cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic analysis of lung volume reduction surgery as part of the national emphysema treatment trial

Abstract Background . In today's cost-conscious health care environment, obtaining timely and accurate economic information regarding new medical technologies has become extremely important. The National Emphysema Treatment Trial, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) plus medical therapy, versus medical therapy for patients with severe emphysema, includes a parallel cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods . The analysis is designed to determine the cost-effectiveness of LVRS versus medical therapy for those who are eligible for the procedure. After describing theoretical foundations of cost-effectiveness analysis as they apply to this study, we describe the economic and quality of life data that are being collected alongside the clinical trial, methods of analysis, and approach to presenting the results. Results . The cost-effectiveness of LVRS relative to medical therapy will be presented as costs per quality-adjusted life years gained. Conclusions . This analysis will provide timely economic data that can be considered alongside the clinical results of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial. As one of the largest clinical trials to include a parallel, prospective cost-effectiveness analyses, this study will also provide valuable practical information about conducting an economic analysis alongside a multicenter clinical trial.
Two hardware-based approaches for deterministic multiprocessor replay

Modern computer systems are inherently nondeterministic due to a variety of events that occur during an execution, including I/O, interrupts, and DMA fills. The lack of repeatability that arises from this nondeterminism can make it difficult to develop and maintain correct software. Furthermore, it is likely that the impact of nondeterminism will only increase in the coming years, as commodity systems are now shared-memory multiprocessors. Such systems are not only impacted by the sources of nondeterminism in uniprocessors, but also by the outcome of memory races among concurrent threads. In an effort to help ease the pain of developing software in a nondeterministic environment, researchers have proposed adding deterministic replay capabilities to computer systems. A system with a deterministic replay capability can record sufficient information during an execution to enable a replayer to (later) create an equivalent execution despite the inherent sources of nondeterminism that exist. With the ability to replay an execution verbatim, many new applications may be possible: Debugging: Deterministic replay could be used to provide the illusion of a time-travel debugger that has the ability to selectively execute both forward and backward in time. Security: Deterministic replay could also be used to enhance the security of software by providing the means for an in-depth analysis of an attack, hopefully leading to rapid patch deployment and a reduction in the economic impact of new threats. Fault Tolerance: With the ability to replay an execution, it may also be possible to develop hot-standby systems for critical service providers using commodity hardware. A virtual machine (VM) could, for example, be fed, in real time, the replay log of a primary server running on a physically separate machine. The standby VM could use the replay log to mimic the primary's execution, so that in the event that the primary fails, the backup can take over operation with almost zero downtime.
Female Reproductive Strategies and Competition in Apes: An Introduction

While a large number of researchers have addressed dominance and competitive relationships among male apes and the use of alternative mating tactics by males, there is a relative dearth of empirical data on the behavioral strategies of their female counterparts. In the literature, female apes are characterized as creatures that spend the majority of their time quietly foraging, often alone. They rarely engage socially, except with their own offspring, but periodically their lives are turned upside down by the volatile behavior of sexually-excited, aggressive males. In fact, much of the time, this is what we observe as field researchers. Yet, various factors such as infanticide, costly reproduction, resource competition and ecological variability are just as likely, if not more so, to influence the evolution of complex behavioral strategies in apes as in other primate species. So, why is our understanding of female ape behavioral strategies so limited? We do not believe that females have been merely overlooked. Valuable early work with wild apes (Goodall 1967; Tutin 1979; Pusey 1980; Galdikas 1981; Watts 1994) reflects considerable research effort and significant insights into the lives of female apes. However, behavior such as social competition for rank and resources is less frequent and obvious than it is in male conspecifics or females of many other primate taxa. Male-male relationships or male-female bonds often dominate the social landscape. Females rely on males for various forms of defense, yet larger, aggressive males place constraints on the implementation of female strategies. The long lifespans and slow reproduction of apes have impeded our understanding of ape
Three-dimensional optical tomography with the equation of radiative transfer

We report on the derivation and implementation of the first three-dimensional optical tomographic image reconstruction scheme that is based on the time-independent equation of radiative transfer (ERT) and allows for arbitrarily shaped medium boundaries and arbitrary spatial material distributions. The scheme builds on the concept of model-based iterative image reconstruction, in which a forward model provides prediction of detector readings, and a gradient-based updating scheme minimizes an appropriately de- fined objective function. The forward model is solved by using an even-parity formulation of the ERT, which lends itself to a finite- element discretization method. The finite-element technique pro- vides the suitable framework for predicting light propagation in arbi- trarily shaped three-dimensional media. For an efficient way of calculating the gradient of the objective function we have imple- mented an adjoint differentiation scheme. Initial reconstruction re- sults using synthetic data from simple media and a three- dimensional mesh of the human forehead illustrate the performance of the code. © 2003 SPIE and IS&T. (DOI: 10.1117/1.1587730)
A comparison of two non-thrust mobilization techniques applied to the C7 segment in patients with restricted and painful cervical rotation

AbstractObjectives:Cervical mobilization and manipulation have been shown to improve cervical range of motion and pain. Rotatory thrust manipulation applied to the lower cervical segments is associated with controversy and the potential for eliciting adverse reactions (AR). The purpose of this clinical trial was to describe two translatory non-thrust mobilization techniques and evaluate their effect on cervical pain, motion restriction, and whether any adverse effects were reported when applied to the C7 segment.Methods:This trial included 30 participants with painful and restricted cervical rotation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the two mobilization techniques. Active cervical rotation and pain intensity measurements were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Within group comparisons were determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and between group comparisons were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Significance was set at P = 0·05.Results:Thirty participants were evaluat...
Factors associated with injury severity in Oklahoma City bombing survivors.

BACKGROUND: Terrorist bombings are an increasing source of violent death and injury worldwide. Injuries in building bombings have been previously reported in descriptive studies, but no comparative analyses have quantitatively assessed factors influencing the severity of nonfatal bombing injuries. The objective of this study was to identify personal and environmental risk factors for injury severity in the Oklahoma City bombing, on April 19, 1995. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective comparative analysis of 509 nonfatally injured occupants of four buildings surrounding the detonation site. The source of data was the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing database, a registry of all injuries and fatalities related to the bombing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess two outcomes: (1) medically-attended injury among injured occupants; and (2) hospital admission among occupants with medically attended injuries. RESULTS: Increased odds of sustaining medically attended injuries were associated with being struck by flying glass (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-14.8) and location above the first floor of buildings (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.7) after adjustment for other factors. Adjusted odds of hospital admission were associated with location in the collapsed region (AOR, 43.4; 95% CI, 4.4-434.1), being blown by the blast wind (AOR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.1-13.8), and being trapped (AOR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-7.7). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of nonfatal injury in the Oklahoma bombing was primarily associated with structural and environmental factors. Improved architectural design may prevent many injuries in building bombings. These finding provide evidence for future injury prevention activities. Language: en
The Effects of Monotic and Dichotic Interference Tones on 40 Hz Auditory Steady-State Responses in Normal-Hearing Adults

Auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) recorded with simultaneous presentation of multiple tones modulated from 77-105 Hz exhibit frequency specificity and can be acquired with monotic or dichotic stimulation. This study examined the frequency specificity and dichotic characteristics of 40 Hz ASSRs recorded with amplitude-modulated (AM) probe tones and unmodulated (UM) or AM interfering tones in 27 normal-hearing adults. The effects on ASSR amplitudes of monotically or dichotically presented interfering tones of various frequency, modulation depth, and modulation rate were studied. Significant decreases in ASSR amplitudes occurred when the UM interfering tone was monotic, higher in frequency, and approximately within an octave of the probe tone. ASSR amplitudes were also reduced when the AM interfering tone was monotic and modulated at a lower depth and was an octave above the probe tone. Probe and interfering AM tones modulated at different rates produced similar reductions in amplitude for ASSRs acquired with monotic and dichotic stimulation. The findings of this study contribute to clarifying the carrier and temporal envelope interactions between tonal stimuli. Description of the effects of these stimulus parameters on 40 Hz ASSRs can benefit clinical applications of this technique, including evaluating auditory function in adults not capable of participating in behavioral audiometric tests.
An Experimental Second-Harmonic Axis-Encircling Beam Gyro-TWT

Despite the bright potential as a broad band source for future radar and communication applications, the area of harmonic gyro-TWTs with axis-encircling beams has been relatively unexplored. A second-harmonic TE21 gyro-TWT has been constructed at UCD that is predicted to produce 50 kW in Ka-band with 20% efficiency, 30 dB saturated gain and 3% bandwidth and is ready for hot testing. The device is driven by an axis-encircling electron beam from a novel Northrop Grumman cusp gun.
β-Alanine Betaine Synthesis in the Plumbaginaceae. Purification and Characterization of a Trifunctional, S -Adenosyl-l-Methionine-Dependent N -Methyltransferase from Limonium latifolium Leaves

beta-Alanine (beta-Ala) betaine is an osmoprotective compound accumulated by most members of the highly stress-tolerant family Plumbaginaceae. Its potential role in plant tolerance to salinity and hypoxia makes its synthetic pathway an interesting target for metabolic engineering. In the Plumbaginaceae, beta-Ala betaine is synthesized by S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent N-methylation of beta-Ala via N-methyl beta-Ala and N,N-dimethyl beta-Ala. It was not known how many N-methyltransferases (NMTases) participate in the three N-methylations of beta-Ala. An NMTase was purified about 1,890-fold, from Limonium latifolium leaves, using a protocol consisting of polyethylene glycol precipitation, heat treatment, anion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and two substrate affinity chromatography steps. The purified NMTase was trifunctional, methylating beta-Ala, N-methyl beta-Ala, and N,N-dimethyl beta-Ala. Gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses indicated that the native NMTase is a dimer of 43-kD subunits. The NMTase had an apparent K(m) of 45 microM S-adenosyl-l-methionine and substrate inhibition was observed above 200 microM. The apparent K(m) values for the methyl acceptor substrates were 5.3, 5.7, and 5.9 mM for beta-Ala, N-methyl beta-Ala, and N,N-dimethyl beta-Ala, respectively. The NMTase had an isoelectric point of 5.15 and was reversibly inhibited by the thiol reagent p-hydroxymercuribenzoic acid.
Dilatation transformation and the stark—zeeman effect

Abstract We discuss the extension of the dilatation transformation to the Zeeman and the Stark—Zeeman problems and we apply the method to the study of the level shifts and ionization width of the H atom in intense crossed electric and magnetic fields.
Prostate cancer among African American men: A review of empirical literature

Almost every article reviewed in this paper affirms that African American men have the highest prostate cancer deaths in the U.S. Also, most agree that the etiology, prevention, and treatment of the cancer are yet to be clearly understood. It is somewhat disheartening that, despite the high mortality rate, it has taken decades for prostate cancer to begin to gain national attention. For African American men, the answers may range from lack of organization to lack of resources or direction by the federal government. There is sufficient reason to believe that the answers lie more with the fact that the lives of African American men are less valuable to society. Also, factors such as inadequate health care coverage due to higher rates of unemployment, cultural barriers, and unsatisfactory relationships with health care providers may be responsible for some of the disparities. Additionally, historical factors have led to a deep mistrust of health care providers and medical researchers among African Americans. To reduce prostate cancer deaths, more African American men would need to be recruited to clinical trials to develop appropriate screening methods and treatment procedures. Accomplishing this goal requires addressing those historical events that have created a gap between African American men and society. Combating prostate cancer requires policies that would fully reintroduce African American men into society.
A total wrist arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis: a case followed for 24 years

We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis treated with a total wrist arthroplasty. A Meuli-type total wrist arthroplasty was performed on the left wrist in 1979. We have treated the patient's rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Actarit 100mg and Mijoribine 50mg) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a total of 26 years before and after the total wrist arthroplasty. The activity of the rheumatoid arthritis has been kept at a low level. The operated wrist was followed up for 24 years postoperatively. It is thought that the antirheumatic treatments over a long period have been very successful in preventing the destruction of the operated wrist.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising From a Suprapubic Cystostomy Tract with Extension Into the Bladder

Although squamous cell C o m a of the bladder is uncommon, accounting for about 5% of all bladder cancers in the United States, it develops with increased frequency in the spinal cord injured patient (2.5 to 10% in most studies) at a rate of 16 to 28 times the incidence in the general population.' The association of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, chronic inflammatory states and persistent infection has been established. We report on a paraplegic patient in whom a suprapubic cystostomy tract squamous cell carcinoma developed after 25 years of urinary diversion. The tumor involved the cystostomy tract primarily with extension into the bladder. To our knowledge only 1 such case has been reported previously.2 Our case reemphasizes the importance of routine surveillance in patients with chronic indwelling urinary catheters.
Overexpression of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Head and Neck Epithelia Results in Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Epithelial Hyperproliferation

In the present study, we show that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was frequently overexpressed in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and adjacent tissues in comparison with normal head and neck tissues. To determine the role of TGF-β1 overexpression in HNSCC carcinogenesis, we generated transgenic mice in which TGF-β1 transgene expression can be induced in head and neck epithelia. TGF-β1 transgene induction in head and neck epithelia, at levels similar to those in human HNSCCs, caused severe inflammation and angiogenesis. Consequently, TGF-β1-transgenic epithelia exhibited hyperproliferation. These phenotypes correlated with enhanced Smad signaling in transgenic epithelia and stroma. Our study suggests that TGF-β1 overexpression at early stages of HNSCC formation provides a tumor promoting microenvironment.
Electron attachment to helium microdroplets : creation induced magic ?

The size distribution of ${\mathrm{He}}_{\mathit{N}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ions produced by crossing a low energy beam with an uncharged helium cluster beam exhibits a threshold below which no ions are detected. The threshold region is unexpectedly structured, however, and exhibits a sharp ``magic'' mass peak at N=(2.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ atoms. We suggest that this behavior derives from the dynamics of the conduction band instability which leads to the formation of a metastably trapped bubble electron in the droplet.
Plasma membrane cholesterol controls the cytotoxicity of Alzheimer’s disease AβP (1–40) and (1–42) peptides

Cell degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease is mediated by a toxic mechanism that involves interaction of the AβP peptide with the plasma membrane of the target cell. We report here that PC12 cells become resistant to the cytotoxic action of AβP when incubated in a medium that enriches cholesterol levels of the surface membrane. On the other hand, making cholesterol-deficient membranes by either cholesterol extraction with cyclodextrin or by inhibiting de novo synthesis of cholesterol makes PC12 cells more vulnerable to the action of AβP. Increasing cholesterol content of PS liposomes also suppresses AβP-dependent liposome aggregation. We suggest that by modifying the fluidity of the neuronal membranes, cholesterol modulates the incorporation and pore formation of AβP into cell membranes. This idea is supported by our finding that the enhanced cytotoxicity generated by lowering the membrane cholesterol content can be reversed by AβP calcium channel blockers Zn2+ and tromethamine.—Arispe, N., Doh, M. Plasma m...
Solvent- and concentration-dependent molecular interactions of taxol (paclitaxel)

Taxol (paclitaxel) is a promising anticancer agent that has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer and is under investigation for the therapy of other tumors. Paclitaxel is poorly soluble in water, and information on its physical behavior in hydrophilic and hydrophobic environments is limited. Circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to investigate the effect of solvent and drug concentration on the solution conformation of paclitaxel. CD is sensitive to paclitaxel's environment, owing to the presence of effective chromophores in the vicinity of several chiral centers. It was found that (i) the conformation of the paclitaxel side chain depends on the polarity of the solvent and (ii) paclitaxel has a tendency to undergo concentration-dependent aggregation in solvents such as chloroform. To account for the observations, a model is proposed in which paclitaxel molecules are held together in stacks by intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving all four exchangeable protons. Intermolecular interactions and self-association of paclitaxel may have impact not only on the physical stability of the drug in existing formulations or investigational vehicles but also on the effect of paclitaxel in the stabilization of cellular microtubules.
Safety and pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in children with neoplastic diseases.

To evaluate the safety, tolerance, and pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in children with neoplastic diseases, we studied fluconazole in 26 children, aged 5 to 16 years, with normal renal function who were receiving treatment for cancer. The patients received fluconazole, 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg per day for 7 days intravenously for a 2-hour period. Patients had no nausea or vomiting related to fluconazole; three patients had an asymptomatic rise in hepatic aminotransferase values after four to six doses (one patient at 2 mg/kg per day and two patients at 8 mg/kg per day), which returned to normal within 2 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. Fluconazole showed linear first-order kinetics over the dosage range tested and during multiple dosing. After the first dose, mean clearance was 22.8±2.3 ml/min, volume of distribution 0.87±0.06 L/kg, and terminal elimination half-life 16.8±1.1 hours. Similarly, after the last dose, clearance was 19.4±1.3 ml/min, volume of distribution 0.84±0.04 L/kg, and terminal elimination half-life 18.1±1.2 hours. Patients receiving their first fluconazole dose of 8 mg/kg achieved peak serum levels of 9.5±0.4 μ g/ml and trough levels of 2.7±0.5 μ g/ml 24 hours later, and an area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity of 186±16 μ g·hr per milliliter. Renal clearance of fluconazole was 65%±5% of total clearance and demonstrated the predominantly renal excretion of this drug. We suggest that the shorter serum half-life and the higher frequency of aminotransferase elevations in comparison with those of adults warrant careful investigation of fluconazole in controlled clinical trials.
Labral lesions: An elusive source of hip pain case reports and literature review

Three cases are presented highlighting varied aspects of labral lesions as a primary or contributing source of mechanical hip pain; including one chronic labral tear associated with old trauma, an acutely entrapped labrum, and a degenerative labral tear associated with osteoarthritis. The diagnosis of labral lesions may be elusive. Arthrography, double-contrast arthrography followed by computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all have been reported in the assessment of these lesions with variable success. Often, the clinical presentation, including history and physical examination, will yield useful information. A fluoroscopically guided intra-articular injection of the hip is a very useful diagnostic tool for differentiating an intra-articular source of hip symptoms, such as labral lesions, from an extra-articular source. Labral tearing can readily be assessed by arthroscopy and many can be successfully addressed by operative arthroscopy. However, there are many variations in the arthroscopic anatomy of the acetabular labrum.
The C. elegans TGF-β Dauer Pathway Regulates Longevity via Insulin Signaling

Summary Background Previous genetic evidence suggested that the C. elegans TGF-β Dauer pathway is responsible solely for the regulation of dauer formation, with no role in longevity regulation, whereas the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway regulates both dauer formation and longevity. Results We have uncovered a significant longevity-regulating activity by the TGF-β Dauer pathway that is masked by an egg-laying (Egl) phenotype; mutants in the pathway display up to 2-fold increases in life span. The expression profiles of adult TGF-β mutants overlap significantly with IIS pathway profiles: Adult TGF-β mutants regulate the transcription of many DAF-16-regulated genes, including genes that regulate life span, the two pathways share enriched Gene Ontology categories, and a motif previously associated with DAF-16-regulated transcription (the DAE, or DAF-16-associated element) is overrepresented in the promoters of TGF-β regulated genes. The TGF-β Dauer pathway's regulation of longevity appears to be mediated at least in part through insulin interactions with the IIS pathway and the regulation of DAF-16 localization. Conclusions Together, our results suggest there are TGF-β-specific downstream targets and functions, but that the TGF-β and IIS pathways might be more tightly linked in the regulation of longevity than has been previously appreciated.
Abolition of anaphylaxis by targeted disruption of the high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor α chain gene

Mast cells and basophils, which are activated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) and allergen, play a prominent role in anaphylaxis. However, they express at least three types of IgE receptor, including the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI). The relative contribution of these IgE receptors, and possibly other receptors such as Fc epsilon RII/CD23 and Mac-2, to the genesis of in vivo anaphylaxis is still unclear. To address this question, we have generated Fc epsilon RI-deficient mice. These mice appear normal and express a normal number of mast cells, but they are resistant to cutaneous and systemic anaphylaxis. These data demonstrate that Fc epsilon RI is necessary for the initiation of IgE-dependent anaphylactic reactions. Therefore, interfering with its function should be an effective means of treating allergy, regardless of the allergen specificity.
Variability in ACL tunnel placement: observational clinical study of surgeon ACL tunnel variability.

Background:Multicenter and multisurgeon cohort studies on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are becoming more common. Minimal information exists on intersurgeon and intrasurgeon variability in ACL tunnel placement.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to analyze intersurgeon and intrasurgeon variability in ACL tunnel placement in a series of The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) ACL reconstruction patients and in a clinical cohort of ACL reconstruction patients. The hypothesis was that there would be minimal variability between surgeons in ACL tunnel placement.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Seventy-eight patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by 8 surgeons had postoperative imaging with computed tomography, and ACL tunnel location and angulation were analyzed using 3-dimensional surface processing and measurement. Intersurgeon and intrasurgeon variability in ACL tunnel placement was analyzed.Results:For intersurgeon variability, t...
Capillary electrophoresis–laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) assay for measurement of intracellular d-serine and serine racemase activity

An enantioselective capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) method for the analysis of D-serine (D-Ser) in cellular matrices has been developed. The assay involves derivatization with FITC followed by CE-LIF using 0.5 mM hydroxyl propyl-β-cyclodextrin in borate buffer [80 mM, pH 9.3]. The method was able to resolve D-Ser and L-Ser with an enantioselectivity (α) of 1.03 and a resolution (R(s)) of 1.37. Linearity was established from 0.25 to 100.00 μM. The assay was also able to enantioselectively resolve 6 additional amino acid racemates. The method was applied to the determination of intracellular D-Ser concentrations in PC-12, C6, 1312N1, and HepG2 cell lines. This method was used to determine the concentration-dependent increases in D-Ser and associated EC₅₀ values produced by L-Ser and the concentration-dependent decreases in d-Ser and associated IC₅₀ values produced by glycine, a competitive inhibitor of serine racemase (SR). Western blot analysis determined that the PC-12 and C6 cell lines contained monomeric and dimeric forms of SR while the 1321N1 and HepG2 cells contained only the monomeric form. Although the SR dimer has been identified as the active form of the enzyme, all four of the tested cell lines expressed enzymatically active SR.
MITRE's virtual model shop

The exploration of visual data and the use of visual information during the design process can be greatly enhanced by working within the virtual environment where the user is closely coupled to the data by means of immersive technologies and natural user interfaces. Current technology enables us to construct a virtual environment utilizing 3D graphics projection, object generated stereo sound, tactile feedback, and voice command input. Advances in software architectures and user interfaces enable us to focus on enhancing the design process within the virtual environment. These explorations at MITRE have evolved into an application which focuses on the ability to create, manipulate, and explore photo and audio realistic 3D models of work spaces, office complexes, and entire communities in real-time. This application, the Virtual Interactive Planning System, is a component of the MITRE virtual model shop, a suite of applications which permits the user to design and manipulate computer graphics models within the virtual environment.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Many tabs make a light board

My research examines challenges inherent in the design of mobile groupware systems. For my thesis work I am designing interfaces and interaction techniques that can be used to augment face-to-face communication within groups of collocated mobile users. In my initial research, which explored collocated mobile photo capture and sharing, I uncovered three fundamental challenges to designing mobile groupware. In this paper I discuss these challenges as well as my proposed research agenda to addresses the challenges.
Resampling methods for confidence intervals in group sequential trials

SUMMARY Resampling methods are introduced for the construction of confidence intervals for treatment effects associated with the primary and secondary endpoints of a clinical trial whose stopping rule is specified by a group sequential test. These methods are nonparametric and compare favourably with the exact methods that assume the responses to be normally distributed.
Interaction of Polyol Esters and Phosphate Esters with Metal Carbides

The need for higher performance in jet turbine engines has led to the development of alloys with greater hardness for use in bearings. The increased hardness is a result of carburizing of the surface which leads to a change in the surface chemistry through the formation of metal carbides. The authors have found that metal carbides react differently with the lubricants and additives than the oxides found on the surface of currently used alloys. Of particular concern is the observed reaction of the ester basestock with metal carbides in the presence of phosphate esters. The authors have found that metal carbides can catalyze the decomposition of hindered esters in the presence of aryl phosphates to give the component acids. Products of the reaction include free acids, phenyl esters, and dehydrogenated esters. This reaction is expected to rapidly degrade the performance of the oil due to both acid formation and viscosity breakdown. Examination of the remaining solid material indicates that phosphorus has been incorporated into the structure, presumable as phosphate.
A Comparison of HIV Related Risk Behaviors of Street Recruited and Treatment Program Recruited Injection Drug Users

SUMMARY This paper compares the demographic traits and the risk behaviors of injection drug users (IDUs) not in treatment who were recruited into an AIDS risk reduction program in Miami, FL with attributes of IDUs who were clients of drug treatment programs. The majority of both IDU samples were male and in their 30's. Most street IDUs were African-American; a majority of treatment clients were White, non-Hispanic. Prevalence of HIV was high for African-Americans and Hispanics from both IDU samples. Prevalence of HIV was relatively low among both samples of White, non-Hispanic IDUs but somewhat higher among White street IDUs than among White treatment clients. Similar proportions of street and treatment IDUs injected daily, but street IDUs were more likely to share works, inject in shooting galleries, use crack and alcohol daily, have multiple sex partners and have IDU sex partners.
Euromissiles as the Ultimate Evolution of Theater Nuclear Forces in Europe

This article builds on the analysis published by Kristina Spohr-Readman in the Fall 2012 issue of the JCWS about the decision in December 1979 by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deploy intermediate-range nuclear forces in Europe. Spohr-Readman's article drew heavily on declassified documents from NATO countries, but information from those who took part in the deliberations (of whom Gaffney was one) sheds further light on the matter and changes a few aspects of the story, particularly regarding U.S. officials' views of the utility (or lack thereof) of battlefield nuclear weapons.
Sediment community oxygen consumption and nutrient exchange in the central and eastern North Pacific1

La consommation d'oxygene de la communaute du sediment augmente le long d'un gradient de la productivite primaire superficielle croissante de l'ouest a l'est. L'abondance et la biomasse de la macrofaune, le carbone organique de la surface et l'azote total augmentent aussi d'ouest en est
Further Studies on the Influence of Oxygen on X-ray-induced rearrangement in Drosophila Oocytes

SummaryAlteration of the metabolism of Drosophila oocytes greatly affects the induction of structural changes by x-rays. Females 2–3 days of age contain oocytes whose chromosomes restitute and rearrange rapidly, whereas no evidence for restitution within the intervals studied was found in samples of oocytes from females 8–9 days old at the time of irradiation. The effect of nitrogen as a post- or inter-treatment showed, however, that for both young and old oocytes there was more restitution in air than in nitrogen. Both young and old oocytes show reduced rearrangement frequencies when irradiations were performed in nitrogen, and increased rearrangement frequencies when a fractionated irradiation was performed with the flies maintained in a nitrogen environment between irradiations. These different effects of anoxia are discussed.
Aging effects in GaAs Schottky barrier diodes

The stability of the barrier height of Au/W/GaAs and Au/Pt/Ti/GaAs Schottky barriers under long-term biasing conditions is discussed. Both barrier types exhibit decreases in barrier height under long-term reverse bias conditions, with the changes seen for the Au/W/GaAs diodes (30-50 MeV) much greater than those for the Au/Pt/Ti/GaAs diodes (5 MeV). The changes in barrier height have a characteristic logarithmic dependence on time. Recovery of the barrier height occurs over a period of days in a zero bias condition, or in an accelerated manner under forward biasing for both sets of samples. A preliminary Auger study has correlated the presence of oxide at the interface with the barrier height shift observed, and this oxide is presumably involved in the formation/destruction of interface states which are responsible for the change in barrier height. >
A GENERAL SUB-DOMAIN BOUNDARY MAPPING PROCEDURE FOR STRUCTURED GRID CFD PARALLEL COMPUTATION

In the present work, a general sub-domain boundary mapping procedure has been developed for arbitrary topology multi-block structured grids with grid points matched on sub-domain boundaries. The interface of two adjacent blocks is uniquely deflned according to each local meshing index system (MIS) which is specifled independently. A pack/unpack procedure based on the deflnition of the interface is developed to exchange the data in 1D array to minimize the communication amount. A safe send/receive procedure is built to remove the possibility of communication block and achieve an optimum parallel computation e‐ciency. The procedure is applied to parallelize an in house 3D Navier-Stokes code. The message passing interface (MPI) protocol is used for the data communication. The implementation of this newly developed parallelization procedure is straightforward. The programming work to convert a sequential code to parallel code using this procedure is minimal. The numerical experiments on an MPI based computer cluster show that the general mapping algorithm is robust and has high parallel computation e‐ciency.
Retrieval of canopy structural parameters from multiangle observations using an artificial neural network

This paper describes a procedure for the retrieval of canopy structural parameters (e.g. height, shape, density) from multiangle reflectance measurements using an artificial neural network (ANN). The objective is to train a neural network to learn the association of canopy structural parameters with its corresponding directional reflectance pattern. The Li-Strahler [1992] geometric-optical mutual shadowing model is used to simulate the bidirectional reflectance of a canopy based on the geometry of the trees. The reflectance generated from the model is used as an input to a multilayer feed-forward neural network, with the canopy structural parameters as outputs. ANNs have great potentials to learn the relation (or any continuous function) between input patterns and desired outputs without any prior knowledge of the mapping function. Using the neural network retrieval approach, the R/sup 2/ between the model predicted canopy parameters and the actual parameters of density is 0.85 and 0.75 for the tree crown diameter and canopy height.
479 Limited Correlation between Cardiac Output and Displayed Device Flow in Patients with HeartMate II LVAS

HeartMate II (HMII). Methods and Materials: From March 2007 to April 2010, 76 pts underwent VAD implant (46 pts with XVE and 33 with HMII). Thirty seven of the 76 pts (48%) had a body mass index (BMI) 30 (22 with XVE and 15 with HMII) and were followed for weight change; of these, 29 pts (18 XVE, 11 HMII) survived 30 days. End points of the study were 30 day survival with continued VAD support, HTx, or death. Results: BMI was 35.7 at baseline and 33.7 at follow-up (mean change 2.0; p 0.03) in 29 pts with BMI 30 and who survived 30 days. BMI 30 at follow-up was achieved in 5 pts (2 XVE and 3 HMII; 17.2%). At baseline, XVE had mean BMI of 35.8 4.0 and HMII had 35.5 4.0 (p NS). BMI at follow-up was 33.9 5.4 and 33.4 4.1 for XVE group and HMII group, respectively (p NS vs. baseline for each group; p NS between groups on follow-up). Of 22 pts who had XVE, four underwent device exchange to HMII. Time to end points were 272.8 209.8 days and 184.3 193.3 days for XVE group and HMII group, respectively (p NS). Early (30 day) mortality was 18.2% and 26.7% for XVE group and HMII group (p NS), respectively. Of 8 pts who had HTx (all XVE), mean decrease in BMI was 4.2 (p 0.01). Conclusions: VAD implantation results in significant weight reduction (-2.0 BMI) in pts with BMI 30 and advanced heart failure, and may result in conversion from destination therapy to bridge to transplant. VAD implantation provides a period of hemodynamic support to obese pts with advanced heart failure, during which time opportunity is available for weight loss.
Static analysis of processor stall cycle aggregation

Processor Idle Cycle Aggregation (PICA) is a promising approach for low power execution of processors, in which small memory stalls are aggregated to create a large one, and the processor is switched to low-power mode in it. We extend the previous proposed approach in two dimensions. i) We develop static analysis for the PICA technique and present optimum parameters for five common types of loops based on steady-state analysis. ii) We show that software only control is unable to guarantee its correctness in a varying runtime environment, potentially causing deadlocks. We enhance the robustness of PICA with minimal hardware extension, ensuring correct execution for any loops and parameters, which greatly facilitates exploration based parameter optimization. The combined use of our static analysis and exploration based fine-tuning makes the PICA technique applicable, to any memory-bound loop, with energy reduction. We validate our analytical models against simulation based optimization and also show through our experiments on embedded application benchmarks, that our technique can be applied to a wide range of loops with average 20% energy reductions compared to executions without PICA.
Sequence specific binding of tetraols of benzo[a]pyrene-diol-epoxide to DNA in neutral and acidic solutions

Comparative binding studies of tetraols (anti- BPTs ) derived from trans-7,8-dihydroxy-anti-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetra- hydrobenzo [a]py rene (anti-BPDE) with native DNA in neutral and acidic solutions reveal that 4-5 times stronger intercalative binding occurs in the protonated duplex DNA than in the unprotonated one. Spectroscopic (absorption and circular dichroism) investigations with synthetic polynucleotides indicate that in neutral pH, anti- BPTs intercalate significantly in poly(dA-dT):poly(dA-dT), only slightly in guanine containing alternating polynucleotides poly(dG-dC): poly(dG-dC) and poly(dA-dC):poly(dG-dT), and hardly in homopolymers poly(dG):poly(dC) and poly(dA):poly(dT). In acidic solutions, on the other hand, all three alternating polynucleotides, poly(dG-dC):poly(dG-dC) in particular, exhibit strong intercalative binding to anti- BPTs although the homopolymers still lack such capability. These results are very similar to those of corresponding pyrene studies suggesting that pyrene can be a useful model compound for the DNA binding studies of benzo[a]pyrene metabolites. The observed enhanced binding of anti- BPTs in the acidic natural DNA solution is seen as the consequence of changes in base sequence preference upon base protonation.
VDAC-dependent permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane by superoxide induces rapid and massive cytochrome c release

Enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide (O2·−), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) may result in either apoptosis or other forms of cell death. Here, we studied the mechanisms underlying activation of the apoptotic machinery by ROS. Exposure of permeabilized HepG2 cells to O2·− elicited rapid and massive cytochrome c release (CCR), whereas H2O2 failed to induce any release. Both O2·− and H2O2 promoted activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore by Ca2+, but Ca2+-dependent pore opening was not required for O2·−-induced CCR. Furthermore, O2·− alone evoked CCR without damage of the inner mitochondrial membrane barrier, as mitochondrial membrane potential was sustained in the presence of extramitochondrial ATP. Strikingly, pretreatment of the cells with drugs or an antibody, which block the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), prevented O2·−-induced CCR. Furthermore, VDAC-reconstituted liposomes permeated cytochrome c after O2·− exposure, and this release was prevented by VDAC blocker. The proapoptotic protein, Bak, was not detected in HepG2 cells and O2·−-induced CCR did not depend on Bax translocation to mitochondria. O2·−-induced CCR was followed by caspase activation and execution of apoptosis. Thus, O2·− triggers apoptosis via VDAC-dependent permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane without apparent contribution of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins.
Comparing Gravimetric and Real-Time Sampling of PM2.5 Concentrations Inside Truck Cabins

As part of a study on truck drivers’ exposure and health risk, pickup and delivery (P&D) truck drivers’ on-road exposure patterns to PM2.5 were assessed in five, weeklong sampling trips in metropolitan areas of five U.S. cities from April to August of 2006. Drivers were sampled with real-time (DustTrak) and gravimetric samplers to measure average in-cabin PM2.5 concentrations and to compare their correspondence in moving trucks. In addition, GPS measurements of truck locations, meteorological data, and driver behavioral data were collected throughout the day to determine which factors influence the relationship between real-time and gravimetric samplers. Results indicate that the association between average real-time and gravimetric PM2.5 measurements on moving trucks was fairly consistent (Spearman rank correlation of 0.63), with DustTrak measurements exceeding gravimetric measurements by approximately a factor of 2. This ratio differed significantly only between the industrial Midwest cities and the oth...
Effects of nutrient limitation on the release and use of dissolved organic carbon from benthic algae in Lake Michigan

AbstractCompared to phytoplankton, relatively little information exists about the importance of benthic algae as a source of dissolved organic C (DOC) in lakes. We enriched outdoor tanks with N and P in a full factorial design (unenriched, +N, +P, N+P) to evaluate effects of nutrients on the release, composition, and decomposition of DOC from Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kutz. in Lake Michigan. After 10 d of enrichment, biomass-specific rates of gross primary productivity (GPP) were significantly greater in the N+P treatment than in the +N or +P treatments. The fraction of fixed C released as DOC was ∼37% of GPP in the N+P treatment, which was similar to material collected from the lake (initial samples). Biomass-specific rates of DOC release did not vary significantly with treatment, whereas GPP declined in the nutrient-limited treatments (+N, +P, and unenriched). Consequently, DOC release represented a higher percentage of GPP (>100%) under severe nutrient limitation. Specific ultraviolet (UV) absorbance, ...
Drosophila ELMO/CED-12 interacts with Myoblast city to direct myoblast fusion and ommatidial organization

Abstract Members of the CDM ( C ED-5, D ock180, M yoblast city) superfamily of guanine nucleotide exchange factors function in diverse processes that include cell migration and myoblast fusion. Previous studies have shown that the SH3, DHR1 and DHR2 domains of Myoblast city (MBC) are essential for it to direct myoblast fusion in the Drosophila embryo, while the conserved DCrk-binding proline rich region is expendable. Herein, we describe the isolation of Drosophila ELMO/CED-12, an ∼ 82 kDa protein with a pleckstrin homology (PH) and proline-rich domain, by interaction with the MBC SH3 domain. Mass spectrometry confirms the presence of an MBC/ELMO complex within the embryonic musculature at the time of myoblast fusion and embryos maternally and/or zygotically mutant for elmo exhibit defects in myoblast fusion. Overexpression of MBC and ELMO in the embryonic mesoderm causes defects in myoblast fusion reminiscent of those seen with constitutively-activated Rac1, supporting the previous finding that both the absence of and an excess of Rac activity are deleterious to myoblast fusion. Overexpression of MBC and ELMO/CED-12 in the eye causes perturbations in ommatidial organization that are suppressed by mutations in Rac1 and Rac2 , demonstrating genetically that MBC and ELMO/CED-12 cooperate to activate these small GTPases in Drosophila .