cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopy is safe among patients with congestive heart failure undergoing general surgery procedures.

Background Over the past 2 decades, laparoscopy has been established as a superior technique in many general surgery procedures. Few studies, however, have examined the impact of the use of a laparoscopic approach in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF). Because pneumoperitoneum has known effects on cardiopulmonary physiology, patients with CHF may be at increased risk. This study examines current trends in approaches to patients with CHF and effects on perioperative outcomes. Methods The 2005–2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant User File was used to identify patients who underwent the following general surgery procedures: Appendectomy, segmental colectomy, small bowel resection, ventral hernia repair, and splenectomy. Included for analysis were those with newly diagnosed CHF or chronic CHF with new signs or symptoms. Trends of use of laparoscopy were assessed across procedure types. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The independent effect of laparoscopy in CHF was estimated with a multiple logistic regression model. Results A total of 265,198 patients were included for analysis, of whom 2,219 were identified as having new or recently worsened CHF. Of these patients, there were 1,300 (58.6%) colectomies, 486 (21.9%) small bowel resections, 216 (9.7%) ventral hernia repairs, 141 (6.4%) appendectomies, and 76 (3.4%) splenectomies. Laparoscopy was used less frequently in patients with CHF compared with their non-CHF counterparts, particularly for nonelective procedures. Baseline characteristics were similar for laparoscopy versus open procedures with the notable exception of urgent/emergent case status (36.4% vs 71.3%; P P = .04), but no differences in other secondary endpoints. Conclusion For patients with CHF, an open operative approach seems to be utilized more frequently in general surgery procedures, particularly in urgent/emergent cases. Despite these patterns and apparent preferences, laparoscopy seems to offer a safe alternative in appropriately selected patients. Because morbidity and mortality were considerable regardless of approach, further understanding of appropriate management in this population is necessary.
The Land Tenure System and its Saving and Investment Mechanism: The Case of Modern China*

The new land tenure system represents a compromise between efficiency and equality. On the one hand, the privatization of land use rights has eliminated the type of free-rider problem observed under the commune system; on the other hand, egalitarianism reduced the transaction costs when land was first allocated to farmers after the dismantling of the commune system. However, this study shows that the main challenge to the efficiency and sustainability of the system is the task of developing a voluntary savings and investment mechanism to fill the vacuum left by the compulsory one that the commune system once had. The frequent reallocation or readjustment of village land, as is required by the system in response to the relative population changes among households, makes farmers feel insecure in their land use rights and agricultural investment, and leads to distortion in their investment and consumption.
High dispersion spectroscopic observations of Venus near superior conjunction IV. Results for the carbon dioxide bands in the IV-N photographic region

Phase curves for the CO2 bands at 7883, 7820, and 8689 A are presented. While the weaker bands at 7820 and 7883 A show a definite 'inverse phase effect,' the band at 8689 A shows a more normal phase curve; it also exhibited much larger day-to-day variations in the CO2 abundance near superior conjunction in 1971. Because the variation of the phase curves with band strength is comparable to temporal variations on Venus, simultaneous observations of strong and weak bands are still needed to determine the dependence on band strength accurately.
Evidence Supporting Dysarthria Intervention: An Update of Systematic Reviews

Dysarthria represents a group of motor speech disorders (MSDs) characterized by weakness, slowness, and/or lack of coordination of the speech musculature as a result of damage to the nervous system. This article reviews the history of our attempt to provide an evidence base for dysarthria intervention, to describe some recent efforts, and to propose some directions for the future. From 2001 to 2007, the Dysarthria Writing Committee published a series of 7 systematic reviews evaluating 333 articles focusing on specific components of speech production, such as velopharyngeal dysfunction, or intervention for specific conditions, such as spasmodic dysphonia. These reviews offer evidence for the benefits of dysarthria intervention for speakers with selected dysarthria characteristics. More recently, scoping reviews have been used to map areas of relevant literature on the topics of speech supplementation and intervention in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Two trends will influence the future: (a) the movement f...
Use of hormone replacement therapy (Hrt) And detection of human papillomavirus (Hpv) Dna in postmenopausal women.

Abstract PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between detection of HPV DNA among current and past HRT users compared to never HRT users, duration of HRT use, and type of HRT (estrogen, estrogen/progestin). METHODS: Postmenopausal women (n = 390) were recruited from a university hospital and completed a questionnaire regarding 1) HRT use, duration, and type, 2) reproductive and sexual history, 3) smoking and alcohol use, and 4) HPV-related diseases. Cervical specimens were obtained for Pap smears, and for the presence of HPV using PCR/dot blot and DNA sequencing, and Southern blot or SSCP. Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and logistic regression examined the association between HRT use and risk of HPV detection. RESULTS: The frequency of HPV was 10%, with 2.8% oncogenic types. Compared to Never Users, Current (adj. OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.55, 4.07) and Past (OR = 1.96, CI = 0.56, 6.86) HRT users had an elevated risk of HPV detection. Although HRT duration among Current Users was not statistically significant (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.07), duration among Past Users was significantly associated with an increased risk of HPV detection (OR = 1.30, CI = 1.06, 1.61). In addition, Past Users of estrogen/cyclic progestin HRT regimens were significantly more likely to be detected with HPV (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.11, 2.97) compared to Never Users. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that risk of HPV detection is increased among users of HRTs, particularly among Past Users associated with longer duration and among those taking HRT regimens that included a progestin. Results suggest a latency or duration effect may be important in elevating the risk. They also support previous in vitro studies of progestin effects on HPV gene regulation.
An analysis of exchange traded notes tracking errors with their underlying indexes and indicative values

This study employs five commonly used methods to estimate tracking errors between iPath Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) and their respective indexes. Commodity ETNs perform well in tracking their respective indexes. This performance is not dependent on whether the ETN tracks a single commodity index, a sector or a composite index. Currency and emerging market ETNs do not track their underlying indexes nearly as well.
A Dynamic Model of Health Plan Choice from a Real Options Perspective

This paper develops a dynamic framework for analyzing an individual’s choice between a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) under uncertainty regarding future health. We explicitly model health as a stochastic process whose fluctuations arise from three sources, one deterministic and two stochastic. Health evolves over time with a downward drift over the lifespan. In addition, health is subject to small, mean zero random fluctuations. Finally, there exists a small possibility every period of a serious illness resulting in a large, discrete fall in health. Under this characterization of health uncertainty, we develop a Real Options model valuing flexibility in health plan choice which takes into account the embedded flexibility to receive coverage for out-of-network care if the PPO health plan is chosen. Our model suggests that greater health problems increase the value of the option to go out of network for the PPO enrollee.
Optimal Focal Plane Processing For Scattered Optical Fields

It is well known that a scattering medium between a transmitter and receiver in an optical link causes power degradation and loss of spatial coherence in the received field. The spatial coherence loss due to scattering can theoretically be partially recovered by proper receiver design and by invoking specific forms of focal plane processing techniques to aid in restoring the degraded field. This paper reports the results of studies devoted to determining most advantageous focal plane design, assuming statistical knowledge of the scattered field at the receiver. The resulting performance of such processors is also presented in terms of standard communication criteria (collected SNR and digital bit error probabilities). The study has application to optical space transmission through turbulent atmosphere and to optical communications over the air-ocean channel, both of which have been statistically modeled in earlier literature. The basis of the focal plane design is to perform an orthonormal expansion of the scattered field into statistically independent field components. The required processing in the focal plane is then dictated by the proper method for collecting the field components with respect to the desired processing criterion. A result of the study, applied to spatially homogenious scattered fields, is the development of a ring type of photo detector array properly spaced within the receiver focal plane. Performance of such devices is presented.
Propagation of normal faults to the surface in basalt, Koae fault system, Hawaii

Normal fault scarps of the Koae fault system on Kilauea volcano consistently display locally breached monoclines underlain by prominent cavities, deep gaping fissures on the footwall, finer fissures on the hanging wall, and buckles at the scarp base. Elastic analyses reveal that this assemblage forms as a fault propagates up towards the surface rather than down from it. Models of a planar blind normal fault with a dip exceeding 60° yield a monocline with a tensile stress concentration at the surface where gaping fissures occur, a stronger subsurface tensile stress concentration near the blind fault tip, where cavities occur, and a compressive stress concentration at the surface where buckles occur. The footwall fissures grow down from the tensile stress concentration at the surface and link with a fault as its scarp grows. In contrast, the cavities initiate at depth near the fault tip and propagate with it up towards the surface. The hanging wall fissures apparently open in response to slip on late-forming blind antithetic faults near the surface. Stoped blocks derived from footwall fissure walls help prop the footwall fissures open as a normal fault breaches the surface. The fissures, cavities, and scarp rubble provide highly conductive hydraulic pathways.
Special issue on foundations of quantum information

Although it has been mainly during the last 15years that the number of scientific investigationsrelatingtoquantuminformationhasbecomegreatenoughthatQuantum Information Science (QIS) could be identified as a distinct field of research encompassing quantum computing and cryptography, its roots can be seen as extending back to the early decades of quantum theory itself. That is, QIS can be viewed as resulting from the on-going study of fundamental questions in quantum mechanics, now often referred to as simply Quantum Foundations. It relates mechanics and information in the microscopic realm, offering new insights by connecting the concepts and constraints of communications theory to information theory in a way that provides new methods for probing the elements of fundamental mechanics. It is to such probing of the implications of quantum correlations, measurements, and information theory that this Special Issue of Quantum Information Processing is devoted, focusing on foundational ones. Despite a tremendous increase in activity surrounding the technological aspects of quantum information and entanglement, which is to say surrounding applications of the qubit and the e-bit in communication and information processing, foundational issues relating to quantum correlation, measurement, and information theory remain in need of further clarification and development (cf., e.g. [1]). This is evident here, for example, in the contribution of Mauro D’Ariano and Alessandro Tosini, who consider tests of postulates of the “fair operational framework” in which quantum mechanics is understood as a set of rules allowing experimenters to predict the results of future measurement events that can be used toyieldinformation on thebasis of suitabletests,
Comparison of forgiveness and anger-reduction group treatments: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Interventions to promote forgiveness are effective. However, in what ways and in comparison to what other treatments is still unresolved. College students (n=112) who had been hurt in the past and struggled to overcome their negative experiences of it participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of two treatments, one focused on promoting forgiveness and one focused on reducing anger for past hurts, or a waiting list control. Treatment consisted of six 90-minute sessions held in small groups led by one facilitator over the course of 3 weeks. Results of three-level (time within participants within groups) hierarchical linear modeling indicated that the forgiveness treatment (n=41) resulted in greater reductions in hostility and psychological symptoms and more empathy for the offender than the alternative treatment (n=39) and the waitlist (n=32). Participants in both treatment conditions reported greater reductions in desires for revenge than those in the waitlist condition. All p...
d-Sotalol reduces heart rate in vivo through a β-adrenergic receptor-independent mechanism

d-Sotalol was developed as an antiarrhythmic agent with a relative lack of antagonist activity at β-adrenergic receptors. Exercise heart rate reduction has been observed after administration to humans. The purpose of this study was to determine directly whether this effect of d-sotalol was attributable to β -blockade. Plasma samples from normal volunteers who randomly received either atenolol, d-sotalol, or placebo were used in an in vitro radioreceptor assay to determine occupancy of β-adrenergic receptors by antagonist present in the plasma. Occupancy was compared with the observed pharmacologie effects. A reduction in exercise heart rate of 7.7% ± 3.8% for d-sotalol and 15.9% ± 3.0% for atenolol occurred with β1-adrenergic receptor occupancy of 0% and 33.9% ± 21.4%, respectively. Absence of antagonist effect in the radioreceptor assay eliminates the potential role of β1-blockade in d-sotalol— induced heart rate reduction. This effect is most likely a result of prolongation of the sinus node action potential duration. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1993) 53, 436–442; doi:10.1038/clpt.1993.48
High Speed Look-Ahead LMS Detector for MIMO Systems

Adaptive MIMO detection is used when knowledge of the channel is unavailable. We propose an efficient look-ahead LMS algorithm for MIMO systems which has no noticeable performance loss compared to the standard LMS procedure. In particular, the additional logic introduced into the feedback path can be retimed to reduce the critical path delay. We illustrate this by implementing both the retimed look-ahead LMS and standard LMS on a Xilinx Virtex 4 FPGA. Our synthesis results show that the new design can operate at 173 MHz, compared to 135 MHz for standard LMS.
Toward Cointegration of Optical Interconnections within Silicon Microelectronic Systems

Si systems are rapidly evolving toward more efficient, compact parallel architectures as silicon technology evolves toward ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) and as advanced packaging technologies such as multichip modules (MCMs) are developed. Such advanced microelectronic systems will confront increasingly complex interconnection constraints. Optical interconnections have been suggested as a possible approach to address some of those constraints. However, successful integration of optical interconnections with the advancing microelectronic system technologies will require careful evaluation of practical constraints from the perspective of future microelectronic system technologies. This paper discusses three specific practical issues confronting widespread use of optical interconnects within microelectronic systems, in particular (1) monolithic cointegration of GaAs optoelectronics with high performance, silicon CMOS technologies, (2) optical waveguides on MCMs, and (3) relaxation of physical alignment of components using "intelligent" detector arrays for free space optical interconnections between modules.
A microbiological assay for sodium azide.

Abstract A reproducible and sensitive method is presented for quantitating sodium azide (NaN 3 ) that exploits the fact that NaN 3 inhibits Escherichia coli RNA synthesis. A linear correlation is observed between incorporation of [ 3 H]uridine into a trichloroacetic acid-precipitable form and NaN 3 concentration over a 31- to 2000-μg range of azide. This technique was used to determine the azide content of a complex enzyme solution where established colorimetric azide determinations proved to be unworkable. This technique when properly controlled should be applicable to a variety of similar solutions.
Calcium ion binding regions in C-reactive protein: location and regulation of conformational changes.

Abstract C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric acute phase serum protein composed of identical 206 amino acid subunits that associate by non-covalent bonds. The biological activities ascribed to CRP are initiated by binding ligands via the single PC-binding site within each subunit. CRP binding to PC requires a conformational change in the intact pentraxin triggered by the binding of two free Ca 2+ ions per subunit. Residues 134–148 of each subunit were previously implicated by indirect measures as one of the Ca 2+ -binding sites. In this study, 45 Ca 2+ autoradiography revealed that fragments of CRP of 6.5 and 16kDa generated by proteolysis between residues 146 and 147 bind Ca 2+ indicating that a second Ca 2+ -binding site is located within the C-terminal 60 amino acids. Synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 134–148 and 152–176 both bound 45 Ca 2+ in equilibrium dialysis experiments with a K d = 5.2 × 10 −4 and 1.7 × 10 −4 M, respectively. The addition of Ca 2+ to peptide 152–176 induced a shift in the CD-spectra between 210 and 230 nm. Rabbit anti-peptide 152–176 antibody (Ab) inhibited the availability of an epitope within the PC-binding site of CRP recognized by mAb EA4-1. Reactivity of CRP with both anti-peptide 134–148 mAb and anti-peptide 152–176 Ab enhanced the expression of the PC-binding site epitope. The results suggest that the two distinct Ca 2+ -binding sites within each CRP subunit are composed of residues 134–148 and 152–176 and that these two nearly adjacent sites cooperate to exert an allosteric change in conformation allowing access to the PC-binding site.
Differential susceptibility to ozone-induced airways hyperreactivity in inbred strains of mice.

Individuals with heightened airways reactivity, such as asthmatics, may be at risk to inflammatory effects of oxidant air pollutants. In the inbred mouse, significant interstrain variation in airways reactivity to acetylcholine (Ach) and differential susceptibility to ozone (O3)-induced airways inflammation has been described previously. This study used these murine models to test hypotheses that (1) O3-induced hyperreactivity to ACh is a function of inherent baseline ACh reactivity, and (2) susceptibility to O3-induced inflammation is associated with O3-induced hyperreactivity. Strains (15–25 g, 6–8 weeks) with HYPERREACTIVE (DBA/2J, AKR/J, A/J), HYPOREACTIVE (C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, SJL/J), or INTERMEDIATE (1291]) phenotypes for ACh reactivity were exposed for 3 h to 2.0 ppm O3 or air (control). ACh reactivity (25 and 50 μg/kg, IV) was assessed 0 and 24 h after exposure. Relative to air controls, mean airways responses to 25 and 50 μg/kg ACh 24 h post-O3 increased significantly in the HYPERREACTIVE AIJ strai...
Factoring repeated content within and among images

We reduce transmission bandwidth and memory space for images by factoring their repeated content. A transform map and a condensed epitome are created such that all image blocks can be reconstructed from transformed epitome patches. The transforms may include affine deformation and color scaling to account for perspective and tonal variations across the image. The factored representation allows efficient random-access through a simple indirection, and can therefore be used for real-time texture mapping without expansion in memory. Our scheme is orthogonal to traditional image compression, in the sense that the epitome is amenable to further compression such as DXT. Moreover it allows a new mode of progressivity, whereby generic features appear before unique detail. Factoring is also effective across a collection of images, particularly in the context of image-based rendering. Eliminating redundant content lets us include textures that are several times as large in the same memory space.
Morphology and Physiology of the McLeod Erythrocyte

. The McLeod phenotype is a rare condition characterized by deficiencies in the Kell blood group antigens of erythrocytes. The present study has defined some of the morphological and physiological characteristics of these red cells. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that approximately 27% of McLeod cells are morphologically abnormal. These aberrant forms resemble the acanthocytes of abetalipoproteinemia. Tncubation experiments indicate that the morphology of McLeod erythrocytes is not due to a plasma factor. Biochemical studies reveal that the lipid composition and microviscosity of these erythrocytes are normal. In addition, isotopic tracer experiments indicate that electrolyte transport is also within the normal range. However, osmotic water permeability is approximately 30% below normal. The absence of a lipid abnormality and other experimental data suggest that the abnormal morphology and reduced H2O permeability of the McLeod erythrocyte may be due to defective membrane protein.
The contribution of NF-κB activity to spontaneous proliferation and resistance to apoptosis in human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax-induced tumors

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. The Tax protein of this virus is thought to contribute to cellular transformation and tumor development. In this report, we have used a Tax transgenic mouse model of tumorigenesis to study the contribution of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity to spontaneous tumor cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. We have demonstrated elevated expression levels of NF-κB–inducible cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-15, and interferon (IFN)-γ, in freshly isolated primary tumors from Tax transgenic mice. Inhibitors of NF-κB activity, sodium salicylate and cyclopentenone prostaglandins (prostaglandin A1 and 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J2), blocked spontaneous proliferation of Tax transgenic mouse spleen cells. In addition, Tax-induced tumor cells, which are resistant to irradiation-induced apoptosis, became sensitive to apoptosis in the presence of sodium salicylate and prostaglandins. These results strongly suggest that Tax-mediated induction of NF-κB activity contributes to tumorigenesis in vivo.
Membrane adenosine triphosphatase in synchronous cultures of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Abstract Studies of intracytoplasmic membrane biogenesis utilizing synchronized cultures of Rhodobacter sphaeroides have revealed that most intracytoplasmic membrane proteins accumulate continuously throughout the cell cycle while new phospholipid appears discontinuously within the intracytoplasmic membrane. The resulting changes in the structure of the membrane lipids was proposed to influence the activities of enzymes associated with the intracytoplasmic membranes (Wraight, C.A., Leuking, D.R., Fraley, R.T. and Kaplan, S. (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 465–471). We have extended the study of intracytoplasmic membrane biogenesis in R. sphaeroides to include the membrane adenosine triphosphatase. The membrane bound Mg 2+ -dependent, oligomycin-sensitive adenosine triphosphatase activity was measured throughout the cell cycle for steady-state synchronized cells of R. sphaeroides and found to accumulate discontinously. Following treatment with an uncoupling reagent (2,4-dinitrophenol) the intracytoplasmic membrane associated adenosine triphosphatase activity was stimulated uniformly in membranes isolated at different stages of the cell cycle. The adenosine triphosphatase was also measured by quantitative immunoblots utilizing specific antibody to compare the enzyme activity and enzyme protein mass. Immunologic measurement of the adenosine triphosphatase in isolated membranes indicated a constant ratio of enzyme to chromatophore protein exists during the cell cycle in contrast to the discontinuous accumulation of adenosine triphosphatase activity. These results are discussed in light of the cell-cycle specific synthesis of the intracytoplasmic membrane.
An intense terminal epoch of widespread fluvial activity on early Mars: 1. Valley network incision and associated deposits

[1] We present evidence that a final epoch of widespread fluvial erosion and deposition in the cratered highlands during the latest Noachian or early to mid-Hesperian was characterized by integration of flow within drainage networks as long as 4000 km and trunk valley incision of 50 to 350 m into earlier Noachian depositional basins. Locally deltaic sediments were deposited where incised valley systems debouched into basins. Large alluvial fans of sediment deposited from erosion of alcoves in steep crater walls probably formed contemporaneously. The depth of incision below Noachian surfaces correlates strongly with the gradient and the total valley length, suggesting consistent regional hydrology. Estimated discharges from channel dimensions indicate flow rates equivalent to mean annual floods in terrestrial drainage basins of equivalent size. Such high flow rates imply either runoff directly from precipitation or rapid melting of accumulated snow. Development of duricrusts on the Noachian landscape may have contributed to focusing of late-stage erosion within major trunk drainages. This late-stage epoch of intense fluvial activity appears to be fundamentally different than the fluvial environment prevailing during most of the Noachian Period, which was characterized by widespread fluvial erosion of highlands and crater rims, deeply infilling crater floors, and intercrater basins through ephemeral fluvial activity, and development of local rather than regionally integrated drainage networks.
Measurement of tracer gas distributions using an open-path FTIR system coupled with computed tomography

Optical remote sensing and iterative computed tomography (CT) can be combined to measure the spatial distribution of gaseous pollutant concentrations in a plane. We have conducted chamber experiments to test this combination of techniques using an Open Path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (OP-FTIR) and a standard algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). ART was found to converge to solutions that showed excellent agreement with the ray integral concentrations measured by the FTIR but were inconsistent with simultaneously gathered point sample concentration measurements. A new CT method was developed based on (a) the superposition of bivariate Gaussians to model the concentration distribution and (b) a simulated annealing minimization routine to find the parameters of the Gaussians that resulted in the best fit to the ray integral concentration data. This new method, named smooth basis function minimization (SBFM) generated reconstructions that agreed well, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with the concentration profiles generated from point sampling. We present one set of illustrative experimental data to compare the performance of ART and SBFM.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nonlinear dynamics of a Heisenberg ferromagnet.

Using an expansion technique we study the dynamics of a spin-s Heisenberg ferromagnet with nearest-neighbor exchange coupling J. The transverse-mode frequencies are calculated by expanding a self-energy function in powers of 1/z, where z is the number of nearest neighbors on the lattice. To zeroth-order in 1/z, the mode frequencies agree with the random-phase approximation. To the next order in 1/z, the coupling between the transverse and longitudinal fluctuations is responsible for a shift in the spin-wave (SW) frequencies ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathbf{k}}$ and for the appearance of a second pole in the correlation function at an energy close to zJs. This second mode is excited by longitudinal fluctuations, which force the local spin to precess about the mean field with frequency zJs rather than with the spin-wave frequency ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathbf{k}}$. Because of its interactions with the surrounding spins, this precession can propagate through the lattice. When ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathbf{k}}$ is close to zJs, the precessional mode may be observable as a splitting of the transverse resonance into two peaks. Since the coupling between the longitudinal and transverse fluctuations becomes exponentially small at low temperatures, the precessional mode only appears above the crossover temperature T\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.2zJs. Because the SW approximation mishandles the subtle interplay between the longitudinal and transverse fluctuations, it misses the second pole in the correlation function. In agreement with earlier work we find that the SW approximation breaks down above the temperature T\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}, when the exponential coupling terms in the correlation function become significant. Although the precessional mode is induced by longitudinal fluctuations, it is fundamentally a transverse excitation and must be distinguished from the longitudinal mode, which has zero frequency.
Introducing the fuzzy paradigm using Prolog

This artificial intelligence project introduces students to an alternative to the traditional “crisp” paradigm of computer science through the use of fuzzy sets and linguistic variables for modeling natural language expressions. A fuzzy/linguistic meta-language is built on Prolog. This helps them to explore some of the problems encountered in the human/computer interface of bridging the fuzzy, imprecise symbolic world of natural language and the computer's crisp, numeric world.
Model transitions and optimization problem in multi-flexible-body systems: Application to modeling molecular systems

Abstract This paper presents an efficient algorithm for the simulation of multi-flexible-body systems undergoing discontinuous changes in model definition. The equations governing the dynamics of the transitions from a higher to a lower fidelity model and vice versa are formulated through imposing/removing certain constraints on/from the system model. The issue of the non-uniqueness of the results associated with the transition from a lower to a higher fidelity model may be handled by solving an optimization problem. This optimization problem is subjected to the satisfaction of the constraint imposed by the generalized impulse–momentum equations. The divide-and-conquer algorithm (DCA) is applied to formulate the jumps in the system states resulting from the model transition. The DCA formulation in its basic form is both time and processor optimal and results in linear and logarithmic complexity when implemented in serial and parallel with O ( n ) processors, respectively. As such, its application can reduce the effective computational cost of formulating and solving the optimization problem in the transitions to the finer models. The principal aspects of the mathematics for the algorithm implementation is developed and numerical examples are provided to validate the method.
Amino acid permeability of pea chloroplasts as measured by osmotically determined reflection coefficients

1. 1. Chloroplasts were isolated in 2 min from Pisum sativum and then placed in external solutions varying in composition and osmotic pressure. The relative changes in chloroplast volume caused by the impermeable solute sucrose compared with equal concentrations of various amino acids were determined. This permitted the calculation of the reflection coefficients of the latter compounds by making use of a generalized version of the Boyle-Van 't Hoff relation. 2. 2. The amino acids with their reflection coefficients in parentheses are as follows: (i) aliphatic amino acids: glycine (0.03), dl-alanine (0.01), dl-valine (0.35)l-norvaline (0.03), l-leucine (0.56) and l-isoleucine (0.33); (ii) hydroxy amino acids: dl-serine (0.04), dl-homoserine (0.03) and dl-threonine (0.02); (iii) aromatic amino acid: dl-phenylalanine (0.03); (iv) sulfur-containing amino acid: dl-methionine (0.04); (v) imino acid: l-proline (0.05). 3. 3. The three amino acids (valine, leucine and isoleucine) with reflection coefficients differing appreciably from zero all have a methyl group attached to the backbone of the molecule. Such an increase in reflection coefficient attributable to methyl groups was also found for the following series of compounds: acetamide (0.52), N-methylacetamide (0.70), and N,N-dimethylacetamide (0.84). 4. 4. The low values for the amino acid reflection coefficients suggest that the limiting membranes of pea chloroplasts are quite permeable to these compounds, a conclusion in harmony with various metabolic studies in vivo and in vitro.
A new multiple π-pulse sequence in solid-state NMR

Abstract A new phase cycling scheme is proposed for use in solid-state NMR experiments involving multiple π-pulses The phase of the sequence follows the supercycled concept proposed a decade ago for heteronuclear decoupling experiments. Both theoretical and experimental results suggest that the concept of supercycling can be used in experiments' other than decoupling schemes, and may be of particular utility in novel solid-state NMR experiments for reintroduction of the dipolar interaction during magic angle spinning.
Optimized UV Detection of High-Concentration Antibody Formulations using High-Throughput SE-HPLC

ABSTRACT High-concentration antibody solutions (>100mg/mL) present significant challenges for formulation and process development, including formulation attributes such as increased solution viscosity, and the propensity for self-association. An additional challenge comes from the adaptation of analytical methods designed for low-concentration formulations to the high-concentration regime. The oligomeric state is a good example: it is a quality attribute monitored during pharmaceutical development and is one that can be affected by dilution; a typical first step in the analysis of high-concentration solutions. The objective of this work was to develop a size-exclusion HPLC (SE-HPLC) method thatwould allow the injection of high-concentration antibody formulations without the need for dilution priorto injection and their analysis in a high-throughput manner that does not create a bottleneck for the execution of complex formulation development studies. It was found that changing the UV detection wavelength from 215 to 235nm simplified sample preparation by allowing for an approximately fivefold increase in injection load while maintaining the signal within the linear range of detection. In addition, the chromatographic peak properties (i.e., peak symmetry, resolution, and sensitivity) were determined to be consistent when compared with analytical methods developed for formulations with lower antibody concentrations.
Robust Plasma Polymerized-Titania/Silica Janus Microparticles

We report on the universal fabrication of Janus microparticles from a wide variety of organic and inorganic components. The Janus particle fabrication described in this study details the synthesis of the highly cross-linked polymer nanocoatings on top of the partially embedded particles via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Here we conducted the plasma enhanced polymerization of different organic functionalized, reactive, responsive, and biomolecular materials ranging from acrylic compounds to organometallic molecules and aminoacids all directly on silica and titania microspheres, while using a masking technique to ensure that only a controlled fraction of the total particle surface area will be covered. This facile, fast, and scalable selected polymerization approach allows for single-face polymerization, generating organic−inorganic Janus particles which are robust and can be further converted into a variety of interesting mesoscale structures. Half-fluorescent, half-metal-decorated, and half-s...
KBSS: A knowledge-based system for scheduling in automated manufacturing

In this paper a knowledge-based scheduling system (KBSS) designed for an automated manufacturing environment is presented. Frames and production rules have been applied to represent declarative and procedural scheduling knowledge. A heuristic algorithm is incorporated into the knowledge-based system. The KBSS allows us to consider basic and alternative process plans. Each process plan specifies manufacturing resources, such as machines, tools, fixtures and material handling carriers, as well as their sequence. The knowledge-based system is illustrated with a numerical example. The heuristic algorithm is the key component of the system. The system has been tested on a number of scheduling problems. Computational experience proves that the solutions generated are of a quality acceptable in industry.
The effects of organizational climate on managerial job performance and job satisfaction

Abstract The effects of organizational climate on job performance and satisfaction as well as the effects of interactions between climate and individual needs on performance and satisfaction were examined for 76 managers from two organizations. It was found that climate was influenced by both the overall organization and by subunits within the organization. Climate was fairly strongly related to subunit performance and to individual job satisfaction. There was some limited evidence for climate and individual needs interacting to influence performance and satisfaction.
Multiple-outcome criteria in schizophrenia: an overview of outcome with clozapine

The outcome of treatment in schizophrenia is best considered as a multidimensional construct. This report lists thirteen categories of outcome measures that have been studied in schizophrenia research, among the most important of which are psychopathology, cognitive function, interpersonal social function, quality of life, extrapyramidal function, the suicide tendeccy and the need for hospitalisation. Clozapine is effective in achieving improved outcome in all these measures in a high percentage of neuroleptic-resistant patients. Ninety-two of 180 (51.1%) clozapine-treated neuroleptic-resistant patients achieved a decrease of 20% in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total scores at six weeks using the 0-6 scaling system. Cognitive function contributes importantly to overall function for schizophrenia. Clozapine has been shown to improve some types of cognition in schizophrenia, especially semantic memory and some tests of executive function. Clozapine has also been shown to decrease the incidence of suicide and hospitalisation. The task of deciding which therapies to use in schizophrenia should encompass the spectrum of benefits of each therapy, their risks and costs, in relation to all alternatives.
Relationship between Germline MC1R Variants and BRAF-Mutant Melanoma in a North Carolina Population-Based Study

A few previous studies have examined the relationship between germline melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) status and somatic BRAF mutations in melanoma. Two publications reported strong associations in three independent populations (two from Italy and one from San Francisco) (Fargnoli et al., 2008; Landi et al., 2006), while a more recent publication found no association in an Australian population-based study (Hacker et al., 2009). We report our finding of no significant association between MC1R status and BRAF-mutant melanomas in a population-based study of malignant melanoma in North Carolina.
The metabolism of short and long chain fatty acids in orotic acid-fed rats.

Abstract Rats fed a semi-synthetic diet containing orotic acid developed a fatty liver and low to zero levels of plasma betalipoprotein; analysis of thoracic duct lymph suggested that the absorption of long chain fatty acids and chylomicron formation were unimpaired. The oxidation of orally administered labeled [I- 14 C]oleic acid to CO 2 was the same in control and in orotic acid-fed animals. There was a lesser degree of oxidation of orally administered labeled octanoic acid in orotic acid-fed animals than in control animals. The lack of plasma betalipoprotein and the fatty liver seen in orotic acid-fed rats are also seen in the human genetic disorder, abetalipoproteinemia. However, in the human disorder long chain fatty acids are not absorbed via the lymph and chylomicron formation does not occur.
Observation of low frequency Kelvin waves in the mesosphere

This paper presents evidence for a quasi-stationary Kelvin wave of zonal wavenumber 1 that is forced in situ in the upper mesosphere and propagates upward from there. Although large scale quasi-stationary longitudinal variations are common in the mesopause equatorial winds, these variations often do not have a structure associated with a vertically propagating mode. However, during the periods of easterly winds that occur near the equinoxes in association with the mesopause semi-annual oscillation (MSAO), a Kelvin wave propagates away from the presumed altitude of forcing. The momentum transport by the Kelvin wave is small and does not make a significant contribution to the SAO wind evolution.
Phosphorylation of yeast protein: Reduction of ribonucleic acid and isolation of yeast protein concentrate

Yeast nucleoproteins were chemically phosphorylated with phosphorus oxychloride (POCL(3)). Studies using (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, stability to pH and lysine estimation all indicated that the epsilon-amino group of lysine was the principal functional group phosphorylated. Phosphorylation of ca. 30% of the lysine residues resulted in removal of more than 85% of contaminant ribonucleic acid from protein precipitated at pH 4.2. Phosphorylation did not alter the amino acid composition of yeast proteins and was reversible under acidic conditions. Based on the data, a method for the preparation of phosphorylated yeast protein with low levels of nucleic acid is proposed.
What Changes MSW Students' View on the Mission of Social Work?

Little is known about how professional social work education affects students' view on the social work mission. Using a secondary analysis of larger longitudinal data collected from masters in social work (MSW) students in California, USA, this study sought to explore the relationship among the students' demographic characteristics, their primary reasons for pursuing an MSW degree, and their view on the mission of social work at the time of entering an MSW program, whether the students' view on the mission of social work changed in the course of an MSW education, and factors contributing to a change of MSW students' view on the social work mission—individual adaptation vs societal change—between the beginning and the end of the MSW program. The results showed that students' degree of social action involvement, type of field practicum, and ideological variables predicted students' view changes or adherence between entering the MSW program and graduating.
Sensitivity and Resistance to Regulation by IL-4 during Th17 Maturation

Th17 cells are highly pathogenic in a variety of immune-mediated diseases, and a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of cytokine-mediated suppression of Th17 cells has great therapeutic potential. In this article, we characterize the regulation of both in vitro- and in vivo-derived Th17 cells by IL-4. We demonstrate that IL-4 suppresses reactivation of committed Th17 cells, even in the presence of TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-23. Downregulation of IL-17 by IL-4 is dependent on STAT6 and mediated by inhibition of STAT3 binding at the Il17a promoter. Although Th1 cytokines were shown to induce IFN-γ expression by Th17 cells, IL-4 does not induce a Th2 phenotype in Th17 cells. Suppression by IL-4 is stable and long-lived when applied to immature Th17 cells, but cells that have undergone multiple rounds of stimulation, either in vivo during a Th17-mediated inflammatory disease, or in vitro, become resistant to suppression by IL-4 and lose the ability to signal through IL-4R. Thus, although IL-4 is a potent suppressor of the Th17 genetic program at early stages after differentiation, prolonged stimulation renders Th17 cells impervious to regulatory cytokines.
Determination of the protein composition of the occlusion-derived virus of Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus

The occlusion derived form of baculovirus is specially adapted for primary infection of the host midgut epithelium. As such, the virion must contain the proteins essential for host range determination and initiation of infection. Because knowledge of virion composition is a prerequisite for functional investigation, this study used a combination of techniques to identify the proteins present within or associated with the occlusion-derived virus (ODV) virion. Thirty-one proteins, including proteins known to be essential for viral DNA replication, were identified with confidence. An additional 13 proteins were identified by using one of the three techniques. A comparison of gene conservation among the ODV proteins encoded in the 16 sequenced baculoviridae genomes is presented. With knowledge of the composition of ODV, it is now possible to target proteins and study their role(s) during primary infection.
Professional values held by baccalaureate and associate degree nursing students.

Purpose: To determine the congruency in value orientation of graduating students in baccalaureate and associate degree programs. Design and Methods: A survey design with a convenience sample of 1,450 graduating nursing students from all baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs in Texas. Data were collected using the Nurses Professional Values Scale (NPVS). Descriptive and parametric statistics were used for analysis. Findings: ADN and BSN students did not differ significantly on the NPVS total score, however, ADN students scored higher on 5 of the 11 subscales than did their BSN counterparts. Men from both programs scored significantly lower than did women on the total scale and all subscales. Ethnic groups differed on the responses to three of the subscales representing nurses' values: respect for human dignity, safeguarding the client and public, and collaborating to meet public health needs. Conclusions: Professional values in graduating nursing students were significantly related to sex and ethnicity, regardless of educational program. Nursing faculty members are challenged to address these differences during the educational process and mentoring of students.