cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alteration of 24-hour rhythms in myometrial activity in the chronically catheterized pregnant rhesus monkey after a 6-hour shift in the light-dark cycle

Abstract We determined the effect of a 6-hour phase shift in the light-dark cycle on the 24-hour rhythm of myometrial activity with 15 chronically catheterized pregnant rhesus monkeys during the last third of gestation. Monkeys were housed indoors in constant temperature on a 14-hour-light/10-hour-dark photoperiod in two groups based on the time the lights were turned on (group A lights on at 6 AM and group B lights on at midnight). The power spectra were calculated for periods of 512 readings (1.138 hours) starting at the time the lights were turned on for continuous periods of 25.03 hours of data showing well-developed contraction-type activity at any time during that period. The power spectra data for contractures and contractions were analyzed separately from myometrial electromyographic data. During the 14 hours of light, myometrial activity was primarily composed of contractures. In all experimental animals the switch from contractures to contractions occurred around the time the lights were turned off. The proportion of contraction-type activity in each 1.138-hour analysis interval expressed as a percentage of the total contraction power for the whole 25.03-hour analysis period for all monkeys increased around the time the lights were turned off in both groups. The increase in contractions was observed 12 to 15 hours after the lights were turned on. No systematic change in the proportion of contracture activity was observed. Peak contraction activity was 22.6 ± 0.60 hours (16.6 hours after lights on), and was at 18.3 ± 1.4 hours (18.31 hours after lights on) in groups A and B, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (22.6 ± 0.6 vs 18.3 ± 1.4 hours, p
An LU-SSOR scheme for the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

A new multigrid relaxation scheme, lower-upper symmetric successive overrelaxation (LU-SSOR) is developed for the steady-state solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The scheme, which is based on central differences, does not require flux splitting for approximate Newton iteration. Application to transonic flow shows that the new method is efficient and robust. The vectorizable LU-SSOR scheme needs only scalar diagonal inversions.
Supercontinent formation from stochastic collision and mantle convection models

article i nfo Article history: The large-scale tectonics in the last billion years (Ga) are predominated by the assembly and breakup of supercontinents Rodinia and Pangea. The mechanisms controlling the assembly of supercontinents are not clear. Here, we investigate the assembly of a supercontinent with 1) stochastic models of randomly-moving continental blocks and 2) 3-D spherical models of mantle convection with continental blocks. For the stochastic models, we determined the time required for all the blocks to assemble into a single supercontinent on a spherical surface. We found that the assembly time from our stochastic models is significantly longer than inferred for Pangea and Rodinia. However, our study also suggests that the assembly time from stochastic models is sensitive to the rules for randomly assigning continental motion in the models. In our dynamic models of mantle convection, continental blocks are modeled as deformable and compositionally distinct materials from the mantle. We found that mantle convective planform has significant effects on supercontinent assembly. For models with moderately strong lithosphere and the lower mantle relative to the upper mantle that lead to degree-1 mantle convection, continental blocks always assemble to a supercontinent in ∼250 million years (Ma) and this assembly time is consistent with inferred for Pangea and Rodinia. However, for models with intrinsically small-scale mantle flows, we found that even when continental blocks merge to form a supercontinent, the assembly times are too long and the convective structures outside of supercontinent regions are of too small wavelengths, compared with observed. © 2008 International Association for Gondwana Research. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Epidemiology of childhood atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with significant morbidity and quality of life impairment. Elucidating the epidemiology of AD is important for understanding disease risk factors and facilitates development of interventions for disease prevention. This contribution aims to summarize recent developments in the epidemiology of AD, including the US prevalence, regional differences, and secular trends of disease prevalence, genetic and environmental determinants, distribution, and determinants of disease severity and health care use for AD.
Automotive diagnosis typo correction using domain knowledge and machine learning

Text description of engineering diagnoses recorded during and after vehicle repair process plays an important role in root cause analyzing and vehicle maintenance. The fact that such text is unstructured, lack of grammar, has a lot of spelling errors and a large amount of self-invented domain specific terminologies introduces challenges and difficulties for automatic information retrieving and categorization. This paper presents our research in text mining in vehicle diagnostic applications. Specifically, an automatic typo correction system is proposed and implemented. We build multiple knowledge bases to detect and correct typos, and a neural network classifier to select good candidates for correcting typos. Experiment results show that our system outperforms state-of-art spell checking systems.
Design of a sequence-specific DNA bisintercalator.

Programmable bisintercalators: Symmetric synthetic DNA bisintercalators (see picture) based on the H-pin polyamide motif afford high affinity and programmable sequence specificity.
The effect of rheumatoid factor on the immune lysis of vaccinia virus-infected cells☆☆☆

Abstract Monolayers of mouse embryo fibroblasts were labeled with 51 Cr and infected with vaccinia virus. When sequentially incubated with rabbit antivaccinial antibody and excess guinea pig complement, the fibroblasts lysed and liberated 51 Cr into the medium. The 51 Cr released was proportional to the antiviral antibody concentration incubated with the cells. When the infected cells were treated with antibody and exposed to 125 I-labeled human rheumatoid factor (RF), the labeled antiglobulin bound to the antiviral antibody on the virus-infected cells. The effect of RF and goat anti-rabbit IgG on complement-mediated lysis was determined. When high concentrations of antiviral antibody were incubated with the infected cells both RF and anti-rabbit IgG inhibited complement-mediated cytolysis. At low concentration of antibody, RF had no effect on immune lysis, while anti-rabbit IgG enhanced lysis. This is a hitherto unrecognized role of RF and suggests that RF in vivo may alter the humorally mediated immune cytolysis of virus-infected cells.
Glutathione is required for efficient production of infectious picornavirus virions.

Glutathione is an intracellular reducing agent that helps maintain the redox potential of the cell and is important for immune function. The drug L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) selectively inhibits glutathione synthesis. Glutathione has been reported to block replication of HIV, HSV-1, and influenza virus, whereas cells treated with BSO exhibit increased replication of Sendai virus. Pre-treatment of HeLa cell monolayers with BSO inhibited replication of CVB3, CVB4, and HRV14 with viral titers reduced by approximately 6, 5, and 3 log10, respectively. The addition of glutathione ethyl ester, but not dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol, to the culture medium reversed the inhibitory effect of BSO. Viral RNA and protein synthesis were not inhibited by BSO treatment. Fractionation of lysates from CVB3-infected BSO-treated cells on cesium chloride and sucrose gradients revealed that empty capsids but not mature virions were being produced. The levels of the 5S and 14S assembly intermediates, however, were not affected by BSO treatment. These results demonstrate that glutathione is important for production of mature infectious picornavirus virions. Published by Elsevier Inc.
FL-1060: a new penicillin with a unique mode of action.

Abstract FL-1060, in contrast to other penicillins, does not inhibit murein transpeptidase, D-alanine carboxypeptidase I, or murein endopeptidase.
Low-Temperature Synthesis of Tunable Mesoporous Crystalline Transition Metal Oxides and Applications as Au Catalyst Supports

Mesoporous transition metal oxides are of great potential as catalyst supports, shape-selective catalysts, photocatalysts, and sensor materials. Previously stable crystalline mesoporous oxides were mostly obtained by thermally induced crystallization or by segregating the nanocrystals with an amorphous phase. Here we report a novel direct approach to crystalline mesoporous frameworks via the spontaneous growth and assembly of transition metal oxide nanocrystals (i.e., rutile TiO2, fluorite CeO2, cassiterite SnO2, and anatase SnxTi1−xO2) by oxidative hydrolysis and condensation in the presence of anionic surfactants. The influences of synthesis time, surfactants with different chain lengths, concentrations of the oxidant (i.e., hydrogen peroxide), and synthesis temperatures on the composition and morphologies of the resulting materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction, N2-sorption, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelect...
The use of preconditioned conjugate gradient and Newton-like methods for a two-dimensional, nonlinear, steady-state, diffusion/reaction problem

Abstract A combination of the Newton-like S -method of Bank and Rose[1] and the conjugate gradient method for nonsymmetric matrices described by Axelsson[7] with appropriate pre-conditioning is used in the numerical solution of a system of nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations. The S -method is used to linearize the equations and provides quadratic convergence. The preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm is used to solve the system of N 2 linear equations in far fewer than N 2 iterations without destroying the sparsity of the matrix. The methods can be applied to a large class of problems. A two-dimensional, nonlinear, steady-state diffusion/reaction problem is solved to illustrate the use of the methods. The problem describes diffusion and reaction in a catalyst slab applicable to a two-phase, cross-flow reactor. Results for extreme problems are presented to demonstrate the usefulness and efficiency of the methods.
A breast cancer stem cell niche supported by juxtacrine signalling from monocytes and macrophages

The cell-biological program termed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers on cancer cells mesenchymal traits and an ability to enter the cancer stem cell (CSC) state. However, the interactions between CSCs and their surrounding microenvironment are poorly understood. Here we show that tumour-associated monocytes and macrophages (TAMs) create a CSC niche through juxtacrine signalling with CSCs. We performed quantitative proteomic profiling and found that the EMT program upregulates the expression of CD90, also known as Thy1, and EphA4, which mediate the physical interactions of CSCs with TAMs by directly binding with their respective counter-receptors on these cells. In response, the EphA4 receptor on the carcinoma cells activates Src and NF-κB. In turn, NF-κB in the CSCs induces the secretion of a variety of cytokines that serve to sustain the stem cell state. Indeed, admixed macrophages enhance the CSC activities of carcinoma cells. These findings underscore the significance of TAMs as important components of the CSC niche.
Enhanced max margin learning on multimodal data mining in a multimedia database

The problem of multimodal data mining in a multimedia database can be addressed as a structured prediction problem where we learn the mapping from an input to the structured and interdependent output variables. In this paper, built upon the existing literature on the max margin based learning, we develop a new max margin learning approach called Enhanced Max Margin Learning (EMML) framework. In addition, we apply EMML framework to developing an effective and efficient solution to the multimodal data mining problem in a multimedia database. The main contributions include: (1) we have developed a new max margin learning approach - the enhanced max margin learning framework that is much more efficient in learning with a much faster convergence rate, which is verified in empirical evaluations; (2) we have applied this EMML approach to developing an effective and efficient solution to the multimodal data mining problem that is highly scalable in the sense that the query response time is independent of the database scale, allowing facilitating a multimodal data mining querying to a very large scale multimedia database,and excelling many existing multimodal data mining methods in the literature that do not scale up at all; this advantage is also supported through the complexity analysis as well as empirical evaluations against a state-of-the-art multimodal data mining method from the literature. While EMML is a general framework, for the evaluation purpose, we apply it to the Berkeley Drosophila embryo image database, and report the performance comparison with a state-of-the-art multimodal data mining method.
Representation of the affine superalgebras A(4)(0, 2l), A(2)(0, 2l − 1) and their subalgebras A2l(2), A2l − 1(2) by vertex operators

Abstract The structure theory of standard modules of affine Lie algebras, given by J. Lepowsky and R. L. Wilson in [LW], is stated for representations of affine superalgebras. As an application, the standard modules of level one for the superalgebras A(4)(0, 2l), A(2)(0, 2l − 1) and their affine subalgebras A2l(2), A2l − 1(2) are constructed explicitly. These modules are realized as the tensor product of symmetric and exterior algebras with an irreducible representation of a certain finite 2-group. The affine superalgebra acts on this space by tensor products of vertex operators, operators of Clifford type, and elements of the 2-group. As a corollary, the spin representations of the Lie algebras Bl, and Dl are obtained from the 2-group representation.
Transient behavior of large Markovian multiechelon repairable item inventory systems using a truncated state space approach

Abstract : Calculations for large Markovian finite source, finite repair capacity two echelon repairable item inventory models are shown to be feasible using the randomization technique and a truncated state space approach. More complex models (involving transportation pipelines, multiple item types and additional echelon levels) are also considered.
Responses of concrete walls to fire

Abstract Understanding the phenomena of coupled heat and mass transfer in concrete structures subject to high temperatures in a short duration has essential applications in the safety assessment of nuclear reactors and of tall buildings. In this paper a mathematical model, simulating the coupled heat and mass transfer in concrete structures at elevated temperatures as fire, has been developed and numerically solved. The numerical results predict the phenomenon of ‘moisture clog’ and the explosive spalling of concrete under fire. The investigations show that the seal layer as a fire protection has significant effects on the pore pressure buildup in the concrete walls which, in turn, improves the susceptibility of fire damage.
はたらくタンパク質 : エネルギー, 電子, プロトン, リガンド移動の計算生体高分子科学

筆者らは，コンピューターをもちいてタンパク質の運動や電子状態をしらべ，タンパク質が機能を果たすしくみを研究している．たとえば，特定の部位に外部から刺激がくわわったとき，その刺激(情報)はどのような経路を伝わって分子を伝わっていくのか，どのようなメカニズムで構造変化を起こすのか，電子移動反応にかかわるタンパク質では，電子供与体から電子受容体へ，どのアミノ酸残基を伝わってどのように電子が流れるのか，タンパク質内部でプロトン移動反応が起こるときには，どのような構造変化が引き金になるのか，などの問題をしらべている．このように，タンパク質のはたらきを物理の言葉で表現し，実験結果や遺伝情報解析とつきあわせることで生命現象のメカニズムに肉迫できるのではないかと考えている．
A policy-based decentralized authorization management framework for cloud computing

In this paper we introduce a framework which facilitates policy-based decentralized authorization management in infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Specifically, our framework enables an IaaS service provider to delegate its administrative work to its business users. This allows each business user to build within the public cloud service provider a private cloud where the business user can manage its own users and resources allocated from the public cloud service provider. We discuss a security architecture based on our framework, along with a proof-of-concept implementation using an open source cloud software called Eucalyptus.
A low power memory cell design for SEU protection against radiation effects

This paper presents a novel soft error tolerant SRAM cell design based on the concept of partial functional component separation. The design consists of an inner core for data storage, and outer core for data protection and a separate read port. This SRAM cell provides a high level of soft error tolerance with a rather low power consumption penalty in comparison with other hardened SRAM designs. The design was optimized for power consumption, write performance, read stability, and soft error tolerance by selectively varying the physical dimensions of the cores. Temperature dependence and impact of voltage scaling were analyzed for the optimized design.
Detection of Contaminating Enzymatic Activity in Plant-Derived Recombinant Biotechnology Products

Residual impurities in recombinantly produced protein biologics, such as host cell proteins (HCP), can potentially cause unwanted toxic or immunogenic responses in patients. Additionally, undetected impurities found in recombinant proteins used in cell culture may adversely impact basic research and biotechnology applications. Currently, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the standard for detection of residual HCP contamination in recombinantly produced biologics. Alternatively, two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is being developed as a tool for assessing this critical quality attribute. Both of these methods rely on the direct detection of HCPs and some previous knowledge of the contaminant. For contaminating enzymes, the mass level of the impurity may fall below the threshold of detection of these methods and underestimate the true impact. To address this point, here we demonstrate facile detection and characterization of contaminating phytase activity in ri...
Magnetic fields and charged particles around major planets and their satellites

It is noted that whereas Jupiter and Saturn have magnetospheres whose large-scale structure can be understood by analogy with earth, the ways in which the magnetospheres differ are of great interest. At earth, large-scale processes are dominated by convective flows of plasma driven by the solar wind. At Jupiter, centrifugal effects that are driven by planetary rotation are critical. Magnetic particle sources include not only the ionosphere and solar wind (as at earth) but also satellites and rings. The internal planetary magnetic moments controlling the scale of the magnetosphere differ by orders of magnitude between Jupiter and earth. It is pointed out that where the magnetic moments have been modeled from spacecraft data, the restricted spatial sampling has biased the results and limited confidence in details of the models. Voyager data suggest that Io may itself be magnetized and surrounded by an entirely unfamiliar type of magnetosphere.
Long-term potentiation as synaptic dialogue.

Abstract We have proposed a testable model of the physiological and biochemical events underlying LTP that offers the following novel features. 1. (1) The focus is not on a single mechanism or synaptic site, but rather on the integration and interaction of mechanisms occurring on both sides of the synapse. 2. (2) β PKC plays a critical presynaptic role in LTP, while γ PKC functions postsynaptically. 3. (3) These stages can be ordered in a time-delimited sequence of post- then presynaptic molecular events based on the period of effectiveness of inhibitor compounds. 4. (4) The distinction is made between the time when kinase activation occurs and the time when the potentiated response requiring this kinase activation is observed.
Addition complexes of dimethyl sulfide(DMS) and OH radical and their reactions with O 2 by ab initio and density functional theory.

Abstract Two weakly bound complexes between CH3SCH3 (DMS) and OH, via 2-center-3-electron (2c-3e) bonding and dipole–dipole interaction, have been identified by density functional theory (DFT-B3LYP). The 2c-3e bonding complex is more stable at Gaussian-2 level with −31 kJ/mol relative to DMS+OH. Similar structures are found for the complex of CH3SH with OH. Subsequent reaction of the 2c-3e DMS·OH adduct with O2 is also studied by DFT. A complex between the DMS·OH adduct and O2 with a strong S–O single bond characteristic is identified. Dissociation or H-atom abstraction of this complex could lead to the formation of (CH3)2SO.
Composite materials for fusion applications

Ceramic matrix composites, CMCs, are being considered for advanced first wall and blanket structural applications because of their high-temperature properties, low neutron activation, low density and low coefficient of expansion coupled with good thermal conductivity and corrosion behavior. This paper presents a review and analysis of the hermetic, thermal conductivity, corrosion, crack growth and radiation damage properties of CMCs.
β-Adrenergic Modulation of Growth Hormone (GH) Autofeedback on Sleep-Associated and Pharmacologically Induced GH Secretion

To determine whether GH feedback affects both induced and spontaneous GH secretion and to explore its neurotransmitter mediation, we assessed the effects of 6-h GH infusions (0.55–5.5 μg/m2/min) on sleep-associated and GHreleasing hormone (GHRH)-, insulin hypoglycemia-, and arginine-stimulated GH secretion and their modulation by β-adrenergic blockade in normal men. GH infusions initiated 2 h before the expected onset of sleep produced a dose-dependent inhibition of GH secretion. GH infusions (0.55 μg/m2/min) initiated 4 h before the stimuli inhibited the GH response to each, but did not alter the TSH response to TRH. Propranolol infusion (80 μg/min) started 2 h before the onset of sleep or the stimulus enhanced GH responses to GHRH and insulin alone and in the presence of GH. In contrast, propranolol neither enhanced the GH responses to arginine or sleep nor reversed the inhibitory effects of GH. The negative feedback effect of GH to both physiological and pharmacological stimuli of GH secretion indicate...
A bayesian based incentive-compatible routing mechanism for Dynamic Spectrum Access networks

In this paper, we address the problem of incentive based routing in Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) networks, where each secondary node incurs a cost for routing traffic from a flow and also has a certain capacity that it can provide to the flow. We propose a path auction based routing mechanism in which each secondary node announces its privately known cost and capacity, based on which a route is chosen and payments are made to the nodes. We design the route selection mechanism and the pricing function in a manner that can induce nodes to reveal their cost and capacity honestly, while minimizing the payment that needs to be given to the nodes that relay traffic, thereby making our path auction optimal. In our proposed mechanism, the optimal route over which traffic should be routed and the payment that each node should receive can be computed in polynomial time. Simulation results suggest that our mechanism can ensure truthful reporting of both cost and capacity while making a payment less than that required for VCG based least cost path routing.
A simple computerized system for plotting the locations of cells of specified sizes in a histological section

Abstract A computerized plotting system is described which generates an outline of a histological section on an oscilloscope screen, and displays within its boundaries the positions of labeled neurons whose coordinates are sent to the computer electronically. Measured cell diameters can also be entered, allowing the computer to generate displays of the distributions of cells within specified size ranges. All data are saved by the computer, and any portion of a distribution may be examined oscilloscopically at several levels of magnification; moreover, three-dimensional displays may be generated with appropriate programs.
Human Endogenous Retroviral Expression by Leukocytes

Budding endogenous retroviral particles were identified on the plasma membrane of a high percentage of neutrophils in four widely varied pathological specimens.
Correlations between ion and neutron irradiations: Defect production and stage I recovery

Abstract A comparison is made between results of recent neutron- and ion-irradiation experiments on metals. Specifically, lowtemperature defect production and stage-I annealing are discussed. Defect production efficiencies observed for neutron irradiations are shown to be consistent with results for ion irradiations. A phenomenological model describing both defect production and stage-I annealing in terms of thermal-spike induced recombinations is introduced. The stage-I recovery fraction for ion and neutron irradiations is found to correlate with cascade-energy density as represented by an appropriate nuclear stopping power.
Anthropology, Diasporas, and Mission

Abstract In recent years the field of diaspora missiology has been developing within mission studies, receiving important recognition at the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in 2010. This is an interdisciplinary field of study, bringing together the trialogue of theology, anthropology, and mission. This article explores how the longstanding interest within the discipline of anthropology in the study of migration has evolved since the 1990s into the study of diasporas and transnationalism. The author then presents ways in which this focus in anthropology can assist in the research and study of diaspora missiology. He concludes by discussing ways in which the study of diasporas and Christianity can bring together both anthropologists and missiologists in a cooperative effort to research the sociocultural dynamics at work in understanding this phenomenon, thereby lessening the traditional animosity between these two disciplines.
Weak decays on the lattice: Current status and future prospects

Abstract Following is the outline of this talk: 1. 1. Introduction 2. 2. Theoretical Remarks on Direct K → 2π 3. 3. The Diagrams and the Lattices 4. 4. K → 2π results 5. 5. K-K mixing, for LL, LR operators and (ϵ′/ϵ) em 6. 6. Decay constants and mixing amplitudes of mesons containing charm or beauty quarks 7. 7. Semi-leptonic form factors 8. 8. Summary
Evaluation of Cold-Adapted, Reassortant Influenza B Virus Vaccines in Elderly and Chronically III Adults

The safety and immunogenicity of two recent cold-adapted reassortant influenza B viruses were evaluated in persons at high risk for influenza-related morbidity and mortality. Ambulatory adults > 65 years old or with chronic high-risk conditions were randomly assigned to receive parenteral trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine containing either influenza B/Ann Arbor/86 or B/Yamagata/88 hemagglutinin antigens, cold-adapted reassortant influenza B/Ann Arbor/1/86 or B/Yamagata/16/88 viruses (10(7.2) TCID50), or placebo in double-blind fashion. Cold-adapted vaccine viruses were well tolerated, with similar rates of respiratory symptoms in all groups. There were no changes in spirometry or oxygen saturation following vaccination. Immune responses to both types of vaccine were modest, with serum antibody responses occurring significantly more frequently and with higher magnitude in those receiving inactivated than in those receiving cold-adapted vaccine. Cold-adapted, reassortant influenza B vaccines are safe in the elderly and those with chronic illness but are not optimally immunogenic in this group.
Genetic divergence of insular marsh rice rats in subtropical Florida

Three island populations of the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) found in Florida have been described as taxonomically unique; the Pine Island rice rat (O. p. planirostris) and Sanibel Island rice rat (O. p. sanibeli), originally described as subspecies, and the endangered silver rice rat (O. argentatus), originally described as a separate species. We aimed to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among these island populations and investigate their genetic distinctness with DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial control region and cytochrome-b gene. Using parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian analyses, we estimated the phylogenetic relationships and genetic distances among the 3 island populations and 4 other described subspecies. Our mitochondrial DNA analyses indicate that the silver rice rat and Sanibel Island rice rat are genetically divergent from mainland populations, but the Pine Island rice rat is not. The silver rice rat and Sanibel Island rice rat may be genetically isolated due to geographic separation resulting in reduced gene flow. They have the potential to become distinct phylogenetic groups and eventually species.
How Knowledgeable are Salespeople About the Usability of Their Merchandise

Salespeople (selling dryers, cell phones, recliners, or jewelry) in 25 stores were asked to recommend products they believed to be easy to use. They were also asked which products or features were most likely to be helpful to customers with specific physical, cognitive, or sensory limitations. There was little consensus across salespeople selling the same product. There were surprising omissions and some examples of incorrect claims. Further, salespeople largely ignored (or were unaware of) design features that enhance sensory and cognitive usability. The majority of claims dealt with product features that purportedly reduce physical strain.
The ROS Scavenger, NAC, Regulates Hepatic Vα14iNKT Cells Signaling during Fas mAb-Dependent Fulminant Liver Failure

Uncontrolled systemic activation of the immune system is an early initiating event that leads to development of acute fulminant liver failure (FLF) in mice after treatment with agonistic Fas mAb. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment of mice with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an ROS scavenger and glutathione (GSH) precursor, almost completely abolished Fas mAb-induced FLF through suppression of Vα14iNKT cell activation, IFN-γ signaling, apoptosis and nitrotyrosine formation in liver. In addition, enrichment of the liver with GSH due to Vα14iNKT cells deficiency, induced an anti-inflammatory response in the liver of Jα18−/− mice that inhibited apoptosis, nitrotyrosine formation, IFN-γ signaling and effector functions. In summary, we propose a novel and previously unrecognized pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic role for endogenous ROS in stimulating Th1 signaling in Vα14iNKT cells to promote the development of FLF. Therefore, our study provides critical new insights into how NAC, a ROS scavenger, regulates Th1 signaling in intrahepatic Vα14iNKT cells to impact inflammatory and pathological responses.
Building a data foundation for tomorrow's healthcare information management systems

Accurate, timely data are a necessary foundation for an effective healthcare information management system. Today's systems do not achieve their potential because they lack this essential ingredient. Technology can reduce the problem by making the data entry task easier, but a complete solution will require new strategies for system implementation and use. Functions must be implemented in a sequence that allows the initial functions to establish a data foundation for subsequent functions. Each atomic data item must be collected separately, with a consistent definition. Data capture strategies must permit data to be collected once, at the source. Finally, the data must be used, reused, and corrected by all members of the healthcare team.
Why you should avoid statistics.

Abstract In the scientific community, one encounters methodologists to whom the ritual of experimentation is all-important and whose thoughts are totally channelled into the routine of statistics. Though that approach is legitimate, and indeed almost the norm, there is the danger that if you ritualize statistics, you may find some of the doors of science closed to you. Accordingly, one should avoid statistics whenever possible, abolish superfluous rituals and routines, and get on with the business of science. To illustrate what is meant by getting on with science, a few guidelines and examples may be helpful. You will see in every case that statistics can and should be avoided, and the guidelines will show how it can be done.
Novel coding approach to high throughput rate FIR filter implementation

The implementation of high throughput rate finite impulse response filters is studied using a geometrical coding point of view. The output of the filter is recognized as the projection of an arbitrary multidimensional input vector of data values onto a fixed coefficient vector. The fixed vector induces a partition of the space of possible input vectors into multidimensional strips. All vectors lying in a single strip produce the same filter output. Based on this observation, we propose to compute the output of the filter at each time instant by finding a codeword that lies in the same strip as the input vector and reading a look-up table entry that corresponds to the codeword.
Cluster synthesis—XXIII. The synthesis, structure and bonding of Fe4(CO)10(μ-CO)(μ4-S)2

Abstract The compound Fe4(CO)10(μ-CO)(μ4-S)2 (1) was synthesized in 38% yield by the UV induced decarbonylation of Fe(CO)5 in the presence of Fe3(CO)9(μ3-S)2. Compound 1 was characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Space group: Pccn, a = 6.603(1), b = 15.429(3), c = 17.292(4) A, Z = 4. The structure was solved by direct methods and was refined (807 reflections) to the final values of the residuals R = 0.043 and Rw = 0.054. The molecule consists of a planar array of four iron atoms with a quadruply bridging sulphido ligand on each side of the plane. The shortest metal-metal bond, 2.489(3) A, contains a bridging carbonyl ligand. Semi-bridging carbonyl ligands bridge the two adjacent metal-metal bonds, 2.532(2) A. The longest metal-metal bond, 2.605(2) A, has no carbonyl bridge. Compound 1 is unsaturated (by EAN rule) by the amount of two electrons. The two semi-bridged carbonyl-metal bonds in 1 are significantly shorter than those in the saturated cluster Fe2CO2(CO)11(μ4-S)2. A molecular orbital description which explains the differences in bonding between the two compounds is proposed.
The singular values of the hadamard product of a positive semidefinite and a skew-symmetric matrix

Let σ1(X)≤ · ≤ σN(X)≤0 denote the ordered singular values ofan n × n matrix X and let α1 (X) ≤ α2(X)≤ · ≤ αn(X) denote its ordered main diagonal entries (assuming that they are real). Let B be any complex n × n skew-symmetric matrix and ||.|| any unitarily invariant norm. It is shown that for any rea positive semidefinite n × n matrix A.
Review of Exploring Health Policy Development in Europe

The author reviews the WHO-EURO report Exploring Health Policy Development in Europe, critically analyzing its content and showing the technocratic nature of the report's discourse, which lacks any grasp or understanding of the political context in which health policies are developed and reproduced in the European region. In a supposedly apolitical way, the report attributes changes in health policy primarily to economic, technological, and demographic events, without referring to the enormously important political events in Europe that mediate these health policy changes. Also, the uncritical nature of the report—which simply reproduces the “conventional wisdom” in the policy circles of most international health agencies and reflects the fact that most of its contributors are employees of their national governments—gives it a public relations tone that limits its usefulness and relevance for most health and social policy analysts.
Chronic Immune Activation is the Cause of AIDS: Implication of Treatment in the Developing World

Overwhelming number of evidence suggests that chronic immune system activation and dysregulation is responsible for progression into AIDS. Levels of activation markers on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and other markers of activated immune response correlate with progression to AIDS. The uncontrolled inflammatory response has been associated with damage of lymphoid organs and the gastrointestinal mucosa; thus, further affecting T cell homeostasis and causing bacterial translocation, respectively. Immune system activation persists even after viral loads have been suppressed with antiretroviral therapy, which has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality of patients. On the other hand, natural primate hosts of SIV display very little immune activation and do not progress to AIDS. Several studies have been performed with immune suppressors and modifiers on HIV patients with varying degrees of success. The immune modifier that showed the most promise of being globally accessible and affordable HIV treatment is a probiotic. Probiotic treatment studies demonstrated safety and efficacy in maintaining T cell homeostasis of HIV-infected individuals. The probiotic also has the potential of being genetically manipulated to increase its effectiveness. An effective probiotic treatment for HIV infections has the potential of being grown locally in resource limited regions and by the users themselves; therefore, reducing cost of HIV treatment and prolonging the health of HIV-infected individuals.
Many-Body Dynamics of Dipolar Molecules in an Optical Lattice

We use Ramsey spectroscopy to experimentally probe the quantum dynamics of disordered dipolar-interacting ultracold molecules in a partially filled optical lattice, and we compare the results to theory. We report the capability to control the dipolar interaction strength. We find excellent agreement between our measurements of the spin dynamics and theoretical calculations with no fitting parameters, including the dynamics' dependence on molecule number and on the dipolar interaction strength. This agreement verifies the microscopic model expected to govern the dynamics of dipolar molecules, even in this strongly correlated beyond-mean-field regime, and represents the first step towards using this system to explore many-body dynamics in regimes that are inaccessible to current theoretical techniques.
Optical properties of semiconductor-metal composite thin films in the infrared region

Germanium:Silver (Ge:Ag) composite thin films having different concentrations of Ag, ranging from 7% to 40% have been prepared by dc co-sputtering of Ge an Ag and the films' surface morphology and optical properties have been characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectrophotometry. It is seen that while the films containing lower concentrations of Ag have island-like morphology (i.e. Ag particles distributed in a Ge matrix), the higher metallic concentration films tend to have symmetric distribution of Ag and Ge.
Adjuvant external beam radiation for medullary thyroid carcinoma

Background—Adjuvant radiation is rarely used to treat medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We hypothesized that external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) would improve overall survival (OS) in MTC patients. Methods—The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database identified patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and lymph nodes excision for MTC between 1988 and 2004. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for univariate comparisons of OS. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models controlled for gender, age, lymph node status, tumor size, extent of disease, and EBRT. Results—After 12 years, EBRT did not significantly improve OS (log rank, p<0.14). In nodepositive patients, univariate analysis demonstrated an OS benefit with EBRT (log rank, p<0.05). In a multivariate model of node-positive patients, only increasing age (p<0.001) and tumor size (p<0.001) significantly influenced OS. Conclusions—The OS benefit attributed to EBRT in node-positive patients by univariate analysis could not be duplicated when controlling for known prognostic factors.
Principles versus procedures in making health care coverage decisions: addressing inevitable conflicts.

It has been suggested that focusing on procedures when setting priorities for health care avoids the conflicts that arise when attempting to agree on principles. A prominent example of this approach is “accountability for reasonableness.” We will argue that the same problem arises with procedural accounts; reasonable people will disagree about central elements in the process. We consider the procedural condition of appeal process and three examples of conflicts over coverage decisions: a patients’ rights law in Norway, health technologies coverage recommendations in the UK, and care withheld by HMOs in the US. In each case a process is at the center of controversy, illustrating the difficulties in establishing procedures that are widely accepted as legitimate. Further work must be done in developing procedural frameworks.
Developing Self-Marketing Skills for Student Career Success:

Marketing, the focus of our students' education, has been applied rather sparingly to marketing majors' job search situations. In this article, the process (understanding! application of marketing strategies) and outcome (useable end result) benefits of implementing a "self-marketing plan" project are explained. In addition, student responses to project participation that support the projects continued use and its perceived benefits are provided. The authors also conclude that a self-marketing plan project can provide students with self-marketing skills that can be useful throughout their careers.
Implementing and integrating a clinically driven electronic medical record for radiation oncology in a large medical enterprise

Purpose/Objective: While our department is heavily invested in computer-based treatment planning, we historically relied on paper-based charts for management of Radiation Oncology patients. In early 2009, we initiated the process of conversion to an electronic medical record (EMR) eliminating the need for paper charts. Key goals included the ability to readily access information wherever and whenever needed, without compromising safety, treatment quality, confidentiality or productivity. Methodology: In February, 2009, we formed a multi-disciplinary team of Radiation Oncology physicians, nurses, therapists, administrators, physicists/dosimetrists, and information technology (IT) specialists, along with staff from the Duke Health System IT department. The team identified all existing processes and associated information/reports, established the framework for the EMR system and generated, tested and implemented specific EMR processes. Results: Two broad classes of information were identified: information which must be readily accessed by anyone in the health system versus that used solely within the Radiation Oncology department. Examples of the former are consultation reports, weekly treatment check notes and treatment summaries; the latter includes treatment plans, daily therapy records and quality assurance reports. To manage the former, we utilized the enterprise-wide system , which required an intensive effort to design and implement procedures to export information from Radiation Oncology into that system. To manage "Radiation Oncology" data, we used our existing system (ARIA, Varian Medical Systems.) The ability to access both systems simultaneously from a single workstation (WS) was essential, requiring new WS and modified software. As of January, 2010, all new treatments were managed solely with an EMR. We find that an EMR makes information more widely accessible and does not compromise patient safety, treatment quality or confidentiality. However, compare
Individual differences in the balance of gaba to glutamate in pfc predict the ability to select among competing options

Individuals vary greatly in their ability to select one item or response when presented with a multitude of options. Here we investigate the neural underpinnings of these individual differences. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we found that the balance of inhibitory versus excitatory neurotransmitters in pFC predicts the ability to select among task-relevant options in two language production tasks. The greater an individual's concentration of GABA relative to glutamate in the lateral pFC, the more quickly he or she could select a relevant word from among competing options. This outcome is consistent with our computational modeling of this task [Snyder, H. R., Hutchison, N., Nyhus, E., Curran, T., Banich, M. T., O'Reilly, R. C., et al. Neural inhibition enables selection during language processing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., 107, 16483—16488, 2010], which predicts that greater net inhibition in pFC increases the efficiency of resolving competition among task-relevant options. Moreover, the association with the GABA/glutamate ratio was specific to selection and was not observed for executive function ability in general. These findings are the first to link the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neural transmission in pFC to specific aspects of executive function.
The Vested Interests of the Judge: Commentary on Flemming's Theory of Bail

Historians of Anglican justice tell us that the emergence of bail coincided with the early efforts of the state to suppress private vengeance. By a series of encroachments, individual law and the "blood feud" were displaced more and more by social law, and the blind acts of passion that compensated perceived wrongs gradually gave way to a more deliberative justice, eventually resulting in an interval between accusation and trial. But this created a conflict of values. The idea that the culpable might abscond, leaving the community deprived of its due, ran counter to the notion, at that point rude and tentative, that an accused person should not be deprived of his liberty until a formal adjudication of guilt. Bail was an attempt to reconcile this conflict.' Roughly 13 centuries later the problem of what to do with the alleged criminal remains fundamentally the same. The issues are defined more clearly today, but careful reasoning has failed to produce a stable public consensus. Indeed, the debate over bail has escalated in recent decades. While critics and reformers try to reduce the incidence of pretrial detention and the hardships of the money bail system, especially as it affects the poor, a pervasive and intensifying fear of crime has renewed concern for the state's interest in limiting the release of defendnts. At the heart of the debate are questions pertaining to the legitimate (ethical and legal) purposes of bail and the best means for achieving them. Answers to many of these questions turn on empirical research.