cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microvenular hemangioma: a clinicopathologic review of 13 cases.

Background Microvenular hemangioma is an uncommon benign vascular tumor that can potentially be mistaken for malignancy. Methods We reviewed the histopathologic and clinical features of 13 microvenular hemangiomas, which represents the largest series reported to date. Results The patients [female (F) = 8 and male (M) = 5] had a mean age of 39 years (range: 16 months–69 years). All presented with a similar history of a new, asymptomatic, stable or slow-growing, red to purple plaque or nodule. The lesions were located on the extremities, chest, back or abdomen. Two patients had multiple lesions. In six, a vascular tumor was not suspected clinically. Histologically, all were composed of a dermal proliferation of thin-walled, often branching, vascular channels dissecting through collagen fibers. The vessels were surrounded by a conspicuous layer of pericytes. Immunohistochemistry showed that all were positive for a vascular marker. Stains for WT-1 were positive in 9 of 10. None of the lesions tested (0/12) were positive for podoplanin or human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) (0/9). Follow-up available on six patients showed no recurrences. Conclusion The histomorphology of microvenular hemangioma frequently raises concern for a malignant vascular lesion, especially Kaposi sarcoma. Identification of characteristic features, particularly the pericyte layer in routinely stained sections or with an SMA immunostain, allows an accurate diagnosis.
A low bandwidth pulse-based neural recording system

This research investigates a novel data reduction scheme using adaptive leaky refractory integrate-and-fire (ALRIF) neurons to generate pulses for an implanted neural recording system in wireless transmission applications. The wireless implanted multi-channel recording system imposes many constraints on the system but the major constraint is on low bandwidth. Other constraints including low bandwidth transmission, large dynamic range, low power consumption, small device size and noise robustness, though serious, can be more easily met. This proposed scheme promises to dramatically reduce the required communication bandwidth via three versatile neuron circuit strategies: adaptive, leaky and refractory neurons. This system consists of both front-end hardware and a back-end signal processing. Analog VLSI circuitry (AMI 0.6µm CMOS) was chosen to implement the front-end hardware to transform the signal to a pulse representation with ultra-low bandwidth. On the back-end, the system can either reconstruct the original signal and run traditional spike sorting or run spike sorting directly in the pulse domain. The ALRIF neuron circuit can reduce the bandwidth efficiently to support the pulse-based spike sorting. MATLAB simulation results for the neuron models are proof of concept. Circuit design for each building block has been presented and simulated in Cadence. Bench-top hardware system testing shows feasibility of in vivo neural recording applications.
Distribution of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes in the rat kidney

ANG II contributes importantly to the regulation of renal vascular resistance, glomerular filtration, and tubular epithelial transport, yet there remains a paucity of information regarding the loca...
Signal, Noise, Performance, and Age:

Ten years ago, it seemed reasonable to summarize two decades of research on the age changes in central mechanisms affecting performance under four main headings: slowing of perception and action, i...
Heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion of barium titanate-based ceramics

Abstract Barium titanate (BaTiO3)-based ceramics have been used widely as dielectric layers in manufacturing multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in the electronics industry. In this study, the heat capacities of two different BaTiO3-based ceramic materials were determined as a function of temperature using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The densities of these materials were measured at room temperature using Archimedes’ principle. Using these experimental values, the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of each material were determined at room temperature with a hot disk sensor, which is a transient technique for rapid thermal conductivity measurement. Finally, the linear coefficients of thermal expansion of these materials were determined using thermomechanical analysis (TMA) from −50 to 250 °C. All these data are useful in modeling the stress and the reliability performance of these chip capacitors under various conditions.
Influence of proteins on the reorganization of phospholipid bilayers into large domains

Using large (5–10 microns) vesicles formed in the presence of phospholipids fluorescently labeled on the acyl chain and visualized using a fluorescence microscope, charge-coupled-device camera, and digital image processor, we examined the effects of membrane proteins on phospholipid domain formation. In vesicles composed of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylcholine, incubation with cytochrome c induced the reorganization of phospholipids into large phosphatidic acid-enriched domains with the exclusion of phosphatidylcholine. Cytochrome c binding was demonstrated to be highest in the phosphatidic acid-enriched domain of the vesicle using the absorbance of the heme moiety for visualization. Both binding of cytochrome c and phospholipid reorganization were blocked by pretreatment of the vesicles with 0.1 M NaCl. The pore forming peptide gramicidin was examined for the effects of an integral protein on domain formation. Initially, gramicidin distributed randomly within the vesicle and showed no phospholipid specificity. Phosphatidic acid domain formation in the presence of 2.0 mM CaCl2 or 100 microM cytochrome c was not affected by the presence of 5 mol % gramicidin within the vesicles. In both cases, gramicidin was preferentially excluded from the phosphatidic acid-enriched domain and became associated with phosphatidylcholine-enriched areas of the vesicle. Thus, cytochrome c caused a major reorganization of both the phospholipids and the proteins in the bilayer.
Kunze receives Macelwane Medal

The James B. Macelwane Medal for significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by a young scientist of outstanding ability was presented to Eric Kunze at the 1992 AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony on December 9, 1992. The meeting was held in San Francisco. The award citation, delivered by Ray Schmitt, as well as Kunze's response, are presented here. “I am grateful to the American Geophysical Union for this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and substantial scientific contributions of Eric Kunze. I know that formal public acclaim is not his favorite pastime, as he is an instinctively modest person, and I particularly relish this occasion to give him a well-deserved honor.
Video-assisted thoracoscopy for pulmonary decortication in children

Drainage of multiloculated, organized empyemas can be difficult. Open thoracotomy and decortication are sometimes necessary. The authors present two cases in children who were successfully treated by drainage of the multiloculated empyemas and pulmonary decortication with video-assisted thoracoscopy. This minimally invasive technique is easy to perform and feasible even in small children. An additional advantage of early use of this technique is that it facilitates pulmonary decortication.
Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Adult Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Acute Heart Failure Syndromes

Andy S. Jagoda, MD (Chair 2003-2006) Wyatt W. Decker, MD Jonathan A. Edlow, MD Francis M. Fesmire, MD Steven A. Godwin, MD Sigrid A. Hahn, MD (EMRA Representative 2003-2004, Committee member 2005-2006) John M. Howell, MD J. Stephen Huff, MD Thomas W. Lukens, MD, PhD Donna L. Mason, RN, MS, CEN (ENA Representative 2004-2005) Michael Moon, RN, CNS, MSN, CEN (ENA Representative 2004) Anthony M. Napoli, MD (EMRA Representative 20042006) Devorah Nazarian, MD Jim Richmann, RN, BS, MA (c), CEN (ENA
Job-Related Stress and Chronic Health Conditions Among Filipino Immigrants

Objectives We investigate how duration in the US impacts the relationship between job-related stress and health conditions among Filipino immigrants. Methods Using data from the Filipino American Community Epidemiologic Study, a cross-sectional sample of 1,381 immigrant Filipinos was obtained. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the interaction between years residing in the US and job concerns on number of self-reported health conditions. Results Job concern is positively associated with health conditions for all immigrants no matter what length of time they have spent in the US. This association is strongest for recent immigrants and the strength of the association weakened with increasing time spent in the US. Conclusions Findings suggest that job-related stressors are associated with adverse health outcomes among Filipino immigrants and that this relationship is strongest for newer immigrants. New immigrants should be recognized as a vulnerable group with regard to the impact of work on their well-being.
Metallic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Conductive Nanocomposites

This article reports an unambiguous demonstration that bulk-separated metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes offer superior performance (consistently and substantially better than the as-produced nanotube sample) in conductive composites with poly(3-hexylthiophene) and also in transparent conductive coatings based on PEDOT:PSS. The results serve as a validation on the widely held view that the carbon nanotubes are competitive in various technologies currently dominated by conductive inorganic materials (such as indium tin oxide).
Zinc Exhibits Ideal Physiological Corrosion Behavior for Bioabsorbable Stents

Zinc is proposed as an exciting new biomaterial for use in bioabsorbable cardiac stents. Not only is zinc a physiologically relevant metal with behavior that promotes healthy vessels, but it combines the best behaviors of both current bioabsorbable stent materials: iron and magnesium. Shown here is a composite image of zinc degradation in a murine (rat) artery.
Clinical Benefit of American College of Chest Physicians versus European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Stroke Prophylaxis in Atrial Fibrillation

Guidelines for anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) conflict with each other. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines suggest no anticoagulant therapy for patients with a CHADS2 score of 0. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prefer anticoagulant therapy for patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc of 1, which includes 65–74-year-olds with a CHADS2 score of 0. Resolving this conflicting advice is important, because these guidelines have potential to change anticoagulant therapy in 10 % of the AF population. Using the National Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (NRAF) II data set, we compared these guidelines using stroke equivalents. Based on structured review of 23,657 patient records, we identified 65–74-year-old patients with a CHADS2 stroke score of 0 and no contraindication to warfarin. We used Medicare claims data to ascertain rates of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and other hemorrhage. We calculated net stroke equivalents for these (N = 478) patients using a weight of 1.5 for intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) and 1.0 for ischemic stroke. In a multivariate analysis, we used 14,466 records with documented atrial fibrillation and adjusted for CHADS2 and HEMORR2 HAGES score. In 65–74-year-old patients with a CHADS2 stroke score of 0, the stroke equivalents per 100 patient-years was 2.6 with warfarin and 2.9 without warfarin; the difference between these two strategies was not significant (0.3 stroke equivalents, 95 % CI −3.2 to 3.7). However, rates of hemorrhage per 100 patient-years were nearly tripled (hazard ratio 2.9; 95 % CI 1.5–5.4; p = 0.0011) with warfarin (21.1) versus without it (7.4). The most common site for major hemorrhage was gastrointestinal (ICD-9 code 578.9). By expanding warfarin use to 65-–74-year-olds with a CHADS2 score of 0, rates of hemorrhages would rise without a significant reduction in stroke equivalents.
District-level economic linkages in Kenya: Evidence based on a small regional social accounting matrix

Abstract This paper explores the nature and extent of the economic linkages in a small regional economy defined by a market center and its hinterland in Kenya. The analysis is based on a set of income and employment multipliers derived from a social accounting matrix estimated for the region. Issues considered include the impact of production activities on regional value added and employment; the influence of sectoral production on the level of household income and the impact of household expenditure on regional value added; and the relative significance of production and consumption linkages in terms of stimulating aggregate income. The above questions are examined under the assumption of complete excess capacity in regional production and under the assumption of supply constraints in agriculture. The usefulness of the analysis for district level economic planning is demonstrated.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone Deficiency in Females With Fanconi Anemia

Context: In females with Fanconi anemia (FA), infertility is often accompanied by diminished ovarian reserve and hypergonadotropic amenorrhea before the age of 30 years, suggesting primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI is typically diagnosed only after perimenopausal symptoms are observed. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess whether serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels can serve as a cycle-independent marker for the diagnosis of POI in patients with FA. Design and Setting: This observational study used the National Cancer Institute's inherited bone marrow failure syndrome cohort at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Participants: The study included 22 females with FA, 20 unaffected female relatives of patients with FA, and 21 unrelated healthy females under 41 years of age. Main Outcome Measure: Serum AMH, a marker of ovarian reserve, was measured in all participants. Results: Females with FA had very low AMH levels (median 0.05 ng/mL; range 0–2.32 ng/mL; P < .001) ...
International co-movements and business cycle transmission between Korea and Japan

Abstract This study examines the economic relationship and interdependence between Korea and Japan. Using macroeconomic data, an event chronology, and trade flows, I examine the question, are business cycles transmitted from Japan to Korea, and/or from Korea to Japan? And, how has that transmission changed over time? The study uses structured vector autoregressions (SVARs) to analyze monthly data 1960.01–2002.01 on industrial production, prices, interest rates, money supplies, and exchange rates. Japanese business cycles are found to have a moderate effect upon business cycle fluctuations in Korea, and that influence seems to be increasing over time. J. Japanese Int. Economies 18 (1) (2004) 57–83.
Sublethal detoxification responses to contaminant exposure associated with offshore production platforms

Plusieurs marqueurs biologiques de l'exposition aux hydrocarbures aromatiques ont ete utilises pour evaluer la contamination associee a la mise en valeur et a la production de petrole et de gaz dans le golfe du Mexique. Plusieurs especes de poisson et d'invertebres ont ete echantilloneees dans des stations proches ( 3 000 m) du centre de trois plates-formes. Aucun ecart important entre stations proches et eloignees n'a ete observe pour ce qui est de l'activite de l'aryl-hydrocarbure-hydroxylase (AHH) dans les especes d'invertebres. La seule induction notable de l'ethoxyresorufine-O-desethylase (EROD) lors d'essais biologiques sur cellules H4IIE a ete observee dans des cellules dosees aux extraits de crevette grise (Penaeus aztecus) echantillonnes a la station proche MAI-686. Toutefois, aucun gradient des contaminants dans les sediments n'a ete decele pour cette plate-forme. Aucun ecart important entre stations proches et eloignees n'a ete decele dans 16 especes de poisson pour ce qui est des activites de l'EROD et de l'AHH, des niveaux d'ARNm CYP1A et des concentrations biliaires de metabolites d'hydrocarbure aromatique polynucleaire (HAP). Mais des ecarts ont ete observes, selon les especes, dans l'activite de l'EROD et les concentrations de metabolites de HAP. De plus, un complexe recepteur d'hydrocarbures aromatiques radiomarque sur le noyau aromatique a ete caracterise chez deux especes de poisson.
High-order accurate methods for Nyström discretization of integral equations on smooth curves in the plane

Boundary integral equations and Nystrom discretization provide a powerful tool for the solution of Laplace and Helmholtz boundary value problems. However, often a weakly-singular kernel arises, in which case specialized quadratures that modify the matrix entries near the diagonal are needed to reach a high accuracy. We describe the construction of four different quadratures which handle logarithmically-singular kernels. Only smooth boundaries are considered, but some of the techniques extend straightforwardly to the case of corners. Three are modifications of the global periodic trapezoid rule, due to Kapur---Rokhlin, to Alpert, and to Kress. The fourth is a modification to a quadrature based on Gauss---Legendre panels due to Kolm---Rokhlin; this formulation allows adaptivity. We compare in numerical experiments the convergence of the four schemes in various settings, including low- and high-frequency planar Helmholtz problems, and 3D axisymmetric Laplace problems. We also find striking differences in performance in an iterative setting. We summarize the relative advantages of the schemes.
The influence of the enthalpy of mixing during the laser deposition of complex titanium alloys using elemental blends

Abstract The β-rich Timetal 21S alloy has been successfully laser-deposited from both pre-alloyed as well as a blend of elemental powders. The influence of the thermodynamic enthalpy of mixing of the elemental powders on the microstructure and compositional homogeneity has been investigated and subsequently engineered by substituting the Mo with Cr, resulting in enhanced exothermic mixing.
Initial medical treatment for acute type a intramural hematoma and aortic dissection.

Background There are contradictory reports on outcomes of patients treated for Stanford type A acute intramural hematoma (IMH) and acute aortic dissections (AAD) with thrombosed false lumens. We evaluated short-term clinical outcomes and predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 59 symptomatic patients with type A acute IMH and AAD with thrombosed thoracic false lumens who initially received treatment. Survival, aortic death (death from aortic events and sudden deaths), and aortic event-free survival rates were investigated. False lumen thickness ratios (FTR [false lumen thickness/aortic diameter]) were measured by computed tomography scan and the relationship with aortic events was evaluated. Results Survival, aortic death-free survival, and aortic event-free survival rates at 2 years were 90.0%, 96.6%, and 55.8%, respectively. Ascending aortic diameters, false lumen thickness of the ascending aortas, and rate of penetrating aortic ulcers in the ascending aortas were higher among patients with aortic events. The FTR of the ascending aorta (FTRA)/FTR of the descending aorta (FTRD) was also higher in these patients (1.3 ± 0.9 versus 0.8 ± 0.5, p = 0.0021). Multivariate analysis revealed FTRA/FTRD greater than 0.98 (odds ratio 5.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 1.72; p = 0.0431) as an independent predictor of aortic events. An FTRA/FTRD greater than 0.98 predicted aortic events with 87.1% sensitivity and 58.4% specificity. Conclusions High aortic event rates were seen after treatment for type A acute IMH and AAD with thrombosed thoracic false lumens. Nevertheless, short-term survival rates were favorable. An FTRA/FTRD greater than 0.98 may be a highly sensitive predictor for aortic events.
Squibs and discussions: the DOP Estimation method is biased and inconsistent

A data-oriented parsing or DOP model for statistical parsing associates fragments of linguistic representations with numerical weights, where these weights are estimated by normalizing the empirical frequency of each fragment in a training corpus (see Bod [1998] and references cited therein). This note observes that this estimation method is biased and inconsistent; that is, the estimated distribution does not in general converge on the true distribution as the size of the training corpus increases.
Oil Production from Fractured Reservoirs by Water Displacement

A study has been made of the flow behavior of fractured oil reservoirs produced by water displacement. A 2-dimensional numerical model capable of simulating flow of water and oil in the matrix blocks as well as in the fractures has been developed. The validity of the model has been checked against data from a laboratory experiment involving a matrix-fracture system. Good agreement was observed between the laboratory and simulation results. By means of numerical simulation, the effects of production rate and fracture flow capacity on the production history and ultimate oil recovery of a fractured system have been evaluated. Results are presented for a single matrix-block system where the block is surrounded by horizontal and vertical fractures. Production rates ranging from 0.05 to 5 times the gravity reference rate of the matrix, and fracture flow capacities ranging from 0.1 to 10 times the flow capacity of the matrix are included in the investigation. (32 refs.)
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars IV: New taxa and combinations in Elaeagia and Warszewiczia (Rondeletieae) from Mexico, Central America, and Colombia

The new species Elaeagia chiriquina of western Panama and E. glossostipula of western Panama and adjacent eastern Costa Rica, described and illustrated here, have been confused with several species of Elaeagia, but can be distinguished by details of the stipules, calyx, and corolla. Elaeagia uxpanapensis Lorence of Oaxaca, Mexico, is here transferred to Warszewiczia based on details of its flower and fruit morphology. This species is also represented by populations disjunct in Costa Rica and northwestern Colombia; these southern populations differ in their larger fruits, and are here separated as W uxpanapensis subsp. meridionalis. RESUMEN. Las especies nuevas Elaeagia chiriquina del oeste de Panama y E. glossostipula del oeste de Panamai y el este adyacente de Costa Rica, que se describen e ilustran aqui, se han confundido con varias especies de Elaeagia, pero se distinguen por detalles de las estipulas, cAliz y corola. Elaeagia uxpanapensis Lorence de Oaxaca, M6xico, aquf se transfiere a Warszewiczia basado en detalles de la morfologfa de las flores y los frutos. Esta especie se encuentra en poblaciones disjuntas en Costa Rica y el noroeste de Colombia; estas poblaciones surefias se distinguen por los frutos mais grandes, y aquf se separan en W uxpanapensis subsp. meridionalis.
The role of early enteral nutrition in protecting premature infants from sepsis

Care of critically ill, preterm infants is a major challenge. Because of their small size and complex health problems, preterm infants require long-term hospitalization in the intensive care unit where they are exposed to serious microorganisms and other antigens that can overwhelm their immature immune systems. As smaller and more fragile preterm infants are surviving NICU care, these infants are at increased risk for nosocomial infections. Although modern antimicrobial agents are invaluable in the management of infection, they can result in biologic stress to the immature physiology of the preterm infant. Nonpharmacologic strategies to enhance the immunocompetence of the preterm immune systems provide another alternative in the management of these infants. Because the gastrointestinal tract is one of the largest immune organs within the body, strategies to maximize its immune functions can improve the outcome of these infants and help prevent or minimize the risk of infection. One such strategy is the early introduction of enteral feedings designed to stimulate or prime the gut. Early introduction of enteral feedings in the acutely ill preterm infant appears to be well tolerated in a variety of small clinical studies. Although the studies vary considerably in design and variables measured, collectively they show a solid trend toward improved outcomes. By preventing the negative consequences of a prolonged period of NPO, early enteral feedings promote the normal processes of the gut as a physical, mechanical, physiologic, and immunologic barrier. A solid understanding of the pathophysiology of prolonged NPO status and the physiology of the gut's immune properties enables critical care nurses to improve care of these vulnerable NICU patients.
The human health effects of Florida red tide (FRT) blooms: an expanded analysis

Human respiratory and digestive illnesses can be caused by exposures to brevetoxins from blooms of the marine alga Karenia brevis, also known as Florida red tide (FRT). K. brevis requires macro-nutrients to grow; although the sources of these nutrients have not been resolved completely, they are thought to originate both naturally and anthropogenically. The latter sources comprise atmospheric depositions, industrial effluents, land runoffs, or submerged groundwater discharges. To date, there has been only limited research on the extent of human health risks and economic impacts due to FRT. We hypothesized that FRT blooms were associated with increases in the numbers of emergency room visits and hospital inpatient admissions for both respiratory and digestive illnesses. We sought to estimate these relationships and to calculate the costs of associated adverse health impacts. We developed environmental exposure-response models to test the effects of FRT blooms on human health, using data from diverse sources. We estimated the FRT bloom-associated illness costs, using extant data and parameters from the literature. When controlling for resident population, a proxy for tourism, and seasonal and annual effects, we found that increases in respiratory and digestive illnesses can be explained by FRT blooms. Specifically, FRT blooms were associated with human health and economic effects in older cohorts (≥55 years of age) in six southwest Florida counties. Annual costs of illness ranged from $60,000 to $700,000 annually, but these costs could exceed $1.0 million per year for severe, long-lasting FRT blooms, such as the one that occurred during 2005. Assuming that the average annual illness costs of FRT blooms persist into the future, using a discount rate of 3%, the capitalized costs of future illnesses would range between $2 and 24 million.
The numerical solution of steady-state skin effect problems--An integrodifferential approach

An entirely new formulation of the classical steady-state skin effect problem is presented. The magnetic vector potential is obtained directly from the projective solution of a single integrodifferential equation. In this new form of the steady-state diffusion equation, the known measurable total current in conductors replaces the usual unknown source current density vector. The validity and correctness of the new formulation are demonstrated by a simple, easily verifiable example based on finite element discretization.
Maturational changes in the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone by nitric oxide in neonatal rats.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of vasomotor tone in the pulmonary circulation. We tested the hypothesis that the role NO plays in regulating vascular tone changes during early postnata...
Impact, mechanisms, and novel chemotherapy strategies for overcoming resistance to anthracyclines and taxanes in metastatic breast cancer

Despite advances in treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), prognosis remains poor and median survival is 2–3 years. Resistance to antineoplastics mediated by many factors, potentially including overexpression of drug efflux proteins or altered β-tubulin isotype expression limits the effectiveness of MBC chemotherapy. Capecitabine, approved for anthracycline- and taxane-resistant MBC, has produced modest responses, highlighting the need for more effective treatments for MBC resistant to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Agents with potential to reverse drug resistance have not proven effective. Albumin-bound paclitaxel is a formulation that may enhance delivery to tumor tissues. Conversely, ixabepilone, an epothilone analog, has been reported to have lower susceptibility to at least some mechanisms of tumor resistance and clinical activity in resistant/refractory MBC. The topoisomerase-I inhibitor irinotecan also has low cross-resistance with other antineoplastics, and has shown some activity against refractory MBC. Development of new agents and identification of genetic biomarkers in translational studies promise to improve management of patients with resistant/refractory breast cancer.
Assessing work for static software bug detection

A common static software bug detection technique is to use path simulation. Each execution path is simulated using symbolic variables to determine if any software errors could occur. The scalability of these approaches is dependent on the number of paths in the program. This paper uses number of paths in a program to estimate the amount of work necessary to determine if a particular pointer or array operation is safe. A unique aspect in the study is that we explore the amount of work necessary for verifying the operations together versus verifying operations individually. Results show that the work for the worst-case operation individually generally improves but the magnitude of this improvement is dependent on the program. Often, there are one or two functions that contribute a large percentage of the paths. The results depend on how critical these functions are to verifying an individual operation.
Comparison of rates of feeding and biodeposition of the American oyster, Grassostrea virginica Gmelin, fed different species of phytoplankton☆

Abstract The feeding and biodeposition rates of small (2.4 cm) and large (5.2 cm) Crassostrea virginica were differently affected in experiments using flowing systems by moderate (292 μ C/1 sea water) and high (487 μ C/1 sea water) concentrations of the following phytoplankton: the diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hasle & Heindal) (Cyclotella nana), Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve, Nitzschia closterium (Ehrenberg) Wm. Smith, and the green alga, Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher. The average feeding rate of the oysters on the different phytoplankton was: Dunaliella The response of the feeding rate of the two sizes of oysters to food concentration differed according to the algal food source. Oysters fed on Thalassiosira and Skeletonema exhibited a higher feeding rate at a higher food level: in contrast, oysters fed on Nitzschia showed no significant differences and those cultured on Dunaliella a depressed feeding rate at the higher food concentration. We observed no differences in feeding rate between small and large oysters fed on Skeletonema and Dunaliella, but small oysters had a higher feeding rate than large oysters when cultured on Thalassiosira and a lower feeding rate when fed on Niitzschia. The smaller size of Thalassiosira and larger size of Nitzschia might account for these differences in the feeding efficiency of small oysters. The biodeposition rates of both sizes of oysters were also affected by food concentration of the different algae. At the high food concentration with Skeletonema, Nitzschia, and Dunaliella, all oysters showed a marked increase in the rate of biodeposition, but oysters fed on Thalassiosira exhibited no great change. On all species of phytoplankton, the larger oysters produced greater biodeposition than the smaller oysters. These differences in response of feeding and biodeposition rates are important to our knowledge of food chain dynamics and may be used to optimize aquaculture systems.
A discrete-time analog signal processor for disk read channels

A signal processor that incorporates equalization, clock recovery, AGC (automatic gain control), and peak detection for waveforms in the disk read channel and operates up to a 40-MHz clock rate is described. The 2- mu m CMOS IC uses precision analog MOS signal processing implemented with scaled-down unit cells and dissipates 500 mW from a 5-V power supply. The IC layout is hand-crafted. The 6.8-mm*4.6-mm die is fabricated in a 2- mu m, double-poly, double-metal technology. Measurements on one half-delay cell show a transfer efficiency of 0.994 and 10-b linearity across full-scale. >
The effect of bile salts on the formation and hydrolysis of cholesterol esters by rat liver enzymes.

Abstract To determine the effects of different bile salts on the enzymic esterification of cholesterol and the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters rat liver homogenates and rat liver microsomes were incubated with varying amounts of different bile salts. Bile salts inhibited the formation of radioactive cholesterol esters in incubations of either rat liver homogenates or rat liver microsomes containing [14C]cholesterol. Chenodeoxycholate, glycochenodeoxycholate and taurochenodeoxycholate were more potent inhibitors than their comparable cholate analogues. Bile salts stimulated the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters when incubations were carried out with the liver homogenates. The dihydroxy bile salts were again more potent in this regard than the trihydroxylated bile salts. When the effects of bile salts on cholesterol ester hydrolysis were studied in in vitro incubations of hepatic microsomes a biphasic mode of action was observed. In the absence of Na4 or K+ bile salts stimulated the hydrolysis of cholesterol oleate. However, following the addition of either Na+ or K+ to the microsomal incubations, bile salts caused an inhibition of cholesterol ester hydrolysis. Since cholesterol esterification was also inhibited under these conditions a direct inhibitory effect (not attributable to enhanced hydrolase activity) of the bile salts on the formation of cholesterol esters by the microsomes was established. Furthermore, this inhibition takes place at the transacylation step involving the fatty acyl-CoA ester and the sterol. These results suggest that bile salts can significantly alter the cholesterol-cholesterol ester profile in the liver, and furthermore, that these effects may be influenced by small changes in the intracellular environment in the region where these reactions occur.
THE ROLE OF SULFHYDRYL GROUPS IN THE BLEACHING AND SYNTHESIS OF RHODOPSIN

The condensation of retinene(1) with opsin to form rhodopsin is optimal at pH about 6, a pH which favors the condensation of retinene(1) with sulfhydryl rather than with amino groups. The synthesis of rhodopsin, though unaffected by the less powerful sulfhydryl reagents, monoiodoacetic acid and its amide, is inhibited completely by p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB). This inhibition is reversed in part by the addition of glutathione. PCMB does not attack rhodopsin itself, nor does it react with retinene(1). Its action in this system is confined to the -SH groups of opsin. Under some conditions the synthesis of rhodopsin is aided by the presence of such a sulfhydryl compound as glutathione, which helps to keep the -SH groups of opsin free and reduced. By means of the amperometric silver titration of Kolthoff and Harris, it is shown that sulfhydryl groups are liberated in the bleaching of rhodopsin, two such groups for each retinene(1) molecule that appears. This is true equally of rhodopsin from the retinas of cattle, frogs) and squid. The exposure of new sulfhydryl groups adds an important element to the growing evidence that relates the bleaching of rhodopsin to protein denaturation. The place of sulfhydryl groups in the structure of rhodopsin is still uncertain. They may be concerned directly in binding the chromophore to opsin; or alternatively they may furnish hydrogen atoms for some reductive change by which the chromophore is formed from retinene(1). In the amperometric silver titration, the bleaching of rhodopsin yields directly an electrical variation. This phenomenon may have some fundamental connection with the role of rhodopsin in visual excitation, and may provide a model of the excitation process in general.
Increasing the Elution of Vancomycin from High-Dose Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cement: A Novel Preparation Technique

Background: Antibiotic bone cement is commonly used in staged revision arthroplasty as well as the treatment of open fractures. Multiple factors affect antibiotic elution from bone cement. This study was performed to investigate the effect of two variables, the quantity of liquid monomer and the timing of antibiotic addition, on the ultimate elution of antibiotic from bone cement. Methods: Vancomycin-loaded Simplex P and SmartSet MV bone cement was prepared with three different methods: a common surgical technique, a mixing technique that doubled the amount of liquid monomer, and a novel technique that delayed antibiotic addition until after thirty seconds of polymerization. Cylinders of a standardized size were created from each preparation. The elution profiles of five cylinders from each preparation were measured over six weeks with use of high-performance liquid chromatography. Cylinders were tested in compression to quantify strength. Results: Delayed antibiotic addition resulted in significantly greater cumulative elution over six weeks (p < 0.0001), with minimal reduction in strength, compared with the other groups. Doubling the liquid monomer significantly reduced cumulative elution over six weeks compared with either of the other techniques (p < 0.0001). Vancomycin elution from Simplex P was 52% greater and vancomycin elution from SmartSet MV was 25% greater in the delayed-antibiotic-addition groups than it was in the corresponding standard surgical technique groups. The majority of the antibiotic was released over the first week in all groups. Conclusions: High-dose-antibiotic bone cement prepared with delayed antibiotic addition increased vancomycin elution compared with the standard surgical preparation. Incorporating additional liquid monomer decreased vancomycin elution from high-dose-antibiotic cement. We recommend preparing high-dose-antibiotic bone cement with the delayed-antibiotic-addition technique and not incorporating additional liquid monomer. Clinical Relevance: Both the relative volume of liquid monomer and the timing of antibiotic addition have substantial effects on the elution of antibiotic from bone cement.
DRR research beyond commercial off-the-shelf OCR software: a survey

After decades of research, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) has entered into a relatively mature stage. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) OCR software packages have become powerful tools in Document Recognition and Retrieval (DRR) applications. One question naturally arises: What areas are left for new DRR research beyond COTS OCR software? There are many discussions around it in recent conferences. This paper attempts to address this question through a systematic survey of recently reported DRR projects as well as our own Digital Content Re-Mastering (DCRM) research at HP Labs. This survey has shown that custom DRR research is still in great need for better accuracy and reliability, complementary contents, or downstream information retrieval. Several concrete observations are also made on the basis of this survey: First, the basic character/word recognition is mostly taken on by COTS software, with a few exceptions. Second, system-level research with regard to reliability and guaranteed accuracy can seldom be replaced by COTS software. Third, document-level structure understanding still has much room to expand. Fourth, post-OCR information retrieval also has many challenging research topics.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Virtual Design and Test of Manipulator’s Clamping Mechanism for Carrying Cylindrical Lithium Battery

Designed a manipulator’s clamping mechanism for a cylindrical electric vehicle lithium battery carrying, made virtual structure design with software UG, realized the UG and ADAMS data exchange with Parasolid format, carried on virtual dynamic simulation for clamping force and contact constraint with ADAMS, virtually tested and analyzed force in coordination with kinetic parameters of clamping mechanism, finally, design of the clamping mechanism meets the requirements of large-scale battery inspection and maintenance of production lines.
Women treated differently: why the “reasonable woman” standard might not be reasonable

Sexual harassment law addresses hostile environments by evaluating whether the workplace environment would be considered hostile by a “reasonable woman”. But who is a reasonable woman? Defendant‐employers may present one group of women employees as representative “reasonable” women and assert that any of these women’s co‐workers who have had different experiences with regard to sexual harassment are not “reasonable”. However, when male employees categorize various groups of female coworkers differently and, subsequently, treat them differently, the experiences of women from one of these groups would not be indicative of the experiences of women from an other group. This “selective sexual harassment” was present in the workplace I studied: while both groups of women were “reasonable”, they had very different experiences, only one of which might be confirmed by a court as the perspective of “reasonable” women. This article advocates for a version of the “reason ble victim” standard to facilitate a closer analysis of hostile environment sexual harassment suits.
The cytogenetics of myelodysplastic syndromes

The myelodysplastic syndromes are a collection of five clinico-pathological entities with a wide spectrum of clinical behaviours and survival outcomes. Cytogenetic analysis has been instrumental in refining the prognosis, predicting the likelihood of progression to acute myeloid leukaemia and median survival, and in establishing clonality of these diseases. This review highlights the most frequent abnormalities and summarizes their clinical and genetic features.
Unraveling the Mystery of Ribosome Induced RNA Unfolding

During translation, the ribosome encounters various structures in the mRNA from simple hairpins to more complex tertiary RNA folds. These structures must be unwound for accurate decoding and translation to proceed. To probe the unwinding activity of the ribosome, we prepared dye labeled RNA transcripts and dye labeled ribosomes to directly report on the folded/unfolded states of the RNA at various stages along the translational elongation cycle. Consistent with previous studies, we found that the ribosome was sufficient to resolve RNA structures in the absence of any additional factors. Surprisingly, significant unwinding was observed in the absence of translocation or motion of the ribosome along the mRNA and can be attributed to dynamic motions within and between the two ribosomal subunits. This suggests that thermal energy resident within these ribosomal motions is sufficient to lower the energetic barrier of unfolding. The extent of unwinding was observed to depend on the relative stability of the RNA structure used and the number of tRNAs present in the ribosome. Differences between unfolding of these RNA structures in the presence and absence of the ribosome will be discussed.
Faculty Speak on the Impact of Time in Accelerated Courses

Abstract Eighteen faculty members participated in this qualitative study to determine the impact of reduced seat time in accelerated courses. The findings challenge critics who believe the accelerated delivery format compromises academic quality. The participants noted the importance of students in the learning process, emphasizing the significant workload outside of class. In addition, they described the high attendance rates and energy level that is typically sustained in accelerated courses. The participants learned to design their curriculum to focus on key learning outcomes.
Cholinergic modulation of the locomotor network in the lamprey spinal cord

Acetylcholine (ACh) was found here to be a strong modulator of swimming activity in the isolated spinal cord preparation of the adult lamprey (Ichthyomyzon unicuspis). During fictive swimming induc...
High-Water Marks: High Risk Appetites? Convex Compensation, Long Horizons, and Portfolio Choice

We study the optimal portfolio choice of hedge fund managers who are compensated by high-water mark contracts. Surprisingly, we find that even risk-neutral managers will not place unboundedly large weights on the risky assets, despite the option-type features of the contract. Instead they will place a constant fraction of assets in a mean-variance efficient portfolio and the rest in the riskless asset, similar to investors with constant relative risk aversion. This result is a direct consequence of the in(de)finite horizon of the contract. We argue more generally that the risk-seeking incentives of option-type compensation contracts rely on the interaction of convex compensation and finite horizons, rather than on the convexity of the compensation scheme alone.
Analyzing engineering design stories — Predicting engagement in inventive action

In this experiment we intend to discover characteristics of stories that make them effective and utilize the findings to teach engineers and designers effective storytelling to create inventive action. One central research question organized the study: How do ineffective stories predict disengagement? A paper and pencil test and a projective cue method are utilized to uncover preliminary findings. Results from four audiences in one experiment show a high engagement for an effective delivery and some surprises concerning engagement regardless of delivery. The experiment also reveals that participants imagining what would happen next in the ineffective story included a surprising amount of communication cue suggestions for the ineffective story. Achievement motives were also clearly stated across all stories. Results provide us with promising evidence to suggest that we are able to connect audience engagement with the level of effectiveness of a story. Finally, we discuss implications for further work and applications of the findings in engineering/design education.
Cyclic variation of integrated ultrasound backscatter: Normal and abnormal myocardial patterns in children

Abstract Cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) is altered in adults with myocardial infarction, allograft rejection, and cardiomyopathy. Its utility in children has not been tested. We studied 99 normal subjects: 16 fetuses, 13 newborns, 47 children, and 23 teenagers. Fifteen children with cardiomyopathy (13 dilated and two infiltrative) were studied to define abnormal CVIBS. CVIBS was measured in the anterior septum and the left ventricular posterior wall from a two-dimensional ultrasound image with an acoustic densitometry software package. CVIBS was similar in the anterior septum (3.7 ± 1.9 dB) and the posterior wall (4.1 ± 2.4 dB) of all children after birth. CVIBS was significantly lower in the fetus (septum: 2.8 ± 1.6 dB) and in children with cardiomyopathy (septum: 0.6 ± 1.6 dB, dilated; −1.2 ± 4.2 dB, infiltrative; p
Molecular Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Inherited Renal Tubular Disorders

Physiologic and biochemical studies have suggested that the inherited disorders cystinuria, Liddle's syndrome, and perhaps Bartter syndrome all result from defects in renal tubular transport processes. With the recent isolation of several candidate transporter genes, these clinically based hypotheses have begun to be confirmed at a molecular level. In addition, the cloning of the water-channel family of proteins has facilitated the characterization of a second gene defect in congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. This review integrates the pathophysiology of these inherited renal tubular disorders with recent molecular genetic discoveries, and provides a starting point for unraveling their pathogenesis at the molecular level.