cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Price of Asynchrony: Queuing under Ideally Smooth Congestion Control

In this paper, we present a model for investigating lower bounds on queuing under smooth congestion control with overprovisioned buffers. We consider an idealized protocol where all flows always transmit at equal rates. The ideally smooth transmission does not eliminate queuing altogether because packets of different flows might arrive to a node simultaneously due to asynchronous arrivals of the flows, which is intrinsic to computer networks. A prominent feature of our model is its simplicity, making analysis tractable and experiments scalable. Our results reveal steady-state queues of at least O(radicN) packets, where N is the number of flows. Hence, no congestion control protocol is able to avoid losses at a fully utilized link with a constant buffer shared by arbitrarily many flows.
The kinetics of degradation of chloramphenicol in solution. III. The nature, specific hydrogen ion catalysis, and temperature dependencies of the degradative reactions.

The degradation of chloramphenicol in aqueous solutions below pH 7 has been shown to occur virtually entirely through hydrolytic cleavage of the amide function. It has been demonstrated that specific hydrogen-ion catalyzed hydrolysis plays a major role in the degradation of the antibiotic in aqueous solutions below pH 2. The temperature dependencies of the uncatalyzed (water) reaction and hydrogen-ion catalyzed reaction have been determined and the catalytic constants for the various reactions contributing to the over-all degradative rate have been evaluated. A possible mechanism to account for hydrogen-ion catalyzed hydrolysis is also presented.
A role of retinoic acid in the regulation of the morphology and the levels of intermediate filament proteins and mRNAs in PC12 cells.

Abstract An adrenal tumor-derived cell line (PC12W) cultured in the presence of nerve growth factor exhibited a spindle-shaped cell morphology resembling neuronal cells. The shape of these cells can be specifically changed in vitamin A-depleted medium supplemented with retinoic acid. Retinoic acid promoted an epithelial-like cell morphology except for occasional neuronal processes. These morphological results were correlated with differential expression of intermediate filaments at the mRNA and protein levels in these cells. Retinoic acid suppressed the synthesis of peripherin, an intermediate filament protein predominantly found in peripheral nerve cells, but a high level of simple keratins, normally found in simple epithelial cells, was present in retinoic acid-treated PC12 cells. The neurofilaments typically expressed in neurons remained virtually unaffected under the same conditions. In contrast, nerve growth factor induced the production of neurofilaments, but suppressed the synthesis of simple keratins. Since intermediate filament expression is known to be tissue-specific, these changes in expression together with the cell morphology changes are consistent with PC12 cells undergoing an epithelial-like differentiation in the presence of retinoic acid and a neuronal-like differentiation in the presence of nerve growth factor. These results suggest that retinoic acid and nerve growth factor are both effective regulators of PC 12 cell differentiation but stimulate opposing pathways.
Exploiting structure in quantified formulas

We study the computational problem "find the value of the quantified formula obtained by quantifying the variables in a sum of terms." The "sum" can be based on any commutative monoid, the "quantifiers" need only satisfy two simple conditions, and the variables can have any finite domain. This problem is a generalization of the problem "given a sum-of-products of terms, find the value of the sum" studied in [R.E. Stearns and H.B. Hunt III, SIAM J. Comput. 25 (1996) 448-476]. A data structure called a "structure tree" is defined which displays information about "subproblems" that can be solved independently during the process of evaluating the formula. Some formulas have "good" structure trees which enable certain generic algorithms to evaluate the formulas in significantly less time than by brute force evaluation. By "generic algorithm," we mean an algorithm constructed from uninterpreted function symbols, quantifier symbols, and monoid operations. The algebraic nature of the model facilitates a formal treatment of "local reductions" based on the "local replacement" of terms. Such local reductions "preserve formula structure" in the sense that structure trees with nice properties transform into structure trees with similar properties. These local reductions can also be used to transform hierarchical specified problems with useful structure into hierarchically specified problems having similar structure.
Magnetic ordering in DyH2 and DyH3

Abstract The susceptibility of DyH 2 gives evidence of extensive short-range magnetic order below 4 K, but the data are not sensitive to the reported long-range order transition at 3.3 K. The trihydride is found to order antiferromagnetically at 3.2 K.
Ascorbic acid depletion and corticosterone production in the avian adrenal gland

Abstract Adult White Leghorn hens maintained under a 13-hour light day (7 am to 8 pm ) and killed between 8:00 and 10:30 am exhibited no adrenal ascorbic acid depletion following the administration of ACTH. Treatment with pharmacological doses (100 mg) of cortisol produced a significant lowering of adrenal ascorbic acid levels while much lower doses of the hormone (2.5 mg/kg body weight) induced a rise in the ascorbic acid level. The injection of ACTH in a group of birds pretreated with 2.5 mg of cortisol/kg body weight produced a significant fall in the adrenal ascorbic acid. The effects of various experimental factors on in vitro adrenal corticosterone production were also investigated. Either the addition of ACTH to the incubation medium or pretreatment of hens with ACTH greatly stimulated corticosterone production by avian adrenal slices. Pretreatment of adult hens with either low or pharmacological doses of cortisol depressed the in vitro production of corticosterone and depressed the responsiveness of the adrenal gland to exogenous ACTH.
Item Response Theory Models and Spurious Interaction Effects in Factorial ANOVA Designs

In many psychological experiments, interaction effects in factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) designs are often estimated using total scores derived from classical test theory. However, interaction effects can be reduced or eliminated by nonlinear monotonic transformations of a dependent variable. Although cross-over interactions cannot be eliminated by trans formations, the meaningfulness of other interactions hinges on achieving a measurement scale level for which nonlinear transformations are inappropriate (i.e., at least interval scale level). Classical total test scores do not provide interval level measurement according to contemporary item response theory (IRT). Nevertheless, rarely are IRT models applied to achieve more optimal measurement properties and hence more meaningful interaction effects. This paper provides several condi tions under which interaction effects that are estimated from classical total scores, rather than IRT trait scores, can be misleading. Using derived asymptotic expecta...
Particle method for turbulent flows: integration of stochastic model equations

Abstract A numerical method is developed to integrate the stochastic differential equations that arise in a particle method for modelling turbulent flows. These equations present several challenges, the foremost being the presence of multiple time scales, the smallest of which can be significantly less than an acceptable time-step size, Δ t. The essence of the approach adopted is to transform and decompose the equations so that the stochastic components (which contain the small time scales) appear as strictly linear stochastic differential equations. Analytic solutions to these equations (with frozen coefficients) are then exploited to produce a stable and accurate scheme. When the method is used to advance the properties of N particles, the resulting numerical error can be decomposed into three contributions; statistical error, bias, and time-stepping error. Comprehensive tests to study these errors are reported for two test cases. A novel variance-reduction technique is described that significantly reduces the statistical error, which scales as N -1/2 . In general, the bias is smaller, and scales as N -1 (in accord with a simple analysis). The time-stepping error is less than 1% for a non-dimensional time step of 1 32 —which may be several times larger than the smallest time scale. Over the range of time-step size investigated, the dominant time-stepping error varies as Δ t 3/2 . The method has the requisite stability, accuracy, and efficiency for incorporation in multi-dimensional particle methods.
The virus-specified subunits of a modified B. subtilis RNA polymerase are determinants of DNA binding and RNA chain initiation

The phage SPO1-modified RNA polymerase B-P can form rapidly initiating complexes with SPO1 DNA but not with heterologous phi1 DNA. The B-P enzyme binds only weakly to heterologous phi29 DNA: preincubation with phi29 DNA does not substantially slow the formation of rapidly initiating complexes between polymerase B-P and subsequently added SPO1 DNA. In contrast, B. subtilis holoenzyme and core polymerase are substantially sequestered by preincubation with phi29 DNA. The results show that at least one of the phage SPO1-coded subunits of the polymerase B-P determines selective transcription at the level of DNA binding and RNA chain initiation, weakens the binding of RNA polymerase core to heterologous DNA, and discriminates against promoter complex formation at certain promoters that are utilized by the B. subtilis holoenzyme.
Modeling surface-mediated renoxification of the atmosphere via reaction of gaseous nitric oxide with deposited nitric acid

Abstract Air quality models consider the formation and deposition of nitric acid (HNO3) on surfaces to be an irreversible sink of atmospheric nitrogen oxides (NOx) and therefore an effective termination step in the ozone formation cycle. However, experimental evidence suggests that the reaction of gaseous nitric oxide with nitric acid on surfaces may convert HNO3 to photochemically active NOx. A first-order simulation of this surface-mediated renoxification process is performed using an air quality model of the South Coast Air Basin of California. Peak ozone concentrations are predicted closer to observed values in regions regularly underpredicted by base case models. In certain regions, ozone predictions are enhanced by as much as ∼30 ppb or ∼20% compared to the baseline simulation. These results suggest that renoxification processes may be a key to resolving long-standing shortcomings of air quality models, in addition to reconciling [HNO3]/[NOx] ratios in remote regions. This study also illustrates that the surface terrain may play a more active chemical role than hitherto considered in air quality models.
GREATER REPETITION OF ERRORS UNDER PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO OBSERVATION IN MULTIPLE-CHOICE HUMAN LEARNING

This experiment was designed to determine whether human Ss repeat performance errors ( S makes his own response) more frequently than observation errors ( S watches the response of his partner) with immediate knowledge of results supplied in both conditions. Increased repetition of errors by performers in multiple-choice learning has been reported by Marx and Witter ( 1972 ). Method.Two groups of Ss, one of 13 women and the other of 14 men, were formed from students in an introductory psychology course, serving to satisfy course requirements. Each group was run in three sessions, 1 wk. aparL with different stimulus materials; al l stimuli were in the form of slides projected on a screen. In Session 1 were used 40 black-and-white facial photographs (20 of famous men, 20 of female models); in Session 2 color slides showed scenes from various locations around the world (14 categorized as urban, 14 as rural, 2 mixed); in Session 3 slides depicted 30 hand-drawn facial features (half male, half female). In each session Ss always performed on the same half of the stimuli and always observed on the other half; they worked in pairs and reversed roles after the first half of the stimuli were shown. Knowledge of results was supplied by means of a stylus-template device, the Rapid Rater, which allowed four possible answers and was operated by the performing S. The apparatus and general procedure are described in more detail in the previous report (Marx & Witter, 1972). Each slide was shown to the group for 5 sec. During this period the performer selected one of the four response alternatives (one of which had been arbitrarily selected as correct) and received knowledge of r,esults, which was also received by the observing S of the pair. The interstimulus interval was approximately 1 sec. Each training trial consisted of a single run through all of the stimuli, with each S alternately performing and observing. It was followed
Dynamic exergy analysis for capacity expansion of regional power-generation systems: Case study of far West Texas

The global electricity supply from non-hydro renewables, mainly wind and solar, is currently growing at a high rate, and it is expected that this trend persists. In the near-to-medium term, the power produced by breakthrough fossil fuel technologies might also grow intensively. These expansion patterns can be optimized in a regional context, which translates into a multidimensional problem. As part of the solution, a procedure to determine maximum allowable growth rates for alternative power-generation technologies is developed and exemplified in this paper. The model applies a dynamic exergy analysis based on the cumulative exergy-consumption concept, expanded to include emissions abatement. A Gompertz sigmoid growth is assumed and constrained by both exergetic self-sustenance and regional energy resource availability. Far West Texas is the selected study region. The deployment of alternative technologies (wind turbines, photovoltaics, hybrid solar thermal parabolic troughs, and solid oxide fuel cells) to meet the regional power demand is projected assuming backup capacity by a conventional technology (natural gas combined cycle). The results show that during the next decades the new capacity demand may largely be met by deploying alternative technologies, with a cost in primary resources that can be minimized through a proper allowance for exergy reinvestment.
Latent inhibition and the preconditioning-conditioning interval

With the use of a licking-based CER procedure, latent inhibition effects were reliably demonstrated with rats in acquisition and extinction regardless of whether or not a 1-h period was interpolated between massed CS preexposure trials and acquisition. Preconditioning CS-alone trials prevented effective conditioning on the first trial, but not on the second.
Directed supramolecular assembly of Cu(II)-based "paddlewheels" into infinite 1-D chains using structurally bifunctional ligands.

The construction of Cu(II)-containing supramolecular chains is achieved by combining suitable anionic ligands (for controlling the coordination geometry and for creating a neutral building block) with four new bifunctional ligands containing a metal-coordinating pyridyl site and a self-complementary hydrogen-bonding moiety. Seven crystal structures are presented and in each case, the copper(II) complex displays a “paddlewheel” arrangement, with four carboxylate ligands occupying the equatorial sites, leaving room for the bifunctional ligand to coordinate in the axial positions. The supramolecular chemistry, which organizes the coordination-complexes into the desired infinite 1-D chains, is driven by a combination of N–H⋯N and N–H⋯O hydrogen-bonds in five of the seven structures.
Is there still a place for free nipple areolar grafting in breast reduction surgery? A review of cases over a three year period

Breast reduction using the technique of free nipple areolar grafting still has a place in selected cases. The surgical technique used by the senior author is described together with an analysis of the 22 cases operated on including the results of a questionnaire from 20 of these patients. The results confirmed that the technique still has a use. Relief of pre-operative symptoms by the surgery was obtained in all and there was a high degree of satisfaction with both the cosmetic results and maintaining of shape. The main criticisms relate to scars and poor return of nipple sensation, appearance, and function. Overall this did not appear to be a major issue in this cohort of patients.
Single-Stage Complete Muscle Flap Closure of the Postpneumonectomy Empyema Space: A New Method and Possible Solution to a Disturbing Complication

The management of postpneumonectomy empyema remains a disturbing and controversial area in the field of thoracic surgery. Many methods have been described and have had varying degrees of success. We present a series of 5 consecutive patients who underwent single-stage complete muscle flap closure of the pneumonectomy space with extrathoracic muscle flaps and omental grafts between October, 1981, and April, 1983. Two men and three women ranging from 37 years to 64 years old underwent such a closure from 3 to 13 months after original resection. Two patients had associated bronchopleural fistula. Prior to closure, 3 patients were managed with chest tubes and 2 with a modified Eloesser procedure. All operations were single-stage procedures, and all wounds closed primarily, with no permanent tubes or chest wall openings. There was no morbidity or mortality, and no subsequent operation has been required. Single-stage complete muscle flap closure of the postpneumonectomy empyema space has not been described previously, and we think it offers a possible solution to this potentially fatal complication.
Hedonic prices and public goods: An argument for weighting locational attributes in hedonic regressions by lot size

The hedonic price technique is frequently used for valuing attributes of housing. In such an analysis a hedonic price function is specified: p = p(x). p is the price of a house and x is a vector of attributes of the house. The attributes include structural features such as size, age, garage, and fireplace and locational features such as neighborhood quality, crime, access to downtown, and air quality. The function is interpreted as an equilibrium price schedule for houses (see Rosen [5]). Its first derivative with respect to an element of x is an implicit price for that attribute. The price function is estimated typically using cross-sectional data from a housing market. I argue that the measure of each locational attribute in a hedonic price function should be weighted by lot size and that the measure of each structural attribute should not be weighted. The usual regression weights neither locational nor structural attributes. By my argument, if two houses are identical in every respect except that the measure of lot size of the first is twice that of the second, then the measure for air quality, access to parks, and so on for the first should be twice that of the second. I also argue that failure to weight locational attributes in a hedonic regression that should be weighted gives biased implicit price estimates for structural and locational attributes. The direction and degree of bias depend on the correlations between the attributes and lot size in the housing market, on the variance of lot size in the market, and on the lot size of the observation for which implicit price is being estimated.
Cervical length measurements in pregnancy are longer when measured with three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound.

Objective: To compare cervical length measurements obtained by transvaginal two-dimensional (2D) and transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. Study design: Thirty-four consecutive women having transvaginal assessment of cervical length as part of an obstetric ultrasound examination consented to have a 3D ultrasound scan. The cervical lengths obtained by the two methods were compared by Student's t test and regression equations. Results: The mean cervical 2D length was 35.7 ± 1.4 (SE) mm and 3D length was 43.7 ± 1.9 mm (difference 8.0 mm ± 0.98, p < 0.001). In the 12 women with cervical length on 2D < 35 mm, there was a 7.5 ± 1.7 (SE) mm difference (p = 0.007). In all but one woman the 3D length obtained was the same or longer than the 2D length. The longer the cervical length on 3D imaging, the greater the difference from the 2D length (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The longer 3D cervical measurements may reflect the inability to measure the cervix adequately with 2D imaging, owing to anatomical...
Adopting object-oriented technology: evolution or revolution?

Abstract As the interest in and the use of object-oriented (OO) development continues to grow, the question of adoption is raised by organizations. Should OO technology be integrated with existing, structured techniques (i.e., evolution)? Or, should current methods be replaced completely by OO technology (i.e., revolution)? At this point in time, there are no agreed upon answers to these questions. In the literature, some contend evolution is best; others contend revolution is best. This article examines this issue by identifying, discussing, and comparing the arguments made by each side of the “evolution versus revolution” argument. Overall, neither side presents an overwhelmingly convincing argument. Several contradictions exist in the arguments, and many unresolved issues remain.
Evidence for involvement of 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptors in the behavioral effects of the 5-HT agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl aminopropane)-2 (DOI)

DOI (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl aminopropane)-2) has recently been suggested as a selective 5-HT2 receptor agonist, but its behavioral effects have not been previously reported. In naive rats, DOI induced dose-dependent shaking behavior, the novel behavior 'skin jerks' (paraspinal muscle contractions), and forepaw tapping of the 'serotonin syndrome'. These behaviors had a similar dose-response and time course and were blocked by the 5-HT2/5-HT1C antagonists mianserin, ritanserin, and methysergide. Skin jerks, unlike other behaviors, were not blocked by 1-propranolol or phenoxybenzamine, drugs with little activity at 5-HT2/5-HT1C sites. Differences in the pharmacology and neuroanatomy between skin jerks and shaking behavior suggest that the 5-HT1C receptor may participate in skin jerks and the 5-HT2 receptor in shaking behavior, but drug coaffinities for 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptors require further investigation.
Subsonic and intersonic crack growth along a bimaterial interface

An experimental investigation has been conducted to study the dynamic failure of bimaterial interfaces. Interfacial crack growth is observed using dynamic photoelasticity and characterized in terms of crack-tip velocity, complex stress intensity factor, and energy release rate. On the basis of crack-tip velocity two growth regimes are established, viz. the subsonic and transonic regimes. In the latter regime crack-tip velocities up to 1.3 times the shear wave velocity of the more compliant material are observed. This results in the formation of a line of discontinuity in the stress field surrounding the crack tip and also the presence of a pseudo crack tip that travels with the Rayleigh wave velocity (of the more compliant material).
WAVELENGTHS, ENERGY LEVELS, AND PRESSURE SHIFTS IN MERCURY 198

The vacuum wavelengths of 27 lines of Hg198 and 6 lines of Kr86 have been measured relative to the international standard of length, the Kr86 line at 6057.80211 A, by photographic Fabry–Perot interferometry. These measurements were made with Hg198 electrodeless lamps containing argon at pressures of 14, 3, and 10 mm Hg and a Kr86 hot-cathode lamp operated according to the conditions prescribed by the International Conference on Weights and Measures in 1960. Energy-level values have been derived from the wavelengths of each of the Hg198 sources, and on the basis of these values, the energy level and wavelength shifts per unit pressure of argon have been calculated. The suitability of the Hg198 electrodeless lamp as a source of wavelength standards for interferometric measurement of length and wavelength is discussed.
A System for Creating Stable Cell Lines that Express a Gene of Interest from a Bidirectional and Regulatable Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Promoter

Expression systems used to study the biological function of a gene of interest can have limited utility due to three major factors: i) weak or heterogeneous gene expression; ii) poorly controlled gene expression; and iii) low efficiencies of stable integration and persistent expression. We envisioned that the ideal system should be tightly controlled and coupled with the ability to efficiently create and identify stable cell lines. Herein, we describe a system based upon a bidirectional Herpes simplex virus type 1 promoter that is naturally responsive to the VP16 transactivator and modified to permit tetracycline-regulated transcription on one side while maintaining constitutive activity on the other side. Incorporation of this element into the Sleeping Beauty transposon resulted in a novel bidirectional system with the capacity for high-efficiency stable integration. Using this system, we created stable cell lines in which expression of a gene of interest was tightly and uniformly controlled across a broad range of levels via a novel combination of doxycycline-sensitive de-repression and VP16-mediated sequence-specific induction. The unique characteristics of this system address major limitations of current methods and provide an excellent strategy to investigate the effects of gene dosing in mammalian models.
An algorithm to generate quadrilateral or triangular element surface meshes in arbitrary domains with applications to crack propagation

A new hybrid algorithm for automatically generating either an all-quadrilateral or an all-triangular element mesh within an arbitrarily shaped domain is described. The input consists of one or more closed loops of straight-line segments that bound the domain. Internal mesh density is inferred from the boundary density using a recursive spatial decomposition (quadtree) procedure. All-triangular element meshes are generated using a boundary contraction procedure. All-quadrilateral element meshes are generated by modifying the boundary contraction procedure to produce a mixed element mesh at half the density of the final mesh and then applying a polygon-splitting procedure. The final meshes exhibit good transitioning properties and are compatible with the given boundary segments which are not altered. The algorithm can support discrete crack growth simulation wherein each step of crack growth results in an arbitrarily shaped region of elements deleted about each crack tip. The algorithm is described and examples of the generated meshes are provided for a representative selection of cracked and uncracked structures.
β-Lactam combinations with daptomycin provide synergy against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium

Objectives Enterococcus faecalis (Efc) and Enterococcus faecium (Efm) are frequently resistant to vancomycin and β-lactams (BLs). In vitro data suggest synergy between several BLs and glycopeptides or lipopeptides against resistant pathogens. Our objective was to conduct combination MIC and time–kill experiments to evaluate BL synergy with daptomycin against enterococci.
The Health Risk of Obesity—Better Metrics Imperative

Obesity has increased worldwide; is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, and other ailments; and has been associated with disability, mortality, and enormous health costs ( 1 , 2 ). Despite these clear adverse consequences of obesity, some studies have suggested that obesity as defined by body mass index (BMI) improves survival under certain conditions ( 3 – 8 ). Here, we discuss the controversies surrounding the “obesity-mortality paradox” and offer potential mechanisms to explain the effects of obesity on health.
Some elastic properties of reinforced solids, with special reference to isotropic ones containing spherical inclusions

Abstract Based on Mori and Tanaka's concept of “average stress” in the matrix and Eshelby's solutions of an ellipsoidal inclusion, an approximate theory is established to derive the stress and strain state of constituent phases, stress concentrations at the interface, and the elastic energy and overall moduli of the composite. Both “stress-free” strain (polarization strain) and “strain-free” stress (polarization stress) are employed in these derivations under the traction- and displacement-prescribed conditions. The theory was developed first for a general multiphase, anisotropic composite with arbitrarily oriented anisotropic inclusions; explicit results are then given for a suspension of uniformly distributed, multiphase isotropic spheres in an isotropic matrix. Numerical results for stress concentrations in the spherical inclusions and at the interface are given for a 2-phase composite. Further, it is shown that the derived moduli are related to the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds and that, when the shear moduli are equal, the overall bulk modulus of a 2-phase composite reduces to Hill's exact solution. As compared with experimental data, the theory also provides reasonably accurate estimates for the Young's modulus of some 2- and 3-phase composites.
Melanoma-associated retinopathy and recurrent exudative retinal detachments in a patient with choroidal melanoma.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a patient who presented with photopsias, night blindness, exudative retinal detachments, and melanoma-associated retinopathy in her right eye 23 years after the left eye was enucleated for a choroidal melanoma. METHODS: Assessment of fundus findings, fluorescein angiograms, and electroretinograms. RESULTS: The patient had recurrent exudative detachments of the macula in her right eye and electroretinogram responses consistent with the diagnosis of melanoma-associated retinopathy. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was negative, but 13 months later, CT scanning revealed many masses in her liver. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of melanoma-associated retinopathy in a patient with a previous choroidal melanoma.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate: MRI and MR spectroscopy features.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the MRI and MR spectroscopy features of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate.CONCLUSION. MRI and MR spectroscopy do not appear to provide the ability to reliably detect the lakes of extracellular mucin seen in mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Anticoagulation duration in heterozygous factor V Leiden: a decision analysis.

Abstract Background Current anticoagulation guidelines suggest that optimal anticoagulation duration for unprovoked venous thromboembolism is determined by an individual risk assessment, balancing risks of anticoagulation bleeding with venous thromboembolism recurrence. Among individuals heterozygous for the factor V Leiden mutation, while venous thromboembolism recurrence risk is greater, the risk for bleeding is recognized to be lower, suggesting longer duration anticoagulation could be considered. Objective The objective of this study was to compare standard vs. lifelong anticoagulation in 20-year-old factor V Leiden heterozygotes with unprovoked venous thromboembolism. Methods A Markov state-transition model was used, incorporating risks of major, minor, and fatal anticoagulation bleeding, bleeding and thromboembolism morbidity and mortality, and quality of life utilities. Model parameter values favoring lifelong anticoagulation in factor V Leiden heterozygotes were determined in sensitivity analyses. Outcomes were in quality-adjusted life years, discounted at 3% per year. Results In general population groups with odds ratios for venous thromboembolism recurrence and anticoagulation bleeding of 1.0, a short-term anticoagulation strategy gained 0.09 quality-adjusted life years more than a lifelong anticoagulation strategy. By contrast, in factor V Leiden heterozygotes, lifetime anticoagulation was favored if their relative risk of venous thromboembolism was greater than 1.07 or their relative risk for bleeding was less than 0.91. Results were relatively insensitive to individual variation in other parameter values. Conclusion Lifelong anticoagulation may benefit individuals heterozygous for factor V Leiden and previous idiopathic venous thromboembolism. Studies assessing bleeding risk with anticoagulation in factor V Leiden heterozygotes and the costs of indefinite anticoagulation are needed to determine if lifelong anticoagulation is the optimal strategy.
Intermediate follow-up of pediatric heart transplant recipients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance index.

Abstract Objectives. This study examined perioperative and intermediate outcomes in pediatric cardiac transplant recipients who had elevated pulmonary vascular resistance indexes preoperatively. Background. Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance was associated with poor outcome in previous studies and constitutes a relative contraindication to transplantation. Few studies have evaluated this poor outcome risk factor in pediatric patients. Methods. To evaluate outcomes of nonneonatal transplant recipients, records were reviewed and divided into Group I (preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance index ≥6 units·m2) and Group II (pulmonary vascular resistance index Results. Group I (8 patients) had a mean (±SEM) pulmonary vascular resistance index of 11.5 ± 3.5 units·m2; Group II (29 patients) had a mean pulmonary vascular resistance index of 2.3 ± 0.4 units·m2(p 0.25). Donor ischemic time was 215 min for Group I and 225 min for Group II (p > 0.75). Intensive care unit stay was 11.5 days in Group I and 15.1 days in Group II (p = 0.20). Infection rate was 38% in both groups (p > 0.80). Arrhythmias occurred in 90% of Group I and 42% of Group II (p 0.80). Conclusions. Group I patients did not require significantly oversized donors, restricted donor locations or longer intensive care unit stays or have higher infection rates; however, arrhythmias were more frequent. Pulmonary resistance index normalized early after transplantation. Pulmonary vascular reactivity may be more important for survival than absolute resistance index.
Investigation of Particle Swarm Optimization Dynamics

In this work, a set of operators for a Particle Swarm (PS) based optimization algorithm is investigated for the purpose of finding optimal values for some of the classical benchmark problems. Particle swarm algorithms are implemented as mathematical operators inspired by the social behaviors of bird flocks and fish schools. In addition, particle swarm algorithms utilize a small number of relatively uncomplicated rules in response to complex behaviors, such that they are computationally inexpensive in terms of memory requirements and processing time. In particle swarm algorithms, particles in a continuous variable space are linked with neighbors, therefore the updated velocity means of particles influences the simulation results. The paper presents a statistical investigation on the velocity update rule for continuous variable PS algorithm. In particular, the probability density function influencing the particle velocity update is investigated along with the components used to construct the updated velocity vector of each particle within a flock. The simulation results of several numerical benchmark examples indicate that small amount of negative velocity is necessary to obtain good optimal values near global optimality.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The role of anxiety on sexual arousal.

Sex therapists have long argued that anxiety is the primary psychological mechanism that underlies the interference with sexual arousal that is responsible for such conditions as erectile failure. However, laboratory research on anxiety's effects has yielded mixed results. Studies have found that sexual arousal may be unaffected, disrupted, or even facilitated by anxiety. Fiftyfour men, ages 21–46, viewed a series of erotic videotape segments after having received one of three types of information; (i) neutral feedback, (ii) feedback indicating that they would be receiving a painful electric shock, and (iii) feedback indicating that their level of sexual arousal during baseline measurement was subnormal. Subsequent plethysmographic measurement of sexual arousal while viewing the erotic material revealed that leading subjects to worry either about their physical well-being (shock threat) or their psychosexual well-being (negative feedback) were both effective strategies for interfering substantially with sexual arousal. The hypothesis that attention/memory would mediate the effects of anxiety on arousal received only partial support. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are explored.
Three-Dimensional Monte Carlo Simulations of Plume Impingement

Three-dimensional plume impingement flows are simulated using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) technique. Two impingement problems are computed. The impact of a jet of nitrogen on an inclined flat plate is considered. A free molecular model of the plume is shown to provide reasonable estimates of impingement quantities. The plume of a hydrazine control thruster firing in a model satellite configuration is simulated. Surface quantities and net impingement effects are calculated. Free molecular analysis provides less accurate modeling of a multispecies flow with boundary-layer effects
Sustainable consumption and the financial sector: analysing the markets for responsible investment in Hong Kong and Japan

The origins of the modern socially responsible investment (SRI) movement can be traced to the turbulent period in the 1960s when powerful social undercurrents including environmentalism and anti-war activism fuelled a rise, in a radical change, in the way society viewed faith, values and commerce. Today, nearly 1 out of every US$9 under professional management in the US is currently invested using social investment strategies while the European green and ethical investment market is estimated to be €1 trillion or as much as 10–15% of the total funds under management. While some preliminary figures and analyses exist for countries outside these two regions, SRI has been, to date, largely explored within the context of North America and Europe. This is unfortunate as the sustainability of SRI as a consumer market is going to depend, to a great extent, to what happens outside of North America and Europe, and most notably in the rapidly developing Asian economies. In this article, I will explore the development of SRI as a mainstream financial consumer instrument in industrialized (Japan) and emerging (Hong Kong/China) economies of the Asia Pacific region. To fully analyse the SRI market development in Hong Kong and Japan, I will examine the following three issues and questions: first, how does the sustainable consumption framework offer a useful lens from which to explore SRI, and why is the Asia Pacific market and policy context so important for the broader issue of sustainable consumption? Second, what precisely is SRI and how did it develop into an important global financial investment vehicle? Third, how did the SRI market develop in the case of Hong Kong and Japan? I will then conclude the article with some analysis on the important lessons SRI market development in Hong Kong and Japan hold for market sustainability of the financial sector and sustainable consumption.
Vaccination and malaria prophylaxis among Greek international travelers to Asian destinations

Summary Background International travel is rapidly increasing worldwide, and the greatest increases have occurred in tropical and subtropical areas. The aim of the survey was to investigate the pre-travel health-seeking practices of travelers to Asian destinations. Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted at the Athens International Airport between the 1st of November 2011 and the 30th of April 2013. Results A total of 1666 adult travelers participated in the study, and 69.7% were men. The mean age of the participants was 39 years. Previous travel to tropical countries was reported by 69% of the participants. The most frequent destination was the Indian subcontinent (45.0%). The main reasons for travel were visiting friends and relatives (VFRs; 36.5%) and business (32.4%). Most of the participants traveled for Conclusion Significant gaps were revealed in the vaccinations and malaria prophylaxes of travelers departing to Asia. Specific educational tools should be developed to improve the awareness of travelers to high-risk destinations.
Abstract 3507: Type 17-1-CD8+ T cells (Tc17-1) as potent effector cells for immunotherapy of brain tumors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Malignant gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are the most common and dismal primary brain tumors, and there is a strong need for developing novel and effective therapeutic modalities. Although the central nervous system (CNS) and CNS tumors are often considered immunologically privileged, as demonstrated by studies on CNS autoimmunity, activated autoreactive T-cells, especially T helper (Th) 17 cells, infiltrate through the blood brain barrier (BBB) and mediate antigen-specific responses in the CNS. Especially, Th17 express high levels of CCR6, which has a crucial role in Th17 infiltration into the CNS. In addition to Th17 cells, a new putative subtype of IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells with CD4+IL-17+IFN-γ+ (Th17-1 cells) double-positive phenotype has also been identified. Based on our previous studies demonstrating a critical role of Th1-chemokine CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 for effective T-cell trafficking in CNS tumors, we hypothesized that Th17-1 cells and CD8+ T cells producing IL-17 and IFN-γ (hereby Type-17-1 CD8+ T-cells) will demonstrate superior CNS tumor infiltration compared with Th1 cells due to the activation of two CNS-relevant chemokine pathways, CXCL10-CXCR3 and CCL20-CCR6. Mouse Tc17, Tc17-1 and Tc1 cells generated from Pmel-1 mouse-derived naive CD8+ T cells expressed high CCR6 and low CXCR3, high CCR6 and high CXCR3, and little CCR6 and high CXCR3, respectively. Although Tc17 displayed lower levels of antigen-specific cytotoxic activity compared with Tc17-1 and Tc1 in a 4 hr cytotoxic assay, Tc17 killed tumor cells more effectively than the other populations in long-term cultures (4 to 6 days). While Tc1 cells underwent apoptosis due to their exhausted state, Tc17-1 maintained strong cytotoxicity and proliferative activities even after 4 day co-culture with tumor cells. Moreover, the supernatant derived from activated Tc17 and Tc17-1 induced CCL20 and CXCL10 in the GL261 glioma cells while Tc1-derived supernatant induced CXCL10 but not CCL20. These results suggest a possibility that Tc17-1 may elicit persistent anti-CNS tumor responses and induce both CCL20 and CXCL10 in the CNS tumor microenvironment, thereby attracting additional effector cells to the site. In vivo studies in mice bearing CNS gliomas are warranted to determine whether adoptively transferred Tc17-1 infiltrate to the CNS tumor site and mediate superior anti-tumor response compared with Tc1. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3507. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3507
One-dimensional behavior and high thermoelectric power factor in thin indium arsenide nanowires

Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of quasi-one-dimensional indium arsenide (InAs) nanowires with 20 nm diameter are investigated. The carrier concentration of the passivated nanowires was modulated by a gate electrode. A thermoelectric power factor of 1.7 × 10−3 W/m K2 was measured at room temperature. This value is at least as high as in bulk-InAs and exceeds by far typical values of thicker InAs nanowires with three-dimensional properties. The interpretation of the experimental results in terms of power-factor enhancement by one-dimensionality is supported by model calculations using the Boltzmann transport formalism.
Energy for Wild-Type Acetylcholine Receptor Channel Gating from Different Choline Derivatives

Agonists, including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), bind at two sites in the neuromuscular ACh receptor channel (AChR) to promote a reversible, global change in protein conformation that regulates the flow of ions across the muscle cell membrane. In the synaptic cleft, ACh is hydrolyzed to acetate and choline. Replacement of the transmitter’s ester acetyl group with a hydroxyl (ACh→choline) results in a +1.8 kcal/mol reduction in the energy for gating generated by each agonist molecule from a low- to high-affinity change of the transmitter binding site (ΔGB). To understand the distinct actions of structurally related agonist molecules, we measured ΔGB for 10 related choline derivatives. Replacing the hydroxyl group of choline with different substituents, such as hydrogen, chloride, methyl, or amine, increased the energy for gating (i.e., it made ΔGB more negative relative to choline). Extending the ethyl hydroxide tail of choline to propyl and butyl hydroxide also increased this energy. Our findings reveal the amount of energy that is available for the AChR conformational change provided by different, structurally related agonists. We speculate that a hydrogen bond between the choline hydroxyl and the backbone carbonyl of αW149 positions this agonist’s quaternary ammonium group so as to reduce the cation-π interaction between this moiety and the aromatic groups at the binding site.
The prevalence and clinical relevance of sexual dysfunction in women and men with chronic heart failure

Sexual dysfunction is a common problem of increasing incidence that is associated with multiple co-morbid conditions and chronic diseases. In heart failure, however, exact numbers are unknown, in part secondary to under-reporting and under-interrogating by health care providers. A gender-specific questionnaire was modified from established sexual dysfunction questionnaires to correspond to a non-randomized outpatient heart failure population, to assess the prevalence and demographic distribution of sexual dysfunction and potential treatments expectations. One-hundred patients in a stable hemodynamic condition in New York Heart Association classes I-III participated. Eighty-seven percent of women were diagnosed with female sexual dysfunction compared to 84% of men with erectile dysfunction. Eighty percent of women reported reduced lubrication, which resulted in frequent unsuccessful intercourse in 76%. Thirty-six percent of patients thought that sexual activity could harm their current cardiac condition; 75% of females and 60% of men stated that no physicians ever asked about potential sexual problems. Fifty-two percent of men considered sexual activity in their current condition as an essential aspect of quality of life and 61% were interested in treatment to improve sexual function. Sexual dysfunction appears to be high in prevalence in both men and women with chronic compensated heart failure and represents a reduction in quality of life for most. Despite the fact that most patients are interested in receiving therapy to improve sexual dysfunction, treatment options are rarely discussed or initiated.