cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Erythropoiesis, erythropoietin, and iron metabolism in elective surgery: Preoperative strategies for avoiding allogeneic blood exposure

Preoperative autologous donation (PAD) of blood and administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (Epoetin alfa) are two strategies for increasing red blood cell (RBC) mass preoperatively. The success of PAD depends primarily on the patient's ability to manufacture new RBCs before surgery to replace those removed during PAD. Red blood cell manufacture depends in turn on adequate supplies of iron and the increased renal production of endogenous erythropoietin following PAD. Successful PAD also requires adequate time for regeneration of predonated RBCs. Parenteral administration of Epoetin alfa causes a dose-dependent stimulation of RBC production. Its use has been studied as an adjunct to PAD and as a method to enhance endogenous erythropoiesis without PAD. Several studies suggest that administration of Epoetin alfa, begun several days before surgery, may stimulate erythropoiesis and help decrease the number of RBC transfusions required postoperatively. The precise role of Epoetin alfa in the surgical setting is not yet established, and optimal dosage regimens have not been determined.
Carbon isotopes and carbon turnover in cotton and wheat FACE experiments

The Maricopa cotton and wheat FACE (free-air CO2 enrichment) experiments offer propitious opportunity to quantify carbon turnover. The commercial CO2 (% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaeqiTdq2aaW% baaSqabeaacaaIXaGaaG4maaaakiaaboeacqGHijYUcqGHsislcaaI% ZaGaaG4naiaacwcaliaad+gaaaa!3FCB!\[\delta ^{13} {\text{C}} \approx - 37\% o\]) used to elevate CO2 concentration in field plots provided a strongly 13C-depleted tracer. Soil CO2 and δ 13C of soil organic carbon (SOC) in CO2-enriched and Control plots were measured between the final cotton FACE project (October 1991) and the end of the second wheat experiment (June 1994). The initial 13C-depletion in SOC of cotton FACE plots (measured by the difference in δ 13C between FACE and Control plots) persisted at the same level (1.9‰) 1.5 years after the experiment ended. A similar depletion was observed in soil CO2 evolved in the same plots, indicating ongoing decomposition of the new SOC. The SOC δ 13C of wheat plots before and after two growing seasons showed increasing 13C-depletion in FACE relative to Control. Isotopic mass balance was consistent with 5–6% new carbon input from the two wheat crops. This is lower than the 12–13% calculated for FACE cotton and perhaps a consequence of the larger root system of cotton or the 3-year duration of the cotton experiments versus 2 years for the wheat.
Incorporating parameter uncertainty into prediction intervals for spatial data modeled via a parametric variogram

In spatial predictions, researchers usually treat the estimated theoretical variogram parameters as known without error and ignore the variability of the parameter estimators. Although the prediction is still unbiased, the prediction error is usually underestimated. Therefore, the coverage probability of the prediction interval usually is lower than the nominal probability. A simulation study is performed to show how the coverage probability for prediction relates to the true range and sill of an exponential variogram. This article proposes two parametric bootstrap methods to incorporate the variability of the corresponding parameter estimators. A simulation study is performed to evaluate the coverage probability of these proposed methods. Finally, we apply the parametric bootstrap methods to a real dataset and compare the results with those from naive (i.e., treating estimated parameters as known) and Bayesian methods.
Transcriptional induction of diverse midgut trypsins in larval Agrotis ipsilon and Helicoverpa zea feeding on the soybean trypsin inhibitor.

Midgut trypsins insensitive to inhibition by the soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) were found to be transcriptionally regulated in A. ipsilon and H. zea larvae feeding on STI, as demonstrated by injections with actinomycin, a transcriptional inhibitor, which abolished the production of these STI-insensitive trypsins. The induced, STI-insensitive trypsins differed from the constitutive, STI-sensitive trypsins in their susceptibility to inhibitors based on sizes, suggesting that the induced enzymes limited access to their active site by blocking bulky inhibitors. Twenty midgut cDNA fragments1 were amplified using trypsin-specific PCR primers and at least twelve were shown to encode structurally diverse trypsins. High sequence diversity was observed for both the enzymes encoded by STI-induced mRNAs and those from larvae that had not been exposed to STI. Northern blots showed that midgut mRNAs hybridizing to various trypsin cDNA probes were either transcribed de novo or up-regulated following ingestion of STI. Southern hybridizations indicated the presence of multiple trypsin gene families in the insect genomes. The complete sequence of a trypsin gene1 from A. ipsilon (AiT9) revealed the presence of three introns. Comparison of 5′ upstream sequences1 from AiT9 and AiT6 genes from A. ipsilon revealed putative TATA box and disparate regulatory motifs, within 500 bp of each translational start site.
Influence of Magnetic Elements on an Isochronous Cyclotron Field

One of the main advantages of using magnetic field measuring equipment supported external to the cyclotron magnet is the ability to map the field before and after installation of the extraction elements. Field measurements with extraction elements in place are usually precluded by the size of internally mounted field mapping equipment (e.g., a wheel). The magnetic field of the NRL-isochronous cyclotron was measured to full radius before installation of extraction elements. After installation the influence on the magnetic field of each extraction element energized separately was measured. These measurements were used to determine the perturbation of the extraction channel on the isochronous field. Ion orbit calculations were then used to determine necessary field corrections to accelerate ions to the extraction radius. These field corrections are translated to currents needed in each of the various coils via a least squares fitting program.
Testing the Waters: Using Collective Real Options to Manage the Social Dilemma of Strategic Alliances

We extend real options research by introducing the concept of collective real options and model how collective real options provide strategic alliances a mechanism to manage social uncertainty. Collective real options manage social uncertainty by producing relational small wins that develop trust. The amount of trust developed by acquiring a collective real option depends on the exposure of alliance partners. Alliance partner reputation also plays an important role in the impact of collective real options.
Dispersion of the distal compound muscle action potential as a diagnostic criterion for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Objective: To assess distal compound muscle action potential (DCMAP) duration as a diagnostic criterion for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Background: Current electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP have high specificity but limited sensitivity. Prolonged DCMAP duration has been reported in acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The authors have compared DCMAP duration in patients with CIDP, diabetic polyneuropathy (DP), ALS, and musculoskeletal pain syndrome (MSP) to determine whether it enhances the sensitivity of electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP. Methods: Data from 23 CIDP, 34 DP, 34 ALS, and 54 MSP patients were reviewed. The time interval between onset of the first negative peak and return to baseline of the last negative peak of the DCMAP was calculated for each nerve. To distinguish CIDP from DP, ALS, and MSP, optimal cutoff values for DCMAP duration were achieved with receiver-operating characteristic curves. The sensitivity and specificity of these cutoff values were compared with each of four sets of electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP. Results: Mean DCMAP duration in CIDP was significantly longer than in DP, ALS, and MSP. The sensitivity of existing electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP ranged between 0.43 and 0.61. Their specificity vs DP or ALS was 0.91 to 1. Using DCMAP duration of ≥9 milliseconds for any of four motor nerves yielded a sensitivity of 0.78 for CIDP and specificity of 0.94 vs DP or ALS. Adding DCMAP duration criteria to any one of the three accepted criteria enhanced their sensitivity with little sacrifice of specificity. Conclusion: Quantitation of DCMAP dispersion shows promise as a sensitive and specific adjunctive electrodiagnostic criterion for CIDP.
II. Needed: A `miracle slice¿ for VLSI fabrication

For pt.I see ibid., vol.16, no.3, p.42 (1979). To achieve VLSI means micron and submicron design rules. It means large chips containing perhaps 100000 to 500000 gates, and it means perhaps processing power of a million instructions per second on a single chip. Clearly further ground must be broken in materials, patterning, processing, layout, design and testing, as well as architecture. Requirements for resistivities of more than 100 Ω-cm or minority carrier lifetimes of 500 μs may not be met with conventional silicon boule growth techniques. Silicon device yield and performance are limited by defects and impurity centers in the bulk, surface, and interface regions of the device structure. These can be intrinsic to the starting wafer or process induced. A final requirement for the miracle slice is that it be optically flat with a structurally perfect surface for whatever noncontact lithography technique is used, whether optical projection, projection step-and-repeat, E-beam, or X-ray.
NOTETAKING STRATEGIES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO PERFORMANCE ON LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND COMMUNICATIVE ASSESSMENT TASKS

Utilizing a pre- and posttest research design, with an instructional intervention of good practices in notetaking, the notes taken by examinees during a computer-based listening comprehension test prior to and following the instructional intervention were examined for particular notetaking strategies. Questionnaires probed perceptions of the frequency of use and helpfulness of the notetaking strategies. Also investigated were relationships between the strategies and performance on a multiple-choice listening comprehension measure and integrated listening/writing and listening/speaking tasks and whether the brief instructional intervention affected examinees' notes and performance on the three tasks. Results showed that examinees made little use of efficiency and marked organizational notetaking strategies. While the intervention had no effect on examinees' notetaking strategies or on their task performance, students' posttest notetaking strategies and task performance were significantly related to their pretest notetaking strategies and task performance. Moreover, notetaking and test performance were moderately related: Two notetaking strategies that most consistently related to performance on all three tasks were the number of content words in the notes and the number of test answers recorded in the notes. Efficiency strategies represented a cognitively complex category worthy of further investigation.
Antimicrobial and diffusional correlation of N‐alkyl betaines and N‐alkyl‐N,N‐dimethylamine oxides from semisolids

Abstract Previous studies have shown that two classes of amphoteric surfactants, N ‐alkyl betaines and N ‐alkyl‐ N,N ‐dimethylamine oxides, exhibit pronounced antimicrobial activity in combination and have potential for use in a semisolid formulation for topical or vaginal delivery. In this work, several potential delivery systems were prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial activity and diffusional properties. A novel antimicrobial test for semisolids was proposed that determined the contact time needed to kill microorganisms. The unformulated agents in solution exhibited the faster kill within 60 min, followed by the hydroxyethylcellulose gel formulation in 90 min, and the poloxamer gel and a cream that required several hours. Diffusion from the dosage form utilized a Slide‐A‐Lyzer diffusion cassette with a 10,000 MWCO membrane with 14 C‐labeled active species added to the aforementioned antimicrobial formulations. Diffusion of the individual betaine and amine oxide derivatives were tracked over time to determine the diffusion rates and profiles of the components in each formulation and in solution. The betaine derivative diffused up to three times faster than the amine oxide derivative within the first 2 h, but the amount diffused was approximately equivalent at 24 h. The formulations delayed release in the same rank order as the contact time kill analysis: hydroxyethylcellulose gel > poloxamer gel > cream. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:1386–1394, 2001
On the dynamic response of non-linear systems with parameter uncertainties

This paper presents a procedure for obtaining the dynamic response of non-linear systems with parameter uncertainties. Consideration is given to systems with polynomial non-linearity subjected to deterministic excitation. The uncertain parameters are modeled as time-independent random variables. The set of orthogonal polynomials associated with the probability density function is used as the solution basis, and the response variables are expanded in terms of a finite sum of these polynomials. A set of deterministic non-linear differential equations is derived using the weighted residual method. The discrete-time solutions to the equation set are evaluated numerically using a step-by-step time-integration scheme and the response statistics are determined. Application of the proposed method is illustrated through the analysis of non-linear single-degree-of-freedom structural systems exhibiting uncertain stiffnesses. Both hardening and softening stiffness characteristics are examined. The accuracy of the results is validated by direct numerical integration.
Influence of finite heat capacity of solid pins and their spacing on thermoacoustic performance of transverse-pin stacks

Abstract Thermoacoustic systems with intermittent stacks represent a promising alternative to conventional stacks with continuous solid structures aligned with primary acoustic motions. In this paper, a transverse-pin array setup is modeled with a Lagrangian method of moving gas parcels. An important limitation of performance in this system is the finite heat capacity of solid pins. The effects of solid heat capacity and some other system parameters are investigated and reported. The developed numerical model can be used for optimization of novel thermoacoustic devices.
Marker method for the solution of nonlinear diffusion equations

The marker method for the solution of nonlinear diffusion equations is described. The method relies on the definition of a convective field associated with the underlying partial differential equation; the information about the approximate solution is associated with the response of an ensemble of markers to this convective field. Some key aspects of the method, such as the selection of the shape function and the initial loading, are discussed in some detail. Numerical experiments show that the method is accurate in determining the long time behavior of nonlinear diffusion equations. The marker method can be applied to an ensemble of nonlinear dispersive partial differential equations.
Jugular Foramen Schwannomas: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes

Objectives/Hypothesis: To describe the presentation, radiographic findings, and surgical management of seven patients who have been diagnosed and treated with jugular foramen schwannomas at the University of Utah. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: The charts of seven patients diagnosed with jugular foramen schwannomas were reviewed for presentation symptoms, radiographic findings, and physical examination findings. For the six who underwent surgical excision, the surgical procedure used, cranial nerve function results, audiometric results, perioperative complications, and other follow-up data are presented. Results: Seven patients were identified from ages 24 to 69 years. Six of the seven underwent surgical excision. Primary presentation symptoms included dizziness, hearing loss, dysphagia, diplopia, tongue paresis, and hoarseness. The choice of surgical approach was based on the size and location of the tumor. All patients had complete excision of their tumors. The nerve of origin included the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and spinal accessory nerves. Preoperative cranial nerve dysfunction continued postoperatively for lower cranial nerves but resolved in patients who were noted to have preoperative dysfunction of cranial nerve V and VI. The rate of new lower cranial nerve injury was 15% and was only seen in the cranial nerves that were determined to be the nerve of origin. In two cases, a temporary feeding tube was required. No recurrences have been noted to date. Conclusions: Jugular foramen schwannomas can be successfully diagnosed preoperatively with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These tumors can be successfully managed with surgery and low morbidity.
Hybrid photovoltaic devices from regioregular polythiophene and ZnO nanoparticles composites

Abstract The nano size zinc oxide (ZnO) was successfully synthesized at low temperature solution method. The structural characterization, size and distribution of synthesized ZnO particles were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron scattering technique. The hybrid polymer-metal oxide bulk heterojunction solar cell has been fabricated by blending of ZnO and regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) through solution process and flow coating on the flexible substrate. The decrease in the photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity more than 79% for ZnO:P3HT composites film indicates high charge generation efficiency. The cell shows the V oc and I sc of 0.33 V and 6.5 mA/cm 2 , respectively. The performance and stability of cell were investigated using UV illumination of white light.
Economic utility of children and fertility in rural India

Abstract In this study the relationship between fertility and the economic utility of children is investigated by using survey data gathered in 1975–6 from an agricultural village in Western India. Fertility measures included both attitudinal variables as well as number of children and an index of contraceptive behaviour; economic utility was gauged through several measures concerning labour contributions of young children, transfers from older, non-resident children and contributions towards old-age security. The analysis indicates that no obvious association exists between fertility and economic utility. Specifically, variation in the labour contributed by children had no appreciable effect upon villagers' attitudes towards fertility, nor was it connected to actual family size. Old-age security, whether measured by attitudes of younger men or by facts relating to old men, was similarly unrelated to fertility. It is argued that the respondents have become much more aware of the costs of children (especia...
Memories of Feeling Misunderstood, and a Schema of Partner Empathic Responding: New Scales for Marital Research:

Two instruments were created to assess cognitions in marital relationships: these were a 4-minute speeded test to assess Memory Accessibility for Partner Not Understanding (MAPNU), and a 20-item Likert-type questionnaire to assess Schema of Partner Empathic Responses to Anger (SOPERA). Seventy-four married individuals (37 couples, ranging from happily married to mildly distressed) completed both cognitive measures, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Areas of Change questionnaire. The cognitive measures produced high reliability coefficients and a high convergent validity coefficient. SOPERA was related to, but not redundant with, general marital adjustment, and these two constructs best fit a two-dimensional as compared to a one-dimensional confirmatory factor analysis model. MAPNU was not correlated with length of marriage nor with a measure of general response production. Having a partner who demonstrated accurate understanding on the Areas of Change questionnaire was related to scores on both MAPNU an...
Subcellular localization of chorismate-mutase isoenzymes in protoplasts from mesophyll and suspension-cultured cells of Nicotiana silvestris.

The subcellular locations of two readily discriminated chorismate-mutase (EC 5.4.99.5) isoenzymes from Nicotiana silvestris Speg. et Comes were determined in protoplasts prepared from both leaf tissue and isogenic suspension-cultured cells. Differential centrifugation was used to obtain fractions containing plastids, a mixture of mitochondria and microbodies, and soluble cytosolic proteins. Isoenzyme CM-1 is sensitive to feedback inhibition by l-tyrosine and comprises the major fraction of total chorismate mutase in suspension-cultured cells. Isoenzyme CM-2 is not inhibited by l-tyrosine and its expression is maximal in organismal (leaf) tissue. Isoenzyme CM-1 is located in the plastid compartment since (i) proplastids contained more CM-1 activity than chloroplasts, (ii) both chloroplast and proplastid fractions possessed the tyrosine-sensitive isoenzyme, and (iii) latency determinations on washed chloroplast preparations confirmed the internal location of a tyrosine-sensitive isoenzyme. Isoenzyme CM-2 is located in the cytosol since (i) the supernatant fractions were heavily enriched for the tyrosineinsensitive activity, and (ii) a relatively greater amount of tyrosine-insensitive enzyme was present in the supernatant fraction derived from organismal tissue.
The origin of slow PIII in frog retina : Current source density analysis in the eyecup and isolated retina

The objective of this research was to determine the sources and sinks of current underlying the slow PIII component of the electroretinogram. Current source density analysis of the ERG evoked by diffuse light flashes was performed in eyecup and isolated retinas of frog. Blockade of synaptic transmission with aminophosphonobutyric + kynurenic acids simplified the CSD profiles through the retina. In addition to the photoreceptor source/sink pair, there was evidence for a major slow PIII source near the outer limiting membrane, a major sink near the inner limiting membrane, and a small source near the inner plexiform layer. Addition of Ba2+ abolished the slow PIII source/sinks, and it left only the photoreceptor source and sink. The results support the idea that slow PIII originates through K+ spatial buffering by Muller cells. Specifically, the light-evoked decrease in [K+]o in the subretinal space causes a primary K+ efflux from Muller cells (current source) and a primary K+ influx at the Muller cell endfeet (current sink). A decrease in [K+]zero in the proximal retina, caused by diffusion of K+ to the subretinal space, results in K+ efflux (the current source) at the inner plexiform layer.
The internuclear cyclizations of aromatic sulphonyl chlorides. Tribenz (b, d, f) oxepin and tribenzo (b, d, f) thiepin☆

Abstract The thermal and cuprous chloride catalysed decompositions of diphenylether-2-sulphonyl chloride (I), diphenylsulphide-2-sulphonyl chloride (V), biphenyl-2-sulphonyl chloride (IX), 2′-phenyl-diphenylether-2-sulphonyl chloride (XIII), and 2′-phenyl-diphenylsulphide-2-sulphonyl chloride (XVII) at 250–260° have been examined. In the absence of solvent, intermolecular reactions leading to non-volatile products are generally dominant and in the cases of I and V, the concomitant formation of the appropriate chlorocompounds is an additional factor which leads to poor overall yields of the anticipated internuclear cyclization products, dibenzofuran and dibenzothiophen. The relatively difficult cyclization to biphenylene was not observed in the decomposition of IX and in this case, 2-chloro-biphenyl was the only isolated volatile product. XIII and XVII undergo internuclear cyclizations to give the new compounds tribenz (b, d, f) oxepin (40% yield) and tribenzo (b, d, f) thiepin (24% yield) respectively. In octachloronaphthalene, none of the yields of the cyclization products was improved and in the case of I this solvent promoted the formation of 2-chloro-diphenylether.
Theory of the free-electron laser in combined helical pump and axial guide fields

The linearized theory of a free-electron-laser amplifier consisting of a relativistic electron beam transported along the axis of a helical wiggler in the presence of an axial guide field is solved exactly. With suitable re-identification of parameters, the theory also applies to the case where the wiggler is replaced by a circularly polarized subluminous radio-frequency pump. The dispersion relation is derived and numerical examples of solutions are presented. These indicate (a) that the use of an axial field permits operation of a laser of given high frequency and undulatory transverse velocity of the unperturbed electron beam at lower values of the pump field, (b) that the gain can be enhanced by approaching the condition of resonance between the effective frequency of the pump and the cyclotron frequency, and (c) that the breadth in frequency of the region corresponding to spatially exponentially growing operation can be much extended.
Cooperative R&D with moral hazard

Abstract In cooperative R&D, a noncontractible input is underprovided due to participants' moral hazard problem. However, the first-best outcome can be approached as two inputs, one contractible and the other noncontractible, become more complementary to each other.
Cholesteryl n-Alkyl Carbonates

Abstract The homologous series of cholesteryl methyl carbonate through cholesteryl eicosyl carbonate was synthesized from cholesteryl chloroformate and high-purity l-alkanols. The mesomorphic properties were determined optically and by differential scanning calorimetry. Cholesteric mesophases and cholesteric colors of the platelet type were found throughout the series with the exception of the pentyl and hexyl carbonates, where high freezing points were encountered. The visible spectrum was exhibited by cholesteryl heptyl carbonate through cholesteryl nonadecyl carbonate. A monotropic smectic mesophase was found in cholesteryl octyl carbonate through cholesteryl octadecyl carbonate. The plots of transition temperatures and transition heats as a function of alkyl chain length reveal relationships typical of sterols with cholesteric and smectic mesophases.
Pressure dependence of Tc in the highest Tc organic superconductor κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br

Abstract We report the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the superconducting transition temperature of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br which has the highest reported transition (inductive onset 11.6 K, resistive onset 12.5 K) for an organic superconductor. The transition temperature is depressed at the rate of -2.4 K/bar and a pressure-induced phase transition is observed.
Effects of logging on macroinvertebrate production in a sand‐bottomed, low‐gradient stream

1. Macroinvertebrate production and macrophyte growth were studied in logged and unlogged sections of a sand-bottomed, low-gradient, blackwater stream on the Coastal Plain of Virginia, U.S.A. A section of the catchment had been clear-cut 3 years prior to sampling. No logging occurred in the upstream area of the catchment, which had experienced almost no land disturbance by humans for over 100 years. 2. A primary difference among the logged and unlogged sections of the stream was in the abundance of macrophytes. The combined biomass of Sparganium americanum and of Chara sp. was over 300-times greater in the logged than the unlogged section. 3. Annual macroinvertebrate production in the sediment was higher in the unlogged section (41 g dry mass m–2) than in the logged section (25 g m–2). 4. Annual macroinvertebrate production on Sparganium was higher in the logged section (10 g m–2 of plant surface area) than in the unlogged section (6 g m–2). Annual production associated with Chara, which occurred only in the logged section, was 196 g m–2 of stream bottom covered by this plant. 5. Whole-stream annual macroinvertebrate production, calculated by summing habitat-specific production that was weighted by habitat availability, was greater in the logged section (103 g m–2) than in the unlogged section (41 g m–2). Sediments supported 99% of the annual production in the unlogged section, whereas macrophytes supported 76% in the logged section. 6. Much of the additional macroinvertebrate production in the logged section was by collector-filterers living on macrophytes. Production by collector-gatherers was also greater in the logged section, whereas production by other functional feeding groups changed little with logging. 7. Although logging along high-gradient, rocky streams also results in increased macroinvertebrate production, that increase often is stimulated by greater periphyton growth rather than the macrophyte growth observed in this low-gradient stream.
Relating PACL measures of millon's basic personality styles and MMPI-2 scales in patient and normal samples

Millon's basic personality styles as measured by the Personality Adjective Check List (PACL; Strack, 1987, 1991b) were linked to Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) basic scales via bivariate correlation and factor analysis in independent samples of psychiatric patients (N = 196) and normal adults (N = 124). Consistent with previous research, Millon's neurotic, introverted styles were positively associated with MMPI-2 scales measuring introversion, affective states, and disturbed thinking, whereas extroverted, socially dominant Millon styles were negatively associated to the same scales. Millon personalities and MMPI-2 scales were reliably associated along two bipolar dimensions measuring Neuroticism/Introversion versus Extroversion and Emotional Distress versus Emotional Stability, which accounted for 45% of the variance. A third General Distress factor loaded only MMPI-2 scales. Congruency coefficients indicated that the factors for patients and normal participants were very similar. Results highlighted the consistency of the links between MMPI-2 basic scales, the PACL, and other Millon instruments, as well as the utility of the PACL as a measure of Millon's personality styles in a mental health population. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 895–906, 1999.
Optical probe for input-impedance measurement of in vivo power-receiving microstructure

An optical method is proposed to measure the input impedance of a microstructure in vivo operating at microwave frequencies. It makes use of the non-linearity of an AC-DC conversion circuit and encodes the received power level to the pulse rate of an LED which can be accurately measured by a photodiode outside the tissue medium. An accurate measurement of the characteristics of the power-receiving structures in a wireless powering system greatly enhance the power transfer efficiency.
On Chaikin's algorithm

Recently, Chaikin proposed a fast algorithm for constructing curves for use in computer aided geometric design. This paper (1) formulates the Chaikin algorithm as a parametrized recursive function, (2) classifies the curves that it produces as quadratic splines, (3) shows that an extension of Chaikin's algorithm produces rational splines. Finally, the close relationship of the Chaikin curves to B -spline curves is discussed.
Signification of high density and total cholesterol and triglycerides in acute myocardial infarction -- a case-control study.

This case-control study of acute myocardial infarction showed no statistical significant difference between the mean total cholesterol levels (5.45 vs. 5.26 mmol/L) of coronary patients (n = 40) and matched controls (n = 80). Also no significant association (p = 0.180) was found for HDL cholesterol between cases and controls (1.05 vs. 1.43 mmol/L). However, coronary patients had significantly (p = 0.0001) higher values of both total triglycerides (2.38 vs. 1.75 mmol/L) and HDL triglycerides (0.411 vs. 0.76 mmol/L) than the matched controls. Furthermore, for all subjects (cases and controls), both HDL cholesterol and triglycerides had positive correlations with total cholesterol (r = 0.337, p = 0.0002) and total triglycerides (r = 0.459, p = 0.0001). Findings of this study and others cast doubt on the use of HDL cholesterol levels, especially single determinations, in the management of coronary patients by the clinicians. We suggest that levels of total and HDL triglycerides, along with modification of other risk factors, should constitute the intervention modality for coronary artery disease.
Assessing North American Influenza Dynamics with a Statistical SIRS Model

We present a general statistical modeling framework to characterize continental-level influenza dynamics in the United States for the purposes of examining state-level epidemiological sources and sinks. The methods we describe depend directly on state-level influenza data that are prepared on a weekly basis by Google Flu Trends. The Google Flu Trends team has provided a powerful new approach to collecting and reporting epidemiological data and, when used in conjunction with sophisticated statistical models, can allow for the identification and quantification of the flow of influenza across the continental United States. Our proposed methods, when conditioned on such a comprehensive search query product, can provide unprecedented scientific learning about large-scale pathways and barriers to disease transmission which can ultimately be helpful for policy, remediation, and response efforts.
Determination of oxygen, fluorine and boron by 14-MeV INAA : a case of multiple interferences

Oxygen and fluorine have been simultaneously determined by 14-MeV INAA in samples containing boron. Both boron and fluorine can cause serious interferences in the determination of oxygen. The fluorine and boron interference corrections for oxygen determination have been determined to be 0.43±0.01 and 0.0832±0.0017 apparent g oxygen per g of fluorine and boron, respectively, for our system. Boron can be determined in the same sample by a second irradiation. Mutual interferences have been evaluated and the procedure has been applied to NIST SRM and several other compounds.
A 61-year-old man with livedo reticularis.

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare form ofpolyarteritis involving the deep dermis and panniculus. Itis characterized by livedo reticularis, nodules, and ulcer-ations in more severe disease (1,2). The lower extremitiesare most commonly involved. Constitutional and muscu-loskeletal symptoms and polyneuropathy may be associ-ated ﬁndings (2). Underlying systemic disorders may beseen with cutaneous PAN, although in the majority ofcases, it occurs in isolation (2). Here we describe a case ofcutaneous PAN occurring in a patient with natural killer(NK) cell lymphocytosis, an exceedingly unusual combi-nation of two rare diseases.
Cyanoacrylate spray for treatment of difficult-to-control GI bleeding

Background Although endoscopic therapy is highly effective for control of GI bleeding, a small proportion of patients experience persistent bleeding and may require radiologic or surgical intervention. Experience with cyanoacrylate spray for treatment of difficult-to-control GI bleeding is limited. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an endoscopic cyanoacrylate spray technique for treatment of difficult-to-control GI bleeding. Design Case series. Setting Two tertiary-care centers. Patients This study involved consecutive patients with overt GI bleeding who were treated with n -butyl-2-cyanoacrylate spray during endoscopy for persistent bleeding despite conventional hemostatic therapies. Intervention Cyanoacrylate spray. Main Outcome Measurements Hemostasis, rebleeding, adverse events, and technical failure associated with cyanoacrylate spray. Results Five patients were treated with cyanoacrylate spray during endoscopy for persistent bleeding (duodenal ulcer in 3, gastric vascular ectasia in 1, rectal postpolypectomy bleeding in 1) after failed conventional therapies. Immediate hemostasis and technical success were achieved in all patients. At a median follow-up of 42 days (range 38-120 days), 2 patients developed recurrent bleeding. One patient experienced rebleeding 2 days after the procedure, subsequently requiring radiographic intervention and surgery. Another patient had recurrent bleeding from a different bleeding source 18 days after the procedure. No adverse events attributed to the cyanoacrylate spray were observed. Limitations Small number of patients. Conclusion In patients with difficult-to-control GI bleeding failing conventional endoscopic therapies, cyanoacrylate spray was effective in achieving immediate hemostasis. Prospective studies with a larger number of patients to evaluate the role of the cyanoacrylate spray technique during endoscopy for GI bleeding are needed.
Self-assembly of amorphous biophotonic nanostructures by phase separation

Some of the most vivid colors in the animal kingdom are created not by pigments, but by wavelength-selective scattering of light from nanostructures. Here we investigate quasi-ordered nanostructures of avian feather barbs which produce vivid non-iridescent colors. These β-keratin and air nanostructures are found in two basic morphologies: tortuous channels and amorphous packings of spheres. Each class of nanostructure is isotropic and has a pronounced characteristic length scale of variation in composition. These local structural correlations lead to strong backscattering over a narrow range of optical frequencies and little variation with angle of incidence. Such optical properties play important roles in social and sexual communication. To be effective, birds need to precisely control the development of these nanoscale structures, yet little is known about how they grow. We hypothesize that multiple lineages of birds have convergently evolved to exploit phase separation and kinetic arrest to self-assemble spongy color-producing nanostructures in feather barbs. Observed avian nanostructures are strikingly similar to those self-assembled during the phase separation of fluid mixtures; the channel and sphere morphologies are characteristic of phase separation by spinodal decomposition and nucleation and growth, respectively. These unstable structures are locked-in by the kinetic arrest of the β-keratin matrix, likely through the entanglement or cross-linking of supermolecular β-keratin fibers. Using the power of self-assembly, birds can robustly realize a diverse range of nanoscopic morphologies with relatively small physical and chemical changes during feather development.
A network of conserved damage survival pathways revealed by a genomic RNAi screen.

Damage initiates a pleiotropic cellular response aimed at cellular survival when appropriate. To identify genes required for damage survival, we used a cell-based RNAi screen against the Drosophila genome and the alkylating agent methyl methanesulphonate (MMS). Similar studies performed in other model organisms report that damage response may involve pleiotropic cellular processes other than the central DNA repair components, yet an intuitive systems level view of the cellular components required for damage survival, their interrelationship, and contextual importance has been lacking. Further, by comparing data from different model organisms, identification of conserved and presumably core survival components should be forthcoming. We identified 307 genes, representing 13 signaling, metabolic, or enzymatic pathways, affecting cellular survival of MMS–induced damage. As expected, the majority of these pathways are involved in DNA repair; however, several pathways with more diverse biological functions were also identified, including the TOR pathway, transcription, translation, proteasome, glutathione synthesis, ATP synthesis, and Notch signaling, and these were equally important in damage survival. Comparison with genomic screen data from Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed no overlap enrichment of individual genes between the species, but a conservation of the pathways. To demonstrate the functional conservation of pathways, five were tested in Drosophila and mouse cells, with each pathway responding to alkylation damage in both species. Using the protein interactome, a significant level of connectivity was observed between Drosophila MMS survival proteins, suggesting a higher order relationship. This connectivity was dramatically improved by incorporating the components of the 13 identified pathways within the network. Grouping proteins into “pathway nodes” qualitatively improved the interactome organization, revealing a highly organized “MMS survival network.” We conclude that identification of pathways can facilitate comparative biology analysis when direct gene/orthologue comparisons fail. A biologically intuitive, highly interconnected MMS survival network was revealed after we incorporated pathway data in our interactome analysis.
An Optimist in the Sea of Pessimism

At the end of each year, and on such occasions as the celebration of the “Double Ten,” it is good to pause and reflect upon what, after all, we have achieved since the outbreak of the Revolution in the Hsin Hai year (1910)1 down to this 23rd year of the Republic (1934). Are there any achievements worth commemorating or not? At this most critical period of our national difficulties we are all very liable to pessimism, to despair and apathy, when we feel that after the lapse of 23 years we have scarcely succeeded in accomplishing a single thing. In the arts of civilization we have not made any outstanding contribution to the world; militarily, we have been unable to resist the relentless aggressions of a powerful neighbour. What further interest, then, have we in keeping up these annual observances? These are thoughts that occur to most of us on days of national celebration, and I feel it behoves those of us who refuse to be down-hearted, fairly and in the right historical perspective to bring our minds to bear on the subject, and to reckon anew the accounts in the ledger of the Chinese Republic to see what general results have accrued in the course of 23 years.
Design of cell permeable, fluorescent activity based probes for the lysosomal cysteine protease asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP)/legumain

Asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), also known as legumain, is a cysteine protease that has been ascribed roles in antigen presentation yet its exact role in human biology remains poorly understood. We report here, the use of a positional scanning combinatorial library of peptide AOMKs containing a P1 aspartic acid to probe the P2, P3, and P4 subsite specificity of endogenous legumain. Using inhibitor specificity profiles of cathepsin B and legumain, we designed fluorescent ABPs that are highly selective, cell-permeable reagents for monitoring legumain activity in complex proteomes.
Test-case generation for runtime analysis and vice versa: verification of aircraft separation assurance

This paper addresses the problem of specifying properties of aircraft separation assurance software, and verifying these properties at runtime. In particular, we target AutoResolver, a large, complex air-traffic control system that predicts and resolves aircraft loss of separation. In previous work, we developed a light-weight testing environment for AutoResolver. Our work contributed a wrapper around AutoResolver, which enabled the automated generation and fast execution of hundreds of thousands of tests. The focus of the work presented here is in specifying requirements for AutoResolver, in ensuring the generation of test cases that cover these requirements, and in developing a runtime infrastructure for automatically checking the requirements. Such infrastructure must be completely transparent to the AutoResolver code base. Our work combines test-case generation and runtime verification in innovative ways in order to address these challenges. The paper includes a detailed evaluation and discussion of our verification effort.
Zur Axiomatisierung und den Konsequenzen der dualen Theorie der Entscheidungen unter Risiko

Gegenstand der Theorie der Entscheidungen unter Risiko ist die Charakterisierung optimalen Verhaltens in Situationen, in welchen zwischen mehreren Aktionen gewahlt werden kann, wobei das Resultat dieser Handlung noch abhangig ist vom Eintreten eines Umweltzustandes; die Wahrscheinlichkeiten fur das Eintreten der Umweltzustande werden als bekannt vorausgesetzt. Wahrend die Modellierung der Entscheidungssituation hier nicht problematisiert wird, soil die Frage, wie die „Optimalitat“ von Handlungen beschrieben wird, unter einem speziellen Blickwinkel untersucht werden. Dieser Gesichtspunkt wird am deutlichsten durch die Fragestellung beleuchtet, welche Art von Rationalitat man der „Optimalitat“ zugrundelegt.
Effector Contributions to Gβγ-mediated Signaling as Revealed by Muscarinic Potassium Channel Gating

Receptor-mediated activation of heterotrimeric G proteins leading to dissociation of the G alpha subunit from G beta gamma is a highly conserved signaling strategy used by numerous extracellular stimuli. Although G beta gamma subunits regulate a variety of effectors, including kinases, cyclases, phospholipases, and ion channels (Clapham, D.E., and E.J. Neer. 1993. Nature (Lond.). 365:403-406), few tools exist for probing instantaneous G beta gamma-effector interactions and little is known about the kinetic contributions of effectors to the signaling process. In this study, we used the atrial muscarinic K + channel, which is activated by direct interactions with G beta gamma subunits (Logothetis, D.E., Y. Kurachi J. Galper, E.J. Neer, and D.E. Clap. 1987. Nature (Lond.). 325:321-326; Wickman, K., J. A. Iniguez-Liuhi, P.A. Davenport, R. Taussig, G.B. Krapivinsky, M.E. Linder, A.G. Gilman, and D.E. Clapham. 1994. Nature (Lond.). 366: 654-663; Huang, C.-L., P.A. Slesinger, P.J. Casey, Y.N. Jan, and L.Y. Jan. 1995. Neuron. 15:1133-1143), as a sensitive reporter of the dynamics of G beta gamma-effector interactions. Muscarinic K+ channels exhibit bursting behavior upon G protein activation, shifting between three distinct functional modes, characterized by the frequency of channel openings during individual bursts. Acetylcholine concentration (and by inference, the concentration of activated G beta gamma) controls the fraction of time spent in each mode without changing either the burst duration or channel gating within individual modes. The picture which emerges is of a G beta gamma effector with allosteric regulation and an intrinsic "off" switch which serves to limit its own activation. These two features combine to establish exquisite channel sensitivity to changes in G beta gamma concentration, and may be indicative of the factors regulating other G beta gamma-modulated effectors.
Safe areas of computation for secure computing with insecure applications

Currently the computer systems and software used by the average user offer virtually no security. Because of this, many attacks, both simulated and real, have been described by the security community and have appeared in the popular press. The paper presents an approach to increase the level of security provided to users when interacting with otherwise unsafe applications and computing systems. The general approach, called Safe Areas of Computation (SAC), uses trusted devices, such as smart cards, to provide an area of secure processing and storage. The paper describes preliminary results of using the Safe Areas of Computation approach to protect specific browsing applications. The intent is for protected browsers to be used to interact with institutions that have requirements for high security, such as financial institutions that enable users to perform sensitive operations for electronic commerce or online banking.