cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data Envelopment Analysis

The method of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was introduced in the Management Science/Operations Research literature by Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes. The method can be utilized to measure the efficiency of a decision making unit (DMU), such as a firm, relative to other firms that produce the same outputs. The intellectual roots of DEA can be traced back to the nonparametric analysis of production economics due to Debreu and Farrell, and has its foundations in neoclassical production theory. DEA uses linear programming techniques to construct a piecewise linear frontier that envelopes all the data points. Keywords: benchmarking; efficiency analysis; linear programming; nonparametric; production economics
Networking in distributed real-time systems

Distributed computing systems are increasingly being used for many critical real-time applications. In these systems, large or unpredictable delays in the delivery of messages can adversely affect the execution of tasks dependent on these messages. Consequently, there are usually deadlines associated with messages between cooperating processes. The goal of this dissertation is to design and develop a communication scheme for a distributed real-time system which guarantees the delivery of messages within certain deadline constraints. We are particularly interested in systems with partially connected point-to-point interconnection networks, mainly due to their potential for high performance and fault tolerance. This dissertation also presents solutions to several other important problems related to communication in systems with this type of interconnection. We first present an abstraction called a real-time channel which provides a mechanism for expressing the timing constraints and other requirements for inter-process communication. We develop methods to compute worst-case delays and buffer space requirements for messages belonging to real-time channels, so that their delivery time can be guaranteed. Following this, we deal with the problem of routing in networks with virtual cut-through switching. In this mode of switching, the message delivery delay depends upon the number of times that a message gets buffered at intermediate nodes on the route. We develop algorithms to select routes that balance the network load and minimize the number of times that a message gets buffered. To increase the efficiency of broadcasting, which is an important issue in point-to-point networks, we develop a broadcast primitive that can be easily integrated into the switching hardware. Using this primitive, we then develop a family of algorithms for broadcasting in mesh-connected networks. These algorithms ensure reliable delivery in the presence of possibly unknown network failures. Finally, we present the design and implementation of a communication subsystem for HARTS, which is an experimental distributed real-time system being developed in the Real-Time Computing Laboratory. This subsystem makes use of a communication coprocessor to offload communication overheads from the main processors. Among other things, it supports real-time channels and provides a global time-base for the system.
Visualization of Sustainability Indicators: A Conceptual Framework

Due to complex, interwoven entities in the science of sustainability, an effective strategic approach that allows issues to be examined from various angles is needed to successfully integrate sustainability into public policy processes. Indicators can be an effective method for providing simple assessments of sustainability, however, there has been little research of indicator organization or visualization techniques to meet the unique information needs of public decision makers. There are numerous models for defining and organizing sustainability indicators but only a few provide defined methods of weighting and aggregation. There is also much published work on developing visualization methods and tools for decision making. However there is little research on how sustainable indicator visualization systems can be structured to meet the specific information needs of public decision makers as they address a wide range of issues at various spatial and functional scales. This article examines the current sustainability indicator and relevant visualization literature and proposes a theoretical organization and visualization framework for sustainability indicator data that blends data organization with flexible and simple information visualization.
Spam-A-Lot: The States' Crusade Against Unsolicited Email in Light of the CAN-SPAM Act and the Overbreadth Doctrine

The ever-increasing deluge of unsolicited e-mail, or spam, results in millions of dollars of economic loss, fosters criminal activity, causes untold user frustration, and threatens to undermine the viability of e-mail as a communication medium. Attempts to stem this tide have thus far been unavailing. The arrival of federal regulation on the scene has not helped matters and, by thwarting earlier state regulation, has created an intractable conflict. On the one hand, narrowly focused state anti-spam laws are now preempted by the federal act. On the other hand, broad attempts to regulate spam, although escaping preemption, collide directly with the First Amendment. This Note examines the marginal regulatory area left in place at the intersection of federal regulation and constitutional boundaries. It further reexamines several assumptions underlying the current case law and regulation of spam, and suggests that altering these assumptions may enable new approaches to deal with this pervasive problem.
Learning Analytics Considered Harmful.

This essay is written to present a prospective stance on how learning analytics, as a core evaluative approach, must help instructors uncover the important trends and evidence of quality learner data in the online course. A critique is presented of strategic and tactical issues of learning analytics. The approach to the critique is taken through the lens of questioning the current status of applying learning analytics to online courses. The goal of the discussion is twofold: (1) to inform online learning practitioners (e.g., instructors and administrators) of the potential of learning analytics in online courses and (2) to broaden discussion in the research community about the advancement of learning analytics in online learning. In recognizing the full potential of formalizing big data in online coures, the community must address this issue also in the context of the potentially "harmful" application of learning analytics.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE COQUINA CLAM DONAX FOSSOR SAY AND ITS EPIBIOTIC HYDROID LOVENELLA GRACILIS CLARKE

Abstract The northern coquina clam, Donax fossor, is often found in association with the hydroid Lovenella gracilis in the intertidal zone of exposed sandy beaches of southern New Jersey. Although previous workers have suggested that the Donax-Lovenella relationship is one of commensalism, this assumption rarely has been quantified or experimentally investigated. Our objectives are: (1) to eliminate the possibility that the association is a recent occurrence, (2) to quantify whether the hydroid has any affect on predation rates of the clam, (3) to quantify the effect of the hydroid on the ability of the clam to swash-ride, and (4) to document seasonal variation in the association. Monthly field samples collected at two sites over a 2-y period revealed that D. fossor and L. gracilis are seasonal in occurrence. The proportion of the D. fossor population with an epibiotic hydroid varied among season, clam size, and field site. Hydroid abundance also varied between years, among seasons, and between field site...
Gold-Gold (Au-Au) thermocompression (TC) bonding of very large arrays

The authors demonstrate a technique, very large array bonding (VLAB), that extends Au-Au TC bonding from a single connection or tens of connections, to thousands or tens of thousands of connections over a large area in a single joining cycle. A description of a semi-isostatic gas pressure press developed for joining metal and/or metal/polymer arrays onto ceramic or silicon substrates is presented. Bond yields of 99.97% for metal/polyimide thin film arrays containing nearly 60000 contacts to pads on a 127-mm ceramic substrate have been achieved. >
Inter-species cross-seeding: stability and assembly of rat-human amylin aggregates.

Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s share as common feature the accumulation of mis-folded disease-specific protein aggregates into fibrillar structures, or plaques. These fibrils may either be toxic by themselves, or act as reservoirs for smaller cytotoxic oligomers. This suggests to investigate molecules as potential therapeutics that either reduce fibril formation or increase fibril stability. One example is rat amylin, which can inhibit aggregation of human amylin, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. In the present paper, we use molecular dynamics to compare the stability of various preformed aggregates, built out of either human amylin, rat amylin, or mixtures of both. We considered two types of fibril-like oligomers: a single-layer in-register conformation, and a double-layer conformation in which the first U-shaped layer consists of rat amylin and the second layer of human amylin. Our results explain the weak amyloid-inhibiting properties of rat amylin and suggest that membrane leakage due to pore formation is responsible for the toxicity of rat amylin observed in a recent experiment. Together, our results put in question the use of rat amylin or the similar FDA approved drug pramlintide as an inhibitor of human amylin aggregation. They also point to mixed human-rat amylin fibril-like oligomers as possible model-systems for studies of amyloid formation that involve cross-species transmission.
AN APPLICATION OF CONJOINT ANALYSIS TO CAPITAL BUDGETING: THE CASE OF INNOVATIVE LAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Multiattribute utility models link the relative attractiveness of a given project to the utility functions of the decision makers. Conjoint analysis is industry's most commonly used marketing research method for measuring consumers' multiattribute utility functions (Green 1984). In this article, conjoint analysis is proposed as a methodology for measuring managers' utility functions regarding innovative capital budgeting proposals.
Characterization of micellar-packaged gramicidin a channels

The effects of heating, on an aqueous gramicidin A lysolecithin system, were examined by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR), circular dichroism (CD), and sodium-23 nuclear magnetic resonance (23Na-NMR), and the results are collectively interpreted to indicate micellar-packaging of gramicidin channels and cation occupancy in the channel. 13C-NMR of the gramicidin-lysolecithin system demonstrates a decrease in mobility of the micellar lipid on heating which is indicative of incorporation of gramicidin into the hydrophobic core of the micelle. A unique and reproducible CD spectrum is obtained for the heat incorporated state. Sodium-23 spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) demonstrated sodium interaction to be dependent on heat incorporation. The T1 identified interaction is blocked by silver ion which is known to block sodium transport through the channel in lipid bilayer studies. The temperature dependence of the sodium-23 line width defines an exchange process with an activation energy of 6.8 kcal/mole which is essentially the same as the activation energy reported for transport through the channel in lecithin bilayer studies, and the sodium exchange process is blocked by thallium ion which is also known to block sodium transport through the channel.
Therapeutic Strategies in Prostate Cancer

1 3 0 J O U R N A L C O M P I L A T I O N © 2 0 0 8 B J U I N T E R N A T I O N A L | 1 0 2 , 1 3 0 | doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2006.07788.x disease; advanced prostate cancer, including distant metastases; and management of complications. Each section contains four to five chapters focusing on issues of particular importance to clinicians, including nutrition and prevention, screening, risk stratification, treatment of localized disease and biochemical recurrence, and treatment of advanced disease. The ‘complications’ section concentrates primarily on complications arising in the setting of advanced disease, i.e. fractures, urinary obstruction, and pain.
Acetylation of methionine sulfoxide and methionine sulfone by the rat.

Abstract About 12% of the radioactivity of [Me-14C]methionine sulfoxide injected into rats was excreted in the urine in 24 h. N-Aceytlmethionine sulfoxide contained about 65% of the radioactivity excreted. The N-acetylcholamine sulfoxide was identified by its co-chromatography on paper with the chemically synthesized compound and its deacetylation to methionine sulfoxide by acid hydrolysis. About 55% of the radioactivity of [Me-14C]methionine sulfone injected into rats was excreted in the urine in 24 h. N-Acetylmethionine sulfone contained about 70% of the radioactivity and methionine sulfone contained most of the rest of the radioactivity.
Study of grain boundaries in GaAs by scanning light microscopy

Abstract Scanning light microscopy was used to investigate the electronic properties of gain boundaries in GaAs. Measurements of the short-circuit photocurrent across the grain boundary in bicrystal specimens reveal directly the presence or abscence of internal electric fields at the boundary. It was found that when fields are present the I–V characteristic is non-ohmic and when they are absent it is ohmic. In the non-ohmic case there is a substantial potential barrier (0.8 eV) at the grain boundary, the height of which is determined by a study of the zero-bias resistance as a function of temperature. The diffusion of minority carriers to the edge of the space charge region assciated with the barrier is observed directly in the structure of the photocurrent, allowing a directly determination to be made of the minority carrier diffusion length adjacent to the grain boundary. The behaviors of photovoltage and photocurrent under bias are also discussed, and it is shown that the latter yields information about the barrier height associated with the normally depleted surface.
Temperature dependence of partial volumes of proteins.

The change of the apparent partial specific volumes of egg albumin, bovine serum albumin, bovine methemoglobin, β-lactoglobulin, and lysozyme with temperature through the thermal transitions of the proteins have been measured with dilatometers. Four regions in the plot of the apparent partial specific volumes against temperature can be recognized: (1) linear sections extending from 25°C up to 45–50°C: (2) a decrease in slope between 50°C and 60°C; (3) a sharp increase in slope with increasing temperature coinciding with the appearance of heat coagulation of the protein and followed by (4) a decrease in the slope. The return of the protein samples to 25°C yields linear relations between the apparent partial specific volumes of the heat-denatured proteins and the decreasing temperature.
Structural basis for the rescue of stalled ribosomes: structure of YaeJ bound to the ribosome.

In bacteria, the hybrid transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA) rescues ribosomes stalled on defective messenger RNAs (mRNAs). However, certain gram-negative bacteria have evolved proteins that are capable of rescuing stalled ribosomes in a tmRNA-independent manner. Here, we report a 3.2 angstrom–resolution crystal structure of the rescue factor YaeJ bound to the Thermus thermophilus 70S ribosome in complex with the initiator tRNAifMet and a short mRNA. The structure reveals that the C-terminal tail of YaeJ functions as a sensor to discriminate between stalled and actively translating ribosomes by binding in the mRNA entry channel downstream of the A site between the head and shoulder of the 30S subunit. This allows the N-terminal globular domain to sample different conformations, so that its conserved GGQ motif is optimally positioned to catalyze the hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNA. This structure gives insights into the mechanism of YaeJ function and provides a basis for understanding how it rescues stalled ribosomes.
Condition-based predictive maintenance of industrial power systems

Traditional static maintenance scheduling based on lifetime data and replacement upon failure is adequate for typical power users. However, in the case of high reliability/availability-oriented industries (e.g., power systems for internet data centers have a desired availability of 0.99999 and, for semiconductor fabrication plants, have availability requirement of 0.9999999), this type of preventive maintenance scheduling is inadequate. A suitable approach in these situations is the adoption of condition-based predictive maintenance. Here the system condition is evaluated by processing the information gathered from the monitors placed at different points in the system, and maintenance is performed only when the failure/malfunction prognosis dictates. In the past, for power systems, voltages, currents, power, temperature and electromagnetic quantities had been monitored along with surface inspection and material quality tests at regular intervals. Diagnostic methods are already in place to indicate problems in industrial power systems by examining these monitored quantities. However, they lack the capability of looking into distant future. With the introduction of modern digital electronics-based smart monitors, the capability of logging power quality data at micro-second intervals, advanced signal processing tools for extracting features from collected data, and data mining techniques, a new horizon in maintenance scheduling has been unveiled. Trending techniques and techniques based on neural networks, when applied to the extracted features, enable us to predict the possible failures of individual equipment and subsystems well before they manifest. This paper considers the problem of evaluating the health indices of components of a power system by making use of the monitored power-quality data and classification techniques. Health index analysis distinguishes the healthy and risky components of the system. Results of these evaluations can be fed as inputs into a system-reliability/availability analysis tool. The reliability analysis enables analysts to decide on prioritization of the maintenance options subject to budget constraints.
Teaching HIV-infected outpatients the self-administration of subcutaneous interleukin-2 and strategies for symptom management.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a naturally produced lymphokine, which is one part of the normal immune regulation system. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers involved in the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS have studied this lymphokine since 1984. Various protocols have examined the effects and potential benefits of IL-2 when administered in regimens of varying doses, duration, and routes to patients who are HIV infected. Intermittent administration of IL-2 has substantially increased the CD4+T lymphocyte counts of many HIV-infected persons in clinical investigations at NIH (Davey et al., 1997; Kovacs et al., 1995; Kovacs et al., 1996; Sundin & Wolin, 1998). Several studies refer to mild constitutional side effects associated with IL-2, but little has been published about how to manage these side effects. The purpose of this column is to describe how nurses can teach their patients to successfully manage the self-administration of IL-2 and its associated side effects. A detailed teaching program initiated by nurses can enhance patient safety and optimize patient response to treatment. Patient-teaching concepts and management strategies presented in this column are pertinent and timely. As IL-2 research, involving HIV-infected individuals, moves from Phase II to Phase III studies, the availability of such information will be beneficial to medical personnel and patients at local sites and clinics. In addition, two large international Phase III studies, ESPRIT (Evaluation of Subcutaneous Proleukin in a Randomized International Trial) and SILCAAT (A Phase III Multicenter Randomized Study of the Biological and Clinical Efficacy of Recombinant IL-2 in HIV Patients with Low CD4 Counts Under Active Antiretroviral Therapy) began patient recruitment within the past year. As these studies plan to enroll more than 5,000 patients worldwide, the importance of such patient-teaching programs is being promoted around the world.
Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of memantine against seizures produced by soman in the rat.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats injected sc with a single sublethal dose of the organophosphate nerve agent, soman (100 μg/kg), had motor limbic seizures within 5–15 min. Pretreatment with a single dose of memantine HCl (MEM, 18 mg/kg, sc), alone or in combination with atropine sulfate (ATS, 16 mg/kg, sc), before soman prevented seizures without sedation or ataxia. Rats appeared normal or demonstrated increased exploratory activity. Excessive salivation, a peripheral manifestation of soman intoxication, was decreased by ATS, but pretreatment with ATS alone did not prevent seizures. After seizure onset, MEM ± ATS, but not ATS, abolished seizures. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in several brain regions (cortex, stem, striatum, and hippocampus) was markedly reduced by soman, but not by MEM, ATS, or MEM + ATS. Preadministration of MEM + ATS in vivo significantly protected AChE from inhibition by soman. Memantine reduced inhibition of AChE activity in crude brain homogenates by soman, but not by edrophonium (anionic site inhibitor) or decamethonium (peripheral site inhibitor). Thus, MEM may bind to a different modulatory site, not yet characterized, to protect AChE. When given after onset of soman-induced seizures, treatment with MEM ± ATS did not reactivate AChE although seizures were controlled, suggesting additional anticonvulsant mechanisms of action. At concentrations (10−4 to 5 × 10−4 m) which did not significantly alter the spontaneous firing of action potentials (APs), MEM limited sustained high frequency repetitive firing (SRF) induced by depolarization of spinal cord (mouse and rat) and neocortical (mouse) neurons in monolayer-dissociated cell culture. In the same range of concentrations, ATS both limited SRF and suppressed spontaneous activity, suggesting toxicity. In addition, MEM and ATS reversibly produced use-dependent block of depolarizing responses to acetylcholine (ACh) applied by pressure ejection to spinal cord neurons. Thus, the anticonvulsant efficacy of MEM, with or without ATS, may have resulted from a combination of actions, including protection of AChE from inhibition by soman, limitation of high frequency firing of APs, and blockade of excitatory postsynaptic responses to ACh.
Three-dimensional fracture analysis of thin-film debonding

A simplified mixed-mode fracture analysis combining nonlinear thin-plate stress solutions with crack-tip elasticity results has been developed to account for local variations of G I, G II and G III in thin-film debond problems associated with large film deformations. Membrane and bending stresses from the plate analysis are matched with the crack-tip singularity solution over a small boundary region at the crack tip where the effect of geometric nonlinearity is small. Local variations in each of the individual components of the energy release rate are directly related to the “jump” in these stresses across the crack border. Specific results are presented for 1-D and elliptical planeform cracks. Deformations were induced either by a pressure acting normal to the film surface or biaxial compression or tension stresses applied to the substrate in which the loading axes and debond axes coincide. The latter type of loading involves buckling of the delaminated film. The model predictions compare well with more rigorous solutions provided the film thickness is small compared to the debond dimensions. In all cases analyzed, G III was negligible. The ratio G I/G II typically decreases with increasing load or film deformation, the rate was moderate for pressure loading while generally sharp for compression loading. Film-substrate overlap may occur for certain debond geometry and loading conditions. Prevention of this by the substrate may critically increase the energy available for crack propagation.
Control System for the Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility Beam Buncher

A beam buncher has been developed to produce very short pulses of beam from the 25 MV accelerator for injection into ORIC. The buncher is a two-harmonic double-drift klystron-type operating over a frequency range of 4.5 to 14.5 MHz and has produced 1.1-ns pulse widths of 16O in tests on the ORNL EN tandem accelerator. Both rf voltage on, and relative phase between, the two buncher drift tubes must be accurately controlled to maintain the required narrow pulse width. A control system has been developed which accomplishes these tasks as well as automatic tuning of the buncher resonators, monitoring system parameters, and remote adjustment of various mechanical devices. Input commands and monitoring signals are CAMAC-compatible so that the system can eventually be included in the computer-based control system for the accelerator. In addition to the requirement for a very narrow beam pulse, the pulses must arrive at the ORIC dee gap with precise phasing. A closed-loop control for this task is being constructed using the beam pulse phase detector circuit developed at Argonne National Laboratory.
Determination of rare earth elements in Yttrium oxide by secondary ion mass spectrometry

Rare earth elements (REEs) in yttrium oxide were determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) with high sensitivity. The calibration graph approach was employed with chemically prepared standards. Molecular ion interferences derived from the matrix components which limit the superior sensitivity of SIMS were successfully suppressed by an energy filtering technique. The detection limits of the elements ranged from 0.02 to 0.2 μg·g-1.
Speed of muscular contraction.

Individual differences between concentric forearm strength of 27 college men and concentric MT, eccentric MT and strength contraction MT were found to be low. The speed to contract skeletal muscle is influenced by muscle length and the degree and type of contraction. Concentric forearm speed was more rapid than eccentric speed of movement.
Development of monthly naturalized flow using Water Rights Analysis Package (WRAP)-based methods

This paper addresses the methodology for developing monthly naturalized flow of the Texas Water Availability Model (WAM) system datasets by developing and applying Water Rights Analysis Package (WRAP)-based methods. The methodology is based on converting gaged stream flows adjusted to remove human impacts to naturalized flows using a current use WRAP model input dataset from the WAM System modified to represent actual use. An actual use scenario dataset is developed by modifying the current use scenario dataset to better represent actual water resources development, allocation, management, and use. The simulation iterations continue until the regulated flows very closely match the actual gaged flows. The regulated flow computed using the new naturalized flow shows the close match to gaged flow. The methodology developed in this study could potentially be used to update the other river basin datasets in the statewide WAM System.
Growth Hormone Potentiates 17β-Estradiol-Dependent Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation Independently of IGF-I Receptor Signaling

Estrogen action in mammary gland development and breast cancer progression is tightly linked to the GH/IGF-I axis. Although many of the effects of GH on mammary gland growth and development require IGF-I, the extent to which GH action in breast cancer depends on IGF-I is not known. We examined GH action in a panel of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cell lines and found that T47D cells express significant levels of GH receptor and that GH significantly enhances 17β-estradiol (E2)-stimulated proliferation in these cells. GH action in the T47D cells was independent of changes in IGF-I and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) expression and IGF-IR signaling, suggesting that GH can exert direct effects on breast cancer cells. Although E2-dependent proliferation required IGF-IR signaling, the combination of GH+E2 overcame inhibition of IGF-IR activity to restore proliferation. In contrast, GH required both Janus kinase 2 and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling for subsequent ERK activation and potentiation of E2-dependent proliferation. Downstream of these pathways, we identified a number of immediate early-response genes associated with proliferation that are rapidly and robustly up-regulated by GH. These findings demonstrate that GH can have important effects in breast cancer cells that are distinct from IGF-IR activity, suggesting that novel drugs or improved combination therapies targeting estrogen receptor and the GH/IGF axis may be beneficial for breast cancer patients.
The rat red blood cell proteome is altered by priming with 2-butoxyethanol

Administration of a low priming dose of 2-butoxyethanol (BE, 500 mg/kg, p.o.) 7 days prior to a larger LD(90) dose (1500 mg BE/kg, p.o.) offers protection against the lethal dose-induced hemolysis and death in female Sprague Dawley rats because of prompt and efficient replacement of red blood cells (RBCs) with new resilient RBCs. The objective of the present work was to analyze the altered proteome of RBCs upon priming with BE in order to identify the potential anti-hemolytic survival proteins induced in the primed rat RBCs (P-RBCs) as opposed to vehicle-treated RBCs (V-RBCs). The RBCs from the two groups were fractionated into membrane and cytosolic fractions. The cytosolic fractions were further fractionated for proteomic analysis into 3 fractions. The fractions were labeled with Cy3 and Cy5 fluorescent dyes and subjected to 2-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE) to analyze the protein profiles. Seven membrane and 8 cytosolic proteins were found to be significantly increased (> or =2.5 fold) in P-RBCs as compared to V-RBCs. The identified proteins can be classified into antioxidant, membrane skeleton, protein turnover, lipid raft, and energy metabolism components. Increased levels of the proteins from antioxidant and membrane skeleton groups were confirmed by Western blot analysis. The study provides the first report on protein profiling of rat RBCs as well as on alteration of the proteome upon exposure to a priming dose of hemotoxicant. Further studies are needed to prove the protective role of the identified proteins and will initiate the field of survival/protective/anti-hemolytic proteins in RBCs.
Role of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine Headaches

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of botulinum toxin type A in the prophylaxis of migraine headaches.DATA SOURCESMEDLINE (1966–July 2005), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–July 2005), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–July 2005) searches were performed. Key search terms included botulinum and migraine.DATA SYNTHESISPatients who received botulinum toxin type A injections for treatment of hyperfunctional facial lines also experienced relief of migraine symptoms, leading to further investigation. Four clinical trials and 2 retrospective chart reviews evaluating the use of botulinum toxin type A injections for the prophylactic treatment of migraines are discussed. Limitations of these trials include problems with blinding, use of different injection sites, and inconsistent dosing.CONCLUSIONSThe results of 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 2 retrospective chart reviews, and an open-label study indicate that botulinum toxin type A may be a safe and efficacious prophylactic treatment for m...
The Resurrection of Jesus in the Pre-Pauline Formula of 1 Cor 15.3–5

The present essay offers a fresh contribution to the long-standing debate regarding the nature of the resurrection of Christ within the pre-Pauline formula of 1 Cor 15.3–5. The article first provides an analysis of the current state of the discussion, offering new observations and lines of evidence which suggest that a number of common arguments on both sides of the debate are lacking or inconclusive. The essay then offers a new proposal regarding the verb used within the formula for the resurrection event. The article presents previously neglected evidence significant for the debate regarding Jesus' resurrection within this primitive confession.
15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 regulates leukemia inhibitory factor signaling through JAK-STAT pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells

Abstract Embryonic stem (ES) cells are genetically normal, pluripotent cells, capable of self-renewal and differentiation into all cell lineages. While leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) maintains pluripotency in mouse ES cells, retinoic acid and other nuclear hormones induce neuro-glial differentiation in mouse and human ES cells in culture. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-dependent nuclear receptor transcription factors that regulate cell growth and differentiation in many cell types. However, the role of PPARs in the regulation of ES cell growth and differentiation is not known. In this study, we show that LIF induces proliferation and self-renewal of mouse D3-ES cells in culture. However, treatment with 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a natural ligand for PPARγ, or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) results in a dose-dependent decrease in proliferation and self-renewal in D3-ES cells. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses showed that LIF induces tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK1, TYK2 and STAT3 in 30 min and treatment with 15d-PGJ2 or ATRA results in a dose-dependent decrease in LIF-induced phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3 in D3-ES cells. However, treatment of D3-ES cells with Ciglitazone or 15d-PGJ2 for 48 h in culture resulted in a dose-dependent increase in PPARγ protein expression. These results suggest that PPARγ agonists regulate LIF signaling through JAK-STAT pathway leading to growth and self-renewal of ES cells.
Identification of risk factors predisposing to the development of functional renal insufficiency during treatment with converting-enzyme inhibitors in chronic heart failure1

Contrary to popular belief, the primary directive for the release of renin is not the preservation of circulatory homeostasis, since activation of this hormonal system in patients with chronic heart failure results in deleterious rather than beneficial effects on cardiac performance. Instead, renin appears to be released by the kidneys to maintain glomerular filtration rate when renal perfusion pressure is reduced. The renin-angiotensin system carries out this beneficial action by exerting a constrictor action on the efferent arteriole. In doing so, renal blood flow declines, but filtration fraction increases and thus, glomerular hydraulic filtration pressure (and renal function) is preserved, despite severe renal hypoperfusion. When the formation of angiotensin II is inhibited during converting-enzyme inhibition, the beneficial action of this hormone on the efferent arteriole is lost, and renal function may deteriorate. This sequence of events is most likely to be seen when four risk factors are present: hyponatremia; high-dose diuretic therapy; diabetes mellitus; and the use of long-acting converting-enzyme inhibitors. In randomized studies, renal insufficiency developed more frequently with enalapril and lisinopril than with captopril. This risk of worsening azotemia is particularly high in patients with the most severe (class IV) heart failure.
Optimal restoration of multichannel images based on constrained mean-square estimation

In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm for the problem of multichannel image restoration. Existing multichannel techniques do not provide sufficient flexibility for the simultaneous suppression of the noise process and the preservation of sharp detailed structure in the estimate. The approach introduced overcomes this inefficiency by introducing the prototype Wiener structure in the smoothing process of the estimate. The corresponding algorithm is obtained from the optimization of theconstrained mean-square-error (CMSE) criterion, which is interpreted as a structured regularized criterion. The CMSE estimate always has a meaningful structure and lies between the minimum mean-square error estimate and the pseudo-inverse solution. In addition, the CMSE approach enables the suppression of streak artifacts, which are often experienced due to the amplification of the noise process. In particular, the paper focuses on the selection of the regularization parameter, which can significantly affect the quality of the regularized estimate. Two selection techniques are introduced. The first technique develops the equivalence between the minimization of the weighted least-squares function and the solution of a set of nonlinear equations in the case of unstructured space-varying and nonstationary problem formulations. The second selection method is based on the Cramer-Rao bound on the expected variation of the stabilizing term. The CMSE approach is demonstrated through a multichannel restoration example and is compared to other restoration techniques.
Manufacturing systems with forbidden early shipment: Implications for setting manufacturing lead times

SUMMARY The authors compare two well-known methods for setting manufacturing lead times (flow allowances) in a general job shop when early shipment of completed jobs is forbidden. One of the methods for setting a job's allowance is to make it proportional to the total processing time for the job. This method, referred to as TWK., is compared to a second method PPW. With the PPW method, a job's allowance is obtained by adding to the total job-processing time an allowance for waiting that is proportional to the number of operations that the job requires. The two allowance methods are compared using a computer simulation of an 8-machine job shop. The model is unique in that jobs are not permitted to leave the shop early. This feature of forbidding early shipment (FES) complicates the comparison between allowance methods because it draws the issue of finished-order inventory management into the analysis. Results of computer simulations over a wide range of average due-date difficulty suggest that TWK is the d...
A DEEP-SEA BENTHIC COMMUNITY EXPOSED TO STRONG NEAR-BOTTOM CURRENTS ON THE SCOTIAN RISE (WESTERN ATLANTIC)

Abstract This paper gives an overview of the structure of a benthic community at 4626 m depth on the Nova Scotian continental rise. Here, abundances of polychaetes, bivalves, isopods and tanaids are conspicuously high compared to those reported from comparable depths. Bacterial numbers and ATP concentrations are also high. We suspect that these anomalous abundances result from enhanced food availability caused by the strong near-bottom currents that flow through the area. The polychaete and bivalve faunas have few adults and high species dominance suggesting that currents create large-scale, sediment-transporting disturbances. The composition of the crustacean fauna supports this inference in that it is dominated by forms that can enter the seabed and thereby escape adverse conditions on the sediment surface.
A NOTE ON TIME DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES

Increasing interest rates on time deposits in recent years, and the Federal Reserve action to increase the maximum rate in January, 1957, in particular, have been associated with a period of increasingly scarce credit and a tight money policy. This note will attempt to show, however, that under quite plausible conditions, such a rise in interest rates may well increase the public's liquidity and expand the supply of credit unless offset by other actions of the monetary authorities. Presumably a rise in time deposit interest rates will lead to an increase in commercial bank time deposits either at the expense of demand deposits directly, of other saving institutions such as saving and loan associations and mutual saving banks, or both. Both shifts will lead to an ultimate reduction in total demand deposits. A direct shift from demand to time deposits of AET will reduce the required reserve by (R r)AtT (where R is the reserve requirement against demand deposits and r is the reserve requirement against time deposits). If the resulting excess reserves are fully used by the banks to expand credit and if only demand deposits are affected by this expansion, there can be a subsequent increase of demand deposits of
Steroid metabolism by the early bovine conceptus—I. 5β-reduction of neutral C19-steroids

Abstract Metabolism of neutral C 19 -steroids by Day 13 to 24 bovine conceptuses was studied in vitro . Embryonic tissues were incubated with [ 3 H]-labelled 4-androstene-3,17-dione, testosterone and etiocholanolone in a modified Hams F-10 medium at 38.5°C for 3 or 24 h. Steroid metabolites were isolated by ether extraction and Sephadex LH-20 and reverse-phase liquid column chromatography. Substrates were extensively metabolized (60 to 100%) during incubation. No 5α-reduced or aqueous soluble steroid metabolites were detected following incubation with blastocysts. A small quantity (1 to 3pg) of estra-diol-17β was detected following a few incubations. In contrast, bovine follicles and porcine trophoblast converted a large portion of androstenedione to estrogens in this incubation system. The primary metabolites of androstenedione identified by recrystallization to constant specific activity were etiochol-anolone and 3α,17α-dihydroxy-5β-androstane. In addition to these metabolites 3α,17β-dihydroxy-5β-androstane was isolated following incubation with testosterone. The 5β-androstane configuration was confirmed in all metabolites by recrystallization to constant specific activity with 5β-androstanedione following chromic acid oxidation. Etiocholanolone incubated with bovine blastocyst was reduced to 3α,17α-dihydroxy-5β-androstane. Therefore, 17α-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase predominated under the conditions imposed by the incubation system. The physiological significance of 5β-reduced steroids is not known. However, these metabolites may play a role in embryonic growth and development, uterine metabolism or the maternal recognition of pregnancy.
Preferred retinal loci relationship to macular scotomas in a low-vision population.

Purpose: The authors identified patterns in preferred retinal locus (PRL) ability and location relative to macular scotomas in a low-vision patient population. Methods: Scanning laser ophthalmoscope macular perimetry and PRL testing were performed on 825 patients with low vision. The PRL location was determined, and a PRL scoring system was devised and used to measure the pursuit ability, fixation stability, and saccadic ability of the PRL. The characteristics of dense scotomas within 2.5 degrees of the PRL were noted. Results: Eighty-four percent (1130 of 1339 eyes) of the eyes had an established PRL. Preferred retinal loci varied across the full range of ability scores and varied in size for fixation stability from 1.0° to 9.0° in diameter. There was a central dense scotoma in 82.5% of the eyes, whereas 8.4% had a paracentral dense scotoma. In 14.8% of the eyes, the PRL had no dense scotomas on any of its borders; one, two, three, or four (a ring) borders had a dense scotoma in 39.7%,19.0%, 9.0%, and 17.4% of eyes, respectively. When the PRL had only one scotomatous border, the resulting field defect was located superior in 39.0%, right in 33.7%, left in 19.9%, and inferior in 7.5% of eyes. Conclusions: The majority of patients with low vision, as many as four of five patients, have dense scotomas encumbering the PRL for visual tasks. Approximately one of six patients with low vision have the PRL completely surrounded by dense scotomas. The visual system shows a strong tendency not to place a PRL anatomically above a scotoma (field defect below fixation) and a weaker tendency not to place the PRL anatomically to the right of a scotoma (field defect to the left of fixation). Macular perimetry and PRL evaluations can provide considerable information on the functional status of the macula, which may be useful to rehabilitation professionals.
Thermo-Mechanical Reliability of Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) and Solder Interconnects in 3-Dimensional Integrated Circuits

3-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC) is a promising technology in today’s IC packaging industry. Since the technology is in infancy stages, many aspects of this technology are still under heavy investigation. Reliability of through silicon via (TSV) interconnects and interlayer bonding between the silicon layers are issues that become more complicated in 3D ICs due to complexity of the architecture and miniaturized interconnects. Optimizing design of these devices is essential in order to avoid short fatigue life of interconnects. This manuscript addresses the impact of design parameters such as die thickness, TSV diameter, TSV pitch, underfill thickness and underfill properties on thermo-mechanical durability of Direct Chip Attach (DCA) solder joints and TSV interconnects used in a 3D IC packages. A design was proposed where DCA is used to connect 4 layers of ICs and TSVs are used to connect the active layer of the dies to the second silicon layer. Solder joints, as small as 50-micron diameter, were used to attach silicon layers. A numerical experiment is designed to vary design parameters at 3 levels using L9 ortagonal array. A 3-dimensional model of the package was built and model was solved under an accelerated temperature cycle loading. Solder is considered as visco-plastic material and copper interconnects are assumed to follow bilinear isotropic hardening behavior. Two continuum damage models, energy partitioning and Coffin-Manson models, were used to assess the number of cycles to failure for solder joints and TSV copper interconnects respectively. Minitab software was used to analyze the result of experiment. The most influential factors on durability of solder interconnect are found to be underfill properties and height. However, the most influential factor on TSV durability is found to be TSV diameter. A non-linear response was observed for TSV pitch and diameter indicating that the optimum level may be in the range selected.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Effects of medial cortical lesions on appetitive instrumental conditioning

Abstract Male albino rats received anterior cingulate lesions (n = 10), septal lesions (n = 10), or were maintained as intact control animals (n = 10). All were given forty-two water rewarded acquisition trials in a straight runway, at a high reward for half in each group and at a low reward for the other half, followed by twenty-four non-rewarded extinction trials. Water intake was measured prior to training, and was significantly elevated by septal lesions. In the runway intact animals ran most rapidly, followed by septal then cingulate lesioned animals; these differences increased during acquisition and decreased during extinction. The data offer little support for the hypothesis that medial cortical lesions in rats change the inhibitory control of approach behavior nor for the hypothesis that the lesions lead to changed motivational or incentive states.
Multiscale modelling approach for predicting solidification structure evolution in vacuum arc remelted superalloy ingots

The present paper describes the mathematical development and validation of a comprehensive stochastic model capable of predicting at the mesoscopic level the solidification structure, Laves, and NbC phases in superalloy ingots processed by vacuum arc remelting (VAR) technology. The multiscale modelling approach consists of a coupling between a fully transient deterministic macroscopic code and a stochastic mesoscopic solidification structure code. Predictions from the model were validated against experimental measurements. Multiscale model predictions are compared against a commercial size VAR ingot.