cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the particle spectrum of E(6) superstrings

Abstract The allowed parameter space of a superstring-inspired supergravity model with one additional neutral gauge boson Z′ is investigated in detail, under the assumption that no intermediate scale exists and that the supersymmetry breaking in the visible sector can be parameterized by m 0 , m 1 2 and A as in usual supergravity models. It is shown that the model allows for large Yukawa couplings and thus a relatively small supersymmetry breaking scale. Additional superpotential couplings which do not involve Higgs superfields allow to reduce slepton and squark masses even further. Therefore, sparticle masses can lie well within the range of the SLC, Tevatron, and LEP even if the Z′-boson is very heavy. Bounds on the masses of exotic fermions and the total decay width of the Z′ are also given.
Alteration in skin composition of young rats fed liquid protein diet

Abstract The effects of liquid protein diet (LPD) on the collagen metabolism of developing skin tissue was examined in young rats fed a 20% liquid protein diet starting at day 23 after birth. Other rats were pair-fed, but with a 20% casein diet, and another group of rats were fed a 20% casein diet ad libitum. The LPD rats rapidly lost their hair, and they were smaller and weighed less than the pair-fed and ad libitum rats. None of the LPD-fed rats survived beyond day 53 of the study. Collagen contents of the skin continuously increased in all age groups, while hexosamine content decreased from day 23 to 35. From day 23 to 35, noncollagenous protein content in the ad libitum group decreased about 40% and in the LPD and pair-fed groups, about 50%; from day 35 to 48, the decrease was about 35% in the ad libitum group and only about 14% in both the LPD and pair-fed groups. The ratio of Type III to I collagen in the LPD group at days 35 and 48 was greater than that of the ad libitum group. Current observations suggest that LPD alters biochemical composition of the skin on young, growing rats.
High brightness laser sources based upon low fill factor bars

We present results from our low fill factor bars used in high brightness optical systems for pumping and material processing applications.
Design, fabrication, and evaluation of negative stiffness elements using SLS

Purpose – Recent research has shown that constrained bistable structures can display negative stiffness behavior and provide extremal vibrational and acoustical absorptive capacity. These bistable structures are therefore compelling candidates for constructing new meta‐materials for noise reduction, anechoic coatings, and backing materials for broadband imaging transducers. To date, demonstrations of these capabilities have been primarily theoretical because the geometry of bistable elements is difficult to construct and refine with conventional manufacturing methods and materials. The purpose of this paper is to leverage the geometric design freedoms provided by selective laser sintering (SLS) technology to design and construct constrained bistable structures with negative stiffness behavior.Design/methodology/approach – A meso‐scale negative stiffness system is designed and fabricated with SLS technology. The system includes a bistable structure in the form of a pre‐compressed/pre‐buckled beam. The dyna...
Which donor or graft source should you choose for the strongest GVL? Is there really any difference

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) face relapse of their malignancy as the most frequent cause of treatment failure. It has been postulated that the allogeneic neoplastic potency of different donor or graft sources may differ and in some situations, a particular graft source might be preferred. Data on this supposition has been reviewed here to consider HLA-matched siblings, HLA-matched or partially matched unrelated donors (URD), unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB), and haploidentical as well as blood or marrow grafts.
Aluminum salts induce the accumulation of neurofilaments in perikarya of NB2a/dl neuroblastoma.

Abstract NB2a/dl neuroblastoma cells were exposed to aluminum chloride or aluminum lactate (0.1–1 mM) for 3 and 6 days. Additional cultures were exposed to aluminum salts as the cells were stimulated to elaborate axonal neurities by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. By phase-contrast microscopy, aluminum salts had no effect on the morphology of undifferentiated (NB2a(−)) or differentiated (NB2a(+)) cells, or on neuritic elaboration and maintenance. Silver staining by the Bielschowsky method, however, demonstrated argyrophilic accumulations in perikarya of many NB2a(−) and NB2a(+) cells treated with aluminum salts. At the ultrastructural level, whorls of intermediate filaments were the most prominent abnormalities in neuronal perikarya. Although phosphorylated high-molecular weight neurofilament subunits (NF-H) are normally detected by immunocytochemical analyses only within axonal neurites of NB2a/dl cells, aluminum salt treatment caused the detection of phosphorylated epitopes of NF-H within perikaryal of NB2a(−) and NB2a(+) cytoskeletons, suggesting that the argyrophilic filamentous accumulations are composed at least partly of phosphorylated NF-H.
The role of the object in drive cathexis and psychosexual development

ABSTRACT Alternate axes are explored in the orthodox formulation of drive cathexis and psychosexual development, with implications for corresponding object relation modes engendered by these processes. Somatic and defensive aspects are shown to impact on the function of the “other” as the individual matures. The separation/individuation process is subsumed into this overall developmental continuum, and the centrality of the object as a focus in cathexis and drive delineation is critically evaluated. The homeostatic notion of equilibration is appealed to in synthesizing the factors emerging from the analysis.
Biopsychosocial profiles of different pain diagnostic groups.

Abstract Different pain diagnoses have been examined separately in various research studies. The major aim of the present investigation was to add to the current understanding of the various groups of patients who make up the chronic pain population. This study expanded the research literature by including 7 different predominantly chronic pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, upper extremity pain, cervical pain, thoracic pain, lumbar pain, lower extremity pain, and headache). These 7 groups were examined by using a broad array of variables focusing on demographic, self-reported psychosocial, and physical/functional factors. There were 661 patients included from an interdisciplinary treatment program who had been given 1 physical pain diagnosis. Results revealed differences among the 7 groups with regard to self-reported physical/functional limitations. The headache group had less physical/functional impairment than most of the other groups. On the other hand, the lumbar, fibromyalgia, and lower extremity groups had the most physical/functional problems. On self-reported psychosocial measures, the fibromyalgia group had the most difficulties, and the lower extremity and lumbar groups had fewer problems in this area. Overall, though, besides the fibromyalgia group, there was a lack of differences among the other groups on the psychosocial measures. Perspective Biopsychosocial profiles were examined for different pain diagnostic groups. Seven different pain groups were compared. It was discovered that, in general, the lumbar, fibromyalgia, and lower extremity groups reported more physical/functional limitations, and the fibromyalgia and headache groups reported more psychosocial difficulties.
Ultrafast excited-state electron transfer at an organic liquid/aqueous interface.

Ultrafast excited-state electron transfer has been monitored at the liquid/liquid interface for the first time. Second harmonic generation (SHG) pump/probe measurements monitored the electron transfer (ET) occurring between photoexcited coumarin 314 (C314) acceptor and dimethylaniline (DMA) donor molecules. In the treatment of this problem, translational diffusion of solute molecules can be neglected since the donor DMA is one of the liquid phases of the interface. The dynamics of excited-state C314 at early times are characterized by two components with exponential time constants of 362 ± 60 fs and 14 ± 2 ps. The 362 fs decay is attributed to the solvation of the excited-state C314, and the 14 ps to the ET from donor to acceptor. We are able to provide conclusive evidence that the 14 ps component is the ET step by monitoring the formation of the radical DMA cation. The formation time is 16 ps in agreement with the 14 ps decay of C314*. The recombination dynamics of DMA+ plus C314- was determined to be 16...
Energy distributions of field-emitted electrons from silicon: Evidence for surface states☆

Abstract Energy distributions of field-emitted electrons were obtained from field evaporated and annealed silicon tips. Electrons are emitted from levels below the Fermi level but above the valence band. The shape of the distributions depends on the crystallographic orientation of the emitting surface. The results are intepreted in terms of emission from a band of surface states which overlaps with the band gap.
Metabolism of l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine-2,5,6-3H and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethylamine-2-14C in a Patient with Neuroblastoma

ABSTRACT A 22-month-old Negro girl with metastatic neuroblastoma was found to be excreting markedly elevated levels of dopa, dopamine, VMA and HVA in her urine. To study the catecholamine metabolism in this patient, a solution containing both l-dopa-2,5,6-3H (167 μCi) and dopamine-2-14C (16.7 μCi) was administered intravenously, preoperatively, and serial urine specimens were collected for 48 hr. At laparotomy a 197 g tumor was removed from the region of the left adrenal gland. Dopa, dopamine, HVA, VMA and other metabolites were isolated from the urine specimens and their 3H and 14C contents and 3H/14C ratios were assayed. The urinary excretion rates of 3H and 14C were rapid and 28.5% of the injected 3H-dopa was excreted as 3H-dopamine in 2 hr, while only 5.9% of the 3H-dopa was excreted unchanged during this period. For 14C-dopamine, 11.7% was excreted unchanged and 13.7% was excreted as 14C-HVA. The 3H/14C ratios of urinary norepinephrine were strikingly high (96 to 298) and that of urinary dopamine was...
The Lower Devonian conodont Pedavis pesavis and the pesavis Zone

Valenzuela-Rios, 7.1. 1994 10 15 The Lower Devonian conodont Pedavis pesavis and the pesavis Zone. Records from Europe and Western North America suggest that a diversification of Pedavis faunas took place around the base of what has been called the pesavis Zone. This level is reviewed in comparison to sequences in Western North America and Spain. Hitherto, two different taxa, Pedavis pesavis S.S. and Pedavis striatus (=Icriodus pesavis of Klapper 1969) have been used indiscriminately in defining the base of the pesavis Zone. This revision points out that the chronostratigraphic problems derived from an unknown phylogenetic history of both P. striatus and P. pesavis remain still unsolved, and thii fact challenges the continued use of either taxon as a zonal index for dating and correlating purposes. To improve this situation a new biostratigraphic unit above the delta Zone is proposed, the pandora beta - gilberti unit. This unit is unambiguosly defined, and thus it now enables accurate correlation on a global-scale basis above the delta Zone. Conodonts, biostratigraphy, Lower Devonian, Pyrenees, Nevada.
Simultaneous quantitative measurement of IgG antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes by microsphere photometry

Abstract Rationale We developed a quantitative immunoassay using microsphere photometry to enable simultaneous, quantitative measurement of IgG antibodies to 24 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes as an aid in evaluating the immune response to pneumococcal vaccination in children and adults. Methods Pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens (24 serotypes, ATCC, Rockville, MD) were coupled covalently to polystyrene microspheres (Luminex Corp., Austin, TX). Each polysaccharide was coupled to a different fluorescent microsphere, and the microspheres were mixed to create a single immunosorbent reagent. This reagent was used to capture antibodies to S. pneumoniae in patient's sera, standards and controls. After incubating with the immunosorbent, bound antibodies were detected with R-phycoerythrin conjugated, goat anti-human IgG antibody using a flow microfluorometer (Luminex Corp.). The concentrations of IgG antibodies to each serotype were determined from standard curves using a primary reference material (10 serotypes, US Reference Pneumococcal Antiserum, FDA, Bethesda, MD)or a secondary reference material (14 serotypes, in-house preparation). Testing for antibodies to all 24 serotypes was completed in 2 hours. Results Measurements of anti-pneumococcal antibodies in sera from 80 healthy adults agreed with published data for the 10 standardized serotypes. The immunoassay detected concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 7.8 micrograms/ml. Interassay reproducibility across different serotypes ranged from 4.8 to 11.9%. Conclusions The microsphere immunoassay we describe is accurate and reproducible, and is suitable for clinical evaluation of patients treated with pneumococcal vaccines. Quantitative results are available for all serotypes in current vaccines.
Two-year prospective study of major depressive disorder in HIV-infected men

Abstract Objective The risks and factors contributing to major depressive episodes in HIV infection remain unclear. This 2-year prospective study compared cumulative rates and predictors of a major depressive episode in HIV-infected (HIV+) men ( N = 297) and uninfected (HIV−) risk-group controls ( N = 90). Methods By design participants at entry were without current major depression, substance dependence or major anxiety disorder. Standardized neuromedical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, life events, and psychiatric assessments (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM III-R) were conducted semi-annually for those with AIDS, and annually for all others. Results Lifetime prevalence of major depression or other psychiatric disorder did not differ at baseline between HIV+ men and controls. On a two-year follow-up those with symptomatic HIV disease were significantly more likely to experience a major depressive episode than were asymptomatic HIV+ individuals and HIV-controls ( p p Limitations Research cohort of men examined before era of widespread use of advanced anti-HIV therapies. Conclusions Symptomatic HIV disease, but not HIV infection itself, increases intermediate-term risk of major depression. Prior psychiatric history most strongly predicted future vulnerability.
CREATING MAILING LISTS

One of the lures of computing is the saving of time and money. It's rare that either or both of these two goals are met (although productivity gains are commonplace) but we strive nonetheless.
Bilinear electric field gradient focusing

Electric field gradient focusing (EFGF) uses an electric field gradient and a hydrodynamic counter flow to simultaneously separate and focus charged analytes in a channel. Previously, most EFGF devices were designed to form a linear field gradient in the channel. However, the peak capacity obtained using a linear gradient is not much better than what can be obtained using conventional CE. Dynamic improvement of peak capacity in EFGF can be achieved by using a nonlinear gradient. Numerical simulation results indicate that the peak capacity in a 4-cm long channel can be increased from 20 to 150 when changing from a linear to convex bilinear gradient. To demonstrate the increased capacity experimentally, an EFGF device with convex bilinear gradient was fabricated from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-functionalized acrylic copolymers. The desired gradient profile was confirmed by measuring the focusing positions of a standard protein for different counter flow rates at constant voltage. Dynamically controlled elution of analytes was demonstrated using a monolith-filled bilinear EFGF channel. By increasing the flow rate, stacked proteins that were ordered but not resolved after focusing in the steep gradient segment were moved into the shallow gradient segment, where the analyte peak resolution increased significantly. In this way, the nonlinear field gradient was used to realize a dynamic increase in the peak capacity of the EFGF method.
The Trojan Lifetime Champions Health Survey: Development, Validity, and Reliability

Context: Self-report questionnaires are an important method of evaluating lifespan health, exercise, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes among elite, competitive athletes. Few instruments, however, have undergone formal characterization of their psychometric properties within this population. Objective: To evaluate the validity and reliability of a novel health and exercise questionnaire, the Trojan Lifetime Champions (TLC) Health Survey. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: A large National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 63 university alumni (age range, 24 to 84 years), including former varsity collegiate athletes and a control group of nonathletes. Intervention(s): Participants completed the TLC Health Survey twice at a mean interval of 23 days with randomization to the paper or electronic version of the instrument. Main Outcome Measure(s): Content validity, feasibility of administration, test-retest reliability,...
Slowing ageing by caloric restriction.

Dietary caloric restriction is the only intervention conclusively shown to slow ageing, delay the onset of age-related diseases, maintain function and extend both median and maximal life span in mammals.
Variable birefringence, light scattering, and surface-deformation effects in PLZT ceramics

Abstract Electrooptic effects in PLZT ceramics are being considered for a number of device applications including spectral and variable density filters, light shutters, page composers for holographic memories, information and image storage devices, and various types of displays. This paper describes the several electrooptic effects briefly and discusses recent work which contributes to a better understanding of the effects.
Robust joint fine timing synchronization and channel estimation for MIMO systems

This paper proposes a joint timing synchronization and channel estimation scheme for multiple-input single-output or multiple-input multiple-output communication systems. All timing offsets and channel impulse responses (CIR) of different transmit-receive links are obtained based on a well-designed training sequence arrangement. The proposed approach consists of three stages at each receive antenna. First, a coarse timing offset (CTO) estimation algorithm is performed to estimate the CTO and the inter-transmitter delays. Then, relative timing indices and the corresponding CIR estimates of all transmit-receive links at the second stage are obtained using the generalized maximum-likelihood estimation based on a sliding observation vector. Finally, the fine time adjustment based on the minimum mean-squared error criterion is performed. From the simulation results, the proposed approach has excellent timing synchronization performance under several channel models at very low signal-to-noise ratio which is smaller than 1źdB. Also, the channel estimation performance in the proposed scheme approaches to the Cramer-Rao bound.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE INTERMEDIATE ALLOSTERIC SPECIES IN HUMAN HEMOGLOBIN REVEALS A MOLECULAR CODE FOR COOPERATIVE SWITCHING

Abstract The 10 ligation species of human cyanomethemoglobin were previously found to distribute into three discrete cooperative free energy levels according to a combinatorial code (i.e., dependent on both the number and configuration of ligated subunits). Analysis of this distribution showed that the hemoglobin tetramer occupies a third allosteric state in addition to those of the unligated (T) and fully ligated (R) species. To determine the nature of the intermediate allosteric state, we have studied the effects of pH, temperature, and single-site mutations on its free energy of quaternary assembly, in parallel with corresponding data on the deoxy (T) and fully ligated (R) species. Results indicate that the intermediate allosteric tetramer has the deoxy (T) quaternary structure. This finding, together with the resolved energetic distribution of the 10 microstates reveals a symmetry rule for quaternary switching--i.e., switching from T to R occurs whenever a binding step creates a tetramer with one or more ligated subunits on each side of the alpha 1 beta 2 intersubunit contact. These studies also reveal significant cooperativity within each alpha 1 beta 1 dimer of the T-state tetramer. The ligand-induced tertiary free energy alters binding affinity within the T structure by 170-fold prior to quaternary switching.
Scattering of waves from dense discrete random media: theory and applications in remote sensing

In a dense medium, the particles do not scatter independently. The effects of correlated scattering become important, and the spatial correlations of particles have to be included [1-5]. These have been verified in controlled laboratory experiments [3,4]. Propagation and scattering in dense media have been studied with the quasicrystalline approximation [2], and the quasicrystalline approximation with coherent potential for the first moment of the field [1] and the correlated ladder approximation for the second moment of the field [6]. The dense medium radiative transfer theory has also been developed from these approximations to study multiple scattering effects in dense media [6-8]. We have recently extended the results to medium to high frequencies and included the effects of Mie scattering from correlated scatterers of multiple sizes [9]. As a function of frequency, scattering first increases rapidly in the Rayleigh regime, then starts to level off at the Mie scattering regime. Comparisons have been made with experimental data of snow.
Scoring variability between polysomnography technologists in different sleep laboratories.

Abstract Objective : Examine the variability of polysomnography technologists from different sleep laboratories regarding scoring of polysomnograms. Background : Polysomnography is the gold standard to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome. There are criteria to score sleep stages and respiratory events. We sought to determine how different technologists would score the same tests using their laboratory's criteria. Methods : Eleven technologists in nine different sleep laboratories which used the Oxford Medilog SAC ® system scored eleven sleep studies performed in the Medical University of South Carolina Sleep Disorders Laboratory utilizing their respective laboratory's scoring rules. All sleep studies were performed for evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). The scored studies were returned and analyzed for variability. Results : Significant variability was present in scoring of both sleep and respiratory events with more variability demonstrated in respiratory event scoring. In four of the studies, diagnoses based on apnea–hypopnea indices (AHI) varied from none to moderate OSAHS depending on which technologist scored the study and in one study the diagnosis varied from none to severe OSAHS. Conclusions : Clinicians should be aware that there is tremendous variability among polysomnography technologists regarding the scoring of polysomnograms. These differences are likely due to different rules used to score events as well as differences in the technologist's interpretation of the rules.
ADIPOKINES AND THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER

Just as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is not a static barrier, the adipocytes are not inert storage depots. Adipokines are peptides or polypeptides produced by white adipose tissue; they play important roles in normal physiology as well as in the metabolic syndrome. Adipokines secreted into the circulation can interact with the BBB and exert potent CNS effects. The specific transport systems for two important adipokines, leptin and tumor necrosis factor alpha, have been characterized during the past decade. By contrast, transforming growth factor beta-1 and adiponectin do not show specific permeation across the BBB, but modulate endothelial functions. Still others, like interleukin-6, may reach the brain but are rapidly degraded. This review summarizes current knowledge and recent findings of the rapidly growing family of adipokines and their interactions with the BBB.
Building a more effective teaching robot using apprenticeship learning

What defines good teaching? While attributes such as timing, responsiveness to social cues, and pacing of material clearly play a role, it is difficult to create a comprehensive specification of what it means to be a good teacher. On the other hand, it is relatively easy to obtain examples of expert teaching behavior by observing a real teacher. With this inspiration as our guide, we investigated apprenticeship learning methods [1] that use data recorded from expert teachers as a means of improving the teaching abilities of RUBI, a social robot immersed in a classroom of 18-24 month old children. While this approach has achieved considerable success in mechanical control, such as automated helicopter flight [2], until now there has been little work on applying it to the field of social robotics. This paper explores two particular approaches to apprenticeship learning, and analyzes the models of teaching that each approach learns from the data of the human teacher. Empirical results indicate that the apprenticeship learning paradigm, though still nascent in its use in the social robotics field, holds promise, and that our proposed methods can already extract meaningful teaching models from demonstrations of a human expert.
Update on the use of lacosamide in the treatment of partial-onset seizures

ABSTRAT: Lacosamide has a novel mechanism of action, namely selective enhancement of slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Trial data and clinical experience indicate that it is effective in the treatment of partial-onset seizures, and that it is well tolerated. Pivotal early clinical trials demonstrated median percent reductions in seizure frequency ranging from 26 to 35.3% in the 200 mg/day, from 36.4 to 39% in the 400 mg/day, and from 37.8 to 40% in the 600 mg/day treatment groups. Dose-related adverse events were similar in the early clinical trials, and were mainly CNS complaints including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, ataxia, abnormal vision, diplopia and nystagmus. Because of the dose-dependent adverse events and lack of additional efficacy at the 600 mg/day daily dose, lacosamide has been approved as an adjunctive treatment at recommended daily doses of 200–400 mg/day.
Spectroscopic study of l-arginine interaction with potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals

Inorganic potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) is widely known for its value as a nonlinear optical material. In this study, pure and l-arginine–doped KDP single crystals were grown by the slow solvent evaporation technique and further subjected to infrared absorption and Raman studies for the confirmation of chemical group functionalization and possible bonding between the organic and inorganic materials. The appearance in the infrared absorption spectra of additional vibrational lines, which mostly originate from disturbed N–H, C–H, and C–N bonds of the l-arginine–doped salt, confirm the interaction between KDP and the organic material. This affirmation is supported by more evidence from Raman measurements, where the disappearance of NH vibrations of the amino group is observed. We are thus led to the possibility of hydrogen bonding primarily between the nucleophilic O− of the phosphate unit of KDP and the amino group of the l-arginine.
Lower bounds on the loading of degree-2 multiple bus networks for binary-tree algorithms

A binary-tree algorithm, Bin(n), proceeds level-by-level from the leaves of a 2/sup n/-leaf balanced binary tree to its root. This paper deals with running binary-tree algorithms on multiple bus networks (MBNs) in which processors communicate via buses. Every "binary-tree MBN" has a degree (maximum number of buses connected to a processor) of at least 2. There exists a degree-2 MBN for Bin(n) that has a loading (maximum number of processors connected to a bus) of /spl theta/ (n). For any MBN that runs Bin(n) optimally, the loading was recently proved to be /spl Omega/(n 1/2 ). In this paper, we narrow the gap between previous results by deriving a tighter lower bound of /spl Omega/(n2/3). We also establish a tradeoff between the speed and loading of degree-2 binary-tree MBNs.
Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion to Increase the Net Energy Balance of Corn Grain Ethanol

U.S. production of fuel ethanol from corn grain has increased considerably over the last 10 years. Intense debate regarding the true environmental impact of the overall production process has been ongoing. The present study evaluated the utilization of thin stillage (a major byproduct of the dry-mill corn grain-to-ethanol process) in laboratory-scale thermophilic anaerobic sequencing batch reactors for conversion to methane. We found that augmentation of cobalt as a growth factor to the thermophilic anaerobic digestion process is required. After reaching sustainable operating performances, the methane potential in the reactors was 0.254 L CH4/g total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) fed. Together with a reduction in the mass of solids that needs drying, methane generation translates to a 51% reduction of natural gas consumption at a conventional dry mill, which improves the net energy balance ratio from 1.26 to 1.70. At the design hydraulic retention time of 10 days, the digesters achieved TCOD, biodegradabl...
Effects of Liver Residue and Chorionic Gonadotropin on Ovarian Development in the Hyperthyroid Rat.

SummaryOvarian development was inhibited in young rats fed massive doses of desiccated thyroid, ovaries remaining immature both in weight and microscopic appearance. This effect was completely counteracted by the administration of either liver residue or chorionic gonadotropin.
Nuclear reaction rates in a plasma

The problem of determining the effects of the surrounding plasma on nuclear reaction rates in stars is formulated {ital ab initio}, using the techniques of quantum statistical mechanics. Subject to the condition that the nuclear reactions ensue only at very close approach of the fusing ions and the condition that the reaction be slow, the authors derive a result that expresses the complete effects of Coulomb barrier penetration and of the influence of the surrounding plasma in terms of matrix elements of well-defined operators. The corrections do not separate into the product of initial-state and final-state effects. When the energy release in the reaction is much greater than thermal energies, the corrections reduce, as expected, to evaluation of the equilibrium probability of one ion{close_quote}s being very near to the position of another ion. We address the calculation of this probability in an approach that is based on perturbation theory in the couplings of the plasma particles to the two fusing particles, with the Coulomb force between the fusing particles treated nonperturbatively and interactions among the plasma particles treated in the one-loop approximation. We recapture standard screening effects, find a correction term that depends on the quantum-mechanical nature of the plasma,more » and put an upper bound on the magnitude of the further correction terms for the case of a weakly coupled plasma. We find that possible {open_quotes}dynamical screening{close_quotes} effects that have been discussed in the literature are absent. The form of our results suggests that an approach that relies on numerical calculations of the correlation functions in a classical Coulomb gas, followed by construction of an effective two-body potential and a quantum barrier penetration calculation, will miss physics that is as important as the physics that it includes. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Injury Risk in Professional Basketball Players A Comparison of Women’s National Basketball Association and National Basketball Association Athletes

Background Gender-based differences in injury rates have been reported in scholastic and collegiate basketball. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare injury rates in women's and men's professional basketball. Hypothesis Female professional basketball players are injured at a higher rate than are men. Study design Cohort study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 2. Methods Women's National Basketball Association and National Basketball Association injury data were retrospectively reviewed for 6 full seasons. The frequency of all injuries and the rate of game-related injuries were calculated. Results Complete player profiles were obtained on 702 National Basketball Association athletes and 443 Women's National Basketball Association athletes who competed in their respective leagues during the data collection period. Total game exposures totaled 70,420 (National Basketball Association) and 22,980 (Women's National Basketball Association). Women's National Basketball Association athletes had a higher overall game-related injury rate (24.9 per 1000 athlete exposures; 95% confidence interval, 22.9-26.9; P Conclusion The lower extremity is the most frequently injured body area in both leagues, and Women's National Basketball Association athletes are more susceptible than are National Basketball Association athletes. There were, however, few statistical differences in the actual injuries occurring between the 2 leagues.
Communication and Language Intervention: Why a Constructivist Approach is Insufficient:

The purpose of this article is to present the basis for a broad-based cross-paradigmatic approach to language intervention. Factors that have shaped the field over the past 40 years are briefly discussed to provide a context for considering the present state of practice and research. Three widely used language intervention approaches are described and critiqued to demonstrate the limitations of any single approach. The main challenges facing the language intervention field and a rationale for taking a broad-based cross-paradigmatic perspective are then discussed.
Comments on On the Optimal Choice of Sizes by Peter Tryfos

Comments on Carr, C. R., C. W. Howe. 1962. Optimal service policies and finite time horizons. Mgmt. Sci.9 126-140.
The influence of helium on microstructural evolution: Implications for DT fusion reactors

Abstract The influence of helium on the microstructural evolution of irradiated metals is reviewed. The review encompasses data from past work involving charged particle irradiations and neutron irradiations in fission reactors, but emphasizes more recent results. This latter data was obtained from experiments in which either the reactor neutron spectrum or the isotopic content of the nickel in the irradiated alloys was tailored to yield a ratio of helium to displacement production (He/dpa ratio) that is near the value that will be obtained in a DT fusion reactor. Both the absolute level of helium present and the He/dpa ratio are shown to be important parameters. All major components of the irradiated microstructure: cavities, precipitates, and dislocations are shown to be sensitive to helium as a result of either its direct influence on cavity formation, or its indirect effect on point defect and solute partitioning. The results emphasize the importance of careful experimental and theoretical analysis if data from fission reactor experiments are to be used in fusion reactor design. In particular, the effects of helium appear to be greatest during the swelling incubation period, the time of most practical interest for fusion reactor designers.
Prenatal Smoking Cessation Intervention and Gestational Weight Gain

Abstract Background Quitting smoking is often associated with weight gain and prenatal cessation may lead to increased gestational weight gain (GWG). Although previous reports have suggested a link between prenatal smoking cessation and GWG, no studies have examined the relationship between cessation and guideline-recommended GWG, and there is little information about the relationship between the timing of prenatal cessation and GWG. Thus, we examine GWG among women in a community prenatal smoking cessation program and assess the relationship between the timing of prenatal cessation GWG. Methods Pregnant women from care clinics serving economically disadvantaged women who participated in a smoking cessation intervention offered free of charge, self-reported weight, and provided biochemical verification of smoking. Relationships between duration of cessation and GWG were evaluated in t-tests and regression models. GWG was calculated from self-reported weight before pregnancy and self-reported weight at the last visit before delivery. Findings Women who quit earlier during pregnancy had greater GWG (16.9 ± 7.5 kg) than did those who never quit (13.6 ± 8.9). After adjusting for timing of weight assessment and prepregnancy body mass index, however, GWG was not different between women who did and did not quit. Conclusion Quitting earlier in pregnancy is associated with greater GWG, but women who do and do not quit do not differ on total GWG. Despite increased GWG with early cessation, the maternal and fetal health benefits of prenatal smoking cessation outweigh risks of potential risks of excessive GWG.
Long-term explosive degassing and debris flow activity at West Mata submarine volcano

West Mata is a 1200 m deep submarine volcano where explosive boninite eruptions were observed in 2009. The acoustic signatures from the volcano's summit eruptive vents Hades and Prometheus were recorded with an in situ (~25 m range) hydrophone during ROV dives in May 2009 and with local (~5 km range) moored hydrophones between December 2009 and August 2011. The sensors recorded low frequency (1–40 Hz), short duration explosions consistent with magma bubble bursts from Hades, and broadband, 1–5 min duration signals associated with episodes of fragmentation degassing from Prometheus. Long-term eruptive degassing signals, recorded through May 2010, preceded a several month period of declining activity. Degassing episodes were not recorded acoustically after early 2011, although quieter effusive eruption activity may have continued. Synchronous optical measurements of turbidity made between December 2009 and April 2010 indicate that turbidity maxima resulted from occasional south flank slope failures triggered by the collapse of accumulated debris during eruption intervals.
Genetic variability in DNA repair and cell cycle control pathway genes and risk of smoking-related lung cancer.

DNA repair and cell cycle control play an important role in the repair of DNA damage caused by cigarette smoking. Given this role, functionally relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes in these pathways may well affect the risk of smoking-related lung cancer. We examined the relationship between 240 SNPs in DNA repair and cell cycle control pathway genes and lung cancer risk in a case–control study of white current and ex-cigarette smokers (722 cases and 929 controls). Additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models were evaluated for each SNP. A genetic risk summary score was also constructed. Odds ratios (OR) for lung cancer risk and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using logistic regression models. Thirty-eight SNPs were associated with lung cancer risk in our study population at P < 0.05. The strongest associations were observed for rs2074508 in GTF2H4 (Padditive = 0.003), rs10500298 in LIG1 (Precessive = 2.7 × 10−4), rs747658 and rs3219073 in PARP1 (rs747658: Padditive = 5.8 × 10−5; rs3219073: Padditive = 4.6 × 10−5), and rs1799782 and rs3213255 in XRCC1 (rs1799782: Pdominant = 0.006; rs3213255: Precessive = 0.004). Compared to individuals with first quartile (lowest) risk summary scores, individuals with third and fourth quartile summary score results were at increased risk for lung cancer (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.66–2.95 and OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.58–4.59, respectively; Ptrend < 0.0001). Our data suggests that variation in DNA repair and cell cycle control pathway genes is associated with smoking-related lung cancer risk. Additionally, combining genotype information for SNPs in these pathways may assist in classifying current and ex-cigarette smokers according to lung cancer risk. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti-VEGF Therapies in the Clinic

The development and use of antiangiogenesis agents, particularly those targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has become an integral component of anticancer regimens for many tumor types. This review is intended to highlight some of the most important clinical successes and failures of anti-VEGF therapies, and where possible, to suggest important lessons that have been learned. This review emphasizes data from agents that have been FDA approved and/or have completed phase III studies.
Interaction of TATA-Binding Protein with Upstream Activation Factor Is Required for Activated Transcription of Ribosomal DNA by RNA Polymerase I in Saccharomyces cerevisiae In Vivo

Previous in vitro studies have shown that initiation of transcription of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves an interaction of upstream activation factor (UAF) with the upstream element of the promoter, forming a stable UAF-template complex; together with TATA-binding protein (TBP), UAF then recruits an essential factor, core factor (CF), to the promoter, forming a stable preinitiation complex. TBP interacts with both UAF and CF in vitro. In addition, a subunit of UAF, Rrn9p, interacts with TBP in vitro and in the two-hybrid system, suggesting the possible importance of this interaction for UAF function. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified three mutations in RRN9 that abolish the interaction of Rrn9p with TBP without affecting its interaction with Rrn10p, another subunit of UAF. Yeast cells containing any one of these individual mutations, L110S, L269P, or L274Q, did not show any growth defects. However, cells containing a combination of L110S with one of the other two mutations showed a temperature-sensitive phenotype, and this phenotype was suppressed by fusing the mutant genes to SPT15, which encodes TBP. In addition, another mutation (F186S), which disrupts both Rrn9p-TBP and Rrn9p-Rrn10p interactions in the two-hybrid system, abolished UAF function in vivo, and this mutational defect was suppressed by fusion of the mutant gene to SPT15 combined with overexpression of Rrn10p. These experiments demonstrate that the interaction of UAF with TBP, which is presumably achieved by the interaction of Rrn9p with TBP, is indeed important for high-level transcription of rDNA by RNA polymerase I in vivo.
External shocks, adjustment policies and investment in a developing economy: Illustrations from a forward-looking CGE model of the Philippines

Abstract The rapid increase in investment and external debt of middle-income countries like the Philippines during the 1970s was perfectly ‘rational’ given existing policies. However, these countries could have done better with an appropriate mix of adjustment policies. Using a dynamic general equilibrium framework, the paper examines the sensitivity of investment and growth to external shocks and adjustment policies. It highlights the intertemporal trade-offs of tariff reform, a policy often recommended in the 1980s, emphasizing the need for complementary measures to ease macro imbalances and short-term dislocations of the protected sector.
Nonlinear methods in electrocardiogram signal processing.

Abstract Electrocardiographic (ECG) signals are frequently corrupted by impulsive noise due to muscle activities, and background normalization is often needed to correct for patient motion and respiration. Nonlinear signal processing methods are effective alternatives to conventional linear filtering methods when dealing with impulsive noise or noise types that are difficult to characterize. The class of nonlinear filtering methods studied in this article operate by moving a window of finite width along the input data sequence. At each position, the filter output is obtained from the input samples inside the window. Nonlinear operators differ from linear filters in that the output is not a simple linear combination of the input samples. Three classes of nonlinear operators—median filters, morphologic operators, and the α-trimmed mean filter—are briefly introduced and algorithms using them for ECG signal processing are presented. Empirical results indicate that the nonlinear operators are good candidates for impulsive noise suppression and background normalization in ECG signal processing.
Efficacy of an Automated Flossing Device in Different Regions of the Mouth

Background: Manual floss is often difficult to use, particularly in hard to reach posterior teeth. Many prefer automated flossers because of their ease of use. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of an automated flosser to manual floss for anterior, premolar, and molar teeth using the plaque index (PI) and gingival (GI) index.Methods: A 10-week, two-treatment period, crossover design was used. The subjects were randomly assigned to control (C), manual (M), or automated (A) groups. The PI and GI were measured interdentally at baseline and days 15 and 30. Treatment subjects were assigned to the opposite group at the second baseline visit after a 2-week washout period. Subjects brushed twice a day. Treatment subjects used their respective floss once per day. Subjects refrained from oral hygiene 24 hours before study visits. The PI was measured pre- and postintervention on days 15 and 30. Mixed-effect analysis of covariance crossover models were used to test group effects at days 15 ...
Nonlinear Observers via Regularized Dynamic Inversion

We propose a nonlinear observer framework in which the state estimate xk of a discrete time dynamical system is chosen to simultaneously minimize the final output residual yk - h(xk,uk,t) while at the same time remaining close to the predicted apriori estimate xk. This latter constraint regularizes the problem of trying to instantaneously invert an overdetermined system with more states than outputs by putting a cost on the difference between the predicted and final state estimates. As the the apriori estimates used to regularize the inversion process are obtained from the modelled system dynamics, we refer to this approach as regularized dynamic inversion. We discuss a class of nonlinearities for which this style observer yields a computationally feasible filtering algorithm with significantly superior performance compared with its Luenberger style counterparts (EKF) in two scenarios.
John Carroll's The Nurnberg Funnel and minimalist documentation

In The Nurnberg Funnel, J.M. Carroll (1990) reviews and reformulates his research on minimalism, a well-known approach to both print and online software documentation in which explicit instruction is severely reduced and users learn through a predominantly exploratory process. The authors examine the book and conclude that although it is stimulating and valuable, Carroll fails to make a compelling case of minimalism as a broadly applicable alternative to the contemporary multicomponent documentation set. >
The Application of a Novel Non-Invasive Respiratory Monitor (ExSpiron™) in the Extubation of a Patient With Persistent Upper Airway Swelling

A 45-year-old female s/p right-sided cerebropontine angle tumor resection had a post-operative course which was complicated by severe sub-lingual swelling and required urgent post-operative intubation. Due to pharyngeal swelling, intubation failed with a Glidescope ® requiring a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) facilitated fiberoptic-Aintree exchange. When the patient was extubated 3 days later, monitoring for respiratory deterioration was necessary to avoid the morbidity of urgent re-intubation. The ExSpiron TM was utilized for 2.5 hours following extubation, displaying her tidal volume, respiratory rate and minute ventilation. Following extubation, the patient’s neuroscience intensive care unit course was uneventful.