cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wong–Zakai Approximations and Long Term Behavior of Stochastic Partial Differential Equations

In this paper we study the Wong–Zakai approximations given by a stationary process via the Wiener shift and their associated long term pathwise behavior for the stochastic partial differential equations driven by a white noise. We prove that the approximate equation has a pullback random attractor under much weaker conditions than the original stochastic equation. When the stochastic partial differential equation is driven by a linear multiplicative noise or additive white noise, we prove the convergence of solutions of Wong–Zakai approximations and the upper semicontinuity of random attractors of the approximate random system as the size of approximation approaches zero.
Two violent trajectories on the micro-macro continuum: emotional tipping-point conflicts, and dispersed attrition conflicts

Micro-sociology analyzes very short expanses of time and space, macro-sociology long expanses. There is no historical trend from micro to macro techniques of violence or vice versa; but changes result from stalemates of older technique, shifting to either a faster or a longer sequence of violent moves; advantage goes to the side which catches their opponent emotionally off balance. Prolonged stalemated struggles are destructive wars of attrition. Successful revolutions concentrate masses of people on a dramatic showdown in a central place, and can result in a rapid, low-casualty transfer of power. Comparing failed and successful revolutions, the more micro-concentration in time and place, the more likely a rapid tipping point will occur through a shift in emotional domination. But where revolutionary struggle becomes spread out, it turns into civil war, which become especially destructive when outside allies supply weapons to keep it going. Moving along the continuum towards the macro end de-emphasizes emotional turning points and motivates opponents to win by attrition. Moving towards the micro end allows the possibility of a quick and less destructive resolution.
Functional Selectivity: Theoretical Considerations and Future Directions

The selective activation of receptors by some agonists to emphasize some but not all aspects of the receptor signaling capability was proposed on theoretical grounds in 1995 because of data showing reversal of relative orders of potency for different stimulus pathways linked to a single receptor. These data precluded the notion that all agonists produce a single receptor active state. Since that time, a number of different lines of evidence indicate that ligands can bias receptor toward different pathways in cells. Conformational selection within the ensemble of conformation receptors formed during normal function theoretically is capable of producing functional selectivity; this chapter discusses the thermodynamic nature of this effect. Finally, although functional selectivity is a well-documented pharmacological phenomenom duplicated in many laboratories, it is still unclear whether it can be harnessed to produce therapeutically unique effect; it is hoped that studies in translational medicine with functionally selective ligands will furnish the link to therapy.
Amorphous and polysilicon devices

Polysilicon is made up of silicon grains, each grain being a crystal in which the silicon atoms are arranged in a periodic structure. The distance between 0 two silicon atoms in the crystal is 2 – 3 A, and the typical size of a grain in polysilicon is 1, 000 – 10, 000 A. Thus each grain contains many millions of atoms. On the other hand, in amorphous silicon the atoms are typically grouped in 4 – 6 atoms, and there is no discerned periodic structure. In order to pacify the dangling bonds some hydrogen is added (approximately 20%); this is called hydrodegenation. Amorphous silicon is relatively easy to make, and it can be deposited on a large area. Polysilicon is harder to deposit on a large area; and pure silicon crystals are still harder to deposit (and more expensive), being more readily susceptible to faults. Amorphous silicon is a poor conductor, and is therefore not used in high-speed computer chips. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated from hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a — Si) and polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon, poly-Si) are now used in many commercial large-area electronic applications such as in flat panel display, printing and scanning (e.g., in fax machines).
DEICS: Data Erasure in Concurrent Software

A well known tenet for ensuring unauthorized leaks of sensitive data such as passwords and cryptographic keys is to erase (“zeroize”) them after their intended use in any program. Prior work on minimizing sensitive data lifetimes has focused exclusively on sequential programs. In this work, we address the problem of data lifetime minimization for concurrent programs. We develop a new algorithm that precisely anticipates when to introduce these erasures, and develop an implementation of this algorithm in a tool called DEICS. Through an experimental evaluation, we show that DEICS is able to reduce lifetimes of shared sensitive data in several concurrent applications (over 100k lines of code combined) with minimal performance overheads.
Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. It is present in approx 50 million Americans, but afflicts close to 1 billion persons worldwide. Increasingly, societies with lesser socioeconomic privilege suffer cardiovascular end points, accounting for as much as 80% of the worldwide CVD burden. The presence of hypertension increases the risk of disease in all atherosclerotic beds by several orders of magnitude. Data from the Framingham Heart Study revealed that among men and women who are normotensive at the age of 55 or 65, the lifetime risk of hypertension is 90%. As the population continues to grow, the number of patients with hypertension will also increase. Consequently, effective management of hypertension is of paramount importance for dampening the imminent growth of CVD during the next century.
Valence Instabilities of Rare Earth Ions in Metals

Rare earth ions are capable of producing “Kondo-like” anomalies in the physical properties of both concentrated and dilute rare earth metallic systems which are qualitatively similar. The anomalies can be viewed as originating from the hybridization localized 4f electron states and extended states of the conduction band as a result of the unstable valence of certain rare earth Ions. The physical properties of a concentrated and a dilute rare earth metallic system which exemplify Kondo-like behavior, SmS in its collapsed metallic phase and (LaSm)Sn3, respectively, are briefly reviewed.
Integrase inhibitor-based regimens result in more rapid virologic suppression rates among treatment-naïve human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients compared to non-nucleoside and protease inhibitor-based regimens in a real-world clinical setting: A retrospective cohort study.

The integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) class of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may result in faster time to virologic suppression compared with regimens that contain protease inhibitors (PIs) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). However, differences in time to achieve virologic suppression are not well-defined in routine clinical settings with contemporary antiretroviral agents. Study was a retrospective single-center study of treatment-naive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients initiating ART between 2013 and 2016. Among patients on different ART regimen types, we compared rates of and median time to virologic suppression [viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL]. A total of 155 patients—45 (29%) female and 110 (71%) male—met study inclusion criteria. Median age was 42 years (interquartile range 31–52), and median baseline CD4 count was 288 cells/μL and VL was 60,000 copies/mL. Seventy-one (46%) initiated an INSTI-based regimen, 58 (37%) were on NNRTI-based regimens, and 26 (17%) on PI-based regimens. In total, 112 (72%) patients achieved virologic suppression at 12 months. Patients on INSTI-based regimens were more likely to achieve virologic suppression by 3, 6, and 12 months (P < .01), and had lower median time to suppression (60 vs 137 days on NNRTI-based regimens and 147 days on PI-based regimens, P < .01). Patients on INSTI-based ART regimens in a real-world setting experienced higher rates of virologic suppression and shorter time from ART initiation to virologic suppression. For HIV patients on INSTI-based ART regimens, virologic failure should be suspected in those with VLs >50 copies/mL before the current recommendation of 48 weeks.
Analysis to determine cost-effectiveness of procalcitonin-guided antibiotic use in adult patients with suspected bacterial infection and sepsis.

Purpose Results of a study incorporating real-world results into a predictive model to assess the cost-effectiveness of procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic use in intensive care unit patients with sepsis are reported. Methods A single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to determine whether reductions in antibiotic therapy duration and other care improvements resulting from PCT testing and use of an associated treatment pathway offset the costs of PCT testing. Selected base-case cost outcomes in adults with sepsis admitted to a medical intensive care unit (MICU) were assessed in preintervention and postintervention cohorts using a decision analytic model. Cost-minimization and cost-utility analyses were performed from the hospital perspective with a 1-year time horizon. Secondary and univariate sensitivity analyses tested a variety of clinically relevant scenarios and the robustness of the model. Results Base-case modeling predicted that use of a PCT-guided treatment algorithm would results in hospital cost savings of $45 per patient and result in a gain of 0.0001 quality-adjusted life-year. After exclusion of patients in the postintervention cohort for PCT test ordering outside of institutional guidelines, the mean inpatient antibiotic therapy duration was significantly reduced in the postintervention group relative to the preintervention group (6.2 days versus 4.9 days, p = 0.04) after adjustment for patient sex and age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, study period, vasopressor use, and ventilator use. Total annual hospital cost savings of $4,840 were predicted. Conclusion Real-world implementation of PCT-guided antibiotic use may have improved patients' quality of life while decreasing hospital costs in MICU patients with undifferentiated sepsis.
Chapter 5 – Design approaches

Publisher Summary This chapter explores “Concepts of Stress on Structural Designs.” Every structural design rests on some uncertainties even though on paper they may appear to be mathematically correct. The basic requirements of safety, serviceability, and economy depend on how well designers maneuver within this probabilistic environment. Structural design approaches can be characterized by the extent to which these uncertainties are made explicit. The simplest approach to designing structures uses a single factor of safety to define allowable stresses for a particular material. If actual (i.e., calculated) stresses do not exceed these allowable stresses, the structure is considered to be safe. A more recent approach to the design of structures explicitly considers the probabilistic nature of loads and the resistance of structural materials to those loads. Strength design pushes the elements to its limits—to the point at which the element fails or otherwise becomes structurally useless—to know the upper limit of stress tolerance. Having acquired this knowledge, it is easier for the designer to stay well within the safety limits.
Abstract B17: Modeling genomic complexity of colorectal cancer using multigenic Drosophila models

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer related death worldwide, with an estimated 53,000 deaths in 2019 in the US alone. Despite significant progress made in elucidating mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression, targeted therapies have shown limited efficacy for inoperable or metastatic CRC tumors, especially KRAS or BRAF mutant tumors, which account for more than half (~55%) of CRC tumors. Several targeted inhibitors have failed clinical trials for CRC despite proving effective in preclinical CRC studies and other cancer types. A potential reason for this resistance is the presence of several other mutations in the tumors. CRC patient tumors present significant genetic heterogeneity with mutations in genes in several other major signaling pathways. We address the challenge of genetic complexity by constructing a population of multigenic Drosophila CRC models incorporating 7-15 gene alterations in each line. This population of CRC fly lines models the genetic heterogeneity of CRC by basing the genotype of each fly line on an individual patient’s tumor genotype, with a focus on Ras mutant tumors. Our work has identified multiple combinations of FDA-approved compounds that have shown efficacy in some complex multigenic models and not others. Bangi et al. (2019) discuss the results from the first human CRC patient to be treated with the recommended combination identified from screening the patient-matched fly model. My work aims to uncover the mechanisms of response and resistance presented by the population of heterogeneous CRC genotypes. My results show that there is variability in therapeutic response between different patient genotypes, even when they contain the same known CRC cancer drivers (such as Ras, p53, APC, etc.). I am investigating the downstream transcriptional and signaling networks activated by these genotypes to assess their contribution to resistance or response to specific therapeutic agents. Citation Format: Sindhura Gopinath, Ross Cagan, Eric Schadt. Modeling genomic complexity of colorectal cancer using multigenic Drosophila models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Evolving Landscape of Cancer Modeling; 2020 Mar 2-5; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B17.
Convalescent plasma for COVID-19: promising, not proven

While promising, convalescent plasma remains experimental and is not proven effective for COVID-19. In addition, many questions remain regarding the accuracy and predictive value of antibody testing of donors and patients, optimal donor selection, optimal timing, and selection of patients most likely to benefit. Until these questions are answered, convalescent plasma should ideally be used in the context of well-designed clinical trials.
Descriptors for Hydrogen Evolution on Single Atom Catalysts in Nitrogen-Doped Graphene

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are a new research frontier in electrocatalysis such as in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Recent theoretical and experimental studies have demonstrated that certain M–N–C (metal–nitrogen–carbon) based SACs exhibit excellent performance for HER. Here we report a new approach to tune HER activity for SACs by changing the size and dimensionality of the carbon substrate while maintaining the same coordination environment. We screen the 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metal SACs in N-doped 2D graphene and nanographenes of several sizes for HER using first-principles density functional theory (DFT). Nanographenes containing V, Rh, and Ir are predicted to have significantly enhanced HER activity compared to their 2D graphene counterparts. We turn to machine learning to accurately predict the free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH) based on various descriptors and compressed sensing to identify key descriptors for activity, which can be used to further screen for additional candidates.
Towards Dynamic and Partial Reconfigurable Hardware Architectures for Cryptographic Algorithms on Embedded Devices

In the era of IoT, embedded systems are becoming the cornerstone of many IoT related applications, such as smart cars and wearable devices. However, embedded devices have numerous constraints and requirements, including stringent area and power, reduced cost and time-to-market, and increased speedup. Furthermore, these applications are becoming increasingly compute/data-intensive requiring more processing power. Also, especially for IoT related applications, security is another major issue in resource-constrained embedded devices. Although cryptographic algorithms are widely used to ensure the security of these applications, commonly used ones, such as AES, are unsuitable for highly constrained embedded devices, due to their sheer complexity. Hence, several lightweight cryptographic algorithms were proposed in the literature that might be better suited for embedded devices. From these, SPECK and SIMON, introduced by NSA, are the two most popular ones. Another important challenge is how to incorporate the cryptographic algorithms in to embedded devices, efficiently and effectively, without compromising the integrity of the compute/data-intensive applications running on these small-footprint devices. Our previous analysis demonstrated that FPGAs are currently the best avenue to support compute/data-intensive applications running on resource-constrained embedded devices, due to FPGA’s many attractive traits, including, post-fabrication reprogrammability, dynamic and partial reconfiguration capabilities, and reduced time-to-market. Also, FPGAs can be utilized to provide several advantages/features required for the embedded device’s security, such as cryptographic algorithm agility, algorithm upload, algorithm modification, and resource efficiency. In this research work, we introduce novel, unique, and efficient dynamic and partial reconfigurable hardware architectures for the most popular SPECK and SIMON algorithms on embedded devices, considering the constraints associated with these devices and the requirements of the applications running on embedded devices. We also introduce unique system-level architectures for our proposed designs. To the best of our knowledge, no similar work exists in the literature that provides dynamic and partial reconfigurable hardware for SPECK and SIMON, and also provides system-level architecture. Our dynamic and partial reconfigurable hardware designs achieve 28% space saving compared to its static reconfigurable hardware, and 59 times speedup compared to its software counterpart.
Methods for Controlled Induction of Singular Rosette Cytoarchitecture Within Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Multicellular Assemblies

Neurally differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) possess the ability to self-organize into structures reminiscent of the developing fetal brain. In 2- and 3D cultures, this phenomenon initiates with formation of polarized areas of neural stem cells (NSCs), known as rosettes that resemble cross-sectional slices of the embryonic neural tube, i.e., the central nervous system (CNS) anlage. Thus, neural rosettes serve as an excellent starting point for bioengineering tissue models of all CNS tissues. Here, we provide detailed methods for bioengineering controlled induction of hPSC-derived neural assemblies with a biomimetic, singular neural rosette cytoarchitecture.
Interference Screw Versus Suture Anchors for Femoral Fixation in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study

Background:Femoral-sided graft fixation in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is commonly performed using an interference screw (IS). However, the IS method is associated with sev...
Making Mountains of Debt Out of Molehills: The Pro-Cyclical Implications of Tax and Expenditure Limitations

This paper presents evidence that property tax limits have detrimental effects on state and local revenues during recessions. Property tax limits cause states to rely on income-elastic revenue sources, such as the income tax or charges and fees. Greater reliance on these revenue sources results in greater revenue declines during economic downturns. We present analysis of time-series, cross-sectional data for the U.S. states for each of these conclusions. Our results suggest that states would have fewer and more modest fi nancial problems during economic downturns if they did not enact property tax limitations.
Noninvasive Ventilation and Oxygenation Strategies

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides respiratory support without the use of invasive ventilation with techniques that do not bypass the upper airway. NIV is particularly attractive given its associated reduced risk of complications associated with intubation. Available NIV modes include nasal cannula, simple mask, nonrebreather, high flow nasal cannula, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure. Acute exacerbation of COPD, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and COVID-19 are conditions for which NIV has shown to be beneficial, whereas there is no consensus among the use of NIV in trauma patients and ARDS.
Use of Prior Information

Econometric models are estimated in order to learn about unknown economic parameters. In many cases, however, the investigator begins the statistical analysis not only with sample information but other information as well. It may be known from theoretical arguments that the marginal propensity to consume lies between zero and one. Or it may be known from past experience that the demand for wheat is price inelastic. If the information is correct, it would seem useful to combine it with the sample information in subsequent analysis and statistical estimation. Such information may be valuable in increasing the precision of estimates, especially when the sample information is limited.
Wagner, Gerhard: NMR of Proteins

The sections in this article are 1 Mobility of Aromatic Side Chains in BPTI 2 Sequential Assignments 3 Coupling Constants and Triple Resonance Experiments 4 Biographical Sketch
Implications of a long-lived basal magma ocean in generating Earth's ancient magnetic field

[1] Observations of Earth's magnetic field extending back to 3.45 billion years ago indicate that generation by a core dynamo must be sustained over most of Earth's history. However, recent estimates of thermal and electrical conductivity of liquid iron at core conditions from mineral physics experiments indicate that adiabatic heat flux is approximately 15 TW, nearly three times larger than previously thought, exacerbating difficulties for driving a core dynamo throughout Earth history by convective core cooling alone. Here, we explore the geomagnetic consequences of a basal magma ocean layer in the lowermost mantle, hypothesized to exist in the early Earth and perhaps surviving until well after the Archean. While the modern, solid lower mantle is an electromagnetic insulator, electrical conductivities of silicate melts are known to be higher, though as yet they are unconstrained for lowermost mantle conditions. We consider a range of possible electrical conductivities and find that for the highest electrical conductivities considered, a long-lived basal magma ocean could be a primary dynamo source region. This would suggest the proposed three magnetic eras observed in paleomagnetic data originate from distinct sources for dynamo generation: from 4.5 to 2.45 Ga within a basal magma ocean, from 2.25 to 0.4 Ga within a superadiabatically cooled liquid core, and from 0.4 Ga to present within a quasi-adiabatic core that includes a solidifying inner core.
Effects of tenascin-C on normal and diabetic retinal endothelial cells in culture.

Purpose Tenascin-C (TN-C) is expressed in embryogenesis, tissue remodeling, and healing. It is up-regulated in retinas of patients affected by diabetic retinopathy (DR). Because TN-C may promote neovascularization, its potential angiogenic effects were examined in vitro in normal and diabetic retinal endothelial cells (RECs). Methods Bovine and human RECs were cultured on plastic or reconstituted basement membrane (BM) matrix. Production of TN-C, capillary-like tube formation, secondary sprouting, and cell migration, survival, and proliferation were measured with or without angiogenic growth factors (GFs). Antibodies and inhibitors were used to determine the involvement of specific TN-C receptors and signaling pathways. Results TN-C significantly delayed collapse of REC capillary-like tubes on BM matrix. It decreased tube involution associated with serum deprivation, high glucose, and exposure to TGF-beta. TN-C's enhancement of tube stability was mediated by alphavbeta3 integrin. TN-C increased REC viability in 0.5% serum and stimulated REC proliferation in 10% serum. It promoted REC secondary sprouting on BM matrix, which involved signaling through mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MEK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. TN-C also enhanced tube branching after treatment with VEGF and stimulated REC migration twofold. Angiogenic GF increased TN-C production by RECs in an additive manner, which may explain higher levels of TN-C deposition in DR cells. Conclusions TN-C was overexpressed in diabetic and DR REC cultures. TN-C enhanced the sprouting, migratory, and survival effects of angiogenic GFs, and had distinct proliferative, migratory, and protective capacities. The data suggest that TN-C may act as a proangiogenic mediator in DR and other pathologic conditions involving neovascularization.
Sulforaphane influences histone methylation in advanced prostate cancer cells (1045.15)

Sulforaphane (SFN) supplementation is well tolerated and exhibits cancer-selective cytotoxicity in preclinical models. SFN decreases global DNA-methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDA...
Exploring the Structural Requirements of Collagen-Binding Peptides

Collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling are involved in many diseases; therefore, collagen-specific binding agents have been developed to study collagen changes in various tissues. Based on a recently reported collagen binding peptide, which contains unnatural biphenylalanine (Bip) amino acid residue, constructs with various structure variations were synthesized to explore the contributions of unnatural Bip residue, conformational restrain, and amino acid sequence in collagen recognition. Their binding efficiency to collagens was evaluated in vitro using pure collagens. The results indicate that the C-terminal unnatural Bip residue, rather than the peptide sequence or conformational restrain, dominated the collagen I binding. Subsequent tissue binding study showed that the selected peptide did not offer preferential selectivity over collagen I in tissue, suggesting that a simple in vitro binding assay cannot adequately model the complex biological environment.
IFN-α-Expressing Tumor Cells Enhance Generation and Promote Survival of Tumor-Specific CTLs

IFN-α gene therapy has been successfully applied in several tumor models. Our studies involving the murine colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line MC38 confirm that IFN-α transduction of a poorly immunogenic tumor cell reduces tumorigenicity and leads to long-lasting tumor immunity. To investigate the effect of IFN-α transduction on the development of antitumor immune responses, we restimulated splenocytes from MC38-immune mice in vitro. Detection of MC38-specific cytotoxicity was markedly enhanced when murine IFN-α2-transduced MC38 (MC38-IFNα) or CD80-transduced MC38 (MC38-CD80) was used for restimulation compared with wild type (MC38-WT) or neomycin resistance gene-transduced MC38 (MC38-Neo) cells. MC38-specific CD8 + CTL line and clone were established from splenocytes of mouse immunized with MC38-IFNα. Stimulation with MC38-IFNα as well as MC38-CD80 enhanced the proliferation of MC38-specific CTLs in vitro much more effectively than stimulation with WT or MC38-Neo ( p p p
EQ‐5D‐derived health utility values in patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

Objectives/Hypothesis Health utility value (HUV) is an index used to measure health-related quality of life for the valuation and comparison of treatments. The Euroqol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire is a widely used method for determining HUV, but it has not been applied for this purpose in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who undergo sinus surgery. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Patients with CRS, who were recruited from 11 different otolaryngologic practices, completed the EQ-5D questionnaire at baseline, as well as 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. HUVs calculated from the results of this questionnaire were compared to those reported in the general U.S. population and to patients suffering from other chronic diseases. Results Baseline EQ-5D surveys were completed by 242 patients. Mean baseline HUV (standard deviation) was 0.81 (0.13). Female gender, revision surgery, and the use of intraoperative image guidance were associated was significantly lower baseline values. HUV rose at 3 months to 0.89 (0.12) and remained improved at 12 months 0.88 (0.10) and 24 months 0.89 (0.10) (P < 0.001). Baseline HUV in CRS (0.81[0.13]) is lower than the general U.S. population (0.85 [0.18]) and appears appropriately positioned among other common chronic conditions including asthma (0.82–0.92), migraine (0.81–0.91), and seasonal allergies (0.94). Conclusions Sinus surgery provides improvement in HUV in patients with CRS. These values may be paired with costs of care to perform cost-utility analysis on this group of patients. Level of Evidence 2c. Laryngoscope, 125:1056–1061, 2015
Diffuse cerebral vasculitis with normal results on brain MR imaging.

C ase Report A 39-year-old right-handed, previously healthy man acutely develo_ right face, arm, and leg weakness and numbness and an expressive aphasia, all of which spontaneously resolved within 10 miii. A second similar episode, later the same day, resolved after 5 mm. The patient had a long history ofalcohol, cigarette, IV methamphetamine, and IV cocaine abuse. Three days before, the patient had abused IV methamphetamine. Physical and neurologic examinations showed normal results except for a slight right pronator drift. Abnormal results of laboratory studies included an elevated WBC (14,700 cells/mm3; normal, 2900-9400 cells/mm3) and slightly elevated cholesterol (222 mg/dl; normal, <200 mg/dl), protein S (184%; normal, 70-177%), and antithrombin ifi (129%; normal, 80120%). Elevated protein S and antithrombin III were noncontributory because only decreased levels of these blood factors lead to an abnormality-specifically, a hypercoaguable state. Blood drug screening was positive for methamphetamine. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was not elevated (12 mm/hr; normal, 0-15 mm/hr). Normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with vasculitis has been previously described and occurs in 230% of patients [1, 2]. An ECG, a chest radiograph, a carotid duplex Doppler sonogram, and an echocardiogram showed normal findings and excluded an embolic source. Brain MR imaging, including proton density-, 12-weighted, and TI-weighted unenhanced and enhanced images, showed normal findings (Figs. 1A-lD). Cerebral angiography performed within 2 days of MR imaging showed multiple foci ofirregular narrowing in the distal branches of the cerebral vasculature throughout the right and left anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries consistent with vasculitis (Figs. lE and 1F). The patient’s hospital course was uneventful, with no further neurologic episodes. The patient was discharged with a recommendation to take aspirin and multivitamins and encouraged to discontinue drug abuse.
A framework for unified resource management in Java

Although Java automates the deallocation of memory through garbage collection, a Java program must explicitly free other resources, such as sockets and database connections, to prevent resource leaks. Correct and complete resource deallocation may be complex, requiring nested try-catch-finally blocks. The Framework for Unified Resource Management (Furm) is a Java library designed with the goal of simplifying resource management in single- and multi-threaded programs. Allocated resources are represented by bodes in "resource trees" and resource dependencies are modeled as parent-child relationships. A hierarchy of resources is easily and correctly deallocated by a single call of Furm's release method. Resource trees permit "resource reflection" in which a program monitors its own resource usage. A special WatchDog object detects when a thread dies and takes care of releasing its resources. Furm reduces code complexity while guaranteeing resource cleanup in the face of exceptions and thread termination.
A modularization approach for PROLOG knowledge bases

Abstract One of the most critical disadvantages of knowledge based systems is their slow execution speed. Knowledge based systems run about ten to one hundred times slower than traditional (procedural) information systems. This has generally limited their application environments and constrained the development of hybrid systems requiring both traditional and knowledge based approaches. This paper presents a framework for modularizing PROLOG knowledge bases such that the inferencing process to execute a goal is localized to an independent module consisting of only a subset of the knowledge base. Note that the motivation for modularization in a knowledge based system is quite different from the motivations for modularization in a traditional system. The presented modularization approach is expected to contribute to the development of more efficient knowledge based systems and more effective hybrid systems requiring both knowledge based and traditional approaches.
Bridging the gap between invention and commercialization in medical devices.

At Washington University, students and faculty have addressed challenges surrounding biomedical innovation and training through a novel and low-cost platform.
Design and Optimization of a Contact-Aided Compliant Mechanism for Passive Bending

A contact-aided compliant mechanism (CCM) called a compliant spine (CS) is presented in this paper. It is flexible when bending in one direction and stiff when bending in the opposite direction, giving it a nonlinear bending stiffness. The fundamental element of this mechanism is a compliant joint (CJ), which consists of a compliant hinge (CH) and contact surfaces. The design of the compliant joint and the number of compliant joints in a compliant spine determine its stiffness. This paper presents the design and optimization of such a compliant spine. A multi-objective optimization problem with three objectives is formulated in order to perform the design optimization of the compliant spine. The goal of the optimization is to minimize the peak stress and mass while maximizing the deflection, subject to geometric and other constraints. Flapping wing unmanned air vehicles, also known as ornithopters, are used as a case study in this paper to test the accuracy of the design optimization procedure and to prove the efficacy of the compliant spine design. The optimal compliant spine designs obtained from the optimization procedure are fabricated, integrated into the ornithopter's wing leading edge spar, and flight tested. Results from the flight tests prove the ability of the compliant spine to produce an asymmetry in the ornithopter's wing kinematics during the up and down strokes.
Forest sampling with 70-mm fixed air-base photography from helicopters

Abstract Using methods described in earlier reports ( Lyons , 1961, 1964), two Hulcher 70-mm model 102 cameras were mounted, one at each end of a 15 ft. boom suspended beneath a Bell 47-G-2 helicopter. The precision of estimating flying height was comparable to the earlier studies. Photo measurements of tree heights and crown widths were used to develop species, single tree, photo volume equations and photo d.b.h. equations for six British Columbia interior coniferous species and five British Columbia coast coniferous species. Sample gross volumes were compiled using standard ground procedures, and photo measurements and photo volume tables, for 23 double samples in the interior and 24 double samples on the coast. The difference between ground and photo methods is not significant on a paired sample basis. A comparison of precision was made between a survey using ground plots only and one using photo plots only. For the same precision of estimate the cost of the photo method is 15.6% and 15.0% of ground cost for interior and coast areas respectively. In testing the costs of ground surveys to photo and ground double sample surveys, costs of the double sample schemes for the same precision of estimate were 58.0% and 55.0% of ground only schemes for interior and coast areas respectively. In preliminary tests of the photo measurement of logging residue as compared to ground methods, it was found that there was generally no significant difference between photo and ground methods for determining gross volumes of individual pieces or of areas.
Effects of grazing, competition, disturbance and fire on species composition and diversity in grassland communities

Abstract. The effects of grazing, physical disturbance, interspecific competition, and fire on populations of individual species and on the structure and diversity of grassland communities were investigated in short-, mid-, and tall-grasslands in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The treatments included deep and shallow artificial disturbances, early dry-season burning, and removal of dominant grass species from 2m2 plots located inside and outside of large-mammal-proof exclosures. Species-cover data were collected for five years and analyzed by analysis of variance and diversity indices. In all three communities, protection from grazing and physical disturbance had greater impacts on species cover and diversity than removal of dominant species or fire. More species were significantly affected (positively and negatively) by disturbance and protection from grazing (50 - 100%) than by species removals and fire (< 41%). In most cases, the cover of tall, perennial species increased following protection from grazing while the cover of annual and short, perennial species decreased. Over the five years of the study, vegetatively reproducing species benefited more than sexually reproducing species from protection from grazing, and tall rhizomatous species benefited more than tall stoloniferous species. Disturbance caused annual and short perennial species to increase and tall perennials to decrease in cover. Following species removals, tall species were either unaffected or they increased in cover while some short species increased and others decreased in cover. Species diversity in two of the three communities decreased when the communities were protected from grazing but increased when disturbed, when dominant species were removed, and when burned.
Analog of neuropeptide FF attenuates morphine tolerance.

Abstract Previous studies suggest that neuropeptide FF (NPFF) plays a role in opiate dependence and subsequent abstinence syndrome. Endogeneous NPFF also appears to play a role in opiate tolerance since third ventricle injection of IgG from NPFF antiserum selectively restores morphine sensitivity in morphine-tolerant rats. The NPFF analog, desaminoYFLFQPQRamide (daY8Ra) has previously antagonized behavioral effects of NPFF and has attenuated morphine dependence. The present study assessed whether daY8Ra could similarly attenuate morphine tolerance. Third ventricle (i.c.v.) injection of daY8Ra restored the analgesic response to i.c.v. morphine in morphine-tolerant rats (radiant heat tail flick test). Saline injection failed to produce this effect. In opiate-naive rats, however, the same treatment with daY8Ra did not affect the analgesic response to i.c.v. morphine. Thus, daY8Ra appears to selectively restore morphine sensitivity in opiate-tolerant animals. These results further support the hypothesis that endogenous NPFF contributes to opiate tolerance.
Bubble breakup in two-dimensional Stokes flow.

A new class of exact solutions is reported for an evolving bubble in a two-dimensional slow viscous flow. It is observed that for an expanding bubble the interface grows smoother with time, whereas the contracting-bubble solutions display a tendency to form sharp corners ( near cusps'') for small values of surface tension. In the latter case, we also obtain analytic solutions that describe bubble breakup: For a large class of initial shapes, the interface will eventually develop a thin neck'' whose width goes to zero before the bubble is completely removed from the liquid.
Lesbian and Gay Family Issues

As lesbian and gay families become more visible in society, family nurses need to be prepared to help them deal with issues related to health care and daily living. This article reviews current knowledge about lesbian and gay family structures and health care needs and health care provider attitudes, and suggests strategies for the family nurses who may work with these families. One major strategy is for nurses to learn accurate information about lesbian and gay families to replace negative and inaccurate stereotypes.
Magnetic properties of zero-age oceanic crust; A new submarine lava flow on the Juan de Fuca Ridge

A volcanic eruption that occurred in October, 1993 on the Juan de Fuca Ridge shows unusually high magnetization when compared with older samples from the off-axis Juan de Fuca Ridge and other Pacific sites. These data, plus data from other young oceanic basalts, indicate that oceanic crustal magnetization may decay rapidly, by 10% in the first year. The considerably slower decrease in magnetization for rocks from older, off-axis sites agrees with previous models of progressive low temperature oxidation of the mineral titanomagnetite. The magnetization for newly erupted submarine basalts, however, is not consistent with the exponential decay predicted from older sites, indicating that oxidation may not be the sole process responsible for the short-term decay. Similarly, weak field magnetic susceptibility of the younger rocks does not show an obvious corresponding decrease with increasing age, as expected for the oxidation of titanomagnetite to titanomaghemite. These preliminary results indicate that decay of magnetization of oceanic crustal rocks with time may have two distinct stages, with only the later stage being due to the progressive oxidation of the magnetic minerals.
Calcium-dependent Activation of Interleukin-21 Gene Expression in T Cells *

Interleukin (IL)-21 is a γc-dependent cytokine produced by activated T cells with important actions for T, B, and NK cells. The IL-21 gene is adjacent to the IL-2 gene, and like IL-2, IL-21 is strongly induced at the transcriptional level after T cell activation. Interestingly, however, in contrast to the IL-2 gene, a calcium ionophore alone was sufficient to induce IL-21 gene expression in preactivated T cells. Two DNase I hypersensitivity sites were found in the IL-21 gene, corresponding to nucleotide sequences that are conserved in humans and mice. One site is located at the IL-21 promoter region and conferred T cell receptor-mediated IL-21 gene transcription. TCR-induced IL-21 gene expression was inhibited by cyclosporin A and FK506. Correspondingly, the IL-21 5′-regulatory region contains three NFAT binding sites, and induction of IL-21 promoter activity was impaired when these sites were mutated or following treatment with cyclosporin A. Thus, our studies reveal that in contrast to IL-2, a calcium signal alone is sufficient to mediate induction of the IL-21 in preactivated T lymphocytes and that this induction appears to result from specific NFAT binding.
The use of entertainment television programs for promoting prosocial messages

The role of entertainment television in development communication has recently attracted the attention of a number of communication scholars and policy planners. Historically this subject has received little attention; most research on the use of television for development focuses on the effects of educational programs designed to disseminate knowledge and information. Audience exposure to entertainment television programs worldwide is rapidly increasing, and several nations are infusing prosocial messages within the content of entertainment television programs to promote development. The present article provides a succinct history of the prosocial uses of entertainment television programs and discusses eight important implications regarding the use of entertainment television programs for development in the Third World.
The influence of tetrahydroquinoline rings in dicyanomethylenedihydrofuran (DCDHF) single-molecule fluorophores

Abstract We have synthesized several series of DCDHF fluorophores with the amine donor either acyclic or constrained in one or two tetrahydroquinoline rings. The absorption and the fluorescence emission wavelengths and quantum yields have been determined and correlated with the specific donor structures. Generally, inclusion of the donor in a ring annulated to the benzene or naphthalene aromatic (Ar) π-core results in a bathochromic shift of absorption and emission accompanied by an increase in the quantum yield. Thus, the tetrahydroquinoline donor provides an efficient way to tailor the properties of fluorophores with substituted amines as electron-donating groups.
The neuropeptide Y/peptide YY Y1 receptor is coupled to MAP kinase via PKC and Ras in CHO cells.

The neuropeptide Y/peptide YY (PYY) Y1 receptor subtype mediates proliferative responses. This report identifies effector molecules which mediate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation by Y1 receptor activation in transfected CHO cells. Pertussis toxin pretreatment abolishes this effect, indicating involvement of Gior Goproteins. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) also blocks PYY-induced MAPK phosphorylation. Additionally in this cell model PYY causes an increase in GTP binding to Ras protein, and cotransfection of dominant negative constructs for Ras and Raf blocks PYY effects on MAPK. These data suggest a novel mechanism for Y1 receptor coupling to MAPK, which is at once pertussis toxin-sensitive as well as PKC- and Ras-dependent.
On stationary tandem queueing networks with job feedback

The class of tandem queueing networks with job feedback is studied under stationarity conditions on the arrival and service times sequences. Each job, after completing service in the last queue, is fed back (rerouted) to the first one, a random number of times, before leaving the system. The average execution time per job is exactly computed, as the number of jobs becomes large, and is minimized under mild conditions. The degree of parallelism achieved in the processing is also computed. The issue of rate-stability of the system is then considered. The network is defined to be rate-stable iff the job departure rate is equal to the job arrival rate; that depends heavily on the dynamic feedback policy we employ to place rerouted jobs in specific places of the front queue buffer of the network. The condition under which the network is rate-stable is specified, and a dynamic feedback policy is constructed, which rate-stabilizes the system under the maximum possible job arrival rate; thus, it maximizes the dynamic throughput of the network. Other related results concerning the performance of tandem networks with feedback are obtained.