cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurobehavioral consequences of induced spreading depression following photothrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion

Abstract In a model of experimental focal cerebral ischemia, we have recently reported a strong correlation between the magnitude of ischemic depolarizations in the peri-infarct borderzone and the extent of histological injury. In the present study, we assessed the neurobehavioral consequences of spontaneously occurring and induced ischemic depolarizations in rats following middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, as well as the effects of induced spreading depression (SD) in intact animals. Halothane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats underwent photothrombotic MCA occlusion coupled with ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion. The electroencephalogram and direct current (DC) potential were recorded in the parietal infarct borderzone-corresponding to the cortical forelimb area-for 3 h following MCA occlusion. Group 1 rats ( n = 9 ) received MCA/CCA occlusion, and the spontaneously occurring negative DC shifts were recorded in the ischemic borderzone. In Group 2 animals ( n = 9 ), the (non-ischemic) frontal pole of the ipsilateral hemisphere was electrically stimulated in order to double the frequency of peri-infarct DC shifts occurring over the initial 3 h postocclusion. Group 3 consisted of intact rats ( n = 3 ) in which SD was repeatedly evoked in the frontal pole. Four animals served as sham-operated controls. A battery of sensorimotor behavioral tests, consisting of beam balance, postural reflex and elicited forelimb placing, was applied in a blinded fashion. Sham controls and animals of Groups 1 and 2 were tested 24 h after surgery, and Group 3 rats were tested 2, 6 and 24 h after generation of SDs. A cumulative neurobehavioral index, ranging from 0 to 144, was calculated by adding the individual test results. Brains were perfusion-fixed 24 h following surgery for calculation of volumes of infarction and scattered neuronal injury. Functional outcome at 24 h was significantly worse in Group 2 animals (spontaneous plus induced ischemic depolarizations) (neurobehavior index 43 ± 19, mean ± S.D.) compared to Group 1 rats, in which only spontaneous depolarizations occurred (neurobehavior index 24 ± 19, P ). The cumulative neurobehavioral index of Group 1 and 2 animals correlated positively with the volume of total ischemic injury ( r = 0.765, P ) and with the frequency of ischemic depolarizations ( r = 0.474, P ). Correlations between severe forelimb placing deficits and severe degrees of histological injury (necrosis or ischemic cell change) in the corresponding primary sensorimotor cortical region FR1 were significant in these rats. Group 3 rats showed severe neurobehavioral deficits at 2 and 6 h following SD stimulation (index 57 ± 1 and 39 ± 1, respectively) but returned to normal at 24 h (4 ± 0). The findings indicate that cortical spreading depression is accompanied by transient neurobehavioral deterioration and that SD in the ischemic hemisphere of animals subjected to MCA occlusion worsened functional outcome 24 h after surgery.
The triplet state of reaction center bacteriochlorophyll: Determination of a relative quantum yield

The low temperature EPR signal of the excited triplet state of bacteriochlorophyll has been quantitatively studied in reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides (carotenoid free R 26 mutant). Using laser flash excitation the light saturation curve of the triplet signal has been compared with that of the free-radical formation due to photooxidation of P870 under identical optical conditions. This comparison shows that the quantum yield of triplet formation is nearly the same as that of the photochemical bleaching of bacteriochlorophyll.
Energy-efficient coherent supercontinuum generation in silicon

Stimulated supercontinuum generation via coherent seeding is numerically demonstrated to produce continua of broader bandwidth and higher coherence than the conventional unseeded case. Implications for energy efficient generation of WDM channels are discussed.
Finite difference modeling of multiple planes in packages

Power/ground planes in electronic packaging can be a major factor for noise coupling. There can be noise coupling not only in the transversal direction between two planes, but also vertically from one plane pair to another through the apertures and via holes. Due to the large size of the power/ground planes, it is difficult to analyze them using full-wave simulators. It is known that the finite difference solution of the Helmholtz equation provides a faster approach with a comparable accuracy. This paper presents new circuit models for a single plane pair based on the finite difference method: T- and X-models. It also presents a modeling approach for multiple plane pairs that are coupled through apertures.
Stable large-scale solver for Ginzburg-Landau equations for superconductors

Understanding the interaction of vortices with inclusions in type-II superconductors is a major outstanding challenge both for fundamental science and energy applications. At application-relevant scales, the long-range interactions between a dense configuration of vortices and the dependence of their behavior on external parameters, such as temperature and an applied magnetic field, are all important to the net response of the superconductor. Capturing these features, in general, precludes analytical description of vortex dynamics and has also made numerical simulation prohibitively expensive. Here we report on a highly optimized iterative implicit solver for the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations suitable for investigations of type-II superconductors on massively parallel architectures. Its main purpose is to study vortex dynamics in disordered or geometrically confined mesoscopic systems. In this work, we present the discretization and time integration scheme in detail for two types of boundary conditions. We describe the necessary conditions for a stable and physically accurate integration of the equations of motion. Using an inclusion pattern generator, we can simulate complex pinning landscapes and the effect of geometric confinement. We show that our algorithm, implemented on a GPU, can provide static and dynamic solutions of the Ginzburg-Landau equations for mesoscopically large systems over thousands of time steps in a matter of hours. Using our formulation, studying scientifically-relevant problems is a computationally reasonable task.
A comparison of costs and efficacy of intranasal fluticasone propionate and terfenadine tablets for seasonal allergic rhinitis

Abstract This paper compares cost-efficacy ratios for intranasal fluticasone propionate and terfenadine tablets within a sample of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms due to mountain cedar allergy. Efficacy was assessed using secondary data analysis of patient ratings of symptoms and their overall assessment of response to treatment within a previously conducted clinical trial. Costs include direct costs of the drugs used for therapy. Patients with documented mountain cedar allergy who were 12 years of age of older (N = 232) had been randomized to either receive intranasal fluticasone propionate terfenadine, or placebo. The cost-efficacy ratios for intranasal fluticasone propionate 200 μg once daily were more favorable than the ratios for terfenadine 60 mg twice daily. This relationship remained throughout the sensitivity analysis. Because intranasal fluticasone propionate is only available in a fixed package size, the number of efficacy-adjusted days of terfenadine therapy that could be purchased to reach break-even costs for a 30-day supply of fluticasone was calculated. Cost efficacy-adjusted days ranged from 11 to 18 days. If cost-efficacy adjustments are not conducted, the upper end of the range increases from 18 to 22 days, since 22 days of terfenadine could be purchased for the price of a 30-day supply of intranasal fluticasone propionate. Depending on which of the efficacy measures the reader believes, if patients use terfenadine for longer than 11 to 22 days, fluticasone propionate is the more cost-effcacious choice. Because most allergies are seasonal and allergy seasons typically last longer than 11 to 22 days, it is likely that fluticasone propionate will frequently be the more cost-efficacious choice in the patient population represented in this study.
The interface of anthropology and nursing guiding culturally competent care in psychiatric nursing

Nurses and all health care providers are called on to involve patients and families in health care decision-making and to accommodate culturally diverse populations. This article describes the Interface of Anthropology and Nursing Model (IAN), which is derived from the works of Kleinman and Peplau, classical theorists from anthropology and nursing, respectively. This model provides a framework for nurses to uncover cultural information through the elicitation, analysis, transfer, restructure, and feedback of explanatory models within the interpersonal nurse-patient relationship. Such integration of theory enhances a holistic nursing practice incorporating good communication, mutual decision making, and fostering patient agency.
Micro magnetic gyromixer for speeding up reactions in droplets

We report a novel micro magnetic gyromixer designed for accelerating mixing hence reactions in droplets. The gyromixer is fabricated with magnetite-PDMS composite using soft lithography. The mixer spins and balances itself on the droplet surface through the gyroscopic effect, rapidly homogenizing the enclosed reagents by stretching and folding internal fluid streamlines to enhance mixing. We examined the capability of the gyromixer for improving biochemical reactions in droplets by monitoring the biotin–streptavidin binding as a linker in a quantum dot fluorescence resonant energy transfer sensing system. The remotely controlled gyromixer exhibits high flexibility and potential for integration in a variety of droplet-based miniaturized total analysis systems to reduce turnaround times.
A Systematic Review of the Epidemiology of Mansonelliasis.

Although infection with any of the three types of Mansonella species that affect humans is often asymptomatic, a large portion of the world’s population is at risk of this vectorborne filarial nematode infection. No previous global review of the epidemiology of mansonelliasis has been conducted. A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Original research articles that provided population-based mansonelliasis prevalence rates were identified by searching the PubMed database using pre-defined eligibility criteria. Data from each of the forty-six included studies were extracted and compared. Mansonelliasis is a common infection in some parts of west and central Africa and Latin America, with significant variation in prevalence rates over small geographic spaces. The risk of infection increases with age and may be higher in males than females. Despite many similarities, the three agents that cause mansonelliasis have distinct biological, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics. Knowledge about mansonelliasis is important for making differential diagnoses, identifying the possible risks of co-infection with multiple filariases, and addressing the concerns of at-risk populations. Keywords: mansonelliasis; filariasis; mansonella; epidemiology
Degradation of HeLa S3 cell chromatin by auromomycin and its chromophore

Abstract The antitumor protein agent auromomycin was found to degrade chromatin structure primarily by inducing strand scissions in linker regions. The reaction was stimulated by dithiothreitol. The chromophore form of the drug caused similar effects on chromatin, but it appeared to function at a more rapid rate. There was no evidence that auromomycin could cause breakage in core regions of chromatin.
Hood entry coefficients of compound exhaust hoods.

A traditional method for assessing the flow rate in ventilation systems is based on multiple readings of velocity or velocity pressure (VP) (usually 10 or 20 points) taken in ductwork sections located away from fittings (> seven × diameters of straight duct). This study seeks to eliminate the need for a multiple-point evaluation and replace it with a simplified method that requires only a single measurement of hood static pressure (SPh) taken at a more accessible location (< three × diameters of straight duct from the hood entry). The SPh method is widely used for the assessment of flow rate in simple hoods. However, industrial applications quite often use compound hoods that are regularly of the slot/plenum type. For these hoods, a “compound coefficient of entry” has not been published, which makes the use of the hood static pressure method unfeasible. This study proposes a model for the computation of a “compound coefficient of entry” and validates the use of this model to assess flow rate in two system...
Nonproduct Group Topologies for Rn

: We prove that, for every integer n≥ 2, there is a metrizable group topology Un for the additive group Rn such that Un is strictly weaker than the usual topology but every straight line in Rn inherits the usual topology from Un. The topology Un is intrinsically a “non-product” topology for Un in the sense that, no matter how one decomposes Rn as a product of n copies of R, Un will not be the product of the topologies that it induces on these factors.
Bystander CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: The role of limited English proficiency

Abstract Background The proportion of non-native English speakers is increasing in the United States. We sought to determine if limited English proficiency in callers to 9-1-1 for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and delays in telephone-assisted CPR. Materials and methods We completed a secondary analysis of cohort data collected as part of a randomized trial of emergency dispatcher bystander CPR instructions. Included patients suffered confirmed cardiac arrest treated by emergency medical services. Callers were identified as limited English proficient through review of the dispatcher report. Results Of 971 eligible cardiac arrest cases, 5.9% ( n =57) of 9-1-1 callers were limited English proficient. Comparing arrest events of limited English proficient 9-1-1 callers with English-fluent callers, a lower proportion of limited English proficient arrest cases received bystander CPR (64.3% [36/56] vs. 77.5% [702/906]; p =0.02) or survived to hospital discharge (8.8% [5/57] vs. 16.5% [151/914]; p =0.12). Dispatchers took longer to recognize cardiac arrest with limited English proficient callers compared with English-fluent callers (median 84 vs. 50s; p p Conclusion In this observational study of dispatcher-identified cardiac arrest, limited English proficiency in 9-1-1 callers was associated with less frequent provision of bystander CPR and delays in arrest recognition and implementation of telephone CPR, underscoring the health challenges and potential disparities of pre-hospital care related to limited English proficiency.
Outcome predictors for severe obsessive-compulsive patients in intensive residential treatment.

Abstract Intensive residential treatment (IRT) is an effective management approach for those with severe obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aimed to identify IRT response predictors for clinical and research use. Consecutive subjects admitted to the Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean OCD Institute (OCDI) between February 1997 and June 2003 were included (N = 476). IRT responder and non-responder group characteristics were compared using t-tests and χ2 analyses. Multiple regression analysis modeled relationships between final OCD severity (Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive scale scores) and predictor variables, while accounting for multicollinearity and potential outliers. Treatment responders comprised 59.3% of the treatment sample. Responders had significantly fewer males (p = 0.02), lower depression severity (p = 0.03), poorer psychosocial functioning (p = 0.03) and fewer tic disorders (0.04), but were not different with respect to admission length, age, marital or employment status, OCD onset, family OCD history, treatment or admission history. In the final regression model, decreased initial OCD severity (p
Down-regulation of maternal antiphospholipid antibodies during early pregnancy and pregnancy outcome

Abstract Objective: We investigated the hypothesis that maternal autoimmune responses to phospholipid antigens measured before and during pregnancy are not related to successful pregnancy outcome. Study Design: One hundred twenty-three women with recurrent spontaneous abortions were serially tested for antiphospholipid antibodies during their pregnancies. Results: In 72 women with recurrent spontaneous abortions and without antiphospholipid antibodies before the pregnancy, the incidence of antiphospholipid antibody production at the time of pregnancy termination was significantly higher in those who miscarried the index pregnancy than those who were delivered of a live-born infant. In 51 antiphospholipid antibody-positive women with recurrent spontaneous abortions there were dramatic increases in titers of anticardiolipin antibody and antiphosphatidylserine antibody in those who miscarried the index pregnancy ( p Conclusions: Down-regulation of antiphospholipid antibody production during early pregnancy is associated with favorable pregnancy outcome.
Human Visual System Based Multi-Histogram Equalization for Non-Uniform Illumination and Shoadow Correction

Images that do not have uniform brightness pose a challenging problem for image enhancement systems. As histogram equalization has been successfully used to correct for uniform brightness problems, we propose a new histogram equalization method that utilizes human visual system based thresholding as well as logarithmic processing techniques. Whereas previous histogram equalization methods have been limited in their ability to enhance these images, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this new method by enhancing a range of images with shadowing effects and inconsistent illumination. The images shown include images captured professionally and with cell phone cameras. Comparison with other methods are presented.
Anxiety and stress can predict pain perception following a cognitive stress

Abstract Hoeger Bement, M.K., A. Weyer, M. Keller, A. Harkins, and S.K. Hunter. Anxiety and stress can predict pain perception following a cognitive stressor. PHYSIOL BEHAV 000-000. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a cognitive stressor on pain perception and determine individual characteristics that may predict the pain response. Twenty-five subjects participated in three sessions: one familiarization and two experimental. The experimental sessions involved measurement of pain perception before and after 1) mental math tasks (stressor session) and 2) quiet rest (control session). Pain threshold and ratings were assessed with a mechanical noxious stimulus. Changes in stress and anxiety were examined with self-reported and physiological measures including questionnaires, visual analogue scales, and salivary cortisol levels. During the control session, stress and anxiety decreased and pain reports remain unchanged. During the stressor session, stress and anxiety increased and pain reports were variable among subjects. Based on the pain response to mental math, subjects were divided into three groups (increase, decrease or no change in pain). The increase-pain group ( n = 8) had lower baseline stress and anxiety, lower baseline pain reports, and large anxiety response following the mental math. In contrast, the decrease-pain group ( n = 9) had higher baseline stress and anxiety levels, higher baseline pain reports, and a large increase in cortisol levels. Thus, the differential response in the changes in pain perception was related to anxiety and stress levels prior to and during the cognitive stressor, indicating that psychosocial characteristics can help determine the stress-induced pain response.
Estimates of surface soil water content using linear combinations of spectral wavebands

Surface reflectance factors from bare field soil were measured to determine the relationship between surface soil water content and spectral reflectance. Reflectance in the six reflective Thematic Mapper (TM) bands plus a 1.15 to 1.30 µm bandpass (referred to as MMR 5) was measured using a groundbased radiometer across a soil water gradient provided by a line source sprinkler system. A spectral index of soil brightness (Brightness) derived using the Gram-Schmidt process and utilizing reflectance information was calculated for each band and for combinations of bands. The results of this study show that TM band 7 (2.05–2.30 µm) provided improved estimates of surface soil water content (0–0.5 cm depth) over estimates using reflectance information from all seven bands. Good correlations were also found between band ratio spectral indices of TM 5 (1.55–1.75 µm) / TM 7, MMR 5/TM 7, and MMR 5/TM 5 and surface soil water content. Results indicate that surface reflectance factors within bandpasses that partially overlap water absorption regions, such as TM 7, are most highly correlated with surface soil moisture. Band ratios utilizing a bandpass partially overlapping a water absorption region such as TM 7 and a non-water-absorbing bandpass such as MMR 5 yield close correlations with surface soil water content.
Explication of the construct of shared care and the prevention of pressure ulcers in home health care.

The purpose of this investigation was to render a more complete understanding of subjective perceptions of pressure ulcers from the perspective of family dyads, and to study the effect of these subjective experiences on preventive behaviors and pressure ulcer outcomes. A naturalistic inquiry, combined with objective measures, was used. Twenty-one dyads participated in four in-depth interviews to explore how they mentally represented and responded to the risk of pressure ulcers. Through the process of concept development, a lay representation of pressure ulcers was developed. This process produced a new concept, identified as “shared care,” that explained how the dyad's interaction influenced preventive behavior. Shared care consists of three elements: communication of symptoms, decisions about how to respond to symptoms, and appraisals of reciprocity. Two contrasting patterns of care were identified: shared and directed/discrepant. In the shared care group, 10 patients were at risk for pressure ulcers but only 4 developed ulcers. In this discrepant care group, 3 patients were at risk and 2 developed pressure ulcers. Shared care was a pattern of interaction used successfully by family members to prevent pressure ulcers in patients at risk. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mouse μ opioid receptor distal promoter transcriptional regulation by SOX proteins

Abstract We have identified transcription factors that bind to specific sequences in 5′-distal promoter regulatory sequences of the mouse μ opioid receptor (mor) promoter using the yeast one-hybrid system. The sequence between −746 and −707 inmor distal promoter was used as the bait because it acts as a functional promoter element and binds several DNA-binding proteins. From an adult mouse brain cDNA library, five cDNA clones encoding three Sox gene family (Sry like high mobility group (HMG) box gene) transcriptional factors, mSOX18, mSOX21, and mSOX6, were isolated. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the presence of a binding site for SOX proteins in the −731/−725 region. Additionally, we have also established that the flanking regions outside the core Sox-binding site play an essential role in high affinity binding. DNase I footprint analysis indicates that proteins from mouse brain interact with the Sox-binding site within the mor distal promoter. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of mSOX18 and/or mSOX21 was able to up-regulate mouse mor distal promoter activity inmor-expressing neuronal cells (NMB). These data indicate that SOX proteins might contribute to the transcriptional activity of the mor gene and suggest that μ opioid receptor could mediate some of the developmental processes in which SOX proteins are included.
Revision Hip Arthroplasty with A Modular Cementless Stem: Mid-Term Follow Up

Despite the increasing volume of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) being performed in the United States, there are few studies reporting mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of modular fully porous-coated femoral stems. We retrospectively studied a consecutive series of patients who underwent revision THA with a modular extensively porous-coated femoral component at a single institution and by a single surgeon. The final study group included 54 hips (52 patients) followed for an average of 84 months. Ten-year survival rates with revision for any reason and revision for femoral loosening as endpoints were 94% and 100%, respectively. No complications regarding the modular junction were encountered. Of the 50 hips with adequate radiographs, all showed proximal ingrowth and 42 (84%) had both proximal and distal ingrowth. The modular, fully porous-coated femoral stem studied demonstrated excellent survivorship and bone ingrowth at mid-term follow up.
The architecture of educare: motion and emotion in postwar educational spaces

This essay explores the interplay between educational and architectural methodologies for analysing the school environment. It historicises the affinity between architectural and educational practices and modes of knowledge pertaining to the child’s body during the period of postwar reconstruction in England to argue that educational spaces were designed to accommodate the child’s free movement and bring it under observation, in order to constitute an active and emotionally adjusted citizen. Drake and Lasdun’s Hallfield Primary School is studied to illustrate the architectural implications of the shift in the modes of knowledge defining the child as an active and emotive subject, in part by aestheticising the sensation of movement. Thus the essay expands upon Andrew Saint’s seminal account by reinterpreting the architecture of the postwar school as a social technology, and identifying a pragmatist current of modernist architecture that was influenced by the concepts of time and growth developed independen...
New Technique Promises Better Chicken Bleeding

(1958). New Technique Promises Better Chicken Bleeding. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 210-211.
Solid State Lasers At Livermore

Nd:glass lasers have been developed to a high degree of performance and reliability. At the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory this development started very early with the long path laser, progressed to the new operating Shiva laser, and reached the present state of the art with the Nova laser design. Laser power has increased from 0.04 TW on early lasers to > 20 TW on Shiva, to a projected > 300 TW performance on Nova. Energy has similarily increased from ~0.07 kJ on early lasers, to > 10 kJ on Shiva, and > 300 kJ projected on Nova. The techniques developed to support this technical progress are summarized in this talk. A great deal of this work is not specific to Nd:glass lasers and is useful to all workers concerned with fusion lasers. In the spirit of this conference, emphasis will be placed on issues of propagation, optical quality, damage, and laser architecture.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Early Adolescent Delinquency Assessing the Role of Childhood Problems, Family Environment, and Peer Pressure

Research has demonstrated a relationship between various types of emotional and behavioral problems and delinquency. Still, some aspects of this relationship are not as clear, particularly as perta...
Travel Time Tables For Earthquakes in the Central United States

Travel-time tables for earthquakes occurring in the central United States and recorded in central and eastern North America are presented for distances from 0 to 1000 km. The tables are given for focal depths of 0, 5, 15, 25 and 35 km.
A Comparison of Robust Estimators in the Presence of Arbitrarily Right Censored Data

Robust estimation of a location parameter is considered when the data from an unknown symmetric population are subject to arbitrary right-censorship. Comparisons are made between various M-estimators, several L-estimators (trimmed means), and the Kaplan-Meier median. Ten sampling distributions, two uniform censoring distributions, and three sample sizes are examined. A Cauchy censoring distribution is also considered when the sample size is equal to twenty for each of the ten sampling distributions. Performance is based on the estimated mean square error.
Effect of FE level and solution culture PH on severity of chlorosis and elemental content of apple seedlings

Abstract The development of chlorosis and subsequent growth of apple seedlings grown in solution cultures containing various levels of Fe under a range of solution pH regimes were examined. Initial solution pHs were 5.5, 6.5 and 7.8 respectively, with Fe levels of 0.0, 0.13 and 1.3 ppm in a 3x3 factorial arrangement. Leaf chlorosis increased with a decrease in Fe levels and with higher solution pH. Nutrient solutions were changed weekly and during each weekly cycle solution pH levels were monitored. Independent of Fe level, the lower the initial solution pH the greater the change in solution pH during each weekly cycle. Decreasing solution Fe levels decreased both leaf and root Fe concentrations but both parameters were relatively unaffected by solution pH suggesting a solution pH by Fe supply interaction at the root surface.
Ensemble-based methods for describing protein dynamics

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a natural approach for studying protein dynamics, and coupled with the ideas of multiscale modeling, MD proves to be the gold standard in computational biology to investigate mechanistic details related to protein function. In principle, if MD trajectories are long enough, the ensemble of protein conformations generated allows thermodynamic and kinetic properties to be predicted. We know from experiments that proteins exhibit a high degree of fidelity in function, and that empirical kinetic models are successful in describing kinetics, suggesting that the ensemble of conformations cluster into well-defined thermodynamic states, which are frequently metastable. The experimental evidence suggest that more efficient computational models that retain only essential properties of the protein can be constructed to faithfully reproduce the relatively few observed thermodynamic states, and perhaps describe transition states if the model is sufficiently detailed. Indeed, there are many so-called ensemble-based methods that attempt to generate more complete ensembles than MD can provide by focusing on the most important driving forces through simplified representations of how elements within the protein interact. Although coarse-graining is employed in MD and other approaches, such as in elastic network models, the key distinguishing factor of ensemble-based methods is that they are meant to efficiently generate a large ensemble of conformations without solving explicit equations of motion. This review highlights three types of ensemble-based methods, illustrated by 'COREX' and the Wako-Saito-Munoz-Eaton (WSME) model, the Framework Rigidity Optimized Dynamic Algorithm (FRODA) and the distance constraint model (DCM).
NUMERICAL RESULTS FOR CHANDRASEKHAR'S X AND Y FUNCTIONS OF RADIATIVE TRANSFER,

Abstract From many points of view the X and Y functions of Chandrasekhar may be considered to be the basic functions of radiative transfer. In this paper the authors present graphs and selected tables of these functions covering wide ranges of slab thicknesses and albedos for single scattering. The numerical procedure involves integrating the integro-differential equations satisfied by the X and Y functions. One of the great advantages of such extensive graphs and tables is that they can be used to test the accuracy of simple approximate expressions and procedures.
Review of advances in combustion technology and biomass cofiring

Advances in combustion technology will be adopted only when they reduce cost and can be implemented with acceptable technical risk. Apart from technical risk, future decisions on new power plants will be principally influenced by trends in fuel cost, the efficiency and capital cost of new generating technologies, and environmental and regulatory policies including possible carbon taxes. The choice of fuel and generating technology for new power plants is influenced by an increasingly complex combination of interrelated factors: (1) current and future governmental polices on restructuring and deregulation of utilities, and environmental regulations that in the future could include taxes on carbon emissions; (2) macroeconomic factors such as proximity to load centers, electrical transmission lines, plant capital investment, delivered fuel cost, and fuel price stability; and (3) the state of development of new generating and environmental control technologies and the associated benefits and risks involved in their deployment, which are strongly related to fuel properties. This paper describes three advanced high-efficiency power systems for which the EERC has performed supporting research and development: (1) a coal-fired supercritical steam boiler with advanced emission controls; (2) an indirectly fired combined cycle using compressed air as the working fluid in a gas turbine (GT), fired either on coal alone or on coal and natural gas; and (3) two versions of a hybrid gasifier-pressurized fluidized-bed combustor (PFBC) system.
Computationally intensive methods warrant reconsideration of pedagogy in statistics

Computationally intensive methods of statistical inference do not fit the current canon of pedagogy in statistics. To accommodate these methods and the logic underlying them, I propose seven pedagogical principles: (1) Define inferential statistics as techniques for reckoning with chance. (2) Distinguish three types of research: sample surveys, in which statistics affords generalization from the cases studied; experiments, in which statistics detects systematic differences among the batches of data obtained in the several conditions; and correlational studies, in which statistics detects systematic associations between variables. (3) Teach random-sampling theory in the context of sample surveys, augmenting the conventional treatment with bootstrapping. Regarding experimentation, (4) note that random assignment fosters internal but not external validity, (5) explain the general logic for testing a null model, and (6) teach randomization tests as well ast,F, and χ2. (7) Regarding correlational studies, acknowledge the problems of applying inferential statistics in the absence of deliberately introduced randomness.
Response to Letter by Altieri et al

Response: We thank Altieri and colleagues for their response letter and for their insightful comments regarding our novel article. The core message that pervades our manuscript is that May-Thurner syndrome potentially represents a novel risk factor for embolic stroke. The diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome in a patient who had sustained a stroke of cryptogenic etiology, as a sole entity, likely does not increase the risk of embolic stroke. However, in association with other concomitant risk factors such as a thrombophilic disorder, birth control pills and a patent foramen ovale (PFO), then May-Thurner syndrome can potentially lead to a higher risk of embolic stroke. It must be …
Accurate distortion correction scheme for digital subtraction angiography

Robust geometric distortion characterization and correction methods have been developed and validated for DSA application. A compact as well as efficient numerical parameterization technique has been used for characterizing the 3D geometric image distortion of a clinical DNA system. To some extent, the 3rd order polynomial was found to be sufficient for the parameterization of global image distortion for all rotational angles. One of the advantages of the new technique is compact in the sense that it does not require a large distortion parameter look-up table. The new method promises a potential of using less regular distributed calibration points for a complete 3D image distortion characterization of DSA systems. Furthermore, two different schemes based on the pixel mapping for correcting image distortion have been successfully demonstrated yielding satisfactory results.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of ion implantation on the electronic structure of bismuth

The magnetoreflection technique has been used to determine the effects of isoelectronic implantation on the bismuth electronic structure as a function of various implantation parameters, including fluence and size of implanted species, temperature of sample during implantation, and ion-beam current. Measured changes in the magnetic energy subbands have been related to strains and defects introduced into the crystal lattice by the implantation process. Implantation-induced strains have been shown to be the cause of a decrease in the L-point energy-band gap. A model has been proposed to calculate the strains which are then related to the measured energy gap changes via deformation potential theory. Extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure and Rutherford-backscattering channeling measurements locate the implanted atoms preferentially at substitutional sites for implantation temperatures of \ensuremath{\gtrsim}50?deC and at interstitial sites for lower temperatures. Interstitials give rise to inversion-symmetry-breaking magneto-optical transitions and a broadening of the resonance linewidth. Observation of a line-shape reversal indicates an increase of the plasma frequency by an order of magnitude for Bi-ion fluences \ensuremath{\gtrsim}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$.
Density matrix and density functional theory with a gaussian wavepacket basis

When a finite basis set is used, the relationships between densities and density matrices depend on linear dependency conditions among basis-set products. Fourier transforms of basis functions are of importance when relationships between position and momentum densities or density matrices are to be considered. A transformation related to the Fourier transform is used to construct the Wigner function. These conditions and transforms are considered for Gaussian wavepackets. Symmetry properties of the basis set are used to facilitate systematic orthogonalization. Some of the integrals required to do calculations for atomic or molecular systems with such a basis are also considered.
A performance evaluation of the Intel iAPX 432

We describe art experiment to test the 432 as a high-level language uniprocessor by comparing it with the 8086, 68000, and VAX-11/780 for four integer and character programs written in Ada, C, and Pascal.
An Experimental Investigation of Supersonic Cavity Flow Control with Vertical Cylinders

Vertical distributed cylinders (pins) upstream of cavity were investigated experimentally for cavity flow control. Multiple configurations of pins were studied. Spectral analysis from dynamic pressure measurements and Schlieren imaging were used to determine their effectiveness. It was found that vertical pins bring about suppression in varying levels, depending on the pins and configurations. Observed suppression levels were affected by pin patterns, density and the height. Selected pin distributions, with the highest attenuation, were further studied, using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements to help determine the flow processes involved and flow mechanisms created by the vertical pins which resulted in highest suppression, as well as to identify trends in pin configurations which bring about such attenuation. It was found that the pins altered the characteristics of the flow development over the cavity, including alteration and redistribution of vorticity in the shear layer. Resulting in thickening of the shear which and reduced interactions with the cavity. Certain pins configurations, with wider spacing and staggered pins, showed more defined suppression of the overall broadband spectra. This is believed to be brought about by increased effectiveness in redistribution of the (shear layer) vorticity which occurred with such pins configurations. The strong attenuation effects resulting from these cylindrical pins distributions support the effectiveness of this technique towards control of cavity flows.
Ogilvie’s Syndrome After Cesarean Delivery

Ogilvie's syndrome is a rare postsurgical complication that can be associated with cesarean delivery. It is characterized by massive dilation of the colon, much like that which occurs with an obstruction but in the absence of a mechanical obstruction. Early detection and intervention are necessary to avoid serious morbidity and/or mortality. Conservative treatment is effective in many cases, but surgical intervention may be required. Nursing assessment of the gastrointestinal system in the postsurgical patient is reviewed using a case report of a patient who developed Ogilvie's syndrome after a cesarean delivery.
Clinicians' Beliefs and Awareness of Substance Abuse Treatments in Research- and Nonresearch-Affiliated Programs

Clinicians' beliefs and awareness of treatment techniques may influence what innovations are perceived as needed and adoption of them. Clinicians at research-affiliated programs, however, may differ from clinicians at programs without research affiliation. We surveyed 162 clinicians at 15 substance abuse treatment programs (five research-affiliated programs and 10 matched nonresearch-affiliated programs) on addiction treatment belief items and awareness of Clinical Trials Network treatment innovations currently being tested. The research-affiliated clinicians had a higher percentage of clinicians with advanced degrees. In bivariate analyses, three differences in beliefs and four differences in awareness by research affiliation were found. Most of these differences disappeared during multivariate analyses. The results suggest that beliefs and awareness toward addiction treatment of research-affiliated clinicians, when controlling for demographic and professional characteristics, may be similar to those of ...
Visual loss and optic nerve head swelling in thiamine deficiency without prolonged dietary deficiency

Visual loss due to optic neuropathy is a rare manifestation of thiamine deficiency. We report a case of a 39-year-old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 29 kg/m(2) who developed visual loss and bilateral optic nerve head swelling after a short, self-limited gastrointestinal illness. She was disoriented and inattentive and had absent ankle jerk reflexes, diminished sensation in both legs below the knees, and marked truncal ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed increased T2-signal in the medial thalami and mammillary bodies. The serum thiamine level was 8 nmol/L (normal 8-30). The diagnosis of thiamine deficiency was made, and the patient's vision and neurologic symptoms improved significantly with intramuscular thiamine treatment. Thiamine deficiency can occur in the absence of an obvious predisposing factor such as alcoholism or low body weight. The clinician must be aware of the factors that govern vitamin availability and maintain a high index of suspicion to make the diagnosis in such cases.
Reconstruction of tree structure from multi-scale measurement data

Two methods are proposed for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of tree structure from multi-scale measurement data. The proposed reconstruction methods include reconstruction from digitized characteristic points of the tree and reconstruction from scanned point cloud of a whole tree. Both methods used real measurement data as such multi-scale data needed to be acquired from the targeted tree. At organ scale, laser scanner was used to obtain point cloud data from the surface of an organ. At individual tree scale, 3D digitizer and large-scale 3D scanner was used to measure the data of a whole tree. While at colony scale, several morphological characteristics were measured from the plant colony. Methods for reconstructing the 3D structure of a tree from these multi-scale measuring data were described in detail. A quantitative evaluation combing reconstructed accuracy and time consuming for data measurement was given to compare different reconstruction strategies.
Enhancement of cardiovascular effects of glucagon by aminophylline

Enhancement of cardiovascular effects of glucagon by aminophylline in intact anaesthetized dogs is reported in this communication. Cardiovascular responses to (1) aminophylline and (2) glucagon administered as constant rate infusions into the coronary artery were determined and compared with responses produced by combinations of (3) aminophylline and glucagon. Changes in heart rate, coronary sinus blood flow, cardiac output, and right and left ventricular work induced by combinations of aminophylline and glucagon were much greater than those produced by either of these agents when used alone in the dose double of that used in the combinations. This enhancement of glucagon action by aminophylline is probably mediated through accumulation of 3'5' cyclic AMP promoted by stimulation of adenyl cyclase by glucagon and by inhibition of 3'5' nucleotide phosphodiesterase by aminophylline.
A simulation based scheduling model for call centers with uncertain arrival rates

In this paper we develop a two stage algorithm for scheduling call centers with strict SLAs and arrival rate uncertainty. The first cut schedule can be developed in less than a minute using a constructive heuristic. The schedule is then refined via a simulation based optimization approach. We find that when allowed to run for five minutes or less this two stage process can create a schedule with a total expected cost within a few percentage points of schedules generated using much more computationally intensive methods. This rapid scheduling process is designed to support front line managers who wish to evaluate multiple scheduling options in a what if analysis mode.
Resolution Strategies as Decision Procedures

The resolution principle, an automatic inference technique, is studied as a possible decision procedure for certain classes of first-order formulas. It is shown that most previous resolution strategies do not decide satisfiability even for “simple” solvable classes. Two new resolution procedures are described and are shown to be complete (i.e. semidecision procedures) in the general case and, in addition, to be decision procedures for successively wider classes of first-order formulas. These include many previously studied solvable classes. The proofs that a complete resolution procedure will always halt (without producing the empty clause) when applied to satisfiable formulas in certain classes provide new, and in some cases more enlightening, demonstrations of the solvability of these classes. A technique for constructing a model for a formula shown satisfiable in this way is also described.