cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An approach to a capstone curriculum

In this paper, we describe the required Senior Capstone Sequence for the George Mason University Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program is to prepare students to employ information technology in ways that improve business processes so that the enterprise is demonstrably better. Capstone is a true final component. It is a two-course, seven-credit, sequence that all IT majors must complete. It presumes a grounding in General Education, the IT Major and one of four Concentration Tracks. It transitions students to use that acquired knowledge and challenges them to apply it to real business process situations. A key to successful completion of Capstone is to focus on the business processes, not the technology. Eligible students are those majoring in Information Technology who have: completed ninety of the one hundred twenty credits for the degree, completed the IT Resources Planning course and, are within two terms of graduation.
Feeding of Achelia echinata Hodge (Pycnogonida) on marine algae

Field observations of Achelia echinata Hodge in Southampton Water suggested that it may be feeding on Griffithsia and Enteromorpha, although this pycnogonid was not known to be algivorous. This possibility was experimentally tested by maintaining the pycnogonid on 14C-labelled weeds, whence they were found to take up activity in proportion to the concentration of 14C in the weed. The experimental design precluded sea water, bacteria or any passive uptake as a source of the 14C in the pycnogonids, and comparisons between Enteromorpha and Griffithsia eliminated epiphytes as the source. It is concluded that Achelia echinata actively feeds on these two species of seaweed, possibly more readily on Enteromorpha. The feeding behaviour and its significance are discussed.
LES DEMOISELLES D’AVIGNON: CORE OF PICASSO’S LABORATORY

If there is an artist most closely identified with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, it is Pablo Picasso. His 1907 canvas Les Demoiselles d’Avignon was a turning point in his career and, according to Andre Breton, ‘the core of Picasso’s laboratory’. MoMA acquired this icon of modern art in 1939 and since then Les Demoiselles has been the subject of several publications but no comprehensive technical examination. The last major conservation treatment was in the early 1960s. This paper focuses on the provenance of Les Demoiselles, in relation to the treatment history of the painting, and includes information from a technical analysis. It concludes with a summary of the current conservation treatment being carried out on Les Demoiselles.
Long term memory deficits in adult rats due to postnatal malnutrition

Abstract Rats who suffered zinc deficiency in early infancy were significantly retarded in the development of their long term memory. Other rats who suffered undernutrition during the same time period did not suffer impaired memory. It was hypothesized that zinc deficiency interfered with the normal development of the brain structures which are necessary for mediating long term memory.
Standard enthalpies of formation of Ni3Ta, Pd3Ta, Pt3Nb, Pt2V and Pt3V by high-temperature direct synthesis calorimetry

Abstract The standard enthalpies of formation of Ni 3 Ta, Pd 3 Ta, Pt 3 Nb, Pt 2 V and Pt 3 V have been determined by direct synthesis calorimetry at 1473 ± 2 K. The following values of ΔH f 0 (kJ g −1 atom −1 ) are reported: Ni 3 Ta, −(20.4 ± 2.3); Pd 3 Ta, −(36.1 ± 2.0); Pt 3 Nb, −(46.6 ± 3.7); Pt 2 V, −(37.2 ± 2.5); Pt 3 V, −(27.4 ± 3.0). The results are compared with data available in the literature for Ni 3 Ta and Pt 3 V and with predicted values from the model of Miedema.
Molecular dynamics simulations of pressure and temperature effects on MgSiO 3 and Mg 2 SiO 4 melts and glasses

Ab-initio interionic potentials for Mg2+, Si4+, and O2− have been used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate diffusivity changes, pressure-induced structural transitions, and temperature effects on polymerization in MgSiO3 and Mg2SiO4 melts and glasses. The potential gives reasonable agreement with the 0.1 MPa radial distribution function of MgSiO3 glass. Maxima in the diffusion coefficients of Si4+ and O2− occur as pressure is increased on the MgSiO3 melt. The controlling structural mechanism for this behavior is the Q1 species of SiO4 tetrahedra. Mg2+ diffusion coefficients decrease monotonically with pressure in both melt compositions. Increasing Mg2+ coordination number and population of 3- and 4-membered SiO4 rings with pressure combine to hinder translation of the Mg2+ ions. The dominant changes in structure with pressure are a decrease in the intertetrahedral (Si-O--Si) angle up to approximately 4 g/cm3 and coordination changes of the ions above this density. Temperature effects on viscosity in these simulated melts are indirectly studied by analyzing polymerization changes with temperature. Polymerization and coordination numbers increase with decreasing temperature and a small quench rate effect is observed. Fair agreement is found between the MD simulations and experimental equation of state for Mg2SiO4, but the equation of state predictions for MgSiO3 melts are much less accurate. The zero pressure volume, V 0, is significantly higher and K 0 is lower in the simulations than empirical values. The inadequacies reflect error in using the ionic approximation for polymerized systems and a need to collect more data for a variety of molecular configurations in the development of ab-initio potentials.
Are neuroactive steroids promising therapeutic agents in the management of acute and chronic pain

Neuroactive steroids with potentiating effects on GABA(A) channels and inhibitory effects on T-type Ca2+ channels which are located in peripheral sensory neurons are potent modulators of pain perception. The focus of this review is on peripheral anti-nociceptive properties of 5alpha- and 5beta-reduced neuroactive steroids with either selective or combined modulatory action on GABA(A) and T-type Ca2+ channel-mediated neurotransmission. We report that these neuroactive steroids are very effective in alleviating peripheral nociception in both acute and chronic pain conditions in animal models of pain. We believe that promising animal data warrant the exploration of their usefulness in clinical settings especially considering the fact that chronic pain sufferers are often young and otherwise healthy people.
Gamma-ray-induced changes in hypodermal mesocarp tissue plasma membrane of pre- and post-storage muskmelon

Gamma irradiation (1.0 kGy) of intact, newly harvested, mature muskmelon fruit (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud.) appears to have an immediate deleterious effect, but also a long-term beneficial effect, on the integrity and function of the plasma membrane (PM) of hypodermal mesocarp tissue. The initial consequences of gamma irradiation included an increase in the free sterol:phospholipid ratio, resulting at least in part from deglycosylation of steryl glycosides, a decrease in the spinasterol:7-stigmastenol ratio in each of the PM steryl lipids (free sterols, steryl glycosides, and acylated steryl glycosides), and a decrease in H+-ATPase activity. Irradiation did not increase protein loss, suggesting that the decrease in H+-ATPase activity resulted from either direct inactivation of the enzyme or altered PM ordering caused by the steryl lipid modifications. The long-term beneficial effects of irradiation, observed following 10 days of commercial storage, included greater retention of total PM protein, a diminished decline in total PM phospholipids (PL) and in the PL:protein ratio, and maintenance of greater overall H+-ATPase activity (activity was the same as in controls on a per mg protein basis, but there was > 30% more protein in the PM of stored irradiated fruit). These results indicate that 1 kGy gamma irradiation administered prior to storage slowes the progression of two key parameters of senescence, PM protein loss and PL catabolism.
Approximate linearization by state feedback and coordinate change

A nonlinear system can always be approximated to first order by linear systems. It has been shown by Jakubczyk and Respondek [4] and Hunt and Su [3] that certain nonlinear systems are the exact transforms of linear systems under nonlinear state coordinate change and nonlinear state feedback. In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a nonlinear system to be approximated to higher order by the transform of a linear system. The use of this technique in the design of nonlinear compensators has been suggested recently by the author [6].
The Surface Chemistry of Feldspars as an Influence on their Decomposition Products

The problems of hydrous decomposition of alkali feldspars and the formation of the micaceous minerals from the decomposition products are discussed in terms of the surface chemistry and the Al-Si ordering of the feldspars, and a crystal growth model for the micas.
Planetary observations at a wavelength of 6 cm

Abstract Radiometric measurements of Venus at a wavelength of 6 cm made in the period from November 1965 through March 1966 indicate that the disk temperature reached a minimum of 630 ± 30°K soon after inferior conjunction. An observation of Mars near opposition in 1965 gave a disk temperature of 190 ± 60°K, the same as that reported by Kellermann. The disk temperature of Jupiter remained essentially constant at 291 ± 25°K from March 1965 through March 1966. Saturn was found to have a disk temperature of 190 ± 45°K, which is slightly higher than anticipated.
Excitability changes in the sciatic nerve and triceps surae muscle after spinal cord injury in mice

From the onset to the chronic phase of spinal cord injury (SCI), peripheral axons and muscles are subjected to abnormal states of activity. This starts with very intense spasms during the first instant of SCI, through a no activity flaccidity phase, to a chronic hyperactivity phase. It remains unclear how the nature of this sequence may affect the peripheral axons and muscles. We set out to investigate the changes in excitability of the sciatic nerve and to characterize the properties of muscle contractility after contusive injury of the mouse thoracic spinal cord. The following changes were observed in animals after SCI: 1) The sciatic nerve compound action potential was of higher amplitudes and lower threshold, with the longer strength-duration time constant and faster conduction velocity; 2) The latency of the onset of muscle contraction of the triceps surae muscle was significantly shorter in animals with SCI; 3) The muscle twitches expressed slower rising and falling slopes, which were accompanied by prolonged contraction duration in SCI animals compared to controls. These findings suggest that in peripheral nerves SCI promotes hyperexcitability, which might contribute to mechanisms of spastic syndrome.
Effect of thickness and loading mode on the fracture properties of V–4Cr–4Ti at room temperature

Abstract The effect of thickness on the room temperature (RT) mode I fracture behavior of V–4Cr–4Ti has been investigated. Mode I fracture properties were measured from J -integral tests of compact tension (CT) specimens ranging in thickness from 6.4 to 25.4 mm. All specimens were machined in the T–L orientation and vacuum annealed following final machining. Two heats of V–4Cr–4Ti were tested. Specimens 6.4 and 12.7 mm thick were taken from Wah Chang Heat No. 832665. The 25.4 mm thick specimens were obtained from Wah Chang Heat No. 832864. The effect of loading mode on fracture of V–4Cr–4Ti at RT was also studied using material from Heat No. 832665. Mode I fracture behavior was compared to mixed-mode (I/III) fracture properties obtained from modified CT specimens. Crack angles of 0° and 25° were used to vary the ratio of mode III to mode I loading. J – R curves were generated as the basis for determining the affect of loading mode. The specimen loaded in mixed-mode exhibited lower resistance to crack initiation and propagation than pure mode I specimens.
Interaction of estradiol and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in an ovulation model: evidence for systemic potentiation and local ovarian effects.

Immature rats were treated with estradiol cypionate, (ECP, 0, 0.1, 1, or 2 mg/kg s.c.) followed 24 h later by TCDD (0 or 10 μg/kg orally). Follicular development was induced with eCG [5 or 10 IU subcutaneously (s.c.)] followed by an ovulatory dose of hCG (10 IU s.c.). Inhibition of ovulation by TCDD was potentiated by ECP in hypophysectomized but not intact rats. Only hypophysectomized rats exposed systemically to TCDD and ECP exhibited weight loss. Pair feeding mimicked the combined effects of TCDD and ECP in hypophysectomized rats. In another experiment, intact rats received ECP s.c. (0 or 2 mg/kg) and TCDD into the ovarian bursa (0 or 250 ng). Another group of intact rats received TCDD orally (10 μg/kg) and ECP into the ovarian bursa (0 or 1.5 μg). Blockade of ovulation by systemic or local TCDD was alleviated by ECP pretreatment. Estrogen increased the systemic toxicity of TCDD in rats whereas antagonizing its direct ovarian effects.
Evaluating obesity in fibromyalgia: neuroendocrine biomarkers, symptoms, and functions

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between obesity and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This study was conducted at the University of Utah Pain Management and Research Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. Thirty-eight FMS patients were included in this study. Neuroendocrine indices (catecholamines, cortisol, C-reactive protein [CRP], and interleukin-6), symptom measures (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), sleep indices (Actigraph), and physical functioning (treadmill testing) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) provided the primary indicator of obesity. Approximately 50% of the patients were obese and an additional 21% were overweight. Strong positive associations were found between BMI and levels of IL-6 (r = 0.52) and epinephrine (r = 0.54), and somewhat weaker associations with cortisol (r = 0.32) and CRP (r = 0.37). BMI was also related to maximal heart rate (r = 0.33) and inversely related to distance walked (r = −0.41). BMI was associated with disturbed sleep: total sleep time (r = −0.56) and sleep efficiency (r = −0.44). No associations between self-reported symptoms and BMI were found. This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that obesity plays a role in FMS-related dysfunction.
Dynamical properties of discrete Lotka–Volterra equations

Abstract A discrete version of the Lotka–Volterra differential equations for competing population species is analyzed in detail in much the same way as the discrete form of the logistic equation has been investigated as a source of bifurcation phenomena and chaotic dynamics. It is found that in addition to the logistic dynamics – ranging from very simple to manifestly chaotic regimes in terms of governing parameters – the discrete Lotka–Volterra equations exhibit their own brands of bifurcation and chaos that are essentially two-dimensional in nature. In particular, it is shown that the system exhibits “twisted horseshoe” dynamics associated with a strange invariant set for certain parameter ranges.
A narrow-waveband spectral index that tracks diurnal changes in photosynthetic efficiency

Abstract We present a new “physiological reflectance index” (PRI) isolated from narrow waveband spectral measurements of sunflower canopies. This index correlates with the epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle pigments and with the efficiency of photosynthesis in control and nitrogen stress canopies, but not in water stress canopies undergoing midday wilting. It is analogous in formulation to the broadband normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and uses reflectance at 531 nm and at a reference wavelength to minimize complications associated with diurnal sun angle changes. In conjunction with other methods, this index may lead to improved remote and ground-based estimates of canopy photosynthetic function.
Microradiographic study of dental tissues in sickle-cell anaemia

Abstract Six teeth from five patients with sickle-cell anaemia were investigated by microradiography. The enamel, dentine, and cementum showed pronounced changes. There were diffused hypomineralized zones and accentuation of striae of Retzius in the enamel. Mineralization of the dentine showed disturbances, e.g., there were wide areas of interglobular dentine with scattered globules separated by hypomineralized areas. Unusual inclusions were present in the lumens of the dentinal tubules. The pulpal chamber contained denticle-like calcified bodies. Microradiography revealed that in most instances there was excessive cementum formation.
Duration of Antibiotic Therapy for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Burn Patients

Shorter compared with longer courses of antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mixed medical-surgical intensive care units (ICUs) have been reported to produce equivalent outcomes. There have been few studies on the duration of antibiotic therapy for VAP in the burn population. We hypothesized that a shorter duration of antibiotic therapy for VAP would produce similar outcomes in our burn ICU. All burn patients from July 2001 to December 2006 admitted to the burn ICU requiring mechanical ventilation were studied. VAP was diagnosed prospectively by our Infection Control Liaison using bronchoalveolar lavage for cultures. Patients were cohorted into two groups: before July 1, 2004, antibiotic therapy duration was directed by the discretion of the attending physician (preprotocol), and after, the goal was 8 days of appropriate therapy or longer based on physician discretion (postprotocol). There were 98 patients treated for VAP with similar rates of inhalation injury, %TBSA burn size, age, and need for mechanical ventilation between the groups. The incidence of recurrent VAP was the same: 17% for the preprotocol and 15% for the postprotocol periods. The overall duration of antibiotic therapy did not change from 11 +/- 4 to 12 +/- 6 days. For patients treated longer than the target of 8 days, 66% had positive respiratory cultures at 4 days after initiation of antibiotic therapy. For the majority of patients with aspiration-type organisms or nonvirulent strains, there were fewer antibiotic days overall at 10 +/- 5 days (P < .05), with no episodes of recurrent VAP with the same bacteria. Despite a focused effort to decrease antibiotic usage for VAP in burn patients, the overall duration of therapy did not change. The majority of patients with virulent organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or nonfermenting Gram-negative rods still had clinical signs of pneumonia and positive cultures, leading clinicians to continue antibiotics. In patients without virulent pathogens, a shorter antibiotic course was well-tolerated without recurrences.
Electronic Medical Records and Their Use in Health Promotion and Population Research of Cardiovascular Disease

The primary use of electronic medical records (EMRs) is to record ongoing interaction between patients and the health systems in which they participate. Secondary uses of the EMR continue to emerge providing opportunities for high-quality population health research as well as health promotion efforts. Research and health promotion activities involving the EMR may be passive and/or active. Secondary EMR activities are being focused on improving patient and provider management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD affects over 30 % of American adults, and the EMR contains information relevant to this multifaceted disease. Secondary EMR use related to CVD research and awareness includes functioning as a data repository, recruiting study participants, building predictive analytics, developing algorithms for disease screening, and delivering disease management tools. Diverse secondary EMR applications have revealed successes, challenges, and limitations highlighting new lessons learned and opportunities in health promotion and population research.
Quantum theory of cohesion

The cohesive energy of a crystal is defined as tile difference in to ta l energy between the cryst:fl and an eqmfl num ber of separa ted neutral atoms. Experimenta l ly it may be de termined as tlle heat of sublimation. In these lectures we shall be concerned a lmost exclusively with the cohesion of simple metals , and shall not discuss ionic or covalent solids in any detail. The subject of cohesive energy retflly embraces three closely related topics:
Continuity and change: (re)constructing environmental geographies in late Soviet and post-Soviet Russia

Environmental studies conducted worldwide often overlook the knowledge traditions of the locales where they are conducted. Addressing this issue, I investigated the geographic journal literature of late Soviet (1980–1989) and post-Soviet (1990–2003) Russia. Notable trends are increasing criticism of environmental and resource management in Russia and a (re)turn to pre-socialist Russian theorizations of society–nature interactions. Specifically, the noosphere, ethnogenesis and geosystems are trends in the literature that signify how Russian geographers (re)construct environmental knowledge. For non-Russian geographers working in Russia, awareness of these trends situates place-based knowledge relative to multiple cultures (ethnic, scientific) and time periods, promoting cross-cultural understanding of different traditions of geographic inquiry.
Cardiovascular risk score change in HIV-1-infected patients switched to an atazanavir-based combination antiretroviral regimen.

Background We aimed to establish whether the limited impact of atazanavir on the plasma lipid profile could translate into a reduction in the predicted cardiovascular risk in antiretroviral (ARV)-experienced patients switching to an atazanavir-containing regimen. Methods HIV-1-infected treatment-experienced patients, switched to atazanavir for whatever reason and without prior major cardiovascular events, were selected and followed for at least 1 month. An individual cardiovascular risk score (10-year risk of major cardiovascular events) based on validated events and measurable risk factors in Italian cardiovascular cohorts was calculated using software available online. Results A total of 197 patients were selected for inclusion in the study. After switching to atazanavir, the mean changes from pre-switch to last available measurement were −6.5% (P<0.001) for total cholesterol, −1.7% (P=0.029) for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, −11.3% (P<0.001) for non-HDL cholesterol and −8.6% (P<0.001) for triglycerides. The crude cardiovascular risk score was reduced from 3.43 to 3.38% (P=0.51); the analysis normalized by age showed a reduction from 3.43 to 3.14% (P<0.001). Subsets of patients with high baseline total cholesterol or triglycerides showed more marked reductions. Conclusions A treatment switch to atazanavir caused significant reductions in plasma lipids and a modest but significant reduction in the normalized-for-age cardiovascular risk score. Efforts should be made to concomitantly reduce the other preventable cardiovascular risk factors.
Serum lactate dehydrogenase profile as a retrospective indicator of uterine preparedness for labor: a prospective, observational study.

Background: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes are required for adenosine triphosphate production, with each of five different isoenzymes having varying proficiencies in anaerobic versus aerobic environments. With advancing pregnancy, the isoenzyme profile in uterine muscle shifts toward a more anaerobic profile, speculatively to facilitate uterine efficiency during periods of low oxygen that accompany labor contractions. Profile shifting may even occur throughout labor. Maternal serum LDH levels between 24–48 hours following delivery predominantly originate from uterine muscle, reflecting the enzymatic state of the myometrium during labor. Our purpose was to describe serum LDH isoenzymes 24–30 hours post-delivery to determine if cervical dilation rates following labor admission were associated with a particular LDH profile. We also compared differences in post-delivery LDH isoenzyme profiles between women admitted in pre-active versus established active labor. Methods: Low-risk, nulliparous women with spontaneous labor onset were sampled (n = 91). Maternal serum LDH was measured at labor admission and 24–30 hours post-vaginal delivery. Rates of cervical dilation during the first four hours after admission were also measured. Spearman’s rho coefficients were used for association testing and t tests evaluated for group and paired-sample differences. Results: More efficient dilation following admission was associated with decreased LDH1 (p = 0.029) and increased LDH3 and LDH4 (p = 0.017 and p = 0.017, respectively) in the post-delivery period. Women admitted in established active labor had higher relative serum levels of LDH3 (t = 2.373; p = 0.023) and LDH4 (t = 2.268; p = 0.029) and lower levels of LDH1 (t = 2.073; p = 0.045) and LDH5 (t = 2.041; p = 0.048) when compared to women admitted in pre-active labor. Despite having similar dilatations at admission (3.4±0.5 and 3.7±0.6 cm, respectively), women admitted in pre-active labor had longer in-hospital labor durations (12.1±4.3 vs. 5.3±1.4 hours; p < 0.001) and were more likely to receive oxytocin augmentation (95.5% vs. 34.8%; p < 0.001).
Mapping of promoters for the nucleus-encoded plastid RNA polymerase (NEP) in the iojap maize mutant

Plastid genes of higher plants may be transcribed by the plastid-encoded or the nucleus-encoded plastid RNA polymerases (PEP or NEP). The objective of this study was to identify NEP promoters in maize. To separate the NEP and PEP transcription activity, NEP promoter mapping was carried out in the iojap maize mutant which lacks the PEP. We report here that atpB, an ATPase subunit gene has promoters for both NEP and PEP, while clpP, a protease subunit gene, and the rpoB operon, encoding three PEP subunit genes, are exclusively transcribed from NEP promoters. The maize NEP promoters share sequence homology around the transcription initiation site, including the ATAGAATA/GAA loose consensus identified for tobacco, suggesting conservation of the NEP transcription machinery between monocots and dicots.
HIV-associated coronary artery disease.

Cases, case series, and related articles on coronary artery disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) iden tified through a comprehensive literature search were examined for clinical characteristics and angiographic findings of HIV-associated coronary artery disease. Among 129 identified cases, 91 % were males. The mean age was 42.3 ± 10.2 (SD) years (range, 23 to 77 years). The interval between the diagnosis of HIV infection and the diagnosis of coronary artery disease was 72 ±60 (SD) months. Degree of immunosuppression was variable (CD4 mean, 313 ±209 cells/mm3; range, 6-1070 cells/mm 3). There was no correlation between the CD4 cell count and the development and progression of coronary artery disease. Similarly, the development and progression of coronary artery disease was independent of the presence of HIV-related opportunistic infections. Acute myocardial infarction was the initial presentation in 77% of patients. In 76 patien...
3D mapping of mini-mental state examination performance in clinical and preclinical Alzheimer disease.

The Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) is a brief cognitive screening instrument frequently used to track Alzheimer disease (AD) progression. We investigated the structural neuroimaging correlates of MMSE performance in patients with clinical and preclinical AD. We analyzed structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 29 probable AD and 5 MCI patients who later converted to probable AD using an advanced 3D cortical mapping technique. MMSE scores were entered as covariates in a general linear model that predicted the gray matter density at each cortical surface point. The results were corrected for multiple comparisons by permutation testing. The global permutation-corrected significance for the maps linking gray matter loss and cognitive decline was P = 0.005 for the left and P = 0.012 for the right hemisphere. Strongest correlations between MMSE score and gray matter integrity were seen in the entorhinal, parahippocampal, precuneus, superior parietal, and subgenual cingulate/orbitofrontal cortices. Significant correlations were also seen bilaterally in the temporal, the middle frontal and the left angular and supramarginal gyri. As a global cognitive measure, MMSE depends on the integrity of widely distributed cortical areas in both brain hemispheres with left-sided predominance.
Sequential search without reservation price

Abstract For a consumer who searches sequentially from a known distribution, but subject to a budget constraint, the optimal search policy does not necessarily have a reservation price and may generate demand curves with positively sloped segments. However, absence of risk aversion and inferiority is sufficient to avoid these implications.
An XYZ Parallel Kinematic Flexure Mechanism With Geometrically Decoupled Degrees of Freedom

We present the constraint-based design of a novel parallel kinematic flexure mechanism that provides highly decoupled motions along the three translational directions (X, Y, and Z) and high stiffness along the three rotational directions (θx , θy , and θz ). The geometric decoupling ensures large motion range along each translational direction and enables integration with large-stroke ground-mounted linear actuators or generators, depending on the application. The proposed design, which is based on a systematic arrangement of multiple rigid stages and parallelogram flexure modules, is analyzed via non-linear finite element analysis. A proof-of-concept prototype of the flexure mechanism is fabricated to validate its large range and decoupled motion capability. The analyses as well as the hardware demonstrate an XYZ motion range of 10 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm. Over this motion range, the non-linear FEA predicts a cross-axis error of less than 3%, parasitic rotations less than 2 mrad, less than 4% lost motion, actuator isolation less than 1.5%, and no perceptible motion direction stiffness variation. Ongoing work includes non-linear closed-form analysis and experimental measurement of these error motion and stiffness characteristics.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Probing the Melt Miscibility of a Commercial Polyethylene Blend by Small-Angle Light Scattering

Small-angle light scattering (SALS) was used to determine the binary interaction parameter χ in a molten blend of linear polyethylene (LPE, M w = 52 kg/mol, PDI = 2.9) and linear low-density polyethylenes (LLDPEs) based on homogeneous ethylene-1-butene copolymers (LLDPE-1, 18.7 mol% butane branches, M w = 58.1 kg/mol, and LLDPE-2, 5.9 mol% butene branches, M w = 70 kg/mol). Traditional cloud point measurements (cooling at 0.5–3°C/min) and melt annealing/isothermal measurements under V V (parallel-polarized) optical alignment were used to evaluate the melt miscibility and determine the binary interaction parameter χ (7.74 × 10−4 at 423 K). This value of χ is consistent with the value (7.69 × 10−4 at 423 K) determined by earlier small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements obtained by Crist and Rhee on polyethylene blends with the same branching-density difference (Δ y = 0.187). In addition, it was shown that SALS can be used to determine directly the melt miscibility of undeuterated polyolefin ble...
Comparison of the ecperimental entropies of vapourization of rubidium and caesium from the melting point to the critical region with those of mercury and the validity of the principle of corresponding states for metals

Abstract The experimental entropy vs. reduced temperature curve of liquid rubidium and caesium are presented from the melting point to a reduced temperature of about 0·7. Now that the critical temperature of rubidium and caesium has been directly measured and since the heats of vapourization were also determined up to about 1400°K, these experimental entropy data are compared with the experimental data for mercury and the validity of the theorem of corresponding states is demonstrated for these three metals. They confirm estimates made in 1960.
HUMAN FULFILLMENT IN THE MODERN PUBLICLY OWNED CORPORATION

Critics maintain that for profit, business corporations should be more “responsible,” that they should take account of all constituencies affected by their operations and should even assume responsibility for broader societal problems which they may only impact tangentially. Defenders of a narrower set corporate goals and constituent interests argue that corporations should be concerned exclusively with maximizing the profits they can earn for shareholders within the law. This controversy regarding corporate goals and stakeholder interests has spanned most of the twentieth century.
Hepatitis C virus : the nephrologist's view

The last 4 years have been a period of rapid expansion in our understanding of both the molecular biology and clinical significance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Initial studies using first-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays suggested that the end-stage renal disease population had an exceptionally high prevalence of anti-HCV compared with asymptomatic healthy blood donors. Subsequent analyses with second-generation assays and polymerase chain reaction techniques to detect viremia confirmed these earlier studies. Considering the prevalence of HCV within the dialysis population, it comes as no surprise that several studies confirmed HCV as the leading cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis among renal allograft recipients. Furthermore, transmission of HCV by transplantation of a kidney from an HCV-infected organ donor has been unequivocally demonstrated. The natural history of HCV infection in the immunosuppressed allograft recipient and its impact on long-term patient outcome are still being analyzed. Finally, HCV has been associated with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and several histologic patterns of immune complex glomerulonephritis, including membranous and membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis. Although HCV antigen-antibody complexes have not been demonstrated in the kidney, the marked decrease in proteinuria following clearance of HCV RNA with interferon alpha-2b therapy suggests an etiologic role for HCV in these glomerular diseases. Furthermore, the demonstration of HCV RNA in the cryoprecipitate of patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and a beneficial response to treatment with interferon alpha-2b also suggest a role for HCV in the pathogenesis of these clinical syndromes.
Abstract LB-2: Cullin-2 facilitates EGFR ubiquitination and degradation after trafficking of the receptor to the nucleus

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Objectives of the study : The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can be overexpressed in bladder cancer and other malignancies and is a molecular risk factor associated with poor prognosis. Surface EGFR is able to traffic to the nucleus, where it can regulate gene expression as a component of transcription complexes. This non-canonical function for the EGFR correlates with tumor aggressiveness and unfavorable clinical outcome. We have identified cullin-2, a ubiquitin E3 ligase cofactor that associates with the Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) and elongin B/C, by mass spectrometry as a putative component of an EGFR nuclear trafficking complex in human bladder cancer cells. The goal of the present study was to determine the potential role of cullin-2 in EGFR nuclear trafficking and function. Methodology: Various biochemical approaches, including co-IP/Western blotting and fluorescence imaging, were performed to analyze the association of EGFR and ubiquitin E3 ligase components, including cullin-2 and pVHL. Forced expression or silencing of cullin-2 was also performed. Results: Accumulation of EGFR in nuclei was shown within 30min after treatment of TCCSUP bladder cancer cells with the EGFR ligand HB-EGF. Ubiquitination and degradation of nuclear EGFR were observed 1h after stimulation. Cullin-2 binds to EGFR in the nucleus, leading to recruitment of pVHL upon HB-EGF treatment. The association of nuclear EGFR with the Rpt10/S5a and Rpt1 proteasome subunits implicates the proteasome in nuclear EGFR degradation, which is consistent with data indicating that nuclear EGFR degradation was suppressed by proteasomal inhibition. Silencing of endogenous cullin-2 or pVHL suppressed the degradation of nuclear EGFR. Collectively, these results suggest that cullin-2 is a mediating factor that connects nuclear EGFR to the ubiquitin E3 ligase and the proteasome, leading to proper feedback regulation after EGFR activation. Our findings provide new insight into the diverse intracellular mechanisms in which the EGFR participates and, in particular, its signaling roles in the nucleus in bladder cancer and possibly other cell types. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-2.
The Effects of Tooth Extraction on Alveolar Bone Biomechanics in the Miniature Pig, Sus scrofa

Abstract Objective This study investigated the role of occlusion in the development of biomechanical properties of alveolar bone in the miniature pig, Sus scrofa. The hypothesis tested was that the tissues supporting an occluding tooth would show greater stiffness and less strain than that of a non-occluding tooth. Design Maxillary teeth opposing the erupting lower first molar (M1) were extracted on one side. Occlusion developed on the contralateral side. Serially administered fluorochrome labels tracked bone mineralisation apposition rate (MAR). A terminal experiment measured in vivo buccal alveolar bone strain on occluding and non-occluding sides during mastication. Ex vivo alveolar strains during occlusal loading were subsequently measured using a materials testing machine (MTS/Sintech). Whole specimen stiffness and principal strains were calculated. Results MAR tended to be higher on the extraction side during occlusion. In vivo buccal shear strains were higher in the alveolar bone of the occluding side vs. the extraction side (mean of 471 μɛ vs. 281 μɛ, respectively; p = 0.04); however, ex vivo shear strains showed no significant differences between sides. Stiffness differed between extraction and occlusion side specimens, significantly so in the low load range (344 vs. 668 MPa, respectively; p = 0.04). Conclusions Greater in vivo shear strains may indicate more forceful chews on the occluding side, whereas the similarity in ex vivo bone strain magnitude suggests a similarity in alveolar bone structure and occlusal load transmission regardless of occlusal status. The big overall change in specimen stiffness that was observed was likely attributable to differences in the periodontal ligament rather than alveolar bone.
Training fuzzy logic controller software components by combining adaptation algorithms

An approach for an effective and efficient off-line training of particular classes of reusable controller software components is presented. To build a necessary relationship between a component's abstract and concrete levels, each control software component is represented at the abstract level by means of a set of adaptive fuzzy logic rules and at the concrete level by means of adaptive fuzzy membership functions. Training includes two phases: testing and adapting. The testing phase is for identifying faulty fuzzy elements of a component, while the adapting phase is for modifying membership functions. We employ genetic algorithms, neural network algorithms, Monte Carlo algorithms, and their combinations in each phase. This approach is illustrated by training automotive controller software components (simulation). Experimental simulation results show that our off-line training approach supports controller software component adaptation effectively and efficiently in terms of controlled process operation accuracy and effort spent.
Long-term mechanical reliability of multicomponent inflatable penile prosthesis: comparison of device survival.

Objectives. To determine the mechanical reliability of multicomponent inflatable penile prosthesis, comparing five different types of devices, as well as the two-piece versus three-piece as a group. Methods. We followed 83 patients with two-piece and 283 patients with three-piece inflatable penile prostheses for a mean time of 66 months. At a cutoff of 63 months, mechanical complication rates were reviewed and statistically analyzed. Results. Thirty-one device-related complications occurred, and all were secondary to fluid leakage. The Mentor Alpha-1 prosthesis was significantly better than the Mentor Mark-II in terms of mechanical reliability (P = 0.01). A trend was noted toward the AMS 700 Ultrex inflatable penile prosthesis having fewer mechanical complications than the Mentor Mark-II (P = 0.06). In addition, a trend toward all three-piece prostheses being more mechanically reliable than the two-piece was noted (P = 0.08). The Mentor Alpha-1 device had a higher cumulative proportional survival (0.957) than all other devices (0.842 for AMS 700 Ultrex, 0.839 for AMS 700 CX, 0.783 for Mentor GFS, and 0.750 for Mentor Mark-II). Conclusions. As a group, a trend was noted toward the three-piece prosthesis having better mechanical reliability than the two-piece prosthesis. Comparisons between the individual types of prostheses showed that the Mentor Alpha-1 device was significantly more mechanically reliable than the Mentor Mark-II device, and a trend was noted toward the AMS 700 Ultrex device having fewer mechanical complications than the Mentor Mark-II. The Mentor Alpha-1 prosthesis had the highest cumulative proportional survival.
The Effects of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy With and Without Atropine Premedication on Pulmonary Function in Humans

Abstract Pulmonary function studies, including arterial blood gas analysis, were performed in 21 patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Eight received premedication with atropine and 13 did not. In the atropine-treated group there was no significant deterioration in pulmonary function immediately after bronchoscopy compared with baseline. Compared with the values obtained after topical lidocaine anesthesia, however, there was a decrease in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (20 ± 20%), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1.0 ) (11 ± 12%), forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity (FEF 25–75 ) (22 ± 16%), and forced expiratory flow at 75% of exhaled vital capacity (FEF 75 ) (28 ± 38%) and an increase in residual volume (RV) (16 ± 19%). In the no-atropine group, postbronchoscopy values showed a decrease in PEFR (13 ± 19%), forced vital capacity (FVC) (13 ± 19%), FEV 1.0 (14 ± 16%), and oxygen partial pressure (Pa O 2 ) (11 ± 9%) and an increase in RV (19 ± 31%) and alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure gradient (ΔaaPo 2 ) (91 ± 129%) compared with baseline values. In this group also, topical lidocaine anesthesia resulted in a decrease in FVC compared with baseline. We conclude that the deleterious effect of bronchoscopy on pulmonary function is counterbalanced by the beneficial effect of atropine and that atropine is therefore a useful premedication for fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
Effect of phosphorus on island formation

Abstract Adding a phosphorus-containing species during chemical vapor deposition of Ge islands on Si (0 0 1) modifies the island sizes and shapes, primarily by changing the surface energies and the relative surface energies of different surface facets. Three distinct island shapes occur, but the island types and their sequence of formation differ from those found with undoped Ge islands. The addition of phosphorus decreases the size of the multifaceted “domes”—the island shape that has a favored island size, providing an additional method for controlling the islands. The largest islands have a steep pyramidal structure not seen for undoped islands.
Two variants of MutS homolog hMSH5: prevalence in humans and effects on protein interaction.

Abstract MSH5 is known to play functional roles in an array of cellular processes such as DNA damage response and meiotic homologous recombination. Here, we report the characterization of an hMSH5 splicing variant (hMSH5sv) that resulted from the retention of the last 51 bp of hMSH5 intron 6, in which the encoded 17-amino acid insertion between codons 179 and 180 does not compromise its capability to interact with hMSH4. We have also identified an hMSH5 polymorphism (C84T) that altered codon 29 of the hMSH5 gene resulting in a proline-to-serine change (P29S). The interaction domains of hMSH4 and hMSH5 have also been resolved. The P29S alteration is located within the interacting domain and leads to a weakened protein interaction with hMSH4. Together, our present study revealed the existence of two forms of hMSH5 variants in human cells. The different properties associated with these two hMSH5 variants underscore the potential functional diversity of the human hMSH5 gene.
Using Doppler Spectra to Separate Hydrometeor Populations and Analyze Ice Precipitation in Multilayered Mixed-Phase Clouds

Multimodality of cloud radar Doppler spectra is used to partition cloud particle phases and separate distinct ice populations in the radar sample volume, thereby facilitating the analysis of individual ice showers in multilayered mixed-phase clouds. A 35-GHz cloud radar located at Barrow, Alaska, during the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment collected the Doppler spectra. Data from a pair of collocated depolarization lidars confirmed the presence of two liquid cloud layers reported in this letter. Both of these cloud layers were embedded in ice precipitation yet maintained their liquid. The spectral separation of the ice precipitation yielded two distinct ice populations: the ice initiated within the two liquid cloud layers and the ice precipitation formed in the higher cloud layers. The comparisons of ice fall velocity-versus-radar reflectivity relationships derived for distinct showers reveal that a single relationship does not properly represent the ice showers during this period.
Synthetic-Aperture Radar Based on Nonsinusoidal Functions: VI-Pulse-Position and Pulse-Shape Coding

Previous papers of this series have used coded radio signals with desirable features, without explaining how these signals were obtained. This paper supplies the explanation. The concept of coding is generalized from the baseband signals, modulated onto sinusoidal carriers, to the radio signals actually transmitted. The conventional radar signals have coded baseband signals, which are referred to as the fine structure of the radar signals, while the carrier, referred to as the hyperfine structure, has always sinusoidal time variation. The more general radio signals discussed here have both a coded fine structure and hyperfine structure. Two classic problems of radar are readily solved by this generalized coding. 1) A class of signals is derived that approaches the ideal thumbtack ambiguity function in the range-Doppler domain as closely as one wants to. 2) The same class of signals makes it possible to increase the average-to- peak power ratio significantly over that achievable with frequency- modulated sinusoidal carriers. An estimate of the number of terms of a Fourier-series expansion of the signals, as well as the number of components of each term, is given; this estimate shows that a Fourier representation is too complicated for practical purposes, but also that the signals are ideal for frequency-sharing and spread-spectrum transmission.