cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of mind skills are related to gray matter volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia.

Background Among individuals with schizophrenia, deficits in theory of mind (ToM) skills predict poor social functioning. Therefore, identifying the neural basis of ToM may assist the development of treatments that improve social outcomes. Despite growing evidence that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) facilitates ToM skills among healthy individuals, methodological challenges, such as the influence of general cognitive deficits, have made it difficult to identify the relationship between ToM processing and VMPFC function in schizophrenia. Methods We used voxel-based morphometry and a multi-method behavioral assessment of ToM processing, including performance-based (Recognition of Faux Pas Test), self-report (Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Perspective-Taking), and interview-rated (Quality of Life Scale–Empathy score) ToM assessments, to investigate whether ToM skills were related to VMPFC gray matter volume (GMV). Standardized neuropsychological measures were used to assess global cognition. Twenty-one schizophrenia and 17 healthy control subjects participated. Results Between-group behavioral analyses showed that, as compared with healthy participants, schizophrenia participants had worse ToM performance and lower self-reported ToM processing in daily life. The between-group analysis of GMV showed that schizophrenia participants had less VMPFC GMV than healthy participants. Moreover, among schizophrenia participants, all three measures of ToM processing were associated with VMPFC GMV, such that worse ToM skills were related to less VMPFC GMV. This association remained strong for self-reported and interview-rated ToM skills, even when controlling for the influence of global cognition. Conclusions The findings suggest that among individuals with schizophrenia, reduced VMPFC GMV is associated with deficits using ToM skills to enhance social relationships.
Theory of chiral smectic A liquid crystalline membranes

Abstract This work is intended to be a brief introduction to smectic A and chiral smectic A liquid crystals and current research topics focusing on chiral smectic A liquid crystalline membranes. We derive the elastic free energies of smectic A and chiral smectic A phases, as well as the surface energies of smooth membranes. Furthermore, we explain how twist and bend deformations can penetrate into smectic layers despite geometrical constraints, either by external deformations or due to a tendency of tilting of chiral molecular packing, in analogy with the magnetic field penetration into bulk superconductors.
Estimates of the Hazard of Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation

Classical radiation epidemiology has failed to provide firm estimates of the risks attendant to low level radiation exposure and it is unlikely to do this in the future. However, if human data are examined in the light of theoretical and experimental radiobiology, consistent patterns emerge that permit better estimates. It is concluded that the linear hypothesis does not apply to carcinogenesis by low-LET radiation, but probably represents a good approximation to the risks from high-LET radiations.
Alzheimer's Disease, Long-Term Care, and Health Policy: Who's Going To Pay the Bill?.

Many people with Alzheimer’s Disease need long‐term care to help with activities of daily living. Annual costs are estimated at between $38 billion and $42 billion. Medicare does not cover this, and Medicaid help is limited. Longer life spans, shrinking savings rates, and increased costs of long‐term care could spell financial disaster unless remedial steps are taken soon. In this article, Monath attempts to provide a substantive core selection of materials related to Alzheimer’s Disease, long‐term care, and health policy. Documents covered include journals, government documents, and grey literature. Having this knowledge, with facts and figures at hand, can help sway public officials to create policy that uses tax dollars wisely by investing in research that will find a cause, prevention, and possibly a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease while saving taxpayers billions of dollars in the future.
Transperineal brachytherapy in patients with large prostate glands

The purpose of this study is to help clarify the use of prostate size as a selection factor for prostate brachytherapy. From 1997 to 1998, 33 patients with a TRUS-based prostate volume greater than 50 cc were treated at the University of Washington by I-125 (144 Gy) or Pd-103 (115 Gy) implantation for prostatic carcinoma. These 33 patients comprised 7% of the total implants performed. Each patient underwent a preimplant TRUS study in the lithotomy position, taking serial axial images of the prostate at 0.5 cm intervals from the base of the gland to the apex. The contours on the preimplant TRUS images were used to calculate the prostate volumes reported here. Only one patient received supplemental external beam irradiation prior to implantation. Twelve patients were treated with neoadjuvant androgen ablation prior to implantation. The prostate volumes quoted here are those taken after hormonal downsizing. Postimplant axial CT images were digitized to calculate the CT-based target coverage. Preimplant urinary obstructive symptoms were quantified by the criteria of the American Urologic Association. Each patient was contacted at the time of this article preparation to update postimplant morbidity information. In all cases, at least 80% of the postimplant volume was covered, despite a median implant-related volume increase of 15%. Five of the 33 patients' postimplant CT scans showed some degree of incomplete target coverage of the anterior/lateral prostate margin. There was no clear association between inadequate anterior/lateral coverage and the degree of interference. Twelve of the 33 patients developed acute postimplant urinary retention, all occurring within 24 hr of implantation. Within this group of 33 patients with a large prostate volume, there was no relationship between the likelihood of acute or chronic urinary retention and preimplant prostate size or obstructive symptoms. Patients who developed postimplant retention lasting more than one week were generally managed by intermittent self-catheterization. By one month, 85% of patients were catheter-free. Based on the data reported here, we are more inclined to accept patients with a large prostate for implantation without insisting on preimplant size reduction. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 199–205 (2000). © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment of diabetes insipidus in children with lysine-8-vasopressin.

Synthetic lysyl-8-vasopressin has been used in treatment of six children with diabetes insipidus. The vasopressin is dispensed as a liquid nasal spray in a portable plastic squeeze bottle. Clinical control achieved has approximated that achieved with either pitressin tannate in oil or posterior pituitary powder; the disagreeable features of these medications are in large part avoided. Use of a synthetic product eliminates much of the potential for severe allergic reactions. The side effects have been relatively infrequent and mild in nature.
Abortive infection of Escherichia coli strain W by T2 bacteriophage.

Abstract This paper describes the abortive infection of Escherichia coli strain W by phage T2 and attempts to relate the biology of the infection with the extent of viral synthesis and the fate of the parental DNA. When strain W cells were infected with T2, less than 1% of the cells produced phage; the phage produced were not modified, and only one out of two to three phage were effective killers of strain W. The infection was characterized by an abrupt, early cessation of all macromolecular syntheses. Early phage enzymes were produced at lower than normal levels. No DNA and no late proteins were synthesized. Isotope incorporation data indicated that protein synthesis stopped abruptly early after infection. RNA synthesis continued a few minutes longer than protein synthesis and then stopped. When the fate of 32 P-labeled infecting phage DNA was studied, two degradative processes were found. Initially there was a rapid degradation of 30 to 50% of the phage DNA molecules to acid-soluble fragments. When this activity was completed, the remaining acid-precipitable phage DNA was intact as measured by neutral and alkaline sucrose gradient centrifugation, thus indicating that the prior acid solubilization did not involve these molecules. The remaining intact DNA was subsequently slowly attacked by a double-stranded endonuclease which cleaved the DNA to smaller acid-precipitable pieces. It is postulated that these nucleolytic activities are related to the reduced efficiency of killing strain W by T2 infection, although they may not be the primary cause of the inability to produce phage.
Adaptive control strategy for regulation of blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes

Abstract Current insulin therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes often results in high variability in blood glucose concentrations and may cause hyperglycemic/hypoglycemic episodes. Closing the glucose control loop with a fully automated electro-mechanical pancreas will improve the quality of life for insulin-dependent patients. An adaptive control algorithm is proposed to keep glucose concentrations within normoglycemic range and dynamically respond to glycemic challenges. A model-based control strategy is used to calculate the required insulin infusion rate, while the model parameters are recursively tuned. The algorithm handles delays associated with insulin absorption, time-lag between subcutaneous and blood glucose concentrations, and variations in inter/intra-subject glucose–insulin dynamics. Simulation results for simultaneous meal and physiological disturbances are demonstrated for subcutaneous insulin infusion.
The structure of abstract document objects

Underlying every document processing system is a model of the document. For many applications a simple model, such as a long string of characters, is adequate. However, more expressive models are desirable for more demanding applications that involve complex textual material and also nontextual objects, such as mathematical notation, tables, and figures. In this paper we present an expressive model, suitable for paper and electronic documents, that is based on a graph-like structure.The principal concepts are the notions of abstract and concrete objects, hierarchical composition of ordered and unordered objects, sharing of components, and reference links. This model has proven useful for specifying a wide variety of document objects, and is the basis for an implemented document preparation system.
Visualizing common sense connections with Luminoso

We present Luminoso, a tool that helps researchers to visualize and understand a dimensionality-reduced semantic space based on textual information by exploring it interactively. It streamlines the process of creating such a space by taking input from a directory of text documents, and optionally including common-sense background information. This interface is useful for interactively discovering trends in a text corpus, such as free-text responses to a survey. We discuss a case study about restaurant reviews to show how Luminoso can be used for opinion mining.
A predictive model for rollover in stratified LNG tanks

The incubation period preceding ''rollover'' within a stratified LNG tank involves intensive heat and mass transfers between layers. Numerical integration of equations describing these processes leads to predicted time-history and boil-off characteristics which are in excellent agreement with Sarsten's (1972) documentation of the LaSpezia rollover incident.
Glass surface modifications during ion beam sputtering

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to characterize changes in the surface compositions and structures of some simple binary oxide glasses bombarded with low energy (2.5 keV) argon ions. The outermost surface regions of sodium silicate glasses are dealkalized by the ion beam, and changes in the surface oxygen bonding, as determined from decomposed O1s spectra, indicate that the glass surfaces repolymerize after sodium depletion. The surfaces of sodium phosphate glasses, on the other hand, become enriched in sodium as a result of sputtering, and changes in the O1s spectra indicate a depolymerization effect. These apparently different behaviors can be explained by the preferential sputtering of selected glass components.
Hall Effect in Permalloys

Measurements of the Hall effect for two permalloys of approximately 25 percent and 55 percent Fe in Ni are reported and compared with recent results for some Co-Ni and Fe-Ni alloys. Qualitative aspects concerning the band structure of these Fe-Ni alloys are briefly discussed.
Features and challenges for Auxiliary Power Module (APM) design for hybrid/electric vehicle applications

Electric and hybrid electric vehicle (EV7HEV) architectures require a small DC/DC converter to replace a conventional vehicle's alternator. The small DC/DC converter, also described as the vehicle Auxiliary Power Module (APM), provides power flow between the vehicle high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) DC bus. The APM HV interface is connected to the HV DC bus that contains energy storage system (e.g., HV Battery) and multiple power conversion units (e.g., Traction Inverters). The APM LV interface is connected to the vehicle LV DC bus along with low voltage battery, and provides power to vehicle 12V accessory loads and other electronic control modules. Therefore, the design and operational features of the APM have significant impact on vehicle performance, overall efficiency, electric range, and to ensure a continuous power source for all the LV DC bus components. In this paper, features, performance, modes of operation, design challenges and system integration of an APM are presented with simulation results. Detail experimental results are also presented with conclusive comparison between design prediction and test data. This paper also describes power flow, load shedding, sizing and other electrical/mechanical design considerations of the APM.
Improvements in Pulmonary Hemodynamics Persist after Heart Transplant in Patients Bridged with Continuous-Flow LVAD (CF-LVAD)

Purpose CF-LVADs have improved the adverse pulmonary hemodynamics prior to heart transplantation, but it is unknown if the favorable hemodynamic improvements persist after heart transplantation, especially in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods and Materials We evaluated all patients who underwent heart transplantation after support with a CF-LVAD at our center between 10/05-10/11. Hemodynamics were evaluated with right heart catheterization at baseline, prior to transplant, and at 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after transplantation. Severe PH was defined as PVR > 4 WU or Transpulmonary gradient > 15mmHg. Results We identified 61 patients who were supported with CF-LVAD prior to heart transplant and had been transplanted for at least 1 year. 26 met criteria for severe PH and 35 did not. In both groups there was a significant improvement in hemodynamics with LVAD support (p tables 1 and 2 ). Conclusions Improvement in PH following CF-LVADs is sustained following heart transplant and persistent normalization was observed. The use of CF-VADS should be strongly considered in end-stage heart failure patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. No PH (n =35) Baseline Pre-Trans-plant 1 month Post transplant 1 year Post transplant (n = 35) 3 years Post transplant (n = 22) sPAP * 50±12 36±11 37±9 38±9 33±10 dPAP * 24± 8 16±17 16±5 14±6 15±6 mPAP * 32±9 23±8 24±6 21±8 22±7 PVR * 2.4±1 2±0.7 2±0.9 2±1.4 1.6±0.8 CO * 4.4±1 5±1 5.7±1 5.9±1 5.8±1 CI * 2.1±0.5 2.4±0.5 2.8±0.6 2.9±0.6 2.8±0.6 PCWP * 23±8 14±7 13±5 11±6 13±4 * p Severe PH (n=26) Baseline Pre-Transplant 1 month Post transplant 1 year Post transplant (n=26) 3 years Post transplant (n =14) sPAP * 62±11 35±11 37±9 32±5 33±9 dPAP * 31±6 15±8 16±5 14±4 16±6 mPAP * 41±7 22±9 23±6 21±4 23±5 PVR * 4.9±1.6 2.2±0.9 2.1±1 1.9±0.6 1.9±0.7 CO * 3.6±0.9 4.7±1.2 6±1 5.3±1.2 5.8±1 CI * 1.8±0.4 2.3±0.5 3±0.8 2.7±0.5 3±0.5 PCWP * 25±6 13±7 12±5 11±4 13±3 * p
Multi-bump solutions to Carrier's problem

Abstract We study the existence of well-known singularly perturbed BVP problem e2y″=1−y2−2b(1−x2)y, y(−1)=y(1)=0 introduced by G.F. Carrier. In particular, we show that there exist multi-spike solutions, and the locations of interior spikes are clustered near x=0 and are separated by an amount of O(e|lne|), while only single spikes are allowed near the boundaries x=±1.
Laser oscillation on the 2580 Å band system of molecular chlorine

Abstract Laser oscillation was observed on the 2580 A band system of molecular chlorine. Axial electron beam excitation of a gas mixture containing 2.0 Torr of Cl 2 and 9300 Torr of He yielded 97 mJ of laser energy at 2580 A in a 70 ns (fwhm) pulse. A laser efficiency of 0.5% and a fluorescence efficiency of 7.2% were determined.
Hellebrigenin 3-Haloacetates: Potent Site-Directed Alkylators of Transport Adenosinetriphosphatase

Hellebrigenin, which diflers from strophanthidin only in its lactone ring, has 30 times the affinity of strophanthidin for the brain (Na + K)-activated adenosinetriphosphatase. Hellebrigenin 3-acetate and hellebrigenin 3,5-diacetate are about three times more potent toward this enzyme than hellebrigenin is. The 3-iodoacetate and 3-bromoacetate of hellebrigenin were synthesized and were highly potent irreversible inhibitors of the enzyme. The iodoacetate was 20 times more potent than the bromoacetate, as expected from the superior alkylating power of iodoacetate as compared to bromoacetate. The irreversible inhibition of the enzyme by hellebrigenin 3-bromoacetate and by strophanthidin 3-bromoacetate paralleled the affinities of the nonesterified steroids for reversible inhibition; this is further strong evidence for the site-directed alkylation of the (Na + K)-activated sinetriphosphatase by the haloacetate derivatives of the cardiotonic steroids.
Placental thromboxane and prostacyclin production in an ovine diabetic model.

Abstract We hypothesized that streptozocin-induced ovine diabetes would cause alterations in the placental production of thromboxane and prostacyclin. With a tissue incubation technique, we examined the placental production of thromboxane and prostacyclin in cotyledons from seven normal near-term ewes (127 ± 3 days' gestation) and six streptozocin-induced diabetic ewes (125 ± 3 days' gestation). Diabetic status was verified with serial fasting blood glucose assessments. Placental tissue was incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium for 48 hours at 37° C with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. Samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 20, 32, and 48 hours. Radioimmunoassay of the stable metabolites thromboxane BZ and 6-keto-prostagland in F1a were used to determine thromboxane and prostacyclin production, respectively. Placental thromboxane production was reduced in diabetic animals when compared with control animals (5.63 ± 2.81 vs 7.32 ± 1.37 pg/mg per hour, respectively; p
Esophageal button battery ingestions: decreasing time to operative intervention by level I trauma activation

Abstract Purpose The incidence of button battery ingestions is increasing and injury due to esophageal impaction begins within minutes of exposure. We changed our management algorithm for suspected button battery ingestions with intent to reduce time to evaluation and operative removal. Methods A retrospective study was performed to identify and evaluate time to treatment and outcome for all esophageal button battery ingestions presenting to a major children’s hospital emergency room from February 1, 2010 through February 1, 2012. During the first year, standard emergency room triage (ST) was used. During the second year, the triage protocol was changed and Trauma I triage (TT) was used. Results 24 children had suspected button battery ingestions with 11 having esophageal impaction. One esophageal impaction was due to 2 stacked coins. Time from arrival in emergency room to battery removal was 183 minutes in ST group (n = 4) and 33 minutes in TT group (n = 7) (p = 0.04). One patient in ST developed a tracheoesophageal fistula. There were no complications in the TT group. Conclusions The use of Trauma 1 activations for suspected button battery ingestions has led to more expedient evaluation and shortened time to removal of impacted esophageal batteries.
The value of modern decision-making support services to fusion projects

Abstract Regardless of the power generation process, whether fission or fusion, a nuclear power plant (NPP) is a complex system of thousands of components and equipment. It is also subject to stringent requirements in terms of safety, environmental impacts, schedule and cost-competitiveness. Operating experience from test and propulsion reactors recently designed and built by AREVA TA – more than 10 reactors with 4 different designs in the past 12 years – and from NPPs recently built in Asia and the AREVA NP EPR under construction at the Okiluoto site in Finland highlight the added value of the latest engineering methods. These methods meet project management standards issued in the past five years and are based on a global approach and continuous improvement of the process. They significantly minimize risk for the customer, the public and the environment. The scientific and technical complexities are significantly higher in the case of a new fusion power plant project. There is very little operating experience from previous scientific machine projects, especially in the fields of nuclear facility integration, nuclear safety culture, human factors, integrated logistics support, nuclear operations and decommissioning requirements to be factored in at the design and construction stages. Examples are provided from AREVA group experience to show the versatility of the engineering approach and present some successful adaptations of these methods in a variety of technical fields with varying levels of engineering responsibility. This paper focus on decision-making support services in the following areas: performance management, interface management (including physical as well as functional interfaces) and integration management. The contribution of CAD and PDM (Product Data Management) is discussed. This paper describes how the fusion community can benefit from the best engineering practices of nuclear companies.
Erasing Sensorimotor Memories via PKMζ Inhibition

Sensorimotor cortex has a role in procedural learning. Previous studies suggested that this learning is subserved by long-term potentiation (LTP), which is in turn maintained by the persistently active kinase, protein kinase Mzeta (PKMzeta). Whereas the role of PKMzeta in animal models of declarative knowledge is established, its effect on procedural knowledge is not well understood. Here we show that PKMzeta inhibition, via injection of zeta inhibitory peptide (ZIP) into the rat sensorimotor cortex, disrupts sensorimotor memories for a skilled reaching task even after several weeks of training. The rate of relearning the task after the memory disruption by ZIP was indistinguishable from the rate of initial learning, suggesting no significant savings after the memory loss. These results indicate a shared molecular mechanism of storage for declarative and procedural forms of memory.
Model for MOS Field-Time-Dependent Breakdown

A quantitative model for MOS breakdown is derived and correlated with experiments. The data were obtained by enhancing the effect of ion emission on breakdown through controlled ion-implantation damage prior to gate oxidation in an otherwise normal and clean MOS process.
External Potassium and the Membrane Potential of Single Muscle Fibres

ONE important supporting fact for the concept of the membrane potential of muscle and nerve being a diffusion potential1 was the demonstration of a rectilinear relationship between the logarithm of the external potassium concentration and the measured membrane potential, according to the Nernst equation: This was shown to be approximately true by Cowan2 for the injury potential of crab nerve and by Shanes3 for the ‘anaerobic’ fraction of the injury potential of frog nerve. Doubts as to the significance of the rectilinearity of their curves4,5 seem to be met, at least in the case of squid giant axon, by the work of Curtis and Cole6, although these authors hesitated to ascribe the membrane potential completely to the potassium concentration gradient. Using the classical injury potential technique, a similar relationship has been demonstrated in frog muscles by Steinbach7 and by Boyle, Conway and co-workers8,9. Thus a potential v. log [K+] relation has been found for both nerve and muscle.
Comparison of auranofin, methotrexate, and the combination of both in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A controlled clinical trial.

Objective. To compare the relative safety and efficacy of auranofin (AUR), metbotrexate (MTX), and the combination of both in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Three hundred thirty-five patients with active RA were entered into a 48-week, prospective, controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Results. Two hundred eleven patients completed the trial. No remissions were seen, and there were no statistically significant differences among the treatment groups in the clinical or laboratory variables measured. Patients taking AUR alone had a slower onset of response than did patients taking MTX alone or in combination. Withdrawals because of adverse drug reactions were slightly more common for those taking combination therapy, but the differences were not statistically significant. Withdrawals because of lack of response were more common for single-drug therapy, with the difference between AUR and the combination reaching statistical significance. No unexpected adverse drug effects were identified, and all reactions resolved without sequelae. Conclusion. Except for fewer withdrawals because of lack of response, combination therapy did not demonstrate any advantage in efficacy over single-drug treatment within the time frame of the study.
Deriving the effective ultrasound equations for soft tissue interrogation

We are interested in the ultrasound interrogation of soft tissue. As soft tissue is a complicated material, we derive the effective acoustic equations using an averaging method known as homogenization to arrive at suitable constitutive equations. Soft tissue is composed of actin, elastin, collagen, and interstitial fluid. Collagen is packaged in parallel-fibered bundles, or fasciles, in the case of tendon and ligament and a meshwork of fibrils in the case of skin. The interstitial fluid is a hydrophillic gel. The purpose of this paper is to show that one may derive a general form for the constitutive equations for the aggregate soft tissue structure. Subsequent research will be directed on the estimation of the various coefficients and kernels appearing in the effective law.
Associations between childhood body size, composition, blood pressure and adult cardiac structure: the Fels Longitudinal Study.

Objectives To determine whether childhood body size, composition and blood pressure are associated with adult cardiac structure by estimating childhood “age of divergence.” Methods 385 female and 312 male participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study had echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular mass, relative wall thickness, and interventricular septal thickness. Also available were anthropometric measurements of body mass index, waist circumference, percentage body fat, fat free mass, total body fat, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures, taken in both childhood and adulthood. The age of divergence is estimated as the lowest age at which childhood measurements are significantly different between patients with low and high measurements of adult cardiac structure. Results Childhood body mass index is significantly associated with adult left ventricular mass (indexed by height) in men and women (ages of divergence: 7.5 years and 11.5 years, respectively), and with adult interventricular septal thickness in boys (age of divergence: 9 years). Childhood waist circumference indexed by height is associated with left ventricular mass (indexed by height) in boys (age of divergence: 8 years). Cardiac structure was in general not associated with childhood body composition and blood pressure. Conclusions Though results are affected by adult body size, composition and blood pressure, some aspects of adult cardiac structure may have their genesis in childhood body size.
Cloning and functional characterization of the 5′-flanking region of human methionine adenosyltransferase 1A gene

Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) is an essential cellular enzyme which catalyses the formation of S-adenosylmethionine, the principal methyl donor and precursor for polyamines. In mammals, two different genes, MAT1A and MAT2A, encode for liver-specific and non-liver-specific MAT respectively. We previously described a switch in the MAT expression from MAT1A to MAT2A in human liver cancer, which offered the cancerous cell a growth advantage. Loss of MAT1A expression was due to lack of gene transcription. To study regulation of the MAT1A gene, we have cloned and characterized a 1.9 kb 5'-flanking region of the human MAT1A gene. One transcriptional start site, located 25 nt downstream from a consensus TATA box, was identified by primer extension and RNase protection assays. The promoter contains several consensus binding sites for CAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and hepatocyte-enriched nuclear factor (HNF), transcriptional factors important in liver-specific gene expression. The human MAT1A promoter was able to efficiently drive luciferase expression in Chang cells, a human liver cell line, but not in HeLa cells. Sequential deletion analysis of the promoter revealed two DNA regions upstream of the translational start site, -705 to -839 bp and -1111 to -1483 bp, which are involved in positive and negative gene regulation, respectively. Specific protein binding to these regions was confirmed by electrophoretic-mobility-shift and DNase I footprinting assays. Similar to the situation with the rat MAT1A, glucocorticoid treatment also increased human MAT1A expression and promoter activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
VE4PD: a distributed information system for collaborative product development

Due to increased competition in today's global environment, companies are embracing Collaborative Product Development (CPD) as a path to success in new product development. CPD is an engineering process that involves decision-making through iterative communication and coordination among product designers throughout the lifecycle of the product. The high level of collaboration and communication of a CPD environment requires a robust Distributed Information System. In this paper, we review existing research related to CPD and propose an information framework termed VE4PD based upon the integration of Web services and agent technologies to manage the CPD process across the product lifecycle. VE4PD maintains the information consistency and enables the proactive information update to facilitate a faster and more efficient CPD. In addition, the use of agent technology helps to leverage the integration of server applications and client applications. An implementation system is developed to validate the application.
Efficient Wavelength Multicasting through Four-Wave Mixing with a Comb Source

We utilize a coherent optical comb generator to accomplish source efficient wavelength multicasting via four wave mixing in both a highly nonlinear fiber and a silicon nanowaveguide. We demonstrate 23 multicast channels with error free operation at 10 Gb/s.
The Motives of Managers, Environmental Restraints, and the Theory of Managerial Enterprise

I. Introduction, 238. — II. Behavioral assumptions underlying theories of managerial enterprise, 239. — III. Target rate of return pricing as a managerial tool, 244. — IV. Management goals and restraints on managerial autonomy, 248. — V. Implications for the theory of the firm, 253.
Level set based real-time anatomy tracking

Real-time motion estimation is always challenging especially under MR imaging modality due to its low SNR. This study proposes a novel level set based method to estimate the anatomical boundary motion in real time. We construct a correspondence map on the spatial-temporal domain and advect it with the underlying dynamic level set function that delineates the organ of interest. In real-time, such correspondence map is estimated and moving trajectories for the anatomy boundaries are evolved. Unlike conventional level set-based registration, where velocity is assumed to be normal, we solve for the velocity with tangential component by minimizing an elasticity energy. The proposed method was tested with renal MR image sequences under both synthetic and physiological motion: the former generated by artificially translating a static reference MR image and the latter acquired with EPI pulse sequence under heavy breathing. With the new scheme to handle tangential velocity component, the proposed method is capable to estimate motion with good accuracy and/or physiological implication. In the synthetic motion test where ground-truth velocity is accessible, it significantly improved the accuracy of the motion estimation; in the real-time MR sequence test, the reconstructed motion field is smooth and exhibits periodic temporal behavior in accordance with respiratory motion and spatial variation in agreement with dynamics for renal physiology. In conclusion, the proposed scheme improves the estimation accuracy and provides insights about the spatial-temporal characteristics of anatomical and physiological motion. Such information will be incorporated into real-time motion adaptive radiotherapy to improve cancer target coverage and normal tissue sparing.
What is all that thrombin for

The hemostatic process initiated by the exposure of tissue factor to blood is a threshold limited reaction which occurs in two distinct phases. During an initiation phase, small amounts of factor (F)Xa, FIXa and thrombin are generated. The latter activates the procofactors FV and FVIII to the activated cofactors which together with their companion serine proteases form the intrinsic FX activator (FVIIIa-FIXa) and prothrombinase (FVa-FXa) which generate the bulk of FXa and thrombin during a propagation phase. The clotting process (fibrin formation) occurs at the inception of the propagation phase when only 5-10 nM thrombin has been produced. Consequently, the vast majority (greater than 95%) of thrombin is produced after clotting during the propagation phase of thrombin generation. The blood of individuals with either hemophilia A or hemophilia B has no ability to generate the intrinsic FXase, and hence is unable to support the propagation phase of the reaction. Since clot based assays conclude before the propagation phase they are not sensitive to hemophilia A and B. The inception and magnitude of the propagation phase of thrombin generation is influenced by genetic polymorphisms associated with thrombotic and hemorrhagic disease, by the natural abundance of pro- and anticoagulants in healthy individuals and by pharmacologic interventions which influence thrombotic pathology. Therefore, it is our suspicion that the performance of the entire process of thrombin generation from initiation through propagation and termination phases of the reaction are relevant with respect to both hemorrhagic and thrombotic pathology.
Transport and physical properties in central Shelikof Strait, Alaska

Abstract Data from a repeated CTD section in central Shelikof Strait during 1985–1987 are used to derive volume transport and the distribution of near-bottom physical properties. Mean transport was 0.6 × 10 6 m 3 S −1 to the southwest, similar to that measured by a 5-month current-meter array. Computed transport values varied from 0.2 to 1.2 × 10 6 m 3 s −1 , differential Ekman pumping appeared to be important in creating large changes in transport over short time intervals. Near-bottom temperature and salinity varied as a result of changes in source waters to the south; during 1986 cold, low-salinity conditions prevailed. The seasonal cycles of surface and near-bottom temperature and salinity are compared to those found off the Kenai Peninsula.
Personality Traits, Television Viewing, and the Cultivation Effect

This research investigates the impact of 3 personality traits—trait anxiety, sensation seeking, and psychoticism—on cultivation effects regarding perceptions of violence. A survey measuring violence prevalence estimates, personality traits, television consumption, and genre preferences was completed by 427 undergraduates. Results indicate that low trait–anxious individuals, and to a lesser extent high sensation seekers, are more susceptible to cultivation regarding personal vulnerability to crime whereas those low in psychoticism are susceptible to cultivation regarding societal violence perceptions. The worldview offered by these traits, as opposed to TV genre consumption or resonance, seems to best explain these effects.
Freeze-drying in the recovery of organic material from extracts of air particulate matter

Abstract The non-hydroxylated organic components of airborne particles are usually extracted by refluxing with benzene (b.p. 80°C) in a Soxhlet extractor. The hydroxylated organic components are usually extracted with much more polar solvents, such as water or dimethylformamide. Subsequent routine evaporation of benzene takes 3 days at 60°C while solvents such as dimethylformamide require more than 2 weeks evaporation time at this temperature. On the other hand, evaporation of solvents near their boiling points may cause degradation or polymerization of some portion of the sample. A small, easily assembled freeze-drying unit may be used to dry a number of samples of various sizes simultaneously. Evaporation from the frozen or cooled sample surface reduces the danger of damaging sensitive organic components. An added advantage is that practically no solvent vapor is dispensed into the atmosphere—it is trapped in a supercooled flask. Several solvents, including benzene, cyclohexane (b.p. 80.7°C) and N,N-dimethylformamide (b.p. 153°C) were used to extract airborne particles obtained from various sources of air pollution. Methods of collecting organic material are compared; recovery time, yield, solubility, and the chemical and spectral properties of the dried material are criteria of the efficiency, simplicity, and practicality of the freeze-drying method. Advantages and disadvantages of the procedure are discussed.
Stress, coping resources and psychiatric disorders: alternative paradigms from a life cycle perspective.

Abstract This paper traces the development of the major psychosocial paradigm guiding current psychiatric epidemiologic investigations of the stress-distress process. The increasing recognition of methodologic problems in disentangling the complexities of reciprocal causation between variables is discussed. We suggest that, beyond problems in methods, lie a set of underlying sociological assumptions about human development guiding the framing of research questions. An expanded paradigm is proposed which theoretically reflects a developmental psychological orientation and integrates sociological and clinical psychiatric perspectives.
Potential method for relieving fatigue in radiologists

Radiologists moved to an environment in which they read digital images off of computer displays instead of film images off of light boxes. With film and light boxes they typically would read for about an hour (seated) and then take a break while the film librarian changed the images on the view box. With digital viewing off computers they tend to sit all day in front of the computers with far fewer breaks and opportunity to stand up and move around than with film. There is concern that this lack of activity not only contributes to back, shoulder and neck discomfort, but also contributes to increased fatigue which has been shown to impact reader performance. The goal of this study was to determine if there are differences in physiologic vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) of radiologists as a function of whether they read images while seated or while standing up. Five subjects had their blood pressure and heart rate measured while seated and while standing reading cases in the normal clinical setting. For all three measures there was a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) difference between seated and standing measures with seated being lower than standing. The higher heart rate and blood pressure with standing suggests that the radiologists are more active in this position and thus potentially more attentive than while seated. This study will be followed up to determine impact on diagnostic performance of standing vs seated as well as subjective ratings of wakefulness and mood.
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in canine osteoarthritis: Immunolocalization of TNF-α, stromelysin and TNF receptors in canine osteoarthritic cartilage

The presence and distribution of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF receptors and stromelysin [matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3)] in articular cartilage were evaluated in an iatrogenically induced model of osteoarthritis (OA). Eleven adult male dogs were assigned randomly to a control group (N = 4) or an OA group (N = 7). Osteoarthritis was created by surgical transection of the cranial cruciate ligament of one stifle joint. Both femoral condyles were sampled 3 months post-surgery at necropsy and immunohistochemically analyzed for the presence of the aforementioned cytokines and receptors. Chondrocytes stained for TNF-alpha and TNF receptors in control articular cartilage, spanning an area encompassing most of the middle and deep zones. Positive matrical and chondrocytic staining for TNF-alpha, TNF receptors, and stromelysin was present in OA articular cartilage. Staining varied in intensity and distribution and was dependent of the severity of the lesion. Smooth muscle cells of arteries and arterioles (periarticular synovial membrane) were stained for only one (p55) of two TNF receptors; this staining was confined to control tissues. Results indicate that the differential expression of TNF-alpha and its receptors may be important in the normal maintenance of articular cartilage. The increased presence of TNF-alpha and its receptors in articular cartilage with mild osteoarthritic changes suggests a role in the development of early OA. Regulating TNF-alpha may be an important component in the treatment of OA.
Predicting Patient Outcome from Intensive Care: A Guide to APACHE, MPM, SAPS, PRISM, and Other Prognostic Scoring Systems:

Accurate prognosis is critical to the practice and im provement of intensive care. Recently, a number of gen eral prognostic scoring systems have been developed and their primary goal is to predict patient outcomes. We describe the principles underlying these systems and the methods they use to create predictions. We also explain how predictions of patient outcomes can be used to improve the precision of clinical trials, to evalu ate hospital and intensive care unit use and outcome, and eventually to assist in clinical decision-making.
Dominantly Inherited Ataxias: Lessons Learned from Machado-Joseph Disease/Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

To date, nearly 30 distinct genetic forms of dominantly inherited ataxia are known to exist. Of these, Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is perhaps the most common in many regions of the world including the United States. This article discusses MJD/SCA3 as a paradigm example of the dominant ataxias, which are collectively known as the spinocerebellar ataxias. Using MJD/SCA3 as a starting point, the article reviews common clinical and genetic features of the SCAs and highlights new insights into molecular mechanisms, especially of the SCAs caused by polyglutamine expansion. Also discussed are current and future therapeutic opportunities for MJD/SCA3 in particular, many of which have relevance to other SCAs.
Computation of Suspended Sediment Discharge in Open Channels by Combining Tsallis Entropy–Based Methods and Empirical Formulas

AbstractSediment discharge is computed by using different combinations of entropy-based and empirical methods of channel cross-section velocity and suspended sediment concentration distribution, and the results of these different methods are compared. The comparison shows that the entropy-based methods are more accurate than the empirical method and that the Tsallis entropy–based method is more accurate than the one based on Shannon entropy. The accuracy of the computation for all methods can generally be improved by introducing a correction factor; however, the fully entropy-based methods still remain the most accurate.
Wavelength and power stabilisation of uncooled 975 nm thick quantum well lasers over 110°C temperature range

The use of a thick quantum well enables coherence-collapse operation of a Bragg grating stabilised laser diode over 110°C temperature range, yielding 975 nm wavelength emission with >40 dB sidemode suppression ratio, <1% power variation, and fibre-output power as high as 293 mW at 15°C and 168 mW at 125°C.
Hydroxyapatite for alveolar ridge augmentation: Indications and problems

The increased use of hydroxyapatite for augmentation of residual alveolar ridges has created some problems in the subsequent fabrication of complete denture prostheses. Although hydroxyapatite appears to be an effective substitute for resorbed alveolar ridges, its use is not indicated for all patients. In addition, the premise that "if a little is good, a lot is better" does not apply. The following conclusions can be drawn. Augmentation should not be considered if vestibular extension will provide acceptable results. Placement of hydroxyapatite should improve the contour and amount of the residual alveolar ridge. Use as little as possible to accomplish the goal. Preprosthetic surgery should permit vertical as well as horizontal extension of the denture. Augmentation should not result in the need to use lining mucosa to support a complete denture. Vestibular extensions are indicated for most augmented alveolar ridges. The relative strength of the strong arch should not be increased in prognathic or retrognathic ridge relationships. Preprosthetic surgery should be a combined surgical-prosthodontic treatment endeavor. If a foundation is created that cannot be used effectively for the support, retention, and stability of an intended prosthesis, little benefit is provided for the patient. Small variations in intended treatment can significantly increase success of the prosthesis (Fig. 13). Unfortunately, the relative ease of hydroxyapatite placement has led to its use in patients who do not require augmentation and augmentation in amounts and regions that are not conducive to improving denture success. A coordinated effort between the surgeon and the prosthodontist will usually result in treatment that provides the best potential foundation for a specific patient.
85 IMPACT OF FAMILY STRUCTURE AND STABILITY ON DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME IN PRETERM INFANTS

The impact of family structure and stability on developmental outcome was assessed in a 7 year prospective study of 121 of 125 surviving infants 4 family moves occurred twice as often among preterm (30%) than among term children (17%) and was associated with poorer cognitive outcome in both groups (preterm children: 85 ± 16 vs 95 ± 14, p < .01; term children: 96 ± 14 vs 104 ±14, p < .05). Parents' reports of problematic behaviors (Child Behavior Checklist) were greatest for preterm children raised by single parents (p < .005), those with changes in family structure (p < .01) and preterm children with multiple moves (p < .05). Changes in family structure and stability occur more often for preterm than term children and impact significantly on their developmental outcome.