cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiproduct integrated production—distribution systems☆

Abstract In many firms the goals of the production staff are in conflict with those of the marketing staff. Often the resolution of the conflicting goals is to require a stockpile of finished goods to hold large amounts of inventory. The two functional areas thus are buffered. It is our opinion that an integrated view of the entire production-distribution system may generate significant savings by trading off the costs associated with the whole, rather than minimizing production and distribution costs separately. In this paper we develop a model of an integrated production-distribution system comprised of a single station model of a factory, a stockpile of finished goods, and a single retailer. The concepts and solution methodology, however, show promise for more complex networks. Multiple products with stochastic, independent demand are produced at the factory, stored at FG, and distributed to the retailer where demand is met or backlogged. In addition, FG may order an expedite batch of a particular product if its stock level decreases to a specified expedite reorder point. Expedite batches have nonpreemptive priority over normal replenishment batches. We approximate the distributions of key random variables to compute costs and service levels for all products across the supply chain. We find that our approximations are often quite accurate. Our limited tests of the performance of the near-optimization algorithm indicate that it provides solutions very close to the optimal. We also provide results that yield insight into the behavior of this integrated system.
A highly effective attractant for the brownbanded cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae)∗

Abstract A bait made from the grain used to prepare a commercial bottled liquor and later packaged as cattle feed was highly attractive to all instars of the brownbanded cockroach, Supelia longipalpa (F.), a major domiciliary pest that has always been difficult to control. When tested in a trapping experiment, the dry mash attracted 1,160 brownbanded cockroaches, 16 American (Periplaneta americana) and 4 German (Blattella germanica) cockroaches in an 8‐week period compared with 3 German cockroaches trapped in untreated controls. In a second test comparing the mash with ground Lab‐Chow pellets for a 2‐week period, 411 brownbanded cockroaches were trapped compared with 27 cockroaches trapped with the ground dogfood and 9 with the control.
Negative salience in impressions of character: Sex differences

Ss evaluated an unknown other from two opposing descriptions, one recounting commendable and another reprehensible behaviors. The factorial design varied sex of perceiver, sex of other, order of information, and trial (after each description and a week later). Initially positive ratings revised downward by negative information remained stable: initially negative ratings revised upward regressed significantly again within a week. There were no main effects of sex, but both sexes were rated more leniently by same-sex perceivers. Final ratings of opposite sex showed a significantly greater influence of negative information; ratings of own sex showed only a similar trend.
What's /ðεr/? An anomalous error in a child with specific language impairment

This longitudinal case study describes an anomalous error produced by a child with specific language impairment (SLI), MM, whose language development was documented from ages 3 through 7 years. Twelve spontaneous language samples were analysed. Across nine language samples MM produced the phonetic sequence /ðer/ in ungrammatical contexts as if it were the nominative third person plural pronoun, for example, with a past tense form (e.g. */ðer/ ate dinner). The phonetic sequence /ðer/ may have been either their, a case error, or they're, inclusion of a form of be in an unexpected context. In this paper, we examine and describe the distribution of /ðer/ and the development of pronominal forms and the verb be in order to account for the anomalous error.
Cheapened altruism: Discounting personally affected prosocial actors

Abstract Are charitable donors always perceived as charitable? Three studies suggest that although having a personal connection to a cause motivates much charitable giving, donors who have been personally affected by the target cause are given less “credit” for their donations, i.e., are perceived as less intrinsically charitable. These donors are perceived as having selfish motivations even when they have nothing economic or social to gain from the donation. More specifically, personally-affected donors are perceived as driven by emotional selfishness, or a desire to improve their own hedonic state rather a desire to improve the welfare of others, which lessens the charitable credit that they receive. In addition, although donors who have been personally affected by the target cause are seen as less charitable, they are perceived more favorably in other ways (e.g., more loyal).
A linear-in-dB SiGe HBT wideband high dynamic range RF envelope detector

A linear-in-dB wideband, SiGe HBT high dynamic range RF envelope detector is presented. The detector operates from 200MHz to 2.5GHz with 50dB maximum dynamic range.
Long-term forecasting of smooth approximations to the load duration curve

Abstract A methodology for long-term forecasting of smooth approximations to the load duration curve is presented. The forecast results, when the approach is empirically implemented, are extremely good. Finally, while the application is limited to a functional approximation that has previously been used, there is nothing to prevent its being adapted to other specifications.
In-Plane Transport of Doped Manganite Trilayers

Abstract : We have synthesized and characterized doped manganite trilayers composed of La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 (LSMO) and La(0.7)Ca(0.3)MnO3 (LCMO). Because of the isostructural nature of the Sr and Ca doped manganites, trilayers exhibit good epitaxy as observed in X-ray diffraction. Magnetization measurements reveal magnetization values consistent with bulk values. In-plane transport of these trilayers reveals anisotropic magnetoresistance and high field negative magnetoresistance attributed to the suppression of spin fluctuations at high fields.
Transcendental numbers and eventual dominance of exponential functions

Theoremes de decidabilite de certaines relations liees aux nombres transcendants et a la dominance eventuelle des fonctions exponentielles
CO2 Regulates White-to-Opaque Switching in Candida albicans

To mate, Candida albicans must undergo homozygosis at the mating type-like locus MTL[1, 2], then switch from the white to opaque phenotype [3, 4]. Paradoxically, when opaque cells are transferred in vitro to 37 degrees C, the temperature of their animal host, they switch en masse to white [5-7], suggesting that their major niche might not be conducive to mating. It has been suggested that pheromones secreted by opaque cells of opposite mating type [8] or the hypoxic condition of host niches [9, 10] stabilize opaque cells. There is, however, an additional possibility, namely that CO(2), which achieves levels in the host 100 times higher than in air [11-13], stabilizes the opaque phenotype. CO(2) has been demonstrated to regulate the bud-hypha transition in C. albicans[14, 15], expression of virulence genes in bacteria [16], and mating events in Cryptococcus neoformans[14, 17]. We tested the possibility that CO(2) stabilizes the opaque phenotype, and found that physiological levels of CO(2) induce white-to-opaque switching and stabilize the opaque phenotype at 37 degrees C. It exerts this control equally under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. These results suggest that the high levels of CO(2) in the host induce and stabilize the opaque phenotype, thus facilitating mating.
Nutritional Rickets: An Old Disease Returns

Nutritional rickets, an ancient disease that was thought to have been cured in the early part of the 20th century, has made an unexpected comeback in recent years throughout the world. Although the frequency of its occurrence is poorly documented, increasing case reports of rickets are apparently related to low dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium and decreased sunshine exposure. Greater awareness of this problem is needed, as are further data regarding vitamin D status and incidence of rickets among infants and toddlers. Routine provision of supplemental vitamin D to all breastfed infants remains controversial, but may become more widely recommended.
Loos: A Tool for Making New Tools for Analyzing Molecular Simulations

We have developed LOOS (Lightweight Object Oriented Structure-analysis) as a tool for making new tools for analyzing molecular simulations. LOOS is an object-oriented library designed to facilitate the rapid development of new methods for structural analysis. LOOS includes over 120 pre-built tools for common structural analysis tasks, such as assessing the convergence of simulations, hydrogen bonding patterns, and the construction and visualization of 3D histograms as density. LOOS supports reading the native file formats of most common simulation packages, including AMBER, CHARMM, Gromacs, NAMD, and Tinker and can write NAMD formats (PDB and DCD). A dynamic atom selection language, based on the C expression syntax, is included as part of the library and is easily accessible to both the programmer and the end user. LOOS is written in C++ and makes extensive use of Boost and the Standard Template Library. Through modern C++ design, LOOS is both simple to use (requiring knowledge of only 4 core classes and a few utility functions) and easily extensible. A Python interface to the core components of LOOS is also available, further facilitating rapid development of analysis tools and broadening the LOOS community by making it accessible to those who would otherwise be deterred by using C++. LOOS also includes a set of libraries and tools for performing elastic network model calculations that are easily extended to accommodate new methods.
Clinical and kidney morphologic predictors of outcome for renal artery stenting: data to inform patient selection.

Background The purpose of the current study was to identify clinical and kidney morphologic features that predict a favorable blood pressure (BP) response to renal artery stenting (RAS). Methods The study cohort consisted of 149 patients who underwent primary RAS over 9 years. Patients were categorized as "responders" based on modified American Heart Association guidelines: BP Results The median age of the cohort was 68 years (IQR, 60-74 years). A favorable BP response was observed in 50 of 149 patients (34%). Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of a positive BP response: (1) requirement for four or more medications (odds ratio, 29.9; P = .0001), (2) preoperative diastolic BP >90 mm Hg (OR, 31.4; P = .0011), and (3) preoperative clonidine use (OR, 7.3; P = .029). The BP response rate varied significantly based on the number of predictors present per patient ( P 3 ) increased the BP response rate more than threefold compared with patients with smaller kidneys (63% vs 18% BP response rate; P = .018). Conclusions The current study demonstrated that three clinical predictors (≥4 antihypertensive medications, diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, and clonidine use) are preoperative predictors of BP response to RAS. Kidney volume may help in discriminating responders from nonresponders among those patients with three-drug hypertension. These parameters may assist clinicians in patient selection and provide more concrete data with which to counsel patients on the likely outcomes for RAS.
Recent advances in non-neoplastic retinal and choroidal diseases.

Maladies vasculaires retiniennes. Maculopathies. Chirurgie vitreoretinienne. Infections (SIDA, necrose retinienne aigue, endophtalmie). Fibroplasie retrolentale
Regulation of progesterone receptor-mediated transcription by phosphorylation

The progesterone receptor (PR) in the chicken oviduct is a phosphoprotein that regulates gene transcription in the presence of progesterone. Treatment with progesterone in vivo stimulates phosphorylation of the progesterone receptor. With transient transfection assays, the present work has tested whether phosphorylation participates in the regulation of PR-mediated transcription. Treatment with 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-Br cAMP), a stimulator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase [protein kinase A (PKA)], mimicked progesterone-dependent, receptor-mediated transcription in the absence of progesterone. Inhibition of PKA blocked hormone action. Treatment with okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, stimulated transcription in a manner similar to that of progesterone. These observations suggest that phosphorylation of the PR or other proteins in the transcription complex can modulate PR-mediated transcription in vivo.
Neighborhood Contextual Factors, Maternal Smoking, and Birth Outcomes: Multilevel Analysis of the South Carolina PRAMS Survey, 2000–2003

Abstract Background: Previous studies investigating relationships among neighborhood contexts, maternal smoking behaviors, and birth outcomes (low birth weight [LBW] or preterm births) have produced mixed results. Methods: We evaluated independent effects of neighborhood contexts on maternal smoking behaviors and risks of LBW or preterm birth outcomes among mothers participating in the South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey, 2000–2003. The PRAMS data were geocoded to 2000 U.S. Census data to create a multilevel data structure. We used a multilevel regression analysis (SAS PROC GLIMMIX) to estimate odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In multivariable logistic regression models, high poverty, predominantly African American neighborhoods, upper quartiles of low education, and second quartile of neighborhood household crowding were significantly associated with LBW. However, only mothers resident in predominantly African American Ce...
Chirality of electrons from beta-decay and the left-handed asymmetry of proteins.

A simplified mathematical model of the origin of the left-handed asymmetry of proteins in living matter is presented. The model is based on the hypothesis of Vester and Ulbricht that the chirality of (lefthanded) electrons from naturally beta-active elements, e.g.,14C,40K, etc., was the specific source of the asymmetry; it requires for its application data on the interaction of electrons having non-zero chirality with racemic mixtures of amino acids. This interaction is here treated theoretically in an order-of-magnitude calculation. Our analysis yields a very approximate value of the induced steady-state asymmetry in the amino acids at the beginning of protein synthesis and indicates that this asymmetry, though small, may have been suffcient to account for the dominant left-handedness of proteins now observed.
A comparison study of career satisfaction and emotional states between primary care and speciality residents.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate career satisfaction, emotional states and positive and negative experiences among residents in primary care and speciality programmes in 1 academic medical centre prior to the implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's (ACGME) duty hour requirements. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. MEASUREMENTS All 581 residents in the academic health centre were asked to participate voluntarily in a confidential survey; 327(56%) completed the survey. RESULTS Compared to their primary care colleagues, speciality residents had higher levels of satisfaction with career choice, feelings of competence and excitement, lower levels of inferiority and fatigue and different perceptions of positive and negative training experiences. However, 77% of all respondents were consistently or generally pleased with their career choices. The most positive residents' experiences related to interpersonal relationships and their educational value; the most negative experiences related to interpersonal relationships and issues perceived to be outside of residents' control. Age and training level, but not gender also influenced career satisfaction, emotional states and positive and negative opinions about residency. CONCLUSIONS Less satisfaction with career choice and more negative emotional states for primary care residents compared to speciality residents probably relate to the training experience and may influence medical students' selections of careers. The primary care residents, compared to speciality residents, appear to have difficulty in fulfilling their ideals of professionalism in an environment where they have no control. These data provide baseline information with which to compare these same factors after the implementation of the ACGME duty hours' and competency requirements.
Nitric Oxide Inhibits Ornithine Decarboxylase viaS-Nitrosylation of Cysteine 360 in the Active Site of the Enzyme

Ornithine decarboxylase is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. Polyamines are found in all mammalian cells and are required for cell growth. We previously demonstrated that N-hydroxyarginine and nitric oxide inhibit tumor cell proliferation by inhibiting arginase and ornithine decarboxylase, respectively, and, therefore, polyamine synthesis. In addition, we showed that nitric oxide inhibits purified ornithine decarboxylase by S-nitrosylation. Herein we provide evidence for the chemical mechanism by which nitric oxide and S-nitrosothiols react with cysteine residues in ornithine decarboxylase to form an S-nitrosothiol(s) on the protein. The diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donor agent 1-diethyl-2-hydroxy-2-nitroso-hydrazine acts through an oxygen-dependent mechanism leading to formation of the nitrosating agents N(2)O(3) and/or N(2)O(4). S-Nitrosoglutathione inhibits ornithine decarboxylase by an oxygen-independent mechanism likely by S-transnitrosation. In addition, we provide evidence for the S-nitrosylation of 4 cysteine residues per ornithine decarboxylase monomer including cysteine 360, which is critical for enzyme activity. Finally S-nitrosylated ornithine decarboxylase was isolated from intact cells treated with nitric oxide, suggesting that nitric oxide may regulate ornithine decarboxylase activity by S-nitrosylation in vivo.
Abnormal cilia in a fourth ventricular ependymoma.

Although the luminal surface of the ependymal cells of the human ventricular system is characterized by the presence of cilia with a typical 9 + 2 arrangement of microtubules, cilia are usually described as sparse or absent in ependymal cells of ependymomas. The incidence of aberrant cilia and structurally abnormal cilia in normal ependymal cells and ependymomal cells has not been documented. This report describes detailed ultrastructural and quantitative studies of cilia of the ependymal cells of a fourth ventricular ependymoma in a 5-year-old boy. Of a total of 267 cilia studied, 50% were located in the extracellular microrosettes, 30% in the intracytoplasmic lumina and 20% in the cytoplasm. Thirty precent of all cilia studied showed structural abnormalities. Those present in the aberrant locations, e.g., intracytoplasmic lumina and in the cytoplasm, had a higher incidence of abnormality. Ciliary abnormalities fell into four majors categories: (1) cilia with abnormal axial microtubules, (2) compound cilia, (3) swollen cilia, and (4) cilia with dynein arm defect. Of these, addition, deletion and disorganization of axonemal microtubules were most common. The present study suggested that ciliary abnormality is common in ependymoma and may represent another example of oncogenetic effect on the ciliogenesis of ciliated epithelium.
Electron transfer from cytochrome c to cytochrome c peroxidase across the bilayer lipid membrane (BLM)

Abstract Cytochrome c (CC) is a small, peripheral membrane heme-protein which transfers electrons between the cytochrome b—c complex and the cytochrome oxidase complex in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. As a model for investigation of the mechanism of electron transfer reactions, the interaction of CC with cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP) has been widely studied. There have been two types of experimental approach: (i) electron transfer within a CC—CCP complex in solution, and (ii) the reduction and oxidation of both CC and CCP measured separately at an electrode in simple electrochemical systems. In this communication we report the first direct demonstration of an electron transfer between CC and CCP across a modified bilayer lipid membrane (BLM). Our calculated rate constant is five to six orders of magnitude lower than that reported for the complex. It has been demonstrated that the formation of a complex is not a necessary condition for electron transfer.
RESPONSE TO VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS (VZV) GLYCOPROTEINS (GPs) IN CHILDREN WITH LEUKEMIA (ALL)

Three major VZV GPs [1, 2, 3] have been identified. We used a Dot-ELISA to determine the geometric mean titer [GMT] of antibody to these GPs in children with ALL who had past natural varicella (NV) or who received the live attenuated varicella vaccine(LAVV). In vaccinees with household exposure(HHE) to VZV (n=24), pre-HHE (n=19, x=13 months post-LAVV) GMTs to all GPs were low in sera from those who subsequently developed lesions (n = 7)[GMTs = 33, 38, 18] and in those who did not (n = 12)[GMTs = 74, 12, 6]. Post-HHE GMTs were higher in those who developed lesions (n = 7)[GMTs = 1413, 1050, 780] compared to those who did not (n = 17)[GMTs = 127, 71, 47], Vaccinees who developed zoster(Z) (n = 5, x = 15 months post-LAVV) had lower pre-Z GMTs [127, 21, 8] than vaccinees who did not (n=30, x=12 months post-LAVV)[GMTs =197, 62,40], Post-Z GMTs showed, boosts for all GPs [GMTs=1940, 1689, 404], Unvaccinated children with ALL & NV who developed Z (n = 12, x = 20 months post-NV) had the following GMTs [269,51, 10] compared to those who did not (n = 30, x = 42 months after NV)[GMTs = 182, 112, 20], Post-Z GMTs showed boosts for all GPs (n=6) [GMTs = 640, 640, 570]. In summary, GMTs to GP-1 > 2 > 3. In vaccinees, at the time of HHE, the height of the antibody titer to the GPs was not helpful in predicting protection from development of breakthrough lesions, but a boost was most evident in those who did develop lesions, probably due to greater viral replication in vesicles. Vaccinees who developed Z had lower GMTs to all GPs, but especially to GP-3, compared to those who did not. Unvaccinated children with ALL & NV who developed Z had lower GMTs to both GP-2 & 3 compared to those who did not.
Modeling the Java Bytecode Verifier

The Java programming language has been widely described as secure by design. Nevertheless, a number of serious security vulnerabilities have been discovered in Java, particularly in the Bytecode Verifier, a critical component used to verify class semantics before loading is complete. This paper describes a method for representing Java security constraints using the Alloy modeling language. It further describes a system for performing a security analysis on any block of Java bytecodes by converting these bytecodes into relation initializers in Alloy. Any counterexamples found by the Alloy analyzer correspond directly to potentially insecure code. Analysis of the approach is provided in the context of known security exploits, including type confusion attacks, invalid memory accesses and control flow misdirection. This type of analysis represents a significant departure from standard malware analysis methods based on signatures or anomaly detection.
Bereavement after caregiving or unexpected death: Effects on elderly spouses

Responses to bereavement have been shown to vary depending on whether death is expected or unexpected, and on the nature of family caregiving experiences, but little previous research has examined these factors simultaneously. To address these issues, we utilized prospective data on bereavement from 193 participants in the Changing Lives of Older Couples (CLOC) study, who were assessed both before their loss and at six and 18 months after the death. Participants who experienced either unexpected loss, or expected loss without caregiving, with low-stress caregiving, or with high-stress caregiving completed measures of psychological, social, and health functioning on each occasion. Results showed that unexpected death was associated with marked increases in depression, while the nature of caregiving did not affect the trajectory of any of the psychological well-being measures. All groups except highly stressed caregivers showed improvements in social activity and support after bereavement, suggesting that highly stressed caregivers may be at an increased risk for social isolation during bereavement. Thus experiencing an unexpected death may put bereaved spouses at risk for depression, while high-stress caregiving may lead to problems with social isolation.
Deformation and flow in bulk metallic glasses and deeply undercooled glass forming liquids—a self consistent dynamic free volume model

Abstract Bulk glass forming metallic liquids such as those of the Zr–Ti–Ni–Cu–Be Vitreloy alloy family have been shown to have Newtonian Viscosity which is well described by the Vogel–Fulcher–Tamann (VFT) equation over roughly 15 orders of magnitude from the high temperature equilibrium melt to the deeply undercooled liquid near and below the experimentally observed glass transition. Experiments have also shown flow becomes non-Newtonian and ultimately unstable against spatial localization into shear bands as the strain rate at a given temperature is increased. This transition from homogeneous to inhomogeneous flow and flow localization has been discussed by several authors and attributed to the influence of strain softening, strain rate sensitivity, and thermal softening.which collectively result in the destabilization of the uniform flow field. The present paper presents a simple self consistent model of uniform steady state flow which is based on the tradition Free Volume Model of the glass transition, the VFT-equation, and a simple treatment of free volume production and annihilation during flow. The model is used to analyze the flow data and shown to give a simple one-parameter fit to experimental steady state Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow data over a broad range of temperatures and strain rates. The model gives simple analytic expressions for the steady state constitutive flow law, the strain rate sensitivity exponent (SRSE), and an implicit equation for the strain rate and temperature dependent viscosity, which is solved numerically. An approximate analytic expression for the non-Newtonian effects is proposed. Generalizing the model to time dependent flow, it is argued that observed shear localization and serrated flow in bulk glass forming liquids arises primarily from transient response phenomena.
A survey of domain decomposition techniques and their implementation

Abstract The advent of powerful parallel architecture supercomputers has greatly revitalized the study and use of domain decomposition techniques. These methods can be used globally to treat different portions of the computational domain separately on different processors, or locally to resolve important local physical behavior. For large-scale simulation problems, domain decomposition offers significant capabilities in computational efficiency. Recent techniques for domain decomposition which possess convergence rates that are independent of the number of subdomains used are surveyed. Techniques which involve a relatively coarse macro-mesh with potential local refinement in each separate mesh are also discussed. The macro-mesh will be the basis for domain decomposition techniques and parallel solution algorithms. Uniform or logically structured meshing in the subdomains allows efficient vectorization as well as parallelization of the algorithms. Preconditioned iterative procedures are used to efficiently solve the full domain decomposition problem or the local refinement variation. Results of the use of domain decomposition techniques for large multiphase fluid flow applications in porous media are reported.
Duplex opening by dnaA protein at novel sequences in initiation of replication at the origin of the E. coli chromosome

Three tandem repeats of a 13-mer in the AT-rich region are essential to the unique replication origin of E. coli and of remotely related Enterobacteriaceae. These iterated sequences are identified by deletion analysis and sensitivities to endonucleases as the site for initial duplex opening by the initiator dnaA protein. This "open complex" requires ATP and 38 degrees C for optimum formation and stability. The subsequent dnaC-dependent entry of dnaB helicase to form a "prepriming complex" stabilizes the open structure, blocks cleavages by a restriction endonuclease in the 13-mer region, and broadens the endonuclease cutting pattern. We propose that dnaA protein recognizes and successively opens the 13-mer sequences, thereby guiding the entry of dnaB helicase into the duplex preparatory to priming of replication.
Characterization of the relative thrombogenicity of atherosclerotic plaque components: Implications for consequences of plaque rupture☆

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to determine whether different components of human atherosclerotic plaques exposed to flowing blood resulted in different degrees of thrombus formation. Background . It is likely that the nature of the substrate exposed after spontaneous or angioplasty-induced plaque rupture is one factor determining whether an unstable plaque proceeds rapidly to an occlusive thrombus or persists as a nonocclusive mural thrombus. Although observational data show that plaque rupture is a potent stimulus for thrombosis, and exposed collagen is suggested to have a predominant role in thrombosis, the relative thrombogenicity of different components of human atherosclerotic plaques is not well established. Methods . We investigated thrombus formation on foam cell-rich matrix (obtained from fatty streaks), collagen-rich matrix (from sclerotic plaques), collagen-poor matrix without cholesterol crystals (from fibrolipid plaques), atheromatous core with abundant cholesterol crystals (from atheromatous plaques) and segments of normal intima derived from human aortas at necropsy. Specimens were mounted in a tubular chamber placed within an ex vivo extracorporeal perfusion system and exposed to heparinized porcine blood (mean [±SEM] activated partial thromboplastin time ratio 1.5 ± 0.04) for 5 min under high shear rate conditions (1,690 s −1 ). Thrombus was quantitated by measurement of indium-labeled platelets and morphometric analysis. Under similar conditions, substrates were perfused with heparinized human blood (2 IU/ml) in an in vitro system, and thrombus formation was similarly evaluated. Results . Thrombus formation on atheromatous core was up to sixfold greater than that on other substrates, including collagenrich matrix (p = 0.0001) in both heterologous and homologous systems. Although the atheromatous core had a more irregular exposed surface and thrombus formation tended to increase with increasing roughness, the atheromatous core remained the most thrombogenic substrate when the substrates were normalized by the degree of irregularity as defined by the roughness index (p = 0.002). Conclusions . The atheromatous core is the most thrombogenic component of human atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, plaques with a large atheromatous core content are at high risk of leading to acute coronary syndromes after spontaneous or mechanically induced rupture because of the increased thrombogenicity of their content.
Water as a Catalyst: Imaging Reactions of O2 with Partially and Fully Hydroxylated TiO2(110) Surfaces

The reactions of molecular oxygen with bridging hydroxyl groups (OHb’s) formed by H2O dissociation on bridging oxygen vacancies (VO’s) of TiO2(110) are studied at low and high OHb coverages as a function of the O2 exposure, using scanning tunneling microscopy, temperature programmed desorption, and electron stimulated desorption techniques. In agreement with prior studies, oxygen adatoms (Oa), hydroperoxyls (HO2), and terminal hydroxyls (OHt) are observed as intermediates of the reactions with O2 ultimately leading to H2O as a product. Here, we show that water plays an important role in the room-temperature reactions of O2 with both partially and fully hydroxylated TiO2(110). On partially hydroxylated surfaces, water is found to be involved in the reaction cycle that leads to the consumption of Oa and VO sites thus resulting in a practically Oa- and VO-free surface. In these reactions, water is observed to participate in multiple ways—as a reactant, product, and catalyst. On fully hydroxylated TiO2(110), ...
The use of behavioral test batteries: effects of training history.

Our laboratory uses a specific test battery for the initial assessment of phenotypic behavioral differences of transgenic, knockout, and inbred strains of mice. Our standard battery includes: open field activity, light-dark exploration, rotarod, prepulse inhibition (PPI), acoustic startle habituation, conditioned fear, Morris water maze, and hot plate. Tests are run in the order listed, from least invasive to most invasive, to decrease the chance that behavioral responses are altered by prior test history. The studies presented here were designed around two questions. The first study asks if differences exist between mice that have undergone testing on different tasks and mice that are naive to the test experience. The second study asks if the test order affects how an animal performs on subsequent tests. In the first experiment, C57BL/6J male mice were evaluated on all of the tests described above. The behavior of these 'test battery' mice was compared to aged matched naive mice that were only tested on one test from the battery. Results indicate that on some tests, the behavior of 'test battery' mice was significantly different from the behavior of naive mice, while on other tests there were no differences. For example, test battery mice responded differently in the open-field, rotarod, and hot-plate test, but behaved similar on the PPI and conditioned fear. Experiments in the second study were performed on male 129/SvEvTac (129S6) and C57BL/6J male mice. An abbreviated battery of tasks was used and the results suggest that certain test variables are sensitive to test order, whereas others are resistant. These two studies demonstrate that some behavioral tests appear to be sensitive to previous testing experience, while other tests are immune.
Mechanical properties of blends of maleated ethylene–propylene rubber and nylon 6

Abstract Blends of nylon 6 with maleated ethylene–propylene rubber (EPR-g-MA) were prepared by melt blending over the whole composition range. The reaction of the polyamide amine end groups with the grafted maleic anhydride has the potential to form thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with controlled morphology and chemical bonding between the phases. This study focuses on the effects of nylon 6 content and crystallinity of the maleated rubber on morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of these blends. Maleated EPR with some ethylene crystallinity (H-EPR-g-MA) results in blends, which have better mechanical properties than those based on amorphous EPR-g-MA. Strain-hardening and cold-drawing were observed for both blend systems in the intermediate and polyamide-rich composition range. These effects are found to be enhanced by ethylene crystallinity in the blends. Modulus values from stress–strain measurements and dynamic, mechanical, thermal measurements are compared to predictions using a model by Hill for composite materials. Blends based on rubber with high ethylene crystallinity give better agreement with the model than those based on amorphous rubber. Phase inversion compositions derived from TEM observation, modulus measurements are compared to those calculated from the model of Avgeropoulos.
The hierarchy of quality-of-life assessment, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and issues mandating development of a toxicity index.

Abstract Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses the more redundant and cumbersome phrase “health-related quality of life.” Valuations by patients naturally separate this entity into the primary dimensions of absence of death, disability, discomfort, drug toxicity, and destitution. These dimensions separate naturally into subdimensions, and the subdimensions into components, thus providing a hierarchy under which assessment of particular aspects of health may be placed. In the clinical trial situation, it is essential that all dimensions always be assessed and reported, because otherwise, misleading conclusions may be drawn. On the other hand, it is much less important which assessment instrument is chosen, or how much detail is assessed for each dimension. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) has been developed under a hierarchical conceptual model and widely used; its characteristics are described. A new index for measurement of drug toxicity has been developed for the HAQ, and its crucial role in comparing treatments in a clinical trial discussed. Issues in reliably describing comparative drug toxicity are developed, a toxicity index presented, and some preliminary results and conclusions outlined. With the ability to quantitatively describe drug toxicity, health assessment becomes conceptually more complete.
Reconstruction of Complex Distal Femur and Proximal Tibia Defects Using Tantalum Cones

As the number of primary total knee arthroplasties increase, revision procedures with massive bone defects will also increase. Although multiple reconstructive options have been recommended, porous tantalum metaphyseal cones have the advantage of improved biological fixation because of their high porosity, interconnected pore space, and a modulus of elasticity similar to that of cancellous bone. Such features allow tantalum cones to fill bone defects while tolerating physiological loads. Indications for porous tantalum metaphyseal cones include patients with large contained or uncontained osseous defects that are typically categorized as Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute type 2B or greater. The surgical technique is simpler than structural allograft reconstructions with decreased preparation time, resulting in a possible decrease in infection rates. The modularity of porous tantalum metaphyseal cones allows the surgeon to choose a size and position that best fits the individual defect encountered. Moreover, tantalum cones can be used with any revision system. Short-term clinical follow-up indicates that porous tantalum metaphyseal cones effectively provide structural support with the potential for long-term biological fixation and durable reconstructions.
Motion planning for digital humans

Research efforts are underway to develop sophisticated computer models of human physiology, biomechanics and appearance. Applications of these "digital humans" range from medical research to virtual reality entertainment. This paper presents an overview of several motion planning techniques for automatically generating motion trajectories for digital humans. The ultimate goal is to create autonomous animated characters that are able to move naturally and realistically in response to high-level task commands. These "digital human" characters can be viewed as "virtual robots" operating in simulated environments, since developing software to control such characters shares much in common with programming real robots. Experimental results involving both simulated human characters and real humanoid robots are shown.
Basic program structures for avoiding priority inversions

Structuring real-time concurrent programs in the form of groups of fixed-priority processes is an old art which is appropriate for only a small fraction of modem real-time distributed computing application systems. However, it is still practiced on the basis of an insufficient technical foundation. One of the basic issues in using the fixed-priority process structuring approach is to avoid the priority inversion phenomenon. It is argued that priority inversions are essentially due to the inappropriate approach used for structuring programs including the specification of the policy for allocating resources. Several basic program structuring techniques which are effective means of avoiding priority inversions are presented.
Message from steering co-chairs

We have been looking forward to holding IPDPS in Atlanta, since we knew that we would have the leadership of a “tried and true” general chair in the person of David Bader. Indeed, we were able to sit back and let out the sails this last year, with him at the wheel along with veteran and newly recruited volunteers. Like sailing, organizing a conference is a matter of schedules, chores, and expectations, and from our vantage point, David and his crew have made it an easy journey to this week in Atlanta. On behalf of our steering mates, thank you to David for keeping us on course and to all your crew, welcome to port.
Rectal erosion of synthetic mesh used in posterior colporrhaphy requiring surgical removal

Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse with transvaginally placed synthetic mesh has recently increased. Several reports of complications have surfaced raising the overall question of safety regarding its use for vaginal prolapse repair. This case report describes a rectal erosion and dyspareunia that resulted from mesh placed into the posterior vaginal wall. A 47-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and a posterior repair with polypropylene mesh resulting in a rectal erosion. Despite removal of all of the mesh that could be excised rectally resulting in a healed rectal mucosa, the patient had persistent dyspareunia and pain requiring complete removal of the mesh using a vaginal approach. After surgery, the patient had resolution of all her symptoms. Further studies of transvaginally placed synthetic mesh need to be performed to determine its safety and efficacy.
Stability-Indicating UPLC Method for Determining Related Substances and Degradants in Dronedarone

A simple, sensitive and reproducible method was developed on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection for the quantitative determination of dronedarone hydrochloride (DRO) in drug substance and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method is applicable for the quantification of related substances and assays of drug substances. Chromatographic separation was achieved on Acquity UPLC BEH C8 100 mm, 2.1 mm and 1.7 µm columns, using gradient elution within a short run time of 10.0 min. The eluted compounds were monitored at 288 nm, the flow rate was 0.5 mL/min and the column oven temperature was maintained at 40°C. The resolution of DRO and 11 impurities (potentials and by-products) was greater than 2.0 for all pairs of components. The high correlation coefficient value (>0.9995) indicates the clear correlations between the concentrations of investigated compound and their peak areas within the test ranges. The repeatability and intermediate precision, expressed by the relative standard deviation, were less than 2.5%. The accuracy and validity of the method were further ascertained by performing recovery studies via a spike method. The accuracy of the method, expressed as relative error, was satisfactory. No interference was observed from concomitant substances normally added to the tablets. DRO was subjected to the stress conditions of oxidative, acid, base, hydrolytic, thermal and photolytic degradation. DRO was found to degrade significantly in acid and base stress conditions and to remain stable in thermal, photolytic degradation, oxidative and hydrolytic conditions. The degradation products were well resolved from primary peak and its impurities, proving that the method is stability indicating. The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity, accuracy, precision, solution stability and robustness. This method is also suitable for the determination of DRO drug substance and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Applications of Wind Tunnels to Investigation of Wind-Engineering Problems

Nomenclature A2 = torsional-stability aerodynamic coefficient Cp = specific heat at constant pressure dp = diameter of particle D = stack diameter e = coefficient of restitution / = natural frequency of building g = gravitational acceleration h = source height H = height of structure k = thermal conductivity of fluid or concentration coefficient K = wave number Kc = eddy diffusivity for contaminant KM = eddy diffusivity for momentum L = reference length p = pressure Q = emission rate t = time T = mean temperature AT = temperature difference uf = terminal fall velocity of particle U = mean velocity Vs = exit speed of stack emissions x = longitudinal coordinate y = lateral coordinate z = vertical coodinate Z0 = roughness length a. = wind direction 6 = boundary-layer thickness e = energy dissipation rate per unit of mass f = dimensionless height (z/z0) p = mass density 6 = potential temperature fi = dynamic viscosity v kinematic viscosity X = concentration of contaminant oj = angular velocity ft = angular velocity of coordinate system
Targeting of CDK8 to a promoter-proximal RNA element demonstrates catalysis-dependent activation of gene expression

During transcription of mRNA genes, there is a correlation between the phosphorylation state of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and the ability of the RNAP II complex to processively transcribe the gene. To examine the involvement of CTD phosphorylation in modulation of RNAP II function, we have analyzed the ability of a known CTD kinase, human Cdk8, to modulate HIV-1 LTR-driven gene expression upon directed targeting to a promoter-proximal nascent RNA element. The results indicated that Cdk8, when localized to an RNA element, activates gene expression in a catalysis-dependent manner. Also, Cdk8 targeted to RNA was observed to act in a synergystic manner with DNA-targeted Sp1 but not with DNA-targeted HIV-1 Tat, suggesting that RNA-targeted Cdk8 acts on similar rate limiting post-initiation events as Tat. As recent observations suggest that Tat/TAR-mediated transcription of the proviral genome of HIV depends on specific phosphorylation of RNAP II in its CTD by the Tat-associated kinase (TAK/p-TEFb/Cdk9), our results indicate that Cdk8 shares with Cdk9 the ability to modulate transcription upon targeting to a nascent RNA element.
Inhibitors of Kinesin Activity from Structure-Based Computer Screening†

Kinesin motor proteins use ATP hydrolysis for transport along microtubules in the cell. We sought to identify small organic ligands to inhibit kinesin's activity. Candidate molecules were identifie...
A Bayesian approach for instrumental variable analysis with censored time‐to‐event outcome

Instrumental variable (IV) analysis has been widely used in economics, epidemiology, and other fields to estimate the causal effects of covariates on outcomes, in the presence of unobserved confounders and/or measurement errors in covariates. However, IV methods for time-to-event outcome with censored data remain underdeveloped. This paper proposes a Bayesian approach for IV analysis with censored time-to-event outcome by using a two-stage linear model. A Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method is developed for parameter estimation for both normal and non-normal linear models with elliptically contoured error distributions. The performance of our method is examined by simulation studies. Our method largely reduces bias and greatly improves coverage probability of the estimated causal effect, compared with the method that ignores the unobserved confounders and measurement errors. We illustrate our method on the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.