cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polynomial Metamodel-Based Fast Optimization of Nanoscale PLL Components

As the complexity of nanoscale-CMOS analog/mixed-signal (AMS) circuits and systems grows, the challenges of their design becomes exponentially more difficult. Performing accurate design simulations that entail exhaustive design space exploration has become infeasible with the increasing complexity of nano-CMOS circuits and systems integration, coupled with aggressive scaling of process technologies. Transistor-level SPICE simulations with full parasitics (RCLK) of complex circuits, which provide silicon accurate results, have run times in the order of days or weeks. With ever shrinking time to market pressures, the simulation time proves to be impractical as it can lead to longer design cycle times. The simulation time factor is further aggravated by additional design and process parameters which have to be accounted for due to increased sensitivity in deeply scaled technologies. In order to mitigate this problem, this chapter presents a two-stage approach that uses layout-accurate metamodels and efficient search algorithms for fast mixed-signal circuit and system optimization. The different components of a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) are considered as a case study. First, the metamodel creation process is presented. A simulated annealing based optimization algorithm is then discussed for power optimization of the PLL components. It is shown that the metamodel approach speeds up the optimization phase by 2,000× with very good accuracy. The power consumption of the circuit is decreased by 22% for the baseline design and is within 8% of the circuit netlist-based, but computationally expensive approach.
A New Capital Requirement for Large Financial Institutions

We design a new, implementable capital requirement for large financial institutions (LFIs) that are too big to fail. Our mechanism mimics the operation of margin accounts. To ensure that LFIs do not default on either their deposits or their derivative contracts, we require that they maintain an equity cushion sufficiently great that their own credit default swap price stays below a threshold level, and a cushion of long term bonds sufficiently large that, even if the equity is wiped out, the systemically relevant obligations are safe. If the CDS price goes above the threshold, the LFI regulator forces the LFI to issue equity until the CDS price moves back down. If this does not happen within a predetermined period of time, the regulator intervenes. We show that this mechanism ensures that LFIs are always solvent, while preserving some of the disciplinary effects of debt.
Self and the control of behavior

Our research and theoretical efforts have focused on certain of the processes by which people carry out their intentions successfully and by which those efforts are disrupted. Unlike many of the theorists who are represented in this volume, we did not begin by examining dysfunctional aspects of behavior in an attempt to understand them. Rather, we began with a consideration of ordinary behavior and its organization and structure. This viewpoint has led us to propose that a particular set of principles may account for patterns of both successful and disrupted functioning across a wide range of behavioral domains. As it happens, this range includes domains that would often be classified as emotional disorder.
Unsere Verantwortung für eine umweltschonende Technikgestaltung und Technikanwendung

Bei zahlreichen Veranstaltungen uber die Umweltproblematik wird in „glanzvoller Verallgemeinerung“ (so ein Journalist) meist einem Verursacher die Schuld zugeschrieben, z. B. dem technischen Fortschritt, der Industrie oder dem Gewinnmaximierungsprinzip in der Marktwirtschaft.
Data-Driven Fault Detection of Un-Manned Aerial Vehicles Using Supervised Learning Over Cloud Networks

Modern applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are increasingly attracting the attention of traditional safety and reliability fields. There exist many standard approaches for determining UAV fault detection. However, there doesn't exist a method that is not only model independent but also has the ability to detect faults which have not been predefined for the UAV system. In this research we present two supervised machine learning algorithms implementing Logistic Regression and Linear Discriminant Analysis of Algorithms, respectively, to predict UAV faults. The data which has been used for these approaches comes from discrete-sampled, de-noised analog signals based on the voltage and current inputs belonging to four actuators of the UAV drones. In addition, we demonstrate that by using a five-fold cross validation process to generate different types of training and test datasets, the optimized model can be selected. We verify our results through an analysis describing the accuracies of our proposed model.
Grandiose Narcissism and Religiosity

This chapter reviews the modest literature on the relationship between grandiose narcissism and various aspects of religiosity. Current evidence suggests that grandiose narcissists tend to be less humble, less forgiving, less apologetic, and less empathetic but report similar levels of religiosity, including frequency of church attendance and prayer, as non-narcissists (contrary to conventional wisdom that religiosity should inhibit narcissism). Grandiose narcissism is associated with extrinsic rather than intrinsic motivation toward religion, with more conflict and anger in one’s spiritual life, and with more self-serving spiritual beliefs. Moreover, compared to those low in grandiose narcissism, they are less moved by their own wrongdoing to seek God and may not be as positively affected by certain spiritual practices (e.g., meditation). We suggest future directions for research and conclude that future research will benefit from examining different forms of narcissism, as well as the individual facets that underlying this multidimensional personality trait.
Language, Reading, and Executive Function Measures as Predictors of Comprehension Using Text-to-Speech

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between student performance on behavioral measures (reading, language, and executive function) and reading comprehension while reading with and without text-to-speech (TTS) accommodations. Twenty-nine children with reading difficulties ages 8 to 12 years completed a battery of reading, language, and executive function measures. They read 5 passages and answered comprehension questions under the following conditions: (a) silent reading, (b) reading aloud, (c) listening with digitized speech only, (d) reading with the use of TTS with no highlighting, and (e) reading with the use of TTS with highlighting. We used a principal component analysis and a mixed-effects logistic regression model. Language/Reading was a significant predictor of comprehension in both TTS conditions, whereas Executive Function was a strong predictor of comprehension in the listen only and silent reading conditions. Implications of language proficiency and executive function for successf...
Negative Advertising Effects on Presidential Support Ratings During the 2012 Election: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling and Serial Dependency Study

In a literature where different research approaches generate inconsistent effects, we examine negative TV advertising effects on public support ratings of presidential candidates over time. Weekly ...
SECOND GENERATION NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY MONITOR INSENSITIVELY DETECTS LOW MIXED VENOUS OXYHEMOGLOBIN SATURATIONS FOLLOWING STAGE 1 PALLIATION

Measurement of venous oxyhemoglobin saturation (SvO2) is considered a gold standard in assessing the adequacy of tissue oxygen delivery (DO2). Following stage 1 palliation (S1P), SvO2 <30% represents severely compromised DO2 and is considered the anaerobic threshold. Regional oxygenation index (rSO2
Principal component regression of academic performance, substance use and sleep quality in relation to risk of anxiety and depression in young adults

Adverse lifestyle factors increase risk of anxiety and depression in young adults. Consequently, neurochemical and neuroanatomical alterations ensue, and may initiate a vicious cycle of mental distress, poor lifestyle choices and academic performance. A total of 558 students from different US colleges completed an anonymous survey on academic performance, daytime sleepiness, substance use and mental distress. Low mental distress in college students positively associated with good academic efforts and limited daytime sleepiness. Mild mental distress correlated with borderline work neglect and with a marginal negative association with Grade-point average (GPA). Severe mental distress correlated with excessive daytime sleepiness and poor academic performance. A System Dynamic model was developed to reflect the integration of these variables with mental distress and academic performance. Our results demonstrate that manageable lifestyle factors contribute to mental health in college students, which become potentially cyclic events that may impact academic performance.
Technology requirements for nonterrestrial ecosystems.

Factors associated with planning and implementing research and development for non-terrestrial closed ecology life support systems have been analyzed in terms of systems engineering considerations. These factors are discussed in this paper to provide a planning overview. It is anticipated that systems of this type probably will be required for future manned space activities that would involve many participants in a space habitat, particularly at remote locations or for long-duration missions. Of particular interest are design scenarios that involve nonterrestrial ecosystems. Although these approaches offer the promise of being able to provide food regeneration by conventional processes, such as photosynthesis and essentially terrestrial agricultural methodology, the potential impact of nonterrestrial environmental conditions on these processes and criteria for ecological stability are not adequately defined. The role of these factors in research planning is discussed, and potentially relevant areas of research are described.
Local frame transformation theory for two classes of diatomic molecules

This study develops an alternative, analytical approach for computing the electronic spectra of long-range diatomic Rydberg molecules with charged atomic cores in which either each core is identica...
Larval exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan impairs metamorphosis and reproductive fitness in zebrafish.

Abstract Developmental exposure to endocrine disruptors can cause organizational changes resulting in latent and transgenerational disease. We exposed zebrafish to environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan during the critical period of metamorphosis and somatic sex differentiation to determine effects on metamorphosis and reproduction. We use biological and morphological biomarkers to predict potential modes of action. Larval exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan was sufficient to cause adverse effects in adults and their offspring. TCS exposure delays metamorphosis and impairs fecundity and fertility. Offspring from TCS-exposed fish show decreased survival and delayed maturation, but their reproductive capacity is not altered. Delays in metamorphosis in conjunction with morphological indicators suggest that toxicity may result from lowered thyroid hormones in parental fish. This work illustrates the importance of evaluating the latent effects of early exposure to environmental contaminants, and that further studies to evaluate the effects of triclosan on the thyroid axis are warranted.
A First-Principles Investigation of Gas-Phase Ring-Opening Reaction of Furan over HZSM-5 and Ga-Substituted ZSM-5

The furan ring-opening reaction using three catalytic models, HZSM-5, the extra-framework sites [GaO]/ZSM-5, and [Ga(OH)2]/ZSM-5, was investigated using periodic density functional theory as a mode...
Reexamination of a U-Zr diffusion couple experiment using quantitative phase-field modeling and sensitivity analysis

Abstract Interest in U-Zr metallic nuclear fuels has been on the rise, but sparsity in the available diffusion data continues to hinder efforts to model irradiation behaviors like constituent redistribution. In the current work, we develop a quantitative phase-field model for the influential β and γ phases of U-Zr and use it to reexamine data from a published diffusion couple experiment. We optimize the two phases’ kinetic parameters and use annealing simulations to show that the optimized model produces more accurate predictions than those obtained using the diffusion parameters currently employed by constituent redistribution models. We then demonstrate how to minimize the impact of user-defined model parameters such that the parameters based on experimental data dominate the model’s response. Sensitivity analysis studies confirmed that the phases’ kinetic parameters are more influential than the interface energy for this type of problem, and γ phase kinetics were found to be more impactful than β phase kinetics. This observation is believed to be related to differences in phases’ solubility ranges and diffusion-limiting behaviors. These findings and the interpretive modeling technique employed in the current work will increase the efficiency of the data collection efforts necessary to reduce uncertainties in U-Zr diffusion parameters, expediting further fuel development.
Arthur Miller, Essayist

This essay considers the 90 essays Miller published over some six decades. We see that Miller was an engaged and engaging public intellectual whose essays, like his plays, define selected public issues of the nation as reflected through the anxieties of the individual.
Diagnostic performance of commercially available vs. in-house radiomics software in classification of CT images from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma vs. healthy controls.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate diagnostic performance of a commercially available radiomics research prototype vs. an in-house radiomics software in the binary classification of CT images from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) vs. healthy controls. In this retrospective case–control study, 190 patients with PDAC (97 men, 93 women; 66 ± 9 years) from 2012 to 2017 and 190 healthy potential renal donors (96 men, 94 women; 52 ± 8 years) without known pancreatic disease from 2005 to 2009 were identified from radiology and pathology databases. 3D volume of the pancreas was manually segmented from preoperative CT scans. Four hundred and seventy-eight radiomics features were extracted using in-house radiomics software. Eight hundred and fifty-four radiomics features were extracted using a commercially available research prototype. Random forest classifier was used for binary classification of PDAC vs. normal pancreas. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of commercially available radiomics software were compared to in-house software. When 40 radiomics features were used in the random forest classification, in-house software achieved superior sensitivity (1.00) and accuracy (0.992) compared to the commercially available research prototype (sensitivity = 0.950, accuracy = 0.968). When the number of features was reduced to five features, diagnostic performance of the in-house software decreased to sensitivity (0.950), specificity (0.923), and accuracy (0.936). Diagnostic performance of the commercially available research prototype was unchanged. Commercially available and in-house radiomics software achieve similar diagnostic performance, which may lower the barrier of entry for radiomics research and allow more clinician-scientists to perform radiomics research.
Neuromodulation With Burst and Tonic Stimulation Decreases Opioid Consumption: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Success Using Neuromodulation With BURST (SUNBURST) Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective The SUNBURST study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized crossover trial of a single device delivering burst and tonic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic trunk and/or limb pain. We performed a post hoc analysis of opioid consumption at baseline and after device implantation. Materials and methods After implantation, 100 patients were randomized to one mode (tonic or burst) for 12 weeks, and the other mode for the subsequent 12 weeks. After the crossover period (24 weeks), patients chose their preferred mode and were assessed for one year. We analyzed 69 patients who took opioid medication at baseline. The primary endpoint was opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) at baseline and 12 months postimplantation. Subgroup analysis included opioid consumption based on Center for Disease Control markers ( 120 MME/day) and stimulation mode preference. Results Opioid consumption at 12 months was lower compared to baseline (53.94 vs. 79.19 MME, MD -25.25, 95% CI -43.77 to 6.73, p = 0.008). By 12 months, 11 of 69 patients (15.9%) discontinued all opioid (p = 0.001). Based on CDC dose markers, the proportion of patients taking >120 MME/day decreased by 61.7% at 12 months postintervention compared to baseline (p = 0.043). Forty-five of 69 patients (65.2%) preferred burst SCS while 15 of 69 patients (21.7%) preferred tonic SCS (p Conclusion A device delivering tonic and burst SCS was associated with decreased opioid consumption after 12 months in patients with chronic trunk and/or limb pain. The proportion of patients reporting the highest opioid intake (>120 MME/day) decreased to a lower CDC dose category by 61.7%, carrying important implications for those at highest risk for opioid-related substance use disorder, overdose, and death.
Heterogeneities in Consumer Diet Quality and Health Outcomes of Consumers by Store Choice and Income

Obesity and other diet-related health conditions have received much attention in the public health literature over the past two decades. This study investigates the relationship between household food budget shares at different food outlets with diet quality and weight-related health outcomes in the United States. Our analysis used event-level food purchase data from the national household food acquisition and purchases survey (FoodAPS). We find that, after controlling for observables, food purchase location is significantly associated with diet quality and body mass index (BMI). Our findings indicate that larger food budget shares at convenience stores and restaurants are linked with poor diet quality based on the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores and higher BMI. We further explored potential heterogeneity on outcomes of interest across income groups. Results suggest heterogeneous effects may exist across income groups: low-income households, who spent a larger share of their food budget at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants are related to poor diet quality and more likely to be obese. Our findings will help improve understanding of the causes of diet-related health problems and may illuminate potential avenues of intervention to address obesity.
Primary angiosarcoma of the spleen, a rare indication for splenectomy: a case report

Abstract Introduction and importance Primary angiosarcoma of the spleen is a rare condition with a nonspecific clinical presentation and is associated with a poor prognosis. We describe two patients with primary splenic angiosarcoma successfully treated with splenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Case presentations Case 1: A 50-year-old female presented with fatigue and left-sided rib, shoulder, and abdominal pain. A CT scan demonstrated a large splenic mass, and biopsy was diagnostic of angiosarcoma. An open en bloc resection of the spleen was performed, and pathologic examination confirmed high-grade angiosarcoma; the surgical margins were negative. The patient received pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and ifosfamide; she demonstrated no evidence of recurrence with four years of follow-up. Case 2: A 70-year-old male presented with acute back pain. A CT scan demonstrated a splenic mass; biopsy was diagnostic of angiosarcoma. The patient underwent open splenectomy, and pathology revealed high-grade angiosarcoma; the surgical margins were positive. The patient received PLD and ifosfamide but presented three years later with metastatic tumor to the spine. The patient had a favorable tumor response to pembrolizumab. The patient's tumor burden remains stable at 5 years following splenectomy. Clinical discussion Angiosarcoma of the spleen is a rare clinical entity and is often challenging to diagnose early. Moratality is high, especially in the case of metastasis or spontaneous rupture. Conclusion Due to the rare nature of this tumor, optimal treatment is not known. Here, we show excellent response in two patients to surgery combined with adjuvant therapy.
Keynote: Uncovering Vulnerabilities in Bluetooth Devices with Automated Binary Analysis

Being a near range wireless communication technology, Bluetooth, particularly its Low Energy version, is ubiquitous in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) today because of its extremely lower energy consumption. For instance, it has been widely used in many of our daily applications such as healthcare, fitness, wearables, retail, smart-home, and most recently automated digital contact tracing (when fighting for the COVID-19 pandemic). However, the security and privacy implication of these Bluetooth devices is not well understood. In this talk, Dr. Lin will present how to use binary analysis and wireless traffic inspection, to identify the security vulnerabilities in both Bluetooth protocols and implementations in real world devices. In particular, he will first talk about BLEScope, a tool developed from his research group to automatically fingerprint vulnerable Bluetooth devices from Google Play and then locate them in reality with a long range Bluetooth sniffer. Then, he will talk about FirmXRay, another tool developed from his group to automatically analyze the bare-metal firmware of Bluetooth devices to identify the linklayer vulnerabilities such as insecure pairing and unauthorized read/write. Finally, he will conclude his talk by discussing future directions in Bluetooth security.
Tibial Injury (Proximal)

Pediatric proximal tibia fractures encompass a variety of fracture types and result from varied mechanisms. Their treatment varies considerably based on fracture pattern and patient age. While these injuries are less common, a good understanding of proximal tibia fractures is needed for timely referral and definitive treatment.
Systematic Review of Prognostic Models Compared to the Mayo Risk Score for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic liver disease with a variable clinical course that can ultimately lead to end-stage liver disease, cholangiocarcinoma, and the need for liver transplantation. Several prognostic models have been developed to predict clinical outcomes and have been compared to the revised Mayo Risk Score (rMRS). Aim: To conduct a systematic review comparing the rMRS to other non-invasive prognostic tests for PSC. Methods: A systematic review of studies from 2000 to 2020 was performed that compared non-invasive biochemical prognostic models to the rMRS in predicting outcomes in patients with PSC. Results: Thirty-seven studies were identified, of which five studies that collectively included 3230 patients were reviewed. Outcomes included transplant-free survival or composite clinical outcomes. The rMRS was better than the Amsterdam–Oxford model for predicting 1-year transplant-free survival, c-statistics 0.75 and 0.70, respectively. The UK-PSC score outperformed the rMRS for 10-year transplant-free survival, c-statistics 0.85 and 0.69, respectively. An enhanced liver fibrosis score was independently associated with transplant-free survival after adjusting for rMRS. PREsTo predicts 5-year hepatic decompensation with a c-statistic modestly higher than rMRS; 0.90 and 0.85, respectively. Conclusion: Newer prognostic models, including the UK-PSC score and PREsTo, are more accurate at predicting clinical endpoints in PSC compared to the rMRS. Time frames and clinical endpoints are not standard among studies.
Cowden Disease and the PTEN/MMAC1 Gene

Cowden Disease is a rare cancer predisposition syndrome, reported in 1963, and named after the first described patient1. She was a 20-year old woman with breast, skin and thyroid abnormalities, and with several developmental anomalies including choanal atresia, pectus excavatum, and mental retardation. In the initial case report, in addition to the developmental anomalies, the authors reported multiple papillomata of the lips and oropharynx, an unusual appearance of the tongue (scrotal tongue), breast hypertrophy, fibrocystic disease and recurrent breast ulceration, and an adenomatous goiter. The presence in the family of a forme fruste of the condition led them to suggest an inherited abnormality. Subsequently, 5 further similar cases were described2, and the inheritance pattern was confirmed to be autosomal dominant. However, the phenotype, even within a family, is extremely variable, suggesting variable penetrance3.
Niccolò Machiavelli --- Adviser of Princes

L'A. vise a montrer que Machiavel, contrairement a certaines theses recues, ne conseille pas au prince de suivre un interet autre que le bien commun
Selling the Web: Web Features Used by Retailers

This study examines the use of the Web by retailers in business-to-consumer implementation of electronic commerce. An analysis of the content of retail Web sites was undertaken. Fourteen different business sectors encompassing 420 firms were evaluated. Results indicate that most current Web sites provide basic transaction features such as shopping carts and security. However, consumers want more advanced features such as the ability to determine if a product is in stock and the opportunity to track order progress online. Consumers also want greater assurances of confidentiality and privacy. Only a few firms currently provide these features.
Fair Non-repudiation Framework for Cloud Storage: Part II

Data storage is one of the most profitable applications on the cloud ­computing platforms. Although a transparent service model provides more flexi­bility and convenience, it also brings new challenges with respect to data security. For example, existing vulnerabilities in some commercial cloud storage services can potentially lead to repudiation problems. In this chapter, we first analyze potential integrity vulnerabilities existing in today’s commercial cloud storage platforms. Then, we present an overview of security issues and introduce a framework that supports a fair data transmission procedure without the risk of dispute. More speci­fically, a basic two-party non-repudiation (TPNR) protocol has been proposed. This chapter addresses the scenario in which a consumer may be reluctant to move his private data to the cloud because of existing vulnerabilities. To eliminate ­concerns between the consumer and the provider, the solution needs to bridge the two ­sessions with an integrity link based on a new TPNR. A multiparty non-repudiation (MPNR) protocol and more comprehensive analysis of its security properties are discussed in the next chapter.
Response of the Induction Logging Tool in an Arbitrarily Shaped Borehole

Using a set of surface integral equations together with the moment method, we develop a numerical algorithm so that one can calculate the response of the induction logging tool in an arbitrarily sh...
Posterior rotation of the occiput during labor

Abstract 1. 1. Posterior rotation of the occiput was observed in 96 of the 4,164 patients who were delivered vaginally of term infants. 2. 2. Posterior rotation of the occiput was exhibited by one patient out of every twelve who presented occipitoposterior engagement of the fetal head. It was not noted after primary occipitoanterior positions, and only rarely after transverse engagement. 3. 3. No etiologic significance could be attributed to small fetal size, relaxation of maternal soft tissues, nor gross pelvic deformity. 4. 4. The mean dimensions of the bony pelves of patients of the study group were only slightly different from those of a control group of women. A trend was noted toward anteroposterior spaciousness at all pelvic levels. 5. 5. A high incidence of anthropoid pelves was observed in the parturient women studied. Android pelvic types were seen rarely. 6. 6. Posterior engagement of the occiput in an anthropoid pelvis introduced a probability of complete posterior rotation in one out of five patients. 7. 7. No special pathologic significance could be attached to this variation in the labor mechanism.
Desmoplastic and neurotropic melanoma

BACKGROUND Desmoplastic and neurotropic melanoma (DNMM) occasionally metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and extranodal sites. The value of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has not been demonstrated clearly for patients with DNMM. The authors report on the utility of SLNB in the management of patients with DNMM. METHODS The authors identified 33 patients with DNMM who were seen during a 5-year period in their institution who underwent lymphatic mapping and SLNB. Clinical and histopathologic data were reviewed. RESULTS Thirty-three patients with DNMM underwent SLNB (mean Breslow depth, 4.0 mm; median, 2.8 mm). There were 25 male patients and 8 female patients with a median age of 61 years (range, 31–86 years). Fifty-two percent of tumors presented in the head and neck region, and 24% were associated with lentigo maligna. Four of 33 patients (12%) without clinical evidence of metastatic disease who underwent SLNB had at least 1 positive sentinel lymph node. No additional positive lymph nodes were found in subsequent therapeutic regional lymphadenectomy in any of these four patients. CONCLUSIONS SLNB detected subclinical metastases of DNMM to regional lymph nodes. SLNB at the time of resection can provide useful information to guide early treatment and, coupled with lymphadenectomy in positive patients, may limit tumor spread and prevent recurrence at the draining lymph node basin. Cancer 2004. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
Production of terminally differentiated neuroblastoma cells in culture

The use of fetal central nervous system (CNS) tissue in neural transplants has ethical, availability and some biological limitations. In order to overcome these problems, homogeneous populations of specific neurons in vitro should be established. Transformed nerve cells such as neuroblastoma cells (NBP2) in culture can serve as one of the sources of donor neurons in neural transplants provided they can be induced to differentiate terminally. This study showed that treatment of murine neuroblastoma (NBP2) cells with 4-(3-butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone (R020-1724, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase), and β-carotene for a period of 3 days followed by X-irradiation with 20 Gy or above produced 100% terminally differentiated cells. These differentiated NB cells had long and extensive neurites, contained elevated levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and very low levels of MHC class I and II antigens, and were non-tumorigenic. The viability of differentiated NB cells when determined on the criteria of attachment efficiency, re-extension of neurites and presence of TH after replating was only 9%. This was in contrast to the trypan blue exclusion technique which showed that over 90% of differentiated NB cells in culture were viable.
Minireview: cryptic translocations and telomere integrity.

There are now several case reports of subtle or "cryptic" translocation events involving telomeric ends of chromosomes, events which were not detected by conventional cytogenetic methods but were detected by molecular cytogenetic methods. For present purposes, a cryptic translocation will be defined as one that is sufficiently subtle that it would not be reliably detected, in the majority of diagnostic laboratories, by G-band analysis at the 400-500 band stage of resolution. Questions raised by the discovery of cryptic translocations include the following: (1) When should a cryptic translocation or deletion event be suspected and molecular techniques be employed? (2) What technology is best for investigation of cryptic translocations? (3) Are cryptic translocation and deletion events involving telomeres any more common than submicroscopic deletions elsewhere in the genome? In this short review, I would like to describe these recent case reports, as well as relevant new research on the structure and polymorphism of human telomeres. Several investigators have raised the intriguing possibility that polymorphism in human telomeres could play a role in cryptic translocation events (Brown et al. 1990; Wilkie et al. 1991). If this proves to be true, it could represent a major source of human pathology that has not previously been appreciated.
Reviving the Action Research Model: Combining Case and Cause with Dislocated Workers

Action research, a model combining research with activist goals and microlevel and macrolevel social work practice, has received little recent attention in the social work literature. This article reports on an action research project conducted by a major labor union and a university department of social work to assist dislocated workers in New England. A partnership of union-trained peer counselors and social work faculty and students combined a research study with providing direct service to displaced workers, assisting in an organizing project, and developing a policy agenda to assist low-income workers. The author suggests that an action research model can be used by social workers in a wide variety of settings and under different practice auspices.
An idealized theory of the gamma-ray detection mechanism of a simple Moxon- Rae-type detector

Abstract A theory of the gamma-ray detection mechanism of a simple Moxon-Rae detector is proposed. The development of the theory is presented in terms of the probability functions appropriate to the production and transmission of electrons resulting from the (γ, e) processes in the converter material. The converter in our treatment is assumed to be graphite and the (γ, e) processes are taken to be Compton scattering. The assumptions made in the calculations of the various probabilities are discussed. Brief discussions of the gamma emission probability (strictly of nuclear origin) and the geometrical probability (indicating the effects of angular correlations) have also been included. Our treatment shows that approximate linearity of the γ-detection efficiency derives jointly from the electron-production and -transmission probability functions. The sharp decrease in the γ-detection efficiency from linearity for E γ
Biphasic Changes in Nitric Oxide Generation in Hemodialyzed Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Treated with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin

Abstract Background: Use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) improves anemia and reduces the need for blood transfusions. However, one third of patients on rHuEpo develop hypertension, aggravation of preexistent hypertension, or other complications. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in blood pressure (BP) regulation. Whether rHuEpo treatment in ESRD is accompanied by alterations in NO production was explored in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Of 121 consecutive patients in a hemodialysis clinic, 107 were treated with rHuEpo and 14 were untreated. Plasma was collected before and after hemodialysis for quantification of nitrite and nitrate (NOx). Findings were correlated with various routinely monitored parameters. Results: Predialysis NOx levels were lower in the treated than the untreated group; postdialysis NOx levels were virtually the same. Thus, the change was less in the treated group. Urea reduction ratios (URR) and ultrafiltrate volumes were similar. The mean predialysis systolic BP was higher in the treated group than in the untreated group. The dose of rHuEpo did not correlate with the plasma NOx or the predialysis BPs. No correlation was found between NOx levels and Hb or gender. Of the 107 treated patients, 12 had an increased postdialysis NOx without differences in ultrafiltrate volumes or URR. This group had higher total serum calcium levels, faster pulses, and greater BP reductions than other treated patients. No difference was found in the use of calcium-channel blockers and serum phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone concentrations did not differ significantly among these groups. Conclusions: Intermittently hemodialyzed ESRD patients treated with rHuEpo accumulate less NOx in the plasma before dialysis but generate more NOx during dialysis than untreated patients. About 11 % of treated patients generated excessive amounts of NOx, thereby maintaining plasma concentrations at the predialysis level or higher. This group experienced significant hemodynamic consequences characteristic of the excessive action of NO.
Particle swarm optimization for correlator antenna array designs in radio astronomy applications

This paper presents a novel design methodology of correlator antenna arrays based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). The figure of merit in correlator antenna array designs for imaging purposes are illustrated and discussed, and PSO is applied to optimize locations of antenna elements in arrays with representative open-ended and closed configurations. Different optimizations are executed in order to obtain either the maximum u-v coverage or a synthesized beam with the lowest sidelobe level (SLL). The optimized arrays are observed to outperform periodic arrays and the existing VLA configuration designed by power-law. (4 pages)
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis of cell surface receptor interactions and signaling using spectral variants of the green fluorescent protein.

Background Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful technique for measuring molecular interactions at Angstrom distances. We present a new method for FRET that utilizes the unique spectral properties of variants of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) for large-scale analysis by flow cytometry. Methods The proteins of interest are fused in frame separately to the cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) or the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). FRET between these differentially tagged fusion proteins is analyzed using a dual-laser FACSVantage cytometer. Results We show that homotypic interactions between individual receptor chains of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members can be detected as FRET from CFP-tagged receptor chains to YFP-tagged receptor chains. Noncovalent molecular complexation can be detected as FRET between fusions of CFP and YFP to either the intracellular or extracellular regions of the receptor chains. The specificity of the assay is demonstrated by the absence of FRET between heterologous receptor pairs that do not biochemically associate with each other. Interaction between a TNFR-like receptor (Fas/CD95/Apo-1) and a downstream cytoplasmic signaling component (FADD) can also be demonstrated by flow cytometric FRET analysis. Conclusions The utility of spectral variants of GFP in flow cytometric FRET analysis of membrane receptors is demonstrated. This method of analyzing FRET allows probing of noncovalent molecular interactions that involve both the intracellular and extracellular regions of membrane proteins as well as proteins within the cells. Unlike biochemical methods, FRET allows the quantitative determination of noncovalent molecular associations at Angstrom level in living cells. Moreover, flow cytometry allows quantitative analyses to be carried out on a cell-by-cell basis on large number of cells. Cytometry 44:361–368, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) supplementation on adipokines and C-reactive protein in obese subjects

Abstract Objective Obese subjects have functional growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment of pituitary GHD improves serum levels of leptin, adiponectin and C-reactive protein (CRP). This study was undertaken to determine whether these rhGH-induced changes occur in obese subjects during rhGH supplementation. Design Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of low-dose rhGH (200μg/day for the first month, then 400μg/day for men and 600μg/day for women thereafter) or placebo supplementation as an adjuvant to a standard weight loss program. Subjects Forty healthy obese subjects, 28 premenopausal menstruating women (35±7 SD years) and 12 men (37±6years). Measurements Body weight, BMI, body composition (assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA]), and serum levels of glucose, insulin, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, insulin resistance index (homeostasis modal assessment [HOMA]), leptin, CRP and adiponectin were performed at baseline and at 6months. Results For similar entry BMI values, women when compared with men had higher percent body fat (BF) (43.5±4.6% vs. 29.8±4.0%, p p p =0.04). Serum levels of leptin and CRP, but not adiponectin, correlated significantly with BF in both sexes. Recombinant human GH treatment increased levels of IGF-I Z-Score between baseline and 6months (from −0.7±0.9 SD to 0.1±1.1 SD, p =0.01) and modestly decreased BF (from 38.4±7.8% to 35.6±7.5%, p =0.046). Despite increased IGF-I, there were no differences between rhGH and placebo with regard to changes in leptin, CRP, or adiponectin. Conclusion It is concluded that in obesity, although rhGH treatment significantly increases IGF-I and modestly reduces body fat, the lack of significant changes in serum leptin, adiponectin or CRP levels suggests that rhGH treatment does not have a significant effect on these serum markers of adiposity.
Teaching Undergraduate Mechanics via Distance Learning: A New Experience

The use of distance learning via televised instruction in engineering education dates back to the late 1960's when several universities, including Stanford, began offering engineering graduate courses through this medium. Graduate courses are often relatively small in enrollment, are offered to mature learners, and are generally less sensitive to technical difficulties. Undergraduate education, especially at the sophomore level, is vastly different in this regard. The students are less mature and in many cases have had no introduction to engineering. However, recent technological developments have provided universities with tools to consider undergraduate distance learning seriously. This paper describes the experiences of teaching Statics, the first mechanics course, to two classrooms in the same university simultaneously without a television to view the instructor. This is the first time this has been attempted in the State of Louisiana. The description of the media, the delivery system as well as assessment and outcomes based on statistical analysis of data collected are presented and analyzed in this paper.
A bordered matrix approach to the bioeconomic modeling of agroforestry systems

A bordered matrix approach was developed as a technique designed to model multi-canopied agricultural or forestry production systems to find the optimal planting pattern and density meeting specified economic criteria. The approach uses monocultural production functions as a base from which to estimate polycultural production levels. A banana-cassava mixture is modeled to demonstrate how the technique can be applied.
Lead–Lead Method for age dating of granitic sample by LA-ICP-MS

Abstract Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is used for the direct analysis of Egyptian granite samples, which are collected from the eastern desert—Egypt for the determination of Pb isotopic ratios. The age of the samples is calculated using Lead–Lead Method. Standard Reference Material (SRM 981) is used for the mass bias correction. The probability of interferences is discussed and considered. The obtained age is found 498.56 ± 4.38 My after the mass bias correction.
The temporal and spatial relationships between cortical contraction, sperm trail formation, and pronuclear migration in fertilizedXenopus eggs

The cortical contraction begins 4 min after insemination and one minute after prick activation. During the next 4 min, the pigment margin moves 15 degrees toward the animal pole. The cortex then relaxes to the prefertilization level over the next 10 min. Contrary to earlier estimations, the cortical contraction occurs during the same time span as the wave of cortical granule exocytosis. We suggest that the two events may result from a common stimulus. The sperm trail (ST) forms during the relaxation of the cortex. The ST first appears as a conically-shaped trail of pigment in the cytoplasm; it then elongates into a funnel-shaped trail as the male pronucleus migrates into the egg. The base of the cytoplasmic ST can be seen on the surface of the egg as a circular condensation of pigment. The male and female pronuclei migrate at a constant rate of 12 μm per minute. The male pronucleus migrates by the enlargement of its aster, whereas, it appears that the female pronucleus is dependent on the male aster for its motion.
Characterization of the Association of the Actin-binding Protein, IQGAP, and Activated Cdc42 with Golgi Membranes *

IQGAP is a recently identified actin-binding protein, which is a putative target for the Cdc42 and Rac GTP-binding proteins. Cdc42 was localized to the Golgi (Erickson, J. W., Zhang, C., Kahn, R. A., Evans, T., and Cerione, R. A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 26850-26854), and here we show by immunofluorescence that IQGAP has a perinuclear localization, that it can be co-immunoprecipitated with Cdc42 from Golgi-enriched fractions, and that purified Golgi membranes are recognized by specific antibodies raised against IQGAP and Cdc42 in negative-stain immunogold electron microscopy experiments. Addition of activated, recombinant Cdc42 or solubilization of endogenous Cdc42 from Golgi membranes by the Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor protein fails to solubilize IQGAP, suggesting that it associates with these membranes in a Cdc42-independent manner. Detergent solubilization of Golgi membranes leaves IQGAP and actin in an insoluble pellet but releases Cdc42 to the supernatant, whereas treatments that release actin from this detergent-insoluble pellet also release IQGAP. Addition of the COOH-terminal half of the IQGAP protein, which contains the Cdc42-binding domain, removes Cdc42 from Golgi membranes in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that IQGAP and Cdc42 are part of a cytoskeletal complex in Golgi membranes that may mediate Cdc42-regulated effects on the actin cytoskeleton in these membranes.
The internet as a source of information for De Quervain's tendinitis.

Background Many individuals are turning to the Internet for information about various health conditions, and in our study we evaluated the quality and readability of information on the internet about De Quervain’s tendinitis.
The contralateral decubitus chest film

The radiology and emergency medicine literature have emphasized the value of the cross-table decubitus chest film taken with the hemithorax containing the suspected pathology in the dependent position. When used in conjunction with the upright chest film, the contralateral decubitus film (with the side of interest up) often reveals more information than does the film with the side of interest dependent. The unsuspected bilaterality of pleural effusion, especially when subpulmonic, often is revealed, as is pathology in the lung base that is obscured by large effusion or cardiomegaly. Masses, cavities, and areas of consolidation may become apparent. Especially important in pediatric patients, vascular structures can be distinguished from infiltrate. The contralateral decubitus film should be obtained when examinations in other positions have yielded equivocal results, rather than repeating an examination. This avoids unnecessary radiation exposure and is cost effective. Because of their complementary nature, in many cases both decubitus views should be obtained.
Light-activated deoxyguanosine: photochemical regulation of peroxidase activity

Photochemical activation of a deoxyribozyme with peroxidase activity was achieved by the synthesis and incorporation of a caged deoxyguanosine.