cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Pulmonary-Systemic Pulse Pressure Ratio Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Group 1 Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature leading to right ventricular (RV) failure. The failing RV, through interventricular uncoupling, deleteriously impacts the left ventricle and overall cardiac efficiency. We hypothesised that the ratio of the pulmonary artery pulse pressure to the systemic pulse pressure (“pulmonary-systemic pulse pressure ratio”, or PS-PPR) would be associated with mortality in PAH. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 262 patients in the National Institute of Health Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Registry (NIH-PPH). We evaluated the association between the PS-PPR and mortality after adjustment for the Pulmonary Hypertension Connection (PHC) risk equation. Results Among 262 patients (mean age 37.5 ± 15.8 years, 62.2% female), median PS-PPR was 1.04 (IQR 0.79–1.30). In the Cox proportional hazards regression model, each one unit increase in the PS-PPR was associated with more than a two-fold increase in mortality during follow-up (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40–3.02, p = 0.0002), and this association of PS-PPR with mortality remained significant in the multivariable Cox model adjusted for the PHC risk equation, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and body mass index (BMI) (adjusted HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.13–2.88, p = 0.01). Furthermore, PS-PPR in the upper quartile (>1.30) versus quartiles 1–3 was associated with a 68% increase in mortality after adjustment for these same covariates (adjusted HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13–2.50, p = 0.01). Conclusions Pulmonary-systemic pulse pressure ratio, a marker of biventricular efficiency, is associated with survival in PAH even after adjustment for the PHC risk equation. Further studies are needed on the wider applications of PS-PPR in PAH patients.
Meninges and Cerebrospinal Fluid

The brain and the spinal cord are surrounded by three mesodermal coverings or meninges: the dura mater, the arachnoid, and the pia mater. The space between the pia mater and the arachnoid, i.e., the subarachnoid space, is filled with CSF, which serves as a cushion between the delicate CNS and the rigid skull.
Internet protocol version 6 lab

In early 2011, the IANA (Internet Assigned Number Authority) gave out the last Internet Protocol version 4 address blocks to the 5 Regional Internet Registries that service our globe. As a result, our students need to be aware of and prepared to operate in an environment that is transitioning to IPv6. This assignment seeks to get students to develop functional IPv6 operations within an existing IPv4 environment. It is appropriate for students who have had a networking fundamentals course, some experience configuring network intermediary devices (hardware and/or software routers) and are on a networking administration track to a Bachelors Degree. We utilize it as a hands-on activity in a Network Analysis and Design course after lecturing and demonstrating IPv6 concepts and applications. Additional material for this lab can be found at http://www.ccsc-ms.org/nifty/13/hen/.
GENERALIZED CONJUGATE FUNCTIONS FOR MIXED FINITE ELEMENT APPROXIMATIONS OF BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on generalized conjugate functions for mixed finite element approximations of boundary value problems. The chapter expands the theory of conjugate approximations to include so-called mixed formulations of linear boundary-value problems. The chapter discusses several features of the theory of conjugate projections with special emphasis on discrete models of a linear operator T and its adjoint T*. It is shown that at least four sequences of projections of a class of boundary value problems involving T*T suggest themselves, and these lead directly to both the conventional and to mixed finite-element models. The chapter discusses details of the finite-element formulation of mixed models, and reviews the relationship between the projection methods, the complementary variational principles of Noble and others, and the hypercircle method of Prager and Synge. In terms of approximation of boundary-value problems, the notion of conjugate projections seems to suggest a broader collection of possibilities than either of the more conventional approaches.
The Effects of Nutrition and Environmental Factors on Conidial Germination and Appressorium Formation of Phyllosticta citricarpa, the Causal Agent of Citrus Black Spot

Citrus black spot, caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa, has been identified in Florida since 2010 and can reduce fruit yield and marketability. The conditions required for conidial germination have been poorly understood for P. citricarpa, limiting further biological studies. In this study, the effects of citrus juices, concentration, pH, various carbon and nitrogen sources, and environmental conditions were evaluated in vitro. All tested juices, especially 'Valencia' (>85%, P 80%, P > 0.05). These results provide a better understanding of fungal biology of P. citricarpa and a robust and convenient system for further applications such as screening for efficacious fungicides.
Socially Engaged Art at the Reimagined 21st Century Museum: An Emerging Conceptual Framework

Socially engaged art is a broad term used to describe contemporary visual art practices that are concerned with the creation of experiences and, as such, often involve participation as an integral component of a work. Art galleries and museums across the United States have embraced socially engaged art with increasing frequency over the past twenty-five-years, mirroring its uptake by artists throughout the country. Despite its prevalence, little scholarship has addressed why art institutions have embraced socially engaged art, nor what benefits they gain from supporting it. In this paper, I attend to this absence with an emergent conceptual framework that illustrates how five of the most common forms of socially engaged art—service, dialog, education, entertainment, and performance—align with the evolving values and priorities of the 21st century museum. This framework combines literature on socially engaged art and critical museology, as well as numerous examples of recent artistic projects, to examine the intersecting aims of these fields, and potential ethical issues that may arise from artist and museum collaborations.
Espoused organizational culture values as antecedents of internet technology adoption in an emerging economy

Abstract Success of an organization, both in the public and private sectors, depends on increases in efficiency due to acceptance of information technology. This has focused attention on factors that influence individuals’ acceptance and subsequent use of information technologies in organizations using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. In this research, we investigate the role of espoused organizational culture traits as an antecedent to the UTAUT model. We found that espoused cultural traits influence users’ acceptance and use of the Internet technology in a government agency in an emerging economy, India.
CARDIAC TAMPONADE: AN UNCOMMON PRESENTATION OF COMMON INFLUENZA INFECTION

Abstract Quiescent (G0) cells are transient cell-cycle-arrested subpopulations in cancers that include dormant cancer stem cells. While leukemic stem cells/minimal-residual-disease were studied transcriptionally, their translation profile and post-transcriptional mechanisms that control their proteome—and thereby, survival—are unknown. We find G0 leukemic cells are chemoresistant, with altered canonical translation and similar proteome and translatome—rather than transcriptome—to cells isolated post-chemotherapy, implicating post-transcriptional regulation in chemoresistance. Mechanistically, we find DNA-damage-responsive-ATM and stress-activated-p38-MAPK/MK2 alter post-transcriptional mechanisms, regulating mRNA-decay-factor, TTP, to increase AU-rich-element-bearing mRNAs. This permits translation of AU-rich-element-bearing pro-inflammatory-cytokine TNFα, and immune modulators (CD47) that promote survival. Co-inhibiting p38-MAPK/MK2 and TNFα—prior to/alongwith chemotherapy—decreases chemoresistance in vivo and in patient samples. Disrupting TTP regulation reduces TNFα and chemoresistance, revealing TTP as a regulator of inflammation-mediated chemoresistance. These studies uncover a pro-inflammatory subpopulation in cancer that enables chemoresistance via DNA-damage- and stress-regulated post-transcriptional mechanisms, and develop a new combination therapy against chemo-survival. Statement of Significance These studies reveal the significance of post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory/immune response in chemoresistance, mediated by AU-rich-elements, mRNA-decay-regulator TTP, and non-canonical translation. These results reveal DNA-damage/stress-induced TTP as a key regulator of inflammation-mediated chemoresistance and developed a new combination therapy to reduce resistance in cell lines, patient samples and in vivo.
Margins in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Transoral Laser Microsurgery: A National Database Study.

ObjectivesTo determine national positive margin rates in transoral laser microsurgery, to compare patients with positive and negative margins, and to identify factors associated with positive margi...
A computational study of the effects of vocal fold stiffness parameters on voice production.

SUMMARY A three-dimensional flow-structure interaction model of voice production is used to investigate the effect of the stiffness parameters of vocal fold layers on voice production. The vocal fold is modeled as a three-layer structure consisting of the cover, ligament, and body layers. All the three layers are modeled as transversely isotropic materials for which the stiffness parameters include the transverse elastic modulus and longitudinal elastic modulus. The results show that, in addition to the obvious monotonic effects on the fundamental frequency, flow rate and glottis opening, the stiffness parameters also have significant and nonmonotonic effects on the divergent angle, open quotient, and closing velocity. It is further found that the longitudinal stiffness parameters generally have more significant impacts on glottal flows and vocal fold vibrations than the transverse stiffness parameters. The sensitivity analysis shows that, among all the stiffness parameters, the transverse and longitudinal stiffness of the ligament layer have the most dominant effect on most output measures.
Impact of a deep learning assistant on the histopathologic classification of liver cancer.

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms continue to rival human performance on a variety of clinical tasks, while their actual impact on human diagnosticians, when incorporated into clinical workflows, remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we developed a deep learning-based assistant to help pathologists differentiate between two subtypes of primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, on hematoxylin and eosin-stained whole-slide images (WSI), and evaluated its effect on the diagnostic performance of 11 pathologists with varying levels of expertise. Our model achieved accuracies of 0.885 on a validation set of 26 WSI, and 0.842 on an independent test set of 80 WSI. Although use of the assistant did not change the mean accuracy of the 11 pathologists (p = 0.184, OR = 1.281), it significantly improved the accuracy (p = 0.045, OR = 1.499) of a subset of nine pathologists who fell within well-defined experience levels (GI subspecialists, non-GI subspecialists, and trainees). In the assisted state, model accuracy significantly impacted the diagnostic decisions of all 11 pathologists. As expected, when the model’s prediction was correct, assistance significantly improved accuracy (p = 0.000, OR = 4.289), whereas when the model’s prediction was incorrect, assistance significantly decreased accuracy (p = 0.000, OR = 0.253), with both effects holding across all pathologist experience levels and case difficulty levels. Our results highlight the challenges of translating AI models into the clinical setting, and emphasize the importance of taking into account potential unintended negative consequences of model assistance when designing and testing medical AI-assistance tools.
Cyber-Physical Vulnerability and Security Analysis of Power Grid with HVDC Line

The High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is typically used for power transfer over longer distances or asynchronous back-to-back connections of the ac networks, or connecting cluster of high power renewable energies to the grid. The performance of the power system can be impacted by the HVDC control and operations. Functionality of the HVDC controllers depend on the information and communication technologies and are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hence, the cyber-physical security analysis of the HVDC system needs to be investigated. This study is a step towards cyber-physical analysis for grid with HVDC system by analyzing: 1) the cyber system vulnerabilities of the HVDC system, 2) the integrated cyber-physical system model developement with HVDC technology, 3) the effect of cyber-attacks on the HVDC and impact on the dynamic voltage stability of the power system, and 4) the cyber-attack detection and mitigation. Also, different cyber-attack scenarios on the HVDC system are developed for analyzing the developed approach. The proposed analysis are validated by simulation of the several case studies on the integrated cyber-physical model of the IEEE 9-bus system with the HVDC technology.
Acceptability and Demand of Therapy Dog Support Among Oral Health Care Providers and Caregivers of Pediatric Patients.

Purpose: This cross-sectional study evaluated the acceptability and demand for therapy dog support in pediatric dentistry (TDSPD). Methods: Caregiver surveys measured acceptability and demand for TDSPD using a five-point Likert scale (one equals "not at all", five equals "very much"). Provider surveys measured acceptability for TDSPD using a five-point Likert scale. Scores of four or five were regarded as positive. Surveys were administered in the pediatric dental clinic at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Results: The mean±SD of acceptability and demand from the caregiver survey was 4.67±0.96 and 3.86±1.61, respectively. Ninety percent (n equals 174) of caregivers indicated acceptability for TDSPD to support their child. Sixty-eight percent (n equals 130) of caregivers indicated demand for TDSPD. The mean±SD of acceptability from the provider survey was 3.63±1.50. Sixty-two percent (n equals 47) of provider survey respondents accepted the overall integration of therapy dogs to support patients. Thematic analysis of the qualitative provider responses yielded concerns for risk of accident (36 percent), infection control (50 percent), and clinic efficiency (33 percent). Caregiver survey qualitative responses were positive (68 percent), with respondents also sharing concerns for efficiency and zoonosis. Conclusions: Responses support the acceptability of and demand for therapy dog support in pediatric dentistry.
Transdisciplinary Convergence of Human-Centric Robotic Systems and Cybernetics

Today's discourse among technical professionals and technology enthusiasts alike is teeming with subject matter focused on innovations resulting from the research and practice of systems science and engineering, human-machine systems, and cybernetics. Whether it is complex systems enabled by cybernetics, intelligence for robotic and vehicular autonomy, new capabilities enabled by advances in machine learning, augmented humans, human-machine fusion, or other forms of human-machine symbiosis, the dialog is vibrant in technical and non-technical sectors of society. The convergence of these focal areas is prevalent at the current cutting edge of technology, but with a more pronounced emphasis on human factors and human relationships to technologies comprising complex systems and toward enabling appropriate human-centric solutions. With cybernetics as a science of, and transdisciplinary approach to studying, control and communications in machines and living things, its elements can be combined to enable complex and increasingly intelligent systems that interact with humans in a symbiotic or collaborative fashion. This talk focuses on such systems in the form of intelligent or otherwise cognitive robots. In that context, it highlights applications involving ideas from cybernetics and human-robot interaction research, considerations for next-level robotic intelligence needed to enable smart human-collaborative robots, and opportunities for leveraging transdisciplinary ideas that would enhance such robotic systems.
Synergistic Impact of Xanthorrhizol and d-δ-Tocotrienol on the Proliferation of Murine B16 Melanoma Cells and Human DU145 Prostate Carcinoma Cells

Isoprenoids suppress the mevalonate pathway that provides prenyl groups for the posttranslational modification of growth-regulating proteins. We hypothesize that xanthorrhizol and d-δ-tocotrienol s...
Optical Frequency Comb Generation in Silicon by Recursive Electro-Optic Modulation

On-chip optical frequency comb generation using recursive electro-optic modulation is demonstrated. The chip, fabricated on IME 180 nm SOI process, is used to generate a 120 GHz wide frequency comb with 10 GHz tooth-spacing.
The CEO Perspective on Strategy Planning

This chapter uses in-depth interviews, conversations, and observations of board members, private equity partners, and CEOs to articulate CEOs’ hopes and frustrations with strategy planning. CEOs see strategy planning neither as irredeemably flawed, nor as a silver bullet that can fixing all of the problems facing their company. They see it as a complex process that could be dramatically improved by fixing eight central issues that beset current strategy planning processes and frustrate CEOs. While summarizing these eight issues, CEOs provide numerous examples from real strategy planning problems faced by companies. CEOs expect their senior executives to be mindful of these eight frustrations and develop a strategy process that engages the senior leadership more meaningfully, better leverages their ideas, and coordinates their actions for superior results.
Skeletal muscle bioenergetic health and function in people living with HIV: association with glucose tolerance and alcohol use.

At-risk alcohol use is prevalent and increases dysglycemia among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Skeletal muscle (SKM) bioenergetic dysregulation is implicated in dysglycemi...
Quantitative Ultrasound to Quantify Neurogenic Change in Hand Muscles in Ulnar and Median Neuropathy (P1.454)

Objective: To assess the potential value of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) as a method of quantifying hand muscle neurogenic change without the needle electromyography. Background: The standard approach for assessing the degree of neurogenic change in patients with ulnar and median neuropathy is by needle electromyography. Recently, QUS techniques have been finding wider application in the field of neurology, both in assessing disease progression and for primary diagnosis. In QUS, the gray scale or raw backscattered acoustic data are quantified within an area of interest within the image. Increased echo intensity increases along with disease severity. Design/Methods: Patients with ulnar and median neuropathy, meeting standard electrodiagnostic criteria, were enrolled; healthy volunteers were also studied. Ultrasound measurements were taken of first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB). Once acquired, the image was segmented and the muscle identified; the top one-third was then selected and, via an automated program, the gray scale level (GSL) provided; backscatter values were also assessed. Values were compared between healthy controls and patients as well as to standard electrophysiologic parameters. Results: A total of 12 patients with median and ulnar neuropathy and 18 controls were enrolled. Consistent elevations in GSL and backscatter were identified in affected muscles in both patients with both conditions. For example, mean GSL for APB in median neuropathy patients was 31±3 arbitrary units (au) versus 25±2 au for healthy subjects, p Conclusions: GSL and raw backscattered ultrasound signal provide quantitative measures on hand muscle condition in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy. Further study of this approach for assessing hand muscles may reduce the need for needle electromyography of hand muscles in patients with these common conditions. Study Supported by: This study was supported grant K24 NS060951 from the National Institutes of Health. Disclosure: Dr. Martucci has nothing to disclose. Dr. Poussaint has nothing to disclose. Dr. Qi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rutkove has nothing to disclose.
The Triumvirate's Stranglehold on Our Constitutional Rights: The Loophole within Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial Dist. Court, Terry v. Ohio, and Utah v. Strieff that Shields Police Misconduct

Ever since its creation in the antecedent case Boyd v. United States, the exclusionary rule has been reinforcing the protections guaranteed to us under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the right to be free from warrantless searches and seizures. The exclusionary rule has accomplished this goal by excluding any and all evidence from court proceedings that was obtained in violation of a citizen’s constitutional rights. However, the Supreme Court has rendered decisions in several past cases that have essentially drained the exclusionary rule of its power to deter violations of our constitutional rights. These past cases have each had a seminal effect on this exception carving journey that the Supreme Court has taken with regard to the exclusionary rule. An effect so earth-shattering that each of these decisions now taken together have created a situation where police misconduct that violates our constitutional rights is all but guaranteed to walk away without consequence; thus, rendering the exclusionary rule’s purpose to deter violations of our constitutional rights absolutely powerless. The author’s perspective concentrates on the Supreme Court’s decision to leave unanswered the question of whether a person can assert the privilege against self-incrimination when a police officer unlawfully stops that person and requests their name. This article focuses on the historical development of the exclusionary rule and the privilege against self-incrimination, and will provide in-depth discussions of Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial Dist. Court, Terry v. Ohio, and Utah v. Strieff. The historical discussion of these legal concepts and landmark cases is critical to illustrate the situation that the Supreme Court has inadvertently created by refusing to answer the penultimate question above. This article will discuss how the situation will play out in the State of Louisiana today, and the implications resulting from it. The author concludes that the Supreme Court’s decision to leave open this question has essentially created a loophole within each of these three cases, which inadvertently shields police misconduct that violates our constitutional rights.
MUC1 Enhances Tumor Progression and Contributes Toward Immunosuppression in a Mouse Model of Spontaneous Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

MUC1, a membrane tethered mucin glycoprotein, is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in >80% of human ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, the role of MUC1 in pancreatic cancer has been elusive, partly due to the lack of an appropriate model. We report the characterization of a novel mouse model that expresses human MUC1 as a self molecule (PDA.MUC1 mice). Pancreatic tumors arise in an appropriate MUC1-tolerant background within an immune-competent host. Significant enhancement in the development of pancreatic intraepithelial preneoplastic lesions and progression to adenocarcinoma is observed in PDA.MUC1 mice, possibly due to increased proliferation. Tumors from PDA.MUC1 mice express higher levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and IDO compared with PDA mice lacking MUC1, especially during early stages of tumor development. The increased proinflammatory milieu correlates with an increased percentage of regulatory T cells and myeloid suppressor cells in the pancreatic tumor and tumor draining lymph nodes. Data shows that during pancreatic cancer progression, MUC1-mediated mechanisms enhance the onset and progression of the disease, which in turn regulate the immune responses. Thus, the mouse model is ideally suited for testing novel chemopreventive and therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.
Stochastic programming models for scheduling airlift operations

This article describes an analytic approach to flight scheduling within an airlift system. The model takes explicit account of the uncertainty present in cargo requirements or demands. For computational feasibility, the approach consists of two related models: (1) a monthly planning model that produces an initial schedule, and (2) a daily model for making periodic changes in the schedule. Both are formulated as two-stage stochastic linear programs. A detailed mathematical description of each model and its physical interpretation is given. The monthly model determines the number of flights each type of aircraft in the fleet. Excess demands on certain routes are assumed to be met, at least in part, by spot procurement of commerical lift from outside the system. The flight assignment is determined by minimizing the expected total system cost, which consists of operating costs, costs of reallocating aircraft to different routes, spot commercial procurement costs, and other penalty costs of excess demand. The model accounts for limitations on the number of flying hours and the carrying capacities of various aircraft in satisfying demands. In the daily model the number of aircraft of each type to switch from one route to another and the number of commercial flights on spot contract to add on the current day are the principal decision variables. These are determined by balancing operating, procurement, and redistribution costs against the expected costs of additional cargo delay. The current state of the system — the amount of unmoved cargo on various routes andathe position of aircraft throughout the system — plays a role in determining these decisions. A description of two variants of an algorithm recently developed for this class of problems is presented. Both versions, which use ideas from convex programming, make extensive use of linear programming codes for the brunt of the calculations. The models may thus be solved by augmenting existing linear programming routines.
Induction of therapeutic hypothermia by pharmacological modulation of temperature-sensitive TRP channels: theoretical framework and practical considerations

Therapeutic hypothermia has emerged as a remarkably effective method of neuroprotection from ischemia and is being increasingly used in clinics. Accordingly, it is also a subject of considerable attention from a basic scientific research perspective. One of the fundamental problems, with which current studies are concerned, is the optimal method of inducing hypothermia. This review seeks to provide a broad theoretical framework for approaching this problem, and to discuss how a novel promising strategy of pharmacological modulation of the thermosensitive ion channels fits into this framework. Various physical, anatomical, physiological and molecular aspects of thermoregulation, which provide the foundation for this text, have been comprehensively reviewed and will not be discussed exhaustively here. Instead, the first part of the current review, which may be helpful for a broader readership outside of thermoregulation research, will build on this existing knowledge to outline possible opportunities and research directions aimed at controlling body temperature. The second part, aimed at a more specialist audience, will highlight the conceptual advantages and practical limitations of novel molecular agents targeting thermosensitive Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in achieving this goal. Two particularly promising members of this channel family, namely TRP melastatin 8 (TRPM8) and TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), will be discussed in greater detail.
Gene expression in bacteriophage λ: II. Regulation of RNA synthesis in vivo by the N protein

Various mutant lysogens, all containing a temperature-sensitive repressor, were induced and the rate of synthesis of viral RNA transcribed to the left as well as to the right was measured. We have come to the following conclusions. (1) At very early times after induction both L and R viral RNA‡ are co-ordinately induced with a ratio of approximately five to one by weight. (2) Mutations in gene N greatly depress viral RNA synthesis, while mutations in genes O and P depress RNA synthesis only slightly. (3) The continued activity, even after development has started, of the N protein is shown to be necessary for normal viral RNA synthesis.
Experimental Study of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns Subjected to Near-Fault Ground Motions

Near-fault ground motions in earthquakes are very destructive due to their high-velocity pulse. Although the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)has developed seismic design criteria, the effectiveness of these provisions has not yet been studied. In this study, shake table tests were conducted to investigate the effects of near-fault ground motions on the seismic performance of bridge columns that are designed for near-fault earthquakes. Four large-scale reinforced concrete circular columns with different initial periods were tested. The design spectra included the current Caltrans spectrum and a new spectrum developed in this study. The most distinct measured column response was the relatively large residual displacements even under moderate levels of motion. The shake table test results revealed that it is necessary to control residual displacement at the design stage if the bridge is near an active fault. The data also showed that the plastic hinge length in sufficiently confined columns subjected to near-fault earthquakes is comparable to that of columns experiencing far-field motions. The column designed based on Caltrans near-fault provisions showed a 36% reduction of the residual displacement compared to a column designed for far-field earthquakes.
Hybrid hill-climbing and knowledge-based methods for intelligent news filtering

As the size of the Internet increases, the amount of data available to users has dramatically risen, resulting in an information overload for users. This work involved the creation of an intelligent information news filtering system named INFOS (Intelligent News Filtering Organizational System) to reduce the user's search burden by automatically eliminating Usenet news articles predicted to be irrelevant. These predictions are learned automatically by adapting an internal user model that is based upon features taken from articles and collaborative features derived from other users. The features are manipulated through keyword-based techniques and knowledge-based techniques to perform the actual filtering. Knowledge-based systems have the advantage of analyzing input text in detail, but at the cost of computational complexity and the difficulty of scaling up to large domains. In contrast, statistical and keyword approaches scale up readily but result in a shallower understanding of the input. A hybrid system integrating both approaches improves accuracy over keyword approaches, supports domain knowledge, and retains scalability. The system would be enhanced by more robust word disambiguation.
Photoelectron spectra of an Al70Pd21Mn9 quasicrystal and the cubic alloy Al60Pd25Mn15

Photoelectron spectra of a fivefold quasicrystalline alloy ${\mathrm{Al}}_{70}$${\mathrm{Pd}}_{21}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{9}$ and a related cubic alloy ${\mathrm{Al}}_{60}$${\mathrm{Pd}}_{25}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{15}$ reveal two noteworthy features. The first is that the Pd $3d$ lines fall at binding energies which are 2.2 eV higher than in pure Pd. A similar shift is observed for Pd in other alloys. The second noteworthy feature is that the Mn $2{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ line is very sharp in the quasicrystal. Fitting the experimental peaks with a Doniach-Sunjic line shpae suggests that the position and density of Mn states near ${E}_{F}$ is very sensitive to the structural and/or chemical environment of Mn in the alloys, and that this accounts for the shape of the $2{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ Mn line. The sharpness of the Mn line may be a fingerprint of the quasicrystalline phase within the AlPdMn family.
California Firearms Law and Mental Illness

California provides numerous pathways by which people with mental illness can qualify for a state-level firearm prohibition. The state's involuntary detention for psychiatric treatment, or "5150" (CA W&I Code 5150) process, is often cited as one potential mechanism for reducing violence by dangerous people, though its use is limited to people whose dangerousness is due to a mental illness. Additionally, California has taken legislative steps to prohibit firearm ownership among other people who have an increased risk of violence, regardless of whether or not mental illness is a factor. This article compares the California firearm ownership disqualification system for mental illness with the federal system and those of other states, examines the strengths and weaknesses of this system, and reviews alternatives.
Sodium/Phosphorus‐Sulfur Cells I. Cell Performance

Sodium/{beta}{double_prime}-alumina/phosphorus-sulfur cells utilizing P/S ratios of 0, 0.143, 0.332, and 1.17 at temperatures from 350 to 500 C were studied by measurement of the equilibrium cell voltages at open circuit, and the steady-state cell voltages at current densities up to 70 mA/cm{sup 2}. States of charge, represented by sodium atom fraction in the P-S electrode, ranged from 0 to 0.4. Open-circuit voltages up to 2.65 V were measured. Theoretical specific energies up to 825 Wh/kg were calculated from the open-circuit potential vs. composition data. When phosphorus was added to the sulfur electrode in the P/S ratio 0.143, the cell resistance was two to ten times greater than that with sulfur alone.
Cosmological explosions from cold dark matter perturbations

The cosmological-explosion model is examined for a universe dominated by cold dark matter in which explosion seeds are produced from the growth of initial density perturbations of a given form. Fragmentation of the exploding shells is dominated by the dark-matter potential wells rather than the self-gravity of the shells, and particular conditions are required for the explosions to bootstrap up to very large scales. The final distribution of dark matter is strongly correlated with the baryons on small scales, but uncorrelated on large scales.
Characteristics of two glutamine synthetase isozymes in soybean

Abstract Soybean plants [ Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Williams] contained two chromatographically distinct isoforms of glutamine synthetase, GS-1 and GS-2. GS-1 was localized in the soluble fraction while GS-2 was in the chloroplasts. GS-2 occurred only in isolated chloroplasts, and etiolation or cycloheximide treatment of light-grown plants resulted in a dramatic decrease of GS-2 activity. Although there were some minor differences in their characteristics, the isoenzymes did not differ significantly. The increase in total activity during the early phases of growth was due largely to the increase in GS-2 activity. The activity in dark-grown plants, when exposed to light, reached almost to the level of light-grown plants within 48 hr. When the two isoenzymes were separated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography, GS-1 accounted for 20% of total activity recovered. Although this proportion was found in both four- and 16-day-old seedlings, this conclusion may not be extrapolated to intact seedlings because of the activity loss during purification and different stability of the isoenzymes. On a whole seedling basis, the activity of the enzyme increased during the three-week period of germination and early growth. The reverse was true on a unit weight basis. Specific activities of roots and primary stems were much higher than any other parts of the plant.
Alkoxyl monolayers as anti-stiction coatings in Si-based MEMS devices

Reducing surface energy is key to the success of many microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In this report we present a strategy for the efficient assembly of alkoxyl monolayers onto a silicon surface to control surface energy. This is achieved by an all-liquid process in which the hydrogen terminated silicon surface resulting from aqueous HF etching is coated with a close-packed alkoxyl monolayer. The adhesion to silicon surface is reduced by a factor of 40 by the monolayer coating and friction coefficient of the coated surface is only 10-2. These coatings are successfully implemented in a model MEMS structure: cantilever beam array (CBA). Release-stiction is eliminated for polycrystalline silicon beams with a thickness of only 2 μm but with lengths up to 2 mm. Electrostatic actuation of coated beams in a controlled environment shows that the monolayer coating prevents in-use stiction at relative humidity as high as 90%.
Adaptive control of vergence in humans.

Vergence eye alignment minimizes horizontal, vertical, and cyclodisparities to optimize stereo-depth perception. Only the horizontal component of vergence is under voluntary control. Couplings with voluntary version and horizontal vergence guide vertical vergence and cyclovergence. Can these couplings be modified in response to sensory demands on binocular vision? We have modified vertical vergence and cyclovergence in response to optical changes in disparity. Vertical vergence was stimulated with aniseikonic lenses that exaggerated vertical disparity in tertiary gaze. Vertical vergence adapted in an hour to produce nonconcomitant changes in vertical phoria that varied with vertical eye position in tertiary gaze. Cyclovergence was stimulated with cyclodisparities that varied with gaze elevation and convergence angle. Cyclovergence adapted within 2 hours to produce nonconcomitant changes in cyclophoria that varied with gaze elevation and convergence. The adaptive couplings for vertical vergence and cyclovergence are modeled as a combination of passive orbital mechanics and active gain control of the vertical recti and obliques. Vergence adaptation is a calibration process that adjusts the innervation for horizontal, vertical, and torsion components of vergence to the physical constraints set by the extraocular muscles and orbital connective tissues. Passive orbital mechanics simplify the neural control for precise vertical vergence and cyclovergence that are needed to achieve binocular alignment under open-loop conditions in response to perceived spatial location
SURFACE MAGNETISM OF THE CLEAN Ni (111) SURFACE AND OF A Ni MONOLAYER ON Cu (111)

Calculs du magnetisme de surface a l'aide de la methode de l'onde plane amelioree linearisee, sur tout le potentiel
Reply to "Comment on 'On the sharpness of a needle"'

This is a reply on the article "Comment on 'On the sharpness of a needle'" (for original paper see J.V. Bladel, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, vol. 46, no.2, p.148). The author discussed only the dynamic problem in the article but for the completeness of the solution, he now includes the static problem in this reply (for original paper see P.L.E. Uslenghi, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, vol. 46, no.2, p.146-147).
Report of the task force on residency training information (2002-2003), American Board of Emergency Medicine

Abstract The American Board of Emergency Medicine gathers extensive background information on emergency medicine residents and the programs in which they train. We present the sixth annual report on the status of US emergency medicine residency programs. [ Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41:714-732.]
The distribution of acetic acid between solvent and soap micelles in benzene solutions

Abstract The distribution of acetic acid between benzene and micelles of sodium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate, magnesium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate, and magnesium phenylstearate was examined by measurements of the vapor composition in equilibrium with such systems. In each case the initial increments are more firmly bound than later portions, the amount of strongly bound acid ranging from one to two molecules per cation present. The magnesium salts bind the acid more strongly than the sodium compound. The partition coefficient for acid at higher concentrations is one or two orders of magnitude smaller than that for the initial increments. Its magnitude depends on the nature of the anion in the micelle. Water was found to reduce the initial acid-binding capacity of the magnesium salts. The data indicate that the coordinating properties of the cation are a major factor in the initial firm binding of acetic acid by oil-soluble soap micelles, but that significant amounts of acid are more loosely held by forces which may be attributed to the organic anion present.
Narrating the organizational self: Reframing the role of the news release

Abstract Public relations practitioners have long relied on the press release, or news release, as a means of communicating with publics via the media. The news release may also be seen as an autobiographical narrative through which the organization seeks to express and negotiate aspects of its identity. Reconceptualizing news releases as a narrative genre offers a means of studying processes of identity construction as events unfold, rather than relying on post hoc reconstructions that can explain away inconsistencies. Organizational crises offer an excellent opportunity for research, as organizations strive to make sense of complex situations of uncertainty. This study examines the bankruptcy scandal of Italian multinational Parmalat to illustrate how the news release may be configured as a narrative genre that helps to construct organizational identity.
Optimization of Micro Heat Pipe Radiators in a Radiation Environment

Acombined numericaland experimentalinvestigation wasconducted to predict, measure,and optimize theheat transfer performance of a novel micro heat pipe radiator design that utilized an array of metal wires sandwiched between two thin sheets. The numerical model indicated that the maximum heat transport capacity for a single micro heat pipe increases proportionally to the square of the wire diameter, that the optimal charge volume decreased with increasing heat e ux, that the maximum heat transport capacity increases with increasesin thewire spacing, and that the overall maximum heat transport capacity of the radiator is strongly governed by the spacing of the wires, the length of the radiator, and the radiation capacity of the radiator surface. These numerical results are consistent with the experimental results, which indicated that the uniformity of the temperature distribution and the radiation efe ciency both increased with increasing wire diameter, resulting in a maximum heat transport capacity for radiators utilizing a wire diameter of 0.635 mm of 15.2 W. Additional experimental tests conducted on radiators utilizing wire diameters of 0.813 and 1.016 mm illustrated similar trends; however, for micro heat pipes with wire diameters largerthan 0.813 mm, the maximum heat transport capacity was not reached within the operating temperature of the acetone working e uid. Comparison of the proposed micro heat pipe radiators with solid conductors and uncharged versions indicated signie cant improvements in the temperature uniformity and overall radiation efe ciency. A maximum radiation efe ciency of 0.95 was observed. Nomenclature A = surface area of the radiator, m 2 Ac;l = liquid-phase cross-sectional area, m 2 Ac;v = vapor-phase cross-sectional area, m 2 Ar = surface area of the radiator, m 2 dw = wire diameter, m F = view factor g = gravitational acceleration, m/s 2 hc;o = heat transfer coefe cient outside of the condenser, J/m 2 K h fg = latent heat of vaporization, J/kg N
Structure-Guided Engineering of Xylitol Dehydrogenase Cosubstrate Specificity

Summary Xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) is one of several enzymes responsible for assimilating xylose into eukaryotic metabolism and is useful for fermentation of xylose contained in agricultural byproducts to produce ethanol. For efficient xylose utilization at high flux rates, cosubstrates should be recycled between the NAD + -specific XDH and the NADPH-preferring xylose reductase, another enzyme in the pathway. To understand and alter the cosubstrate specificity of XDH, we determined the crystal structure of the Gluconobacter oxydans holoenzyme to 1.9 A resolution. The structure reveals that NAD + specificity is largely conferred by Asp38, which interacts with the hydroxyls of the adenosine ribose. Met39 stacked under the purine ring and was also located near the 2′ hydroxyl. Based on the location of these residues and on sequence alignments with related enzymes of various cosubstrate specificities, we constructed a double mutant (D38S/M39R) that was able to exclusively use NADP + , with no loss of activity.
Teaching ethics on rounds: the ethicist as teacher, consultant, and decision-maker

This paper explores the relationship between teaching and consulting in clinical ethics teaching and the role of the ethics teacher in clinical decision-making. Three roles of the clinical ethics teacher are discussed and illustrated with examples from the authors' experience. Two models of the ethics consultant are contrasted, with an argument presented for the ethics consultant as decision facilitator. A concluding section points to some of the challenges of clinical ethics teaching.
Using systematic reviews in clinical education

Traditional educational methods change clinical practice only with considerable effort and difficulty. In particular, the teaching of critical appraisal in the setting of journal clubs does not increase the amount of medical research read by trainees. Experiential learning theory, corroborated by the success of problem-based learning, encourages us to link learning to the numerous medical questions that physicians generate while providing patient care. Systematic reviews can link these questions with the results of research that would otherwise be difficult to locate, read, and appraise. Systematic reviews are a uniquely powerful mechanism for teaching, and they offer teachers a new opportunity to model rational and effective use of information. Systematic reviews should be made available at clinical sites for use during "teachable moments." Resistance to the use of systematic reviews can be reduced by using existing journal clubs to teach about the strengths and limitations of these reviews. The point that systematic reviews are meant to assist, not replace, clinical decision making deserves emphasis in such teaching.
ATP dependent assembly of the human origin recognition complex

The origin recognition complex (ORC) was initially discovered in budding yeast extracts as a protein complex that binds with high affinity to autonomously replicating sequences in an ATP-dependent manner. We have cloned and expressed the human homologs of the ORC subunits as recombinant proteins. In contrast to other eukaryotic initiators examined thus far, assembly of human ORC in vitro is dependent on ATP binding. Mutations in the ATP-binding sites of Orc4 or Orc5 impair complex assembly, whereas Orc1 ATP binding is not required. Immunofluorescence staining of human cells with anti-Orc3 antibodies demonstrate cell cycle-dependent association with a nuclear structure. Immunoprecipitation experiments show that ORC disassembles as cells progress through S phase. The Orc6 protein binds directly to the Orc3 subunit and interacts as part of ORC in vivo. These data suggest that the assembly and disassembly of ORC in human cells is uniquely regulated and may contribute to restricting DNA replication to once in every cell division cycle.