cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negative Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Applications in Environmental Analytical Chemistry

Negative Chemical Ionization (NCI) mass spectrometry is unusually sensitive to non-specific toxic substances and is generally much less sensitive to biomolecules. These features make NCI mass spectra particularly attractive for screening environmental substrates for environmental contamination. This paper discusses the NCI technique as well as the levels of contamination that should be of concern. NCI spectra of several classes of toxic substances are presented. Application of the procedure to screening for environmental contamination is reviewed.
Immunophenotypic analysis of hematogones (B-lymphocyte precursors) and neoplastic lymphoblasts by 4-color flow cytometry

Hematogones are identified by 4-color flow cytometry in most bone marrow specimens. They are more commonly found and are generally present in higher numbers in children. There is a general decline ...
Symmetries and conserved quantities in Lindblad master equations

This work is concerned with determination of the steady-state structure of time-independent Lindblad master equations, especially those possessing more than one steady state. The approach here is to treat Lindblad systems as generalizations of unitary quantum mechanics, extending the intuition of symmetries and conserved quantities to the dissipative case. We combine and apply various results to obtain an exhaustive characterization of the infinite-time behavior of Lindblad evolution, including both the structure of the infinite-time density matrix and its dependence on initial conditions. The effect of the environment in the infinite time limit can therefore be tracked exactly for arbitrary state initialization and without knowledge of dynamics at intermediate time. As a consequence, sufficient criteria for determining the steady state of a Lindblad master equation are obtained. These criteria are knowledge of the initial state, a basis for the steady-state subspace, and all conserved quantities. We give examples of two-qubit dissipation and single-mode $d$-photon absorption where all quantities are determined analytically. Applications of these techniques to quantum information, computation, and feedback control are discussed.
Associations between perceived cancer risk and established risk factors in a national community sample

Abstract Introduction : Perceptions of personal cancer risk may not accurately reflect individual's exposure to established risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between perceived cancer risk and selected established risk factors, using a large nationally representative sample. Methods : We used data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to perform a cross-sectional analysis of 30,223 adults without a cancer diagnosis. Multinominal logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with medium and high perceived cancer risk. Results : The effects of age, family history, and smoking status on perceived risk were linear and more pronounced on those with high perceived risk. High perceived risk was associated with every day smoking (relative risk ratio [RRR]=4.27, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=3.65–5.01), alcohol consumption (e.g. RRR=1.26, 95% CI=1.01–1.56 for current drinker), number of relatives with cancer (e.g. RRR=20.64, 95% CI=16.37–26 for those with both parents positive), low income (RRR=1.25, 95% CI=1.08–1.45), and female (RRR=1.39, 95%CI=1.23–1.57). Obesity (RRR=1.32, 95% CI=1.1–1.6), but not overweight, was identified as an independent determinant. High perceived risk was inversely related to age (e.g. RRR=0.19, 95%CI=0.16–0.24 for adults 60 and older). Ethnic minorities were less likely to perceive cancer risk. Physical inactivity was not associated with high perceived risk. Conclusions : Among established risk factors, family history appears to be most reflected in the single measure of perceived cancer risk. The relationship between perceived cancer risk and exposure to established risk factors differs in important ways from what public campaigns have communicated with the public. Prevention messages should highlight that cancer risk increases with age and certain modifiable risk factors, including overweight and physical inactivity. The relationship between cancer risk perceptions and ethnicity merits further exploration.
ROBESim: A retrofit-oriented building energy simulator based on EnergyPlus

Abstract Buildings account for 21% of global energy consumption. Reducing building energy consumption can result in an immediate impact on energy expenditures and the environment. Retrofitting existing buildings is a means toward reducing their energy footprint. Currently, building owners have several retrofit choices. Building energy simulations can be used to assist in this retrofit selection process, providing energy savings estimates from different retrofits. Currently available simulators, however, are not retrofit-oriented and are not built to enable comparisons among retrofits. In order to perform these comparisons, users are required to manually create building models for each retrofit, which is obviously a cumbersome process. In this paper, we introduce ROBESim, a retrofit-oriented building energy simulator. ROBESim is based on the popular EnergyPlus framework, and relies on EnergyPlus for most of the supported computations. By using the retrofit modules in ROBESim, the user can quickly and easily generate building models to perform retrofit comparison simulations. ROBESim was designed to be modular and extensible. We outline these modules and show how developers can build upon our work in ROBESim. In addition, we describe the retrofit module development process and discuss additional ease-of-use enhancements that make building energy simulation possible for users of all experience levels.
The molecular dynamics and melting transition of the confined ibuprofen in titania nanotube studied by NMR

Abstract 13 C NMR is employed to study the correlation between molecular dynamics and melting transition for the bulk ibuprofen and the confined ibuprofen in titania nanotubes. Under confinement, for all methyl-groups rotation remains unchanged and aromatic-ring flipping is slightly accelerated. The bulk ibuprofen melts at 351 K activating rapid molecular reorientation and rapid rotation of isobutyl-group while the confined ibuprofen completely becomes ‘liquid-like’ at 339 K activating also rapid rotation of isobutyl-group and restricted molecular reorientation. It suggests that confinement substantially changes the segmental dynamics which participates in melting transition but only slightly affects the others.
Obliteration of traumatically induced articular surface defects using a porous implant

Trauma to articular surfaces penetrating through the subchondral bone can result in areas of incomplete healing. Intraarticular adhesions can originate from these loci of disorganized fibrous bone and cartilage and, along with the incongruous surface, limit motion. In a group of 28 white New Zealand rabbits, 44 standard size defects were created in the prepatellar intercondylar femoral grooves. Twenty-seven were filled with Proplast, a porous implant material. Seventeen were left as controls. The animals were killed at intervals from 3 to 51 weeks. The implant areas were studied grossly and histologically. Granulation outgrowth and adhesions were not seen. From 12 weeks on, normal-appearing hyaline cartilage covered the surface, and bone ingrowth was found within the implant.
Sexual behavior condom use disclosure of sexuality and stability of sexual orientation in bisexual men.

Little is known regarding the social and sexual behavior of bisexual men, a population of increasing importance given their risk for HIV transmission. In this exploratory study, we described a sample of 105 self‐identified bisexual men recruited through a newspaper ad and interviewed in person. Our objectives were to (a) describe their social characteristics and reported sexual behavior with males and females; (b) assess rates of disclosure of sexuality to others, including female sexual partners; (c) examine behavioral versus self‐labeling definitions of bisexuality, vis‐a‐vis involvement in the gay community, mental health, and HIV‐risk behavior; and (d) test the stability of sexual orientation during one year in a subsample of respondents. HIV‐risk behavior was generally low. Most respondents had not disclosed their same‐sex attraction to their social networks, including female sexual partners. Behaviorally bisexual men had higher psychological well‐being and lower HIV risk than did men who self‐identi...
Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Content in Three Species of Crab Found in the Northwest Atlantic

Three species of crab, deep-sea red crab, Geryon quinquedens, rock crab, Cancer irroratus, and Jonah crab, Cancer borealis, were examined for sterol and fatty acid content in the cooked muscle. Cholesterol was the major sterol in all three species. The 20:5w3 was the predominant poly-unsaturated fatty acid for all the crabs.
Welcome to a New T-ED Editor

The Editor-in-Chief announces the appointment of a new member to the Editorial Board: Professor Kevin Chen of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, in the area of compound semiconductor devices. Kevin is a recognized expert in this field. A short biography of Kevin is provided.
Fc-receptor mediated protein phosphorylation in murine peritoneal macrophages

The effect of Fc receptor engagement on protein phosphorylation in murine peritoneal macrophages has been investigated. Treatment of macrophage cultures with insoluble immune complexes resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of six proteins at 73, 66, 53, 37, 31 and 25 kD. Comparison of the protein phosphorylation patterns induced by immune complexes with those induced by agents which mimic the actions of well known intracellular second messengers (i.e., A23187, dibutyryl cAMP, or phorbol myristate acetate) revealed substantial similarity between Fc receptor induced events and those induced in response to phorbol diesters. There were, however, two phosphorylated proteins which were only seen following stimulation with immune complexes. Thus, more than one kind of protein kinase activity appears to be involved in Fc receptor mediated stimulation of macrophage function.
Application of Ultrafast Computed Tomography for Diagnosis of Perivalvular Abscesses: Surgical Implications

The presence of a perivalvular abscess is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality with valve replacement and can require extensive debridement and reconstructive procedures. An accurate noninvasive method for preoperative diagnosis may hasten operation and aid in preoperative and surgical management. Two cases are presented in which ultrafast computed tomography accurately identified perivalvular abscesses not detected on two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and guided operative intervention.
Inherited disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Purpose of review Inherited disorders of calcium and phosphate homeostasis have variable presentation and can cause significant morbidity. An understanding of the mode of inheritance and pathophysiology of these conditions will help in the diagnosis and early institution of therapy. Recent findings Identification of genetic mutations in humans and animal models has advanced our understanding of many inherited disorders of calcium and phosphate regulation. Identification of mutations of calcium-sensing receptor has improved our understanding of hypocalcemic and hypercalcemic conditions. Mutations of Fgf23, Klotho and phosphate transporter genes have been identified to cause disorders of phosphate metabolism. Summary Calcium and phosphate homeostasis is tightly regulated in a narrow range due to their vital role in many biological processes. Inherited disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism though uncommon can have severe morbidity. Genetic counseling of the affected families is an important part of the follow-up of these patients.
The Baire Set Fixing Property in Topological Groups

A now standard technique for treating a class of Baire set problems, originating with Halmos [2; 51.D], is to construct a metric space that, in a way, "fixes" a given Baire set. Formally this means, given a Baire set B in a space X, find a metric space M and a map g of X onto M with the property that B = g l gB . In phrasing the problem for topological groups it is natural to require that M be a group and g be a homomorphism. Specifically, what is desired is a subgroup H that "fixes" B, i.e., such that B = BH. This problem is solved in Halmos for locally compact a-compact groups in a theorem [2; 64.G] that has led to interesting consequences elsewhere [4, 1]. As will be seen, Halmos' theorem is also true for totally bounded groups. An example of Sirota's of a countable topological group with no non-trivial metrizable homomorphic images indicates that, in this direction at least, the barrier of local compactness cannot be lifted without giving up metrizability in M. If this is done, however, replacing the requirement that M be metrizable, i.e., that H have a countable base in G, with the less stringent requirement that H be a G~-set in G, an analogue of Halmos' theorem is true for Lindelff groups. In view of these remarks it is convenient to distinguish between two distinct Baire set fixing problems. A closed invariant subgroup H of a group G is said to be a fixiru3 subgroup (M-fixing subgroup) provided H is a G~-set (H has a countable base of neighborhoods in G). G satisfies the Baire set fixing property (M-Baire set fixing property) provided, for each Baire set in G, there is a fixing subgroup (M-fixing subgroup) such that B = BH. The Baire sets are taken to be the elements of the smallest a-algebra containing the zero sets of continuous real-valued functions on G. For technical convenience in describing proofs, a G~-set containing the identity is called an admissible set.
Analysis of Opening Shock of a Chest Mounted Reserve Parachute

The effect of opening shock of a chest-mounted reserve parachute on the head/neck dynamics is studied. Comparisons are made with similar effects of a back-mounted reserve parachute. The analysis employs a biodynamic computer model developed in earlier research. The results show that there are significant advantages of a chest-mounted over a back-mounted reserve parachute. Language: en
Strain scaling law for flux pinning in practical superconductors. Part 1: Basic relationship and application to Nb3Sn conductors

Abstract Critical current and flux pinning densities have been determined for a series of Nb3Sn, V3Ga, Nb3Ge, and NbTi conductors as a function of uniaxial tensile strain in magnetic fields ranging from 4 to 19 T. An empirical relationship has been found at 4.2 K that describes these data over the entire range of field under both compressive and tensile strain. The pinning force F has been found to obey a scaling law of the form F = [B c2 ∗(ϵ)] n f(b) , where Bc2∗ is the strain-dependent upper-critical field determined from high-field critical-current measurements and f(b) is a function only of the reduced magnetic field b  B/B c2 ∗ . The detailed shape of f(b) depends on the super-conducting material and reaction conditions, but n was found to be nearly constant for a given type of superconductor. For Nb3Sn conductors n = 1 ± 0.3, for multifilamentary V3Gan≅1.3, for CVD-Nb3Ge tape n≅1.6, and for multifilamentary NbTi n≅3.3. The importance of this relationship is that, for these conductors at least, it is possible to measure F at one strain and then immediately be able to predict F (and thus the critical current) at other strain levels simply by scaling the results by [Bc2∗(ϵ)]n. Part I of this paper presents the basic uniaxial-strain scaling relationship and focuses on its application to Nb3Sn conductors. The strain scaling law with n = 1 ± 0.3 was found to hold for all Nb-Sn based conductors examined thus far, including commercial-multifilamentary conductors, extremely fine-filament composites, partially-reacted specimens, ‘insitu’ conductors, and Nb-Hf/Cu-Sn-Ga conductors. The detailed dependence of Bc2∗ on strain was-found to be nearly universal for highly-reacted commercial Nb3Sn specimens, greatly simplifying the application of the scaling law to this group of practical superconductors. These results are discussed within the context of flux pinning models and a general scaling relation is proposed which unifies the usual temperature-scaling relation with this strain-scaling relation.
Polyhedral annexation in mixed integer and combinatorial programming

Polyhedral annexation is a new approach for generating all valid inequalities in mixed integer and combinatorial programming. These include the facets of the convex hull of feasible integer solutions. The approach is capable of exploiting the characteristics of the feasible solution space in regions both “adjacent to” and “distant from” the linear programming vertex without resorting to specialized notions of group theory, convex analysis or projective geometry. The approach also provides new ways for exploiting the “branching inequalities” of branch and bound.
Satisfaction evaluation for meteorological environment information in sea battlefields based on membership cloud

The Meteorological environment in sea battlefields has a significant effect on the operational effectiveness of weaponry & equipment (OEWE), and even may alter a war's entire course. While Meteorological Environment Information (MEI) is a type of fuzzy information, the membership cloud theory is a useful tool for fuzzy data mining and information processing. Therefore, the fuzzy MEI's influence over OEWE is first discussed in this paper, then a method for MEI satisfaction evaluation based on membership cloud is put forward, with its feasibility and practicality analyzed in combination with the application example. It is expected, that such evaluation method could provide an innovative perspective for effectively conducting the quantitative evaluation on MEI's influence over OEWE.
20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is a potent dilator of mouse basilar artery: role of cyclooxygenase

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite synthesized by cytochrome P-450 ω-oxidases, is reported to produce vasoconstriction in the cerebral circulation. Howev...
Expanding to direct channel: Market coverages as entry barrier

Abstract A direct marketer can be either a manufacturer selling directly to the final consumers or a retailer that sells an assortment of products from multiple manufacturers. From a manufacturer's point of view, expanding to an online direct channel seems very attractive because intermediaries can be bypassed in reaching final consumers, while the Internet has substantially lowered the entry barrier. With the rapid diffusion of electronic commerce, numerous manufacturers have been considering a direct online channel as an alternative or a supplement to existing retailer channels. However, we observe in the real market that not many manufacturers are fully engaged in online retailing. One major factor frequently mentioned is the conflict with existing dealers who will not be pleased with a manufacturer's attempt to cannibalize their sales. This paper attempts to provide another explanation by comparing theoretical market coverage of manufacturers in a direct channel and a channel with intermediaries. We show that the direct channel can support fewer firms than the traditional retailer channel does, which becomes an effective entry barrier to latecomers. In equilibrium, the products are positively but finitely differentiated in their qualities, and the top two quality tiers would capture more than 75% of the direct channel's market potential (i.e., the “finiteness property”). Thus latecomers would find it difficult to gain a substantial market share against the existing pioneers in the competitive direct market unless they can find other meaningful ways to differentiate horizontally. The sales data of the online retail industry supports our finding.
Feedback from luminosity horizontal cells mediates depolarizing responses of chromaticity horizontal cells in the Xenopus retina.

It has been proposed that the depolarizing responses of chromaticity horizontal cells (C-HCs) to red light depend on a feedback signal from luminosity horizontal cells (L-HCs) to short-wavelength-sensitive cones in the retinas of lower vertebrates. In this regard we studied the C-HCs of the Xenopus retina. C-HCs and L-HCs were identified by physiological criteria and then injected with neurobiotin. The retina then was incubated with peanut agglutinin, which stains red-but not blue-sensitive cones. Electron microscopic examination revealed that L-HCs contact all cone classes, whereas C-HCs contact only blue-sensitive cones. Simultaneous recordings from C-HC/L-HC pairs established that when the L-HC was saturated by a steady bright red light, C-HCs alone responded to a superimposed blue stimulus. In response to red test flashes, the C-HC response was delayed by approximately 30 msec with respect to the L-HC response. Isolated HCs of both subtypes were examined by whole-cell patch clamp. Both responded to kainate with sustained inward currents and to quisqualate or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) with desensitizing currents from a negative holding potential; i.e., both have AMPA-type glutamate receptors. gamma-Aminobutyric acid or glycine opened a chloride channel in the L-HC, whereas the C-HC was unresponsive to either inhibitory amino acid. Since glycine has been shown to abolish selectively the depolarizing response of the C-HC, this finding and other pharmacological data strongly implicate the L-HC in the underlying circuit. Moreover, because the C-HC does not respond to gamma-aminobutyric acid, the neurotransmitter of the L-HC, by elimination, a feedback synapse from L-HC to blue cone is the most plausible mechanism for the creation of depolarizing responses in C-HCs.
Classical Diffusion in a Tokomak

Analysis of the simplest classical model for resistive diffusion in an axially symmetric Tokomak geometry shows that present experiments are in a transitional regime which requires analysis of the interaction between several distinct, nonlinearly coupled, tranient processes. A few consequences of this theory are examined, and a limiting steady state with much simpler scaling is described.
Details of the Cryogenic System for the Cornell Superconducting R.f. Beam Tests

During the course of the most recent and past Superconducting R.F. beam tests in CESR, various techniques and concepts were developed in the implementation of the cryogenic system1,2,3,4. Some of these items will be described and will include, the long liquid helium transfer line, the liquid phase separation, the liquid nitrogen cooling system, feeding the wavequide heat exchangers, the JT valve, the temperature regulation and pumping system, the overall control and monitoring system, large and many indium seals, and mechanical details of the cryostat vessel.
Determination of enantiomeric composition of 2-phenyl-2-(2-piperidyl)acetamide. A routine method for evaluation of enantiomeric purity of primary amides

Abstract Several NMR chiral resolving agents have successfully been used to demonstrate their usefulness for the determination of the enantiomeric composition of the title compound.
Psychosocial support of the pediatric cancer patient: lessons learned over the past 50 years.

Advances in pediatric cancer treatment over the past 50 years have dramatically improved survival rates. Once considered almost uniformly fatal, pediatric cancer’s overall survival rates now approach 85%. Formerly, little psychosocial support existed for the child with cancer other than that provided by nurses and family. The prospect for long-term survival was so remote that plans for the future (eg, school, social relationships, late effects of treatment, and emotional adjustment) were abandoned. As the survival rate for children with cancer improved, so did the need for and quality of psychosocial care, largely because of hope for a cure. Today children with cancer benefit from comprehensive behavioral pediatric psychosocial support programs in psychiatry, psychology, neuropsychology, child life, education (school), creative arts, chaplaincy, social work, and career and vocational counseling. Pediatric psycho-oncology research has provided insights into clinical care and the psychosocial adaptation of children and families to cancer treatment and survivorship.
Mammary secretions in normal spontaneous and induced premature parturition in the mare

Total calcium, total protein, albumin and globulin content were determined in 49 samples of mammary secretions from 37 crossbred and Thoroughbred mares. The mares were divided into three categories: Group 1--post partum samples from spontaneous full term Thoroughbred deliveries (n = 20); Group 2--pre- and post partum samples from spontaneous full term Thoroughbred deliveries (n = 6); Group 3--pre- and post partum samples from induced premature deliveries in crossbred mares (n = 11). Calcium concentrations of the mammary secretions proved useful in predicting full term and also in assessment of the chances of foal survival in prematurely induced parturition. Mean (+/- se) calcium levels in full term mares that foaled spontaneously (Group 1) were 10.6 +/- 2.7 mmol/litre on the day of parturition. However lower values than this did not necessarily mean parturition would not take place. In Group 2 mares, calcium levels were 4.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/litre just before foaling and rose to 9.2 +/- 1.5 mmol/litre within 20 mins of parturition; an increase of 124 per cent. Group 3 mares, induced prematurely, showed poor foal survival if pre-partum calcium levels were less than 3 mmol/litre. Total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations showed a similar trend but the increase just before or during parturition was much less marked.
Imports, unionization and racial age discrimination in the US

Past studies of the relationship between competition and racial wages find that domestic competition reduces racial wage discrimination of nonunion workers. This article examines the effects of foreign competition on racial wages of union and nonunion workers utilizing an empirical model which allows for cluster-adjusted SEs by industry. Such a procedure allows independence of observations across industries but not within industries, thereby not overstating the significance of industry invariant controls. In this analysis, clustered SEs prevent the overstatement of the significance of imports as a means to reduce earnings discrimination. We find evidence of a wage premium for nonunion white workers in concentrated industries; however, imports cause the wages of nonunion whites to converge towards market rates. In contrast, for union workers in concentrated industries, wage standardization provides a sanctuary from market power initiated discrimination such that imports play a limited role in reducing disc...
Equilibrium, convergence, and capital mobility in neoclassical models of growth

Abstract We study convergence in economies integrated by capital trade. Equilibrium generates transitional dynamics even in the absence of internal adjustment costs or borrowing constraints. Trade lowers the speed of convergence of capital-importing economies but increases the convergence of capital-exporting economies.
Retrieval of information from organized memory sets

A recognition reaction time (RT) investigation examined retrieval of individual elements from memorized sets of digits. The sets varied in organization and the delay between presentation of the items, and a recognition test was systematically manipulated. Organized sets produced faster reactions then unorganized sets. Serial position effects were less pronounced and operative for a shorter period of time with organized material.
Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma.

ILLUSTRATIVE CASE REPORT A 35-year-old male patient presented to the Emergency Department complaining of an increasingly painful abdominal mass. The mass had been present for 4 weeks, markedly enlarging during that period. The past medical history was otherwise unremarkable. Physical exam revealed a moderately distressed patient. His arterial blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg, pulse rate 100 beats/ minute, respirations 24/minute, and surface temperature normal. The lung fields were clear on auscultation. A baseball-sized, nonmobile, hard, and extremely tender mass was palpable in the right lower abdomen. Bowel sounds were hypoactive; both the rest of abdomen and digital rectal examination were unremarkable. Laboratory results were within normal limits. The chest x-ray was normal. Plain abdominal films suggested a soft tissue mass in the right mid-abdomen. CT scan showed a large cyst, possibly originating in the small intestine (Fig. 1). Surgery was planned and the patient was managed with analgesics and bowel preparation for the rest of the day. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a pedicled cyst in the mesentery of the terminal ileum measuring 30 12 10 cm, with dense adhesions to this and adjacent bowel loops. The cyst’s wall was dark brown and glistening; no enlarged lymph nodes were found. The rest of abdomen was normal and without free intraabdominal fluid. The mass was resected and the abdomen closed in layers. The postoperative course was unremarkable. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen revealed a cystic mass containing clear yellow fluid, which was cultured and yielded no bacterial growth (Fig. 2). Microscopically, the cyst wall showed attenuated endothelial lining positive for CD 31, smooth muscle fibers, and fibrovascular adipose tissue (Fig. 3). Lymphocytic aggregates were seen throughout the cyst wall, with diffuse chronic inflammatory infiltration below the endothelial lining (Fig. 4). Based on these findings, the final diagnosis of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma was made.
Magnetic resonance evaluation of ventrolateral medullary compression in essential hypertension.

Object. The authors designed a blinded prospective study comparing patients with essential hypertension to patients without hypertension in which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to evaluate the role of lateral medullary compression by adjacent vascular structures as a cause of neurogenic hypertension. Methods. Patients with documented essential hypertension were recruited to undergo thin-slice axial brainstem MR imaging evaluation. Nonhypertensive (control) patients scheduled to undergo MR imaging for other reasons also underwent thin-slice MR imaging to form a basis for comparison. Magnetic resonance images obtained in patients from the hypertensive (30 patients) and the control (45 patients) groups were then compared by four independent reviewers (two neuroradiologists and two neurosurgeons) who were blinded to the patients' diagnosis and hypertensive status. Images were reviewed with regard to left versus right vertebral artery (VA) dominance, compression of the medulla on the left and/or righ...
Device drive current degradation observed with retrograde channel profiles

Super steep retrograde channel profiles have been widely known to produce improved short channel characteristics in sub-0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS technologies. In this paper, an attempt is made to leverage this improved short channel behaviour and thereby improve transistor performance (as measured by the current drive). Whereas significant improvements in short channel effects measured by DIBL and /spl Delta/Vt/sub sat/ are obtained with retrograde channels, it is observed that for a fixed gate length and equal threshold voltage, transistors with retrograde channel profiles typically exhibit lower drive currents than equivalent transistors fabricated with conventional doping profiles. Potential trade offs in device design resulting from this observation are discussed.
Public Health in a Managed Care Environment

As the health care system moves in a new direction, toward managed care, the critical role of public health in society's efforts to mitigate illness and the realization cf health become more apparent. Indeed, the public health problems of this era will not yield to simple solutions.They require a multitude o)resources, bothhumanandmaterial, and a myriad of services arrived from these resources. Public health's role is to serve as the government's presence in assessing health status, developing policy, evaluating the effectiveness of policy implementation, and assuring access to ana quality cf comprehensive health services. Increasingly, public health must coordinate a wide array of systems in both the private and public sectors to fulfill its purpose. The decade of the 1990s is a critical turning point for every element of the nation's health services system. Significant advances in biomedical sd- ences and technology are changing health care polides, practices, and proce- dures. Institutions and organizations, in meeting after meeting, are working to balance an inherent optimism about the future with a realistic assessment of the effects of our rapidly changing health service system. Medical schools and teaching hospitals are forming unions in an effort to become more effident in the face of new demands from the other multiple components of the health care system. Some unions have gone far beyond previous partnerships in creating new bastions of research and health care.
Isomorphisms of NP complete problems on random instances

Polynomial isomorphisms are defined for NP-complete sets on random instances. Not only are polynomial-time computable and invertible bijections among complete sets considered, but also it is required that these bijections preserve distributions on random instances of these sets. Sufficient conditions for randomized decision problems to be polynomially isomorphic are shown. It is then proved that all the known average-case NP-complete problems under many-one reductions are polynomially isomorphic. These problems include the randomized tiling problem, the randomized halting problem, the randomized Post correspondence problem, and the randomized word problem for Thue systems. >
Polymer Stability Plays an Important Role in the Positional Regulation of FtsZ

We conducted a series of experiments examining the effect of polymer stability on FtsZ localization dynamics in Bacillus subtilis. A loss-of-function mutation in ezrA, a putative polymer-destabilizing factor, suppresses the defects in FtsZ polymer stability associated with minCD overexpression. In addition, a mutation that is predicted to stabilize the FtsZ polymer leads to the formation of polar FtsZ rings. These data support the hypothesis that carefully balanced polymer stability is important for the assembly and localization of FtsZ during the bacterial cell cycle.
Classifying human manipulation behavior

This paper presents a taxonomy for detailed classification of human and anthropomorphic manipulation behavior. This hand-centric, motion-centric taxonomy differentiates tasks based on criteria such as object contact, prehension, and the nature of object motion relative to a hand frame. A sub-classification of the most dexterous categories, within-hand manipulation, is also presented, based on the principal axis of object rotation or translation in the hand frame. Principles for categorizing complex, multi-faceted tasks are also presented, along with illustrative examples. We hope that the proposed taxonomy will both establish a standard language around human and anthropomorphic manipulation as well as enable improved understanding of the differences in hand use for a wide variety of behavior. Although designed for human and anthropomorphic hands, the taxonomy might easily be extended to a wide range of robot manipulators and end-effectors.
Variability of apoptosis and response in N1-S1 rodent hepatomas to benzamide riboside and correlation to early changes in water apparent diffusion coefficient and sodium MR imaging.

Abstract Purpose This pilot trial assesses variability of apoptosis and response 1 day after hepatic intraarterial (IA) benzamide riboside (BR) in rodent hepatomas and its correlation to water apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and single-quantum (SQ) and triple-quantum–filtered (TQF) sodium-23 ( 23 Na) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 8) were inoculated with 10 6 N1-S1 cells. IA BR (20 mg/kg) was infused after 14 days. Animals were killed 1 day (n = 4) or 21 days (n = 4) after therapy. Imaging was performed 1 day before and after treatment. Volume was assessed over 2 weeks. Percentage apoptosis was counted from terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling–stained slides at 400×magnification. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare apoptosis, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare MR signal intensity (SI). Results Apoptosis was marginally greater in tumor than in nontumor (6.7% vs 1.3%; P = .08), varying from 2% to 10%. Before treatment, MR SI was greater in tumor than in nontumor (ADC, 1.18 vs 0.76 [ P = .0078]; SQ, 1.20 vs 1.04 [ P = .03]; TQF, 0.55 vs 0.34 [ P = .03]). After treatment, tumors increased in volume (0.62 vs 0.33; P = .016) variably over 2 weeks. MR SI remained greater in tumor than in nontumor (ADC, 1.20 vs 0.77 [ P = .0078]; SQ, 1.76 vs 1.15 [ P = .016]; TQF, 0.84 vs 0.49 [ P = .03]). SQ and TQF SI increased by 47% ( P = .016) and 53% ( P = .016) in tumors, whereas ADC did not change. Conclusions Apoptosis was marginal and varied from 2% to 10%. Water ADC, SQ, and TQF MR imaging distinguished tumor from nontumor. Changes in water ADC and sodium MR imaging correlated to apoptosis and volume in select cases, but additional animals are needed to validate this trend against tumor growth.
Secondary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction with Antiplatelet Drugs

Nine trials qualified for this limited review of antiplatelet drugs used in secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. The criterion for inclusion was a placebo-controlled, randomized trial with a sample size of at least 100 (May et al. 1982). Six of these trials involved asprin alone, one aspirin plus Persantin (dipyridimole), and two Anturan (sulfinpyrazone).
Simulating the power consumption of large-scale sensor network applications

Developing sensor network applications demands a new set of tools to aid programmers. A number of simulation environments have been developed that provide varying degrees of scalability, realism, and detail for understanding the behavior of sensor networks. To date, however, none of these tools have addressed one of the most important aspects of sensor application design: that of power consumption. While simple approximations of overall power usage can be derived from estimates of node duty cycle and communication rates, these techniques often fail to capture the detailed, low-level energy requirements of the CPU, radio, sensors, and other peripherals.In this paper, we present, a scalable simulation environment for wireless sensor networks that provides an accurate, per-node estimate of power consumption. PowerTOSSIM is an extension to TOSSIM, an event-driven simulation environment for TinyOS applications. In PowerTOSSIM, TinyOS components corresponding to specific hardware peripherals (such as the radio, EEPROM, LEDs, and so forth) are instrumented to obtain a trace of each device's activity during the simulation runPowerTOSSIM employs a novel code-transformation technique to estimate the number of CPU cycles executed by each node, eliminating the need for expensive instruction-level simulation of sensor nodes. PowerTOSSIM includes a detailed model of hardware energy consumption based on the Mica2 sensor node platform. Through instrumentation of actual sensor nodes, we demonstrate that PowerTOSSIM provides accurate estimation of power consumption for a range of applications and scales to support very large simulations.
Entry, Flux, and Exit of Potential Vorticity in Ocean Circulation

The flux form of the potential vorticity (PV) equation is employed to derive simple expressions for the boundary and interior flux of PV in ocean circulation using Bernoulli functions. The formulas are discussed and physically interpreted and used to map the flux of PV through a model of ocean circulation.
Identification of Functionally Relevant Lysine Residues That Modulate Human Farnesoid X Receptor Activation

Base amino acid lysine residues play an important role in regulation of nuclear receptors [e.g., farnesyl X receptor (FXR)], leading to enhanced or suppressed biologic activity. To understand the molecular mechanisms and the subsequent effects in modulating FXR functions in diverse biologic processes, we individually replaced eight highly conserved lysine residues of human FXR (hFXR) with arginine. The effects of each mutated FXR on target gene activation, subcellular localization, protein-protein association, and protein-DNA interaction were investigated. Results demonstrated that K122R, K210R, K339R, and K460R mutants of hFXR significantly impaired target gene [organic solute transporter α/β and bile salt export pump (BSEP)] promoter reporter activity in a ligand-dependent fashion. None of the four mutants affected the nuclear localization of FXR. Protein interaction studies show that K210R slightly but significantly decreased FXR/retinoid X receptor (RXR) binding affinity but enhanced the interaction of FXR with lysine methyltransferase Set7/9 by ∼21%. K460R decreased the FXR interaction with Set7/9 by ∼45% but had no significant effects on interaction with RXR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that hFXR-K210R and -K339R reduced the protein-DNA (IR1 element at hBSEP promoter) binding affinity by ∼80 and ∼90%, respectively. Computational-based protein modeling studies were consistent with these results and provided further insights into the potential underlying mechanisms responsible for these results. In conclusion, four highly conserved lysine residues of hFXR, K122, K210, K339, and K460, have been identified that play a critical role in FXR target gene regulation and molecular interaction (protein-protein and protein-DNA).
Upregulation of Microparticles in DIC and its Impact on Inflammatory Processes

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) results in the catastrophic simultaneous activation of thrombotic and hemorrhagic processes. Its pathophysiology and the role of inflammation and microparticles (MPs) are not fully understood. Microparticles represent small phospholipid-expressing procoagulant vesicular fragments, released with cellular disruption and apoptosis. Functional MPs were measured in 100 random patients from a population of patients with DIC. Plasma samples from 30 normal male and female volunteers were used as control. Commercial Annexin trapping method was used to determine procoagulant activity of MPs. Mean ± SD concentration of MPs in the DIC group was 24.6 ± 14.2 nmol/L (range: 0.0-60.0 nmol/L), significantly higher than the control group: 8.5 ± 4.3 nmol/L (range: 1.3-17.4 nmol/L). Distribution curves and scattergrams showed that MPs concentration in the DIC samples was more widespread. This demonstrates that MPs are upregulated in patients with DIC and may mediate the hemostatic activation and inflammatory responses in this syndrome.
Damascene tungsten process for local interconnects with improved reliability performance

Improved functional reliability is demonstrated through implementation of a tungsten damascene process for creating local interconnects that results in a cleaner, more planar surface. Reduction in lateral shorts is posited as the driver for the substantial reduction in yield loss and failure following stress conditions.
Skin ageing and its treatment

The effects of chronic sun exposure on skin are readily apparent when skin not typically exposed to the sun and skin regularly exposed to the sun are compared. While the sun is not the only aetiological factor in the dynamic process of skin ageing, it is the primary exogenous cause among several internal and environmental elements. Thus, photo-ageing, the main focus of this article, is a subset of extrinsic skin ageing. The influence of the sun in extrinsic skin ageing, as well as its role in potentially altering the normal course of intrinsic (also known as natural or cellular) ageing, is discussed. Telomeres, the specialized structures found at the ends of chromosomes, are believed to be integral to cellular ageing as well as in the development of cancer. The ageing process, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is also believed to be influenced by the formation of free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species. The loss of collagen is considered the characteristic histological finding in aged skin. Wrinkling and pigmentary changes are directly associated with photo-ageing and are considered its most salient cutaneous manifestations. Such photodamage represents the cutaneous signs of premature ageing. In addition, deleterious consequences of chronic sun exposure, specifically various forms of photo-induced skin cancer, are also linked to acute and chronic sun exposure. The only known strategies aimed at preventing photo-ageing include sun avoidance, using sunscreens to block or reduce skin exposure to UV radiation, using retinoids to inhibit collagenase synthesis and to promote collagen production, and using anti-oxidants, particularly in combination, to reduce and neutralize free radicals.
Joint source-channel coding in the presence of feedback

The effect of the presence of a feedback channel on the transmission of information was first considered by Shannon who showed that the capacity of a memory-less channel is not increased by feedback. Later it was shown that the information on a feedback channel can be used to improve the performance of channel coding. Here we show that by employing the feedback information in quantizer design for a noisy channel, one can achieve lower overall distortion compared to the case where feedback is not available or the quantizer is not matched to the channel. We consider an adaptive and a non-adaptive quantization scheme which show that especially for channels with high error rate, feedback information can lead to lower distortion compared to the case where no feedback information is available. >
The new economy and developing countries : assessing the role of ICT diffusion

Using data from developing countries, this paper explores the nature and direction of the links between ICT diffusion and per capita income, trade and financial indicators, education, and freedom indicators. Internet hosts, Internet users, personal computers and mobile phones represent indicators of ICT. The Gompertz model of technology diffusion is used to study ICT dissemination. The results show that income and government trade policies influence ICT diffusion. Depending on the ICT indicator, freedom indices may or may not affect ICT diffusion. Moreover, only personal computers and Internet hosts seem to have a positive influence on income. Contrary to expectations, ICT diffusion does not seem to enhance education.
Balloon Occlusion of the Carotid Artery for the Angiographic Visualization of Blalock-Taussig Shunts and Pulmonary Arteries

We describe the use of a balloon catheter to occlude the right or left carotid artery as a way of directing contrast material to the pulmonary arteries. This procedure was carried out in the postoperative study of 14 children who had undergone a Blalock-Taussig shunt. The method was reliable, and the angiograms provided excellent visualization of the pulmonary arteries using only small volumes of contrast material.