cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A tentative molecular-biological hypothesis for arteriosclerosis

In view of the fact that complications of arteriosclerosis are the most frequent causes of death in industrialized societies, its etiology is of enormous interest. The widely held lipid theory (detrimental effects of cholesterol) has been attacked because it cannot account for such facts as the homeostatic relationship of endogenous and exogenous cholesterol; for the “normal” cholesterol content of the early atheroma; for the distribution of the lesions, their spotty occurrence and their “programmed” appearance. Arteriosclerosis is part of the normal processes of aging which are related to molecular-biological changes. Autoimmune processes and the effects of extrachromosomal organisms of the genome (viruses, plasmids, viroids) are clinically of interest. Arteriosclerotic lesions are probably influenced by autoimmune processes; the variability and specificity of the non-chromosomal organisms may explain the location of the lesions; the end of the incubation period of the organisms may be responsible for the programmed appearance of clinical symptoms. The lipid changes are probably part of the adaptive mechanisms counteracting the rapid destruction of the vessels following the DNA alterations. Arteriosclerosis is part of normal evolution.
Sizes, laminar and topographic origins of cortical projections to the major divisions of the red nucleus in the monkey.

The retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase was used to study the topographic and laminar origins of the cortical projections to the parvocellular and the magnocellular divisions of the red nucleus in Macaca mulatto and Macaca fascicularis. Approximately 90% of the corticorubral projection is directed to the parvocellular division of the nucleus. Corticoparvocellular division of the nucleus. Corticoparvocellular (CRp) neurons are pyramidally shaped, are smaller in size than corticospinal neurons, and are more numerous. They are found principally in sublamina Va of cytoarchitectonic areas 4 and 6, and in moderate quantities in sublamina Vb of posterior area 8 and area 5. In areas 4 and 6, the cells are grouped in clusters of three to 15 neurons each and are arranged in cellular bands of varying rostrocaudal thickness which course mediolaterally. With respect functionally define zones, CRp neurons are found through the supplementary motor area and the precentral motor cortex. In addition, they are found in parts of area 5, 6, and 24 that project to these cortical motor areas, and that are thought to have “premotor” or movement programmming functions. The corticomagnocellular (CRm) projection arises principally from cells in sublamina Vb of the precentral arm and leg areas (area 4), and from adjacent parts of posterior area 6. CRm cells are pyramidally shaped and their size distribution is bimodal, with peaks that correspond, respectively, to the modal diameters of CRp and of corticospinal neurons. These result and those of previous studies that CRm neurons are involved principally in the control of hand and foot movements, with little effect on proximal musculature. The massive CRp projection, however, is clearly part of a large cerebrocerebellar communications system, with motor and/or movement programming functions that have yet to be clearly defined.
Linkages Between the Calculable and the Incalculable in Quantum Theory

Abstract Seemingly disparate phenomena-e.g., the optimal reception of light signals, experimental designs to rule out hidden-parameter theories, and the triggering that is essential to the demonstration of wave-particle duality-involve a common but previously overlooked thread. The common thread is a quantum Field that defines several measurement steps, leading to several spatio-temporally distinct outcomes. In the ease of light reception, this operator field has values at later spacetime points influenced by incalculable outcomes at earlier spacetime points; these outcomes are outcomes of measurement steps defined by values of the field itself at earlier spacetime points. This field, called a linkage field , is defined carefully to show the coupling between random, incalculable outcomes, on the one hand, and the propagation of calculable field values on the other. We inquire into the necessity of this field for optimal measurements. Assumptions implicit in quantum decision theory are stated, pertaining to; I) the expression of possibilities by random variables, and 2) the locating of outcomes of measurements. A proposition is stated and proved that such a randomly influenced linkage field is necessary to the optimal measurement of binary coherent light signals. Other examples of linkage fields and their applications are discussed briefly.
PBS at work: advancing data management with consistency metrics

A large body of recent work has proposed analytical and empirical techniques for quantifying the data consistency properties of distributed data stores. In this demonstration, we begin to explore the wide range of new database functionality they enable, including dynamic query tuning, consistency SLAs, monitoring, and administration. Our demonstration will exhibit how both application programmers and database administrators can leverage these features. We describe three major application scenarios and present a system architecture for supporting them. We also describe our experience in integrating Probabilistically Bounded Staleness (PBS) predictions into Cassandra, a popular NoSQL store and sketch a demo platform that will allow SIGMOD attendees to experience the importance and applicability of real-time consistency metrics.
The response. of serum transthyret1n levels to nutrition support based on measured energy expenditure during mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To state how indirect calorimetry can be used to determine energy needed to support anabolisra in critically ill pediatric patients. This is a prospective, randomized study to determine whether anabolism, demonstrated by increasing transthyretin levels, occurs in response to administration of caloric requirements as identified by indirect calorimetry in critically ill children receiving mechanical ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). At initiation of nutrition support transthyretin was measured and resting energy expenditure (REE) measured using a metabolic cart (CyberMedic Metascope). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 100, 125, or 150% of REE as non-protein calories. Nutrition support was provided as infant formula, age-appropriate enteral feeding products, parenteral nutrition, or a combination. Protein intake was based on RDA for age. Transthyretin was measured again after 5 days of nutrition support and the average change for each group was compared.Subjects were grouped based on actual intake.
Wavelength selective electro-optic flip-flop

Operation of a novel wavelength selective electro-optic flip-flop is demonstrated. The flip-flop consists of an anti-reflection coated two-section semiconductor laser diode with optical feedback from two fibre Bragg gratings. Electrical set and reset signals cause the lasing output to toggle between two distinct lasing wavelengths with a mode suppression ratio of > –35 dBm.
The two-hit theory of neoplasia: implications for the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism

Knudson's two-hit or two-mutational-event hypothesis for the initiation of neoplasia suggests that two somatic mutations are necessary for initiation of sporadic neoplasms, and that a genetic plus a somatic mutation are required for hereditary neoplasms. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) studies of parathyroid tumors of 11 heterozygotes with hyperparathyroidism (HPT), including one with hereditary HPT, have shown both A and B isoenzymes. These findings suggest multicellular development of parathyroid tumors and are compatible with tumors being manifestations of either nonneoplastic hyperplasia or a genetic first mutational event. Parathyroid carcinoma may be the result of a second mutation in cells made susceptible by previous genetic or somatic mutations. Comparison of parathyroid cancer in families with hereditary HPT with sporadic cases from the literature reveals a generally younger onset with hereditary HPT compatible with the two-hit theory. Consideration of these age-of-onset and G6PD findings suggest that hyperparathyroidism may result from either non-neoplastic or mutational-induced processes even though no histologic distinctions have been observed in the hyperplasia associated with these processes.
Adoption of Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in California: Lessons for Future Dissemination of Surgical Technology

Background Knowledge of the pattern of adoption of endovascular approach (endovascular aortic repair [EVAR]) to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) could direct future dissemination of complex surgical technology. Methods Retrospective longitudinal analysis of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development inpatient database from 2001 to 2008, accompanied by a cross-sectional survey of surgeons. The setting was all inpatient hospitals in California. Patients were those who underwent repair of AAA. The main outcome measure was the endovascular repair of AAA and the training experience of the surgeons. Results Of the 33,277 patients with AAA, 11,755 (35%) underwent endovascular repair; 76% were men, mean age was 73 (median, 75) years, 13% of aneurysms were ruptured, and 20% were treated at teaching hospitals. The rate of EVAR increased from 19% in 2001 to 55% in 2008. On multivariate analysis, calendar year, older age, male gender, nonruptured status, teaching hospitals, and high-volume hospitals, but not race or insurance status, were identified as independent predictors of EVAR. The survey revealed that surgeons with ≥15 years of experience obtained their training primarily from the manufacturer (58.8%), whereas those with Conclusion Between 2001 and 2008, there was a 290% increase in the rate of EVAR for AAA in California. The early adopters obtained their training directly or indirectly from the manufacturers. Training programs did not begin to offer formal training in this technology until the rapid growth was already taking place. This suggests that academic medical centers and/or professional organizations should develop plans to play a stronger and earlier role in educating physicians about a new technology.
Called to Rebuild a Church in Ruins: The Life and Work of John Calvin

John Calvin understood his life to be directly disrupted by a prophetic call of God, similar to the call of God to Luther, Melanchthon, Bucer and others, leading him join their ongoing work of rebuilding and restoring the Catholic Church after it had been ruined by the tyranny of the papacy. Calvin used all his gifts to restore the teaching of Scripture to all the baptized, so that the Creator might be worshipped instead of the creature and so that Christ alone might be glorified rather than our own works. Despite the thorough reform of all aspects of the Church’s life and teaching in Geneva, the goal of all restoration efforts is found in the reform of the lives of believers, and this was the greatest challenge remaining to Calvin when he died.
NEW SUPERCONFORMAL CONSTRUCTIONS ON TRIANGLE-FREE GRAPHS

It is known that the superconformal master equation has an ansatz which contains a graph theory of superconformal constructions. In this paper, we study a subansatz which is consistent and solvable on the set of triangle-free graphs. The resulting super-conformal level-families have rational central charge and the constructions are generically unitary. The level-families are generically new because irrational conformal weights occur in the generic construction, and the central charge of the generic level-family cannot be obtained by coset construction. The standard rational superconformal constructions in the subansatz are a subset of the constructions on edge-regular triangle-free graphs, and we call attention to the nonstandard constructions on these graphs as candidates for new rational superconformal field theories. We also find superconformal quadratic deformations at particular levels on almost all edge-regular triangle-free graphs.
Robustness analysis of uncertain linear descriptor systems: Unified approaches using gLFTs, LMIs, and μ

This paper studies the impulsive behavior and robust stability and performance of continuous-time uncertain linear descriptor systems, which are described by a combination of differential and algebraic equations. We present necessary and sufficient conditions for robust stability and several dissipation performance indices of uncertain linear descriptor systems represented as generalized linear fractional transformations (gLFTs). The conditions are written as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are computable in polynomial-time. Unified and generalizable convex conditions are provided for the analysis of robust stability and performance for linear descriptor systems with structured uncertainty. A necessary and sufficient condition for robust impulse-free dynamics for structured uncertain systems is derived from using structured singular value (μ) theory and incorporated into associated robust stability conditions.
Journey-to-Work Patterns in the Age of Sprawl: Evidence from Two Midsize Southern Metropolitan Areas*

Among others, one commonly identified negative consequence of urban sprawl is an increase in the length of the journey to work. However, there has been more discussion of this than serious scrutiny, hence the relationship between urban sprawl and commuting patterns, especially at the intraurban level, remains unclear. Using the 2000 Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) data for two Southeastern metropolitan areas, this research investigates the extent to which workers living in sprawl areas commute farther to work than those living in higher density areas. The analysis of variance confirms that workers commuting from sprawl areas to urban areas experience a longer commute in terms of time as well as mileage, though this varies when workplace and home locations are taken into account. However, multivariate statistical results suggest that there are limits to the utility of sprawl as a predictor of travel behavior compared to workers' socioeconomic characteristics, as other factors appear to be equally or more important.
Movement and distribution of 14C‐indole‐3‐acetic acid in branches and rooted cuttings of Douglas‐fir

The transport of 14C-indole-3-acetic acid in branch terminals and stems of rooted cuttings of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco was studied to determine if the plagiotropic growth of cuttings might result from an accumulation of basipetally transported auxin in the morphologically upper side of cuttings stems. Twenty-four h after application of 10 μl of 14C-IAA solution to the cut surface of decapitated, rooted cuttings, nearly twice as much activity was detected in extracts of tissue from the morphologically upper than from the lower halves of the stems. A similar distribution of activity was observed in horizontal branch terminals and in branch terminals which had been tied vertically for 2 weeks. The magnitude of the difference in activity between the 2 sides of the stem was greater in the horizontal than in the vertical branches. There was no significant difference in transport through the upper and lower sides of excised stem segments from cuttings or branch terminals. In segments from rooted cutting stems, however, significantly more radioactivity from 14C-IAA donor blocks was detected in the lower than in the upper halves of segments.
Challenges of Transforming a Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Store into a Bricks-and-Clicks Model: A Small Business Case Study

This article addresses some of the unique challenges faced as small businesses try to establish a presence in the fiercely competitive online marketplace. Specifically, a small fragrance/aromatherapy boutique (named The Scent Network) is the organization examined. This brick-and-mortar retailer evolved into a bricks-and-clicks model while the business owner had little IT experience, a small budget, and little time to devote to the Web site.Â More failures were experienced than successes, resulting in numerous â€œlessons learnedâ€ . By sharing these experiences, it is hoped that small business owners find success as a â€œdot.comâ€ and avoid becoming a â€œdot.goneâ€ .
Studies of Ductless Glands by the Electrical Method.

A study of the conditions of activity in the ductless glands, which pass their secretions into the blood stream, is difficult because recognition of the secretion in the blood is uncertain or impossible. It has long been known that physiological activity is accompanied by the development of an electrical difference which may be manifested by connecting an active part with an inactive part through a delicate galvanometer. It seemed possible that by the application of this method important information might be obtained as to the conditions of activity of the ductless glands. This work has been carried on through the cooperation of Mr. McKeen Cattell. The method was first justified by applying it to the submaxillary gland which has an external secretion. Because an electrical change accompanies the secretion of saliva even though the blood supply is shut off from the gland or the flow through the duct is stopped; and because the change is absent when secretion is absent, although each of the conditions attendant on secretion (such as contraction of blood vessels, relaxation of blood vessels, faster flow of blood, slower flow of blood) may severally be induced, the conclusion is drawn that the electrical change is a manifestation solely of the process of secretion. The direction of this electrical current of action developed by the submaxillary gland may be reversed although the physiological responses to stimulation remain as usual. Reversal is not, therefore, a certain sign of a reversed physiological process in the gland. When the action current indicates a maximal activity of the submaxillary gland excited by stimulating the sympathetic nerve in the neck (cat), the electrical response can be augmented by stimulating the chorda tympani nerve and vice versa; sympathetic impulses are ineffective during the height of an effect produced by injected adrenin, and chorda tympani impulses cause no increase of the action current while pilocarpine is strongly operative. The method thus justified on the submaxillary gland has been applied to the thyroid. Histologists have described nerve fibers leading to the cells of this gland, and anatomists have reported that the fibers going to the thyroid gland arise in the cervical sympathetic ganglia. Previous investigators have shown that severance of its cervical sympathetic nerves causes atrophy of the thyroid, and stimulation of these nerves
Isotropically stretchable gold conductors on elastomeric substrates

Designers of stretchable circuits need to orient stretchable interconnects in any direction. Conductors of gold film deposited on radially pre-stretched elastomeric substrates meet this condition because their wrinkles are oriented randomly. The continuous nature of those conductors makes them attractive as large area electrodes in thin film electronics. The electrical resistance of such conductors changes less with applied uniaxial strain than that of microcracked gold films and of an ideal strain gauge.
The National Survey of Children's Health: a new data resource

Context: Federal and state maternal and child health programs are responsible for promoting and improving the health and well-being of children. To support achievement of this goal, the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) in partnership with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a new survey that will provide uniform national and state data on the health and well-being of children, as well as the characteristics of their families and neighborhoods. Purpose: The National Survey of Children's Health was designed to produce reliable and representative state- and national-level estimates for Healthy People 2010 national prevention objectives, for each state's Title V needs assessment, and for Title V program planning and evaluation. In addition, it will provide a new data resource for researchers, advocacy groups, and other interested parties. It is anticipated that this survey will be repeated periodically, making trend analysis possible. Methods: This survey was conducted using the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey (SLAITS) mechanism, which shares the random-digit-dial sampling frame of the National Immunization Survey (sponsored by the National Immunization Program and NCHS). Using the SLAITS platform, interviews on approximately 2000 children were conducted in each state and the District of Columbia. The parent or guardian most knowledgeable about the child completed a battery of questions on health and development, health insurance coverage, access to care, utilization of health care services, presence of a medical home, family functioning, parental health, and neighborhood characteristics. Data collection began in January 2003 and continued through April 2004. Summary reports and electronic data files will be available to the public by early 2005. Conclusion: This is the second state and national survey jointly completed by MCHB and NCHS. It is designed to complement the 2001 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs by providing data on the health of the general child population.
Forecasting presidential elections: When to change the model

Abstract Here, we address the issue of forecasting from statistical models, and how they might be improved. Our real-world example is the forecasting of US presidential elections. First, we ask whether a model should be changed. To illustrate problems and opportunities, we examine the forecasting history of different models, in particular our own, which has tried to foresee presidential selection since 1984. We apply what we learn to the question of whether our Jobs model, which offered an accurate ex ante point estimate for 2004, should be changed for 2008. We conclude there is room for judicious, theory-driven adjustment, but also raise a caution about inadvertent curve-fitting. Some evidence is offered that simple core models, based on strong theory, may perform almost as well as more stretched models.
Laws and chances in statistical mechanics

Abstract Statistical mechanics involves probabilities. At the same time, most approaches to the foundations of statistical mechanics—programs whose goal is to understand the macroscopic laws of thermal physics from the point of view of microphysics—are classical; they begin with the assumption that the underlying dynamical laws that govern the microscopic furniture of the world are (or can without loss of generality be treated as) deterministic. This raises some potential puzzles about the proper interpretation of these probabilities.
Structural and functional evolution of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat CCAAT/enhancer binding protein sites and their use as molecular markers for central nervous system disease progression

The appearance and progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)—associated pathogenesis in the immune and central nervous systems is dependent on the ability of the virus to replicate in these compartments, which is, in turn, controlled by numerous factors, including viral binding and entry, receptor and coreceptor usage, and regulation of viral expression by the long terminal repeat (LTR). The LTR promotes viral expression in conjunction with viral and cellular regulatory proteins, including members of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family, which modulate LTR activity through at least two cis-acting binding sites. Previous studies have shown that these sites are necessary for HIV-1 replication in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, but dispensable in T lymphocytes. To establish potential links between this important family of transcription factors and HIV-1— associated pathogenesis, C/EBP site I and II sequence variation in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived LTRs from HIV-1—infected patients with varying degrees of disease severity was examined. A high prevalence of C/EBP site variants 3T (site I) and consensus B (site II) within PBMC-derived HIV-1 LTRs was shown to correlate with late stage disease in HIV-1-infected patients. These results suggest that the increased prevalence in the PBMCs of HIV-1 LTRs containing the 3T C/EBP site I variant and the consensus B site II variant may serve as a molecular marker for disease progression within the immune system. The relative low or high binding affinity of C/EBP β to sites I and II in electrophoretic mobility shift (EMS) analyses correlated with low or high LTR activity, respectively, in transient expression analyses during both early and late disease stages. The 3T C/EBP site I was the only variant examined that was not found in LTRs derived from PBMCs of patients at early stages of HIV-1 disease, but was found at increasing frequencies in patients with late stage disease. Furthermore, the 3T C/EBP site I was not found in brain-derived LTRs of patients without HIV-1-associated dementia (HIVD), but was found in increasing numbers in brain-derived LTRs from patients diagnosed with HIVD. The C/EBP site I 3T variant appears to be exclusive to patients progressing to increasingly severe HIV-1—associated immunologic and neurologic disease.
Public Shelter as “a Hybrid Institution”: Homeless Men in Historical Perspective

The histories of public shelter in Chicago and New York show that homelessness among single men has typically been viewed as a problem of troubled—and troublesome—individuals. In this viewpoint, the link between the labor market and emergency shelter use, so obvious during times of economic depression, has been lost. Shelters historically have been “hybrid institutions,” plugging gaps in the formal institutional array of supports, while at the same time serving as dwellings of last resort for usually-working men who have exhausted informal resources of assistance. This double burden has made program design incoherent, barriers to access commonplace, and mystification of shelter functions the rule. Today, families continue to play the largest role in avoiding homelessness among single men, with shelters serving as intermittent, stopgap accessories. A coherent unemployment relief policy is still lacking, despite the centrality of labor market dynamics in the homelessness of these men.
Understanding the Susceptibility of the Premature Infant to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common life-threatening gastrointestinal emergency encountered in the neonatal intensive care unit. Despite advances in neonatal care, NEC remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among premature infants. Epidemiologic studies have identified multiple factors that increase an infant's risk for the development of NEC, although premature birth, bacterial colonization, and enteral feeding are thought to play central roles in disease pathogenesis. Appreciating factors that underlie the susceptibility of prematurely born infants to NEC is important for the development of new strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of disease. In this review, we discuss defense mechanisms in the intestine and discuss how these systems may be insufficient in the prematurely born infant and thereby further contribute to initiation of NEC. In addition, based on a review of the literature, we suggest that, although numerous bacterial and viral pathogens have been associated with NEC, no individual organism is known to be responsible for disease. Finally, we comment on the possible role for probiotics in promoting maturation of intestinal defense mechanisms thereby attenuating or preventing the sequence of events that lead to NEC.
What Can be Learned from Educational Ethnography

The ethnographer's findings are shaped, for good and for bad, by her roles as a researcher and as a person.
Studies of Lymphocyte Proliferation in Hairy Cell Leukaemia: Activity in Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction and Responses to Mitogens

Summary. Subpopulations of splenic lymphocytes from patients with hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) were compared with similar subpopulations of lymphocytes from reference individuals for their ability to respond to mitogens and to participate in allogeneic and autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions. T cell enriched subpopulations were obtained by double passage of mononuclear cells through nylon wool columns. Non-T cell subpopulations were collected by eluting adherent cells from nylon wool columns and by incubating them with sheep erythrocytes followed by density gradient centrifugation. Unfractionated mononuclear cells, T enriched and non-T subpopulations were compared. Enriched T cell subpopulations from HCL and reference patients responded similarly to allogeneic antigens and phytohae-magglutinin. Splenic non-T cells from reference patients produced a stronger stimulus in the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction than did the unfractionated or the T enriched cells. In contrast, the non-T subpopulations from patients with HCL produced a reduced response compared to that of reference splenic cells when mixed with allogeneic lymphocytes. In addition, non-T cells from HCL patients failed to respond to pokeweed mitogen. Neither reference nor HCL splenic cells produced a significant response in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions. The data suggest that splenic non-T cells from patients with HCL either suppress the stimulatory capacity of normal B lymphocytes or fail to stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte reactions.
Atmospheric turbulence characterization with the Keck adaptive optics systems. I. Open-loop data

We present a detailed investigation of different methods of the characterization of atmospheric turbulence with the adaptive optics systems of the W. M. Keck Observatory. The main problems of such a characterization are the separation of instrumental and atmospheric effects and the accurate calibration of the devices involved. Therefore we mostly describe the practical issues of the analysis. We show that two methods, the analysis of differential image motion structure functions and the Zernike decomposition of the wave-front phase, produce values of the atmospheric coherence length r0 that are in excellent agreement with results from long-exposure images. The main error source is the calibration of the wave-front sensor. Values determined for the outer scale ℒ0 are consistent between the methods and with typical ℒ0 values found at other sites, that is, of the order of tens of meters.
Baseline pulmonary function as a predictor for survival and decline in pulmonary function over time in patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy for the treatment of stage I non-small-cell lung cancer.

Purpose To examine the effect of baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (Dl co ) on posttreatment survival and pulmonary function decrease after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and Materials Seventy medically inoperable patients with Stage I NSCLC were treated with definitive SBRT to a dose of 6,000 (Stage IA) or 6,600 cGy (Stage IB), given in three equal fractions. Baseline and serial posttreatment pulmonary function data were collected. Results Median age was 70.5 years, and median follow-up was 2.17 years. Median pretreatment FEV 1 and Dl co were 1.05 L and 10.06 mg/min/mm Hg, respectively. There was no significant decrease in survival in patients with baseline FEV 1 and Dl co less than the median value and less than the lowest quartile, whereas patients with values greater than the highest quartile of baseline FEV 1 had significantly inferior survival. There was no significant effect of pretreatment FEV 1 or Dl co on posttreatment levels. There was a statistically significant decrease in Dl co of 1.11 mg/min/mm Hg/y. Conclusions Poor baseline pulmonary function did not predict decreased survival or pulmonary function after treatment. A statistically significant decrease in Dl co after treatment was seen, similar to decreases seen in studies delivering standard thoracic radiotherapy. We conclude that low pretreatment FEV 1 and/or Dl co alone should not be used to exclude patients with NSCLC from treatment with SBRT.
Subzero-temperature stabilization and spectroscopic characterization of homogeneous oxyferrous complexes of the cytochrome P450 BM3 (CYP102) oxygenase domain and holoenzyme

We describe herein for the first time the formation and spectroscopic characterization of homogeneous oxyferrous complexes of the cytochrome P450 BM3 (CYP102) holoenzyme and heme domain (BMP) at —55 °C using a 70/30 (v/v) glycerol/buffer cryosolvent. The choice of buffer is a crucial factor with Tris [tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] buffer being significantly more effective than phosphate. The oxyferrous complexes have been characterized with magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy and the resulting spectra compared to those of the more well-characterized oxyferrous cytochrome P450-CAM. The formation of a stable substrate-bound oxyferrous CYP BM3 holoenzyme, despite the fact that it has the necessary reducing equivalents for turnover, indicates that electron transfer from the flavin domain to the oxyferrous center is very slow at this temperature. The ability to prepare stable homogeneous oxyferrous derivatives of both BMP and the CYP BM3 holoenzyme will enable these species to be used as starting materials for mechanistic investigation of dioxygen activation.
An agenda based mobility model

Mobility modeling is important in wireless and mobile networking research due to the fact that few real large scale networks is available for performance evaluation. While existing models only take the geographical movements into consideration, we emphasize in our model the importance of human's social roles. We use a person's social activities to drive and model a node's movements. In this paper, we propose an agenda based mobility model which combine both the social activities and the geographic movements. In the design, we use a constructive modeling approach to allow the model to well conform to the real world and to be easy to use. According to our model, each node moves based on its individual agenda, which includes all the activities (when, where and what) on a specific day. To proceed from one activity to another, a node moves from one road address to another address. In deciding each agenda item, we use NHTS survey data to obtain activity distribution, occupation distribution and dwell time distribution. We use simulation to show the network topology generated by the model and ad hoc network routing performance impacted by the model.
Dual signal frequencies and voltage levels for low power and temperature-gradient tolerant clock distribution

A methodology based on supply voltage and frequency scaling for lowering the power consumption and temperature fluctuations induced skew of clock distribution networks is proposed in this paper. The clock signal is distributed globally at a scaled supply voltage and frequency. The optimum supply voltage that minimizes clock skew is 44% less than the nominal supply voltage in a 0.18μm CMOS technology. Combined frequency multiplier and level converter circuits are utilized at the leaves of the clock tree for restoring the standard full voltage swing clock signal with the higher target clock frequency in order to maintain the performance of the system. A novel dual-threshold-voltage frequency doubler with voltage level conversion capability, suppressed temperature fluctuations sensitivity, and low power consumption characteristics is presented. The temperature fluctuations induced skew and power consumption of the proposed dual-VDD/dual-frequency clock distribution network are reduced by up to 80% and 76%, respectively, as compared to a standard distribution network operating at the nominal supply voltage with the target system clock frequency.
Development of the General Parenting Observational Scale to assess parenting during family meals

Background: There is growing interest in the relationship between general parenting and childhood obesity. However, assessing general parenting via surveys can be difficult due to issues with self-report and differences in the underlying constructs being measured. As a result, different aspects of parenting have been associated with obesity risk. We developed a more objective tool to assess general parenting by using observational methods during a mealtime interaction. Methods: The General Parenting Observational Scale (GPOS) was based on prior work of Baumrind, Maccoby and Martin, Barber, and Slater and Power. Ten dimensions of parenting were included; 4 were classified in the emotional dimension of parenting (warmth and affection, support and sensitivity, negative affect, detachment) ,a nd 6w ere classified in the behavioral dimension of parenting (firm discipline and structure, demands for maturity, psychological control, physical control, permissiveness, neglect). Overweight children age 8–12 years old and their parent (n = 44 dyads) entering a weight control program were videotaped eating a family meal. Parents were coded for their general parenting behaviors. The Mealtime Family Interaction Coding System (MICS) and several self-report measures of general parenting were also used to assess the parent–child interaction. Spearman’s correlations were used to assess correlation between measures. Results: The emotional dimensions of warmth/affection and support/sensitivity, and the behavioral dimension of firm discipline/structure were robustly captured during the family meals. Warmth/affection and support/sensitivity were significantly correlated with affect management, interpersonal involvement, and communication from the MICS. Firm discipline/structure was inversely correlated with affect management, behavior control, and task accomplishment. Parents who were older, with higher educational status, and lower BMIs were more likely to display warmth/affection and support/sensitivity. Conclusion: Several general parenting dimensions from the GPOS were highly correlated with similar family functioning constructs from the MICS. This new observational tool appears to be a valid means of assessing general parenting behaviors during mealtimes and adds to our ability to measure parent-level factors affecting child weight-related outcomes. Future evaluation of this tool in a broader range of the population and other family settings should be conducted.
A multi-layer feed-forward neural network with dynamically adjustable structures

A general procedure for structure-level adaptation for multilayer feedforward networks is proposed. The general concept of structure-level adaptation for artificial neural networks is presented, and the algorithm for feedforward networks is introduced. The operation of the algorithm is demonstrated by computer simulation on a simple classification problem with time-varying statistics. The results confirm that the algorithm can find the correct structural representation for multilayer feedforward neural networks in time-varying environments. The addition of structure-level adaption to parameter adaptation provides an artificial neural network system with more complete adaptation power than a system that allows only parameter adjustments. >
Effect of dietary fat on lipids and enzyme activities of rat hepatic membranes

Abstract The effect of consumption of ω-3 fatty acids on membrane lipid composition and specific activities of some membrane-bound enzymes was investigated in rats fed a semisynthetic diet containing 14% by weight of either menhaden oil (MO), safflower oil (SO), or beef fat (BF). These diets also contained 2% corn oil to assure an adequate supply of essential fatty acids. The diets were fed to the experimental animals ab libitum for 2 or 7 weeks. The data obtained on lipid analysis indicated a significant increase in phospholipid: cholesterol ratio in membranes of animals fed the MO diet than those fed the SO diet, but was lower than that of animals fed the BF diet. These changes were due to the significantly higher phospholipid content in membranes of animals fed the MO diet when compared with the other diets, and to the significantly lower cholesterol content of animals fed the BF diet. These findings in lipid composition were observed after both 2 and 7 weeks of feeding the experimental diets. Significant effects from dietary MO were observed in the contents of two major phospholipids: phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. No significant effect from the diet was observed in membrane phosphatidyl inositol content. There were significant differences in the fatty acid composition that were reflected on the unsaturation index (UI) of the membranes. Membranes of animals fed the MO diet had a 36% increase in membrane UI as compared with those fed either SO or BF. Hepatic alkaline phosphatase was 33% higher in membranes of animals fed the MO diet as compared to the other diets. No significant effect of MO feeding on hepatic (Na + , K + )-ATPase was observed. There was no significant difference between membrane glucose 6-phosphatase activity of animals fed MO and BF diets, which were, in turn, significantly higher than that of animals fed the SO diet. All the above enzyme activities were found to be uninfluenced by the length of the feeding period. The observed alterations in the lipid composition and specific activities of membrane-bound enzymes in addition to the increase in liver weight in animals fed the MO diet indicate significant effects on the liver and therefore warrant further studies on the effect of MO feeding on liver function.
Energetics of hydrogen in amorphous silicon: An ab initio study

Using ab initio density-functional calculations, we investigate the energetics of hydrogen in amorphous silicon. We compare a hydrogen atom at a silicon bond center site in a-Si to one in c-Si. In addition, we identify the energetics of the dominant traps for H in a-Si. The present calculations are used to elucidate many experiments and concepts regarding hydrogen in amorphous silicon including the role of H in equilibrium electronic defect formation. @S0163-1829~98!09119-X#
Response to the role of government in health care: a societal issue.

t e n T t p i fi am truly honored to have been invited to respond to the rticle by Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., F.A.C.S., titled The ole of Government in Health Care: A Societal Issue. Dr eBakey is unquestionably one of the most influential figres in the history of surgery, and his contributions have ade it possible for us to provide a level of cardiac care nce unimaginable. In this article, Dr DeBakey offers his well-researched nd conceived thoughts on the history of our nation’s health are system, illuminating how the problems, goals, and takeholders have evolved over the years. He sheds particlar light on both the positive and negative effects of governent intervention, noting that organized medicine’s view of overnment-sponsored health insurance has come full circle n many ways. In this piece, I intend to comment on some of Dr Deakey’s insights into the effects of government intervention p to this time. I also seek to respond to some of the charges e issues to organized medicine and show how we may be ble to collaborate with the government to construct a better ealth care system for the future.
Dual-transition glitch filtering in probabilistic waveform power estimation

Existing gate-level probabilistic approaches to power estimation fail to accurately model the glitch filtering by inertial delays. This effect has an impact on the power dissipation of a circuit and should not be neglected, especially for dynamic power estimation of circuits with dynamic power optimization. We propose a new glitch filtering analysis using the dual-transition probability that captures the states of a node at two different time instances. Experiments show that probabilistic simulation and the tagged probability simulation (TPS) techniques, when enhanced by the dual-transition analysis, provide more consistent power estimation. For circuits with a large component of glitch power, up to 29% improvement in the estimation accuracy is obtained.
Extended applications of generating functions to optimal feedback control problems

As a natural extension of our recent work on finding optimal feedback control laws based on generating functions of a Hamiltonian system, we consider an optimal control problem with control constraints and a singular optimal control problem. For the problem with control constraints, we consider the time optimal control of the double integrator, and show that our approach can recover the necessary and sufficient conditions of optimal feedback control laws directly. For the singular optimal control problem, we study the linear quadratic problem and show that our method reproduces the conventional solution satisfying the necessary conditions for optimality. The current study is used to more fully understand our approach with the goal of defining a method that is applicable to more general systems.
A Technique for Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the Dog: Preliminary Report

Management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the dog continues to be a difficult problem in veterinary orthopedics. This experimental study evaluated a reconstructive technique for ACL injury. The technique evaluated was an over-the-top procedure using the fascia lata, lateral retinacular tissue, and the lateral one-third of the patellar tendon as a substitute for the ACL. The results of clinical and pathologic evaluation indicate the technique can be used for reconstruction of the stifle joint following ACL injury.