cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capacity limit of queueing timing channel in shared FCFS schedulers

The capacity of a queueing timing channel in which a user modulates messages to another user via his pattern of access to a shared resource scheduled in an FCFS manner is calculated. One example of such a channel is the cross-Virtual Network (VN) covert channel in data center networks. In data center networks, software-defined-networks generate logically isolated virtual networks, across which direct data exchange is impossible. However, since packet flows belonging to different VNs inevitably share underlying network infrastructure, it is possible to transfer data across VNs through timing channels resulting from the queueing effects of the shared resource.
Extended-range seasonal hurricane forecasts for the North Atlantic with a hybrid dynamical-statistical model

[1] A hybrid forecast model for seasonal hurricane activity in the North Atlantic is developed using a combined numerical coupled ocean-atmosphere climate and empirical prediction models. Based on a 29-yr (1981-2009) dataset, an empirical relationship developed between the number of seasonal hurricane and the large-scale variables from ECMWF hindcasts. The increase of seasonal hurricane activity correlates negatively with the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly over the tropical East Pacific, positively with the SST anomaly over the Main Development Region (MDR) and North Atlantic and the decrease of wind shear over the MDR. The North Atlantic SST and the MDR vertical wind shear are selected as predictors based on sensitivity tests. Forecasts of these predictors are made with the ECMWF climate model run in ensemble mode thus providing a probability distribution of hurricane number. The forecast skill of the hybrid model is better than or at least competitive with publicly-available forecast models but made with a one month earlier lead-time. The hybrid model initialized in June and July 2010 forecasts an active season with 9 hurricanes.
Visual speech synthesis using quadtree splines

In this paper, we present a method for synthesizing photo-realistic visual speech using a parametric model based on quadtree splines. In an image-based visual speech synthesis system, visemes are used for generating an arbitrary new image sequence. The images between visemes are usually synthesized using a certain mapping. Such a mapping can be characterized by motion parameters estimated from the training data. With the quadtree splines, we can minimize the number of motion parameters for a given synthetic error. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by experiments.
Plastics recycling issues for the computer industry: progress and challenges

Plastics recycling has long been a weakness in achieving a high level of product recyclability by the computer industry. However, advancements in the use of plastic materials with recycle content in new products and the recycling of plastic scrap generated from end-of-life (EOL) machines have had a positive impact on product recyclability. Progress is being achieved through the individual and combined efforts of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), plastic resin suppliers, recyclers, and industry associations. Limited processing capabilities have been developed in support of closed and open loop recycling alternatives to landfill or incineration. Industry associations such as the American Plastics Council (APC) are also addressing key recycling issues and impediments in a forum which includes OEM, resin supplier, recycler, and regulatory agency representation. The challenges addressed in the paper requiring new initiatives by those involved in computer plastics recycling include: (1) the development of suitable foodstreams to satisfy increasing demands for recycle materials, (2) more efficient recovery processes, (3) new end-use applications for mixed and contaminated plastics, and (4) improved economics to support the development of this recycling industry. Additionally, the potential impact of certain regulatory requirements on plastic recycling are discussed.
Maltraitance infantile et mécanismes épigénétiques

Dans une tentative de mieux cerner l’impact que peuvent avoir les maltraitances dans l’enfance sur le developpement de troubles psychiatriques, des etudes se sont recemment centrees sur les mecanismes de regulation de l’expression des genes : l’epigenetique. Elles ont mis en evidence des modifications tant quantitatives (plus grand nombre de modifications epigenetiques) que qualitatives chez les personnes ayant vecu des maltraitances dans l’enfance. Au niveau qualitatif, les resultats les plus prometteurs concernent avant tout des genes impliques dans la regulation de l’axe du stress comme NR3C1 ou FKBP5. D’autres genes comme BDNF ou certains microARN semblent egalement prometteurs. Des etudes ulterieures sont toutefois necessaires afin de determiner a quel point ces modifications epigenetiques pourraient servir d’eventuels biomarqueurs non seulement de la maladie mais egalement de la reponse au traitement.
Association of lung volumes with nocturnal oxygen saturation in obese persons: a possible role for therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure.

We investigated the association among obesity, nocturnal oxygen saturation, and pulmonary function in 31 obese women and 17 obese men scheduled for bariatric surgery who underwent nocturnal polysomnography and pulmonary function testing. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant association between expiratory reserve volume percent and average oxygen saturation (P = 0.027), between body mass index and lowest oxygen saturation (P = 0.034), and between body mass index and average oxygen saturation (P = 0.039). The mean age, body mass index, expiratory reserve volume percent, and functional residual capacity percent were not significantly different between obese women and men. The lowest oxygen saturation was 80 ± 10% in obese women and 62 ± 19% in obese men (P = 0.001). The average oxygen saturation was 88 ± 5% in obese women and 83 ± 6% in obese men (P = 0.005) Therapeutic nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure may have a role by improving ventilation-perfusion matching and thereby improving nocturnal oxygen saturation in these patients.
Fatigue of Thick Tubes: Effect of Mean Pressure, Honing, Plating, Burnishing, and Peening

Experimental results are presented for fatigue of closed-ended thick-walled tubes of 2.5 wall ratio and 32.3 mm (1.27 in.) ID for SAE 4333 steel subjected to pulsating internal pressure. Results are given for the following conditions: as-received-polished bore, stress relieved, honed with a 207 MPa (30 ksi) mean pressure, honed with a 276 MPa (40 ksi) mean pressure, nickel plated bore, roller burnished bore, and shot peened bore.
Ultrasonic scattering from imperfect interfaces: A quasi-static model

A quasi-static model for the ultrasonic transmission and reflection at imperfect interfaces is developed. The interface is represented by a distributed spring, determined by the change in static compliance of the medium with respect to one with a perfect interface, and a distributed mass, representing excess mass at the interface. Comparison of the model predictions to exact solutions for two simple cases illustrates its accuracy at low frequencies. The spring stiffnesses can be derived from existing solutions for the elastic displacement of materials containing cracks and inclusions under static load. Results for a variety of cases are reviewed. Applications of the model to study the characteristics of partially contacting surfaces in several problem areas of current interest are discussed.
A randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention to reduce high-risk sexual behavior among adolescents in STD clinics

A five-session behavioral intervention to reduce risky sexual behavior was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial, in which 339 adolescents, ages 15 to 19 years, were recruited in public sexually transmitted disease clinics and randomly assigned to receive the intervention or usual care. The intervention targeted (a) decision-making about safer sex goals, (b) social skills for achieving safer sex, and (c) acceptance of negative thoughts and feelings. Compared to the control group at 6-months follow-up, treatment participants reported fewer sexual partners, fewer nonmonogamous partners, and fewer sexual contacts with strangers in the past 3 months, and less use of marijuana before or during sex. Treated adolescents also performed better on a taped situations test of skill in handling difficult sexual situations. Strongest intervention effects were for male and nonminority youth. Further research is needed to develop interventions with strong, durable effects across gender and ethnic groups that can be delivered cost-effectively within existing service systems.
Using University-Funded Research Projects to Teach System Design Processes and Tools

This paper highlights the development of a new course structure and an associated knowledge support system, deployed as a pilot program at the senior undergraduate and first-semester graduate level. These two new courses, run consecutively, allow the injection of funded research projects to be used as a means to teach topics related to systems engineering. During the two courses, the students analyzed a real Department of Defense (DoD) problem. Specifically, the courses sought to teach students how to apply systems engineering processes, tools, and analysis to engineering design problems. These two courses are described in depth, and details are given of the knowledge support system, educational structure, and assessment of this pilot program. Student perception of this new educational pilot program was assessed by surveys and is reported here.
Analysis of Culture-Dependent versus Culture-Independent Techniques for Identification of Bacteria in Clinically Obtained Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid

The diagnosis and management of pneumonia are limited by the use of culture-based techniques of microbial identification, which may fail to identify unculturable, fastidious, and metabolically active viable but unculturable bacteria. Novel high-throughput culture-independent techniques hold promise but have not been systematically compared to conventional culture. We analyzed 46 clinically obtained bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic lung transplant recipients both by culture (using a clinical microbiology laboratory protocol) and by bacterial 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Bacteria were identified in 44 of 46 (95.7%) BAL fluid specimens by culture-independent sequencing, significantly more than the number of specimens in which bacteria were detected (37 of 46, 80.4%, P ≤ 0.05) or "pathogen" species reported (18 of 46, 39.1%, P ≤ 0.0001) via culture. Identification of bacteria by culture was positively associated with culture-independent indices of infection (total bacterial DNA burden and low bacterial community diversity) (P ≤ 0.01). In BAL fluid specimens with no culture growth, the amount of bacterial DNA was greater than that in reagent and rinse controls, and communities were markedly dominated by select Gammaproteobacteria, notably Escherichia species and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Culture growth above the threshold of 10(4) CFU/ml was correlated with increased bacterial DNA burden (P < 0.01), decreased community diversity (P < 0.05), and increased relative abundance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P < 0.001). We present two case studies in which culture-independent techniques identified a respiratory pathogen missed by culture and clarified whether a cultured "oral flora" species represented a state of acute infection. In summary, we found that bacterial culture of BAL fluid is largely effective in discriminating acute infection from its absence and identified some specific limitations of BAL fluid culture in the diagnosis of pneumonia. We report the first correlation of quantitative BAL fluid culture results with culture-independent evidence of infection.
Estradiol-Treated Female Mice as Surrogate Hosts for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Genital Tract Infections.

Historically, animal modeling of gonorrhea has been hampered by the exclusive adaptation of Neisseria gonorrheae to humans. Genital tract infection can be established in female mice that are treated with 17β-estradiol, however, and many features of experimental murine infection mimic human infection. Here we review the colonization kinetics and host response to experimental murine gonococcal infection, including mouse strain differences and evidence that IL-17 responses, TLR4, and T-regulatory cells play a role in infection. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of the mouse system and the potential of transgenic mice to circumvent host restrictions. Additionally, we review studies with genetically defined mutants that demonstrate a role for sialyltransferase and the MtrC-MtrD-MtrE active efflux pump in evading innate defenses in vivo, but not for several factors hypothesized to protect against the phagocytic respiratory burst and H2O2-producing lactobacilli. Experimental infection of estradiol-treated mice has also revealed the existence of non-host restricted iron sources in the female genital tract and the influence of hormonal factors on colonization kinetics and selection for opacity (Opa) protein expression. Recent work by others with estradiol-treated mice that are transgenic for human carcinoembryonic adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) supports a role for Opa proteins in enhancing cellular attachment and thus reduced shedding of N. gonorrhoeae. Finally we discuss the use of the mouse model in product testing and a recently developed gonorrhea chlamydia coinfection model.
Gonad-Stimulating Hormone in Urine of a Patient with a Chorioepithelioma Uteri.

ConclusionThe gonad-stimulating hormone found in the urine of a patient with a chorioepithelioma uteri had certain biologic characteristics similar to those of the substance occurring in women during normal gestation.Although the discovery of Rossler,1 that the urine of women with hydatidiform mole or chorioepithelioma uteri contains large amounts of a gonad-stimulating factor, has been repeatedly confirmed, there is as yet no information available as to the nature of this hormone.The specimens examined in this study were from a patient under the care of Doctors Reginald Knight Smith and T. Henshaw Kelly. She was a woman of 29, who developed a chorioepithelioma uteri following a hydatidiform mole, and died with extensive metastases in the liver and in the lungs.A number of extracts were prepared by alcohol precipitation of the urine, and various dosages were injected into more than 25 immature rats. The histologic examination of the ovaries of these animals showed the presence of a few corpora lutea, lute...
Modeling of solute release from laminated matrices

Abstract The Higuchi model for diffusion controlled release of a solute from a matrix whose initial loading of solute is greater than the solubility limit has been used to analyze the temporal release pattern from laminated sheets having different levels of initial solute loading. A complete pseudosteady-state analysis is presented for the case of two levels of solute loading and the advantages are shown by example calculations. Such laminates yield a more nearly constant rate of solute release than simple single layer matrix structures. The pseudosteady-state approach breaks down when the outer layers contain no undissolved solute so a separate analysis is presented for this case.
Dc micro grid protection with the z-source breaker

Many components of a modern micro grid operate using a dc interface including solar panels, fuel cells, and battery energy storage. For this reason, a dc micro grid has been suggested and utilized in some power systems. With the absence of a zero-crossing in the current waveform, the dc breaker faces a unique challenge in that there is no natural method of extinguishing an arc that occurs during breaker operation. This is handled in practice by using over-sized ac breakers, using a solid-state breaker, or using a hybrid solid-state/mechanical breaker. A recently introduced z-source breaker is a unique form of the solid-state breaker that automatically reacts in real-time to system faults; not requiring the typical fault sensing and detection. It has the ability to clear the fault within microseconds. Furthermore, the source will not experience the fault current. In this paper, the theory behind the z-source breaker is reviewed and the breaker is studied in the context of several micro grid topological arrangements using non-real-time and real-time simulation.
Effects of age and ingestive experience on air-drinking behavior in the rat

Thirsty rats 18, 23, 30, or 40 days old received a brief air puff when they licked at a tube. Air-drinking occurred even in 18 day Ss, and increased significantly as a function of age. In a second experiment, rat pups reared without access to a water bottle were similarly tested for air-drinking behavior at 18 or 23 days. Operant level of tube licking was determined for litter mates. Significantly greater tube licking occurred in air reinforced Ss, indicating that prior experience with drinking water from a tube was not a necessary condition for the establishment of air-drinking behavior.
Technique for visualizing vaporlines emanating from water droplets.

Water droplets serve as point sources of vapor that react with TiCl4 to form micrometer-sized seed particles that mark the convective transport of water vapor in gaseous flows.
Kanonic manganese atom 126 keV line anomaly and the kaon-electron configuration interaction

Abstract It is shown that the intensity anomaly of the 126 keV lines in the kaonic manganese atoms can be explained in terms of electron-kaon configuration interaction.
American Sixteen- and Seventeen-Year-Olds Are Ready to Vote

American 16- and 17-year-olds ought to be allowed to vote in state and national elections. This claim rests upon a line of argument that begins with an exegesis of legal and philosophical notions of citizenship that identify core qualities of citizenship: membership, concern for rights, and participation in society. Each of these qualities is present in rudimentary form in childhood and adolescence. Analyses of national survey data demonstrate that by 16 years of age—but not before— American adolescents manifest levels of development in each quality of citizenship that are approximately the same as those apparent in young American adults who are allowed to vote. The lack of relevant differences in capacities for citizenship between 16- and 17-year-olds and those legally enfranchised makes current laws arbitrary, denying those younger than age 18 the right to vote. Awarding voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds is important, given the changing age demographics in the country, which have resulted in the gro...
Food safety education: health professionals’ knowledge and assessment of WIC client needs

Abstract A written questionnaire was used to assess the opportunities and challenges for food safety education in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The sample included directors and health professionals with nutrition counseling responsibilities in 79 WIC clinics in a midwestern state. Seventy-two percent of the clinics participated in the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, χ 2 analysis, and Cronbach's α. Seventy-two percent reported offering food safety advice to 20% or more of their clients daily. Ninety percent identified the food-safety knowledge of their WIC clients to be fair to very poor. The need for food safety handouts, targeted for WIC clients, was identified by 27% of the respondents. WIC professionals are promoting safe food handling among a high-risk population group. Expansion of current food-safety education efforts with WIC clients is encouraged with emphasis on methods to effectively overcome barriers to safe food handling.
In vitro myogenesis of promuscle cells from the regenerating tail of the lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

Presumptive myoblasts from the regenerating tail of the lizard plated at clonal density undergo extensive growth giving rise to large colonies. After several days in culture at 31°C some of the cells begin to round up and assume a spherical morphology. The number of rounded up cells increases over the next few days until 50 to 75% of the cells are rounded up. If the cultures are switched to a permissive medium, fusion and differentiation occur. If they are left in a nonpermissive medium fusion does not occur. Instead, the cells stretch out on the substrate and become long and attenuated or broad and strap-like. However, differentiation may continue in some of the cells giving mononucleate cells with cross striations. Autoradiographic studies indicate that the rounded up cells represent a post-synthesis, prefusion population of cells.
Outcome Studies in Social Work Journals: A Review of Publication Trends

Social work practice emerges from research conducted with outcome studies that attempt to capture the “change” that social work services are designed to influence. However, it is unclear the extent...
As‐Deposited Superconducting Y‐Ba‐Cu‐0 Films on GaAs Substrate by High Pressure Dc Sputtering Process

Superconducting Y‐Ba‐Cu‐0 thin films on (100)GaAs substrate have been successfully prepared by the high pressure DC sputtering process without further post‐annealing treatment. The target was compound Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 Ox made by solid‐state reaction. The sputtering gas was Ar‐50%0 2 , and total pressure was 1.5 torr. The substrate temperature was lower than 450°C. The best superconductivity of the film is Tc(onset) = 95K and Tc(R=0) = 40K. There are no mi‐crocracks on the film surface. The interdiffusion between the film and GaAs is limited.
Renal cell carcinoma presenting as a masseteric space mass

Abstract We present an unusual case of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the masseter muscle. Whereas metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the head and neck in itself is common, metastasis to skeletal muscle is quite infrequent. Although the presence of metastasis in renal cell carcinoma implies an overall worse prognosis, surgical extirpation as well as management of the primary lesion is still advisable in the hope of achieving long-term survival. Renal cell carcinoma metastasis must always be included in the differential diagnosis of clear cell neoplasms of the head and neck.
Metabolism of aniline and hexobarbital by liver homogenates of spironolactone-pretreated male rats.

Spironolactone pretreatment increases aniline hydroxylation and decreases hexobarbital metabolism, with respect to the saline-treated controls, by liver homogenates of male rats. The effect of spironolactone pretreatment on the metabolism of a substrate is related to the sex dependence or independence of that substrate's metabolism. No spironolactone-induced changes in microsomal protein, cytochrome P-450 content, or carbon monoxide-induced P-450 difference spectra were observed.
Correlation of magnetic and atomic structure for rapidly-quenched Fe60Al28B12 alloys

Abstract Scattering studies on melt-spun Fe 60 Al 28 B 12 ribbons differentiate three phases: (α) FeAl crystallites in an amorphous matrix; (β) crystalline FeAl and an amorphous component; and (γ) FeAl and Fe 2 B crystallites and an amorphous region. All phases are metallic soft ferromagnets, but exhibit variant low-temperature electrical and magnetic properties.
P-71: Sputtered Transparent Conductive ITO/Ag/ITO Films by Roll to Roll Processing

A roll of transparent conductive ITO/Ag/ITO film was prepared by Roll to Rollsputtering. The effects of deposition parameters on microstructure, electrical and optical properties of films were investigated. We obtained the optimum properties of films with a sheet resistance of 8.6±0.2Ω/□ and an optical transmittance of 86.6±0.5% at λ = 550nm.
Operational Plasticity of Hsp104, a Prion Disaggregase

It is poorly understood how Hsp104, a hexameric AAA+ ATPase from yeast, disaggregates the diverse structures and unrelated polypeptides that encompass the stress-induced aggregated proteome, myriad prions, and alpha-synuclein oligomers and amyloids connected to Parkinson’s disease. Here, we establish that Hsp104 hexamers adapt fundamentally different mechanisms of intersubunit collaboration (with respect to substrate handling and ATP hydrolysis) to disaggregate stress-induced aggregates versus amyloid. Remarkably, ClpB, the E. coli homolog of Hsp104, co-ordinates ATP hydrolysis and substrate handling differently and cannot remodel amyloid. Thus, we reveal the operational plasticity of Hsp104 hexamers, which empowers the disaggregation of amyloid and non-amyloid clients that impose divergent mechanical demands.
Interspecies and interantigenic evaluation of a crossreactive rat idiotype

An interstrain crossreactive idiotype (ID 1), present on rat antibodies to streptococcal group A carbohydrate (SACHO), was examined for both antigen and species specificity. In a test employing a sensitive radioimmunoassay, ID 1 was undetectable in both preimmunization sera and on rat antibodies to poly-glutamic acid50-alanine50 obtained from animals which subsequently expressed ID 1 on anti-SACHO antibodies. Antigenically distinct from lambda light (L)-chain isotypic determinants, ID 1 was found to require antibody heavy-chain and L-chain interaction for complete expression. The inability to detect ID 1 on anti-SACHO antibodies produced by goats, rabbits, chickens, and nurse sharks suggests the species specificity of ID 1. These and previous observations on idiotypy favor the theory that germline genes are important in coding for rat antibody diversity to SACHO.
Bioengineering a complex 3D human breast tissue culture system on silk scaffolds

Epithelial-stromal interactions play a crucial role in normal embryonic development and carcinogenesis of the human breast while the underlying mechanisms of these events remain poorly understood. Here, we constructed a physiologically relevant, 3D culture surrogate of complex human breast tissue that included a tri-culture system made up of human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A), fibroblasts and adipocytes in a Matrigel™/collagen mixture on porous silk scaffolds. The presence of stromal cells inhibited MCF10A proliferation and induced both alveolar and ductal morphogenesis and enhanced casein expression. Only alveolar structures with reverted polarity were observed in MCF10A monocultures. In contrast to the immature polarity exhibited by co-cultures with either fibroblasts or adipocytes, the alveolar structures formed by the tri-cultures exhibited proper polarity similar to that observed in breast tissue. Furthermore, consistent with their phenotypic appearance, more functional differentiation of epithelial cells was also observed in the tri-cultures, where casein a and s- mRNA expression was significantly increased. This in vitro tri-culture system sustained on silk scaffold effectively represents a more physiologically relevant 3D microenvironment for mammary epithelial cells and stromal cells than either co-cultures or monocultures. This experimental model provides an important first step for bioengineering an informative human breast tissue system.
Noninvasive Intratracheal Intubation to Study the Pathology and Physiology of Mouse Lung

The use of a model that mimics the condition of lung diseases in humans is critical for studying the pathophysiology and/or etiology of a particular disease and for developing therapeutic intervention. With the increasing availability of knockout and transgenic derivatives, together with a vast amount of genetic information, mice provide one of the best models to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology and physiology of lung diseases. Inhalation, intranasal instillation, intratracheal instillation, and intratracheal intubation are the most widely used techniques by a number of investigators to administer materials of interest to mouse lungs. There are pros and cons for each technique depending on the goals of a study. Here a noninvasive intratracheal intubation method that can directly deliver exogenous materials to mouse lungs is presented. This technique was applied to administer bleomycin to mouse lungs as a model to study pulmonary fibrosis.
VapC-1 of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Is a Ribonuclease

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) organisms are obligate parasites of the human upper respiratory tract that can exist as commensals or pathogens. Toxin-antitoxin (TA) loci are highly conserved gene pairs that encode both a toxin and antitoxin moiety. Seven TA gene families have been identified to date, and NTHi carries two alleles of the vapBC family. Here, we have characterized the function of one of the NTHi alleles, vapBC-1. The gene pair is transcribed as an operon in two NTHi clinical isolates, and promoter fusions display an inverse relationship to culture density. The antitoxin VapB-1 forms homomultimers both in vitro and in vivo. The expression of the toxin VapC-1 conferred growth inhibition to an Escherichia coli expression strain and was successfully purified only when cloned in tandem with its cognate antitoxin. Using total RNA isolated from both E. coli and NTHi, we show for the first time that VapC-1 is an RNase that is active on free RNA but does not degrade DNA in vitro. Preincubation of the purified toxin and antitoxin together results in the formation of a protein complex that abrogates the activity of the toxin. We conclude that the NTHi vapBC-1 gene pair functions as a classical TA locus and that the induction of VapC-1 RNase activity leads to growth inhibition via the mechanism of mRNA cleavage.
Treatment of Hepatitis C in Special Populations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide and is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States. Experience has shown that the epidemiology and the response to treatment of HCV vary in certain patient groups. Differences have been observed in people from different racial and ethnic groups and in patients who have HIV and end-stage renal disease. These groups generally were not included in the early large clinical trials of HCV treatment. This article reviews recent findings in these patients groups and examines future directions.
Impact of pharmacogenetics on drug interactions

Background Subjects classified as poor metabolizers (PMs) of a polymorphic enzyme must rely on nonpolymorphic enzyme(s) for clearance of agents metabolized by those isoforms. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of inhibition of the nonpolymorphic enzyme in term of maximal drug exposure in PMs. Methods The M & T Drug Interaction DatabaseTM was used to identify published studies including pharmacokinetic results from extensive (EMs) and PMs in which an enzyme inhibitor of the nonpolymorphic metabolic pathway was introduced. Results Six studies were identified that met these criteria: five studies involved CYP2C19, one involved CYP2D6, and all involved CYP3A4 as the nonpolymorphic enzyme. The effects of CYP3A inhibitors on omeprazole, citalopram and diazepam PK in CYP2C19 EMs and PMs was reviewed and the maximal drug exposure of PMs was defined as PMi/EMc (PMi = AUC during inhibition in PMs; EMc = control AUC in EMs). This ratio was 9.2, 13.5 and 34.1 when omeprazole was inhibited by ketoconazole (200 mg QD), clarithromycin(400 mg BID) and troleandomycin (500 mg QD), respectively, 1.6 for citalopram (with troleandomycin 250 mg) and 1.8 for diazepam (inhibited by diltiazem 200 mg QD). The effect of a CYP3A4 inhibitor (ketoconazole 100 mg) on venlafaxine exposure in CYP2D6 EMs and PMs produced a ration of 3.6. Conclusions For poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, introduction of an inhibitor of the alternate pathway(s) can drastically increase drug exposure. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P83–P83; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.208
Reversible cardiogenic shock due to chest tube compression of the right ventricle.

A 62-year-old woman developed shock immediately after the insertion of a right-sided chest tube. A chest roentgenogram showed the chest tube to be overlying the heart and possibly compressing the right ventricle. An animal model was developed to replicate this clinical situation. Using a domestic goat model pulmonary artery, peripheral arterial catheters were inserted along with a right sided chest tube placed to suction. A second chest tube guided by a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope placed within its lumen was positioned between the right ventricle and the sternum of the animals. Thirteen paired measurements in three goats (average of 4.3 measurements per animal) of cardiac output, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were made at baseline and after chest tube placement over the right ventricle. The data were analyzed using a paired t test statistic. Compared with baseline measurements, there was a significant decrease in cardiac output (p
Perinatal elevation of hypothalamic insulin, acquired malformation of hypothalamic galaninergic neurons, and syndrome X-like alterations in adulthood of neonatally overfed rats

Overnutrition during critical developmental periods is suggested to be a risk factor for obesity and associated metabolic disorders in later life. Underlying mechanisms are unknown. Neuropeptides are essentially involved in the central nervous regulation of body weight. For instance, hypothalamic galanin (GAL) is a stimulator of food intake and body weight gain. To investigate long-term consequences of early postnatal overfeeding, the normal litter size of Wistar rats (n=10; controls) was reduced from day 3 to day 21 of life to only 3 pups per mother (small litters, SL; overnutrition). Throughout life, SL rats displayed hyperphagia (p<0.01), overweight (p<0.0001), hyperinsulinemia (p<0.01), impaired glucose tolerance (p<0.001), elevated triglycerides (p<0.001), and an increased systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). In adulthood, an increase of GAL-neurons in the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (ARC) was found (p<0.001), positively correlated to body weight (p<0.001). A second experiment revealed hyperinsulinemia (p<0.001) and increased hypothalamic insulin levels (p<0.05) in SL rats during early postnatal life. Already on day 21 of life, i.e., at the end of the critical hypothalamic differentiation period, in SL rats the number of GAL-neurons was increased in the ARC (p<0.001), showing a positive correlation to body weight and insulin (p<0.05). In conclusion, neonatally acquired persisting malformation of hypothalamic galaninergic neurons, induced by early overfeeding and hyperinsulinism, might promote the development of overweight and syndrome X-like alterations during life.
Comparison Of Data Compression Schemes For Medical Images

Medical images acquired and stored digitally continue to pose a major problem in the area of picture archiving and transmission. The need for accurate reproduction of such images, which constitute patient medical records, and the medico-legal problems of possible loss of information has led us to examine the suitability of data compression schemes for several different medical image modalities. We have examined both reversible coding and irreversible coding as methods of image for-matting and reproduction. In reversible coding we have tested run-length coding and arithmetic coding on image bit planes. In irreversible coding, we have studied transform coding, linear predictive coding, and block truncation coding and their effects on image quality versus compression ratio in several image modalities. In transform coding, we have applied discrete Fourier coding, discrete cosine coding, discrete sine transform, and Walsh-Hadamard transform to images in which a subset of the transformed coefficients were retained and quantized. In linear predictive coding, we used a fixed level quantizer. In the case of block truncation coding, the first and second moments were retained. Results of all types of irreversible coding for data compression were unsatisfactory in terms of reproduction of the original image. Run-length coding was useful on several bit planes of an image but not on others. Arithmetic coding was found to be completely reversible and resulted in up to 2 to 1 compression ratio.
Retinal ganglion cell distribution and visual acuity in alpacas (Vicugna pacos).

Objective To investigate the distribution of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and visual acuity in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) through Brn-3a immunofluorescent labeling. Procedures Five eyes from four healthy alpacas with normal ophthalmic examination findings were included in the study. The axial length of the globes was measured before fixation. All five retinas were treated with Brn-3a antibodies to label RGCs. Images taken with a fluorescent microscope were used for RGC counting. RGC density maps were reconstructed by computer software. Visual acuity was estimated based on the results of peak RGC density and ocular anatomical parameters. Results The reconstructed retinal maps from Brn-3a labeling showed a horizontal streak across the retinal meridian superior to the optic nerve head with a temporal, upward extension. The highest RGC densities were in the temporal retinas. The maximal visual acuity was located in the temporal retina and was estimated to range between 12.5 and 13.4 cycles per degree. Conclusions Alpacas have a horizontal streak across the retinal meridian superior to the optic disk with a temporal, upward extension based on the Brn-3a labeling of RGCs. The maximal visual acuity was located in the temporal retina. The reconstructed retinal maps indicate the RGC topography of alpacas is similar to that of other herbivores, but is different from that of dromedary camels.
Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department

To decide which patients with headache ought to be evaluated for SAH, physicians should focus on specific elements of the patient history, such as onset, severity, and quality of the headache and associated symptoms. These questions should be asked and the responses documented for every patient with a headache. The physical examination should be compulsive with regard to vital signs, HEENT. and neurologic signs. Then, the physician should form an explicit differential diagnosis and have reasons for diagnosing migraine, tension, or sinus headache and other benign causes. If there is no clear-cut alternative hypothesis, the patient should be evaluated by CT and LP (if the CT is negative, equivocal, or technically inadequate). Physicians should understand the limitations of this diagnostic algorithm. In addition, the CSF should be carefully analyzed, including measuring the opening pressure. In patients whose CT scans and CSF analyses are normal, further testing is rarely indicated.
Nonsurgical embryo transfer in the common marmoset monkey.

: A technique for nonsurgical embryo transfer in common marmosets was developed. Transfers were either synchronous (ST) or asynchronous (AT). Synchronous transfers (embryo donor and the embryo recipient ovulated on the same day) were performed 5 to 8 days post-ovulation. Asynchronous transfers (embryo donor had ovulated at least 2 days before the embryo recipient) were performed when the recipient was 2 to 4 days post-ovulation (donor was 6 to 8 days post-ovulation). Four pregnancies from nine transfers (44%) were established by AT, and three pregnancies were carried to term. Only 1 of 11 transfers (9%) from ST resulted in a pregnancy, which was lost by Day 40 of gestation. Significantly more infants were born from AT (6 infants from 17 embryos; 35%) than from ST (0 infants from 22 embryos; 0%; p<0.005). This technique allows experimental analysis of primate postimplantation development and provides a tool for conservation of endangered Callithrichid species.
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Hand-Held Ultrasound Scanner in Routine Patients Referred for Echocardiography

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging capabilities of recent hand-held ultrasound scanners. Methods Three hundred forty-nine patients were scanned with hand-held ultrasound (HAND) and high-end echocardiography (HIGH). Segmental endocardial border delineation was scored (2 = good, 1=poor, 0=invisible) to describe image quality. Assessments of left ventricular (LV) dimensions, regional and global LV function, and grades of valve disease were compared. Results The mean endocardial visibility grades were 1.6 ± 0.5 with HAND and 1.7 ± 0.4 with HIGH ( P P r = 0.99, P P Conclusions Handheld echocardiography was feasible and missed no relevant findings. Given the future implementation of spectral Doppler capabilities, this handheld scanner can safely be used in clinical routine.
E-Planning: Retrospect and Prospect

This paper reflects on where e-planning has been and speculates on its future. It begins by briefly reviewing forty years of efforts to use advanced information and communication technologies in planning research and practice. It then considers current efforts to develop planning and decision support systems (PSS/DSS) that adopt current geographic information systems technology to meet the unique needs of planning. It concludes with the hope that the journal will take the first word of its title seriously and share the wealth of exciting e-planning research that is being conducted in all corners of the increasingly interconnected world.
Dynamical Stabilization of the Periodically Kicked Rydberg Atom

Measurements in which $K(\mathrm{np})$ Rydberg atoms with $n\ensuremath{\sim}388$ are subject to a train of up to 50 half-cycle pulses are reported and reveal a peak in the atomic survival probability for pulse repetition frequencies near the classical orbital frequency. Classical calculations show that this behavior is associated with dynamical stabilization and the periodic orbits in phase space around which stable islands form are identified. This work provides the first direct evidence for dynamical stabilization of a periodically kicked Rydberg atom.
Moden Shock Tube Methods for Chemical Studies in High Temperature Gases

Abstract : Shock tube measurements are the primary source of chemical kinetic data for gases at high temperature, particularly above the temperature limit of heated steady-flow reactors (about 1500 K). During the past few years significant advances have been made in shock tube methods which enable more direct and quantitative measurements of elementary reactions than previously reported. Such refinements will lead to an improved kinetic data base useful, for example, in modeling nonequilibrium flows of air and combustion gases associated with advanced high-speed aircraft and transatmospheric vehicles. Here we discuss two areas of continuing activity in our laboratory, namely the development of improved diagnostic methods based on cw dye laser absorption spectroscopy and the development of a new laser-photolysis shock tube for direct studies of reactions involving reactive radical species. Reprints.
The biogenetic-type total synthesis of methyl adirubine

Abstract The first total synthesis of methyl adirubine ( 11a ), representing the 5-carboxy- Corynanthe indole alkaloid group, has been completed. The biogenetic-type sequence, comprising new steps 27 → 28 → 29 → 16 → 17 → 33 → 18 → 34 → 35-IV → methyl adirubine, also defines the stereochemistry of the latter as 11b .
Organic anion transport in the maturing dog choroid plexus

Lateral ventricular choroid plexuses (LVCP), fourth ventricular choroid plexuses (FVCP) and diaphragm muscle from 1–4-week-old and adult dogs were incubated with p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) and mannitol and accumulation was expressed as tissue: medium concentration ratios (T/M) T/M mannitol of adult LVCP and FVCP were significantly less (P < 0.05) than for animals 1 week old; T/M mannitol in diaphragm muscle did not change with age. PAH accumulation by both plexuses was an active process, poorly developed in the LVCP and FVCP (T/M= 2.12;T/M= 1.97, respectively) of animals 1 week old, but well established in the adult (T/M= 4.04;T/M= 3.84, respectively). Maximum accumulation of PAH by the LVCP occured in 2-week-old animals and by the FVCP in the adult.
Catalytic CH Amination with Aromatic Amines

Aniline joins the club: A β-diketiminato copper(I) catalyst enables C-H amination of anilines employing low catalyst loadings to preclude oxidation to the diazene ArN=NAr. Electron-poor anilines are particularly resistant towards diazene formation and participate in the amination of strong and unactivated C-H bonds. N-alkyl anilines also take part in C-H amination.
Parallel Sysplex

The IBM System/390 Parallel Sysplex allows a parallel server to grow from a single system to a configuration of 32 systems, and appear as a single image to the end user and applications. It can provide capacity growth for today's largest commercial workloads by enabling a workload to be spread transparently across a collection of systems with shared access to data. By the way of its parallel architecture and operating system support, the Parallel Sysplex offers near-linear scalability and continuous availability for customers' mission-critical applications. Parallel Sysplex optimizes responsiveness and reliability by distributing workloads across all of the processors in the Sysplex. If one or more processors fail, the workload is redistributed across the remaining processors. Because all of the processors have access to all of the data, it can provide a computing environment with near-continuous availability. Empirical performance data are used to demonstrate that Parallel Sysplex provides better scalability than a tightly-coupled multiprocessing system.
Statistical averaging in rotationally inelastic gas-surface scattering: The role of surface atom motion

Abstract Within the framework of the one-dimensional cube model, the predicted appearance of rotational rainbows and trapping cutoffs in the final rotational state distribution in the limit of zero surface temperature is shown to depend strongly on statistical processes. In particular, inclusion of a distribution of initial surface cube velocities acts to broaden these features.
Towards a process and tool-chain for service-oriented automotive software engineering

The complexity of automotive software systems continues to increase at a dramatic pace. Traditionally, the interactions between the various software components of a vehicle are addressed only at the later stages in the overall development process. We advocate a fresh approach, where interaction patterns become the defining elements of automotive software services. This shifts the development focus from individual components to their interaction in the early stages of the development process; potentially reducing development and integration costs for both manufacturers and suppliers. We present a formal service notion based on interaction patterns and introduce a systematic, service-oriented development process, substantiated by means of a corresponding tool chain. We illustrate our definitions and results by modeling elements of a Central Locking System, an example from the automotive domain.
Dual synchronously pumped and synchronously amplified dye lasers.

A dual synchronously pumped and synchronously amplified dye-laser system has been constructed and tested. A regenerative amplifier is used as the amplification source. An amplification factor of 6 × 104 is reached in each of two synchronously pumped dye-laser output beams. Thus, the total incident beam intensity available for two-photon nonlinear excitations reaches an amplification of the order of 4 × 109 times that available from unamplified laser beams.