significant effects of the truth of Propositions (2) and (3). Finally, Experiment 3 applied the same method to sentences of a new syntactic type: cleft sentences of the form It's-Adj-O-that-S-V (e.g., It's green needles that pines have ). The effects of the truth value of Propositions (2) and (3) were once more in evidence, although syntactic form differentially influenced the size of these effects.
Analysis of banyan networks offered traffic with geometrically distributed message lengths

An analysis of finite-input-buffered banyan networks offered traffic having geometrically distributed message lengths is presented. This is one of the few multistage-network analyses for networks offered non-unit-length messages and is the only one that the authors are aware of for finite-input-buffered banyan networks. In the analysis, network switching elements are modelled using two state machines, one for queue heads, the other for entire queues. A network is modelled using one switching-element model to represent each stage. Together these model the effect that non-unit-length messages have on banyans. Solutions are obtained iteratively. Network performance figures were obtained with this analysis and compared to simulation results. The figures show that the analysis can predict the effect of message length on throughput and delay, including the performance degradation caused by longer messages.
Foreign Language Reading Comprehension Test: L1 versus L2 in Open-Ended Questions

: This article addresses the issue of using students' native language (L1) versus second language (L2) in testing instruments for reading comprehension in the L2 classroom. Four groups of students of third-semester, college-level Spanish were tested under four different conditions involving combinations of L1 and L2. The test consisted of a reading passage in L2 and seven open-ended questions. The results suggest that open-ended reading comprehension tests may be better assessment instruments if some of the questions are phrased in the L1 and test takers are given the opportunity to respond in the L1.
The Fragility of Time: Time-Insensitivity and Valuation of the Near and Far Future

We propose that the temporal dimension is fragile in that choices are insufficiently sensitive to it, and second, such sensitivity as exists is exceptionally malleable, unlike other dimensions such as money, which are attended by default. To test this, we axiomatize a “constant-sensitivity” discount function, and in four studies, we show that the degree of time-sensitivity is inadequate relative to the compound discounting norm, and strongly susceptible to manipulation. Time-sensitivity is increased by a comparative within-subject presentation (Experiment 1), direct instruction (Experiment 3), and provision of a visual cue for time duration (Experiment 4); time-sensitivity is decreased using a time pressure manipulation (Experiment 2). In each study, the sensitivity manipulation has an opposite effect on near-future and far-future valuations: Increased sensitivity decreases discounting in the near future and increases discounting in the far future. In contrast, such sensitivity manipulations have little effect on the money dimension.
Threshold reduction with biphasic defibrillator waveforms

Abstract Mechanisms underlying improved defibrillation efficacy of biphasic waveforms at low shock intensities remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that biphasic waveforms produce a longer mean postshock response throughout the ventricle. This prolongs the cellular refractory period, blocks fibrillation wave fronts, and causes fibrillation to cease. Previous studies showed that hyperpolarizing monophasic waveforms, delivered during the refractory period, can shorten action potential duration (APD90), which would be deleterious for defibrillation. This study tested the hypothesis that a balanced-charge biphasic waveform produces a longer mean total APD than a comparable monophasic waveform by preventing this shortening in hyperpolarized regions as well as by prolonging APD in depolarized regions. To test this hypothesis, the authors examined transmembrane potential changes produced by hyperpolarizing and depolarizing monophasic and balanced-charge symmetrical biphasic waveforms using a computer model of the ventricular action potential. Shock intensities within the low-intensity “window,” where biphasic waveforms defibrillate with higher efficacy than monophasic waveforms (1.5–3 times diastolic threshold), were used. Results show that biphasic S2 produced a significantly longer response both under hyperpolarizing and depolarizing conditions. The hyperpolarizing/depolarizing biphasic S2 produced a prolonged response with a well-defined plateau. Following the depolarizing/hyperpolarizing S2, APD90 did not shorten as with the hyperpolarizing monophasic S2. Rather, repolarization continued near the original S1 times course, but with slight prolongation of S1 APD90. These results suggest that biphasic waveforms enhance the prolonged refractory periods required for defibrillation throughout the heart, including regions exposed to both anodal and cathodal stimulation.
Influence of surface tensions of solvent/nonsolvent mixtures in membrane casting solutions on the performance of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) oxide membranes for gas separation applications

Abstract Surface tension measurements were used to assess the viability of the membrane-casting system for poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)oxide asymmetric membranes for gas separation. The data was obtained from solvent(chloroform)/nonsolvent additive solutions. The nonsolvent additive was varied consisting of linear, straight and branched alcohols. It is illustrated how surface tension data can be used to elucidate the role of nodules on the surface of the asymmetric membranes.
Influence of Pulmonary Hypertension on Survival in Advanced Lung Disease

Background Effects of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in advanced lung disease remain unclear.
The appearance of phospholipase and cyclo-oxygenase activities in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60 during dimethyl sulfoxide-induced differentiation

Abstract The human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60 can be induced to differentiate into mature granulocytes by exposure to dimethyl sulfoxide. During differentiation a phospholipase activity, which releases arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, is expressed. Similarly, fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase activity increases 10-fold. In addition, there is a 40-fold increase in chemotactic formyl peptide receptor binding and a dramatic increase in glucose oxidation via the hexosemonophosphate shunt. The addition of indomethacin, a potent cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, to the culture medium reduced the cyclo-oxygenase activity of HL60 cells exposed to dimethyl sulfoxide by 97%. However, the presence of indomethacin did not block the dimethyl sulfoxide induced increases in chemotactic formyl peptide receptor binding and hexosemonophosphate shunt activity.
Pairing SOCS with CD33

[Comment on Orr et al, page 1061][1]SOCS molecules function in a negative-feedback loop to dampen inflammatory responses. Their role in regulating CD33 expression may have important implications for normal host defense responses and in the use of CD33-targeted therapy of myeloid leukemia. The
Circular dichroism calculations for double-stranded polynucleotides of repeating sequence

Optical property calculations are presented for poly(A·U), poly[(A-U)·(A-U)], poly(G·C), and poly[(G-C)·(G-C)] in RNA, B-DNA, and C-DNA conformations. An all-order classical coupled oscillator polarizability theory was used, and an effective dielectric constant of 2 was assumed. The calculated CD spectra were found to be sensitive to both geometry and sequence. Agreement with the measured CD spectra of poly(A·U), poly(G·C), and poly(dG·dC) is very good. Calculations for other sequences and geometries are less satisfactory and are particularly poor for poly[(G-C)·(G-C)] in RNA geometry and poly(A·T) in B-DNA geometry. Attempts to improve agreement with measured spectra by varying monomer properties have been only partially successful for these calculations, but they illustrate the types of changes that may prove to be necessary. Calculations using other published X-ray coordinates for certain deoxypolynucleotides of simple sequence, some of which are quite different from B-DNA coordinates, did not result in better agreement with measured spectra. Finally, the dependence of the calculated CD on chain length is examined. Results show that non-nearest neighbor interactions can be important when runs of 3 or more identical base pairs appear in a given sequence.
Pulmonary Artery Obstruction due to Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant cell arteritis is often referred to in the context of polymyalgia rheumatica with temoral artery involvement. There are, however, more malignant forms of presentation of this necrotizing arteritis involving either the great vessels of the aorta or, occasionally, the pulmonary arteries. Our case relates to giant cell arteritis presenting as pulmonary artery obstruction in a patient without polymyalgia rheumatica or extensive aortic or proximal great vessel involvement.
Raphe pallidus neurons mediate prostaglandin E2-evoked increases in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.

To elucidate central neural pathways contributing to the febrile component of the acute phase response to pyrogenic insult, I sought to determine whether activation of neurons in the rostral raphe pallidus (RPa) is required for the increase in brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis evoked by i.c.v. prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in urethane-chloralose-anesthetized, ventilated rats. BAT sympathetic nerve activity (SNA; +224% of control), BAT temperature (+1.8 degrees C), expired CO(2) (+1.3%), mean arterial pressure (+23 mm Hg), and heart rate (+73 beats per minute) were significantly increased after i.c.v. PGE(2) (2 microg). Microinjection of either the GABA(A) receptor agonist, muscimol (2 mM, 60 nl), or glycine (0.5M, 60 nl) into RPa resulted in a prompt reversal of the PGE(2)-evoked stimulation of BAT SNA, BAT thermogenesis and heart rate, with these variables returning to control levels prior to i.c.v. PGE(2) following the long-lasting, muscimol-induced inhibition of RPa neurons. In conclusion, activation of neurons in RPa, possibly BAT sympathetic premotor neurons, is essential for the increases in BAT SNA and BAT thermogenesis stimulated by i.c.v. administration of PGE(2). The increased heart rate likely contributing to an augmented cardiac output supporting the increased BAT thermogenesis in response to PGE(2) is also dependent on neurons in RPa. These results contribute to our understanding of central neural substrates for the augmented thermogenesis during fever.
Thyroid hormone increases glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene expression in rat liver

Livers from hypophysectomized rats had low levels of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA. Administration of L-triiodothyronine increased these levels over 20-fold. The peak response was seen 72 h after hormone administration. A half-maximal response was obtained with 5 μg of T3 per 100 g of body weight. Thus the expression of hepatic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase appears to be regulated by thyroid hormone.
PID4: ECONOMIC COST OF HIV INFECTION IN UNTREATED WORKERS: AN EMPLOYER'S PERSPECTIVE

It is necessary to understand the direct and indirect costs of HIV infection in untreated workers in order to estimate the value of aggressive antiretroviral therapies from an employer's perspective. Currently the cost of HIV/AIDS from an employer's perspective is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: To estimate lifetime costs of HIV infection in untreated employees from an employer's perspective. METHODS: A simulation model was developed to predict costs of HIV infection in untreated employees from an employer's perspective over a ten-year time frame. This model utilized age, CD4+ cell counts, and plasma HIV-1 RNA level as major predictors of disease progression and expected patient survival to estimate lifetime costs. Major direct cost components were health insurance premium, life insurance premium, short-term disability benefits, long-term disability benefits, and hiring/training expenses. The indirect cost included productivity loss at work. RESULTS: For a hypothetical 35-year old HIV-positive employee with CD4+ cell counts at 380 cells/mm3 and HIV-1 RNA at 22,000 copies/ml, the model estimated that the total direct and indirect costs of HIV infection was $165,873 from the employer's perspective over a 10-year period. This included $66,659 for health insurance, $12,788 for life insurance costs, $8,580 for short-term and long-term disability benefits, $25,894 for hiring and training expenses and $51,952 due to productivity loss. Sensitivity analyses suggested that changes in employee age, CD4+ cell count, HIV-1 RNA viral load, and CD4+ cell decline rate were important parameters that significantly impact the costs of untreated HIV workers to employers. CONCLUSION: Without effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection could result in significant direct and indirect costs to employers. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness of treatment with advanced antiretroviral regimen should be considered for HIV infected workers.
Control of Pore Size and Functionality in Isoreticular Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks and their Carbon Dioxide Selective Capture Properties

Five new crystalline zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), ZIF-78 to -82, were prepared from zinc(II) nitrate and mixtures of 2-nitroimidazole and five different functionalized imidazoles and were found to have the GME topology. These structures, along with three previously reported GME ZIFs, constitute a series of highly porous materials with Brunauer−Emmet−Teller surface areas ranging from 620 to 1730 m2/g. The pore diameters and apertures vary incrementally from 7.1 to 15.9 A and 3.8 to 13.1 A, respectively, and the functionalities decorating the pores vary from polar cyano- and nitro- groups to nonpolar alkyl groups. The variability expressed in these materials makes them highly attractive for study as gas-separation media. Selectivity values calculated for separation of CO2 and CH4 predict that the ZIFs with polar functionality, ZIF-78 (10.6:1) and -82 (9.6:1), retain CO2 gas to a greater degree than the other members of the GME series and BPL-activated carbon. These predictions are borne out in dy...
Nano-structured CeO2 supported Cu-Pd bimetallic catalysts for the oxygen-assisted water-gas-shift reaction

Abstract The present work focuses on the development of novel Cu-Pd bimetallic catalysts supported on nano-sized high-surface-area CeO 2 for the oxygen-assisted water–gas-shift (OWGS) reaction. High-surface-area CeO 2 was synthesized by urea gelation (UG) and template-assisted (TA) methods. The UG method offered CeO 2 with a BET surface area of about 215 m 2 /g, significantly higher than that of commercially available CeO 2 . Cu and Pd were supported on CeO 2 synthesized by the UG and TA methods and their catalytic performance in the OWGS reaction was investigated systematically. Catalysts with about 30 wt% Cu and 1 wt% Pd were found to exhibit a maximum CO conversion close to 100%. The effect of metal loading method and the influence of CeO 2 support on the catalytic performance were also investigated. The results indicated that Cu and Pd loaded by incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) exhibited better performance than that prepared by deposition–precipitation (DP) method. The difference in the catalytic activity was related to the lower Cu surface concentration, better Cu–Ce and Pd–Ce interactions and improved reducibility of Cu and Pd in the IWI catalyst as determined by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) studies. A direct relation between BET surface area of the CeO 2 support and CO conversion was also observed. The Cu-Pd bimetallic catalysts supported on high-surface-area CeO 2 synthesized by UG method exhibited at least two-fold higher CO conversion than the commercial CeO 2 or that obtained by TA method. The catalyst retains about 100% CO conversion even under extremely high H 2 concentration.
Fractal antennas: a novel antenna miniaturization technique, and applications

Fractal geometry involves a recursive generating methodology that results in contours with infinitely intricate fine structures. This geometry, which has been used to model complex objects found in nature such as clouds and coastlines, has space-filling properties that can be utilized to miniaturize antennas. These contours are able to add more electrical length in less volume. In this article, we look at miniaturizing wire and patch antennas using fractals. Fractals are profoundly intricate shapes that are easy to define. It is seen that even though the mathematical foundations call for an infinitely complex structure, the complexity that is not discernible for the particular application can be truncated. For antennas, this means that we can reap the rewards of miniaturizing an antenna using fractals without paying the price of having to manufacture an infinitely complex radiator. In fact, it is shown that the required number of generating iterations, each of which adds a layer of intricacy, is only a few. A primer on the mathematical bases of fractal geometry is also given, focusing especially on the mathematical properties that apply to the analysis of antennas. Also presented is an application of these miniaturized antennas to phased arrays. It is shown how these fractal antennas can be used in tightly packed linear arrays, resulting in phased arrays that can scan to wider angles while avoiding grating lobes.
Putting it on tape: audio taped assessment summaries for parents.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the benefits of giving parents tape recorded child development centre assessment report summaries. DESIGN--Prospective randomly allocated study. SETTING--Child development centre, Birmingham Children's Hospital. SUBJECTS--Parents of 113 consecutive children attending for multidisciplinary developmental assessment. OUTCOME MEASURES--Recall of information and use of, and views on, the written and tape recorded summaries. RESULTS--Parents who received the tape recording showed no increase in recall of the summary's content six weeks later. Forty three per cent of English speaking parents favoured the tape recorded summary, as did 89% of Urdu/Punjabi speaking parents. CONCLUSIONS--Tape recorded summaries were popular with parents, but other methods are needed to help parents, especially those whose first language is not English, to understand the implications of multidisciplinary assessment of their child.
Application of discrete-time scale invariant systems in video traffic modeling

Although VBR video has been characterized as self-similar by various researchers, models based on self-similarity considerations have not been previously studied. This paper investigates the application of discrete-time scale invariant systems to modeling variable-bit rate (VBR) video traces. The motivation for this study lies in the fact that the model discussed here evolves out of self-similarity considerations. Potential application of this system to classifying content-based scenes in VBR video is explored. This paper also demonstrates that using heavy-tailed stable inputs these models can match both the scene time-series correlations as well as scene density functions.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract B34: Identifying sources of medical radiation in a population of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Single institution study

Purpose of study: Through record review including parental interview author will identify children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the Children9s Hospital of Pittsburgh in the period 1999–2009 who have had a preconception, prenatal or postnatal exposure to medical radiation. Description of experimental procedures: The necessity of identifying children at increased risk of childhood cancer through envirnomental exposures and genetics is increasing as the diagnosis rate remains fairly constant and even in the case of very successful therapy for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia the relapse and refractory rates are significant. This study investigates correlation among a regional group of children in the United States through record review and construction and implementation of parental/family questionnaire. Summary of data: Preliminary study finds a variety of medical radiation exposures, primarily preconception in this cohort. There is a stronger correlation in children diagnosed with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This data is indicative of the first five years of the study which is still in progress. Conclusions: This study supports and documents the role of medical radiation in a cohort of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a five year period. Extension of the study and careful correlation with relevant genetic data on these identified children will be critical to the longitudinal study and its usefulness. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):B34
Deriving uniformly spaced samples from a nonuniformly sampled function via time warping with applications to fast transforms

This paper presents an algorithm for deriving uniformly spaced samples from nonuniformly spaced samples of a signal (and visa versa). The nonuniformity must be a function of linear sampling i.e. to derive uniformly spaced samples from an exponentially sampled signal. One place this situation occurs is in the calculation of some integral transforms like the Hankel transform. The algorithm runs quickly, in linear time and can thus be used with the FFT to create fast transform algorithms and provide a superior alternative to linear interpolation.
Role of two dimensionality in MgB2

Abstract In the theoretical study of the origin of superconductivity in MgB2, the importance of the two dimensionality of the electronic structure has not been clear. Here we use the related system, and predicted superconductor, Li1−xBC to illustrate the importance the two dimensionality of the σ bands has for (1) the occurrence of high Tc, (2) the possibility of raising the critical temperature, and (3) the lattice instabilities that accompany strong electron–phonon coupling.
PM2.5 carbonate concentrations at regionally representative Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environment sites

[1] This experiment shows that carbonate concentrations are negligible at most Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) monitoring sites. Even when present, carbonate does not cause significant biases in total carbon (TC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations in the IMPROVE protocol. The analysis also shows that acidification to remove interferences from carbonates is not necessary when using a thermal evolution method in which the highest temperature is less than 800°C. Seventy-seven samples with the highest calcium concentrations from 58 sites in the IMPROVE network were analyzed for carbonate by acidification. Measured carbonate carbon concentrations at most sites were 800°C temperatures are applied during thermal evolution carbon analysis.
Fatal pulmonary fibrosis following 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU) therapy

A case is reported of a child with fatal pulmonary fibrosis following BCNU therapy. This side effect has only once previously been reported with the nitrosourea group of compounds.
Defeating the skeptic

Definissant le critere faible et le critere fort des reponses adequates a apporter a l'argument sceptique, l'A. evalue d'un point de vue metaepistemique la validite des strategies anti-sceptiques telles qu'elles ont ete analysees par B. Stroud et M. Williams. Rejetant toute premisse optionnelle de l'argument sceptique, d'une part, et examinant la critique de la defense du critere fort de C. Wright developpee par Williams, d'autre part, l'A. se propose de considerer les arguments sceptiques comme des paradoxes et formule un critere standard de leur resolution qui s'avere equivalent au critere fort
The Aftermath of Organizational Corruption: Employee Attributions and Emotional Reactions

Employee attributions and emotional reactions to unethical behavior of top leaders in an organization recently involved in a highly publicized ethics scandal were examined. Participants (n = 76) from a large southern California government agency completed an ethical climate assessment. Secondary data analysis was performed on the written commentary to an open-ended question seeking employees’ perceptions of the ethical climate. Employees attributed the organization’s poor ethical leadership to a number of causes, including: lack of moral reasoning, breaches of trust, hypocrisy, and poor ethical behavior role modeling. Emotional reactions to corruption included cynicism, optimism, pessimism, paranoia and fear, and were targeted at top leaders, organizational practices (i.e., the old boy network, nepotism, and cronyism) and ethics interventions. Implications for leadership training and other organizational ethics interventions are discussed.
The reliability of a self-reported measure of disease, impairment, and function in persons with spinal cord dysfunction

Abstract Objective: To develop a self-report instrument that would provide information about the different levels of the disablement process, and that (1) was suitable for persons with spinal cord disease (SCD), (2) could be completed quickly, (3) could be mailed, (4) had acceptable reliability, and (5) would be clinically useful. Study Design: Test-retest using a convenience sample. Methods: Review of the literature and an expert panel were used to develop the instrument. It was mailed to 49,458 individuals in June 1995 and a second mailing was done in August 1995. A subset of 725 individuals who responded to both mailings was used to examine the instrument's test-retest reliability. Results: The instrument has a 4th grade reading level and has questions on causal disease, disease severity, impairment, activities of daily living (including a self-reported version of the Functional Independence Measure, the SRFM), and resource utilization. Individual item test-retest reliability was high for a mailed questionnaire; all kappa coefficients were near or above .60 and most were over .70. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the SRFM was .90 and internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha) was .96. Conclusion: This instrument provides a new, rapid way to obtain information relative to the differing levels of the disablement process.
Predicting Performance in a Combined Undergraduate and Medical Education Program

This study investigated the prediction of success in the six-year combined undergraduate and medical education program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Students enter this program directly from high school, and at the end of six years receive their bachelors and medical degrees simultaneously. In addition to the usual measures of academic success, criteria for this study included measures of personal development, participation in cultural and community activities, and attitudes and plans with respect to various kinds of medical careers. The best predictor for any given criterion variable tended to be previous standing on the same variable, and in general adding other predictor variables improved prediction only a little. Academic performance was largely independent of other criteria. Implications for selection policy are considered.
The Doctor-Patient Relationship in the Post-Managed Care Era

The growth of managed care was accompanied by concern about the impact that changes in health care organization would have on the doctor-patient relationship (DPR). We now are in a “post-managed care era,” where some of these changes in health care delivery have come to pass while others have not. A re-examination of the DPR in this setting suggests some surprising results. Rather than posing a new and unprecedented threat, managed care was simply the most recent of numerous strains on the DPR that have occurred throughout the century. These strains are a constant, inevitable consequence of the varying needs and concerns of patient and physicians as they seek to balance their desires for a certain type of DPR with their simultaneous desire for other aspects of care such as lower costs, greater technological sophistication, and improved outcomes.
Optical Properties of Vacuum-Evaporated White Tin

Near-normal incidence-reflectance data on vacuum-evaporated white tin films, produced in situ, are presented for incident photon energies from 2.1 to 14.5 eV. In addition, the real part of the refractive index has been measured from 14.5 to 20.5 eV by the critical-angle method. These results are combined with previously published data for white tin films and an analysis of optical data is carried out from 0.1 to 27.5 eV. Separation of the dielectric constants into contributions due to free and bound electrons indicates interband transitions at 1.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 and 24.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 eV, as found by previous workers, and a further interband transition at approximately 3 eV. Tentative identification of these transitions is made using published energy-band calculations. The energy-loss functions for surface and volume plasmons show sharp peaks at 9.2 and 13.4 eV, respectively, in agreement with electron-energy-loss measurements. Sum rules are used to interpret the effective number of electrons per atom at various incident photon energies.
NF-κB and TNF-α stimulate androgen receptor expression in Sertoli cells

Germ cell development within the mammalian testis requires testosterone stimulation of somatic Sertoli cells via interaction with intracellular androgen receptors (AR). AR expression levels undergo marked changes during spermatogenesis suggesting that the modulation of AR expression is an important mechanism to regulate Sertoli cell responsiveness to testosterone. An analysis of the AR gene promoter revealed three kappaB enhancer elements that interacted with Sertoli cell p50 and RelA NF-kappaB proteins, and the overexpression of these NF-kappaB subunits in Sertoli cells stimulated AR promoter activity. Moreover, TNF-alpha, a secretory product of round spermatids, stimulated NF-kappaB binding to the AR promoter, induced AR promoter activity, and increased endogenous AR expression in primary cultures of Sertoli cells. Given the requirement of testosterone for spermatogenesis and the importance of AR in mediating Sertoli cell responsiveness to testosterone, the stimulation of AR expression by NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha may represent an important regulatory mechanism required to maintain efficient spermatogenesis.
A new management approach for esophageal perforation.

We present the case of a 40-year-old man with spontaneous esophageal perforation following an episode of ethanol intoxication. The diagnosis of perforation was delayed due to refusal of intervention. Endoscopic examination of the upper part of the esophagus revealed the tear above the gastroesophageal junction. A Polyflex self-expanding coated stent (Willy Ruesch GMBH, Kernen, Germany) was placed, isolating and sealing the area of perforation and restoring esophageal continuity. A left thoracoscopy was performed to drain and debride the mediastinum. The patient was discharged eating a regular diet and the Polyflex stent was removed 1 month later. This case is unique because a combined minimally invasive approach was used to manage a complex potentially fatal surgical emergency, which was previously handled through open thoracotomy. Because we combined video-assisted thoracic surgery and upper esophageal endoscopy, the patient experienced minimal morbidity and a short hospital stay with rapid return to activities of daily living. We believe this is the first reported case in which these combined modalities were used in the primary management of spontaneous esophageal perforation. Clinical Summary A 40-year-old man celebrated graduate school completion with an evening of hard liquor consumption. Three hours later, he began having indigestion and epigastric discomfort, followed by intermittent vomiting and retching. The patient was taken to his local hospital because of back pain and difficulty breathing.
Discovery of X-ray bursts from two sources in Aquila

Two X-ray burst sources have been discovered in Aquila with the aid of the SAS 3 X-ray Observatory; MXB 1906 + 00 and Aql MXB. The present paper reports on source positions, spectra, time structure, and burst energy. Five bursts were detected from MXB 1906 + 00, and the data are shown to be consistent with the assumption that there was a burst about every 8.9 hr. A comparison of raw counting data for three bursts indicates that the bursts were detected in the energy range from 1.3 to 19 keV and that the spectrum softened during burst decay. The spectrum of the one burst observed from Aql MXB is found not to soften during burst decay. It is suggested that MXB 1906 + 00 and the previously known 'steady' source A 1905 + 00 are very likely to be the same source and that the ratio of time-averaged 'steady' luminosity to time-averaged burst luminosity would be approximately 80.
Evolutionary design of noncontinuous plants

Abstract Traditional design methods based on mathematical formulations often fail to make full use of knowledge specific to the design of noncontinuous plants. In this paper we present an evolutionary design method which solves complex design problems by systematic and comprehensive exploitation of such knowledge. Through a graphic user interface, the approach allows the design in progress to be interrupted to incorporate human judgment. The evolutionary design approach begins with an initial design containing a minimum number of equipment units, and modifies the design to make it feasible with the addition of as few units as possible. A sizing procedure is then used to minimize the total equipment cost. Both synthesis and sizing use prediction models and decision models which we have developed specifically for noncontinuous plants. With the proposed method, we are able to solve design problems that are too complicated for other design methods. Our method is illustrated by two complete examples.
Modified stator flux estimation based direct torque controlled PMSM drive for hybrid electric vehicle

This paper presents a modified stator flux estimation based direct torque control drive of a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) used in an hybrid electrical vehicle. It provides satisfactory transient and steady state performance of machine torque and speed over a wide speed variation. This utilizes a modified stator flux estimation scheme where a phase and magnitude compensator has been introduced at the output of low pass filter to compensate the error; this error keeps on changing with machine operating frequency. Detail simulation studies are carried out to verify the results in Matlab simulink platform.
Regulation of glomerulotubular balance. III. Implication of cytosolic calcium in flow-dependent proximal tubule transport.

In the proximal tubule, axial flow (drag on brush-border microvilli) stimulates Na+ and HCO3− reabsorption by modulating both Na/H exchanger 3 (NHE3) and H-ATPase activity, a process critical to gl...
Effects of applied substrate bias during reactive sputter deposition of nanocomposite tantalum carbide/amorphous hydrocarbon thin films

Abstract Nanocomposite tantalum carbide/amorphous hydrocarbon (TaC/a-C:H) thin film composition, structure, and mechanical properties depend on the direct current bias voltage (Vb) level applied to the substrate during reactive sputter deposition. A set of TaC/a-C:H films was deposited across the range Vb = 0 to − 300 V with all other deposition parameters held constant except substrate temperature, which was allowed to reach its steady state during the depositions. Effects of Vb on film composition and structure were explored, including TaC crystallite size and dispersion using X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the dependency of stress and hardness on Vb was studied with an emphasis on relationships to a-C:H phase structure.
Cancer, coping, and cognition: a model for the role of stress reactivity in cancer-related cognitive decline

Background Cognitive decline and accompanying neurological changes associated with non-CNS cancer diagnosis and treatment have been increasingly identified in a subset of patients. Initially believed to be because of neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy exposure, observation of cognitive decline in patients not treated with chemotherapy, cancer-diagnosed individuals prior to treatment, and patients receiving alternative treatment modalities (surgery, endocrine therapy, and radiation) has led to the investigation of additional potential etiologies and moderating factors. Stressful experiences have long been posited as a contributor to these cognitive changes. Through reciprocal connectivity with peripheral systems, the brain maintains a dynamic circuitry to adapt to stress (allostasis). However, overuse of this system leads to dysregulation and contributes to pathophysiology (allostatic load). At this time, little research has been conducted to systematically examine the role of allostatic load in cancer-related cognitive dysfunction. Methods and Results Here, we integrate theories of stress biology, neuropsychology, and coping and propose a model through which individuals with a high level of allostatic load at diagnosis may be particularly vulnerable to the neurocognitive effects of cancer. Conclusions Opportunities for future research to test and extend proposed mechanisms are discussed in addition to points of prevention and intervention based on individual variation in stress reactivity and coping skills. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sum power iterative water-filling for multi-antenna Gaussian broadcast channels

We consider the problem of maximizing sum rate on a multiple-antenna downlink in which the base station and receivers have multiple-antennas. The optimum scheme for this system was recently found to be "dirty paper coding". Obtaining the optimal transmission policies of the users when employing this dirty paper coding scheme is a computationally complex nonconvex problem. We use a "duality" to transform this problem into a convex multiple access problem, and then obtain a simple and fast iterative algorithm that gives us the optimum transmission policies.
Transporters as channels.

This review investigates some key aspects of transport mechanisms and recent advances in our understanding of this ubiquitous cellular process. The prevailing model of cotransport is the alternating access model, which suggests that large conformational changes in the transporter protein accompany cotransport. This model rests on decades of research and has received substantial support because many transporter characteristics are explained using its premises. New experiments, however, have revealed the existence of channels in transporters, an idea that is in conflict with traditional models. The alternating access model is the subject of previous detailed reviews. Here we concentrate on the relatively recent data that document primarily the channel properties of transporters. In some cases, namely, the observation of single-transporter currents, the evidence is direct. In other cases the evidence—for example, from fluctuation analysis or transporter currents too large to be described as anything other than channel-like—is indirect. Although the existence of channels in transporters is not in doubt, we are far from understanding the significance of this property. In the online Supplemental Material, we review some pertinent aspects of ion channel theory and cotransport physiology to provide background for the channels and transporters presented here. We discuss the existence of channels in transporters, and we speculate on the biological significance of this newly unveiled property of transport proteins.
"Levodopa phobia": a new iatrogenic cause of disability in Parkinson disease.

Two recent research directions have raised question about the role of levodopa in treating Parkinson disease (PD). First is evidence that levodopa is toxic in nigral neuronal cell cultures.1 Second are clinical trials showing that compared to beginning therapy with a dopamine agonist, initial treatment with levodopa is associated with earlier appearance of dyskinesias and wearing-off fluctuations.2,3 There has been much publicity about these potential negative aspects of levodopa. I report two patients with PD who became disabled because their treating neurologists were fearful of prescribing levodopa because of the widespread publicity. #### Case 1. A 72-year-old man had been diagnosed with PD 3 years earlier. He was initially treated with ropinirole and required steadily increasing dosages up to 24 mg/day. Due to ongoing bradykinesia and gait …
Static specification analysis for termination of specification-based data structure repair

We have developed a system that accepts a specification of key data structure consistency constraints, then dynamically detects and repairs violations of these constraints. It is possible to write specifications that are not satisfiable or that for other reasons may cause the repair process to not terminate. We present a static specification analysis that determines whether the repair process terminates for a given specification.
On the poset of partitions of an integer

Abstract We study the posets (partially ordered sets) Pn of partitions of an integer n, ordered by refinement, as defined by G. Birkhoff, “Lattice Theory” (3rd ed.) Colloq. Publ. Vol. 25, 1967, Amer. Math. Soc. Providince, R.I. In particular we disprove the conjecture that the posets Pn are Cohen-Macaulay for all n, and show that even the Mobius functions on the intervals does not alternate in sign in general.
Human papillomavirus reporting: minimizing patient and laboratory risk.

Abstract Risk management efforts in the cytology laboratory must address the gap between what can be achieved with medical history's most effective cancer screening test, the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, and even higher entrenched public expectations. Data from the Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)/Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Triage Study (ALTS) now provide level I clinical evidence from a large, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial that reflex human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing of ASCUS cases is generally the preferred method for initial assessment of the most prevalent category of abnormal Pap interpretation. The proposed combination of HPV DNA testing with cytologic Pap testing, the DNA Pap test, further shows the potential to nearly eliminate false-negative screening results, based on sensitivity and negative predictive values reported in available studies. Human papillomavirus DNA testing also appears to represent a significant enhancement for de...
Accelerating the rate of improvement in cystic fibrosis care: contributions and insights of the learning and leadership collaborative.

Introduction The Learning and Leadership Collaborative (LLC) supports cystic fibrosis (CF) centres’ responses to the variation in CF outcomes in the USA. Between 2002 and 2013, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) designed, tested and modified the LLC to guide front line staff efforts in these efforts. This paper describes the CFF LLC evolution and essential elements that have facilitated increased improvement capability of CF centres and improved CF outcomes. Methods CF centre improvement teams across the USA have participated in 11 LLCs of 12 months’ duration since 2002. Based on the Dartmouth Microsystem Improvement Curriculum, the original LLC included face to face meetings, an email listserv, conference calls and completion of between learning session task books. The LLCs evolved over time to include internet based learning, an electronic repository of improvement resources and examples, change ideas driven by evidence based clinical practice guidelines, benchmarking site visits, an applied QI measurement curriculum and team coaching. Results Over 90% of the CF centres in the USA have participated in the LLCs and have increased their improvement capabilities. Ten essential elements were identified as contributors to the successful LLCs: LLC national leadership and coordination, local leadership, people with CF and families involvement, registry data transparency, standardised improvement curriculum with evidence based change ideas, internet resources with reminders, team coaching, regular progress reporting and tracking, benchmarking site visits and applied improvement measurement. Conclusions The LLCs have contributed to improved medical and process outcomes over the past 10 years. Ten essential elements of the LLCs may benefit improvement efforts in other chronic care populations and health systems.
McVittie's Legacy: Black Holes in an Expanding Universe

We prove that a class of solutions to Einstein's equations---originally discovered by McVittie in 1933---includes regular black holes embedded in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies. If the cosmology is dominated at late times by a positive cosmological constant, the metric is regular everywhere on and outside the black hole horizon and away from the big-bang singularity, and the solutions asymptote in the future and near the horizon to the Schwarzschild-de Sitter geometry. For solutions without a positive cosmological constant the would-be horizon is a weak null singularity.
Mutation adjacent to the active site tyrosine can enhance DNA cleavage and cell killing by the TOPRIM Gly to Ser mutant of bacterial topoisomerase I

The TOPRIM DXDXXG residues of type IA and II topoisomerases are involved in Mg(II) binding and the cleavage-rejoining of DNA. Mutation of the strictly conserved glycine to serine in Yersinia pestis and Escherichia coli topoisomerase I results in bacterial cell killing due to inhibition of DNA religation after DNA cleavage. In this study, all other substitutions at the TOPRIM glycine of Y. pestis topoisomerase I were examined. While the Gly to Ala substitution allowed both DNA cleavage and religation, other mutations abolished DNA cleavage. DNA cleavage activity retained by the Gly to Ser mutant could be significantly enhanced by a second mutation of the methionine residue adjacent to the active site tyrosine. Induction of mutant topoisomerase with both the TOPRIM glycine and active site region methionine mutations resulted in up to 40-fold higher cell killing rate when compared with the single TOPRIM Gly to Ser mutant. Bacterial type IA topoisomerases are potential targets for discovery of novel antibiotics. These results suggest that compounds that interact simultaneously with the TOPRIM motif and the molecular surface around the active site tyrosine could be highly efficient topoisomerase poisons through both enhancement of DNA cleavage and inhibition of DNA rejoining.