cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis with an Integrated Postcolumn Reactor

A glass microchip with a postcolumn reactor was fabricated to conduct postseparation derivatization using o-phthaldialdehyde as a fluorescent «tag» for amino acids. This miniaturized separation device was constructed using standard photolithographic, wet chemical etching, and bonding techniques. Effects of the reagent stream on separation efficiency were investigated. In addition, a novel gated injector was demonstrated which maintains the integrity of the analyte, buffer, and reagent streams
Stability in solution of indolium heptamethine cyanines and related pH-sensitive systems

Relative stabilities of methanolic solutions of dyes that are potentially important for labeling of biological macromolecules with a visible-red or near-infrared fluorophore were evaluated in the presence of molecular oxygen under dark and light conditions.
Sensory Stimulation Augments the Effects of Massed Practice Training in Persons With Tetraplegia

Abstract Beekhuizen KS, Field-Fote EC. Sensory stimulation augments the effects of massed practice training in persons with tetraplegia. Objective To compare functional changes and cortical neuroplasticity associated with hand and upper extremity use after massed (repetitive task-oriented practice) training, somatosensory stimulation, massed practice training combined with somatosensory stimulation, or no intervention, in persons with chronic incomplete tetraplegia. Design Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: massed practice training combined with somatosensory peripheral nerve stimulation (MP+SS), somatosensory peripheral nerve stimulation only (SS), massed practice training only (MP), and no intervention (control). Setting University medical school setting. Participants Twenty-four subjects with chronic incomplete tetraplegia. Interventions Intervention sessions were 2 hours per session, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Massed practice training consisted of repetitive practice of functional tasks requiring skilled hand and upper-extremity use. Somatosensory stimulation consisted of median nerve stimulation with intensity set below motor threshold. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and post-testing assessed changes in functional hand use (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test), functional upper-extremity use (Wolf Motor Function Test), pinch grip strength (key pinch force), sensory function (monofilament testing), and changes in cortical excitation (motor evoked potential threshold). Results The 3 groups showed significant improvements in hand function after training. The MP+SS and SS groups had significant improvements in upper-extremity function and pinch strength compared with the control group, but only the MP+SS group had a significant change in sensory scores compared with the control group. The MP+SS and MP groups had greater change in threshold measures of cortical excitability. Conclusions People with chronic incomplete tetraplegia obtain functional benefits from massed practice of task-oriented skills. Somatosensory stimulation appears to be a valuable adjunct to training programs designed to improve hand and upper-extremity function in these subjects.
Enzymic Analysis of Feruloylated Arabinoxylans (Feraxan) Derived from Zea mays Cell Walls : III. Structural Changes in the Feraxan during Coleoptile Elongation.

Changes in structural features of feraxan (feruloylated arabinoxylans) in cell walls during development of maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptiles were investigated by analysis of fragments released by feraxanase, a specific enzyme purified from Bacillus subtilis. The following patterns were identified: (a) The total quantity of carbohydrate dissociated from a given dry weight of cell wall by feraxanase remained rather constant throughout the initial 10 days of coleoptile development. However, during the same period the proportion of ferulic acid in the fraction increased 12-fold. The absolute amount of ferulic acid per coleoptile also increased rapidly during this developmental phase. (b) Fragments dissociated by the enzyme were resolved into feruloylated and nonferuloylated components by reversed phase chromatography. While the quantity of feruloylated fractions represented a small portion of the total arabinoxylan during the phase of maximum coleoptile elongation (days 2-4) this component increased in abundance to reach a plateau (after 8-10 days). In contrast, nonferuloylated fractions were most abundant during the stage of maximum elongation but declined to a constant level by day 6. (c) Glycosidic linkage analysis of carbohydrate reveals that substitution of the xylan backbone of feraxan by arabinosyl residues decreased during coleoptile growth. We conclude that significant incorporation of ferulic acid occurs and/or more feruloyated domains are added to the arabinoxylan during development. This augmentation in phenolic acids is accompanied by a concerted displacement of arabinosyl residues and/or a reduction in the incorporation of regions enriched in arabinosyl sidechains.
Low incidence of citrullinemia carriers among dairy cattle of the United States

Bovine citrullinemia is an autosomal recessive disorder that is lethal in the early postnatal period. Dairy bulls from the US were screened for citrullinemia genotype with a mutation-specific assay of semen or leukocyte DNA. One heterozygote was detected among 367 US Holstein bulls tested, corresponding to an incidence of .3%; DNA sequencing showed that this bull (bull C) was heterozygous for the translation-termination mutation described as the cause of bovine citrullinemia. Tests on daughters of bull C revealed that 26 were heterozygous and 25 were homozygous normal, confirming that the condition is autosomal recessive and that bull C was heterozygous. Although bull C was among 273 bulls tested from the top 400 bulls based on Type-Production Index as of July 1990, he was not among the 90 tested from the top 100. He has fewer than 2000 offspring registered with the Holstein Association of America and has few sons in AI. Furthermore, he was culled for other reasons before his citrullinemia status was known. Accordingly, the incidence of citrullinemia carriers is low among US Holsteins, and the impact of the one carrier found on the future of the breed is expected to be minor. No carriers were found among 102 US Guernsey bulls and 53 US Jersey bulls tested.
Comparison of Fluence-Response Relationships of Phototropism in Light- and Dark-Grown Buckwheat

Fluence-response relationships of phototropism in light- and dark-grown buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) were compared using systematically varied fluence rates and irradiation times of unilateral monochromatic blue light. Etiolated seedlings respond to most fluence rates in a tri-phasic manner. Phase one differs from classic first positive in that reciprocity is not observed and the peak occurs at a wide variety of fluences, often orders of magnitude less than those characteristic of first positive. Light-grown plants display this pattern only when stimulated by low fluence rates. Phase three is an ascending arm directly related to irradiance time and is comparable to classic second positive. Phase two is a nearly indifferent zone separating phases one and three. At the lowest fluence rates, the maximal observed curvature is greater for dark-grown than for light-grown plants and the former curve more in response to short (2-second) exposures than do the latter. At the highest fluence rates, the maximal observed curvature is much greater for light-grown than for dark-grown seedlings, particularly at irradiation times of 2 to 3 minutes or more. Tropic curvatures correlate positively with increasing fluence rate up to some inflection range, above which the relationship becomes negative. This inflection range is approximately two orders of magnitude higher for light-grown plants.
TVs in the bedrooms of children: does it impact health and behavior?

Abstract Objectives To (1) determine socio-demographic characteristics associated with a TV in the bedroom (BTV) and (2) examine relationship of BTV, independent of total viewing time, with social and behavioral characteristics. Methods Children 6–17 years from the 2007 US National Survey of Children's Health were included ( n = 48,687). BTV, daily TV viewing time, demographic, behavioral and social outcomes (community involvement, social skills, health habits and status, and family) were examined using logistic regression, and adjusted for total viewing time. Results Overall prevalence of BTV was 49.3% in American children. Older age, non-Hispanic Black (71.3%), Hispanics (56.3%), higher level of poverty (> 56.2%), non two-parent biological family structure (> 62.6%), Midwest (47.1%), Northeast (46.7%), South Atlantic (56.4%) and South Central (59.8%) region of the country were associated with higher odds of BTV. Female gender (52.7%) and residence in Alaska (33.0%) were associated with lower prevalence of BTV. BTV was associated with higher prevalence of exhibiting problematic social behaviors (29%) and overweight status (44%). BTV was significantly associated with lower prevalence of regular family meals (13%), engagement in school (16%), participation in extracurricular activities (31%), regularly sleeping enough (20%), and participation in community service (25%) after adjustment for total viewing time. Conclusions BTV appears associated with more social and behavioral indices than previously reported, in addition to total viewing time.
Brainstem auditory evoked potentials and middle latency auditory evoked potentials in young children

Measurements of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and middle latency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEP) are readily available neurophysiologic assessments. The generators for BAEP are believed to involve the structures of cochlear nerve, cochlear nucleus, superior olive complex, dorsal and rostral pons, and lateral lemniscus. The generators for MLAEP are assumed to be located in the subcortical area and auditory cortex. BAEP are commonly used in evaluating children with autistic and hearing disorders. However, measurement of MLAEP is rarely performed in young children. To explore the feasibility of this procedure in young children, we retrospectively reviewed our neurophysiology databank and charts for a 3-year period to identify subjects who had both BAEP and MLAEP performed. Subjects with known or identifiable central nervous system abnormalities from the history, neurologic examination and neuroimaging studies were excluded. This cohort of 93 children up to 3 years of age was divided into 10 groups based on the age at testing (upper limits of: 1 week; 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months; 2 years; and 3 years of age). Evolution of peak latency, interpeak latency and amplitude of waveforms in BAEP and MLAEP were demonstrated. We concluded that measurement of BAEP and MLAEP is feasible in children, as early as the first few months of life. The combination of both MLAEP and BAEP may increase the diagnostic sensitivity of neurophysiologic assessment of the integrity or functional status of both the peripheral (acoustic nerve) and the central (brainstem, subcortical and cortical) auditory conduction systems in young children with developmental speech and language disorders.
A fuzzy-based integrated framework for supply chain risk assessment

Abstract This research presents an integrated framework for supply chain risk assessment. The framework consists of three main components: survey, Bow-Tie analysis, and fuzzy inference system (FIS). The survey component consists of questionnaires used to identify the risk factors and their likelihoods and impacts. Potential risks are identified based on experts׳ knowledge, historical data, and supply chain structure. The identified risks are measured by aggregating the estimated values of risk parameters. Bow-Tie, which is a diagram that displays the links between potential causes, preventative and mitigative controls and consequences of a risk, is used to calculate the aggregated likelihood and impact of the risk. FIS is then used to calculate the total risk score considering the risk management parameters and risk predictability. A case study from a high-end server manufacturing environment is considered. For the two main product types produced by the company, risks are assessed and aggregated per product type. Given the individual and aggregated risk scores, decision makers can either perform top-down or bottom-up risk analysis and focus on the significant risks that could affect their business operations.
Adaptive Array Behavior with Sinusoidal Envelope Modulated Interference

The behavior of a LMS (least mean square) adaptive array with modulated interference is described. An interference signal with sinusoidal, double-sideband, suppressed-carrier modulation is assumed. It is shown that such interference causes the array to modulate the desired signal envelope but not its phase. The amount of the desired signal modulation is determined as a function of signal arrival angles and powers and the modulation frequency of the interference. Such interference also causes the array output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) to vary with time. However, it is shown that when the desired signal is a digital communication signal, the averaged bit error probability is essentially the same as for continuous wave (CW) interference.
Downregulation of DNA topoisomerase I in old versus young human diploid fibroblasts.

Abstract DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) is an enzyme that alters the superhelicity of DNA. It has been implicated in such critical cellular functions as transcription, DNA replication, and recombination. Roles for Topo I in DNA repair following DNA damage have also been studied extensively. In the present investigation, we examined the regulation of Topo I expression and activity during cellular replicative senescence. We found that the capacity of Topo I to relax supercoiled DNA molecules is significantly decreased in senescent diploid fibroblasts when compared to young (early passage) fibroblasts. We also found that the steady-state expression level of Topo I mRNA is correlated with enzyme activity, i.e., decreased in early vs. late passage cells. We also treated early and late passage cells with agents that may modulate the process of cellular senescence: UV light, retinoic acid, and interleukin-1β. We found that all three agents decreased the activity of Topo I in young fibroblasts and increased the activity of Topo I in senescent fibroblasts. This effect was most striking following exposure of the cells to retinoic acid, so to analyze this effect, we postulated an age-dependent kinetics of Topo I mRNA induction in response to retinoic acid. Consistent with this postulate, we found that whereas exposure of early passage cells to retinoic acid results, in a matter of hours, in a decrease in the expression of Topo I mRNA, exposure of the senescent cells to retinoic acid results in an increased expression. These observations suggest that processes that are altered in senescent fibroblasts, such as DNA replication and repair, may be due, in part, to alteration in the expression and activity of DNA Topo I.
Melanoma Induces Immunosuppression by Up-Regulating FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells

Background. The immune response to melanoma is rarely curative, suggesting the emergence of immunosuppression. FOXP3-expressing regulatory T cells (T reg cells) function to suppress immune responses. The objective of this study was to determine if melanoma evades immune surveillance, in part, by inducing T reg cells. Material and methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and exposed to melanoma-conditioned media (MCM) or control media for 1 week. The induction of T reg cells in these PBMCs was determined by measuring the proportion of CD25 + FOXP3 + T cells in all CD4 + T cells by flow cytometry. FOXP3 expression was determined by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and Western blot. Supernatant cytokines were determined by ELISA. Results. Normal PBMCs exposed to MCM revealed higher proportions of T reg cells than those exposed to control media after 6 days (3.4% versus 1.3%, respectively, P < 0.02). The expression of FOXP3 in T reg cells from PBMCs exposed to MCM increased over time by MFI and Western blot but was not significantly different than those exposed to control media. The level of IL-10 and TGF-β in supernatants after 6 days growth was higher in MCM than control media, but this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion. Exposure of PBMCs to melanoma results in induction of FOXP3 + T reg cells.
2n pollen in eleven 2x, 2EBN wild species and their haploid x wild species hybrids

Sixty-three plants producing 2n pollen were identified among 65 introductions of 11 2x, 2EBN wild species. They were found in 27 of the 65 introductions representing ten of 11 species. The gene frequencies for the allele controlling 2n pollen formation ranged from 0.19 to 0.65. Seventyeight haploid x wild species hybrid families were produced using the previously identified 2n pollen plants as male parents. One hundred and thirty-two plants that produced 2n pollen were identified among the haploid x wild species hybrids at one location and 44 at another. The high number of haploid x wild species hybrids that produced 2n pollen and the large number of hybrids with acceptable pollen stainability demonstrate the potential of the hybrids in 4x × 2x germplasm transfer. Potato breeders can unleash the genetic diversity present in the 2x, 2EBN wild species by screening them for 2n pollen and crossing the 2n pollen producing plants to haploids.
Hardware implementation of an adaptive network-based fuzzy controller for DC-DC converters

Two control topologies of adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for control of the DC-DC converter are developed and presented in this paper. They essentially consist of combining fuzzy inference system and neural networks and implementing within the framework of adaptive networks. The architecture of the ANFIS along with the learning rule, which is used to give an adaptive and learning structure to a fuzzy controller, is also described. The emphasis here is on fuzzy-neural-network control philosophies in designing a novel controller for the DC-DC converter that allows the benefits of neural network structure to be realized without sacrificing the intuitive nature of fuzzy system. Specifically, it permits this type of setup to simultaneously share the benefits of both fuzzy control and neural network capabilities. Furthermore, the membership functions and rules can be retrieved from the ANFIS after training. A commensurate number of components is designed and built. The components are tested individually and in various combinations of hardware and software segments. Two categories of tests, namely, load regulation, and line regulation will be carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed control system. Test results demonstrate the advantages and flexibilities of the ANFIS for the DC-DC converter.
Manipulating light on chip

In order to control the flow of light, photonic structures like modulators and switches need to be developed in silicon where a change in refractive index induces a change in the transmission properties of the device. This paper presents Si photonics, electro-optical devices, and monolithic integration of optics and microelectronics for light manipulation purposes.
Simulation of a Manhattan street network for high-speed ATM applications

The paper presents performance evaluation of a Manhattan-street network (MSN) with a new node structure for high-speed ATM applications. The MSN has a torus structure and belongs to the class of deflection-routing networks. The authors use shared buffering between inputs and outputs of each node. With shared buffers the deflection of a cell occurs when all buffer slots are full. This method potentially increases the system throughput and reduces the number of deflections and thus reduces the average delay. The authors evaluate effects of high offered traffic loads and large shared queues through extensive simulation experiments. They also assess the effectiveness of the speed advantage required to accommodate arbitrary traffic on the external links.
Prostate-specific Antigen- based Risk-adapted Discontinuation of Prostate Cancer Screening in Elderly African American and Caucasian American Men

Objectives To evaluate the relationship between initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk in elderly African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) men. Methods A total of 408 AA and 1720 CA men whose initial PSA measurement was performed between 75 and 80 years of age were retrieved from Duke Prostate Center database. Patients were stratified by race and initial PSA value. The relative risk (RR) of PCa detection was estimated. The rates of high risk PCa, and death from PCa stratified by initial PSA groups were compared using the chi-square test. Results The age-adjusted RR of PCa detection in CA men with PSA 3.0-5.9 ng/mL was 1.9-fold higher when compared with that of men with PSA 0.0-2.9 ng/mL ( P P = .270). PSA 6.0-9.9 ng/mL was associated with age-adjusted RR of PCa 9.3-fold in AA men and 4.1-fold in CA men (both P values Conclusions AA men with initial PSA
BEYOND THE “DEMOCRAT”/“CONSERVATIVE” DICHOTOMY: JOHN WISE RECONSIDERED

Abstract Massachusetts minister John Wise (1652–1725) was one of the foremost colonial apologists for the early “New England Way” in Congregationalist churches. But anachronistic labeling has disto...
Design of shorter TE/sub 11/-to-HE/sub 11/ mode converters in a highly over-moded corrugated circular waveguide using a modified Chebyshev method

A TE/sub 11/-to-HE/sub 11/ mode converter is realized by a section of corrugated waveguide which has a special profile of slot depths which vary from lambda /2 at the TE/sub 11/ end to lambda /4 at the HE/sub 11/. The design of the profile is considered in terms of an idealized model that considers the corrugated waveguide in terms of a continuous, but anisotropic, wall surface impedance having zero value in the phi direction and an average of the fin impedance and the slot input impedance in the z direction. A second assumption in the simplified design consideration is that there is coupling only between the TE/sub 11/ and TM/sub 11/ mode branches. This method has been used to design a converter with a conversion loss of 0.2 dB at a frequency of 60 GHz in a 1.094-in.-diameter waveguide. The length of the converter was calculated to be about 3.5 in. compared to about 4.1 in. for the constant coupling profile. The results of a scattering matrix computation indicates that the output of the converter is about 82.2% TE/sub 11/ mode (in terms of power) and 15.5% TM/sub 11/ mode. The phase difference between the TM/sub 11/ and TE/sub 11/ modes is about 18 degrees as calculated with the scattering matrix program, compared to the ideal case, where they should be in phase. This can be remedied by adding an about-1/2-in.-length section of smooth circular waveguide. >
From the wall to the web: The use of bulletin boards and a web site to disseminate information about sex, gender and women's health

Strategically placed bulletin boards were used to disseminate information about sex and gender biology and women's health competencies to medical students and faculty. This has proved to be an effective tool to rapidly introduce material when the curriculum cannot accommodate this new material. With the popularity of the internet, these bulletin boards were transferred to our website and became accessible to a greater audience both within and outside the medical center. This article describes the bulletin board sites, their content, and some of the benefits and problems visitors had.
Interleague Play and Baseball Attendance

The effects of interleague play on baseball attendance are estimated via a model of daily attendance from the 1999 season. The results suggest that interleague play results in about a 7% increase in attendance over a comparable intraleague game, yielding an increase in revenue from ticket sales of about one half of 1%. These results are heavily dominated by a relatively small number of attractive visiting teams and, more particularly, by a small number of attractive interleague matchups. Although fans respond positively to some interleague match-ups, many others attract no more and sometimes even fewer fans than traditional intraleague games.
The intergenerational transfer of mother-daughter risk for gender-based abuse

In this 10-year longitudinal study 150 mother-daughter pairs were recruited to participate in a study examining gender-based abuse across three generations. Forms of gender-based abuse included: child sexual abuse, witnessing intimate partner violence against their mothers, and intimate partner violence or dating violence in adolescence or adulthood. Daughters were interviewed when they were on average 9, 14, and 16 years old. Regression analyses revealed that if the grandmother (G1) was abused by her husband, her daughter (G2) was more likely to be sexually molested in childhood and was also more likely to be in an abusive relationship as an adult. If the mother (G2) was sexually abused as a child her daughter (G3) was at increased risk for child sexual abuse. In turn, child sexual abuse for the daughters related to their reports of dating violence in adolescence. Daughters (G3) who were sexually abused expressed more anxiety about romantic relationships, reflecting early attachment conflicts. Both child sexual abuse and anxious romantic attachment style independently predicted adolescent sexual risk-taking as in having multiple sexual partners or dating older men. These findings demonstrate how informative it is to include multiple forms of gender-based abuse in research and practice to better illuminate complex family dynamics. In addition, the findings support previous empirical work showing the importance of attachment behavior in women who are in abusive relationships, which has unique clinical implications.
Better Not Smile at the Price: The Differential Role of Brand Anthropomorphization on Perceived Price Fairness

This research shows that brand anthropomorphization increases the perceived unfairness of price increases and the perceived fairness of price decreases. First, analyzing a household panel data set, the authors demonstrate the real-world consequences of brand humanization on consumers' price sensitivity. Second, building on the theoretical premise that fairness judgments depend on consumer focus on the self versus others, they find that brand humanization enhances perceived unfairness of price increases for agency-oriented consumers, who tend to maximize their own self-interests. However, for communion-oriented consumers, who generally consider the needs of others, brand humanization increases perceived fairness of both price increases and decreases. Furthermore, because consumers' focus on the self versus others also depends on relationship goals, the nature of consumer–brand relationships interacts with agency–communion orientation to influence the effect of brand humanization on perceived price fairness...
Source coding for digital HDTV terrestrial broadcasting

It is claimed that an all-digital system will provide true high-definition television quality and coverage area equivalent to NTSC without noise and interference. Less transmission power may be required, and the signal will be easy to encrypt. The proposed source coding algorithms are reviewed, and the methods by which they are used in the proposed digital HDTV terrestrial broadcasting systems are discussed. >
On the thermochemical stability of the sextet CO2 anion: results from density functional theory

A variety of density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to characterize the stability of stationary points along the CO− 2 (6A1 state) potential energy surface. Large differences were found between the previously reported ROHF/CCSD structures of this molecule and those generated by DFT. The SVWN, B1LYP, B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91, methods were coupled to a very large 6–311++G (3df, 3pd) basis set, to evaluate the vibrational frequencies, electron affinities and the lowest dissociation pathways for the two isomers of the anionic and neutral parent species. In addition to these pure and hybrid methods both the CBS-QB3 (uses the B3LYP/CBSB7 method for the geometrical optimization) and G3B3 (uses the B3LYP/6-31G(d) method for the geometrical optimization) methods were used to further evaluate the dissociation energies of the sextet anionic CO2.
Estimating microbial growth parameters from non-isothermal data: A case study with Clostridium perfringens

Microbial growth parameters are usually calculated from the fit of a growth model to a set of isothermal growth data gathered at several temperatures. In principle at least, it is also possible to derive them from non-isothermal ('dynamic') growth data. This requires the numerical solution of a rate model whose coefficients are nested terms that include the temperature profile. The methodology is demonstrated with simulated non-isothermal growth data on which random noise had been superimposed to emulate the scatter found in experimental microbial counts. The procedure has been validated by successful retrieval of the known generation parameters from the simulated growth curves. The method was then applied to experimental non-isothermal growth data of C. perfringens cells in cooled ground beef. The growth data collected under one cooling regime were used to predict the organism's growth patterns under different temperature histories. The practicality of the method is currently limited because of the relatively large scatter found in experimental microbial growth data and the relatively low frequency at which they are collected. But if and when the scatter could be reduced and the counts taken at short time intervals, the method could be used to determine the growth model in situ thus enabling to translate the changing temperature during processing, transportation or storage into a corresponding growth curve of the organism in question.
Infusing Modern Subjectivity into a Premodern Narrative Form: Masahiro Shinoda and Toru Takemitsu’s Collaboration in Double Suicide (1968)

This article explores Masahiro Shinoda's cinematography and Toru Takemitsu's soundtracks in the Japanese film Double Suicide (1968). Along with Shinoda’s transformation of puppets into human actors, Takemitsu’s soundtracks infuse modern subjectivity into the highly stylized bunraku narrative: while the ritualized music of Balinese gamelan, bunraku chanting, and Turkish nei demarcates the traditional form of jo-ha-kyu, meta-diegetic sounds of biwa and gongs convey the inner subjectivity of the lovers who are driven to commit suicide.
Self-sensing magnetic bearings using parameter estimation

A signal processing technique is presented by which the position of a rotor supported in magnetic bearings may be deduced from the bearing current waveform. The bearing currents are presumed to be developed with a two-state switching amplifier which produces a substantial high-frequency switching ripple. This ripple is demodulated using a parameter estimation technique which extracts the length of the bearing air gap while rejecting the influence of amplifier voltage and duty-cycle variation. The performance of the estimator is evaluated both by simulation and experiment. The method is demonstrated to produce a sensor with bandwidth of at least 1 kHz and acceptably low feed-through of the bearing force.
Identification of Crucial Hydrogen-Bonding Residues for the Interaction of Herpes Simplex Virus DNA Polymerase Subunits via Peptide Display, Mutational, and Calorimetric Approaches

The catalytic subunit, Pol, of herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase interacts via its extreme C terminus with the processivity subunit, UL42. This interaction is critical for viral replication and thus a potential target for antiviral drug action. To investigate the Pol-binding region on UL42, we engineered UL42 mutations but also used random peptide display to identify artificial ligands of the Pol C terminus. The latter approach selected ligands with homology to residues 171 to 176 of UL42. Substitution of glutamine 171 with alanine greatly impaired binding to Pol and stimulation of long-chain DNA synthesis by Pol, identifying this residue as crucial for subunit interactions. To study these interactions quantitatively, we used isothermal titration calorimetry and wild-type and mutant forms of Pol-derived peptides and UL42. Each of three peptides corresponding to either the last 36, 27, or 18 residues of Pol bound specifically to UL42 in a 1:1 complex with a dissociation constant of 1 to 2 microM. Thus, the last 18 residues suffice for most of the binding energy, which was due mainly to a change in enthalpy. Substitutions at positions corresponding to Pol residue 1228 or 1229 or at UL42 residue 171 abolished or greatly reduced binding. These residues participate in hydrogen bonds observed in the crystal structure of the C terminus of Pol bound to UL42. Thus, interruption of these few bonds is sufficient to disrupt the interaction, suggesting that small molecules targeting the relevant side chains could interfere with Pol-UL42 binding.
Blended news delivery in healthcare: a framework for injecting good news into bad news conversations.

Clinicians often inject good news into bad news delivery, and they do so for a variety of reasons. We present a framework that draws from research in the fields of health and social psychology to shed light on situations in which clinicians add superfluous good news into bad news conversations in an effort to ease the conversation or mitigate patients’ distress, a broad strategy we refer to as blended news delivery. Our framework includes predictors of clinicians’ use of blended news delivery, characteristics of blended news and outcomes of this strategy for both patients and clinicians. This framework addresses a common aspect of health communication and can direct future research on ideal strategies for and likely consequences of blended news delivery and communication more broadly.
The stability of finite amplitude cellular convection and its relation to an extremum principle

The stability of cellular convection flow in a layer heated from below is discussed for Rayleigh number R close to the critical value Rc. It is shown that in this region the stable stationary solution is determined by a minimum of the integral \[ \int_0^{H_0}R(H)\,dH, \] where R(H) is a functional of arbitrary convective velocity fields which satisfy the boundary conditions. For the stationary solutions R(H) is equal to the Rayleigh number. H0 is a given value of the convective heat transport. In a second part of the paper explicit results are derived for the convection problem with deviations from the Boussinesq approximation owing to the temperature dependence of the material properties.
HIV testing of infants: privacy and public health.

Imagine for a moment that a serious illness threatens the life of a newborn infant. However the law of the land prevents the infant from obtaining the treatment that could save his or her life. If this sounds far-fetched it is not very far from describing the current situation regarding testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among infants and the conveying of the results of that test to an infant’s parents. By October 1998 Congress expects the results of a study it charged the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to conduct. The question is whether forty-nine states and the District of Columbia should be expected to enact laws like the one now in effect only in New York State. The New York law requires that the results of testing infants for HIV antibodies be disclosed to their mothers. This paper examines the policy moral and legal issues raised by testing and disclosure. (excerpt)
Commentary on: Assessing Demographic Differences in Patient-Perceived Improvement in Facial Appearance and Quality of Life Following Rhinoplasty.

The authors of “Assessing Demographic Differences in Patient-Perceived Improvement in Facial Appearance and Quality of Life Following Rhinoplasty” have attempted to identify the role of demographic factors on patient satisfaction in rhinoplasty using a validated outcomes instrument.1 This is not the first time a validated instrument has been used to study cosmetic surgery.2 However, it may be the first time demographics were included in the analysis. The factors analyzed include race (Caucasian vs non-Caucasian, gender, household income, and age. The authors are to be commended for recognizing some key tenets of rhinoplasty surgery in the 21st century. The first tenet is the long held recognition that rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult operations in all of facial plastic surgery. This is not because the operation is necessarily the most technically demanding. Our colleagues in the world of microsurgery may beg to differ. Rather, achieving excellence in results is exceedingly difficult. These 2 issues are fundamentally different, though related. How so? The technical aspects of fashioning cartilage and bone, the purely proportional aesthetic “ideals” that have been espoused are not the sole domain of a select few surgeons. Rather, excellence in results comes from understanding the 3-dimensional interaction of the tissues over time. The inherent differences in the resiliency of the cartilage and skin will affect what …
Does Uniformity Engender Conformity? An Analysis of International Accounting Standard Adoption

The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) was organized in 1973 with the primary goal of harmonizing international accounting standards. In 1988, the IASC conducted a survey to determine the extent of conformity of national accounting standards and practices to IASC standards. While prior research has attempted to group countries into clusters based on conformity with IASC standards, little is known about the determinants of conformity. IASC standards vary both in the degree of flexibility they permit in reporting as well as in the type of provision covered by the standard. We use ordinal logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of extent of uniformity and topic of provisions contained in a particular IASC standard on conformity scores for that standard. The extent of national standard setters' adoption of IASC standards is negatively related to the extent of uniformity mandated by a standard and also to disclosure mandates. Mandates for absolute uniformity in disclosure are most strongly associated with lower conformity while flexibility in accounting principles provisions is most strongly associated with higher conformity. In the aggregate the data are consistent with the view that the nature of the standards provisions significantly influence the extent of conformity with IASC standards.
Mining specifications

Program verification is a promising approach to improving program quality, because it can search all possible program executions for specific errors. However, the need to formally describe correct behavior or errors is a major barrier to the widespread adoption of program verification, since programmers historically have been reluctant to write formal specifications. Automating the process of formulating specifications would remove a barrier to program verification and enhance its practicality.This paper describes specification mining, a machine learning approach to discovering formal specifications of the protocols that code must obey when interacting with an application program interface or abstract data type. Starting from the assumption that a working program is well enough debugged to reveal strong hints of correct protocols, our tool infers a specification by observing program execution and concisely summarizing the frequent interaction patterns as state machines that capture both temporal and data dependences. These state machines can be examined by a programmer, to refine the specification and identify errors, and can be utilized by automatic verification tools, to find bugs.Our preliminary experience with the mining tool has been promising. We were able to learn specifications that not only captured the correct protocol, but also discovered serious bugs.
Technology and Promotion: The Typewriter

The inventor does the work and the promoter gets the money. That seems to sum up the popular view of the relation between promotion and technology in nineteenth-century America. Take the typewriter as an example. Thomas A. Edison declared in 1921: “Mr. Christopher L. Sholes was the father of the typewriter and got nothing but trouble and neglect in connection with the invention. He fell into the hands of promoters with the usual results.” Who were these promoters? Edison did not name names, but chief among them were in fact the following: James Densmore, George Washington Newton Yost, the firm of E. Remington & Sons, and finally the latter's selling agents—Wyckoff, Seamans, and Benedict—who in 1886 bought the Remingtons' typewriter property and organized the Remington Standard Typewriter Company, which was eventually succeeded by Remington Rand, Inc. Among all these, Densmore is the one whom Edison had particularly in mind, and the one whom many others have denounced. Indeed, according to one account, the only thing Densmore did for the typewriter was to give Sholes $6,000 for the invention and then turn it over to the Remingtons for a cool million!
Abstract B106: Inhibition of IKKb and NFκB signaling by a novel curcumin analogue

B106 The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway has been targeted for therapeutic applications in a variety of human diseases such as cancer. A number of naturally occurring substances including curcumin have been investigated for their actions on the NF-κB pathway because of their significant therapeutic potential and safety profile. A synthetic monoketone compound termed EF24 was developed from curcumin and exhibited a potent anticancer activity. Here we report a mechanism by which EF24 potently suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway in both head and neck cancer and lung cancer cell lines through direct action on the I-κB kinase (IKK). We demonstrate that (i) EF24 induces death of lung, head and neck, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cells with a potency about 10 times higher than curcumin does, (ii) EF24 rapidly blocks the nuclear translocation of NF-κB with an IC50 of 1.3 μM compared with curcumin with an IC50 of 13 μM, (iii) EF24 effectively inhibits TNFα-induced I-κB phosphorylation and degradation, suggesting a role of this compound in targeting IKK, and (iv) EF24 indeed directly inhibits the catalytic activity of IKK in an in vitro reconstituted system. This study identifies IKK as an effective target for EF24 and provides a molecular explanation for a superior activity of EF24 over curcumin. The effective inhibition of TNFα-induced NF-κB signaling by EF24 extends the therapeutic application of EF24 to other NF-κB-dependent diseases, including inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B106.
739 Integrating Palliative Care in the Management of Patients Considered for Mechanical Circulatory Support

and effects of pulsatility on exercise performance of individual patients. Methods and Materials: Ergospirometry (CPET) was performed in 18 patients (4 female, 14 male, mean age 45 yrs (range 16-69), BMI 27 4 kg/m, 14 DCM, 6 CHD) supported by a HVAD for 13 months (range 3-26) with pump speed 2876 rpm (range 2600-3120). On echocardiography LVEDD was 58 13 mm, EF 29 12%. Sinus rhythm was present in 17 and A-fib in 1 patient. All patients were in NYHA II. Ergonometric power was set to 20 W and increased by 10 W every minute. HVAD flow data were analysed continuously by CDAS. Results: Peak exercise capacity was 98 33 W (55 12% of predicted), peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) 18.9 3.9 ml/min/kg (62 10% of predicted). HR increased from 76 10 bpm at rest, 132 25 bpm at maximum workload and 89 18 bpm after 5 min recovery. Estimated flow was 4.5 1.1pm rest and increased to 6.8 1.5 lpm during maximum exercise. Pulsatility was seen at baseline in all but 1 patient with average flow amplitude of 4.1 1.7 l/min. It remained unchanged during exercise. Estimated flow correlated (p 0.01) with ergonometry power as well as pulsatility at rest with maximum power (p 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was not found to correlate with pulsatility and maximum exercise power. Conclusions: CDAS data analysis is a valuable tool to asses pump function, pulsatility of blood flow at rest and during exercise. It may provide future insights to optimize pump function, development of adaptation algorithms to exercise as well as patients’ assessment by remote data transmission.
Magnetoreflection of Ion-Implanted Bismuth

Bi single crystals have been implanted with isoelectronic ions (As, Sb and Bi) and the electronic structur of these implanted materials has been studied using the magnetoreflection technique. Since the ion penetration depth and optical skin depths are of roughly the same magnitude, this technique provides a sensitive test for implantation-induced changes in the electronic structure. Explicitly, the magnetoreflection spectra show changes in lineshape, resonant frequency and in some cases the introduction of Landau level transitions forbidden in unimplanted bismuth. In particular, implantation-induced changes in the resonance lineshapes indicate an increase in plasma frequency as either the fluence of the implants or the ion size is increased. Further analysis of the data shows that the Lax model, which accounts for the magnetoreflection spectra of unimplanted bismuth, is equally applicable to bismuth implanted with isoelectronic ions. Our results yield measurable changes in the L-point band gap and smaller relative changes in the band parameter combination E g /m * . The mechanism responsible for these changes in the electronic structure of bismuth is suggested.
The clinical management of thalassaemia

The clinical management of thalassaemia will be discussed in respect to the pathophysiology of the homozygous disease. Social and preventive aspects and management of thalassaemia trait are beyond the scope of this presentation. 1. The decision to transfuse is based on the overall assessment of the patient, taking into account the haemoglobin level at presentation, the age of presentation, growth and development, the general well-being of the child, the degree of marrow expansion present and the degree of gastrointestinal iron absorption. 2. Pre- and post-transfusion haemoglobin levels Haemoglobin should be maintained between a pre-transfusion level of between 9 and 10 g/dl and 14 to 15 g/dl post-transfusion. It is important to monitor the pre- and posttransfusion haemoglobin levels. 3. Investigations Clinical photography, serum ferritin levels, bone age, chest X-ray and skull X-ray should be undertaken regularly. 4. Splenectomy The assessment of the need for splenectomy is made from calculations of the transfusion requirement according to the mean haemoglobin level. Prior to splenectomy, clotting studies should be performed and pneumovax should be given. Prophylactic penicillin post-splenectomy may be given to reduce the incidence of beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection. 5. Iron chelation therapy After baseline endocrine, cardiac, hepatic and ophthalmological assessments are made, the patient is commenced on subcutaneous infusions of desferrioxamine for iron chelation therapy. Vitamin C is given to potentiate the effect of the desferrioxamine, but in small doses (100 mg/infusion), after the patient has been chelated for at least one to two mth. In the future we will be able to perform young red cell exchange transfusion on the cell separator, which will increase transfusion intervals and will reduce the iron load. Newer chelating agents will be discussed.