cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling venturi scrubber performance for particulate collection and pressure drop

Abstract A computational model of gas-particle flows has been extended to predict venturi scrubber performance as measured by particle collection efficiency and pressure drop. The concept of regarding particle and liquid phases as sources of momentum and energy to the gaseous phase was incorporated into the model's computational scheme. Predicted pressure drop results showed good agreement with available experimental data, particularly when uniform liquid distribution across the venturi cross-section was achieved. Our model was also more successful in predicting particle collection efficiency than several other models previously reported in the literature. Differences between model predictions and experimental results were chiefly caused by maldistribution of injected liquid into the test scrubbers.
Cloning of a brain protein identified by autoantibodies from a patient with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration

Autoantibodies directed against neuronal proteins have been identified in some patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. To identify the molecular targets for these autoantibodies, we constructed a lambda gt11 cDNA expression library from human cerebellum and screened the library with IgG from a patient with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. A single clone, pCDR2, produced a fusion protein that reacted strongly with the patient's IgG. The isolated pCDR2 clone was used to identify six overlapping cDNA clones. Sequencing of the pCDR clones revealed a distinctive pattern consisting of a unit of 18 nucleotides (6 amino acids) repeated in tandem along the entire cDNA sequence. This sequence is unlike any previously described eukaryotic gene. Southern blot analysis was consistent with single-copy representation of the CDR (cerebellar degeneration-related) gene in the human and mouse genome. RNA blotting studies with normal tissues showed expression of the CDR gene to be largely restricted to brain. Expression of the CDR message was also noted in cell lines derived from cancers of neuroectodermal, kidney, and lung origin.
DC slice ion imaging of the ultraviolet photodissociation of BrCN

Abstract The photodissociation of jet-cooled BrCN molecules has been investigated by DC slice ion imaging of the Br atom product at wavelengths of 193 and 234 nm. The images reveal that both the ground state ( 2 P 3/2 ) and spin–orbit excited ( 2 P 1/2 ) bromine atoms are produced at both photolysis energies studied. The translational energy measurements show that at 193 nm the CN fragments are vibrationally cold, while the vibrational excitation is much higher in dissociation at 234 nm. Furthermore, the CN vibrational excitation in the spin–orbit excited Br product channel is higher at both wavelengths studied.
Interpolated mappings for musical instruments

Software-based musical instruments have controls for input, a sound synthesizer for output, and mappings connecting the two. An effective layout of controls considers how many degrees of freedom each has, as well as the overhead of selecting each one while performing. An isolated mapping from one control to one synthesis parameter needs an appropriate choice of proportional, integral or derivative control (the control's value, or that value's rate of change, drives the synthesis parameter's value, or that value's rate of change). Beyond this, a compound mapping cross-coupling several controls and synthesis parameters can surprisingly increase the performer's intuitive understanding of the instrument.
Predicting gas phase organic molecule reaction rates using linear free-energy correlations. I. O(3P) and OH addition and abstraction reactions

Linear free-energy (LFE) correlations for gas phase O(3P) and OH addition and abstraction reactions with a number of organic compounds have been established using existing room-temperature rate constants evaluated from the literature. Addition reaction rate constant correlations with ionization potential and abstraction reaction rate constant correlations with bond dissociation energies are examined and compared to the LFE approach. Using multiple regression analysis, empirical linear equations are derived and used to predict rate constants for reactions of O(3P) and OH with a number of organic molecules. The use of LFE room-temperature rate predictions permits chemical modeling efforts to be extended to compounds where experimental determinations of rate coefficients are lacking and also serves as a useful tool in evaluation of experimental rate measurements.
Mealtime, temporal, and daily variability of the human urinary and plasma metabolomes in a tightly controlled environment

While metabolomics has tremendous potential for diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target discovery, its utility may be diminished by the variability that occurs due to environmental exposures including diet and the influences of the human circadian rhythm. For successful translation of metabolomics findings into the clinical setting, it is necessary to exhaustively define the sources of metabolome variation. To address these issues and to measure the variability of urinary and plasma metabolomes throughout the day, we have undertaken a comprehensive inpatient study in which we have performed non-targeted metabolomics analysis of blood and urine in 26 volunteers (13 healthy subjects with no known disease and 13 healthy subjects with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease not taking medication). These individuals were evaluated in a clinical research facility on two separate occasions, over three days, while on a standardized, weight-based diet. Subjects provided pre- and post-prandial blood and urine samples at the same time of day, and all samples were analyzed by "fast lane" LC-MS-based global metabolomics. The largest source of variability in blood and urine metabolomes was attributable to technical issues such as sample preparation and analysis, and less variability was due to biological variables, meals, and time of day. Higher metabolome variability was observed after the morning as compared to the evening meal, yet day-to-day variability was minimal and urine metabolome variability was greater than that of blood. Thus we suggest that blood and urine are suitable biofluids for metabolomics studies, though nontargeted mass spectrometry alone may not offer sufficient precision to reveal subtle changes in the metabolome. Additional targeted analyses may be needed to support the data from nontargeted mass spectrometric analyses. In light of these findings, future metabolomics studies should consider these sources of variability to allow for appropriate metabolomics testing and reliable clinical translation of metabolomics data.
A single tablet regimen is associated with higher adherence and viral suppression than multiple tablet regimens in HIV+ homeless and marginally housed people

Although, single tablet regimen (STR) efavirenz, emtricibine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EFV/FTC/TDF) may be appealing in HIV infected persons who are at high risk for non-adherence, the degree to which this simplified formulation affects adherence is not known. The virologic effectiveness of this STR in a potentially non-adherent population remains a concern, given the rapid selection of drug-resistance seen with these drugs. We performed a prospective observational study assessing adherence and virologic response to EFV/FTC/TDF STR among a cohort of homeless and marginally housed individuals. We compared adherence and viral suppression to historical controls followed in the same cohort. Adherence was higher in EFV/FTC/TDF STR regimen compared to non-one-pill once daily therapy (p=0.0060) after controlling for multiple confounders. Viral suppression (HIV RNA <50 c/ml) was greater in EFV/FTC/TDF STR than non-one pill daily regimens (69.2% vs 46.5%; p=0.02), but there was no difference in viral suppression after controlling for adherence. Once daily EFV/TNF/FTC STR appears to be a reasonable option for individuals with multiple barriers to adherence. Randomized clinical trials addressing various therapeutic strategies for this patient population are needed.
Ni nanoparticles fabricated by laser ablation in water

Nickel nanoparticles were fabricated by ablating a bulk Ni target with pulsed 337-nm laser radiation in distilled water. Transmission electron microscope images of the removed material show spherical particles with two size scales: tens of nm and hundreds of nm. Phase explosion and Rayleigh–Plateau hydrodynamic instability are suggested as being responsible for this distribution. An X-ray diffraction pattern of the ablated material demonstrates the presence of both nickel and nickel oxide.
The Irish Language in Northern Ireland: The Politics of Culture and Identity

The Irish Language in Northern Ireland: The Politics of Culture and Identity. Camille C. O'Reilly. New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc., 1999. ix. 213 pp., maps, appendix, notes, bibliography, glossary, index.
Basicity of a stable carbene, 1,3-di-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene, in THF.

The basicity of 1,3-di-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene (1) was measured in THF against three hydrocarbon indicators. Both ion pairs and free ions were found and the corresponding equilibrium constants...
Measurement of the barrier to inversion of configuration in acyclic phosphite triesters

Abstract Synthesis of three acyclic chiral phosphites is reported, in the form of dithymidine phosphite triesters. These diastereomerically pure P-stereogenic phosphites undergo epimerization at a measurable rate at 150 °C. When the alcohols on the deoxyribose moieties are protected as acyls, decomposition is minimized and by computer fitting, rate constants for epimerization can be extracted. These allow for the first time calculation of the barrier to inversion of configuration in phosphite triesters, giving ΔG†(150 °C) = 33.0 ± 0.2 kcal mol−1, comparable to the inversion barrier seen for phosphines.
Correlates of cervicovaginal human papillomavirus detection in perimenopausal women.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this research was to determine correlates of prevalent cervicovaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in perimenopausal women. Methods: A total of 178 women, age...
Mesotelencephalic dopamine neurochemical responses to glucocorticoid administration and adrenalectomy in Fischer 344 and Lewis rats.

Abstract The effects of alterations in peripheral corticosterone levels on multiple dopamine neurochemical estimates were examined in inbred Fischer and Lewis inbred rat strains. 2×2 ANOVA’s (treatment×strain) showed a main effect for treatment (1 week CORT versus placebo) on the concentrations of the dopamine metabolites homovanillic acid and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the medial prefrontal cortex, with lower levels after treatment, but no significant treatment versus strain interaction. There was no effect of CORT treatment on DA metabolites in the nucleus accumbens shell or dorsal striatum. DOPA accumulation in any terminal region examined and tyrosine hydroxylase protein content in the ventral tegmental area were also not affected by 1 week of corticosterone in either strain. One week after adrenalectomy, homovanillic acid but not dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations were significantly increased in the medial prefrontal cortex, dorsal striatum, and nucleus accumbens shell in the Lewis but not the Fischer strain, with a significant treatment×strain interaction only in the dorsal striatum . Based on these findings, the effect of adrenalectomy on DOPA accumulation and extracellular DA concentrations was examined in the Lewis strain only. Adrenalectomy produced a decrease in DOPA accumulation in the dorsal striatum with no significant change in the other regions. Adrenalectomy did not alter estimates of extracellular dopamine concentrations determined by in vivo no net flux microdialysis but did significantly increase in vivo dopamine recovery in the dorsal striatum. The findings indicate a pattern of changes in neurochemical measurements consistent with a small magnitude inhibition of basal dopamine metabolism, but not with a change neuronal activity, release or reuptake.
The Debate on Structured Debate: Toward a Unified Theory

Although structured debate has been studied extensively over the past 20 years, little theoretical understanding of the phenomenon exists. By examining the literature, this paper builds a theoretical framework for understanding structured debate by raising and exploring several key, but previously implicit theoretical issues. The paper also argues that process modeling of structured debate in group settings can afford theoretical understanding, and offers several such models and coding schemes. The implications of structured debate in real-world settings are also considered.
A structural event approach to the analysis of group composition

Abstract Since Simmel’s early work on forms of association, the processes guiding group composition have commanded considerable attention in structural sociology, but have not led to a general methodology for examining compositional properties. By introducing a structural event approach, this study offers a new technique that is not restricted to analysis of dyads or triads nor post hoc analysis of those structural arrangements that are observed in a given sample. The approach is illustrated using data on 745 organizational founding teams. Structural event analysis separates choice behavior guiding team composition (with respect to ascribed and achieved characteristics of members) from structurally-induced behavior based on contact opportunities. Results suggest that the strong impact of ascriptive homophily may be tempered when functional considerations of group composition are addressed. However, many of the other arrangements that ostensibly pass as ‘functional’ are in fact induced by opportunity structures.
on meteor‐generated infrasound

The characteristics of generation and propagation of infrasonic pressure waves excited during meteor entry into the earth's atmosphere are studied. Existing line source blast wave theory is applied to infrasonic airwave data from four bright fire-balls. It is shown that the strong shock behavior of the blast wave is confined to a cylinderical region with a radius proportional to the product of the meteor Mach number and its diameter. A description of the wave form far from the source is provided. Infrasonic data reported elsewhere are analyzed. All the results should be considered as preliminary, and additional work is under way to refine the estimates obtained.
Characteristics and Growth of a Snowdrift in Arctic Alaska, U.S.A

In arctic Alaska, 15% of the total winter snowpack is contained in large drifts. Stratigraphic sections reveal that these can form during as few as five weather events during winter, while comparison of stratigraphy and weather records show that significant deposition (up to 43% of the total drift volume) can occur during a single event of short duration ( 5.3 m s-~ for at least 3 h, wind direction within 30? of the normal to drift trap axis, and recent snowfall available for transport. When used, these rules successfully identified all drift-growth events, plus a few "extra" events that did not contribute substantially to drift growth. The extra events were invariably periods when there was sufficient wind to move snow, but insufficient snow for transport. In arctic Alaska drift size currently appears to be limited by precipitation rather than wind, leading us to speculate that an increase in precipitation could increase drift size and intensify the ecological, hydrological, and climatic impact of drifts on this arctic system.
Pain Responsivity in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome across the Menstrual Cycle

11 women with a clinical diagnosis of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and 10 control women with no such diagnosis were compared on pain threshold and pain-tolerance measures in the intermenstrual and premenstrual phases of their menstrual cycles. No significant differences were found between the groups for behavioral measures of pain sensitivity. Ratings of pain intensity, however, were higher in both phases for the PMS group.
A Model for Interdiffusion at Interfaces of Polymers with Dissimilar Physical Properties

Abstract A model was developed for interdiffusion at interfaces of polymers with dissimilar physical properties. This model is based on the assumption that the monomeric friction coefficients of the two polymers are identical but a strong function of the matrix composition. The composition dependence of the monomeric friction coefficient was evaluated from the blend zero-shear viscosity using the reptation theory. In turn, the compositional dependence of the blend zero-shear viscosity was evaluated using the volumetric properties of the blend and the free-volume theory. For polymers with dissimilar properties, this model predicts that the concentration profiles are highly asymmetric, with substantial swelling of the slower-diffusing component by the faster-diffusing component. This model also predicts the effect of changes in the volume of mixing on interdiffusion at polymer/polymer interfaces. The model was applied to a polymer pair with very dissimilar physical properties consisting of polystyrene and poly(vinyl methyl ether) and to a polymer pair with relatively similar properties consisting of poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(methyl methacrylate), to predict the concentration profile.
Novel PtdIns(3)P-binding protein Etf1 functions as an effector of the Vps34 PtdIns 3-kinase in autophagy.

Autophagy is the process whereby cytoplasmic cargo (e.g., protein and organelles) are sequestered within a double membrane–enclosed transport vesicle and degraded after vesicle fusion with the vacuole/lysosome. Current evidence suggests that the Vps34 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is essential for macroautophagy, a starvation-induced autophagy pathway (Kihara et al., 2001). Here, we characterize a requirement for Vps34 in constitutive autophagy by the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway. First, we show that transient disruption of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3-phosphate (PtdIns[3]P) synthesis through inactivation of temperature-sensitive Vps34 or its upstream activator, Vps15, blocks the Cvt and macroautophagy pathways. Yet, PtdIns(3)P-binding FYVE domain-containing proteins, which mediate carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) transport to the vacuole by the CPY pathway, do not account for the requirement of Vps34 in autophagy. Using a genetic selection designed to isolate PtdIns(3)P-binding effectors of Vps34, we identify Etf1, an uncharacterized type II transmembrane protein. Although Etf1 does not contain a known 3-phosphoinositide–binding domain (i.e., FYVE or Phox), we find that Etf1 interacts with PtdIns(3)P and that this interaction requires a basic amino acid motif (KKPAKK) within the cytosolic region of the protein. Moreover, deletion of ETF1 or mutation of the KKPAKK motif results in strong sorting defects in the Cvt pathway but not in macroautophagy or in CPY sorting. We propose that Vps34 regulates the CPY, Cvt, and macroautophagy pathways through distinct sets of PtdIns(3)P-binding effectors and that Vps34 promotes protein trafficking in the Cvt pathway through activation/localization of the effector protein Etf1.
Healthy People 2010 disease prevalence in the Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project cohort: opportunities for public health genomic research

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Healthy People 2010 disease conditions in a large population-based cohort in central Wisconsin (WI, USA) and to consider how these conditions can be prioritized for research based on the use of healthcare services, the prevalence of various disease states and the resulting study power. Methods: Healthy People 2010 diagnoses were estimated for participants in the Personalized Medicine Research Project (PMRP), a large population-based biobank for residents aged 18 years and older living in central Wisconsin. By interrogating the electronic medical record, three parameters were calculated for each diagnosis: mean number of concomitant diagnoses, mean number of annual clinic visits before diagnosis and mean number of clinic visits after diagnosis. Results: A total of 18,239 adults enrolled in PMRP from September 2002 to May 2005 and were included in the study. They had a mean age of 49 years (standard deviation: 18.5), ranging from 18–98 years; 57% were female. At least one Healthy People 2010 disease was diagnosed in 86.4% of the participants; 13.6% had never been diagnosed with any of these conditions. The median number of diagnoses per subject was three (range: 1–15). The median number of annual visits after diagnosis was lowest for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9.1) and highest for sleep apnea (17.9). Subjects with a diabetic retinopathy diagnosis had the highest number of concomitant diagnoses (mean: 6.8). Discussion: All of the diseases within the Healthy People 2010 list are purported to have at least some genetic component, with the exception of injuries. The PMRP cohort is large enough that diseases of public health importance can be studied in the context of a variety of clinical and environmental covariates. This database is being developed as a national resource and is particularly useful where the estimated disease prevalence is 5% or greater. For less common diseases, additional cases can be recruited from throughout the Marshfield Clinic system of care, with population-based controls selected from the main PMRP study cohort.
Ionization-Controlled Stability of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers in Salt Solutions

In situ FTIR measurements of functional group ionization are reported for polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films, composed of a weak polycarboxylic acid and one of several polycations each having different charge densities. The stability of the multilayers in salt solutions increased dramatically when the pH of the solution was lowered below a critical point. This critical pH was shown to depend on both the charge density of the polycation and the nature of the polyacid. Stabilization of the multilayer was controlled exclusively by polyacid ionization within the film and occurred when the same fraction of carboxylic groups was ionized regardless of the nature of the polyacid or the polycation charge density.
Implementation of a mentor system to enhance student education and evaluation in the ambulatory setting

Teaching in the ambulatory setting is complicated by several problems. These problems include (a) meshing complicated schedules of both students and faculty, which may decrease the contact between individual students and a particular faculty member, (b) failure of the faculty members to observe clinical encounters between students and patients, (c) failure of students to share learning experiences with their peers, and (d) inability of faculty members to probe the extent of a student's understanding of a particular case due to pressures to provide medical care. We have developed a “mentor system”; under which students are assigned to one faculty mentor for evaluation and feedback. The impact of this system was measured by administering a questionnaire to six ambulatory pediatric faculty members. Faculty reported significantly enhanced (p = .027) ability to evaluate students and increased overall satisfaction with their teaching role.
A QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT APPROACH TO STRATEGIC CAPITAL BUDGETING

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new analytic method of capital budgeting that takes into account both customer “wants” and competitor's status (or relative position and strength. The model, which is loosely based on quality function deployment (QFD), incorporates market segments, customer “wants,” design specifications, various manufacturing processes, and capital budgeting projects as rows and columns of interconnected QFD matrices. In addition, we have used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the intensity of the relationship between the variables involved in each matrix of the model. Ultimately, the goal of these matrices is to prioritize projects and ensure that the projects funded are focused on satisfying customer “wants.” Project priorities calculated from the interconnected matrices are used as the objective function in a 0–1 integer program to determine funding allocation levels for various capital budgeting projects. A practical example shows the applicability of the model to manufa...
Art in virtual reality 2010

For decades, virtual reality artwork has existed in a small but highly influential niche in the world of electronic and new media art. Since the early 1990's, virtual reality installations have come to define an extreme boundary point of both aesthetic experience and technological sophistication. Classic virtual reality artworks have an almost mythological stature - powerful, exotic, and often rarely exhibited. Today, art in virtual environments continues to evolve and mature, encompassing everything from fully immersive CAVE experiences to performance art in Second Life to the use of augmented and mixed reality in public space. Art in Virtual Reality 2010 is a public exhibition of new artwork that showcases the diverse ways that contemporary artists use virtual environments to explore new aesthetic ground and investigate the continually evolving relationship between our selves and our virtual worlds.
Design of a 32 b monolithic microprocessor based on GaAs HMESFET technology

This paper examines the design of a 32-b GaAs Fast RISC microprocessor (F-RISC/I). F-RISC/I is a single chip GaAs Heterojunction MESFET (HMESFET) processor targeted for implementation on a multichip module (MCM) together with cache memories. The CPU architecture, circuit design. Implementation, and testing are optimized for a seven-stage instruction pipeline implemented with GaAs super-buffered FET logic (SBFL). We have been able to verify novel GaAs SBFL standard cells and compare measured CPU performance with performance estimates based on circuit and device models. The prototype 32-b microprocessor has been implemented using an automated standard cell approach because of time constraints and fabricated using an experimental process by Rockwell International. The CPU chip integrates 92340 transistors on a 7/spl times/7 mm/sup 2/ die and dissipates 6.13 W at 180 MHz. Test results from a prototype fabrication run have demonstrated the operation of the ALU, the program counter, and the register file with delays below 6, 5, and 3.4 ns, respectively. The successful modeling and verification indicate that a 0.5 /spl mu/m HMESFET implementation of F-RISC/I could achieve a peak performance of 350 MHz. The wiring delays account for 42% of the critical path delay.
Polity and Rights Values in Conflict: The Burger Court, Ideological Interests, and the Separation of Church and State

I seek to counter a view commonly held by scholars that the Burger Court is pragmatic in its constitutional choices in contrast to the Warren Court, which is viewed as ideological. I propose a methodology to study the effects of process values and rights values held by members of the Burger Court on their decision making. To view its decision making as pragmatic, without awareness of underlying values of process and rights, results in an oversimplified view and leads to the unwarranted conclusion that the Burger Court is case-specific in making constitutional choices. I limit my discussion to separation of church and state cases, primarily in the area of aid to parochial education, because traditionally scholars have emphasized the pragmatic nature of Burger Court choices in this area. A finding of consistency of values in justices' orientations in this area suggests that the methodology reported here might have general utility in the study of Supreme Court decision making.
Validity of predictive models of stress relaxation in selected dental polymers

Abstract Objective The goal of this investigation was to assess validity of predictive models of stress relaxation in dental polymers when applied to extended master curves generated from short time experimental data by WLF time temperature superposition method. Methods The stress relaxation modulus changes with time at three different temperatures near the ambient body temperature were determined for selected mono-methacrylate (PEMA and PMMA) and dimethacrylate (bis-acryl) dental polymers. WLF time–temperature superposition procedure of logarithmic shift of the data from other temperatures to those at 37 °C was used to generate extended master curves of relaxation modulus changes with time. The extended data were analyzed for conformity to three different predictive models of stress relaxation including Maxwell, KWW stretched exponential function and Nutting's power law equation. Results Maxwell model was found to be a poor fit for the extended data in all polymers tested, but the data showed a much better fit for KWW (0.870 R 2 R 2 β in the KWW function and the fractional power exponent n in Nutting's equation were both significantly different for PEMA based system when compared to that of PMMA and bis-acryl systems. Significance The mean values of β in KWW function and power exponent n in Nutting's equation for PEMA resin is consistent with significant viscoplastic contribution to its deformation under stress unlike in PMMA and bis-acryl resin systems. This may have significant bearing for PEMA use in medium to longer term stress-bearing applications even as a temporization material.
Probabilistic exposure assessment of operator and residential non-dietary exposure

This paper discusses the potential role of probabilistic non-dietary exposure and risk assessment in the regulatory processes for pesticide products. Regulatory decisions regarding operator or consumer exposure to pesticide products have traditionally been based on deterministic exposure assessments. With the development of computer modelling and exposure databases, the submission of non-dietary exposure probabilistic assessments are imminent. The current status of non-dietary probability analysis to support regulatory risk management decisions is provided with a case study presented to illustrate issues regarding the use of probability analysis for regulatory non-dietary risk assessment. The development of a guidance document for the use of non-dietary exposure probability analyses for regulatory purposes is proposed.
GeneOrder3.0: Software for comparing the order of genes in pairs of small bacterial genomes

An increasing number of whole viral and bacterial genomes are being sequenced and deposited in public databases. In parallel to the mounting interest in whole genomes, the number of whole genome analyses software tools is also increasing. GeneOrder was originally developed to provide an analysis of genes between two genomes, allowing visualization of gene order and synteny comparisons of any small genomes. It was originally developed for comparing virus, mitochondrion and chloroplast genomes. This is now extended to small bacterial genomes of sizes less than 2 Mb. GeneOrder3.0 has been developed and validated successfully on several small bacterial genomes (ca. 580 kb to 1.83 Mb) archived in the NCBI GenBank database. It is an updated web-based "on-the-fly" computational tool allowing gene order and synteny comparisons of any two small bacterial genomes. Analyses of several bacterial genomes show that a large amount of gene and genome re-arrangement occurs, as seen with earlier DNA software tools. This can be displayed at the protein level using GeneOrder3.0. Whole genome alignments of genes are presented in both a table and a dot plot. This allows the detection of evolutionary more distant relationships since protein sequences are more conserved than DNA sequences. GeneOrder3.0 allows researchers to perform comparative analysis of gene order and synteny in genomes of sizes up to 2 Mb "on-the-fly." Availability: http://binf.gmu.edu/genometools.html and http://pasteur.atcc.org:8050/GeneOrder3.0 .
Dwelling Age Heteroskedasticity in Repeat Sales House Price Equations

Several authors have attributed the heteroskedasticity observed in repeat sales house price equations to the length of time between sales. Recently, Goodman and Thibodeau (1995) developed a theoretical model that relates heteroskedasticity in hedonic house price equations to dwelling age. Using data for nearly 2,000 repeat sales in Dallas, Texas, this research examines whether repeat sales heteroskedasticity is related to dwelling age, to the length of time between sales, or to both. An iterative generalized least squares procedure that explicitly models the residual variance is used to obtain robust parameter estimates and to increase the efficiency of the usual repeat sales price indices.
Association of racing performance with specific abnormal radiographic findings in Thoroughbred yearlings sold in Texas

Abstract The objective of this prospective study was to determine the association between presence of abnormal radiographic findings attributed to orthopedic disorders of development (ARF) with subsequent performance among yearlings in Texas. The study population was 348 yearlings offered for sale at the Texas Summer Yearling Sale during 2002 and 2003 for which presale radiographs of limbs were available for review. Radiographs of yearlings were reviewed and presence of ARF were recorded. Additionally, the following data were recorded for each horse: identifiers [name of dam, name of sire, hip number, and name (when available)], year of sale, state of birth, and sales price. Subsequent performance data were obtained for each horse at the conclusion of their 2nd and 3rd years of life. Results indicated that no ARF was significantly associated with performance outcomes. Lesions of the proximal dorsal aspect of the sagittal ridge of the 3rd metacarpus/metatarsus resulted in significantly lower sales prices than either horses without this ARF or horses without any ARF. In conclusion, multiple radiographic abnormalities of Thoroughbred yearlings were not associated with reduced performance during the first 2 years of the racing careers of horses studied. Presence of some abnormalities, however, may be associated with reduced sales price.
Iterative soft-decision feedback zigzag algorithm using joint extrinsic information for two-dimensional intersymbol interference

This paper reconsiders the iterative soft decision feedback zigzag algorithm (ISDFZA) of Chen et. al. (IEEE JSAC, Feb. 2010), for equalization of two-dimensional intersymbol interference channels with additive white Gaussian noise. In the ISDFZA, source pixel estimates were assumed to be statistically independent; in the new algorithm we jointly estimate adjacent groups of source pixels. The new algorithm, called the block zigzag (BLKZ) algorithm, uses constant LLR weights across iterations, and provides more than 2 dB SNR gain over the ISDFZA on the 2×2 averaging mask channel; at low and medium SNRs it also outperforms the iterative row-column soft decision feedback algorithm (IRCSDFA) using joint extrinsic information (Chen et. al., CISS 2010). For the 3 × 3 averaging mask, the BLKZ algorithm gives more than 1 dB SNR gain over the independent ISDFZA at high SNRs. When the BLKZ algorithm is concatenated with the joint IRCSDFA, the concatenated system achieves the maximum-likelihood (ML) bound at high SNR with the 2 × 2 averaging mask; with the 3 × 3 averaging mask the joint concatenated system gains about 1 dB compared to the concatenated system with independence assumption, and comes within 0.2 dB of the ML bound. This paper also introduces a new method of LLR subtraction for the BLKZ algorithm based on the algorithms two-dimensional extrinsic information flow chart.
Congressional Support For the President: the View From the Kennedy/Johnson White House

This paper describes characteristics of presidential support scores compiled by the Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) from 1961 to 1967. These characteristics are compared to similar scores compiled by Congressional Quarterly (CQ). The OCR scores were based on votes known to be important to the presidents, while CQ could not make such distinctions. This difference in vote selection generated important substantive and methodological implications. For example, the OCR scores reveal that Republicans and southern Democrats were much less supportive of the presidents than CQ suggests, while northern Democrats were much more supportive. This, along with other CQ shortcomings revealed by the analysis of CQ-OCR differences, argues for the use of the OCR scores when attempting to explain presidential influence, and a sensitivity to important problems with the CQ scores when the OCR data are not available.
Growth hormone and fatty acid mobilization: the role of the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid.

Growth hormone induces a significant increase in plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration when administered to hypophysectomized, adrenalectomized, and thyroidectomized as well as to normal rats. The magnitude of the growth hormone effect is reduced in adrenalectomized but not in adrenal-demedullated, thyroidectomized or hypophysectomized animals.
Do shrimp-allergic individuals tolerate shrimp-derived glucosamine?

Summary Background There is concern that shrimp-allergic individuals may react to glucosamine-containing products as shrimp shells are a major source of glucosamine used for human consumption. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether shrimp-allergic individuals can tolerate therapeutic doses of glucosamine. Methods Subjects with a history of shrimp allergy were recruited and tested for both shrimp reactivity via a prick skin test and shrimp-specific IgE by an ImmunoCAP assay. Fifteen subjects with positive skin tests to shrimp and an ImmunoCAP class level of two or greater were selected for a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) using glucosamine-chondroitin tablets containing 1500 mg of synthetically produced (control) or shrimp-derived glucosamine. Immediate reactions, including changes in peak flow and blood pressure, and delayed reactions (up to 24 h post-challenge) via questionnaire were noted and assessed. Results All subjects tolerated 1500 mg of both shrimp-derived or synthetic glucosamine without incident of an immediate hypersensitivity response. Peak flows and blood pressures remained constant, and no subject had symptoms of a delayed reaction 24 h later. Conclusion This study demonstrates that glucosamine supplements from specific manufacturers do not contain clinically relevant levels of shrimp allergen and therefore appear to pose no threat to shrimp-allergic individuals.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction in Women: Is There a Role for Novel Biomarkers?

Background: Risk prediction is an integral part of the current US guidelines for cardiovascular disease in women. Although current risk prediction algorithms exist to identify women at increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), clinicians and researchers have been interested in developing novel biomarkers that might improve predictive accuracy further. These biomarkers have led to important insights into the pathophysiology of CVD, but results for their ability to improve prediction or guide preventive therapy have been more mixed. The incidence of CVD is lower in women than men, and the effects of a number of traditional biomarkers on CVD risk differ in women compared to men. Both of these factors influence the ability to accurately predict CVD risk. Content: We review the distinctive aspects of CVD risk prediction in women, discuss the statistical challenges to improved risk prediction, and discuss a number of biomarkers in varying stages of development with a range of performance in prediction. Summary: A variety of biomarkers from different pathophysiologic pathways have been evaluated for improving CVD risk. While many have been incompletely studied or have not been shown to improve risk prediction in women, others, such as high-sensitivity troponin T, have shown promise in improving risk prediction. Increasing inclusion of women in CVD studies will be crucial to providing opportunities to evaluate future biomarkers.
Deficient mitochondrial biogenesis in critical illness: cause, effect, or epiphenomenon?

Recent studies indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of a number of disease states. The importance of these organelles in shock and multiple organ dysfunction is of particular interest to those caring for the critically ill. Mitochondria have their own unique DNA (mtDNA) that encodes 13 essential subunits of electron transport chain enzymes, two ribosomal RNAs and 22 transfer RNAs. Importantly, mtDNA is especially susceptible to deletions, rearrangements and mutations because it is not bound by histones and lacks the extensive repair machinery present in the nucleus. The study by Cote et al. in this issue of Critical Care examines changes in mtDNA in critically ill patients. The results support further investigation into the role of mtDNA in the critically ill.
Upper limb malformations associated with congenital heart disease

Upper limb malformations occur in patients with congenital heart disease as multifactorial, chromosomal or teratogenic combinations, and can be predictable (nonrandom) or sporadic (random) associations. The cardiac and limb defects represent either essential features of a syndrome or less common or less significant components. A practical classification is proposed based on the frequency and relative consistency of upper limb and cardiac associations. Recognition of upper limb malformations helps to identify accompanying cardiac disease and aids in the choice of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in determination of prognosis and in genetic counseling. Upper limb malformations are the commonest skeletal abnormalities in patients with congenital heart disease, but it is also important to know with which limb defects concordance is low.
The Role of Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract Background: The systemic manifestations of acute pancreatitis are responsible for the majority of pancreatitis-associated morbidity and mortality and are now believed to be due to the actions of specific inflammatory cytokines. This report summarizes what is known about the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Methods: Comprehensive literature review of experimental pancreatitis as well as all reports of cytokine involvement during clinical pancreatitis. Results: Several cytokines and other noncytokine inflammatory mediators are produced rapidly during pancreatitis. These mediators arise in many tissues in a predictable fashion independent of the animal model used or the underlying etiology in human disease. Preventing the activities of these mediators has a profound beneficial effect in experimental animals. Conclusions: A few recently described inflammatory mediators are believed to be primarily responsible for the systemic manifestations of acute pancreatitis and its associated distant organ dysfunction. The predictable nature in which they are produced may allow for novel approaches to treating this disease.
Explicit evaluations of a Ramanujan-Selberg continued fraction

This paper gives explicit evaluations for a Ramanujan-Selberg continued fraction in terms of class invariants and singular moduli.
VERILAT: verification using logic augmentation and transformations

This paper presents a new framework for formal logic verification. What is depicted here is fundamentally different from previous approaches. In earlier approaches, the circuit is either not changed during the verification process, as in OBDD or implication-based methods, or the circuit is progressively reduced during verification. Whereas in our approach, we actually enlarge the circuits by adding gates during the verification process. Specifically introduced here is a new technique that transforms the reference circuit as well as the circuit to be verified, so that the similarity between the two is progressively enhanced. This requires addition of gates to the reference circuit and/or the circuit to be verified. In the process, we reduce the dissimilarity between the two circuits, which makes it easier to verify the circuits.
Immediate transfection of patient-derived leukemia: a novel source for generating cell-based vaccines

The production of cell-based cancer vaccines by gene vectors encoding proteins that stimulate the immune system has advanced rapidly in model systems. We sought to develop non-viral transfection methods that could transform patient tumor cells into cancer vaccines, paving the way for rapid production of autologous cell-based vaccines. As the extended culture and expansion of most patient tumor cells is not possible, we sought to first evaluate a new technology that combines electroporation and chemical transfection in order to determine if plasmid-based gene vectors could be instantaneously delivered to the nucleus, and to determine if gene expression was possible in a cell-cycle independent manner. We tested cultured cell lines, a primary murine tumor, and primary human leukemia cells from diagnostic work-up for transgene expression, using both RFP and CD137L expression vectors. Combined electroporation-transfection directly delivered plasmid DNA to the nucleus of transfected cells, as demonstrated by confocal microscopy and real-time PCR analysis of isolated nuclei. Expression of protein from plasmid vectors could be detected as early as two hours post transfection. However, the kinetics of gene expression from plasmid-based vectors in tumor cell lines indicated that optimal gene expression was still dependent on cell division. We then tested to see if pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) would also display the rapid gene expression kinetics of tumor cells lines, determining gene expression 24 hours after transfection. Six of 12 specimens showed greater than 17% transgene expression, and all samples showed at least some transgene expression. Given that transgene expression could be detected in a majority of primary tumor samples analyzed within hours, direct electroporation-based transfection of primary leukemia holds the potential to generate patient-specific cancer vaccines. Plasmid-based gene therapy represents a simple means to generate cell-based cancer vaccines and does not require the extensive infrastructure of a virus-based vector system.
An empirical boundary potential for water droplet simulations

An empirical modified boundary potential has been derived to correct the structural perturbations arising from the presence of the vacuum boundary in the simulation of spherical TIP4P water systems. The potential is parameterized for a 12.0-A sphere of TIP4P water and gives improved number density and orientational sampling behavior. It is also transferable to both larger and smaller simulation systems with only a moderate degradation in performance. Free-energy calculations have been conducted for the perturbation of a TIP4P water molecule to methane under aqueous conditions, and the modified boundary potential gives results consistent with those from simulations using periodic boundary conditions. However, simple half-harmonic boundary potentials give unsatisfactory number density, orientational sampling, and free-energy results. Moreover, use of the modified boundary potential results in a negligible increase in simulation time. It is envisaged that the modified boundary potential will find use in free-energy perturbation calculations on proteins with a solvent sphere centered on the active site. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.