cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Diamond Interchange Signal Controller Settings by Using Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Research sponsored by the Texas A&M University ITS Research Center of Excellence was used to analyze the application of hardware-in-the-loop simulation at a diamond interchange. The study shows that hardware-in-the-loop simulation can improve the accuracy of traffic operations analysis by removing the inherent differences between emulated controllers and the actual hardware. In this study, a controller enhancement called conditional service was considered for implementation at an actuated diamond interchange. An evaluation of the traffic operations at the diamond interchange was completed using PASSER III-98, CORSIM, and hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The results of these analyses were compared to field observations that were used as the basis for evaluating the accuracy of each of these methods. An assessment of each method was discussed to identify issues and results using each method. One of the important supplementary benefits of hardware-in-the-loop simulation is that it allows engineers and techni...
Conservative Solutions to a Nonlinear Variational Wave Equation

We establish the existence of a conservative weak solution to the Cauchy problem for the nonlinear variational wave equation u tt − c(u)(c(u)u x ) x =0, for initial data of finite energy. Here c(·) is any smooth function with uniformly positive bounded values.
Differences in Methadone Metabolism by CYP2B6 Variants.

Methadone is a long-acting opioid with considerable unexplained interindividual variability in clearance. Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) mediates clinical methadone clearance and metabolic inactivation via N-demethylation to 2-ethyl-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP). Retrospective studies suggest that individuals with the CYP2B6*6 allelic variant have higher methadone plasma concentrations. Catalytic activities of CYP2B6 variants are highly substrate- and expression-system dependent. This investigation evaluated methadone N-demethylation by expressed human CYP2B6 allelic variants in an insect cell coexpression system containing P450 reductase. Additionally, the influence of coexpressing cytochrome b5, whose role in metabolism can be inhibitory or stimulatory depending on the P450 isoform and substrate, on methadone metabolism, was evaluated. EDDP formation from therapeutic (0.25–1 μM) R- and S-methadone concentrations was CYP2B6.4 ≥ CYP2B6.1 ≥ CYP2B6.5 >> CYP2B6.9 ≈ CYP2B6.6, and undetectable from CYP2B6.18. Coexpression of b5 had small and variant-specific effects at therapeutic methadone concentrations but at higher concentrations stimulated EDDP formation by CYP2B6.1, CYP2B6.4, CYP2B6.5, and CYP2B6.9 but not CYP2B6.6. In vitro intrinsic clearances were generally CYP2B6.4 ≥ CYP2B6.1 > CYP2B6.5 > CYP2B6.9 ≥ CYP2B6.6. Stereoselective methadone metabolism (S>R) was maintained with all CYP2B6 variants. These results show that methadone N-demethylation by CYP2B6.4 is greater compared with CYP2B6.1, whereas CYP2B6.9 and CYP2B6.6 (which both contain the 516G>T, Q172H polymorphism), are catalytically deficient. The presence or absence of b5 in expression systems may explain previously reported disparate catalytic activities of CYP2B6 variants for specific substrates. Differences in methadone metabolism by CYP2B6 allelic variants provide a mechanistic understanding of pharmacogenetic variability in clinical methadone metabolism and clearance.
Antiessentialism, Parrhesia, and Citizenship

The rise of antiessentialism can have specific consequences regarding economies of power and identity (Anderson, 1992). One discovers that as certain antiessentialist practices and discourses emerge, a body politic and its membership can also change, reflecting different political, social, or economic goals. A mechanism to cope with these realities, parrhesia is understood as a notion of truth or free speech unbounded by rhetoric. It requires a "truth teller" to assume risk and have some ties to some undeniable logical form. Resistance through the act of parrhesia then can lead both to "othering" as well as a mechanism to check political power. Though problematic in certain instances, it can contribute to governance in contemporary society.
DIETARY INFLUENCE ON REPRODUCTION IN BOTH SEXES OF FIVE PREDACIOUS SPECIES (NEUROPTERA)

Although the species that were closely related had similar adult feeding habits, they varied in their specific dietary requirements for mating and for the initiation of oviposition. In Chrysopa lanata , which is not predacious in the adult stage, the females required a protein-carbohydrate diet in order to mate; on the other hand, Chrysopa downesi males and females, which also are not predacious, mated when fed a diet consisting only of sugar and water. Chrysopa nigricornis males and females both required prey ( Myzus persicae ) before they would mate; whereas Chrysopa quadripunctata and Sympherobius amiculus , both of which are predacious as adults, did not need a diet other than sugar and water for mating. All five species depended on prey or a synthetic protein-carbohydrate diet for sustained oviposition; however, S . amiculus initiated oviposition when fed only sugar. When the synthetic protein-carbohydrate diet was substituted for prey, 40% of the C . quadripunctata females began to oviposit. The same diet did not promote oviposition in the predacious C . nigricornis adults.
Limulus chromatophorotropin: action on isolated Uca legs and in various crustaceans.

Limulus CNS chromatophorotropin causes melanin dispersion in isolated legs ofUca. Theophylline potentiation of extract activity suggests that the material may act through the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system. The extracts are also active on the chromatophores of 7 decapod species from 6 families.
MAGNESIATION OF ISODICYCLOPENTADIENE. FORMATION OF SANDWICH AND MONOMERIC COMPLEXES AND THE STEREOSELECTIVITY OF THEIR REACTIONS WITH TRANSITION METAL HALIDES

The exo,exo-bis(isodicyclopentadienyl)magnesium sandwich and the monomeric exo-(isodicyclopentadienyl)butylmagnesium TMEDA complex have been synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy in C6D6 solution. The solid-state structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. The stereoselectivity with which both moisture-sensitive compounds react with TiCl3·3THF and ZrCl4 was assessed and suitably compared to related observations recorded for alkali metal (Li+, Na+, and K+) complexes of isodicyclopentadiene.
One-Port Resonance-Based Test Technique for RF Interconnect and Filters Embedded in RF Substrates

In this paper, a one-port test approach is proposed for testing radio frequency (RF) interconnects as well as RF passive filters embedded in RF substrates. The proposed technique relies on the use of an RF oscillator that is coupled to the embedded interconnect/filter via a probe card. Shifts in the RF oscillation frequency (referred to as resonance-based test) are used for defect detection, and are different from prior oscillation-based test techniques that configure the device under test itself into an oscillator. A core innovation is that the technique can detect defects in embedded passives/filters using only one-port probe access and eliminates the need of an external RF input test stimulus. Such one-port probing causes a shift in the oscillation frequency of the external oscillator because of the loading from the embedded RF passive circuit. To facilitate test response measurement, the output of the external RF oscillator (GHz signal) is down-converted to lower frequencies (MHz). The proposed test method is demonstrated through both simulations and measurements. Additionally, panel-level testing of RF substrates is illustrated.
Production of Tensile Shock Waves in Stretched Natural Rubber

IT may be shown theoretically that when plane mechanical pulses of finite amplitude travel in non-dispersive media, the velocity of propagation in space is given by c + V where c = (S/ρ)1/2, S being the tangent modulus of the material and ρ its density, and V is the particle velocity associated with the pulse. If S increases with increasing amplitude of deformation, the head of the pulse will become steeper as it travels through the medium and it will eventually become a shock front, the gradient of which is limited by dissipative processes, such as internal friction and thermal conductivity. Such compressive shock waves are well known in fluids and in recent years similar shock waves have been produced and studied in blocks of solids1.
Uncertainties in model-based outcome predictions for treatment planning.

Abstract Purpose: Model-based treatment-plan-specific outcome predictions (such as normal tissue complication probability [NTCP] or the relative reduction in salivary function) are typically presented without reference to underlying uncertainties. We provide a method to assess the reliability of treatment-plan-specific dose–volume outcome model predictions. Methods and Materials: A practical method is proposed for evaluating model prediction based on the original input data together with bootstrap-based estimates of parameter uncertainties. The general framework is applicable to continuous variable predictions (e.g., prediction of long-term salivary function) and dichotomous variable predictions (e.g., tumor control probability [TCP] or NTCP). Using bootstrap resampling, a histogram of the likelihood of alternative parameter values is generated. For a given patient and treatment plan we generate a histogram of alternative model results by computing the model predicted outcome for each parameter set in the bootstrap list. Residual uncertainty (“noise”) is accounted for by adding a random component to the computed outcome values. The residual noise distribution is estimated from the original fit between model predictions and patient data. Results: The method is demonstrated using a continuous-endpoint model to predict long-term salivary function for head-and-neck cancer patients. Histograms represent the probabilities for the level of posttreatment salivary function based on the input clinical data, the salivary function model, and the three-dimensional dose distribution. For some patients there is significant uncertainty in the prediction of xerostomia, whereas for other patients the predictions are expected to be more reliable. In contrast, TCP and NTCP endpoints are dichotomous, and parameter uncertainties should be folded directly into the estimated probabilities, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimates. Using bootstrap parameter estimates, competing treatment plans can be ranked based on the probability that one plan is superior to another. Thus, reliability of plan ranking could also be assessed. Conclusions: A comprehensive framework for incorporating uncertainties into treatment-plan-specific outcome predictions is described. Uncertainty histograms for continuous variable endpoint models provide a straightforward method for visual review of the reliability of outcome predictions for each treatment plan.
Designing at a high level of abstraction

In the early stages of project initiation, it is especially important to be able to represent at a high level of abstraction the functional requirements of a system being designed. This makes it possible for a design team to arrange and rearrange the essential functional components rapidly. This offers a means to explore the feasibility of different system configurations and to pose and answer “what-if” questions before the design is frozen. Similarly, if we are able to model processes associated with manufacture, then in a like manner we can explore the feasibility of different manufacturing systems. If the tools for modeling function and processes are compatible at a high level of abstraction, then we can also pose and answer “what-if” questions to understand the interaction between the design and its manufacturability. In this paper, we put forward some ideas that stem from living systems theory that could facilitate the development of these tools.
Theoretical evaluations of the fission cross section of the 77 eV isomer of 235 U

We have developed models of the fission barrier (barrier heights and transition state spectra) that reproduce reasonably well the measured fission cross section of $^{235}$U from neutron energy of 1 keV to 2 MeV. From these models we have calculated the fission cross section of the 77 eV isomer of $^{235}$U over the same energy range. We find that the ratio of the isomer cross section to that of the ground state lies between about 0.45 and 0.55 at low neutron energies. The cross sections become approximately equal above 1 MeV. The ratio of the neutron capture cross section to the fission cross section for the isomer is predicted to be about a factor of 3 larger for the isomer than for the ground state of $^{235}$U at keV neutron energies. We have also calculated the cross section for the population of the isomer by inelastic neutron scattering form the $^{235}$U ground state. We find that the isomer is strongly populated, and for $E_n = 1 MeV$ the $(n,n'\gamma)$ cross section leading to the population of the isomer is of the order of 0.5 barn. Thus, neutron reaction network calculations involving the uranium isotopes in a high neutron fluence are likely to be affected by the 77 eV isomer of $^{235}$U. With these same models the fission cross sections of $^{233}$U and $^{237}$U can be reproduced approximately using only minor adjustments to the barrier heights. With the significant lowering of the outer barrier that is expected for the outer barrier the general behavior of the fission cross section of $^{239}$Pu can also be reproduced.
Individual- and Sex-related Strategies of Wrestling Play in Captive Squirrel Monkeys

The play behavior of 10 juvenile squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) was observed for 7 months in both mixed-sex and same-sex laboratory social groupings to identify strategies by which individuals may derive maximum benefit from play. Two types of play wrestling were identified: directional if one partner was on top of and dominating the other, and nondirectional if both partners hung from a perch and clasped each other equally. Males (N=5) wrestled more often, had longer bouts, and used proportionately more directional wrestling than did females (N = 5). Initiation Behaviors, leading predictably to play, were performed preferentially to certain partners, independent of affiliative (huddling) preferences. Both sexes performed more Initiation Behaviors to same-sex partners. Individuals, regardless of sex, preferred play partners whom they could dominate during directional wrestling; with partners whom they could not dominate, they preferred nondirectional wrestling, where partners were equal. The observed preferences are interpreted as evidence for individual strategies maximizing winning at directional wrestling. Role reversal is discussed as a strategy encouraging play between youngsters of diverse abilities, and as a means of providing needed experience in a variety of social roles.
Pottery politics: Late Classic Maya palace production at Motul de San José, Petén, Guatemala

Abstract Archeologists often rely heavily on stone monuments, architecture, settlement patterns, and written texts to reconstruct ancient political systems. In this paper we focus on the role of polychrome pottery as both a reflection of and critical component in the production of power relations. We present rare direct evidence of polychrome pottery production recovered from the Maya site of Motul de San Jose, the presumed Late Classic (ca. 600–900 AD) capital of the epigraphically-recognized Ik’ polity. Our contextual analysis of production debris and tools complement on-going polychrome vessel style and chemical analyses of Ik’ Style polychrome vessels to suggest that Motul de San Jose’s royal court was an important center in the manufacture of Ik’ Style polychrome pottery. These elaborate vessels indexed the political history, power, and networks of the Ik’ polity. By combining archeological, iconographic, and epigraphic data of polychrome pottery, we shed light on Motul de San Jose’s internal political-economic dynamics as well as its macro-political alliances and tensions with other polities.
Surface modification of lead silicate glass under X-ray irradiation

Abstract Radiation-induced changes in the microstructure of lead silicate glass were investigated in-situ under MgKα irradiation in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environment by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Lead-oxygen bond breaking to result in pure lead formation was observed. The segregation, growth kinetics and the structure relaxation of lead, plus the corresponding changes of oxygen and silicon on the glass surfaces were all studied by measuring the time-dependent changes in concentration, binding energy, and the full-width at half-maximum. A bimodal distribution of the oxygen XPS signal, caused by bridging and non-bridging oxygens, was found during the relaxation process. All experimental data indicate a reduction of the oxygen, a phase separation of lead from the glass matrix, and the metallization of lead during and after X-ray irradiation.
Availability-based life cycle cost model: A simulation approach

Abstract Life Cycle Costing (LCC) has become a popular technique for studying operating facility designs prior to their construction. However, many such designs have operating characteristics that are marked by uncertainty. In particular, component failure rates and repair/replacement rates are uncertain. Thus, downtimes and maintenance costs are similarly uncertain. These various costs and uncertainties must be balanced if intelligent cost-based design decisions are to be made. This paper developes a model of Life Cycle Cost which integrates various availability parameters of reliability and maintainability. A simulation algorithm is presented as the appropriate tool for studying life cycle cost of a plant design.
In-situ growth of Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3/RuO2 heterostructures on Si(001) using low-temperature metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3/RuO2 thin film heterostructures were successfully grown on SiO2/Si(001) substrates using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition with a maximum processing temperature of 525°C. To form the heterostructures, (110)-textured RuO2 electrode layers were first deposited on SiO2/Si(001) substrates at temperatures as low as 350°C at a typical grow rate of μΩ40A/min. The resistivity of the RuO2 films was 30–40 μΩ-cm. Plan-view transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that typical RuO2 films had a grain size of 800–1000A with surface roughness of 3–25 nm, respectively. Perovskite phase Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 (PZT) was then deposited at 525°C. The as-deposited films exhibited a dense, randomly-oriented crystal structure with a grain size of ∼800–1000A. Using capacitors defined with Ag top electrodes, the film showed a remanent polarization of 21.5 μC/cm2 and a coercive field of 39.0 kV/cm. The capacitors showed little fatigue up to ∼1010 cycles. The as-depos...
Integrating Behaviorism and Humanism for Environmental Protection

Theory and principles from behaviorism and humanism are integrated to propose a synergistic approach for dealing with the human aspects of environmental protection. Numerous intervention agents are needed worldwide to implement the kind of behavior-change techniques that lead to positive attitudes. This requires people to “actively care.” Research is reviewed to support an actively caring model, which proposes that certain person states increase one's propensity to actively care for the environment. Strategies to increase these person states or expectancies are found in the basic principles and technology of behaviorism. Behaviorism offers the technology for changing behaviors and attitudes in environment-protective directions, while humanism offers the states or expectancies needed in people to increase their propensity to actively care for the environment.
Autogenous arterial bypass grafts: durable patency and limb salvage in patients with inframalleolar occlusive disease and end-stage renal disease.

Abstract Objective: The purposes of this study were to determine whether autogenous arterial grafts to distal pedal arteries improve the patency of grafts and limb salvage in patients with end-stage renal disease and nonhealing ischemic wounds and to better define the indications for autogenous arterial grafts. Design: A review of consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing autogenous arterial grafts from 1994 through 1999 was carried out. The setting was a university hospital. All 11 patients with end-stage renal disease and nonhealing, ischemic wounds (stage IV SVS-ISCVS classification) undergoing autogenous arterial grafting from 1994 to 1999 were evaluated. Noninvasive studies confirmed inadequate perfusion pressures in all patients. Pre-bypass arteriography identified no major arteries patent at the level of the malleolus, with reconstitution of only a distal or branch pedal or plantar vessel less than 1 mm in diameter. Five patients with patent tibial vessels to just above the ankle underwent bypass surgery with autogenous arterial grafts alone. Six patients also had proximal occlusive disease that required grafts longer than the autogenous arterial grafts; in each of these six patients, an autogenous vein graft proximal to the autogenous arterial graft was placed through use of a composite technique. Inflow was from the common femoral artery in one patient, the popliteal artery in five patients, and a tibial artery in five patients. Outflow was to the medial plantar artery in five patients, the distal dorsalis pedis artery in three patients, the lateral plantar artery in two patients, and the superficial arch in one patient. The conduit was the subscapular artery in four patients, the deep inferior epigastric artery in four patients, the superficial inferior epigastric artery in two patients, and the radial artery in one patient. The main outcome measures were assisted primary graft patency and functional limb salvage rate. Results: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 63 months (mean, 20 months); graft patency was determined by means of duplex scanning. All 11 patients are alive, and nine grafts are patent, including three after revision for graft stenosis. Assisted primary patency was 82% at 3 years. All nine patients with patent grafts remained ambulatory and had healed wounds or limited forefoot amputations. Conclusion: Autogenous arterial grafts were effective in treating limb-threatening ischemia in patients with end-stage renal disease and inframalleolar arterial insufficiency. Graft patency and limb salvage rates were higher than those reported for autogenous vein graft in these patients. Autogenous arterial grafting may therefore prove to be an effective alternative to autogenous vein grafting in selected patients. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:13-22.)
Fanconi anemia type C and p53 cooperate in apoptosis and tumorigenesis

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a recessive genomic instability syndrome characterized by developmental defects, progressive bone marrow failure, and cancer. FA is genetically heterogeneous, however; the proteins encoded by different FA loci interact functionally with each other and with the BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM gene products. Although patients with FA are highly predisposed to the development of myeloid leukemia and solid tumors, the alterations in biochemical pathways responsible for the progression of tumorigenesis in these patients remain unknown. FA cells are hypersensitive to a range of genotoxic and cellular stresses that activate signaling pathways mediating apoptosis. Here we show that ionizing radiation (IR) induces modestly elevated levels of p53 in cells from FA type C (Fancc) mutant mice and that inactivation of Trp53 rescues tumor necrosis factor α-induced apoptosis in myeloid cells from Fancc -/- mice. Further, whereas Fancc -/- mice failed to form hematopoietic or solid malignancies, mice mutant at both Fancc and Trp53 developed tumors more rapidly than mice mutant at Trp53 alone. This shortened latency was associated with the appearance of tumor types that are found in patients with FA but not in mice mutant at Trp53 only. Collectively, these data demonstrate that p53 and Fancc interact functionally to regulate apoptosis and tumorigenesis in Fancc-deficient cells. (Blood. 2003;102:4146-4152)
p-4He elastic scattering at 2.68 GeV

Abstract The p- 4 He elastic differential cross section has been measured at a kinetic energy of 2.68 GeV. The momentum transfer region studied is t = 0.15–0.66 (GeV/ c ) 2 . The cross section displays a shallow first minimum and shape very similar to recent data at 1 GeV.
Patient fear of anesthesia complications according to surgical type: potential impact on informed consent for anesthesia.

Background Past research has explored patients' expectations about the informed consent process. However, it is currently unknown if the complexity of the surgical procedure influences the type of anesthesia-related risks that patients wish disclosed. This study explored fears of anesthesia-related complications and whether these changed based on severity of surgery classification. Methods Patients presenting to our pre-operative evaluation clinic from February 2013 to May 2013 were asked to participate in a survey-based study meant to evaluate their perception of five possible anesthetic risks (peripheral nerve injury, death, nausea and vomiting, heart attack and stroke) when confronted with differing levels of surgical severity. Results One thousand surveys were administered, and 894 were returned for an overall response rate of 89%. Fear of death was the greatest concern as compared to the other risk factors independent of the severity of surgery. The level of fear for all risk factors, with the exception of stroke and heart attack, were dependent on the severity of surgery. Fear of death decreased as the severity of surgery decreased (major 46%, moderate 38%, minor 25%). For major surgery, the fear of perioperative death differed significantly with age (P < 0.001); specifically, with increasing age came a lessened fear of death. Conclusion Awareness by anesthesia providers of those fears that patients report may allow for a more personalized approach to providing information that may better allay anxiety. Further, these results may better tailor the informed consent process to one that meets particular patient concerns.
Compaction Localization in Porous Sandstone: Implications for Reservoir Mechanics

Compaction of porous rocks can occur in two modes: uniform and localized. Recent experimental work has demonstrated that compaction can occur in tabular zones that expand with increasing applied deformation. The appearance of compaction bands and their growth has a strong influence on the measured permeability of the host rock. The rock behind the moving compaction front can be either uniformly compacted or can consist of intercalated bands of uncompacted and compacted material. These three types of compaction would have very different effects on production from reservoirs undergoing compaction. We review the status of experimental results on localized compaction and the bifurcation theory of strain localization for compaction.
Acute Asthma Intensity Research Score: updated performance characteristics for prediction of hospitalization and lung function.

The Acute Asthma Intensity Research Score (AAIRS) is a 7-component, 17-point (0 – 16 with 16 most severe) acute asthma exacerbation severity score. Components of the score include accessory muscle (suprasternal-sternocleidomastoid, intercostal, subcostal) retractions, air entry, wheezing, oxygen saturation on room air (>=95%, 0 points; 92 – 94%, 1 point; <92%, 2 points), and expiratory phase prolongation.1
Presence of antibodies to sperm YLP12 synthetic peptide in sera and seminal plasma of immunoinfertile men

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), sera (n = 15) and seminal plasma (n = 30) from antisperm antibody-positive immunoinfertile men (n = 45) and from fertile men (n = 45), were tested for the immunoreactivity with the synthetic YLP(12) sperm peptide. Of the 15 immunoinfertile sera tested, 46% were positive for immunoglobulin (Ig)M, 73% for IgG, and 40% for IgA. Of the 30 samples of immunoinfertile seminal plasma tested, 10% were positive for IgM, 20% for IgG, and 43% for IgA. None of the sera or seminal plasma from fertile men showed a positive reaction. There was no significant correlation between the sperm immobilization technique (SIT) or tray agglutination technique (TAT) titres or percentage binding in immunobead binding technique (IBT) and the antibody reactivity for any class in the ELISA. The YLP(12) peptide conjugated to bovine serum albumin-Sepharose 4B beads pulled out IgG antibodies from the serum of the immunoinfertile, but not the fertile, men. The beads pulled out IgA antibodies from the immunoinfertile, but not the fertile, seminal plasma. The immuno-affinity purified antipeptide antibodies reacted with a specific band of 72 +/- 5 kDa in the human testis and with a specific band of approximately 50 +/- 5 kDa in the human sperm extracts. The YLP(12) peptide may have applications in the specific diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and in contraceptive vaccine development.
Risk Factor Modification in Stroke Prevention The Experience of a Stroke Clinic

Background and Purpose—We reviewed Stroke Clinic data to determine the extent of risk factor modification achieved in patients with cerebrovascular disease over 2 years. Methods—Visits to the Stroke Clinic of a tertiary medical center from July 1, 1994, through June 30, 1996, were reviewed. Obesity, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and lifestyle changes were noted in patients with ≥2 visits (n=61) and measures (number varied) of these parameters. Results—Fifty-six patients (92%) had primary care physicians. In the 49 patients with ≥2 weight measurements, 33 (67%) were moderately or severely overweight by weight-height correlation. Forty-four patients (90%) remained in the same weight category. Of the 60 patients with available blood pressure data, 50 (83%) were hypertensive. At their last visits, 43 of the 50 (86%) were receiving medications, and 22 of the 43 treated (51%) were controlled. Serum glucose remained elevated in 14 of 47 patients (30%) and in 11 of 16 diabetic patients (69...
Brachyspira (Serpulina)hyodysenteriae gyrB Mutants and Interstrain Transfer of Coumermycin A1 Resistance

To further develop genetic techniques for the enteropathogen Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the gyrB gene of this spirochete was isolated from a λZAPII library of strain B204 genomic DNA and sequenced. The putative protein encoded by this gene exhibited up to 55% amino acid sequence identity with GyrB proteins of various bacterial species, including other spirochetes. B. hyodysenteriae coumermycin A1-resistant (Cnr) mutant strains, both spontaneous and UV induced, were isolated by plating B204 cells onto Trypticase soy blood agar plates containing 0.5 μg of coumermycin A1/ml. The coumermycin A1 MICs were 25 to 100 μg/ml for the resistant strains and 0.1 to 0.25 μg/ml for strain B204. Four Cnr strains had single nucleotide changes in their gyrB genes, corresponding to GyrB amino acid changes of Gly78 to Ser (two strains), Gly78 to Cys, and Thr166 to Ala. When Cnr strain 435A (Gly78 to Ser) and Cmr Kmr strain SH (ΔflaA1::cat Δnox::kan) were cultured together in brain heart infusion broth containing 10% (vol/vol) heat-treated (56°C, 30 min) calf serum, cells resistant to chloramphenicol, coumermycin A1, and kanamycin could be isolated from the cocultures after overnight incubation, but such cells could not be isolated from monocultures of either strain. Seven Cnr Kmr Cmr strains were tested and were determined to have resistance genotypes of both strain 435A and strain SH. Cnr Kmr Cmr cells could not be isolated when antiserum to the bacteriophage-like agent VSH-1 was added to cocultures, and the numbers of resistant cells increased fivefold when mitomycin C, an inducer of VSH-1 production, was added. These results indicate that coumermycin resistance associated with a gyrB mutation is a useful selection marker for monitoring gene exchange between B. hyodysenteriae cells. Gene transfer readily occurs between B. hyodysenteriae cells in broth culture, a finding with practical importance. VSH-1 is the likely mechanism for gene transfer.
OPTIMUS: a new program for OPTIMizing linear circuits with number-splitting and shift-and-add decompositions

Most behavioral synthesis tools perform limited architectural transformations to optimize hardware and power. Previously, researchers have proposed decomposition of multiplications into shifts and adds to achieve average savings of 2.5 times in hardware. In this paper, we propose a new program called OPTIMUS and related algorithms, that combine an architectural transformation procedure called number-splitting with shift-and-add decomposition to obtain up to an additional 2 fold savings, giving a factor of up to 5 savings in overall hardware. The number-splitting transformation changes the circuit interconnections and the descriptions of constant multipliers. The scheme is based on numerical matrix transformation algorithms that allow a given matrix to be expressed as the product of several matrices while maintaining numerical accuracy.
Process Modeling of Emergency Department Patient Flow: Effect of Patient Length of Stay on ED Diversion

A discreet event simulation methodology has been used to establish a quantitative relationship between Emergency Department (ED) performance characteristics, such as percent of time on ambulance diversion and the number of patients in queue in the waiting room, and the upper limits of patient length of stay (LOS). A simulation process model of ED patient flow has been developed that took into account a significant difference between LOS distributions of patients discharged home and patients admitted into the hospital. Using simulation model it has been identified that ED diversion could be negligible (less than ~0.5%) if patients discharged home stay in ED not more than 5 h, and patients admitted into the hospital stay in ED not more than 6 h Using full factorial design of experiments with two factors and the model's predicted percent diversion as a response function, other combinations of LOS upper limits have been determined that would result in low ED percent diversion as well. It has also been determined that if the number of patients exceeds 11 in queue in ED waiting room then the diversion percent is rapidly increasing.
THE INFLUENCE OF ROOT GROWTH AND INOCULUM DENSITY ON THE DYNAMICS OF ROOT DISEASE EPIDEMICS: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Summary Including root growth and inoculum density as variables in a simple model of disease progress of a monocyclic root pathogen often leads to a sigmoid curve. If the product of root density and inoculum density is constant, then a monomolecular curve (without an inflexion point) results. When the product is a function of time, then either an asymptotic exponential or a sigmoid curve results, depending upon the parameter values. Where the product of root density and inoculum density increases exponentially, then a Gompertz function in the incidence of surviving plants results. Where root growth is fast relative to the reduction in inoculum through infection, then an asymptotic value of disease less than 1.0 is predicted. Detailed models of dynamics of root infection, incorporating root extension and loss of inoculum due to infection, and cases without and with lesion expansion, lead to the following conclusions: (1) increase in lesion numbers without lesion expansion, does not constrain or provide an upper limit to root growth; (2) where there is no root growth, then the proportion of root surface covered by lesions approaches an asymptote strictly less than 1.0 in the case without lesion expansion, but approaches 1.0 in the case with lesion expansion; (3) where the rate of infection is greater than the rate of root extension (without lesion expansion), then there is an upper limit to lesion surface area on roots; otherwise both root surface area and lesion numbers increase without limit; (4) where the rate of lesion expansion is greater than the rate of root extension, then the proportion of root surface area covered by lesions approaches 1.0 asymptotically. Explicit solutions giving the healthy root area as a function of time are obtained. Analysis of the dynamics of root infection indicates that root disease control strategies should aim to reduce pathogen density, maintain a low rate of root extension relative to root infection and restrict lesion expansion.
Major League Baseball Attendance and the Role of Fantasy Baseball

Many explanations exist for the resurgence of the Major League Baseball (MLB) fan base following the 1994-1995 strike. The most prevalent explanations include the 1998 McGuire-Sosa homerun race and...
An Examination of Judge Reliability at a major U.S. Wine Competition

Wine judge performance at a major wine competition has been analyzed from 2005 to 2008 using replicate samples. Each panel of four expert judges received a fl ight of 30 wines imbedded with triplicate samples poured from the same bottle. Between 65 and 70 judges were tested each year. About 10 percent of the judges were able to replicate their score within a single medal group. Another 10 percent, on occasion, scored the same wine Bronze to Gold. Judges tend to be more consistent in what they don’t like than what they do. An analysis of variance covering every panel over the study period indicates only about half of the panels presented awards based solely on wine quality. (JEL Classifi cation: Q13, Q19)
British Women Writers and the Short Story, 1850-1930: Reclaiming Social Space

Near the end of her book Kate Krueger comments, “The recovery work of feminist literary criticism has not even begun to account for the massive numbers of short stories written by women in the Vict...
Comment on two recent emulsion experiments related to scaling forE>1 TeV

Two recent papers report data which purport to cast doubt on the validity of «scaling» in inclusive strong interactions above one TeV. It is observed here that those two papers are in disagreement with each other more than with scaling. However, both sets of data are also shown to be not inconsistent with scaling after the inclusion of the experimental biases.
Relationship between Na+ current expression and cell-cell coupling in astrocytes cultured from rat hippocampus.

1. Cell-cell coupling between hippocampal astrocytes in culture was studied by following the intracellular spread of the low molecular weight fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow (LY). Dye coupling appeared as early as 24 h after plating, at which time approximately 20% of all astrocytes that physically contacted neighboring cells showed dye coupling. 2. The percentage of coupled cells increased with time in culture and peaked after 10 days in vitro (DIV) when approximately 50% of astrocytes showed coupling. Further time in culture, up to 20 DIV, did not increase the percentage of coupled cells. Thus, coupled and noncoupled astrocytes coexist in hippocampal cultures in approximately equal numbers. 3. Na+ currents were expressed in a subpopulation of hippocampal astrocytes and changed characteristics during in vitro development. A "neuronal type" of Na+ current, so called because of an h alpha curve that had a midpoint near -60 mV, was observed within the first 5 days post-plating. A "glial type" of Na+ current, characterized by a -25 mV shift in its h alpha curve, was only expressed after 6 days in culture. 4. Na+ current expression was restricted to hippocampal astrocytes that did not exhibit dye coupling; astrocytes that exhibited dye coupling (n = 39) did not show measurable Na+ currents. 5. The failure to see Na+ currents in coupled astrocytes cannot be explained by insufficient space-clamp since astrocytes acutely uncoupled with octanol (10 microM) did not reveal Na+ current expression. Control experiments showed that low concentrations of octanol (i.e., 10-100 microM) did not block Na+ currents; blockage of Na+ currents by octanol was only observed at high concentrations (e.g., 50-fold the concentration used for uncoupling). These observations support the idea that Na(+)-channel expression was restricted to noncoupled astrocytes. 6. The time courses for the development of cell coupling and Na+ current expression appeared to be inversely correlated and suggested a gradual increase in cell coupling in concert with a loss in Na+ current expression with time in culture.
The tumor-suppressive and potential therapeutic functions of miR-34a in epithelial carcinomas

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Many RNA species have been identified as important players in the development of chronic diseases including cancer. Certain classes of regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have been investigated in such detail that bona fide tumor suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs have been identified. Because of this, there has been a major effort to therapeutically target these small RNAs. One in particular, a liposomal formulation of miR-34a (MRX34), has entered Phase I trials.Areas covered: This review aims to summarize miRNA biology, its regulation within normal versus disease states and how it can be targeted therapeutically, with a particular emphasis on miR-34a. Understanding the complexity of a single miRNA will aid in the development of future RNA-based therapeutics for a broader range of chronic diseases.Expert opinion: The potential of miRNAs to be developed into anti-cancer therapeutics has become an increasingly important area of research. miR-34a is a tumor suppressive miRNA acros...
Biomolecular simulations with the transferable potentials for phase equilibria: extension to phospholipids.

The Transferable Potentials for Phase Equilibria (TraPPE) is extended to zwitterionic and charged lipids including phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The performance of the force field is validated through isothermal–isobaric ensemble (NPT) molecular dynamics simulations of hydrated lipid bilayers performed with the aforementioned head groups combined with saturated and unsaturated alkyl tails containing 12–18 carbon atoms. The effects of water model and sodium ion parameters on the performance of the lipid force field are determined. The predictions of the TraPPE force field for the area per lipid, bilayer thickness, and volume per lipid are within 1–5% of experimental values. Key structural properties of the bilayer, such as order parameter splitting in the sn-2 chain and X-ray form factors, are found to be in close agreement with experimental data.
Gradual Reduction of Cigarette Consumption as a Cessation Strategy: Prevalence, Correlates, and Relationship With Quitting

INTRODUCTION Gradually reducing cigarette consumption is an approach used to quit smoking, but has not been widely studied at a population level. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and demographic characteristics of U.S. adult smokers who tried to reduce to quit, and the relationship between reducing and successful quitting. METHODS Data came from 12,571 adults in the 2010-2011 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey who tried to quit smoking in the past year. Frequencies and percentages were used to assess prevalence of reducing to quit; bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess correlates of reducing to quit and successful past year cessation. Analyses were conducted in SAS-callable SUDAAN. RESULTS Among adults who tried to quit smoking in the past year, 43.0% (n = 5,444) tried reducing to quit. Compared to those who tried to quit without reducing consumption, those reducing to quit had a significantly higher prevalence of using counseling or medication (40.2% vs. 25.0%). In adjusted multivariable models, females (vs. males), Blacks (vs. Whites), current some day smokers (vs. every day smokers), and those who used counseling or medication had greater odds of trying to reduce to quit. Reducing to quit was negatively associated with successful past-year quitting (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.72). CONCLUSION Reducing to quit is a common cessation strategy and, in these analyses, was associated with lower cessation success rates. More research on reducing to quit in a real-world setting is needed before widely recommending it as a cessation strategy.
Targeted detection of flat colorectal neoplasia with wide-field multi-modal endoscopy

We demonstrate a multi-modal video endoscope that collects wide-field fluorescence images in real time to detect pre-malignant lesions in colon that are flat and difficult to visualize with white light using targeted contrast agents.
Characteristics of EMPLA in Tetrahydrofuran(THF) by GPC-MALLS

Ethylenediamine-modified polylactic acid(EMPLA) is a newly synthesized polymer.the w,size distribution and branching property of EMPLA were analyzed by GPC-MALLS detector technology and The results show: the dn/dc value is 0.052 mL/g,the A2 value is 3.905e-3 mol mL/g2,the w is 5.753e+4,the Rw is 4.5 nm,and the relation of Rw and w is "Rw=0.608×w0.316".By comparing to the linear PDLLA polymer,the branched one has a shorter RMS radius,and whose conformation in THF is inferred to be spherical shape.
T phases at Bermuda and transformation of elastic waves

ABSTRACT The T phases recorded at Bermuda from sixteen earthquakes are examined. The mode of propagation and the propagation paths of the phases are discussed, special attention being paid to the area of entrance into the water and the velocity through the rock. It is shown that the P phase, as it advances from the deep ocean toward a steep slope, is transformed to the T phase. It is also shown that Lg is sometimes transformed to the T phase. Two phases recorded at Palisades, Halifax, and Ottawa are examined and it is shown that the phases observed at these stations result from transformation of a T phase to a phase traveling through the continent with a velocity of about 3.5 km/sec.
Model Algal Systems to Study Plant Development

Algal systems have been used to study the mechanism of differentiative processes and development for 100 or more years. Many of these algae, such as Fucus (Quatrano et al., 1979; Quatrano and Kropf, 1989; Quatrano,1990), Acetabularia (Berger et al., 1987), Volvox (Kirk, 1988, 1990) and Chlamydomonas (Goodenough and Adair, 1989) have provided the scientific community with amenable experimental systems to approach the most fundamental questions facing developmental biologists. This review will emphasize how these algal systems have been used to understand various developmental processes, as well as their potential for further contributions to these research areas in the next several decades. The focus will be on three main developmental processes related to the experi mental embryology of aquatic plants; I. Gamete attraction and recognition during fertilization, II. Hormone-mediated control of gamete formation and cell fusion, III. Establishment of cell polarity.
Knorr pyrrole synthesis

A modification of the Feist-Benary furan synthesis (p134). Reaction between α-aminoketones, derived fron α-haloketones and ammonia, and β-ketoesters assembles pyrroles.