cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Not Quite Bleeding from the Ears: Amplifying Sonic Torture

This paper examines “sonic torture,” which refers to using sound reproduction technologies to blast prisoners with a continuous noise at peak loudness in order to coerce cooperation. I propose two ways to understand sonic torture's deafening noise—by examining how its technological embodiment coerces prisoner behavior, and by analyzing how people re-amplify the sound's embodiment when they condemn or advocate torture in the greater “soundscape.” I first argue that the concept of “amplification,” in both its electronic and rhetorical senses, links the capacity of noise to alter moods and behaviors to how people communicate about sound. Second, I analyze victims’ testimony to show how they amplified their pain when describing the indescribable brutality of sonic torture. Third, I examine how torture advocates used amplification to justify sonic torture as a form of “torture lite,” dictating what prisoners will or will not hear.
Mutational Analysis of Gβγ and Phospholipid Interaction with G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase 2

Agonist-dependent regulation of G protein-coupled receptors is dependent on their phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). GRK2 and GRK3 are selectively regulated in vitro by free Gβγ subunits and negatively charged membrane phospholipids through their pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. However, the molecular binding determinants and physiological role for these ligands remain unclear. To address these issues, we generated an array of site-directed mutants within the GRK2 PH domain and characterized their interaction with Gβγ and phospholipids in vitro. Mutation of several residues in the loop 1 region of the PH domain, including Lys-567, Trp-576, Arg-578, and Arg-579, resulted in a loss of receptor phosphorylation, likely via disruption of phospholipid binding, that was reversed by Gβγ. Alternatively, mutation of residues distal to the C-terminal amphipathic α-helix, including Lys-663, Lys-665, Lys-667, and Arg-669, resulted in decreased responsiveness to Gβγ. Interestingly, mutation of Arg-587 in β-sheet 3, a region not previously thought to interact with Gβγ, resulted in a specific and profound loss of Gβγ responsiveness. To further characterize these effects, two mutants (GRK2(K567E/R578E) and GRK2(R587Q)) were expressed in Sf9 cells and purified. Analysis of these mutants revealed that GRK2(K567E/R578E) was refractory to stimulation by negatively charged phospholipids but bound Gβγ similar to wild-type GRK2. In contrast, GRK2(R587Q) was stimulated by acidic phospholipids but failed to bind Gβγ. In order to examine the role of phospholipid and Gβγ interaction in cells, wild-type and mutant GRK2s were expressed with a β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) mutant that is responsive to GRK2 phosphorylation (β2AR(Y326A)). In these cells, GRK2(K567E/R578E) and GRK2(R587Q) were largely defective in promoting agonist-dependent phosphorylation and internalization of β2AR(Y326A). Similarly, wild-type GRK2 but not GRK2(K567E/R578E) or GRK2(R587Q) promoted morphinedependent phosphorylation of the μ-opioid receptor in cells. Thus, we have (i) identified several specific GRK2 binding determinants for Gβγ and phospholipids, and (ii) demonstrated that Gβγ binding is the limiting step for GRK2-dependent receptor phosphorylation in cells.
Post-traumatic acute hallux valgus: A case report

Hallux valgus and tibial fractures are common conditions in trauma and orthopaedics. To date, there has been no report of acute hallux valgus developing secondary to a tibial fracture. We report the case of acute post-traumatic hallux valgus due to compression of the medial plantar nerve in the tarsal tunnel.
Organoborane Acceptor-Substituted Polythiophene via Side-Group Borylation

Organoborane acceptor-modified polythiophene has been prepared from silylated polythiophene via a new polymer modification strategy. The attachment of electron-deficient dimesitylboryl groups leads to a significant decrease of the LUMO levels as evidenced by a strong bathochromic shift in the UV−visible absorption and emission spectra and the observation of reversible reduction waves in the cyclic voltammogram at significantly less cathodic potentials than for the silylated precursor polymer. The modification of conjugated polymers with electron-deficient boryl groups provides a new design principle for the preparation of electronically interesting materials.
Selecting the right cause partners for the right reasons: The role of importance and fit in cause‐brand alliances

Cause-brand alliances (CBAs) are becoming a routine strategy to enhance the image of the brand and the cause and to encourage brand sales. This research conducted two studies to evaluate importance and fit as selection criteria for the cause partner. Study 1 evaluated the relative importance of a cause on attitudes and purchase intent for a familiar versus an unfamiliar brand. Results suggested that importance of the cause had an effect on attitudes and purchase intent for an unfamiliar brand but not for a familiar brand. Based on an unexpected finding in Study 1, a second study was conducted that addressed the issue of cause–brand fit. Results show that perceptions of logical fit between the cause and the brand does not have an effect for either the familiar or unfamiliar brand. These findings suggest that the importance of the cause may be a more relevant criterion for optimizing a CBA for an unfamiliar brand but, unlike other forms of alliances and contrary to popular anecdotal belief, perceptions of fit may not be relevant for either familiar or unfamiliar brand. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heuristic Estimation of the Efficient Frontier for a Bi‐Criteria Scheduling Problem

We examine a single-machine scheduling problem where the objective is to minimize the mean and the variance of the job completion times simultaneously. We seek to identify the efficient frontier which is obtained by parametrically solving a weighted combination of the two criteria. The identification of the true efficient frontier for this problem is notoriously difficult. To estimate the frontier, we propose a heuristic procedure which is quite general and can be applied to other bi-criteria problems as well. It involves repeated applications of a relatively new technique called beam search in an adaptive manner. To evaluate the proposed procedure, we introduce two measures of performance and conduct a computational study. The results of the study indicate that the procedure is highly effective.
AN EMPIRICAL COMPARISON OF NUMERICAL WAGNER COMPUTER PROGRAMS

— The performance of four computer programs that calculate Wagner trees (WAGNER 78, WAGPROC, PHYLIP, and PHYSYS) was compared for twenty-five data sets. Eight combinations of algorithms and options were tried, including different methods of adding taxa, optimizing stem states, obtaining multiple trees, and branch swapping. Using the criterion of finding a minimum length tree, PHYSYS with the WAG.S option performed best, providing the shortest tree for twenty-four of the twenty-five data sets. WAGPROC with the GLOB option found sixteen minima for eighteen data sets, exceeding run time on the remaining seven. All other algorithm/options were less successful in providing minimum trees. In comparing the options we found that minimum homoplasy is not completely reliable in optimizing trees and that the brute force algorithm is helpful but not required for finding minimum trees. The advancement index criterion for adding taxa to a tree is more effective than adding taxa in their data file sequence. The success of the PHYSYS WAG.S option and the WAGPROC GLOB demonstrate that both multiple trees and branch swapping are necessary to produce a minimum length tree.
Mirabamides A-D, depsipeptides from the sponge Siliquariaspongia mirabilis that inhibit HIV-1 fusion.

Four new cyclic depsipeptides termed mirabamides A–D (1–4) have been isolated from the marine sponge Siliquariaspongia mirabilis and shown to potently inhibit HIV-1 fusion. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and ESIMS, and absolute stereochemistry of the amino acids was determined using advanced Marfey’s methods and NMR. Mirabamides contain two new entities, including 4-chlorohomoproline in 1–3 and an unusual glycosylated amino acid, β-methoxytyrosine 4′-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (in 1, 2, and 4), along with a rare N-terminal aliphatic hydroxy acid. These elements proved to be useful for anti-HIV structure–activity relationship studies. Mirabamide A inhibited HIV-1 in neutralization and fusion assays with IC50 values between 40 and 140 nM, as did mirabamides C and D (IC50 values between 140 nM and 1.3 µM for 3 and 190 nM and 3.9 µM for 4), indicating that these peptides can act at the early stages of HIV-1 entry. The potent activity of depsipeptides containing the glycosylated β-OMe Tyr unit demonstrate...
MORPHOLOGIES OF RADIO-, X-RAY-, AND MID-INFRARED-SELECTED ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI*

We investigate the optical morphologies of candidate active galaxies identified at radio, X-ray, and mid-infrared wavelengths. We use the Advanced Camera for Surveys General Catalog (ACS-GC) to identify 372, 1360, and 1238 active galactic nucleus (AGN) host galaxies from Very Large Array, XMM-Newton, and Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the COSMOS field, respectively. We investigate both quantitative (GALFIT) and qualitative (visual) morphologies of these AGN host galaxies, split by brightness in their selection band. We find that the samples are largely distinct, though extensive overlap exists between certain samples, most particularly for the X-ray- and mid-IR-selected sources with unresolved optical morphologies. We find that the radio-selected AGNs are most distinct, with a very low incidence of having unresolved optical morphologies and a high incidence of being hosted by early-type galaxies. In comparison to X-ray-selected AGNs, mid-IR-selected AGNs have a slightly higher incidence of being hosted by disk galaxies. These morphological results conform to the results of Hickox et al. who studied the colors and large-scale clustering of AGNs and found a general association of radio-selected AGNs with red sequence galaxies, mid-IR-selected AGNs with blue cloud galaxies, and X-ray-selected AGNs straddling these samples in the green valley. We also find that optical brightness scales with X-ray and mid-IR brightnesses, while little correlation is evident between optical and radio brightnesses. This suggests that X-ray- and mid-IR-selected AGNs have similar Eddington ratios, while radio-selected AGNs represent a different accretion mechanism with a lower and wider range of Eddington ratios. In the general scenario where AGN activity marks and regulates the transition from late-type disk galaxies into massive elliptical galaxies, this work suggests that the earlier stages are most evident as mid-IR-selected AGNs. Mid-IR emission is less susceptible to absorption than the relatively soft X-rays probed by XMM-Newton, which are seen at later stages in the transition. Radio-selected AGNs are then typically associated with minor bursts of activity in the most massive galaxies.
The m-Path Cover Polynomial of a Graph and a model for General Coefficient Linear Recurrences

An -path cover of a simple graph is a set of vertex disjoint paths of , each with vertices, that span . With every we associate a weight, , and define the weight of to be . The -path cover polynomial of is then defined as where the sum is taken over all -path covers of . This polynomial is a specialization of the path-cover polynomial of Farrell. We consider the -path cover polynomial of a weighted path and find the -term recurrence that it satisfies. The matrix form of this recurrence yields a formula equating the trace of the recurrence matrix with the -path cover polynomial of a suitably weighted cycle . A directed graph, , the edge-weighted -trellis, is introduced and so a third way to generate the solutions to the above -term recurrence is presented. We also give a model for general-term linear recurrences and time-dependent Markov chains.
Suggested standard hearing protector attenuation function relating to the NRR

An assumption was made that a hearing protector (HP) attenuation function derived from some combination of the A-weights and C-weights used in the calculation of the NRR would produce a minimum difference between the NIOSH long R-value and the NRR-dBC+dBA+3 (RNRR), regardless of the spectrum of the noise. Four hypothetical HP attenuation functions were derived. A mean R-RNRR difference, standard deviation and range were determined for these functions and for five real HP functions using 262 noise spectra. The mean R-RNRR difference for one of the hypothetical functions (“ED”) was zero, with a standard deviation of.2 dB and a range of 1.6 dB. It was concluded that an HP designed to match the “ED” attenuation function would minimize the R-RNRR difference, regardless of the noise spectrum.
Positive and negative emotional attractors and intentional change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the process by which individual change occurs.Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper presents the intentional change theory (ICT) perspective on the role of positive and negative emotion in individual level intentional change. Existing emotion research is reviewed to provide a framework for discussion.Findings – ICT offers a new understanding on the role of positive and negative emotion in the process of intentional change. The positive emotional attractor (PEA) triggers constructive cognitive and physiological responses that enhance an individual's motivation, effort, optimism, flexibility, creative thinking, resilience and other adaptive behaviors. The negative emotional attractor (NEA) triggers another process by calling attention to current social and environmental stressors that may compromise an individual's effectiveness. While both emotional attractors play an important role in intentional change, it is critically important to leverage...
Modeling water flow through arterial tissue

A simple model of, water flow through deformable porous media has been developed with emphasis on application to arterial walls. The model incorporates a strain-dependent permeability function into Darcy's Law which is coupled, to the force balance for the bulk material. A simple analytical expression relating water flux (volume flux) to pressure differential is developed which shows how strain-dependent permeability can lead to a reduction in hydraulic conductivity with increasing differential pressure as observed in experiments with arteries. The variation of permeability with position in the wall, which may influence the convective diffusion of macromolecules, is determined for both cylindrical and planar segments and a marked influence of geometry is noted.
The Ror receptor tyrosine kinase family.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) participate in numerous developmental decisions. Ror RTKs are a family of orphan receptors that are related to muscle specific kinase (MuSK) and Trk neurotrophin receptors. MuSK assembles acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction [1, 2], and Trk receptors function in the developing nervous system (reviewed in [3-5]). Rors have been identified in nematodes, insects and mammals. Recent studies have begun to shed light on Ror function during development. In most species, Rors are expressed in many tissue types during development. Analyses of mutants that are defective in the single nematode Ror demonstrate a role in cell migration and in orienting cell polarity. Mice lacking one of the two Ror gene products display defects in bone and heart formation. Similarly, two different human bone development disorders, dominant brachydactyly B and recessive Robinow syndrome, result from mutations in one of the human Ror genes.
Comparative Study of the Dynamics of the Outer Planets

The two classes of outer planets, Gas Giants and Ice Giants, have distinctly different global circulation patterns and internal structure. Ongoing ground-based observations of the Ice Giants provide clues to better understanding and Galileo and Cassini data will generate constraints for Gas Giant modeling. The composition below the cloud levels, the depths to which the winds penetrate and the processes that sustain the zonal winds and weather systems are not understood. Basic questions concerning the structure, composition and atmospheric dynamics that are sustained on the four giants could be answered by a combination of orbiters and probes. Future missions that could answer these questions are not currently under development.
Modeling of illumination effects for image processing of microvessels

This research is in support of the development of an image processing system which is capable of detecting and tracking blood vessels in photographs or video images of the human microcirculation system. We describe a model which replicates the illumination processes contributing to a film or video image of the microvessels of the human bulbar conjunctiva. The model provides a foundation for microvessel detection algorithms, for measurement of vessel parameters, for determining relative depth of blood vessels, and for separating neighboring vessels in complex images. The model is based on a cylindrical vessel embedded in a diffuse medium which is on a reflecting background. A light source illuminating the scene is reflected by it's components and passes through a pinhole to an image plane, which records these reflections as intensity values at discrete pixel locations. Fundamental physical principles which include Lambert's cosine law, isotropic spreading, Fresnel's law and Beer's law are systematically applied to the model. A video apparatus and a phantom were constructed to analyze different illumination conditions and to verify the model. A simulation based on the model compared favorably with data taken from phantom images.
In vivo dialysis measurements of dopamine and DOPAC in rats trained to turn on a circular treadmill.

Abstract In vivo dialysis was used to measure extracellular fluid concentrations of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in rats which were trained to run on a circular disk treadmill for water reinforcement. Turning resulted in bilateral increases in DOPAC in lateral striatum as well as nucleus accumbens/medial striatum. Dopamine release showed small but not significant increases at both sides. Changes in DOPAC release were not lateralized. Free drinking without circling also resulted in significant increases in DOPAC in these two brain areas. During free drinking, dopamine release was significantly increased in lateral striatum but not in nucleus accumbens/medial striatum. These experiments indicate that dopamine metabolism is increased in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens in animals running on circular treadmills as well as by free drinking.
Sperm Morphology, Motility, and Concentration in Fertile and Infertile Men

Background Although semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the male partner in infertile couples, sperm measurements that discriminate between fertile and infertile men are not well defined. Methods We evaluated two semen specimens from each of the male partners in 765 infertile couples and 696 fertile couples at nine sites. The female partners in the infertile couples had normal results on fertility evaluation. The sperm concentration and motility were determined at the sites; semen smears were stained at the sites and shipped to a central laboratory for an assessment of morphologic features of sperm with the use of strict criteria. We used classification-and-regression-tree analysis to estimate threshold values for subfertility and fertility with respect to the sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. We also used an analysis of receiver-operating-characteristic curves to assess the relative value of these sperm measurements in discriminating between fertile and infertile men. Results The su...
Relative contributions of affinity and intrinsic efficacy to aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand potency.

Abstract Models of receptor action are valuable for describing properties of ligand-receptor interactions and thereby contribute to mechanism-based risk assessment of receptor-mediated toxic effects. In order to build such a model for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), binding affinities and CYP1A induction potencies were measured in PLHC-1 cells and were used to determine intrinsic efficacies for 10 halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAH): 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). TCDD, TCDF, and non- ortho -substituted PCBs 77, 81, 126, and 169 behaved as full agonists and displayed high-intrinsic efficacy. In contrast, the mono- and di- ortho -substituted PCBs bound to the AHR but displayed lower or no intrinsic efficacy. PCB 156 was a full agonist, but with an intrinsic efficacy 10- to 50-fold lower than non- ortho -substituted PCBs. PCB 118 was a very weak partial agonist. PCBs 105 and 128 were shown to be competitive antagonists in this system. The model was then used to predict CYP1A induction by binary mixtures. These predictions were tested with binary mixtures of PCB 126, 128, or 156 with TCDD. Both PCB 156 (a low-intrinsic efficacy agonist) and PCB 128 (a competitive antagonist) inhibited the response to TCDD, while the response to TCDD and PCB126 was additive. These data support the following conclusions: 1) only 1–2% of the receptors in the cell need be occupied to achieve 50% of maximal CYP1A induction by one of the high-intrinsic efficacy agonists, demonstrating the existence of “spare” receptors in this system; 2) the insensitivity of fish to ortho -substituted PCBs is due to both reduced affinity and reduced intrinsic efficacy compared to non- ortho -substituted PCBs; 3) PCB congeners exhibit distinct structure–affinity and structure–efficacy relationships. Separation of AHR ligand action into the properties of affinity and intrinsic efficacy allows for improved prediction of the behavior of complex mixtures of ligands, as well as mechanistic comparisons across species and toxic endpoints.
Cellular Parameters of the Immunological Memory Induced by Lysozyme-Lps Mixtures and Complexes

The primary antibody response to the protein antigen lysozyme can be enhanced many fold by complexing the antigen with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This complex, as well as lysozyme/LPS admixtures, is also capable of inducing a state of lysozyme specific immunological memory. Investigation of this memory state has revealed that administration of lysozyme either admixed or complexed with LPS results in priming of both B and T lymphocytes. Adoptive transfer of secondary responsiveness from animals primed in either fashion was further found to be T cell dependent. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Comparison of erythrocyte dynamics in shear flow under different stress-free configurations

An open question that has persisted for decades is whether the cytoskeleton of a red blood cell is stress-free or under a stress. This question is important in the context of theoretical modeling of cellular motion under a flowing condition where it is necessary to make an assumption about the stress-free state. Here, we present a 3D numerical study to compare the cell dynamics in a simple shear flow under two different stress-free states, a biconcave discocyte representing the resting shape of the cell, and a nearly spherical oblate shape. We find that whether the stress-free states make a significant difference or not depends on the viscosity of the suspending medium. If the viscosity is close to that of blood plasma, the two stress-free states do not show any significant difference in cell dynamics. However, when the suspending medium viscosity is well above that of the physiological range, as in many in vitro studies, the shear rate separating the tank-treading and tumbling dynamics is observed to be higher for the biconcave stress-free state than the spheroidal state. The former shows a strong shape oscillation with repeated departures from the biconcave shape, while the latter shows a nearly stable biconcave shape. It is found that the cell membrane in the biconcave stress-free state is under a compressive stress and a weaker bending force density, leading to a periodic compression of the cell. The shape oscillation then leads to a higher energy barrier against membrane tank-tread leading to an early transition to tumbling. However, if the cells are released with a large off-shear plane angle, the oscillations can be suppressed due to an azimuthal motion of the membrane along the vorticity direction leading to a redistribution of the membrane points and lowering of the energy barrier, which again results in a nearly similar behavior of the cells under the two different stress-free states. A variety of off-shear plane dynamics is observed, namely, rolling, kayaking, precession, and a new dynamics termed “hovering.” For the physiological viscosity range, the shear-plane tumbling appears to be relatively less common, while the rolling is observed to be more stable.
Large-Area Liquid Scintillation Detector Slab

A low-cost detector 18' x 2' x 5" has been developed for an underground cosmic ray neutrino experiment. The liquid employed is a high-clarity mineral oil-based mixture, and light is guided to the ends of the detector by total internal reflection at the surface of the Lucite container. Signals from 2 five-inch photomultipliers at each end give energy and event location for single penetrating particles, with relatively good discrimination against natural radioactivity by virtue of the substantial thickness. Data are presented on the response function of the tank, energy resolution, rates and thresholds. A number of modifications that have been tried are also described.
ESTIMATION OF LEFT-TURN TRAFFIC PARAMETERS

The capacity of exclusive left‐turn lanes and the passenger car equivalent of left‐turn vehicles are two parameters commonly used for the planning, design, and operation of signalized intersections. Existing methods for estimating the two parameters, however, may not have adequately accounted for the effects of signal settings and the presence of multiple opposing lanes. This study examines whether such effects are significant enough to warrant modifications of existing models. It analyzes relationships of the left‐turn movement to signal settings and the presence of one and two opposing lanes on the basis of existing understanding and computer simulation. In estimating the leftturn lane capacity, the study reveals that the use of a single formula regardless of the number of opposing lanes could lead to significant errors. It also shows that signal settings and the number of opposing lanes should be treated explicitly in estimating the passenger car equivalent.
Giant platelet disorder in a patient with type 2B von Willebrand's disease

While patients with type 2B von Willebrand's disease often exhibit thrombocytopenia, platelet morphology is typically normal. We describe a 44-year-old Jamaican man with thrombocytopenia and a history of bleeding, who had giant platelets on his peripheral blood film. Functional studies and von Willebrand factor gene sequencing showed him to have type 2B von Willebrand's disease with a heterozygous point mutation resulting in a V553M (V1316M in the new von Willebrand factor gene mutation nomenclature) amino acid substitution. Family studies showed one of his two sisters to have an ill-defined giant-platelet-syndrome with mild thrombocytopenia, but not von Willebrand's disease, indicating that the association of giant platelets and von Willebrand's disease in our patient was most likely coincidental. This report describes the rare concurrence of two uncommon disorders. It also demonstrates how the thrombocytopenia of type 2B von Willebrand's disease can be misdiagnosed as ITP, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful therapeutic interventions.
An evaluation of compound-specific isotope analyses for assessing the biodegradation of MTBE at Port Hueneme, CA.

The use of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) as a diagnostic tool for MTBE biodegradation in aquifers was tested at the Port Hueneme, CA site. There, a 1500-m long dissolved MTBE plume and associated engineered aerobic flow-through biobarrier have been well-studied, leading to delineation of regions of known significant and limited bioattenuation. This allowed comparison of field-scale CSIA results with a priori knowledge of aerobic MTBE biodegradation, leading to conclusions concerning the utility of CSIA as a diagnostic tool for other aerobic biodegradation sites. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for both 13C and 2H (D) in MTBE through the bioactive treatment zone and within the larger MTBE plume. For reference, the 13C enrichment factor for MTBE biodegradation in laboratory-scale microcosms using site groundwater and sediments was also quantified. Aerobic microcosms showed a 13C enrichment of 5.5 to 6.4 ± 0.2‰ over a two-order of magnitude concentration decrease, with an average ...
The complexity of segmented channel routing

The segmented channel routing problem arises in the wiring and the physical design automation for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA's), a new type of electrically programmable VLSI. It may also be applicable to configurable multiprocessors. This new routing problem poses interesting algorithmic problems. In a previous paper by V. P. Roychowdhury et al. (see ibid., vol.12, no. 1, p. 79-95, 1993), the study of the complexity of segmented channel routing was reported. In this paper, we point out that the strong NP-completeness proof of segmented channel routing in that previous paper is incomplete and incorrect. We provide a correct proof which shows that the problem is indeed NP-complete in the strong sense and, therefore, that an exact polynomial time algorithm for the general case of the problem does not exist unless P=NP. Since our construction also holds for the case where connection lengths are bounded by a constant, we then settle an open question raised by Roychowdhury et al. >
Neonatal protection by an innate immune system of human milk consisting of oligosaccharides and glycans.

Abstract This review discusses the role of human milk glycans in protecting infants, but the conclusion that the human milk glycans constitute an innate immune system whereby the mother protects her offspring may have general applicability in all mammals, including species of commercial importance. Infants that are not breastfed have a greater incidence of severe diarrhea and respiratory diseases than those who are breastfed. In the past, this had been attributed primarily to human milk secretory antibodies. However, the oligosaccharides are major components of human milk, and milk is also rich in other glycans, including glycoproteins, mucins, glycosaminoglycans, and glycolipids. These milk glycans, especially the oligosaccharides, are composed of thousands of components. The milk factor that promotes gut colonization by Bifidobacterium bifidum was found to be a glycan, and such prebiotic characteristics may contribute to protection against infectious agents. However, the ability of human milk glycans to protect the neonate seems primarily to be due to their inhibition of pathogen binding to their host cell target ligands. Many such examples include specific fucosylated oligosaccharides and glycans that inhibit specific pathogens. Most human milk oligosaccharides are fucosylated, and their production depends on fucosyltransferase enzymes; mutations in these fucosyltransferase genes are common and underlie the various Lewis blood types in humans. Variable expression of specific fucosylated oligosaccharides in milk, also a function of these genes (and maternal Lewis blood type), is significantly associated with the risk of infectious disease in breastfed infants. Human milk also contains major quantities and large numbers of sialylated oligosaccharides, many of which are also present in bovine colostrum. These could similarly inhibit several common viral pathogens. Moreover, human milk oligosaccharides strongly attenuate inflammatory processes in the intestinal mucosa. These results support the hypothesis that oligosaccharides and other glycans are the major constituents of an innate immune system of human milk whereby the mother protects her infant from enteric and other pathogens through breastfeeding. These protective glycans may prove useful as a basis for the development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic agents that inhibit disease by mucosal pathogens in many species.
Superior QRS axis of ventricular premature complexes: an additional criterion to enhance the sensitivity of exercise stress testing.

Abstract The presence or frequency of ventricular premature complexes during exercise is not highly predictive for identifying patients with coronary artery disease. To determine whether the morphologic features or axis of exercise-induced ventricular premature complexes may increase this predictability, a study was made of 63 symptomatic patients with coronary artery disease (electrocardiographic evidence of infarction or occlusive lesions seen on coronary angiography, or both) and 10 control patients with normal coronary arteriograms. In 48 of the 63 patients with coronary artery disease the exercise-induced ventricular premature complexes had a superior frontal plane QRS axis between −30 ° and −120 °; in 12 the axis was between −30 ° and +150 °, and in 2 the axis was indeterminate, between +150 ° and −120 °. In all 10 control subjects without coronary artery disease the QRS axis of the exercise-induced ventricular premature complexes was in the normal range, between −30 ° and +150 °. If the standard criterion of 1 mm S-T segment depression were used to predict coronary artery disease during exercise stress testing, 25 of the 63 patients with coronary artery disease would have had a normal or borderline exercise test. However, in 21 of these 25 patients the exercise-induced ventricular premature complexes had a superior axis, a criterion that would enhance the predictive sensitivity of the exercise test from 60 to 94 percent. A left bundle branch block pattern of ventricular premature complexes was not helpful in detecting patients with coronary artery disease, although a right bundle branch block pattern was infrequent in the control subjects. The occurrence of ventricular premature complexes with a superior axis during exercise testing can enhance the exercise test's sensitivity for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease, particularly when this criterion is used in patients with a nondiagnostic S-T segment response to exercise.
Coherence properties of some isotropic planar sources

The complex degree of spectral coherence for both the source distribution function and the field amplitude over the source plane are found for isotropic homogeneous planar sources that do not produce evanescent plane waves. This calculation is extended to also include similar sources that are quasi-homogeneous rather than homogeneous. All the calculated coherence functions are expressed in simple mathematical form and are tabulated for easy reference.
Impact of load variation on the energy and exergy efficiencies of a single vacuum tube based solar cooker

A single vacuum tube based solar cooker has high energy and exergy efficiency, and is capable of achieving cooking temperatures as high as 250 °C. The reason for high energy and exergy efficiencies of this solar cooker is the high achievable concentration ratios of 15–20, which are not possible with multiple vacuum tube based solar cookers. In this paper, a comparative study has been carried out to experimentally determine the impact of varying the load on the various performance measuring parameters. Five experiments have been carried out with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 kg of respective water loads. Performance measuring parameters including the energy and exergy efficiencies, heat loss coefficient, quality factor, adjusted quality factor, peak exergy power, and peak exergy power to temperature difference gap product have been determined for each case. It is concluded that the performance measuring parameters have correlation with the load on the solar cooker. Performance parameters indicate average peak exergy power of 51.07 W, while the product of temperature difference gap at half power to that of peak exergy power is about 3000 W K. The highest value of the quality factor was found to be 0.0506 with 6 kg of water load.
Impact of minimally invasive surgery on the treatment of esophageal achalasia: a decade of change

Abstract Background Twenty years ago an average of 1.5 Heller myotomies were performed per year in our hospital, mostly for patients whose dysphagia did not improve following balloon dilatation or whose esophagus had been perforated during a balloon dilatation. Ten years ago we started using minimally invasive surgery to treat this disease. Study design This study measures the impact of minimally invasive surgery with regard to the following: the number of patients referred for treatment; the number of patients who came to surgery without previous treatment; and the results of surgical treatment. Between 1991 and 2001, 149 patients had minimally invasive surgery for achalasia: 25 patients (17%) had thoracoscopic Heller myotomy and 124 (84%) had laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication. Of the 149 patients, 79 patients (53%) had previous treatment (56 patients [71%], balloon dilatation; 7 patients [9%], botulinum toxin injection; 16 patients [20%], both) and 70 patients (43%) had none of these treatments. Mean postoperative followup was 59 ± 36 months. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, operated on between 1991 and 1995; and group B, operated on between 1996 and 2001. Results In the past decade, the number of patients referred for surgery has increased substantially—group A, 48; group B, 101; an increasing proportion of patients were referred for surgery without previous treatment—group A, 38%; group B, 51%; and the outcomes of the operation progressively improved—group A, 87%; group B, 95%. Conclusions These data show that the high success rate of laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia has brought a shift in practice; surgery has become the preferred treatment of most gastroenterologists and other referring physicians. This has followed documentation that laparoscopic treatment outperforms balloon dilatation and botulinum toxin injection.
Selecting and managing a telecommunications consultant

The University of Michigan used a telecommunications consultant in the planning and specification of a new voice and data communication system. What I intend to describe is the manner in which we selected a consultant and the techniques we used in managing the interaction between the consultant and the University.
Optimal Delivery Time Quotation and Order Sequencing

This paper examines the problem of quoting a common delivery time for several orders. The decision maker responsible for the quote must trade off the cost associated with a long delivery time against the cost of tardy orders that might be induced by a short delivery time. First, an aggregate cost model is investigated where it is assumed that some cost is incurred if the quoted delivery time exceeds a given threshold and the cost of order tardiness is dependent on the order. Both exact and heuristic solution procedures are proposed for this model. Finally, for the situation where the costs cannot be quantified, a bicriteria formulation of the problem is pursued and the set of nondominated solutions is identified.
A comparison of hang-back with conventional recession surgery for exotropia.

Background The hang-back loop suspension surgical technique for rectus muscle recession offers potential advantages over the conventional rectus muscle recession, including better exposure at the site of scleral sutures, shorter procedure duration, and lower risk of scleral perforation. Previous reports suggest that the hang-back technique for lateral rectus recession for exotropia results in poorer surgical success and may require a different surgical dosage. Methods We compared strabismus in a nonrandomized series of 55 children with exotropia treated with conventional surgery or hang-back surgery. Those in the hang-back (suspension) recession group were on average 2.5 years younger and had 8 Δ more preoperative exotropia at distance. Results Surgical outcomes were not significantly different in the two treatment groups. Multivariate logistic regression suggests that outcomes are at least equivalent to conventional surgery after adjusting for age, severity, and other preoperative factors likely associated with outcome. Conclusions The hang-back surgical technique was as effective as conventional lateral rectus recession surgery for children with exotropia.
Clutton's joints with keratitis and periostitis a case report with histology of synovium

A case of Clutton's joints or chronic synovitis as a late manifestation of congenital syphilis is presented. Progressive patchy periostitis and interstitial keratitis were also present in this 19-year-old-Negro girl. All three manifestations of the disease and the serology were apparently unaffected by penicillin therapy. The histology of the synovium is presented and illustrated. Es presentate un caso de articulationes de Clutton, o de chronic synovitis, como manifestation tardive de syphilis congenite. Progressive periosititis maculose e ceratitis interstitial esseva etiam presente in iste negressa de 19 annos de etate. Omne le tres manifestationes del morbo e le serologia esseva apparentemente non afficite per therapia a penicillina. Le histologia del synovio es presentate e illustrate.
Red snow: is it safe to eat? A pilot study.

The objective of this study was to determine if the ingestion of snow contaminated with Chlamydomonas nivalis causes diarrhea. The design was a single-blind crossover. Subjects were seven healthy volunteers, aged 24–56 who ingested 500g of snow contaminated with C. nivalis . Outcome was measured by stool and diarrhea frequency. No differences in stool or diarrhea frequency were noted between treatment and placebo groups. The conclusion is that in this pilot study, there was no evidence supporting the concern that ingestion of "red snow" causes diarrhea.
Further Observations Concerning the EflFect of Actinomycin D on Thyroidal Iodide Transport in Rats

Previous findings from this laboratory concerning the ability of actinomycin D (act D) to enhance the thyroid/serum radioiodide concentration ratio (T/S) (3) were confirmed. This effect was not due to altered food intake, since it could be elicited in fasted animals. Act D did not interfere with the blocking influence of propylthiouracil on organic binding of 131I in the thyroid. A raised thyroid/medium radioiodide concentration ratio (T/M) could be observed when glands from intact rats injected with act D were incubated in a medium containing methimazole and 131I. The elevating influence of TSH injected into hypophysectomizedrats on the T/M established by their thyroids was not affected by act D given concurrently with the TSH. In contrast to the previous study (3), we found that act D consistently raised the T/S of untreated hypophysectomized rats. When it was given before the injection of a single dose of TSH into such animals, it did not prevent the initial drop in T/S. At or near the height of the T/...
An inference framework for detection of home appliance activation from voltage measurements

We present an inference framework for automatic detection of activations of home appliances based on voltage envelope waveforms. We cast the problem of appliance detection and recognition as an inference problem. When the activation signatures are known, the problem reduces to a simple detection problem. When the activation signatures are unknown, the problem is reformulated as a blind joint delay estimation. Due to the non-convexity of the negative log-likelihood, finding a global optimal solution is a key challenge. Here, we introduce a novel algorithm to estimate the activation templates, which is guaranteed to yield an error within a factor of two of that of the optimal solution. We apply our method to a real-world dataset consisting of voltage waveform measurements of several appliances obtained in multiple homes over a few weeks. Based on ground truth data, we present a quantitative analysis of the proposed algorithm and alternative approaches.
The effect of glass structure on transport properties from atomistic computer simulations

Abstract The structures of alkali alumino–silicate glasses, obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) atomistic computer simulations, are discussed with respect to the calculated alkali-ion diffusion behaviour. Good agreement between the simulated and observed transport behaviour implies that the simulated structures contain appropriate migration pathways.
Treatment strategies and outcome of pediatric cerebral cavernomas.

We read with great interest the recent article by Consales et al. concerning the treatment and outcome of children with cerebral cavernomas. The authors prospectively studied 32 children with brain cavernomas. A great proportion of cavernomas (65.6%) had macrohemorrhage, whereas 15.6% presented only with seizures. Surgical excision was performed in 28 patients and resulted in favorable long-term outcome and seizure control. The authors concluded that there is a high risk of macrohemorrhage in children with cavernomas and surgery should be performed in most surgically accessible cavernomas [1]. We retrospectively studied only the cerebral cavernomas that were treated surgically in our institute over the last 14 years. We identified 16 cases of pediatric cavernomas. The parietal lobe was the most common site of occurrence, whereas only two cavernomas were infratentorial. In our series, there were only 3 children with macrohemorrhage, whereas 14 children presented with seizures. Among them, 8 children had seizures that were controlled by medication, 2 cases were refractory to anticonvulsants and the remaining 4 patients were operated shortly after the first few seizures. In all cases, gross total resection was performed that included the surrounding gliotic and hemosiderin-stained brain parenchyma. After a mean follow-up period of 5.9 years, all patients were in good condition. Concerning the seizure outcome, as assessed by the Engel classification, 11 (78%) patients were seizure-free (class I) and 3 (22%) patients were in class II [2]. Removal of the surrounding gliotic parenchyma and hemosiderin ring is a matter of debate. Ferroli et al. [3] reported that 68/99 patients that presented with epilepsy were completely seizure free after pure lesionectomy alone. On the contrary, Hammen et al. [4] reported that complete resection of hemosiderin fringe surrounding the cavernoma was correlated to less post-operative seizure frequency. Baumann et al. [5] also found that complete removal of the cavernoma’s surrounding hemosiderinstained brain tissue improved epileptic outcome. In our study, we removed the surrounding gliotic and hemosiderin-stained brain parenchyma in all patients and observed a favorable result on seizure control. To conclude, symptomatic cavernomas should be treated surgically and total resection is associated with favorable results.