cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic physical database tuning middleware for web-based applications

In this paper we conceptualize the database layout problem as a state space search problem. A state is a given assignment of tables to computer servers. We begin with a database and collect, for use as a workload input, a sequence of queries that were executed during normal usage of the database. The operators in the search are to fully replicate, horizontally partition, vertically partition, and de-normalize a table. We do a time intensive search over different table layouts, and at each iteration, physically create the configurations, and evaluate the total throughput of the system. We report our empirical results of two forms. First, we empirically validate as facts the heuristics that Database Administrators (DBAs) currently use as in doing this task manually: for tables that have a high ratio of update, delete, and insert to retrieval queries one should horizontally partition, but for a small ratio one should fully replicate a table. Such rules of thumb are reasonable, however we want to parameterize some common guidelines that DBAs can use. Our second empirical result is that we applied this search to our existing data test case and found a reliable increase in total system throughput. The search over layouts is very expensive, but we argue that our method is practical and useful, as entities trying to scale up their Web-based applications would be perfectly happy to spend a few weeks of CPU time to increase their system throughput (and potentially reduce the investment in hardware). To make this search more practical, we want to learn reasonable rules to guide the search to eliminate many layout configurations that are not very likely to succeed. The second aspect of our project (not reported here) is to use the created configurations as input into a machine learning system, to create general rules about when to use the different layout operators.
PW 0669 Mortality impacts of interventions for unintentional injuries: prioritizing effective interventions for lower and middle-income countries

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aim to halve road traffic deaths and provide safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. Achieving these targets will be challenging if multi-sectoral evidence-based interventions are not implemented and scaled up, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where 90% of all deaths due to road traffic injuries (RTI) take place and the poorest billion live. The objective of this study is to (1) review the literature for effective evidence-based interventions for RTI, and (2) conduct estimations on the number of lives potentially saved by each intervention in LMIC. We conducted a systematic review of all evidence available on interventions on RTI. Furthermore, we estimated the potential effect that these interventions would have if implemented in each country. We obtained parameters from the GBD2015 study and the GSRRS2015. We estimated the number of lives saved using a Monte Carlo simulation and a triangular distribution with 10 000 iterations for each intervention and country. We obtained values for the point estimates and standard deviations of the lives saved by each intervention for each type of injury and country. Statistically significant results on mortality were presented by only six interventions for road injures and three for drowning. The most effective interventions are speed and drinking and driving enforcement for RTI and formal swimming lessons and the use of creches for drowning. In this study, we provide evidence on the lives saved by different road safety intervention and highlight the scarcity of data on the effectiveness and mortality impacts of injury interventions. These results will be of interest for policy makers in LMIC as well as funders committed to road safety. This work has been published in: Lancet Global Health 6 (5):523–534. 2018.
Using a Clinical Decision Support Tool to Increase Chlamydia Screening Across a Large Primary Care Pediatric Network

We aim to demonstrate increased chlamydia screening across a large pediatric network using an electronic health record-based intervention. We developed a pop-up notification that alerted providers that chlamydia screening was recommended during a well adolescent visit, when appropriate. We compared chlamydia screening rates before and after the implementation of the alert. The screening rate for chlamydia improved from 2.40% in the year before intervention to 5.01% in the year after intervention ( P < .01). In conclusion, an electronic health record intervention was successfully able to significantly increase rates of chlamydia screening across a large pediatric network.
Outcomes, Costs, and 30-Day Readmissions After Catheter Ablation of Myocardial Infarct-Associated Ventricular Tachycardia in the Real World: Nationwide Readmissions Database 2010 to 2015.

Background: Patients undergoing catheter ablation of myocardial infarction–associated ventricular tachycardia (VT) have significant comorbidities that can increase the risks of adverse outcomes. Th...
Patterns of Diversity in Populations of the Turfgrass Pathogen Colletotrichum cereale as Revealed by Transposon Fingerprint Profiles

ABSTRACTAnhtracnose dseasei o cool-seasonf tugrasrf ses, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum cereale , has recently emerged as one of the most signifi -cant pathogens of Poa annua . Here we investi-gated the utility of four repetitive transposable elements as molecular markers for the analysis of C. cereale populations. Southern blot hybrid-ization analysis revealed lineage-specifi c poly-morphisms and distribution patterns for these transposons. Comparative phylogenetic analy-sis of three nonrepetitive protein coding DNA sequences against the transposon restriction fragment length polymorphisms indicated that the transposon sequences have similar evolu-tionary histories to those found in the sampled C. cereale population, despite the alteration of several transposon copies by repeat-induced point mutation. The variability and ubiquity of the Ccret2 A15 transposon in C. cereale genomes suggest that this element could be used as a reliable DNA marker to discriminate between lin-eages of the fungus, identify hybrid genotypes, and analyze genetic diversity in populations of this turfgrass pathogen.J.A. Crouch, B.M. Glasheen, B.B. Clarke, and B.I. Hillman, Dep. of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520; W. Uddin, Dep. of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA 16802. Received 2 Aug. 2007. *Cor-responding author (hillman@aesop.rutgers.edu).
A phase I/II study of escalating doses of thalidomide in conjunction with bortezomib and high-dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.

A regimen of escalating doses of thalidomide, in combination with bortezomib and high-dose melphalan (mel/vel/thal), was evaluated as a conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with a prior transplant who had relapsed or achieved less than a complete remission following a prior ASCT. Thalidomide was dose escalated starting from 600 mg to 1000 mg on days −5 to −1 in a 3 × 3 design, bortezomib was administered at 1.6 mg/m2 intravenously on days −4 and −1 and melphalan 200 mg/m2 was administered on day −2. No dose-limiting toxicity was seen in the phase I portion of the trial. An additional 20 patients were enrolled at the maximum tolerated dose of thalidomide of 1000 mg daily. The overall response rate was 69% with 38% complete remission. Median PFS and OS were 9.3 and 65.4 months, respectively, with a median follow-up of 17.8 months. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenic fever (58.6%), mucositis (6.9%), and diarrhea (6.9%). Serious AEs included somnolence (13.8%) and tumor lysis syndrome (3.4%). The addition of high-dose thalidomide to bortezomib and melphalan as conditioning for salvage ASCT was well tolerated and was an effective conditioning regimen.
Internal hernia of caecum through the foramen of Winslow

Internal hernias through the foramen of Winslow are very rare. An 80-year-old female patient presented with epigastric and right upper quadrant pain associated with abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting for 1 day. A CT scan showed an internal hernia with terminal ileum and caecum identified within the lesser sac. The diagnosis was confirmed by laparotomy. A right hemicolectomy was performed to prevent further recurrence. We reviewed case reports with the same presentation by searching the Pubmed database using the keywords: ‘foramen Winslow hernia, cecum’. We identified 23 publications. Our review extracted the following information: presentation, anatomical findings, pathological causes and surgical management. Misdiagnosis was common due to the limitations of plain abdominal X-rays. Abdominal CT scan is now the preferred radiological study and is more effective in establishing a diagnosis. Surgical treatment options varied. Right hemicolectomy has emerged as the preferred procedure to decrease the rate of recurrence.
Regulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase-3 (NOS-3) by cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase (PKG) in Ovine Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells (MVECs)

After shear stress, NOS-3 is phosphorylated at serine 116 (pSer116) (J Biol Chem, 1999). Whether phosphorylation at this site is related to activation of NOS-3 and the endogenous kinase(s) involved...
Characterizing toxicities, body composition, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among long-term survivors treated with anti-PD-1.

e15158Background: Anti-PD-1 agents produce durable responses in many cancers. However, the long-term impact of PD-1 blockade in terms of chronic toxicities, medical comorbidities, and HRQoL are not...
Database Resources for Drug Discovery

Drug discovery aims to find such molecules that bind and modulate the function of a molecular target involved in a certain disease. A drug molecule must have certain geometry and physicochemical properties for high binding affinity against a given molecular target. Database searches considering required parameters for biological activity can find molecules suitable for further studies to achieve the desired activity. Chemical databases, as well as molecular target databases, are the backbone of drug discovery, which catalyze the development of computational methods to reduce the time and cost and to build a hypothesis for discovery and design of new drug molecules.
Polyvictimization in a College Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Community: The Influence of Negative Peer Support

Research on violence against members of college lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities has rapidly grown in the past few years. Prevalence studies show that sexual minor...
Presidential Priorities, Congressional Control, and the Quality of Regulatory Analysis: An Application to Health Care and Homeland Security

Elected leaders delegate rulemaking to federal agencies, then seek to influence rulemaking via top-down directives and statutory deadlines. This paper documents an unintended consequence of these control strategies: they reduce regulatory agencies’ ability and incentive to conduct high-quality economic analysis to inform their decisions. Using scoring data that measure the quality of regulatory impact analysis, we find that hastily-adopted “interim final” regulations reflecting signature policy priorities of the two most recent presidential administrations were accompanied by significantly lower-quality economic analysis. Interim final homeland security regulations adopted during the G.W. Bush administration and interim final regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act in the Obama administration were accompanied by less thorough analysis than other “economically significant” regulations (regulations with benefits, costs, or other economic impacts exceeding $100 million annually). The lower quality analysis apparently stems from the confluence of presidential priorities and very tight statutory deadlines associated with interim final regulations, rather than either factor alone.
A protracted, postherpetic neuralgic ulcer treated with risperidone and intranasal butorphanol.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) represents a type of peripheral neuropathic pruritus that occurs after an episode of shingles and is characterized by localized pain, paresthesia, and itch, termed postherpetic itch (PHI); all may simultaneously exist within the same dermatomal distribution.1 Although PHI has been reported to affect up to 58% of patients with shingles,2 its exact pathophysiologic mechanism is poorly understood, and there are no proven specific treatments. Herein, we describe the case of a patient who presented with a painful and severely pruritic ulcer located on the left side of the neck that developed in the setting of PHN refractory to conventional treatments. Although many standard treatments moderately reduced the associated pain, successful treatment of the pruritus and scratching frequency was achieved only with risperidone and intranasal butorphanol, which ultimately led to the resolution of the ulcer.
Gold-and silver-bearing assemblages in the Ann-Mason copper porphyry deposit, Yerington, Nevada

Abstract Porphyry deposits are an important source of copper and their value may be upgraded by minor contents of precious metals, if they are extractable. The mechanisms for enrichment of precious and base metals in these systems are not well understood. This study investigates the deportment of trace metals in the Ann-Mason porphyry deposit, including gold, silver, palladium, mercury, lead and bismuth. Petrographic and geochemical data are integrated to characterise the size and habit of minerals, the host mineral assemblages, and their association with alteration assemblages. Ann-Mason is one of several ore deposits hosted by the Yerington batholith in Nevada, and is being assessed for copper extraction from bornite and chalcopyrite ore assemblages, associated with potassic alteration. Mineralisation assemblages at Ann-Mason have been categorised as chalcopyrite-bornite, chalcopyrite-pyrite and pyrite > chalcopyrite zones. Limited two-metre assay data indicates that gold is most closely associated with bornite, although it is found in all three mineralisation zones. Analysis by SEM-EDS shows that trace elements are mostly present as microparticles hosted by sulfide minerals. Of the 438 grains measured, 89% are hosted by a sulfide mineral, with 68% hosted by bornite. Silver is most commonly present as hessite and gold as electrum, hosted by bornite and associated with potassic alteration. Palladium, mercury and bismuth are most commonly observed as telluride and selenide minerals. Palladium minerals are associated with potassic alteration, while mercury and bismuth minerals are mostly found with sericitic alteration. High fineness native gold is observed as three round blebs hosted by pyrite or silicates. Observations suggest that the trace metals in the chalcopyrite-bornite zone may have been incorporated by bornite and chalcopyrite, and exsolved upon cooling. In the chalcopyrite-pyrite and pyrite > chalcopyrite zones, the trace metals may have been deposited directly from a mineralising hydrothermal fluid and incorporated into the growing sulphide minerals. These findings have implications for the paragenesis of porphyry deposits, as well as for the milling processes that would be needed to extract precious metals at the Ann-Mason porphyry deposit.
Multilayer-Structured Discharge in Plasma Ionization Breakdown near a Dielectric Surface

Multipactor discharges are widely observed in rf accelerators, high power microwave transmission and space-based communication systems [1] - [2] . Understanding the fundamental physics of the transit multipactor and ionization breakdown is important. In this work, a novel multilayer-structured discharge (MSD) is reported in multipactor-coexisting plasma ionization breakdown by fully kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations [3] - [7] . The observed multilayer structure is originated by the response of ions to the electric field. It is found that the electron diffusion and multipactor discharge near the surface produce two electric fields in opposite directions towards and away from the dielectric surface, respectively. Thus, ions are gathered to form a locally high density profile, which is followed by the electron density. Furthermore, the relatively stronger restoring field induced by the multipactor discharge drives the ions away from the surface, and the locally high electron density diffuses away from the surface, resulting in a local electric field also away from the surface, which drives the ion density peak to propagate towards the bulk plasma. Such a process is periodically repeated, and finally, a MSD is formed, and propagate into bulk region.
Hyperentanglement in Parametric Down-Conversion

A theory of spontaneous parametric down-conversion, which gives rise to a quantum state that is simultaneously entangled in three-dimensional wavevector and polarization, allows us to understand the unusual characteristics of fourth-order quantum interference in many experiments, including ultrafast parametric down-conversion, the specific example illustrated in this paper. The comprehensive approach provided here permits the engineering of quantum states suitable for quantum information schemes and new quantum technologies.
Noninvasive Diagnosis of Upper Extremity Vascular Disease

Symptomatic arterial disease of the upper extremity is uncommon and accounts for approximately 5% of all cases of extremity ischemia. Unlike the lower extremity, where atherosclerosis is by far the most common disorder, ischemia in the upper extremity may be caused by a variety of systemic diseases. The diagnosis of upper extremity arterial disease is often complex and requires a complete history and physical examination, laboratory screening, and noninvasive and possibly invasive examination of the arteries of the upper extremity. In contrast to lower extremity ischemia, surgical intervention is rarely required in patients with upper extremity ischemia and the diagnosis of upper extremity ischemia can often be sufficiently accomplished using only noninvasive diagnostic tests.We have had a long-standing interest in upper extremity ischemia at the Oregon Health & Science University and over the past 30 years have evaluated over 1500 patients. Our noninvasive testing includes segmental arm pressures, digital pressures and arterial waveforms using photoplethysmography (PPG), and testing for cold-induced vasospasm. Duplex evaluation plays a minor role, and arteriography is rarely employed. The noninvasive tests, in combination with the history and physical examination, generally give all the necessary information to secure the diagnosis and guide the treatment for upper extremity ischemia. In this chapter, we will review the disease processes that result in upper extremity ischemia and our diagnostic approach to patients presenting with it.
Generative Network Automata: A Generalized Framework for Modeling Adaptive Network Dynamics Using Graph Rewritings

A variety of modeling frameworks have been proposed and utilized in complex systems studies, including dynamical systems models that describe state transitions on a system of fixed topology, and self-organizing network models that describe topological transformations of a network with little attention paid to dynamical state changes. Earlier network models typically assumed that topological transformations are caused by exogenous factors, such as preferential attachment of new nodes and stochastic or targeted removal of existing nodes. However, many real-world complex systems exhibit both state transition and topology transformation simultaneously, and they evolve largely autonomously based on the system’s own states and topologies. Here we show that, by using the concept of graph rewriting, both state transitions and autonomous topology transformations of complex systems can be seamlessly integrated and represented in a unified computational framework. We call this novel modeling framework “Generative Network Automata (GNA)”. In this chapter, we introduce basic concepts of GNA, its working definition, its generality to represent other dynamical systems models, and some of our latest results of extensive computational experiments that exhaustively swept over possible rewriting rules of simple binary-state GNA. The results revealed several distinct types of the GNA dynamics.
Directional Gossip: Gossip in a Wide Area Network

We study the problem of reliable dissemination information in a wide area network. Traditional reliable broadcast protocols provide high reliability but do not scale well. Gossip-based protocols appear to be a viable approach. They have been developed to address scalability while still providing high reliability of message delivery. However, gossip protocols either ignore the topology of the wide-area network and thus incur a large load on some network elements or can suffer from a low reliability because they do not take the connectivity of the wide-area network into account. We present a new gossip protocol, called {\em directional gossip}, that uses flooding when necessary to attain good reliability and that uses gossip when flooding (and hence its inherent high overhead) is not needed. The determination of when to use flooding or gossip is done dynamically.
Removability of the singular set of the heat flow of harmonic maps

We show that the singular set of a weak stationary solution u of the heat flow of harmonic maps between Riemannian manifolds M and N , with N compact, is removable if it has “parabolic codimension” greater than two and the initial energy E(u0) is sufficiently small.
Breeding multigenic traits

Increases in the productivity of food, feed, and fiber in domesticated crop plants can be attributed to the collective plant breeding efforts of man over many millennia. These increases (many have been dramatic) have resulted from artificial selection, either conscious or unconscious, on the phenotypes of the targeted species. Until the 20th century, plant breeding was largely an art with little or no knowledge of genetic principles. Although plant improvement since the rediscovery of Mendel’s principles has involved both art and science, the contributions of science will undoubtedly assume a much greater role as new technology becomes more widely used and as additional gains in agricultural productivity are required at an ever-increasing pace.
Fluorescence recordings of electrical activity in goldfish optic tectum in vitro

Optical methods for recording electrical activity in the goldfish optic tectum were evaluated. Tectal slices, with a short section of the optic nerve attached, were stained with a fluorescent styryl dye. Potential-dependent fluorescence changes following optic nerve stimulation were monitored with a photodiode. We found that large optical signals could be obtained. Experimental manipulations of the slice bathing solution permitted us to identify several events that contributed to the optical response, including activity in afferent fibers, excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, and presumptive glial depolarizations. These results suggest that voltage-sensitive dyes can provide a useful alternative method for monitoring synaptic responses in the goldfish tectum, and may prove valuable in studying changes in the functional synaptic organization of the tectum following manipulations of the retinotectal pathway.
Hydroxyurea inhibits ODC induction, but not the G1 to S phase transition.

Abstract Chinese hamster ovary cells, selected in mitosis and plated into medium containing hydroxyurea, can progress through G 1 and enter S phase although bulk DNA synthesis is prevented. As the cells progress through G 1 in the presence of hydroxyurea, ornithine decarboxylase activity remains low while general protein synthesis appears unaffected. After hydroxyurea is removed, ornithine decarboxylase activity increases, but only after approximately 20% of the DNA has been replicated. These results suggest that ornithine decarboxylase induction is not essential for cellular progression into S phase but is required for the completion of DNA synthesis.
CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells in cerebral ischemic stroke

Experimental cerebral ischemic stroke is exacerbated by inflammatory T-cells and is accompanied by systemic increases in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Treg). To determine their effect on ischemic brain injury, Treg were depleted in Foxp3DTR mice prior to stroke induction. In contrast to a recent Nature Medicine report, our results demonstrate unequivocally that Treg depletion did not affect stroke infarct volume, thus failing to implicate this regulatory pathway in limiting stroke damage.
Clinical Evaluation of A Percutaneous Pneumothorax Catheter

This study prospectively evaluates the efficacy and complications of the percutaneous pneumothorax catheter. Twenty-five patients were treated with the percutaneous catheter for 19 episodes of spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothorax, six malignant effusions, and one infected bulla. The catheter was effective in all but a single episode of spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothorax and was especially useful in three patients with tension pneumothorax. Further experience is required to define fully its feasibility in the treatment of malignant effusions or infected bullae. The ease of insertion, good response, and low incidence of complications suggest that this catheter may be a useful alternative to tube thoracostomy in selected situations.
Toxins and antimicrobial peptides: interactions with membranes

The innate immunity to pathogenic invasion of organisms in the plant and animal kingdoms relies upon cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as the first line of defense. In addition to these natural peptide antibiotics, similar cationic peptides, such as the bee venom toxin melittin, act as nonspecific toxins. Molecular details of AMP and peptide toxin action are not known, but the universal function of these peptides to disrupt cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria (AMPs) or a diverse set of eukaryotes and prokaryotes (melittin) is widely accepted. Here, we have utilized spectroscopic techniques to elucidate peptide-membrane interactions of alpha-helical human and mouse AMPs of the cathelicidin family as well as the peptide toxin melittin. The activity of these natural peptides and their engineered analogs was studied on eukaryotic and prokaryotic membrane mimics consisting of <200-nm bilayer vesicles composed of anionic and neutral lipids as well as cholesterol. Vesicle disruption, or peptide potency, was monitored with a sensitive fluorescence leakage assay. Detailed molecular information on peptide-membrane interactions and peptide structure was further gained through vibrational spectroscopy combined with circular dichroism. Finally, steady-state fluorescence experiments yielded insight into the local environment of native or engineered tryptophan residues in melittin and human cathelicidin embedded in bilayer vesicles. Collectively, our results provide clues to the functional structures of the engineered and toxic peptides and may impact the design of synthetic antibiotic peptides that can be used against the growing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Meaning Making and Growth: New Directions for Research on Survivors of Trauma

The meaning-making framework of trauma and recovery is presented. The following specific topics are discussed: (a) the meaning-making coping framework and the processes of meaning that typically occur following traumatic encounters; (b) empirical support for the meaning-making model; (c) the possibility that growth may result from this making of meaning; (d) methodologies for examining meaning making, including both quantitative and qualitative research; and (e) clinical implications of the meaning-making framework.
Energy levels of As77

Abstract The gamma rays of As 77 following beta decay of Ge 77 (τ 1 2 = 11.3 h ) were investigated using coincidence techniques. General features of the level structure were found to be in substantial agreement with the work of previous investigators. Additional complexity was found in the level structure above 2 MeV. Relative intensities of the gamma transitions are reported.
The first 22nm IA multi-CPU and GPU system-on-chip using tri-gate transistors

This paper will go over some of the details of Intel's latest Core offering, the first 22nm design code-named Ivy Bridge. In addition to the new process, Ivy Bridge offers several new features including significant improvements to the Graphics and Media block including DX11 support, new power/thermal control optimizations, support for 3 simultaneous displays, new security features and new PCIE Gen3 support. The new 22nm process provides exceptional low voltage performance advantage as well as a 2x improvement in density. The paper also reviews changes to leverage the low operating voltages as well as details of IO, PLL and clocking. Ivy Bridge was introduced into the market on April 23, 2012.
Broadband Spectroelectrochemical Attenuated Total Reflectance Instrument for Molecular Adlayer Studies

The study of thin film molecular architectures is an increasingly important endeavor with respect to the development and characterization of materials ranging from liquid crystalline displays to receptor-based biosensors. Here we describe an apparatus capable of simultaneously acquiring broadband spectroscopic and electrochemical information on molecularly thin films deposited on a transparent electrode surface through a multiple internal reflection geometry. To demonstrate the capabilities of this system, the spectroelectrochemical behavior of a single, neutral copper phthalocyanine bilayer was evaluated.
Effect of allyl alcohol on xanthine dehydrogenase activity in the perfused rat liver.

Abstract Xanthine oxidase has been implicated in the production of reactive oxygen species and cell injury produced by various toxic compounds. Since allyl alcohol injures the liver by an oxygen-dependent mechanism, we examined the actions of this hepatotoxicant on the conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase into xanthine oxidase in perfused livers. A microassay for NAD + -dependent xanthine dehydrogenase, based on measuring the production of NADH fluorometrically under anaerobic conditions, was developed and used to examine the actions of allyl alcohol on this activity in periportal and pericentral regions of the liver lobule. The oxygen-dependent activity, xanthine oxidase, was monitored in whole liver homogenates by uric acid formation at 302 nm under aerobic conditions. Perfusion of the liver with allyl alcohol (350 μM) increased xanthine oxidase and decreased xanthine dehydrogenase in whole liver consistent with the hypothesis that allyl alcohol enhanced calcium-dependent proteolytic conversion of the NAD + -dependent to the O 2 -dependent form. Xanthine dehydrogenase was higher in pericentral than in periportal regions of the liver lobule and tended to decrease selectively in periportal zones of livers exposed to allyl alcohol. O 2 uptake was stimulated transiently by allyl alcohol followed by subsequent inhibition of respiration. These results are consistent with the idea that conversion of NAD + -dependent xanthine dehydrogenase to xanthine oxidase is involved in the zone-specific hepatotoxicity of allyl alcohol.
Exchange Rate Behavior During the Great Recession

This paper offers a post-Keynesian/institutionalist explanation of the dollar-euro exchange rate around and during the Great Recession. It is shown that, consistent with theory, the financial sector played a dominant role. Capital flows drove foreign exchange rates, causing both mis-determination and tremendous volatility, and the real economy was forced to adjust to the conditions they created (a line of causation, incidentally, precisely the opposite of that suggested by Neoclassicism). Among the paper's conclusions are that currency price swings were clearly excessive, exchange rate fluctuations contributed to the sluggish recovery, and portfolio capital flows must be strictly controlled if these are to be avoided.
Altered erythrocyte membrane proteins in sickle cell patients associated with the severity of the disease

Abstract The proteins of the erythrocyte membrane from sickle cell anemia patients displaying varying degrees of severity of illness have been studied. Analyses of the conformation of the proteins in the membrane by circular dichroism and of the membrane polypeptide components by detergent-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicate differences which correlate directly with the documented severities of the diseased states of the sickle cell patients. Observed differences include a decrease in ordered secondary structure and an apparent absence of some polypeptide chains in the severely ill sickle cell cases when compared to the normal erythrocyte.
Binding of fatty acid ethyl esters to albumin for transport to cells in culture

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) are non-oxidative products of ethanol metabolism that have been proposed to mediate pathological changes in various organs and tissues resulting from excessive ethanol consumption. Evidence supporting this proposal is scant, however, mainly because of the lack of adequate methods with which to solubilize the highly hydrophobic FAEE in aqueous medium for testing under physiological conditions. In this report we describe a simple and practical method for solubilizing FAEE in aqueous medium by binding them to albumin. We also report that the albumin-bound FAEE are readily taken up by rat alveolar macrophages in culture. The availability of FAEE bound to albumin, their main physiological carrier in vivo, will facilitate the investigation of the role that these metabolites may have in mediating pathological changes associated with excess ethanol consumption.
An n-gram hash and skip algorithm for finding large numbers of keywords in continuous text streams

A method of full-text scanning for matches in a large dictionary of keywords is described, suitable for Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI). The method is applicable to large dictionaries (say 104 to 105 entries), and to arbitrary byte streams for both patterns and data samples. The approach involves a sequence of tests, beginning with Boyer–Moore–Horspool skipping on digrams, followed by a succession of hash tests, and completed by trie searching, the combination of which is quite fast. Background information is provided, the algorithm and its implementation are described in detail, and experimental results are presented. In particular, tests suggest that the proposed method outperforms the algorithms of Aho–Corasick and Commentz–Walter when implementing large dictionaries. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A retrospective comparison of CT and MRI in detecting pediatric cervical spine injury

Although clinical criteria have been applied in the assessment of pediatric cervical spine trauma, no consensus has been established when imaging is required. With the increasing prevalence of computed tomography (CT) use in pediatric trauma and the concern for radiation in children, we sought to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT in detecting pediatric cervical spine injuries. We retrospectively queried a pediatric trauma database and identified pediatric patients who underwent both CT and MRI studies of the cervical spine and derived the statistical measures of each imaging modality to detect osseous and ligamentous/soft tissue injury. Eighty-four patients were identified with a mean age of 9.0 ± 5.8 years (56 % male). Sixteen patients were identified with injury, 12 with soft tissue abnormalities on MRI (nine edema and six ligamentous), and 6 with osseous abnormalities on CTs (six osseous fractures and one discogenic injury). Of the six patients who presented with CT-identified osseous injuries, MRI detected all six fractures as well as an additional compression fracture. Using CT as the standard for osseous injury, MRI had a sensitivity of 100 %, specificity of 97 %, negative predictive value (NPV) of 75 %, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100 %. Using MRI as the standard for soft tissue injury, CT had a sensitivity of 23 %, specificity of 100 %, NPV of 88 %, and PPV of 100 %. Further studies are required to investigate the use of MRI to detect osseous injuries.
Post-Training Lesions of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Interfere with Subsequent Performance of Trace Eyeblink Conditioning

Rabbits were trained on trace eyeblink (EB) conditioning until they reached a criterion of 10 consecutive EB conditioned responses (CRs). Electrolytic lesions were made in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) centered on the prelimbic area (Brodmann's area 32), at five different intervals after training. These included immediately, 24 h, 1 and 2 weeks, and 1 month after training. Separate groups of animals received sham lesions at these same intervals after training. After a 2 week postoperative recovery period, all animals were retested for 3 d on trace conditioning, using the same parameters used during preoperative training. Mean EB conditioning performance deficits occurred in the animals with mPFC lesions compared with sham-lesioned animals on the first day of retesting in all five groups. However, by the second or third day of retesting, the rabbits with lesions were performing at a level that was comparable with that of sham animals. Rabbits that received more posterolateral lesions of the neocortex did not, however, show postoperative conditioning deficits. A comparison of percentage EB CRs of animals with postoperative training with that of animals that received mPFC lesions before training suggests that the mPFC post-training lesions produce damage to a retrieval process and not to a storage site or an acquisition process.
Evaluation of Mobile Mapping Systems for Roadway Data Collection

Mobile mapping systems (MMSs) are based on advanced technologies for automatically collecting roadway inventory data. A host of advanced technologies, such as the Global Positioning System for collecting georeferencing data and digital cameras for collecting roadway data, are used in current MMSs. An MMS is driven on a subject roadway, collecting positional data and digital images of the roadway. Through photogrammetric software packages, roadway data are extracted from images. Although there have been studies evaluating the accuracy of positional data collected by MMSs, there have been limited studies of the descriptive data accuracy they provide. In this paper the results of an evaluation of the accuracy of descriptive inventory data collected by three different MMSs are discussed. Each system was tested in three different roadway environments, and five different types of inventory elements were included in each test. The accuracy of collected data was compared with ground truth data. Analysis of these data indicated that the roadway environment and the type of inventory element affect the accuracy of descriptive inventory data collected by MMSs.
A structured visual language for a knowledge-based front-endto statistical analysis systems in biomedical research

Within the last few years, several knowledge-based systems for statistical analysis systems have been proposed (see Refs. 1-4 for references). Most of these systems provide so-called 'natural-language' interfaces for acquisition and application of meta-data. Since graphics have been very efficient in displaying results (e.g., as scatter, QQ and residual plots), some attempts have been made (cf. Refs. 5,6) to use graphics also to display knowledge of the statistical strategy. In the present paper I will concentrate on the visualization of knowledge of the experimental design and its impacts on the design of a structured visual syntax language for acquisition and application of this knowledge in the field of biomedical research.
Firm characteristics, market conditions, and the pattern of performance after seasoned equity offers

This paper uses a characteristics-based approach to examine the pattern of abnormal returns after seasoned equity offerings. Unlike previous studies the risk class of issuers are allowed to change in each of a series of six-month holding periods and firms are classified into categories based on performance measures, the use of proceeds and market conditions at the time of issue. This methodology reveals that negative abnormal returns persist for only about 3.5 years on average following offers and are driven by the 37% of firms that reduce capital spending. These and other results suggest that post-issue abnormal returns vary in a way that is consistent with quasi-efficient capital markets.
Energy dependence of the nuclear level density at energies above 100 MeV.

Level densities are calculated for the nucleus $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ using an exact iterative method for noninteracting fermions. Various single-particle energies are tested. It is found that the conventional Fermi-gas energy dependence provides a good representation of the actual level density only up to energies about 100 MeV. Above this point, the deviations rapidly grow, reaching many orders of magnitude at energies above 200 MeV. One calculation has also been made for $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$. These results are similar, with the point of breakdown of the Fermi-gas form raised to about 200 MeV. The present results should have significant consequences for heavy-ion reaction studies of equilibration and for astrophysics.
Diaphragm Paralysis Definitively Diagnosed by Ultrasonography and Postural Dependence of Dynamic Lung Volumes after Seven Decades of Dysfunction

Unilateral diaphragm paralysis is an important and often unrecognized cause of dyspnea. In patients with appropriate risk factors, such as prior head and neck surgery and presentation of positional dyspnea or dyspnea on submersion, unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis should be considered. We present our approach to the diagnosis of diaphragm paralysis and demonstrate the utility of upright/supine spirometry and M-mode ultrasonography in these patients’ evaluation.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment in a patient with idiopathic dysautonomia: a case presentation

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are a common ailment that often results in extensive and costly diagnostic workups as well as significant chronic suffering to the afflicted. The following is a case review and discussion of the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment in a patient with unresolved functional gastrointestinal ailments.
Driving waveforms of partial writing scheme for FLCD

Abstract The authors have developed driving waveforms for a new partial writing scheme. In the new partial writing scheme, the selected pixel which will change its image is rewritten, but the selected pixel which will not change its image is not. However, the driving waveform applied to the selected pixel which will not change its image must give the same optical transmission as that due to the driving waveform applied to the non-selected pixels. Using this idea, flickerless FLC displays having 1024 × 1024 pixels can be developed without needing a material with a fast switching time.
The chronic pain coping inventory: development and preliminary validation

This paper describes the development and validation of a measure of strategies used by patients to cope with chronic pain, the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory (CPCI). A 104-item measure of pain coping responses and 3 measures of functioning were completed by 176 chronic pain patients. Two-week retest data were provided by 111 of these patients. Item and scale analyses resulted in a 65-item measure that assessed 11 pain coping dimensions. This inventory was then cross-validated in a second sample of chronic pain patients (n = 78), who also completed a measure of pain-related distress. The significant others (typically, spouses) of patients in the second sample rated patients on a significant-other version of the CPCI and on other measures of patient functioning. The results support the reliability of the CPCI scales. Four scales (Guarding, Resting, Asking for Assistance, and Task Persistence) predicted patient- and significant other-reported patient adjustment. Eight scales (Guarding, Opioid Medication Use, NSAID Use, Sedative-Hypnotic Medication Use, Resting, Asking for Assistance, and Exercise/Stretch) demonstrated moderate-to-strong relationships between patient and significant-other versions, further supporting their validity.
In vitro testing of tympanostomy tube occlusion

Abstract Objective Tympanostomy tubes (TTs) are commonly rendered nonfunctional by mucus plug formation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an in vitro model could be developed to assess TT plug formation with results consistent with human trials. Study Design An ear chamber was designed to mimic middle ear air and mucus flow conditions in post-TT otorrhea. TT occlusion was tested and correlated to published in vivo results. Methods TTs that had previously been studied in vivo (Goode “T” and Reuter Bobbin collar buttons) were placed in the model chamber. Pooled, homogenized human middle ear mucus and an analog, egg white, were delivered at 80 μL per hour through the TTs. An air bolus was delivered every two minutes to simulate swallowing. Chamber pressure was monitored over 2.5 hours. Occlusion was determined by a pressure peak and visual confirmation. Results Obstruction was found in 60 percent of the Reuter Bobbin and 40 percent of the Goode TTs using the mucus analog. These results are similar to those reported from previous in vivo studies. No plugging was reported for either TT using homogenized human ear mucus. Conclusions The in vitro TT chamber simulates the in vivo environment and yields results consistent with in vivo observations. This model system may allow for rapid prototyping and evaluation of new TTs that may be less vulnerable to occlusion.
Thermo-mechanical Analysis of ITER Test Unit Cell under Pulse Operation

In this paper, a 3-D finite element model has been built to do thermo-mechanical analysis about an ITER test unit cell with edge-on configuration under pulse operation. In previous works, the constitutive equations of effective material properties, which are dependent on local temperature and stress, have been empirically derived. In our program, these material properties of ceramic pebble beds (lithium breeders & beryllium neutron multipliers) are implemented the model Based on current simulation results, it can provide the stress and temperature magnitude and distribution inside the blanket structure when it is under pulse radiation heating. These structural responses due to deformation of particulate materials and material thermal creep are important for assessment of thermo-mechanical behaviors and characterization of tritium release
Cost function analysis applied to the determination of aorta parameters

Abstract It has been shown by Fich and Welkowitz that a model of the aorta which is tapered in area and elastic constant and is essentially reflectionless is a good representation for the calculation of pressure and flow wave propagation in the aorta. If one then measures a steady state pressure transfer function in the aorta and relates it to the steady state pressure transfer function of the model, it is possible to adjust the physical parameter values that appear in the model until the transfer functions coincide. By this means it is possible to determine the physical parameters of the aorta. Both analog and digital data techniques were developed for efficient handling of the data. Matching of the transfer functions was accomplished by finding the ‘best’ set of parameters that minimized a weighted error cost function derived from the magnitude and phase of the transfer functions.