cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Neural Network Traffic Prediction into Freeway Incident Detection

Because of their superior capabilities in emulating nonlinear systems, neural network models have been applied to traffic prediction with various degrees of success. However, these neural network-based traffic prediction models have not been used for incident detection. On the other hand, it is expected that the performance of an incident detection algorithm can be improved if an advanced prediction model is used. The development of several traffic prediction models that were then integrated into incident detection algorithms is documented. The traffic prediction models were developed on the basis of three different choices of independent variables, whereas the incident detection algorithms used different decision functions. The results show that a good prediction model can improve the performance of an incident detection algorithm only when the decision function of the algorithm is appropriately chosen.
668 RECURRENCE OF PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

668 RECURRENCE OF PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
Comparison of the distribution of progenitor cells in G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood and steady-state bone marrow after counterflow centrifugal elutriation

Abstract Blood-derived progenitor cells obtained following mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (MoPBSC) are increasingly being used as an alternative to bone marrow (BM) in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The higher numbers of mature T lymphocytes in MoPBSC grafts may increase the risk of (chronic) graft-vs.-host disease. Counterflow centrifugal elutriation (CCE) is an effective method for T-cell depletion of BM grafts. The elutriation characteristics of steady-state BM and MoPBSC were compared using a CCE procedure in which fractions were obtained after small incremental increases in flow rate with constant centrifugal force. Counterflow centrifugal elutriation experiments with MoPBSC from six healthy volunteers showed that 54% of all cells collected were recovered in the or=19 mL/minute fractions. The peak concentrations of CD34+ cells were found in the same fraction (18 mL/minute), but more CD34+ cells from MoPBSC were recovered from the small ( Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 1999;5(5):328-35.
Rapid Methods for the Solution of Automatic Control Equations

In automatic control and other branches of engineering it is frequently necessary to find the roots of an algebraic equation. One of the authors has presented iteration methods for solving for both real and complex roots by right-to-left synthetic division. These methods are convergent for many, but not all, classes of roots. This paper presents a study of the convergence of the methods and extends the methods to cover the regions of nonconvergence. In addition, an improved array is presented for checking the Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion. The use of the methods in analysis and design of automatic control systems is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Two-Dimensional Proton J-Resolved NMR Spectroscopy of Neomycin B

Abstract The 1H NMR spectrum of a solution of neomycin B free base (Structure 1) in D2O has been assigned completely by two-dimensional, homonuclear J-resolved NMR spectroscopy and spin decoupling at 400 MHz. Proton chemical shifts and proton-proton couplings are reported for all glycoside residues in neomycin B along with their computer simulated spectra. The 4 C 1 chair conformation has been assigned to the 2,6-diamino-2,6-dideovy-β-l-idopyranosyl (ring D) portion of the antibiotic (1b) by analysis of the proton coupling constants and chemical shifts. The β-furanose form of the ribosyl portion (ring C) has been assigned. Vicinal proton couplings for the 2-deoxystreptaminyl group (ring B) are consistent with a chair conformation in which all ring substituents are equatorial, and proton chemical shift assignments are based on protonation studies. A computer simulated composite of the individual calculated spectra is presented for comparison with the experimental spectrum of neomycin B.
Strategies to Decrease the Risk of Ventricular Catheter Infections: A Review of the Evidence

The use of antibiotic-coated external ventricular catheters has been controversial among practitioners; although several papers have documented decreased adherence of microbes to catheters treated with antibiotics, there is no universally accepted practice standard for the use of coated catheters for the prevention of clinical infection. In this paper, we review the in vivo and in vitro evidence for antibiotic-coated catheters.
Endothelial cell transplantation

Endothelial cells line the lumenal surface of all elements of the vascular system. These cells exhibit numerous metabolic functions necessary for the maintenance of homeostasis. The critical role of endothelium in maintaining normal blood vessel function is exemplified by the poor clinical performance of small diameter polymeric vascular grafts which fail due, in part, to the lack of a functional endothelium on the lumenal surface. Extensive research has explored the potentiality of transplanting endothelial cells onto polymeric vascular grafts to improve graft function. Several critical issues have been explored including the source of endothelial cells for transplantation, the interaction of endothelium with polymers and the healing process of endothelial cell transplanted grafts. The future of endothelial cell transplantation will also include the use of these cells as vehicles for genetic engineering.
Early and Late Airway Complications After Lung Transplantation: Incidence and Management

Abstract Background . Airway anastomosis complications continue to be a source of morbidity for lung transplant recipients. Methods . This study analyzes incidence, treatment, and follow-up of airway anastomotic complications occurring in 127 consecutive lung transplant airway anastomoses (77 single lung and 25 bilateral sequential lung). Complications were categorized as stenosis (11), granulation tissue (8), infection (7), bronchomalacia (5), or dehiscence (3). Follow-up after treatment ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Results . Nineteen airway anastomosis complications (15.0%) occurred in 18 patients. Telescoping the airway anastomosis reduced the complication rate to 12 of 97 (12.4%), compared with 7 of 30 (23.3%) for omental wrapping, ( p = 0.15). Complications developed in 13 of 77 single-lung airway anastomoses (16.9%) versus 6 of 50 bilateral sequential lung recipients (12.0%). Treatment consisted of stenting (9 airway anastomoses), bronchodilation (8), laser debridement (4), rigid bronchoscopic debridement (2), operative revision (2), and growth factor application (2). There was no difference in actuarial survival between patients with or without airway anastomosis complications ( p = 1.0). Conclusions . Airway anastomosis complications can be successfully managed in the immediate or late postoperative period with good outcome up to 4 years after intervention. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:1576–83)
A simple approximation algorithm to obtain sequences with nonnegative Fourier transforms

A sequence (x(n)) is said to be positive if and only if its Fourier transform is nonnegative for all frequencies. A very simple computational algorithm is proposed to obtain a positive sequence by minimally perturbing (in the least squares sense) a given nonpositive one. By imposing nonnegativity constraints at specific, discrete frequencies, the least squares minimization becomes linear and, hence, easily solvable. This approach is shown to be applicable to nonparametric sequences, as well as to those with a parametric description. >
Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Behaviors of Massachusetts Adolescents

Abstract Nutrition knowledge and behaviors of Massachusetts adolescents are identified and examined based on gender, community type and whether respondents reported learning nutrition in school. Responses of Massachusetts adolescents are compared to responses from a similar population from the National Adolescent Health Survey (NASHS), The purpose of the study was to provide information for use in planning nutrition education programs and in improving school food programs. The sample (1482) was drawn from the total population of 10th grade students in Massachusetts public schools using a stratified design clustered by classroom. Forty-four items on nutrition knowledge and behaviors were replicated from the NASHS for the instrument. The results are of particular interest to the Nutrition Education and Training Program and to health educators and health care personnel who provide nutrition education in non-school settings. The overall findings were: • Adolescents, especially those in urban communities, have limited nutrition knowledge. • Females have an especially low participation in school lunch. • Although teenagers diet frequently, most follow low risk dieting practices. • There has been a dramatic shift in responsibility for teaching nutrition from the home economics teacher to the health education teacher. Four recommendations were made as a result of this study: • Nutrition curricula should be geared towards issues of diet and health consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans • The diet and health curriculum should emphasize practical application including selection of food in restaurants, safe dieting practices and exercise. • School food programs should provide menus that meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and that are consistent with the curriculum on diet and health. • Participation by females in school food programs be increased by providing menus consistent with safe dieting practices.
Insulin: a small protein with a long journey

Insulin is a hormone that is essential for regulating energy storage and glucose metabolism in the body. Insulin in liver, muscle, and fat tissues stimulates the cell to take up glucose from blood and store it as glycogen in liver and muscle. Failure of insulin control causes diabetes mellitus (DM). Insulin is the unique medicine to treat some forms of DM. The population of diabetics has dramatically increased over the past two decades, due to high absorption of carbohydrates (or fats and proteins), lack of physical exercise, and development of new diagnostic techniques. At present, the two largest developing countries (India and China) and the largest developed country (United States) represent the top three countries in terms of diabetic population. Insulin is a small protein, but contains almost all structural features typical of proteins: α-helix, β-sheet, β-turn, high order assembly, allosteric T→R-transition, and conformational changes in amyloidal fibrillation. More than ten years’ efforts on studying insulin disulfide intermediates by NMR have enabled us to decipher the whole picture of insulin folding coupled to disulfide pairing, especially at the initial stage that forms the nascent peptide. Two structural switches are also known to regulate insulin binding to receptors and progress has been made to identify the residues involved in binding. However, resolving the complex structure of insulin and its receptor remains a challenge in insulin research. Nevertheless, the accumulated knowledge of insulin structure has allowed us to specifically design a new ultra-stable and active single-chain insulin analog (SCI-57), and provides a novel way to design super-stable, fast-acting and cheaper insulin formulations for DM patients. Continuing this long journey of insulin study will benefit basic research in proteins and in pharmaceutical therapy.
The Persistent Ostium Primum Atrial Septal Defect

Five patients with an ostium primum type of atrial septal defect were studied by clinical and laboratory methods and the diagnosis was verified either at the time of open-heart surgery and/or at autopsy. The atrioventricular valves formed the floor of the defect and were deformed in 4 of the 5 patients. Mitral insufficiency was present as a result of this valvular deformity in these four patients. This valvular deformity resulted in a high pitched blowing systolic murmur, audible over the apical and lower left sternal areas, and left axis deviation and indications of left ventricular hypertrophy, determined by electrocardiography. The deformity of the mitral valve is considered to be the basis for these variations from the typical findings found in the patient with an ostium secundum type of atrial septal defect and make the differential diagnosis of the persistent ostium primum possible under these circumstances.
A new radioisotopic microassay of cell-mediated immunity utilizing technetium-99m labeled target cells.

SummaryThe 99mTc microcytotoxicity assay is a simple and sensitive means of assessing cell-mediated immunity in vitro. The short labeling time and high binding affinity of the nuclide are significant advantages over other radioisotopic assays which have been described. The short half-life is adequately compensated for by the high labeling efficiency and specific activity of the isotope.We thank Ms. K. Gollahon and L. Wickens for expert technical assistance and Ms. K. Phipps and L. Conaughton for secretarial assistance.
Absolute configuration of methyl (2Z,6R,8R,9E)-3,6-epoxy-4,6,8-triethyl-2,4,9-dodecatrienoate from the sponge Plakortis halichondrioides

Abstract The absolute stereochemistry of methyl ester 2 , which is a major metabolite of the Caribbean sponge Plakortis halichondrioides , was determined to be 6 R ,8 R by means of chemical degradation and application of a modification of Mosher's method. The absolute configuration at C-8 was determined by analysis of the 1 H NMR spectra of the amides formed from the acid 4 and ( R )- and ( S )-phenylglycine methyl ester.
A Limiting Absorption Principle for Schrödinger Operators with Generalized Von Neumann–Wigner Potentials I. Construction of Approximate Phase

Abstract In this series of papers we prove the limiting absorption principle over a given interval for a class of Hamiltonians which contains the original one of von Neumann and Wigner. More specifically, the Hamiltonians are of the form −Δ + c sin b | x |/| x | β + V ( x ), where 2/3 V ( x ) is a short range potential and I is a given compact subinterval of the open positive axis which does not contain the point b 2 /4.
Thermohaline Circulation and Prolonged Interglacial Warmth in the North Atlantic

Deep-sea sediment cores provide spatially coherent evidence for the climatic and hydrographic conditions in the subpolar North Atlantic during the last interglaciation. Taken together with similarly high-resolution terrestrial sequences, these records indicate a regional climatic progression, beginning with the extreme and variable climate late in the penultimate glaciation, continuing through a relatively stable climatic optimum during the interglaciation, and concluding with the reestablishment of the markedly variable regime that characterized the last 100,000-yr glaciation. Relatively mild conditions in much of the subpolar region significantly outlasted the minimum in global ice volume, despite declining summer insolation and the cooling influence of incipient proximal glaciers. These effects were partially offset by enhanced thermohaline circulation that paradoxically increased heat transport into the region while simultaneously providing the likely moisture source for the growth of large northern ice sheets. The inception of the last glacial cycle thus provides an example of the influence of ocean circulation on regional climate. In contrast to the apparent orbital pace of the ongoing ice-sheet growth, the subsequent deterioration of surface conditions was abrupt and dramatic.
902-7 Ultrasound Guided Coronary Stent Placement without Prolonged Systemic Anticoagulation

Over a five-month period, 83 consecutive patients undergoing elective Palmaz-Schatz stent placement in a target vessel of greater than 3.2 mm in diameter were evaluated for early hospital discharge without anticoagulation. Thirty-nine patients failed to meet angiographic or clinical criteria due to the presence of dissection (11 patients), TIMI flow 15%, one who lacked apposition in an aneurysmal segment, one with an angiographically occult dissection and one who achieved < 60% of the reference vessel cross-sectional area. Of the 27 stents meeting IVUS criteria, mean eccentricitywas 0.86 (range 0.75 to 0.98), residual stenosis was -0.8% (range -31 to 15%) and minimal stent diameter 3.82 mm (range 3.0 to 5.0 mm). One patient met angiographic and IVUS criteria but received prolonged anticoagulation due to preference of the referring physician. Mean elapsed time from stent placement to femoral sheath removal was 8.2 hours (range 1 to 29 hours). Patients were discharged from the hospital within 48 hours of stent placement, all receiving aspirin 325 mg per day and ticlopidine 250 mg twice a day. At 30 days of clinical follow-up, no patients experienced stent thrombosis. Conclusion In this highly selective group of patients undergoing elective stent placement in larger diameter vessels who fulfilled strict clinical, angiographic and IVUS criteria, early discharge on aspirin and ticlopidine without systemic anticoagulation was not associated with stent thrombosis.
Collaboration between the U.S. and Mexican HIV/AIDS Sectors: The Role of Community-Based Organizations and Federal HIV/AIDS Funding Policies in Creating a Binational Political-Organizational Field

Elaborates on the diversity of the people movement between the USA and Mexico and the effect on goods and resources for the two, particularly regarding HIV/AIDS collaboration. Makes observations about the US/Mexico political-organizational field, such as the governmental, service, activist, academic and religious. Spotlights San Diego Tijuana as bi-national fields which prove a sound example of what can be achieved at local and federal levels or the benefit of both communities. Concludes with policy recommendations for effective bi-national collaboration on the US and Mexican sides, with the USA providing more funds for the Mexican side of the border.
A phase II trial of dexamethasone, vitamin D, and carboplatin in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. A Phase II prospective trial was performed to study the efficacy of combination therapy with dexamethasone, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), and carboplatin in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). Preclinical data from prostate cancer cell lines suggested a synergistic effect of these therapies. METHODS. All patients had pathologically confirmed prostate cancer with at least 2 consecutive increases in prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Treatment started with 1 mg of oral dexamethasone given daily with 0.5 mcg of daily calcitriol added at the start of Week 5. Carboplatin (area under the concentration time curve = 2) was started at the beginning of Week 7. Initially, carboplatin was given weekly; however, the protocol was changed later to give carboplatin for the first 4 weeks of a 6-week cycle. Of 40 patients who consented to participate, 6 patients were ineligible or declined to start therapy, leaving 34 treated patients. The median follow-up was 80.7 weeks (range, 11.5–260 weeks). RESULTS. A formal PSA response was seen in 13 of 34 treated patients (38.2%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 22.2–56.4%). The median overall survival was 97.7 weeks (95% CI, 61–114 weeks). Significant adverse events that were observed during the trial period included 2 deaths (myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock), 4 patients with Grade 3 neutropenia (according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 2.0), 2 patients with thrombosis, 2 patients with inflammatory bowel symptoms, and 2 patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS. The novel combination of dexamethasone, calcitriol, and carboplatin for patients with HRPC produced a PSA response in 13 of 34 patients and had an acceptable side-effect profile. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Characteristics of cadmium telluride surfaces prepared by pulsed laser irradiation

Abstract A laser irradiation technique previously demonstrated to be useful for the preparation of silicon surfaces has been extended for use on the surfaces of a binary semiconductor compound. A pulsed laser was used to irradiate cadmium telluride surfaces in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. The techniques of low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to demonstrate that surface regions are clean, ordered on an atomic scale and have the stoichiometry of the underlying bulk. Results are compared with those obtained using a conventional surface preparation technique.
The Use and Limitations of a Chemiluminescent Thyrotropin Assay as a Single Thyroid Function Test in an Out-Patient Endocrine Clinic*

A chemiluminescent TSH assay (detection limit, less than 0.01 mU/L) allows for accurate measurement of subnormal TSH concentrations. We retrospectively analyzed serum TSH and the free T4 (fT4) index of 460 consecutive endocrine clinic visits to determine the usefulness of TSH measurements alone in the assessment of thyroid function. Additionally, case histories were presented nonconsecutively to one of us (TSH alone or TSH with fT4) to determine if knowledge of the fT4 level would alter management. Of hypothyroid patients on replacement therapy (n = 127), 60% had concordant fT4 and TSH, 14% had subnormal TSH with normal fT4, 18% had high TSH with normal fT4, and 4% normal TSH with high fT4; only 4% were managed differently when the fT4 level was known in addition to TSH. Of the patients receiving suppressive therapy with TSH levels above 0.05 mU/L (n = 81), only 4% were managed differently when fT4 was known; 4% had high fT4. With TSH levels below 0.05 mU/L (n = 64), knowledge of fT4 was felt to be necessary for management in all cases; 53% had high fT4. Twenty-three of 46 (50%) patients being treated for hyperthyroidism had discordant TSH and fT4, including 7 patients with low TSH and low fT4. Two of 21 (10%) patients screened with pituitary/hypothalamic disease had discordant TSH and fT4, and 4 of 9 (44%) patients treated with L-T4 for secondary hypothyroidism had subnormal TSH. Knowledge of fT4 was felt to be necessary in all these cases. We conclude that TSH alone is sufficient for screening and monitoring L-T4 replacement or suppression therapy if TSH levels are above 0.05 mU/L. These patients account for the majority of visits to our endocrine clinic. TSH alone is misleading in pituitary disease and during the treatment of hyperthyroidism. fT4 is needed if TSH levels are less than 0.05 mU/L to assess the degree of hyperthyroidism.
Cell Fusion: EFF Is Enough

Developmentally programmed cell–cell fusion in Caenorhabditis elegans requires the EFF-1 protein, which is sufficient to cause normally non-fusing cells to fuse. EFF-1 localizes to fusion-fated membranes, implicating it as a direct fusogen.
BEYOND RELATIVISM AND FOUNDATIONALISM: A PROLEGOMENON TO FUTURE RESEARCH IN ETHICS

Abstract. This article examines the similarities between notions about the nature of reality held by some Christian mystics (Thomas Merton and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing) and those proposed by physicists David Bohm and Henry Margenau. My aim is to consider how the implications of certain metaphysical interpretations of modern physics may: (1) hold similarities with Christian mystical notions about reality, and (2) be important for guiding future research in ethics. I further look into the traditional approaches to ethical theory that come out of the foundationalist, relativist, and skeptical realist camps and argue that while skeptical realists such as Timothy Jackson are moving in the right direction, further consideration of what is meant by reality is necessary if we are to traverse the gap between foundationalists and relativists. It is here that Christian ethicists in particular have the opportunity to pick up the metaphysical batons carried by physicists like Margenau and Bohm and mystics like Merton and the author of The Cloud and begin investigating the possibility that ethical theory can be approached from a nondualistic perspective.
Structure-activity studies of the inhibition of serine β-lactamases by phosphonate monoesters

Abstract A new series of phosphonyl derivatives has been prepared and tested for inhibition of serine (class A and C) β-lactamases. Variations of the leaving group in a series of methyl phosphonates showed that leaving groups better than the previously employed p-nitrophenoxide could give more effective inhibitors. Inclusion of a negative charge in the leaving group did not, per se, lead to better inhibitors. Aryl phosphonates appeared more effective than those with electronically comparable but smaller leaving groups. The combination of a good leaving group, 2,4-dinitrophenoxide, with an amido side-chain, phenylmethylsulfonamido—the latter rather than phenylacetamido in order to increase the stability of the compound with respect to intramolecular nucleophilic catalysis of hydrolysis by the amide group—did not yield overall a better inhibitor than previously employed p-nitrophenyl phosphonates. These results give the first indication of specific interactions between a β-lactamase and the leaving group of a phosphonate inhibitor. Only one enantiomer of a chiral thiophosphonate, presumably the Rp isomer, was an effective inhibitor. Addition of either a d - or a l -methyl group to the methylene group of a p-nitrophenyl amidomethylphosphonate did not enhance the inhibitory ability of the phosphonate. Class A β-lactamases remain refractory to phosphonates.
Analysis of Absorption Process in a Smooth-Tube Heat Exchanger with a Porous Medium

In this article the absorption process in a smooth-tube heat exchanger (GAX absorber) with a porous medium is analyzed and a countercurrent model for GAX absorber that includes an absorption process within the porous medium is proposed. The absorption process is separated into three regions, a vapor region without a porous medium (region 1), a vapor region within a porous medium (region 2), and a liquid region within a porous medium (region 3). The effects of thermal conductivities and porosities of the porous medium on the absorption rate and the required tube length are investigated, and the Nusselt number within each region is also predicted. The results show that the absorption rate increases with an increase of the thermal conductivity and with a decrease in porosity of the porous medium. The optimum value of the ratio of thermal conductivities (k{sub p} / k{sub 1}) was found to be 5.0, and the optimum value of the porosity was found to be larger than 0.2.
DNA synthesis during differentiation of tadpole shank epidermis.

DNA synthesis in the shank epidermis of tadpoles of Rana pipiens was studied by autoradiography with thymidine-3H. Differentiation of the epidermis at late stages of spontaneous metamorphosis was found to correlate with a peak followed by a slow decline in labeling index in the inner layer, a rapid fall to complete absence of labeling in the outer layer, and a progressive restriction of labeling site to basal cells. Treatment of Stage X tadpoles with 30 μg/liter thryoxine for up to five days accelerated changes in labeling index and differentiation of the epidermis. In three experiments, tadpoles at Stages III, XII and XVIII were treated with thyroxine for intervals of up to 82 hours, and DNA synthesis in the shank epidermis was compared with controls. Whereas at Stage III in the outer layer the labeling index remained the same as the controls except for a slight increase at 12 hours, at Stages XII and XVIII the index fell significantly below the controls by 24 hours. The inner layer labeling index rose significantly above the controls by 12 hours at Stage III, and by 36 hours at Stage XII. At Stage XVIII, the inner layer showed essentially no response to thyroxine. These results indicate an early effect of thyroxine at Stage III, stage-specific changes in sensitivity of epidermis to thyroxone treatment, and a differential response of outer and inner layers.
Monolithic integrated Raman silicon laser

We present a monolithic integrated Raman silicon laser based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) rib waveguide race-track ring resonator with an integrated p-i-n diode structure. Under reverse biasing, we achieved stable, single mode, continuous-wave (CW) lasing with output power exceeding 30mW and 10% slope efficiency. The laser emission has high spectral purity with a measured side mode suppression exceeding 70dB and laser linewidth of <100 kHz. This laser architecture allows for on-chip integration with other silicon photonics components to provide a highly integrated and scaleable monolithic device.
A Multilevel Cholesky Conjugate Gradients Hybrid Solver for Linear Systems with Multiple Right-hand Sides

Abstract We consider the problem of repeatedly solving a large sparse linear system Ax = b for the same coefficient matrix A with a sequence of different right-hand side vectors b . We seek to develop a new tree-structured hybrid solver as an efficient alternative to Preconditioned Conjugate Gradients (PCG) based methods for this problem when A is symmetric positive definite and sparse. In this paper, our key contribution is a tree-based multilevel hybrid of direct and iterative methods using sparse Cholesky and PCG, respectively. Cholesky is applied to the leaf submatrices and PCG is applied to higher level subsystems in the tree. Partial solutions obtained thereafter are aggregated and corrected to provide the final solution. Our tree-based hybrid solution strategy seeks to couple the accuracy of a sparse direct solver with the memory efficiency of an iterative method to potentially improve overall performance for repeated solutions. We provide an empirical evaluation on a suite of 12 benchmark matrices from the University of Florida collection. Our results indicate that our tree-based hybrid solver is 1.87 times faster than most variants of PCG, among several, using different combinations of ordering, level-of-fill or threshold methods with an Incomplete Cholesky preconditioner.
The effect of X-rays on the mitotic activity of the adrenal gland, jejunum, lymph node and epidermis of the mouse

In the search for a suitable method of determining quantitatively the effects of mammalian tissue of sublethal doses of ionizing radiation, the following study of the mitotic indices of various mouse tissues following whole body irradiation was undertaken.
Optimization of extraction process for phenolic acids from black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) by pressurized liquid extraction

An investigation to optimize the extraction of phenolic acids from black cohosh using a pressurized liquid extractor system was studied with the aim of developing a generalized approach for sample preparation of phenolic compounds from plant matrices. Operating parameters such as solvent composition, solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, particle size distribution, and number of extraction cycles were identified as main variables that influence extraction efficiency. A mixture of methanol and water (60:40 v/v) was found to be the best solvent for total phenolics (TP) and individual phenolic acids. The four phenolic acids extracted from black cohosh were identified by HPLC and LC-MS as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid and isoferulic acid. Over 96% of the measured phenolics were extracted in first two cycles. The extraction efficiency for black cohosh with MeOH:H2O (60:40 v/v) was found to be maximum at a solid-to-solvent ratio of 80mgml −1 . TP content of the extract was found to increase with temperature up to 90 ◦ C. Particle size was found to have a large impact on extraction efficiency of TP. Samples with particle size between 0.25mm and 0.425mm provided optimum extraction of phenolics
Structure development in high‐speed spinning of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) fibers

The structural evolution in fibers produced by high-speed fiber spinning of Polyethylene 2,6 naphthalene dicarboxylate (polyethylene naphthalate) was investigated. The fibers were found to remain amorphous at speeds up to 2500 m/min, and subsequent increases in speed resulted in highly oriented crystalline domains containing primarily α crystalline modification. The fibers processed at and above 3500 m/min were found to contain the β modification together with the α modification. At the highest speed investigated, 4000 m/min, the crystalline regions became disordered, and this was attributed to low deformation temperatures that accompany neck-like deformation. Constrained annealing of the fibers results in relatively unoriented crystalline structure at 500 m/min. Although the WAXS patterns of fibers spun in the 1000–2500 m/min range do not show any crystalline peaks, these fibers develop crystalline regions with significant orientation upon constrained annealing. In addition, these regions were found to have both α and β crystalline phases, indicating that not only the α but also the β phase can be grown from the oriented amorphous precursors upon constrained annealing. From our experimental results we extrapolated a value of 0.791 100% crystalline PEN. The estimated intrinsic birefringence value for the amorphous PEN is 0.75. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 729–747, 1997
Diet and calorie restriction

Current data suggest that the life spans of commonly held rodent species have decreased and the occurrence of tumors occurs earlier in the lifespan of ad libitum-fed animals. The most likely cause of this change in the life span of barrier-reared genetically defined animals is increased body weight. The effects of caloric restriction on a variety of functional measures and on age-dependent tumors and lesions are the focus of this presentation. Recommendations for caloric restriction, or at least "dietary control," will be discussed.
Multinomial Logistic Regression Model for Single-Vehicle and Multivehicle Collisions on Urban U.S. Highways in Arkansas

AbstractMultivariate analysis can be used to identify the effects of several factors on the causes of a crash compared with univariate analysis. This paper uses a multivariate-analysis technique, the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model, to examine the differences in crash-contributing factors for six collision types for both divided- and undivided-highway nonjunctions, given that a crash has occurred. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate (1) single-vehicle and (2) multivehicle collisions, which included (1) angular, (2) head-on, (3) rear-end, (4) sideswipe-same-direction, and (5) sideswipe-opposite-direction collisions. The risks associated with different collision types were found to be significantly influenced by various vehicle actions. The risk of sideswipe-same-direction collisions was higher while changing lanes and merging on undivided and divided highways. Similarly, while merging, drivers were prone to angular collisions, and when slowing down to rear-end collisions on ...
Dosimetric comparisons of helical tomotherapy treatment plans and step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiosurgery treatment plans in intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery.

Purpose: To evaluate dose conformity, dose homogeneity, and dose gradient in helical tomotherapy treatment plans for stereotactic radiosurgery, and compare results with step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiosurgery (IMRS) treatment plans. Methods and Materials: Sixteen patients were selected with a mean tumor size of 14.65 ± 11.2 cm 3 . Original step-and-shoot IMRS treatment plans used coplanar fields because of the constraint of the beam stopper. Retrospective step-and-shoot IMRS plans were generated using noncoplanar fields. Helical tomotherapy treatment plans were generated using the tomotherapy planning station. Dose conformity index, dose gradient score index, and homogeneity index were used in plan intercomparisons. Results: Noncoplanar IMRS plans increased dose conformity and dose gradient, but not dose homogeneity, compared with coplanar IMRS plans. Tomotherapy plans increased dose conformity and dose gradient, yet increased dose heterogeneity compared with noncoplanar IMRS plans. The average dose conformity index values were 1.53 ± 0.38, 1.35 ± 0.15, and 1.26 ± 0.10 in coplanar IMRS, noncoplanar IMRS, and tomotherapy plans, respectively. The average dose homogeneity index values were 1.15 ± 0.05, 1.13 ± 0.04, and 1.18 ± 0.09 in coplanar IMRS, noncoplanar IMRS, and tomotherapy plans, respectively. The mean dose gradient score index values were 1.37 ± 19.08, 22.32 ± 19.20, and 43.28 ± 13.78 in coplanar IMRS, noncoplanar IMRS, and tomotherapy plans, respectively. The mean treatment time in tomotherapy was 42 ± 16 min. Conclusions: We were able to achieve better dose conformity and dose gradient in tomotherapy plans compared with step-and-shoot IMRS plans for intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery. However, tomotherapy treatment time was significantly larger than that in step-and-shoot IMRS.
Progress in manufacturing the first 8.4 m off-axis segment for the Giant Magellan Telescope

The first of the 8.4 m off-axis segments for the primary mirror of the Giant Magellan Telescope is being manufactured at the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab. In addition to the manufacture of the segment, this project includes the development of a complete facility to make and measure all seven segments. We have installed a new 28 m test tower and designed a set of measurements to guide the fabrication and qualify the finished segments. The first test, a lasertracker measurement of the ground surface, is operational. The principal optical test is a full-aperture interferometric test with a null corrector that includes a 3.75 m spherical mirror, a smaller sphere, and a computer-generated hologram. We have also designed a scanning pentaprism test to validate the measurement of low-order aberrations. The first segment has been cast and generated, and is in the process of loose-abrasive grinding.
An Analysis of Preservice Teacher Responses to Participation in a Literacy Program for New Immigrant Children

This qualitative examination of preservice teachers’ experiences as they volunteered for a literacy program for immigrant students was compiled over the 2010–2011 academic year. The data sources for this project consisted of 90 written journal reflections analyzed by both researchers to develop thematic categories of the participants’ comments and experiences that were reflected in the journals. Qualitative results generated from the university preservice teacher volunteers centered on four themes. These themes focused on (1) frustrations in working with ELL students, (2) pleasant experiences that confirmed their decision to enter the teaching profession, (3) recognizing that they are currently not well-prepared to work with diverse and/or low-income populations, and (4) surprises that language barriers were not as debilitating as what they had anticipated. Implications for preservice teacher education training are discussed.
Perflubron emulsion reduces inflammation during extracorporeal circulation.

The recovery from cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass can be complicated by an acute inflammatory response. Circulating blood through an extracorporeal circuit (ECC) contributes to this complication. Perfluorocarbon-based blood substitutes (PFCs) are under investigation for use as a component of the ECC "prime" solution, because PFCs increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the diluted blood. Some PFCs may provide the additional benefit of attenuating the ECC-induced inflammatory response. Earlier, we reported that perflubron emulsion (PFE, Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.) reduced neutrophil (PMN) activation in vivo. However, the potential of PFE to reduce ECC-induced PMN activation has not been investigated. In this study, we used a small-scale ECC model to quantify the extent of PMN activation during circulation and to examine if PFE treatment attenuated PMN activation. ECC circuits were filled with a mixture of blood and Plasmalyte. Two groups were studied: an untreated group containing blood plus PlasmaLyte and a treated group in which some of the Plasmalyte was substituted with PFE (4.5 g/100 ml). Hematology and measures of whole blood PMN activation were made from blood samples taken periodically throughout the 120-min ECC circulation period. We found, for the untreated group, a significant decrease in the number of circulating PMNs and an increase in PMN activation with time. PMN activation was demonstrated as a significant increase in the expression of the PMN adhesion protein CD11b (P < 0.05) and an increase in PMN oxygen free radical production (reactive oxygen species (ROS)). After 120 min of circulation, the PMNs remained capable of a significant response to a second inflammatory stimulus, but PFE treatment significantly attenuated the fMLP-induced increase in PMN ROS at t = 120 min (P < 0.05). These results suggest that PFE may have dual utility in cardiac surgery, to increase oxygen delivery and to serve as an antiinflammatory agent.
Managing HIV among serodiscordant heterosexual couples: serostatus, stigma and sex.

A qualitative study was conducted with 28 men and women in HIV-serodiscordant couples to explore the management of HIV in their relationship. Content analysis of the interviews revealed the role of serostatus and stigma in shaping partners' experience of HIV, sex and risk. Partners' differing serostatus often created feelings of alienation within the relationship. Compounding this interpersonal dynamic, the HIV service community was experienced as segregating because they were not funded or prepared to work with seronegative partners. Thus many, particularly seronegative women, felt invisible both within and outside of the relationship. Yet, the uninfected partners shared the burden of a stigmatizing illness because of the serodiscordant relationship. Stigma hindered communication about HIV and sex, disclosure to others and access to services. Many experienced HIV as a loss of their sexuality. Seronegative partners spoke about 'keeping sex alive' and often had to push to continue having sex. Couples used ...
The right tools for the job: regulating polyphenic morph development in insects

Polyphenism is a form of developmental plasticity in which organisms respond to environmental cues by producing adaptive, discrete, alternative phenotypes known as morphs. The phenomenon is common and important as both a form of adaptation and a source of variation for natural selection. Understanding the evolution of polyphenism will require understanding the proximate factors that regulate alternative morph production. Renewed interest and technological advances have fueled multiple approaches to the latter, including hormone manipulation studies, targeted transcriptomic studies, and epigenetic profiling. We review these studies and suggest that integration of multilayered approaches will be necessary to understand the complex mechanisms involved in regulating alternative morphologies.
On teaching median-finding algorithms

The relationship between quicksort and fast median algorithms is discussed. Both of these algorithms are often taught in the context of an undergraduate analysis of algorithms course, but the relationship between these methods is not usually perceived by the students. >
The naive execution of affine recurrence equations

In recognition of the fundamental relation between regular arrays and systems of affine recurrence equations, the ALPHA language was developed as the basis of a computer aided design methodology for regular array architectures. ALPHA is used to initially specify algorithms at a very high algorithmic level. Regular array architectures can then be derived from the algorithmic specification using a transformational approach supported by the ALPHA environment. This design methodology guarantees the final design to be correct by construction, assuming the initial algorithm was correct. In this paper, we address the problem of validating an initial specification. We demonstrate a translation methodology which compiles ALPHA into the imperative sequential language C. The C-code may then be compiled and executed to test the specification. We show how an ALPHA program can be naively implemented by viewing it as a set of monolithic arrays and their filing functions, implemented using applicative caching. This is the approach which is used by the translator. We discuss two problems that had to be solved before implementing the translator. The first is how to allocate 1-dimensional storage for a polyhedron, and the second is how to scan a polyhedron with nested loops.
Regulation of nucleoside diphosphate kinase and secretable virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: roles of algR2 and algH.

Alginate is an important virulence factor for Pseudomonas aeruginosa during infection of the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The genes encoding enzymes for alginate production by P. aeruginosa are normally silent. They are activated in response to several environmental conditions, including high osmolarity, exposure to ethanol, or long-term growth under conditions of nutrient deprivation. Several genes which participate in the activation of alginate gene promoters have been identified; among these is the algR2 (algQ) gene. AlgR2 is an 18-kDa protein which has been shown to regulate the critical algD gene encoding GDP-mannose dehydrogenase as well as to regulate the levels of a tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, i.e., succinyl coenzyme A synthetase, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk), an enzyme involved in nucleoside triphosphate synthesis. Succinyl coenzyme A synthetase and Ndk form a complex in P. aeruginosa. While algR2 is required for alginate synthesis at 37 degrees C, an algR2 insertion mutant was still able to make alginate slowly at 37 or at 30 degrees C. We used this observation to identify and clone a gene, termed algH. A strain with mutations in both algR2 and algH is unable to produce alginate at either 37 or 30 degrees C, and it is fully defective in Ndk production.
Absence of the posterior tibial artery. A case report

In the case presented, the arteriograms showed that the peroneal artery had replaced the absent posterior tibial artery. The peroneal artery coursed medially below the ankle joint to become the plantar arteries of the foot. This has been previously described in the medical literature.
Clinical and Translational Oral Health Research Prospects for the Future

Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Division of Clinical Innovation, Bethesda, MD, USA; and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Special Health Affairs, Rockville, MD, USA; *corresponding author, wgiannob@umich.edu
The Impact of Regional AIDS Prevalence on Sexual Practices in Jamaica

This paper investigates whether the choice of sexual practices is influenced by the prevalence of AIDS within the Jamaican population using a nationally representative sample of 1498 individuals 15 to 49 years of age. It was found that regional variations in AIDS prevalence affect condom use consistency among unmarried individuals. Individuals were more likely to use condoms always during intercourse if they resided in high-prevalence areas. AIDS prevalence also has a statistically significant effect on the number of sexual partners. The statistically significant relationship between choice of sexual practices and AIDS prevalence remains after controlling for the level of current and past prevention activity. (authors)