cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precisiation of meaning via translation into PRUF

It is suggested that communication between humans — as well as between humans and machines — may be made more precise by the employment of a meaning representation language PRUF which is based on the concept of a possibility distribution. A brief exposition of PRUF is presented and its application to precisiation of meaning is illustrated by a number of examples.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: A Survey of Primary-Care Physicians and Urologists Regarding Peyronie's Disease

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder with an uncertain etiology that causes penile deformity. The interest in PD and our understanding of the disorder has grown significantly in recent years. Data have shown that several previous beliefs regarding the prevalence, natural history, and treatment of PD were incorrect. The prevalence is significantly higher than the previously reported 1%, and most cases of PD do not spontaneously resolve. Aim To determine the extent to which newer information about PD has reached physicians who are likely to encounter men with PD and to determine practice patterns regarding this disorder. Methods We created a survey of 20 questions and mailed it to primary-care physicians (PCPs) and urologists (UROs) in Illinois and Wisconsin. Main Outcome Measures Responses to individual survey items were totaled. Results We received 152 responses from PCPs and 98 from UROs for response rates of 43% and 44%, respectively. Survey results revealed the following: 63% of PCPs and 41% of UROs thought the prevalence is less than 1%; 17% of PCPs and 38% of UROs believed PD spontaneously resolves in greater than 50% of cases; 17% of PCPs and 9% of UROs did not think PD occurs in men younger than 40 years of age; 48% of PCPs and 37% of UROs did not believe that PD is frequently associated with ED; 51% of PCPs and 1% of UROs were unsure if any effective medical or surgical treatment for PD existed. Conclusion These data suggest that many physicians who are very likely to encounter men with PD have incorrect assumptions about the disease, and this can negatively affect diagnosis and treatment of men with PD. LaRochelle JC, and Levine LA. A survey of primary-care physicians and urologists regarding Peyronie's disease.
How evaluators can deal with role conflict

Abstract Unclear professional norms create problems of role conflict for program evaluators. Four circumstances that produce role conflict and suggestions for dealing with each one are examined. The influence of the organizational context on role conflicts is also considered.
Job-shift differences between men and women in the workplace

Abstract Until now causal analyses of male-female career differences have been based on the standard attainment model and have focused on differences in career outcomes, namely status and earnings. This paper departs from this practice by using the career life-cycle model of achievement as a framework for the analysis of sex differences in the job mobility experiences of management personnel of a large corporation. The paper focuses not on sexual differences in the level of career rewards, but on differences in the rate of job shifts as the career unfolds. The models are based on the mean-value function of a Poisson arrival process. The principal findings are: (1) Male and female job-shift regimes are similar in form and described by the mean-value function of a nonstationary and heterogeneous Poisson arrival process; (2) the parameters governing male and female job-shift regimes are significantly different; (3) parameter differences indicate sexual inequities with respect to the rate of return to productive resources, but not with respect to structural opportunities to shift; (4) for men and women alike, schooling increases the rate of job shift, while labor force experience prior to being hired and entry-level achievement decrease the rate of shift.
‘Null Method’ Determination of Drug Biophase Concentration

PK/PD modeling is enhanced by improvements in the accuracy of its metrics. For PK/PD modeling of drugs and biologics that interact with enzymes or receptors, the equilibrium constant of the interaction can provide critical insight. Methodologies such as radioliogand binding and isolated tissue preparations can provide estimates of the equilibrium constants (as the dissociation constant, K value) for drugs and endogenous ligands that interact with specific enzymes and receptors. However, an impediment to further precision for PK/PD modeling is that it remains a problem to convert the concentration of drug in bulk solution (A) into an estimate of receptor occupation, since A is not necessarily the concentration (C) of drug in the biophase that yields fractional binding from the law of mass action, viz., C/(C + K). In most experimental studies A is much larger than K, so the use of administered instead of biophase concentration gives fractional occupancies very close to unity. We here provide a simple way to obtain an estimate of the factor that converts the total drug concentration into the biophase concentration in isolated tissue preparation. Our approach is an extension of the now classic ‘null method’ introduced and applied by Furchgott to determination of drug-receptor dissociation constants.
THE RADIATION SAFETY INFORMATION COMPUTATIONAL CENTER: A RESOURCE FOR REACTOR DOSIMETRY SOFTWARE AND NUCLEAR DATA

The Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC) was established in 1963 to collect and disseminate computational nuclear technology in the form of radiation transport, shielding and safety software and corresponding nuclear cross sections. Approximately 1700 nuclear software and data packages are in the RSICC collection, and the majority are applicable to reactor dosimetry.
Acute Liver Injury with Severe Coagulopathy in Marasmus Caused by a Somatic Delusional Disorder

Marasmus is a severe form of protein-calorie malnutrition characterized by the depletion of fat stores, muscle wasting, and the lack of edema. In developed countries, marasmus is often the result of anorexia nervosa. Abnormal transaminases with liver synthetic dysfunction have rarely been reported with anorexia nervosa. To our knowledge, we report the first detailed case of acute liver injury with severe coagulopathy (INR > 1.5) in a patient with marasmus due to self-induced calorie restriction caused by a somatic delusional disorder. This case highlights the severity of liver injury that may occur with significant weight loss from self-induced calorie restriction and the rapid normalization of this injury with treatment. It is important for clinicians to be aware of patterns of acute liver injury in patients with severe protein-calorie malnutrition, regardless of the underlying cause.
Managing Problem-Based Learning in Large Lecture Sections

Problem-based learning can enhance reasoning and concept development among undergraduate college students by presenting content within authentic contexts. However, large lecture sections present problems and barriers to implementing PBL. This article discusses approaches used by the author to infuse PBL into large biology lecture sections, and explores ways in which challenges to PBL in these settings may be overcome.
Primary structure of immunoglobulins and its relationship to antibody specificity

Previous evidence that the specificity of antibodies is determined by differences in their primary structure was based on the finding of characteristic differences in the average amino acid compositions of five purified rabbit antibodies. These differences were shown to be independent of those associated with the allotypic specificities of rabbit γ G-immunoglobulins and independent of the charge on the determinant group of the antigens employed. Further support was provided by recent studies of the location of the amino acid differences in the antibody structures. (1) The differences were found to be distributed in both the light and heavy polypeptide chains, which correlated with immunological data indicating that both chains contribute to the formation of the active site. (2) The amino acid differences were all located in an active fragment obtained after cleavage of the C-terminal half of the heavy chain with cyanogen bromide. Further fractionation of this active fragment showed that the amino acid differences observed in the heavy chains were localized in the N-terminal half known to be involved in the active site. The simplest interpretation of these results is that antibody formation is a genetically controlled process. However, the finding that the light chain from any one antibody was heterogeneous with respect to its amino acid content despite its average characteristic composition raises the possibility that mechanism of antibody synthesis may not be analogous to that of other proteins. Proposed normal and abnormal mechanisms are discussed in relation to both these data on antibody primary structure and the data on the primary structure of the related myeloma proteins.
ELEVATION OF BIOTIN ACTIVITY IN THE SERUM OF ESTROGEN TREATED CHICKS; RELATIONSHIP TO HORMONE-INDUCED AVIDIN FORMATION IN THE OVIDUCT

Considerable information has accumulated concerning the factor in egg-albumen that neutralizes the biological effectiveness of biotin (Hertz, 1946). This factor has been termed “Avidin” (Eakin et al., 1941) and its presence in both the egg and in the genital tract of several species of birds and amphibia has been demonstrated (Hertz et al., 1942). Moreover, the formation of avidin has been found to be associated with ovarian function in the actively laying hen and avidin production has been experimentally induced in the oviduct of the sexually immature chick by the administration of estrogen followed by progesterone (Fraps, Hertz and Sebrell, 1943; Hertz, Fraps, and Sebrell, 1943). Trager has described the presence of a fat-soluble factor (FSF) in the plasma of the hen which has biotin-like activity for both the chick and for Lactobacillus casei (Trager, 1947, a). He noted further that this biotin-like factor is elevated in the plasma of the actively laying hen (Trager, 1948).
Electron microscopic studies of the DNA of defective and standard pseudorabies virions.

Abstract DNA from standard and defective virus particles was analyzed by electron microscopy. Upon partial denaturation the DNA molecules from standard pseudorabies virus showed distinct denaturation patterns. The molecules are asymmetrical with respect to adenine-thymidine (A-T) content, having several A-T-rich regions on the “left” side and only one on the “right” side of the molecule. The fact that a distinct denaturation map was obtained indicates that the molecules are not circularly permuted. On the extreme left of the molecule a segment of approximately 0.5 μm invariably contained denatured regions, whereas this was not evident on the right side of the molecule. Thus, if the molecule is terminally redundant, the redundant region covers a relatively small part of the viral genome. The contour length of the DNA molecules present in defective, interfering particles was found to be similar to that of standard DNA. Under partial denaturation conditions a distinct segment of DNA (1.1 μm in length) was found to be tandemly repeated in defective DNA. The number of repeats in different molecules varied. In some of the DNA molecules as many as 17 consecutive repeats were found, whereas in others no repeats were seen. Repeated segments were not detected in standard DNA.
Refractory bleeding from a chest wall sarcoma: a rare indication for palliative resection

We report a case of a 57-year-old male who presented with an inoperable chest wall sarcoma due to numerous pulmonary metastases and was treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The patient subsequently developed refractory bleeding from the chest wall tumor requiring palliative chest wall resection and reconstruction. The patient made an uneventful recovery however died from metastatic disease 8 months later. This case represents a very rare indication for palliative chest wall resection.
The analysis of morphological filters with multiple structuring elements

Abstract Mathematical morphology has been widely used in the image processing area in recent years. Due to the nature of mathematical morphology, there are limitations in the performance of simple morphological algorithms that use a single structuring element. Combinations of morphological operators with other set operations as well as the utilization of multiple structuring elements can enhance the performance of morphological-based filters. In this paper we present properties of morphological operators that use multiple structuring elements. We show that these properties can be used to design complex morphological-based algorithms.
Trends in early and late mortality in patients undergoing coronary catheterization for myocardial infarction: implications on observation periods and risk factors to determine ICD candidacy.

Background Survivors of acute myocardial infarction (MI) are at high risk for death from both sudden cardiac death and progressive heart failure. Objective This study sought to determine mortality trends, identify markers of risk, and determine whether outcomes in high-risk patients are altered by revascularization during the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator candidacy observation period. Methods We included 16,793 patients that presented to the catheterization laboratory for acute management of an MI. All patients had 3 years of follow-up to define short- and long-term mortality. Results Across the demographics studied there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics over time, with exception of an observed decline in patients with an ejection fraction (EF) ≤0.35. Nonetheless, at study closure 16.3% of all cases had an EF ≤ 0.35. There was a gradual increase in use of percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft; however, at the end of the study, the highest level of revascularization use was slightly >50%. For the composite, right and left bundle branch block or QRS > 120, the death rates at 1 and 5 years were 31.8% and 46.8%, respectively. These 1- and 5-year mortality rates were increased with an EF ≤ 0.35 (36.0%, 60.2%). Mortality in those with EF ≤ 0.35 exceeded 20% in all groups with conduction system disease at 90 days and was not significantly impacted by percutaneous coronary intervention. Conclusion The highest risk for death after MI is in patients with an EF ≤ 0.35 and/or conduction system disease. The mortality risk is most pronounced in the early observation period after MI when patients must wait to be considered for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Acoustic profiles and images of the Palos Verdes margin: implications concerning deposition from the White's Point outfall

Abstract Subbottom profiles and sidescan-sonar images collected on and around the Palos Verdes Shelf show a surficial deposit interpreted to contain effluent from the White's Point diffusers, as well as showing several geologic features that affect the deposit's distribution. The effluent-affected deposit is visible in high-resolution subbottom profiles on the shelf and the adjacent San Pedro basin slope to water depths of 170 m. It has a maximum thickness of 75 cm and was mapped acoustically over an area of 10.8 km2, which encompasses a volume of about 3.2 million m3. The deposit's basal reflector is acoustically distinct over most of the mapped area, implying that the deposit has not been extensively mixed across its base, perhaps being relatively free of reworking since its initial deposition. Nearshore, the basal reflector is weak and fades away toward land, which could result from syndepositional intermixing of coarse native sediment (particularly from the Portuguese Bend landslide) with effluent in the high-energy nearshore zone, or postdepositionally by physical (wave) or biological mixing across the interface. The geometry of the deposit implies that effluent is dispersed primarily in a northwesterly and seaward direction from the diffusers. Dispersal across the shelf break is in some places strongly affected by topography, particularly by submarine canyons. The deposit overlies stratified and unstratified Quaternary sediment, up to 30 m thick, that in turn overlies the irregular erosional surface of deformed Miocene bedrock that crops out in places on the shelf and upper basin slope. The effluent-affected deposit rests on potentially unstable landslide deposits on the San Pedro basin slope. The acoustic profiles and side-scan images show evidence for active and inactive vents, probably of hot water and gas, some of which are within the boundary of the effluent-affected sediment deposit and could disrupt it if seepage occurs.
Educational Links between Psychiatry and Family Practice

Psychiatrists increasingly are attentive to interactions with primary care physicians. Several studies point out that patients with mental health needs are first seen by their primary care clinicians [1,2]. While some of these patients receive fine care, others do not receive state of the art treatment; and, referral patterns from family physicians to psychiatric physicians are variable [3]. In some settings, the relationships between psychiatrists and generalists do not come naturally. Individual practice styles vary, as does convenience to high quality psychiatric care. In addition, some practitioners assign a low priority to the patient with a mental disorder [4]. Patient resistance to psychiatric service can be another complicating factor. The familiarity of clinicians in one specialty with those of another may have an impact on the likelihood of collaboration. Residencies are in a position to provide cross training in other specialties. Academic endeavors can further strengthen the bonds between the two groups. In our institution, where family practice and psychiatry had little interaction, the training directors developed four educational links between their programs. The first link resulted from psychiatry residents’ requests for rotations to family practice, coinciding with a national emphasis on primary care. Discovery of other partnership opportunities between the programs followed. Psychiatric training programs that want to improve collaboration with primary care departments in their home institutions may find it useful to explore local options to help achieve that goal, such as those described below.
Protein kinase of bacteriophage T7 induces the phosphorylation of only a small number of proteins in the infected cell

Abstract Bacteriophage T7 expresses a serine/threonine-specific, cAMP-independent protein kinase activity encoded by the early gene 0.7. The phosphoproteins specifically resulting from gp0.7 protein kinase expression in T7-infected Escherichia coli have been examined by one-dimensional, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Only seven major, stable phosphoproteins dependent on gp0.7 protein kinase expression are observed. Two of the gp0.7 protein kinase-specific phosphoproteins observed have been previously identified: the β′ subunit of RNA polymerase and the RNA processing enzyme RNase III. The gp0.7-catalyzed protein phosphorylation activity appears at 9–11 min postinfection at 30°. The new phosphoproteins have a metabolic stability comparable to that of uninfected cell phosphoproteins. T7 protein kinase expression causes the phosphorylation of the same, limited set of proteins in B, C, or K strains of E. coli. Expression of the T3 and BA 14 phage protein kinase activities also produces the same phosphoproteins.
Computational simulation of internal damage accumulation in filamentary composite material systems

Advanced filamentary composite materials suffer loss of strength and stiffness when subjected to service loads. This loss can be attributed to the effect of several mechanisms which include matrix microcrack growth, fiber/matrix debonding, and fiber breakage. Stiffness loss and eventual failure is caused by complex interactions among these damage modes. Some are time-dependent and most are irreversible. Subsequently, any time that a composite material system is subjected to a relatively high load its structural integrity is significantly diminished. Advanced composites can also fail when they are subjected to constant-magnitude loads that are substantially lower than the ultimate strength of the composite if the loads are sustained for long periods of time. This phenomenon, which is commonly referred to as creep-rupture, is accelerated if the structure was initially subjected to a proof-test load. The effect of this test on the reliability of the vessel is a major concern. A better understanding of proof-test damage and creep-rupture requires a great deal of study and modeling of the interacting damaging processes.
SMATO: simultaneous mask and target optimization for improving lithographic process window

Low-k1 lithography results in features that suffer from poor lithographic yield in the presence of process variation. The problem is especially pronounced for lower level metals used for local routing, where bi-directionality gives rise to lithography unfriendly layout patterns. However, one can modify such wires without significantly affecting design behavior. In this paper, we propose to simultaneously modify mask and target during OPC to improve lithographic yield. The method uses image slope information, available during image simulation at no extra cost, as a measure of process window. We derive a cost function that maximizes both contour fidelity and robustness to drive our simultaneous mask and target optimization (SMATO) method. We then develop analytical equations to predict the cost for a given mask and target modification and use a fast algorithm to minimize this cost function to obtain an optimal mask and target solution. Our experiments on sample metal1 (M1) layouts show that the use of SMATO reduces the Process Manufacturability Index (PMI) [18] by 15.4% compared to OPC, which further leads to 69% reduction in the number of layout hotspots. Additionally, such improvement is obtained at low average runtime overhead (5.5%). Compared to PWOPC, we observe 4.6% improvement in PMI at large (2.6X) improvement in runtime.
The indriid ischium and the hominid hip

Abstract In their now classic paper, Napier & Walker (1967) noted that primate vertical clingers and leapers are unusual among mammalian leapers in having a relatively short ischium. In this paper we propose that the short ischium in vertical clingers and leapers reflects the fact that this bone has been reoriented to increase its dorsal projection. The short, dorsally projecting ischium of vertical clingers and leapers is functionally analogous with that of bipedal hominids and related to regular use of an extended hip joint. Morphometric comparisons of ischial shape in a wide range of prosimians and platyrrhines, together with a review of the naturalistic locomotion and posture of these species, supports the association between dorsally projecting ischia and frequent leaping from vertical supports. A brief examination of the ischia of several Eocene prosimians indicates that these taxa regularly lept from vertical supports. On the basis of our studies of primate ischium and a consideration of our present understanding of prosimian phylogeny, we feel it is not possible to accurately reconstruct the phylogeny of vertical clinging and leaping adaptations in early primate evolution or to reject Napier and Walker's hypothesis that this is the initial locomotor adaptation among cuprimates.
Generic Expansions of Structures

In this paper, Cohen's forcing technique is applied to some problems in model theory. Forcing has been used as a model-theoretic technique by several people, in particular, by A. Robinson in a series of papers [1], [10], [11]. Here forcing will be used to expand a family of structures in such a way that weak second-order embeddings are preserved. The forcing situation resembles that in Solovay's proof that for any theorem φ of GB (Godel-Bernays set theory with a strong form of the axiom of choice), if φ does not mention classes, then it is already a theorem of ZFC. (See [3, p. 105] and [2, p. 77].) The first application of forcing here is to the problem (posed by Keisler) of when is it possible to add a Skolem function to a pair of structures, one of which is an elementary substructure of the other, in such a way that the elementary embedding is preserved. It is not always possible to find such a Skolem function. Payne [9] found an example involving countable structures with uncountably many relations. The author [4], [6] found an example involving uncountable structures with only two relations. The problem remains open in case the structures are required both to be countable and to have countable type. Forcing is used to obtain a positive result under some special conditions.
Prediction of void formation susceptibility in irradiated metals

Abstract An analysis of void nucleation in metallic elements with and without helium was performed for atomic displacement rates of 10 −6 and 10 −3 /s. High self diffusion coefficients and low helium production rates are predicted to be the most important factors in preventing void formation. When the metals are arranged in order of predicted resistance to void formation, the rankings are much the same for all four cases. Zirconium and titanium are predicted to be highly resistant to void formation. Magnesium, nickel, molybdenum, chromium and cobalt are predicted to be least resistant, and α-iron is predicted to be more resistant than γ-iron. These predictions are found to be generally consistent with reactor irradiation results.
Traditiovations: Creating innovation from the past and antique techniques for rural areas

Abstract Many agricultural activities are today considered unsustainable for the presence of a large number of externalities involving environment and human health. Almost paradoxically, the future of a modern agriculture seems to be linked also to a return to the past and to a re-appropriation of marginalized, ignored or lost traditions on the base of local cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. These clusters of traditions may represent a precondition to innovate and foster local development generating, thanks also to the support of science and research, innovative practices and techniques deriving from past traditional knowledge or re-invented techniques. Critical analysis and validation of these antique practices by science and research are the prerequisite for the development of Traditiovations: in this article two examples of such Traditiovations are identified and described in which practices and techniques, deriving from historical or past traditional knowledge, show the capability to operate as innovations, despite their apparently obsolete and out-of-date features, in production and management.
Transient grating studies of energy deposition in radiationless processes

Abstract The diffracted signal from a thermal grating formed by radiationless processes is proposed as a method for measuring energy deposition quantum yields The deposition quantum yield a few ns after pumping of iron(III) tetraphenyl-porphyrin chloride is found to be 0.93 ±0.07 using this new technique.
Influence of Two Rows Compound and Simple Angle Holes in Inline and/or Staggered on Film Cooling and Heat Transfer

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation into the effect of the mainstream flow history on the film cooling effectiveness and the heat transfer characteristics from the combination of one row of simple angle holes and one row of compound angle holes. The mainstream flow history includes: favorable pressure gradient factors in the range −1.11 × 10−6 to +1.11 × 10−6 and turbulence intensity in the range 0.3% to 4.7%. The presence of favorable pressure gradients in the flow reduces the film cooling protection of the surfaces from both compound angle holes or combination of simple and compound angle holes, while the presence of adverse pressure gradients increases the film cooling effectiveness at low blowing rate and decreases it at high blowing rate. Increasing the turbulence intensity reduces the film cooling effectiveness from compound angle holes or combination of simple and compound angle holes.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Model reference adaptive control of discrete repetitive processes in the iteration domain

In this paper we formulate and solve the problem of model reference adaptive control for unit memory discrete repetitive processes by employing a lifting technique that allows us to view the system as a first-order multivariable plant. An adaptive controller gain adjustment algorithm in the iteration domain is given that ensures convergence of the tracking error between the output of the process and the output of a given reference model when the plant and reference model are driven by the same input.
Channel width response to differential uplift

[1] The role of channel width and slope adjustments to differential uplift in rivers within actively deforming terrains remains contentious. Here high-resolution topographic surveying of formerly antecedent outwash channels demonstrates marked changes in channel width as a primary response to differential uplift. For five Late Quaternary alluvial paleochannels crossing small folds along the active Ostler fault zone of southern New Zealand, nearly continuous measurements of paleochannel width and concomitant incision reveal abrupt narrowing of widths toward minimum values at channel positions coincident with the initial uplift. When the magnitude of differential uplift is sufficiently small, narrowing alone permits these channels to remain antecedent. In the context of a unit stream power model for fluvial erosion, observed limits on the magnitude of channel narrowing suggest that above some threshold amount of differential uplift, continued incision requires concomitant changes in channel gradient. Thus when crossing small growing folds, alluvial rivers simply narrow their channels, whereas larger folds that demand greater incision prompt an initial narrowing followed by channel steepening.
Examination of baseline risk factors for QTc interval prolongation in patients prescribed intravenous haloperidol.

Background: Intravenous haloperidol can increase the risk for corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation, torsades de pointes (TdP) and sudden death. There are a number of risk factors reported in the literature for QTc prolongation and TdP with intravenous haloperidol.
Inhibition of erythrocyte anion exchange by tolrestat, an inhibitor of aldose reductase

Tolrestat, and aldose-reductase inhibitor, was shown to be a rapid and potent inhibitor of chloride exchange on the band 3 protein of human erythrocytes. Tolrestat binds to a site distinct from the chloride transport site and binds to one half of the transporters at 5 × 10−7 mol/L in the absence of chloride and at 3.6 × 10−5 mol/L in physiologic chloride concentrations. Although these concentrations are 20- to 1,000-fold greater than the IC50 for aldose-reductase inhibition by tolrestat, they are achieved during routine pharmacologic therapy in humans. Consequently, ClHCO3 exchange rates may be reduced, and there may be decreased CO2 clearance from coronary and respiratory center capillary beds and inappropriate hyperpnea. There also may be transitory intracellular alkalinization in cells with a ClHCO3 exchanger in their plasma membrane.
Hybrid III–V silicon photonic steerable laser

A hybrid silicon laser with an on-chip optical phased array for 1D beam steering across a 12° field of view is demonstrated. The device achieved 7 dB background suppression and 1.8° × 0.6° beam width.
The Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

To emphasize and clarify the diagnostic features which distinguish the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome from other conditions resembling premature aging, four patients are described, the world literature is reviewed, and characteristics of 60 patients are correlated. Patients with this syndrome are remarkably similar in appearance. They may exhibit certain characteristics early in life, such as scleroderma-like skin, midfacial cyanosis, and “sculptured” nasal tip. The earliest profound feature is growth deficiency in the first year of life. Characteristic radiologic changes are persistent patency of anterior fontanelles, thin ribs, disappearance of distal clavicles and terminal phalanges, decrease in soft-tissue shadows, poor modeling of long bones, and coxa valga.
VARIATION AND FUNCTION OF CUCURBITACINS IN CUCURBITA: AN EXAMINATION OF CURRENT HYPOTHESES

Though few data document the causes of qualitative and quantitative variation in cucurbitacins among Cucurbita species, the spatial and temporal patterns of cucurbitacin distribution within plants and between species are not likely to be fortuitous or satisfactorily explained by defense or non-defense hypotheses alone. Some interspecific differences in cucurbitacin concentration correlate with xeric and mesic characteristics of cucurbit habitats and support the hypothesis that the production of secondary compounds is mediated to some extent by nutrient availability. However, defense hypotheses find support in the Cucurbita system from two fronts. Patterns of foliar response to injury indicate that Cucurbita species produce cucurbitacins in quantities large enough to discourage nonadapted herbivores but small enough to reduce production costs and detection by adapted herbivores. Furthermore, chemical responses in cucurbits against viral, fungal, and bacterial leaf pathogens do not involve cucurbitacins, su...
Dynamic stability of circular plates under stochastic excitations

This paper deals with a Lyapunov-type analysis of a linear structural dynamic system \vhich is excited by a stochastic parametric load. The technique of solution is developed on the basis of the linearity of the elastic system but with modification in developing the Lyapunov function, the technique can be used to consider nonlinear systems. Stochastic convergence and a theory for mean square global stability are discussed. A radially loaded circular plate is considered, whose dynamic motion can be described by a Hill-type equation, with one parameter being a random variable. A Lyapunov function, satisfying the stochastic stability theorem, is developed and sufficient conditions are established to insure mean square global stability. These conditions are applicable for any general continuous random process, and are expressed in terms of the excitation, physical parameters of the system and a measure of the stochastic dependency of the output on the input.
Quantization errors in digital control systems

An analytic study was conducted to develop a quantitative expression for the errors due to quantization (round-off) in digital control systems. An upper bound on the error in the output that was caused by quantization became available for two different sampling rates by describing a typical digital control system in terms of its state variables. The amount of the error introduced in the output by any one quantization operation was found to depend upon the sampling rate, system time constants, and the form of the controller chosen for system compensation. For a third-order plant, preceded by a zero-order hold circuit and compensated by a controller that provided a response dominated by a closed-loop pole pair with a damping ratio of 0.7, the error due to quantization was determined to be approximately ten times the value of the quantizing level. The error was reduced to six times the quantizing level by increasing the sampling rate by a factor of 2, to 20 per second. The results of the study furnished a convenient procedure for analyzing quantization in a digital control system and led to a specification on the precision required in the digital controller and the necessary encoding equipment.
Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging in Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke: A Valuable Alternative for the Noninvasive Evaluation of Altered Cerebral Hemodynamics

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: SWI provides information about blood oxygenation levels in intracranial vessels. Prior reports have shown that SWI focusing on venous drainage can provide noninvasive information about the degree of brain perfusion in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke. We aimed to evaluate the influence of the SWI venous signal pattern in predicting stroke evolution and the development of malignant edema in a large cohort of children with arterial ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semiquantitative analysis of venous signal intensity on SWI and diffusion characteristics on DTI was performed in 16 vascular territories. The mismatch between areas with SWI-hypointense venous signal and restricted diffusion was correlated with stroke progression on follow-up. SWI-hyperintense signal was correlated with the development of malignant edema. RESULTS: We included 24 children with a confirmed diagnosis of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke. Follow-up images were available for 14/24 children. MCA stroke progression on follow-up was observed in 5/6 children, with 2/8 children without mismatch between areas of initial SWI hypointense venous signal and areas of restricted diffusion on DTI. This mismatch showed a statistically significant association (P = .03) for infarct progression. Postischemic malignant edema developed in 2/10 children with and 0/14 children without SWI-hyperintense venous signal on initial SWI (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: SWI-DTI mismatch predicts stroke progression in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke. SWI-hyperintense signal is not useful for predicting the development of malignant edema. SWI should be routinely added to the neuroimaging diagnostic protocol of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke.
eDisc: The First Artificial Spinal Disc With Integral Force-Sensing Microelectronics

Theken Disc, LLC has developed an artificial spinal disc with an integrated microelectronics module to reduce post operative complications and speed return to work and function. During the first few months after implantation, it is very important to limit patient activity to prevent disc migration or dislodgement. The force monitoring capability provides realtime or stored data to assess patient’s ability to return to work. The microelectronics module monitors any dynamic high-load events that may take place, and immediately warns the patient of the high load by sending a wireless signal to a belt-worn audible alert unit.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Multiple comparisons by rerandomization tests

Abstract Classical methods of simultaneous inference cannot be used with rerandomization tests without risking excessive type I errors. This is illustrated by examples that show some published methods to be invalid for multiple comparisons. However, the use of stepwise procedures is shown to remain valid with rerandomization tests. In particular, this article advocates an adaptation of Begun and Gabriel's (1981) technique and provides the algorithm for using it.
Protection of the heart from ischemia by a new oligomeric derivative of prostaglandin E1.

A lipophilic oligomeric ester was synthesized from prostaglandin E1. The compound was found to protect a Langendorff perfused rat heart from ischemic insult. After 15 minutes cessation of perfusion, the flow was restarted, and the recovery of contraction was measured. In control experiments, the recovery was 16.1 ± 7.3%. In the case of pre-ischemic addition of the compound (10 μg/ml at 10 minutes before ischemic insult), the recovery was 31 ± 13.2% (n = 7; the difference was not significant). In post-ischemic addition (10 μg/ml), the recovery was 75.9 ± 9.0% (n = 7; p < 0.01). The compound was also effective in protecting rat heart myocytes against a 60 minutes anoxia/15 minutes reoxygenation injury as judged by the loss of “rod-shaped” intact myocytes. At a 10 μg/ml concentration, the compound protected against the loss of rod-shaped myocytes by 30% in pre-anoxia addition and 35% in post-anoxia addition. The levels of significance in these experiments were p < 0.001. Possible mechanisms of action of this compound are discussed.
Computer simulation of disordering and amorphization by Si and Au recoils in 3C--SiC

Molecular dynamics has been employed to study the disordering and amorphization processes in SiC irradiated with Si and Au ions. The large disordered domains, consisting of interstitials and antisite defects, are created in the cascades produced by Au primary knock-on atoms (PKAs); whereas Si PKAs generate only small interstitial clusters, with most defects being single interstitials and vacancies distributed over a large region. No evidence of amorphization is found at the end of the cascades created by Si recoils. However, the structure analysis indicates that the large disordered domains generated by Au recoils can be defined as an amorphous cluster lacking long-range order. The driving force for amorphization in this material is due to the local accumulation of Frenkel pairs and antisite defects. These results are in good agreement with experimental evidence, i.e., the observed higher disordering rate and the residual disorder after annealing for irradiation with Au2+ are associated with a higher prob...
A dynamic model of the circle of Willis

Abstract A basic pulsatile-flow model of the circle of Willis at the base of the brain was built with integrated lumped circuits. The non-steady Navier-Stokes equation and one other equation which governs the radial movement of the distinsible walls were applied to each of the 22 consecutive short segments into which the circle of Willis was subdivided. The segments were so arranged that the regions where circulation would be influenced by local increase of resistance or altered field of blood supply were located at junctions of the segments. Direct measurement of intravascular blood pressure from a dog's carotid artery was taken to test the model performance. The computer model compared favorably with the data measured from the animal prototype.
On the detection of closing delaminations in laminated composite plates using the structural intensity method

In recent years, the concept of Nonlinear Structural Intensity (NSI) has been applied to detect fatigue cracks and loose joints in isotropic structures. This paper extends the NSI concept to orthotropic and anisotropic materials and investigates the possibility to use NSI for the localization of a closing delamination in thin laminated plates. When the delamination is excited by a high frequency interrogation signal, the periodic contact occurring between the delaminated plies produces Contact Acoustic Nonlinear (CAN) effects that are associated with the generation of both higher order and fractional harmonics. The closing delamination acts as a mechanism of redistribution of energy from the driving frequency to the nonlinear harmonics. The structural intensity associated with the nonlinear harmonics is an effective metric to identify size and location of the damage. NSI is computed using a combined approach based on a Finite Element (FE) model and a 13 point finite differencing scheme. Using this approach, we performed a numerical investigation on a thin laminated plate to analyze the effect that the material orthotropy has on the propagation of vibration energy and to understand the impact that preferential directions of energy propagation have on the ability to interrogate the damage. Then, the approach is extended for application to an anisotropic symmetric laminated plate.
A branch, bound, and remember algorithm for the 1|r i |Σt i scheduling problem

This paper presents a modified Branch and Bound (B&B) algorithm called, the Branch, Bound, and Remember (BB&R) algorithm, which uses the Distributed Best First Search (DBFS) exploration strategy for solving the 1|r i |Σem>t i scheduling problem, a single machine scheduling problem where the objective is to find a schedule with the minimum total tardiness. Memory-based dominance strategies are incorporated into the BB&R algorithm. In addition, a modified memory-based dynamic programming algorithm is also introduced to efficiently compute lower bounds for the 1|r i |Σt i scheduling problem. Computational results are reported, which shows that the BB&R algorithm with the DBFS exploration strategy outperforms the best known algorithms reported in the literature.
Women's Labor Force participation and migration to the Texas Border Region

In the U.S. during the last 30 years, it has become increasingly accepted for women, even married women with small children, to participate in the paid labor force. Currently the fastest growing segment of the U.S. labor force is married women with young children. That women are joint, or at least supplementary wage earners in the family, has become widely accepted. In Mexico, on the other hand, there continues to be a strong cultural ideology of men as heads of household and providers, while women's proper roles are those of mother, wife and homemaker. Paid employment is in conflict with these roles. A wife or daughter earning income, especially if the job involves a leadership role, is viewed as threatening to men. Machismo , the culture of male dominance, is still very present in Mexican culture (Fernandez Kelly 1983, Tiano 1990 and Ward 1990).
Reconciliation and Justice after Genocide: A Theoretical Exploration

This article argues that the post-conflict reconciliation process is undermined by the importance given to the retributive form of justice dominating peacebuilding and transitional justice measures. Retributive justice reinforces the division between perpetrator and victim, thus undermining the reconciliation process between antagonistic parties. The so-called objective categories of perpetrator and victim, so crucial for the administration and management of most peacebuilding measures, underestimate the individual and collective psychological dimension and intersubjective effects that these categories have upon the healing and reconciliation processes. The significance of the psychological dimension of reconciliation suggests a restorative justice approach that emphasizes the subjective and intersubjective meanings of justice and reconciliation. The case of post-genocide Rwanda will be used to show how the retributive justice approach can undermine the reconciliation process.
Clinical Results of Sole Therapy TMR Treatment

The safety and efficacy of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is best demonstrated by the data collected from several multi-institutional randomized controlled trials. These trials are an important link between the preclinical data and the most common use of TMR (TMR + Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting). In addition to significant symptomatic relief both short- and long-term objective data were also garnered in these studies. A review of the history, study design, and outcomes is provided.
Evaluation of the efficiency and the drive cycle emissions for a hydrogen direct-injection engine:

Hydrogen is seen as a sustainable energy carrier for transportation because it can be generated using renewable energy sources and it is a favorable fuel for clean vehicle powertrains. Hydrogen internal-combustion engines have been identified as a cost-effective consumer of hydrogen in the near term to aid in the development of a large-scale hydrogen infrastructure. Current research on hydrogen internal-combustion engines is directed by a series of efficiency and emissions targets defined by the US Department of Energy including a peak brake thermal efficiency of 45% and nitrogen oxide emissions of less than 0.07 g/mile. A high-efficiency hydrogen direct-injection engine was developed at Argonne National Laboratory to take advantage of the combustion characteristics of hydrogen. The engine employs a lean control strategy with turbocharging for power density comparable with that of gasoline engines. The injection strategy was optimized through collaborative three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics an...