cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remarks on the regularity of biharmonic maps in four dimensions

We study intrinsic biharmonic maps on a four-dimensional domain into a smooth, compact Riemannian manifold. We prove a partial regularity result without the assumption that the second derivatives are square-integrable.
Studies on the course of action of testosterone propionate on the rat seminal vesicle

Abstract Adult rats were castrated and injected 4 days later with 2 mg testosterone propionate subcutaneously. During the following 48 hours several metabolic processes in the seminal vesicle were studied. Among the earliest changes observed were increases in the wet weight and RNA content of the excised tissue. In vitro studies showed early increases in respiratory rate as well as in the uptake of glycine-2-C 14 and its incorporation into RNA. The largest changes observed were in the amount of tissue RNA and in the incorporation of glycine-2-C 14 into RNA in vitro , which occurred before any increase in the metabolism of protein or lipid could be detected. No change in DNA content was found until 36–48 hours after injection when there was a small but significant increase. At this time incorporation of glycine-2-C 14 into DNA in vitro could be demonstrated.
A fast extrapolation technique for measuring minority-carrier generation lifetime

The transient response of a pulsed MOS capacitor is used to calculate the minority-carrier generation lifetime. For Si substrate with a long lifetime, traditional approaches suffer from the inefficiency of long measurement times. An extrapolation technique presented here significantly reduces the measurement time while still maintaining good accuracy. This method applies to capacitors with constant bulk-generation rates. The linear correlation coefficient of the 1n W-t plot is monitored to ensure accuracy of the measurement technique.
Dereplications can amplify the extent and worth of traditional pharmacopeias.

As aculturization and globalization continues, there is an urgent need to carefully record and delineate traditional pharmacopeias so that their true worth is understood and protected and any possible benefits related to their commercial development are equitably distributed. In the past most of these endeavors resulted in a list of plants with their associated uses without providing further explanations as to the extent of this knowledge within the traditional group, or if this knowledge was known elsewhere. This practice tended to generate the notion of finite exclusivity without providing proof that this was actually the case. Moreover, since the talents and methods of those conducting these initial studies varied widely, little effort was made to provide adequate information on how selective processes and preferences as well as modes of collection, preparation and use were achieved. Without these data, the potential of their clinical worth, bioreactive capacities or chemical compositions were often compromised. This frequently led to expending much time, effort and treasure on a pharmacopeia’s evaluation without guidance on how these efforts could be optimized to achieve its best possible medicinal potential. This paper will review how types of dereplications and other techniques are helpful in amplifying this process. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.12
Sulfur biogeochemistry of cold seeps in the Green Canyon region of the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Cold seeps in the Gulf of Mexico provide a natural laboratory to study biogeochemical cycling of sulfur, carbon, and oxygen at hydrate- and hydrocarbon-rich deep marine settings with obvious additional relevance to studies of diverse modern and ancient seeps. Of particular interest are the sulfur isotope signatures of microbial sulfate reduction coupled to anaerobic oxidation of methane and other non-methane liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. Whereas most of the published sulfur isotope data from cold seep systems pertain to pore-water species, our study integrates both solid and dissolved sulfur: acid-volatile sulfides (SAVS), pyrite (Spy), elemental sulfur (S°), dissolved sulfate and ΣH2S. Modeled and 35SO42− reduction rates and δ13C and δ18O data for authigenic carbonates are integrated within this sulfur framework. Our results indicate extreme variability over narrow spatial and temporal scales within short distances (meters) from active seeps. High rates of microbial sulfate reduction can lead to complete consumption of the sulfate within the upper few centimeters of burial, while meters away the sulfate profile shows little depletion. Such small-scale variability must reflect the structure and temporal dynamics of hydrocarbon migration in the presence of low amounts of background organic matter. Our past work demonstrated that electron donors other than methane drive significant levels of microbial activity at these seeps, and very recent work has demonstrated that oxidation of higher chain volatile hydrocarbons can contribute to the high levels of microbial activity. These findings are consistent with our new results. Elevated concentrations of pyrite and diagenetic carbonate relative to background sediments are diagnostic of active seepage, yet the S isotopes tell more complex stories. Low levels of the transient, ‘instantaneous’ products of S cycling—AVS and S°—show high δ34S values that increase with depth. Most of the pyrite formation, however, seems to be very early as limited by the availability of reactive Fe phases. As such, δ34S values for pyrite at ancient seeps can show consistently low δ34S values that undersell the full intensity of microbial sulfate reduction. Low sedimentation rates, and the resulting low detrital iron fluxes, may in fact limit our ability to recognize seeps in the geologic record using only δ34S compositions for pyrite.
High Internal Phase Polymeric Emulsions by self-Assembly of Colloidal Systems

We propose a new procedure to synthesize high internal phase polymeric emulsions (polyHIPE) that is based on the self-assembly of colloidal systems. Colloidal suspensions were used as precursors of the final polyHIPE. These were obtained by dispersing 500 nm diameter, lightly cross-linked polystyrene (PS) emulsion particles in ethanol at room temperature under continuous sonification. A polystyrene-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS−PVP) block copolymer with a short PS block and a long PVP block was synthesized and dissolved in the ethanol-colloidal dispersion. After solvent removal, owing to the asymmetric composition of the block copolymer and the high volume fraction of the colloid, a closely packed colloidal system was obtained, where voids were partially filled by the block copolymer discrete phase. However, under appropriate annealing, the colloidal system was shown to undergo a rearrangement in which the particles deform to polyhedrons and closely pack within a percolating phase formed by the poly(2-vinylpy...
On generalized electromagnetism and Dirac algebra

Using a framework of Dirac algebra, the Clifford algebra appropriate for Minkowski space-time, the formulation of classical electromagnetism including both electric and magnetic charge is explored. Employing the two-potential approach of Cabibbo and Ferrari, a Lagrangian is obtained that is dyality invariant and from which it is possible to derive by Hamilton's principle both the symmetrized Maxwell's equations and the equations of motion for both electrically and magnetically charged particles. This latter result is achieved by defining the variation of the action associated with the cross terms of the interaction Lagrangian in terms of a surface integral. The surface integral has an equivalent path-integral form, showing that the contribution of the cross terms is local in nature. The form of these cross terms derives in a natural way from a Dirac algebraic formulation, and, in fact, the use of the geometric product of Dirac algebra is an essential aspect of this derivation. No kinematic restrictions are associated with the derivation, and no relationship between magnetic and electric charge evolves from the (classical) formulation. However, it is indicated that in bound states quantum mechanical considerations will lead to a version of Dirac's quantization condition. A discussion of parity violation of the generalized electromagnetic theory is given, and a new approach to the incorporation of this violation into the formalism is suggested. Possibilities for extensions are mentioned.
Electrical and magnetic properties of rare-earth — Gold glasses

We present magnetic and electrical properties of amorphous rare-earth alloys of composition (R75Au25)100−xBx (R = Pr, Gd, Tb, Er and x = 0, 10). Low-field susceptibility, electrical resistivity and high-field magnetization measurements were made between 1.6 and 300 K. Resistivity measurements show both positive and negative temperature coefficients and in some cases maxima and minima that are associated with magnetic ordering and Kondo-like scattering respectively. For all the samples except those containing Gd, the local random anisotropy produces asperomagnetic ordering and high coercive fields. Large magnetic after-effects have been observed down to liquid helium temperatures particularly for the Tb glass. Metamagnetic effects have been found in (Er75Au25)90B10.
The One-Hectare Telescope

The 1HT will be a large area telescope whose novel characteristics will be a wide field of view, continuous frequency coverage from .500 - 11 Ghz, multibeam capability, and provision for RFI mitigation built in. Its scientific motivation includes deep SETI searches, pulsar detection and investigation, galactic magnetic field mapping through many Zeemann transitions, mapping of the decrement in the cosmic background radiation seen toward galaxy clusters, observation of HI absorption toward quasars at redshifts up to z equals 2, and deep mapping of the HI distributions in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. The array will use economies of scale to keep the costs down. It will consist of 500 - 1000 dishes of diameters in the range 3.6 m - 5 m. The dishes will be TV satellite style with wideband MMIC chip front-end amplifiers. Substantial prototype activity is under way. The feed, dish, and front-end MMIC designs are well along. A seven element test array is nearing completion. It will be used for studying RFI mitigation. By 2002, a 12 element array (PTA) which will be made up of all the final components will be operational. Final construction of the full array is expected by 2005.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modelling of quantum-mechanical phenomena with the help of the algebraic model of ethical cognition

Abstract In this paper there is brief description of an algebraic model of ethical cognition based on an exponential representation of Boolean functions. This model allowed us to connect the behaviour of an individual with the structure of his inner world. Unexpectedly, we found that the classical idealized experiment on the interference of the electrons from two slots can be simulated with the help of the same model. Thus, we succeeded in establishing a concrete connection between the phenomenon of cognition a nd the quantum phenomenon by looking at quantum mechanics through a psychologist's eyes.
The adhesiveness and growth of anchorage-dependent animal cells on biocompatible ceramic culture carriers

Abstract The growth of anchorage-dependent animal cells was significantly affected by the adhesiveness on carrier materials. The relationship between the cell division rate and adhesiveness was quantitatively studied by use of ceramic carriers whose chemical compositions were regulated stepwise. An apparatus using a spinner flask was designed to estimate numerically the adhesive strength of cells to ceramic carriers. Using this apparatus, the adhesive strength of cells to ceramic sinters made by mixtures of synthesized hydroxyapatite (HAP) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), a polystyrene dish (LUX), a glass dish, and a ZrO 2 ceramic plate were measured. The adhesiveness was comparably analyzed by trypsination method. Both measurements showed that the adhesiveness of L929 cells to calcium-phosphate sinters was considerably weaker than to LUX. Kinetic analyses of cell division and the adhesiveness to various carriers showed that a certain degree of weak adhesiveness was apparently advantageous for accelerating cell division. Another noteworthy and compatible correlation was obtained by the numerical analysis of growth phase dependent changes of these physiological parameters. The relationship between the cell division rate and adhesiveness based on the quantitative analysis was applicable for all the ceramic carriers used in this study. Measurement of the contact angle of the ceramic carrier with water suggested that the hydrophobicity of the carrier material was the dominant factor in determining the adhesiveness at the cell-carrier interface. The calcium-phosphate ceramic sinters had contact angle values from 42° to 56°. On the other hand, LUX, glass and ZrO 2 carriers had more hydrophobic surfaces as the values were around 65°. The most favored carrier for cell division had weak hydrophobicity with an angle of 51°.
The free energy profile of tubulin straight-bent conformational changes, with implications for microtubule assembly and drug discovery.

αβ-tubulin dimers need to convert between a 'bent' conformation observed for free dimers in solution and a 'straight' conformation required for incorporation into the microtubule lattice. Here, we investigate the free energy landscape of αβ-tubulin using m
Pseudoautosomal linkage of Hodgkin disease

Heritable factors appear to account for much of the risk for Hodgkin disease (HD). There is evidence for an HLA-linked gene, but other predisposing loci remain unaccounted for. The observation of a family coinheriting both HD and Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) suggests that a gene conferring risk for HD resides adjacent to the LWD locus. The gene responsible for LWD, SHOX, localizes to the short-arm pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of the X and Y chromosomes. A unique segregation pattern for PAR-linked genes has been predicted—that affected sibs will tend to be same sex. An excess of sex-concordant affected sib pairs with HD has been noted but has been attributed to an environmental etiology. These two observations—sex concordance in sib pairs with HD and cosegregation of HD and LWD—impelled a test of the hypothesis that there is a PAR-localized gene for HD. By first scoring recombinations dissociating sex from phenotype in individuals from pedigrees with LWD, we determined a male maximum recombination frequency (θmax) of .405. This places SHOX near the short-arm telomeres of the sex chromosome and supports the prediction that PAR recombination is obligatory for spermatogenesis. By inferring recombinations between HD and sexual phenotype in sib pairs, we predict, for the postulated HD gene, a male θmax as high as .254, which places it in proximity to SHOX. Morton's nonparametric affected-sib-pair “β” model was used in the evaluation of linkage between HD and phenotypic sex and gave a LOD score of 2.41. Using this approach, we reevaluated evidence for HLA linkage in HD in haplotyped sib pairs and found a LOD score of 2.00. The resulting β values indicate that the putative PAR- and HLA-linked loci account for 29% and 40%, respectively, of the heritability of HD in an American population.
Browsing fatigue in handhelds: semantic bookmarking spells relief

Focused Web browsing activities such as periodically looking up headline news, weather reports, etc., which require only selective fragments of particular Web pages, can be made more efficient for users of limited-display-size handheld mobile devices by delivering only the target fragments. Semantic bookmarks provide a robust conceptual framework for recording and retrieving such targeted content not only from the specific pages used in creating the bookmarks but also from any user-specified page with similar content semantics. This paper describes a technique for realizing semantic bookmarks by coupling machine learning with Web page segmentation to create a statistical model of the bookmarked content. These models are used to identify and retrieve the bookmarked content from Web pages that share a common content domain. In contrast to ontology-based approaches where semantic bookmarks are limited to available concepts in the ontology, the learning-based approach allows users to bookmark ad-hoc personalized semantic concepts to effectively target content that fits the limited display of handhelds. User evaluation measuring the effectiveness of a prototype implementation of learning-based semantic bookmarking at reducing browsing fatigue in handhelds is provided.
Miniaturized linear magnetic position sensors for automotive applications

In this work, a linear position sensor with a Hall effect element for automotive applications is presented The work involves the design of device structure, finite element analysis (FEA) computer modeling of sensor performance, fabrication of sensor prototype, and prototype characterization. The significance of the work is that a low cost linear position sensor has been developed with high linearity for use in automobile control systems. The complete sensor system is designed for ease of manufacturing and the harsh automotive environments.
On the elastic moduli of some heterogeneous materials

Abstract A heuristic analysis is given for the determination of the elastic moduli of a composite material, the several constituents of which are each isotropic and elastic. The results are intended to apply to heterogeneous materials composed of contiguous, more-or-less spherical grains of each of the phases.
The occurrence of Schellackia and Plasmodium in two Georgia lizards.

SYNOPSIS. During a 15-year survey (1956–1970) involving more than 12,000 lizards, the incidence and annual fluctuations of both Plasmodium floridense and Schellackia occidentalis are reported. The occurrence of P. floridense in Anolis carolinensis from the Mainland (Fargo, Georgia area) varied from 52% (1958) to 10% (1964) with an average of 35%, while in Sceloporus undulatus from the same area during the same period it varied from 10% (1969) to 2% (1964) with an average of about 5%. The occurrence of Schellackia and Plasmodium in both Anolis and Sceloporus from Cumberland Island, and Schellackia from Anolis from 2 other Coastal Islands (Sapelo, 2% and Seahorse, 30%) are reported for the first time. On Cumberland, the only Georgia island thus far studied, where both Anolis and Sceloporus are found together, 16% of Anolis and 13% of Sceloporus had sporozoites of Schellackia sp. in the blood, while 11% of Sceloporus and 21% of Anolis harbored P. floridense.
Resiliency Factors Protecting against Teenage Alcohol Use and Smoking: Influences of Religion, Religious Involvement and Values, and Ethnicity in the Missouri Adolescent Female Twin Study

The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of ethnicity (African American vs European/other ancestry), family religious affiliation, religious involvement, and religious values, to risk of alcohol and cigarette use in adolescent girls; and to estimate genetic and shared environmental effects on religious involvement and values. Telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of female like-sex twin pairs, aged 13-20 (n = 1687 pairs, including 220 minority pairs), as well as with one or both parents of twins aged 11-20 (n = 2111 families). These data, together with one-year follow-up twin questionnaire data, and two-year follow-up parent interview data, were used to compare ethnic differences. Proportional hazards regression models and genetic variance component models were fitted to the data. Despite higher levels of exposure to family, school and neighborhood environmental adversities, African American adolescents were less likely to become teenage drinkers or smokers. They showed greater religious involvement (frequency of attendance at religious services) and stronger religious values (eg belief in relying upon their religious beliefs to guide day-to-day living). Controlling for religious affiliation, involvement and values removed the ethnic difference in alcohol use, but had no effect on the difference in rates of smoking. Religious involvement and values exhibited high heritability in African Americans, but only modest heritability in EOAs. The strong protective effect of adolescent religious involvement and values, and its contribution to lower rates of African American alcohol use, was confirmed. We speculate about the possible association between high heritability of African American religious behavior and an accelerated maturation of religious values during adolescence.
High quality digital audio experiments for a signal processing first course

In this paper we provide the details of a final project in audio signal processing, used in a signal processing first course taught to second year ECE students. High quality audio signal processing covers a range of applications from the musical recording studio, musical performance, home theatre, home stereo, car stereo system, or even a personal audio player. The design/build/test aspects of the project are centered on shelving and peaking filters for channel equalization, and reverberation and flanging for audio special effects. Listening is an integral part of the experience. The project also introduces the students to graphical user interface design and interactive solution techniques. Feedback from students teams has been very positive, especially the listening tests.
Getting inspired!: understanding how and why examples are used in creative design practice

The use of examples serves a critical role in creative design practice, but details of this process remain an enigma. This is problematic for both the understanding of design activity as well as for developing more effective design tools. In this paper, we report results of a study that understands and compares how designers (N=11) utilize, manage, and share examples to support the creative design process. The domains studied were Web, graphic, and product design. Our study shows that examples are a cornerstone of creative practice and are utilized for many reasons throughout the design process. Since examples are pivotal to the success of a project, more effective tools that support retrieval, storage, and dissemination of examples are needed. This paper contributes understanding of the benefits and roles of examples in the design process and implications for the design of more effective tools that support example usage.
Distinguishing Inflammatory from Noninflammatory Arthritis, Enthesitis, and Dactylitis in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2010 Annual Meeting

The most widely applied criteria for classifying psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are the CASPAR (ClASsification of Psoriatic ARthritis) criteria. A patient who fulfills the CASPAR criteria must have evidence of inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, or spondylitis, and may have an inflammatory musculoskeletal component, dactylitis. Although the criteria were developed by rheumatologists, not all patients with PsA are seen by rheumatologists. Thus, it is important for clinicians such as dermatologists, primary care providers, physiatrists, and orthopedists, and patients themselves, to be able to recognize the presence of inflammatory musculoskeletal disease and distinguish it from degenerative or traumatic musculoskeletal disease. At their 2010 annual meeting, members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) discussed the steps they are taking to define the key variables that must be present to distinguish inflammatory arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis from degenerative, traumatic, mechanical, or infectious forms of these conditions.
Ovarian Steroid Regulation of Tryptophan Hydroxylase mRNA Expression in Rhesus Macaques

Progesterone (P) stimulates prolactin secretion through an unknown neural mechanism in estrogen (E)-primed female monkeys. Serotonin is a stimulatory neurotransmitter in prolactin regulation, and this laboratory has shown previously that E induces progestin receptors (PR) in serotonin neurons. Therefore, we questioned whether E and/or E+P increased serotonin neural function. The expression of mRNA for tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) was examined in ovariectomized (spayed) control, E-treated (28 d), and E+P-treated monkeys (14 d E and 14 d E+P) using in situ hybridization and a 249 bp TPH cRNA probe generated with RT-PCR (n = 5 animals/group). Densitometric analysis of film autoradiographs revealed a ninefold increase in TPH mRNA in E-treated macaques compared to spayed animals (p < 0.05). With supplemental P treatment, TPH mRNA signal was increased fivefold over spayed animals (p < 0.05), but was not significantly different compared to E-treated animals. These results were verified by grain counts from photographic emulsion-coated slides. There were significantly higher single-cell levels of TPH mRNA in serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe in E- and E+P-treated groups (p < 0.05). These data indicate that E induces TPH gene expression in nonhuman primates and that the addition of P has little additive effect on TPH gene expression. Thus, the action of P on prolactin secretion is probably not mediated at the level of TPH gene transcription. However, because P increases raphe serotonin content in E-primed rodents, the possibility remains that P may have other actions on post-translational processing or enzyme activity.
Effects of calcium channel antagonists on left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function in patients with essential hypertension.

Hypertensive patients characteristically exhibit left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. The effects of antihypertensive agents on LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction do not always correlate with the degree of blood pressure reduction, but their effects on the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system (RA system) are thought to be important. We investigated the effects of amlodipine and cilnidipine, N- and L-type calcium channel antagonists that suppress both blood pressure elevation and sympathetic activities, on LV hypertrophy and diastolic function. Patients with essential hypertension were randomly assigned to receive either amlodipine, cilnidipine or nifedipine CR (which does not block N-type calcium channels) for 6 months. The LV mass index was determined using M-mode echocardiography. The E/A ratio, i.e., the ratio of maximum amplitude between the early diastolic wave (E wave) and the atrial systolic wave (A wave) in the LV inflow pattern, and the deceleration time for the E wave were determined using pulse Doppler echocardiography. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased from the baseline values in all three groups, with no significant differences among the groups. The LV mass index had significantly decreased when it was evaluated 3 months after the initiation of treatment in the cilnidipine group and when it was evaluated 6 months after the initiation of treatment in the amlodipine group; only a slight decrease was observed in the nifedipine CR group. A significant decrease in the deceleration time and a significant increase in the E/A ratio were observed after 3 months of treatment in the cilnidipine and amlodipine groups but not in the nifedipine CR group. Thus, the effects of long-acting calcium channel antagonists on hypertensive LV hypertrophy and LV diastolic function varied from one antagonist to the other. Left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic function improved in the cilnidipine and amlodipine groups, but not in the nifedipine CR group. These results indicate that the suppression of sympathetic nerve activity by the blockade of N-type calcium channels contributes to the improvement of LV hypertrophy and diastolic function.
Endogenous ganglioside GM1 modulates L-type calcium channel activity in N18 neuroblastoma cells

Digital imaging fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate the effect of the B subunit of cholera toxin on calcium homeostasis in neuroblastoma N18 cells. The B subunit, which binds specifically to ganglioside GM1 in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, was found to induce a sustained increase of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). The increase in [Ca2+]i was not observed in the absence of extracellular calcium, or in the presence of the calcium chelator EGTA, and was blocked by nickel. The B subunit was also found to induce an influx of manganese ions, as indicated by a quench of the intracellular fura-2 fluorescence. These data suggest that the B subunit induces an increase in calcium influx in N18 cells. Potassium-induced depolarization also stimulated manganese influx; however, after the onset of depolarization-induced influx, the B subunit had no further effect. This occlusion suggests involvement of voltage-dependent calcium channels. Treatment with BayK8644, a dihydropyridine agonist selective for L-type calcium channels, induced manganese influx that was not altered by the B subunit and apparently blocked the effect of the B subunit itself. Furthermore, the dihydropyridine L-type channel antagonists niguldipine or nicardipine completely inhibited B subunit-induced manganese influx. Thus, the B subunit-induced manganese influx is likely due to activation of an L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel. Spontaneous influx of manganese ions was also inhibited by nicardipine or niguldipine and by exogenous gangliosides. Ganglioside GM1 was more potent than GM3, but globoside had no significant effect. The modulation of L-type calcium channels by endogenous ganglioside GM1 has important implications for its role in neural development, differentiation, and regeneration and also for its potential function in the electrical excitability of neurons.
Simple Selection for End-Product Inhibitor-Insensitive Mutants in Yeast

Trifluoroleucine-resistant yeast mutants with an end-product-insensitive alpha-isopropylmalate synthetase are dominant in diploids. This property provides a simple screen for their detection.
Evaluation of automotive forward collision warning and collision avoidance algorithms

Collision warning/collision avoidance (CW/CA) systems target a major crash type and their development is a major thrust of the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative. They are a natural extension of adaptive cruise control systems already available on many car models. Many CW/CA algorithms have recently been proposed but the existing literature mainly focuses on algorithm development. Evaluations of these algorithms have been usually based on subjective ratings. The main contribution of this paper is the utilization of a naturalistic driving data set for the evaluation of CW/CA algorithms. We first collect manual driving data from the ICCFOT project, then process the data by Kalman smoothing, and finally identify ‘threatening’ and ‘safe’ data sets according to vehicle brake inputs and vehicle range behavior. Five CW/CA algorithms published in the literature are evaluated against the identified data sets. The performance of these algorithms is determined through a performance metric commonly used in signal detecti...
Types of morphemes and their implications for second language morpheme acquisition

This paper explains observed morpheme accuracy orders on the basis ofa model of morpheme classification,the 4-M model proposed by Myers-Scotton and Jake(2000). It argues that the adult second language morpheme acquisition order is determined by how morphemes are projected from the mental lexicon. Four types of morphemes are identified: content morphemes,early system morphemes, and two types of late system morphemes. Early system morphemes are indirectly elected at the same time that content morphemes are directly elected by the speaker's intentions. Late system morphemes are activated later in the production process as required by the grammatical frame of the target language. This paper claims that there is variation within individual lexical categories and that the distinction between particular types of morphemes is not a lexical category-defining feature. That is, the classification of morphemes is based on how morphemes are activated. Interlanguage data from early adult Chinese and Japanese learners o...
Death receptor induced apoptosis: a new mechanism of homocysteine-mediated endothelial cell cytotoxicity.

The hypothesis that homocysteine (Hcy) is atherogenic was proposed more than 30 years ago.1 People with inherited disorders of Hcy and methionine metabolism due to rare mutations such as in the cystathionine β-synthase gene present with a severe form of hyperhomocysteinemia that is characterized by premature atherosclerosis and thrombotic disease. A common variant in the metylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, 677C to T, is associated with decreased enzyme activity leading to mild hyperhomocysteinemia in humans.2 This mutation is present in the homozygous state in 10% to 15% of North American and European populations.2 Epidemiological studies in the general population have indicated a positive correlation between an elevation of total plasma Hcy and stroke, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, and venous thromboembolism.3 Whereas a significant association between Hcy levels and clinical cardiovascular events has not been observed in all prospective studies, hyperhomocysteinemia is now considered by many to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Furthermore, the belief that hyperhomocysteinemia may be not only a marker but also a cause for atherosclerosis and thrombosis has intensified research in this area. Hcy is a thiol amino acid, but only a small fraction (<2%) circulates in the thiol form. The reminder is a mixture of disulfide derivatives, including protein-bound disulfides. Hyperhomocysteinemia is usually defined as an elevation of plasma Hcy above 15 μmol/L. This elevation may be caused by genetic defects, renal insufficiency, certain drugs, or nutritional insufficiencies of cofactors required for Hcy metabolism, including folate, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate), or vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). Because plasma Hcy can be lowered by oral supplementation of folic acid or …
Scheduling jobs on parallel machines with setup times and ready times

In this research we are interested in scheduling jobs with ready times on identical parallel machines with sequence dependent setups. Our objective is to minimize the total weighted tardiness. As this problem is NP-Hard, we develop a heuristic to solve this problem in reasonable time. Our approach is an extension of the apparent tardiness cost with setups (ATCS) approach by [Lee, Y. H., Pinedo, M. (1997). Scheduling jobs on parallel machines with sequence dependent setup times. European Journal of Operational Research, 100, 464-474.] to allow non-ready jobs to be scheduled - meaning we allow a machine to remain idle for a high priority job arriving at a later time. To determine the scaling parameters for our composite dispatching rule (called ATCSR), we first develop a 'grid approach' that considers multiple values for the scaling parameters, generates multiple schedules, and chooses the best schedule for the solution. This experimentation was then used to develop regression equations to predict the values of the scaling parameters that would yield the highest quality solution. The grid and regression versions of ATCSR provide better performance than grid and empirically based formula versions of ATCS, BATCS, and X-RM which are the prominent algorithms in the literature.
Some consequences of paper fingerprinting for elections

Recent research has demonstrated that individual pieces of paper can be fingerprinted and reidentified later at low cost, using commodity scanners. We consider the consequences of this fact for electronic voting. The most obvious consequence is negative: the ability to fingerprint paper endangers the secrecy of ballots in any system that keeps paper records of individual ballots, including standard optical scan and DRE-VVPAT systems. We characterize the resulting risks and discuss when and how they can be mitigated. Less obviously, the ability to fingerprint paper can also have positive consequences, by enabling certain new kinds of post-election audit procedures, both to compare electronic records to the corresponding paper records and to detect the use of forged ballot stock. Paper reidentification presents new challenges for election officials, but careful consideration of its implications now may allow us to preserve ballot secrecy and strengthen election integrity.
Intraoperative Evaluation of the Gallbladder

Frozen section consultations on gallbladder specimens are most commonly requested for either (1) diagnosis of an incidentally discovered mass or mural thickening during routine surgery for cholecystitis, (2) assessment of bile duct or hepatic bed resection margins in patients with known gallbladder cancer, or (3) evaluation of liver, peritoneum, or omentum for metastases in patients undergoing surgery for gallbladder cancer. Most abnormalities that prompt intraoperative evaluation in the former situation prove to be benign, although they may mimic neoplasia at the time of frozen section. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss benign and malignant gallbladder tumors, as well as inflammatory mimics of carcinoma that may be encountered during intraoperative evaluation.
Structure-Determining Step in the Hierarchical Assembly of Peptoid Nanosheets

Organic two-dimensional nanomaterials are of growing importance, yet few general synthetic methods exist to produce them in high yields and to precisely functionalize them. We previously developed an efficient hierarchical supramolecular assembly route to peptoid bilayer nanosheets, where the organization of biomimetic polymer sequences is catalyzed by an air–water interface. Here we determine at which stages of assembly the nanoscale and atomic-scale order appear. We used X-ray scattering, grazing incidence X-ray scattering at the air–water interface, electron diffraction, and a recently developed computational coarse-grained peptoid model to probe the molecular ordering at various stages of assembly. We found that lateral packing and organization of the chains occurs during the formation of a peptoid monolayer, prior to its collapse into a bilayer. Identifying the structure-determining step enables strategies to influence nanosheet order, to predict and optimize production yields, and to further enginee...
Identifying tumor vascular permeability heterogeneity with magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MR mammography (MRM) uses tumor capillary density differences for prognosis. The heterogeneous response of permeability-surface area products (PS = Kp t) was examined in mammary tumors, as a function of contrast agent size, to determine what effect ROI size might have on PS and prognosis. METHODS DCE FLASH signal intensities were converted to gadolinium concentrations by a standard curve, which was fitted by a two-compartment model for the tumor's extravascular extracellular space (EES) volume fraction (ve), and the tumor volume normalized transfer rate between plasma and EES (Kp t/VT). RESULTS For Gd-DTPA ve = 9% to 13% Kp t/VT = 0.01 to 0.06 minutes-1, and the macromolecular agent, PAMAM-TU-DTPA G = 4 ve = 0.8% to 1% Kp t/VT = 0.008 to 0.04 minutes(-1). Significant differences in Kp t/VT for local regions were found for both agents relative to the whole tumor and the macromolecular agent had greater dynamic range. CONCLUSIONS Smaller ROI values or pixels should yield more accurate assessment of neovascularization.
Phenotypic Correlations for Certain Turkey Parameters

Abstract Phenotypic correlation coefficients for 19 parameters of turkey hens and toms were calculated in all possible combinations. These correlation coefficients indicated that hens may be selected at 6 months of age for egg production and hatchability by selecting hens with a greater distance between the top of the head and the eye. Also, selecting hens with less depth of head should be selecting for more eggs per hen. Males with less depth of body and narrower heads had sisters that laid more eggs. Body weight was significantly correlated (P In a few instances, correlation coefficients between body measurements for toms were different from the comparable correlation coefficients of hens, suggesting different conformation and skeletal development for the two sexes.
Cross-Linked Block Copolymer/Ionic Liquid Self-Assembled Blends for Polymer Gel Electrolytes with High Ionic Conductivity and Mechanical Strength

Poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide) (PPO–PEO–PPO) block copolymers (BCPs) with cross-linkable end groups were synthesized, blended with an ionic liquid (IL) diluent, and cross-linked to form polymer gel electrolytes. The IL prevented crystallization of PEO at high concentrations, enabling fast ion transport. In addition, the IL was selective for the PEO block, inducing strong microphase separation in what are otherwise disordered or weakly ordered BCP melts. Cross-linking the BCPs in the presence of the IL resulted in the formation of solid, elastic gels with high ionic conductivities—greater than 1.0 mS/cm at 25 °C for some compositions. However, it was found that neither the presence or absence of microphase separation nor the BCP composition of the microphase separated gels substantially influenced ionic conductivity. Increasing the cross-link density through the use of phase-selective PEO- and PPO-based cross-linking reagents was also evaluated. It was revealed that confin...
269 INCIDENCE OF CANCER IS INCREASED IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A CASE CONTROL STUDY IN HALF A MILLION VETERANS

Objective To investigate the association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with cancer in the veteran population. Background Previous studies have suggested an increased risk of cancer among patients with lupus erythematosus. Methods and Materials A retrospective cross sectional case control study was conducted using data from the VSN 16 VA database of 484,226 VA patients, 615 (0.13%) of whom had diagnosis of systemic lupus (ICD-9 code of 710.0). Logistic regression analysis was done to adjust for covariates including age, race, and gender. Statistical tests were conducted at a 5% level of significance. Results Diagnosis of SLE was determined to have a significant association with the diagnosis of any cancer in general and specifically skin cancer. Patients with lupus have a risk of developing cancer at 1.73 times the risk of non-lupus patients. The risk for skin cancer development among lupus patients was 1.53 times the risk of non-lupus patients. (table) Discussion This study shows a positive correlation between lupus erythematosus and the development of cancer in the veteran population. This may reflect either decreased immune surveillance of neoplasms, increased systemic and cutaneous inflammation thus promoting gene rearrangements or increased susceptibility to neoplasm causing viral infections. Our data should be evaluated with caution, given the limitations of the population, the database and this being a case control study. However, the large size of the database was felt to limit the effect of these factors. Conclusion Patients with SLE have an increased incidence of cancer in general and skin cancer in particular.
Screening for lung cancer. Is it worthwhile

PreviewLung cancer is a killer. The search for a diagnostic screening test has been intense, and studies have identified the advantages and disadvantages of routine lung cancer screening. Who is at risk for lung cancer? How effective are the various screening tests? Dr Epler answers these questions and emphasizes the importance of patient education and prevention in the battle against lung cancer.
Not-for-profit status facilitates hospital merger.

Not-for-profit status may become an advantage for hospitals seeking to increase market share through a merger. On July 8, 1997, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld the District Court's denial of a request by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to halt a proposed merger between two not-for-profit hospitals, Butterworth Hospital and Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The FTC had requested the District Court to enjoin the merger until the agency could determine whether it was in violation of Federal antitrust laws. The District Court was persuaded that mergers of not-for-profit hospitals do not generally lead to price increases, and may, in fact, lead to price reductions. Moreover, because the Michigan not-for-profit hospitals' boards included community representatives who were purchasers of the hospitals' services, the court found that "there would be no rational economic incentive for such an organization to raise its prices."
iStent® Trabecular Microbypass Stent: An Update

Due to the high rates of complications and failure experienced with current glaucoma procedures, there is a continuous search for a safer and more effective glaucoma surgery. A new class of procedures termed minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) aim to fill this void by offering an alternative method of IOP reduction associated with markedly reduced complication rates and shorter recovery times. The iStent, a trabecular microbypass stent, is a MIGS device that has quickly gained popularity. The device allows aqueous humor to directly drain from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal by bypassing an obstructed trabecular meshwork. This review examines publications about the iStent, focusing on the device's efficacy, safety, and cost when a single iStent or multiple iStents are implanted in combination with cataract surgery or as a solo procedure. Current data suggest that the iStent is a safe and effective tool in the management of mild-to-moderate glaucoma, notable for its limited complications and absence of serious adverse events following implantation. As valuable experience is gained performing ab interno MIGS, increasing familiarity with angle anatomy and iStent placement, and as newer stent designs are developed, there is promise of continual improvement in the surgical management of glaucoma.
Assessment of nutritional status. The clinician's perspective.

Despite the advocacy for subjective nutritional assessments, clinicians need laboratory support in their nutrition care armamentarium, first, to identify existing or developing malnutrition and, second, to monitor nutritional therapy. Visceral proteins and immune function continue to be essential, but newer means of assessing nutritional status, especially body composition, are on the horizon. Further, prognostic indicators through data analysis and computer-assisted interpretation of results may lead to more effective uses of the laboratory.
Chapter 8 – Arithmetic Devices and Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs)

Publisher Summary In this chapter, digital circuits are designed with electrical capabilities that can be interpreted as performing the basic arithmetic operations of binary numbers. The basic operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also defines the electrical analog of the arithmetic operation. It is the interpretation of the electrical circuit's behavior that bridges the gap between physical and logic domains. The treatment of arithmetic circuits presented in this chapter is not intended to be a treatise on the subject. Rather, the intent is to introduce the subjects at both the beginning and intermediate-to-advanced levels utilizing, where necessary, appropriate algorithms for the basic operations in question. The subjects of arithmetic logic units (ALUs) and the application of dual-rail methods fall within the intermediate-to-advanced level of coverage and may not be expected to be a part of the first-level course in digital design.