cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fossa Navicularis and Meatal Reconstruction

The correction of strictures involving the fossa navicularis and meatus poses a distinct reconstructive challenge. Unlike surgical repair of strictures involving other urethral segments where the primary concern is restoration of urethral patency, management of fossa navicularis and meatal strictures also requires particular attention to cosmesis. Paramount to the success of any of the described procedures is the careful selection of non-diseased tissue for substitution. If the penile skin is healthy, the preferred urethral substitute is the fasciocutaneous ventral penile transverse island flap. The inherent characteristics of this versatile flap (i.e. well-vascularized predictable pedicle, non-hair bearing, and negligible contraction) provide for an excellent time-tested glanular urethral substitute. In cases where there is a suggestion of penile skin inflammation (especially BXO) or scar ring, extragenital tissue transfer techniques should be considered, preferably using buccal mucosa. Equally essential is the need to substitute the entire length of diseased urethra, preferably as an onlay, preserving the dorsal urethral wall. Persistent proximal urethral disease will eventually result in further stricture formation. Finally, the choice of glanuloplasty is particularly important in achieving a cosmetically appealing outcome. A glans-cap repair is preferred because of the limited dissection required with this relatively simple and bloodless technique.
Application of the Gibbs distribution to image segmentation

This paper presents a new statistical approach to image segmentation. Making use of Gibbs distribution models of Markov random fields a dynamic programming based segmentation algorithm is developed. The algorithm is described in detail and examples are given.
An ontological approach to focusing attention and enhancing machine perception on the Web

Today, many sensor networks and their applications employ a brute force approach to collecting and analyzing sensor data. Such an approach often wastes valuable energy and computational resources by unnecessarily tasking sensors and generating observations of minimal use. People, on the other hand, have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to efficiently perceive their environment. One such mechanism includes the use of background knowledge to determine what aspects of the environment to focus our attention. In this paper, we develop an ontology of perception, IntellegO, that may be used to more efficiently convert observations into perceptions. IntellegO is derived from cognitive theory, encoded in set-theory, and provides a formal semantics of machine perception. We then present an implementation that iteratively and efficiently processes low level, heterogeneous sensor data into knowledge through use of the perception ontology and domain specific background knowledge. Finally, we evaluate IntellegO by collecting and analyzing observations of weather conditions on the Web, and show significant resource savings in the generation and storage of perceptual knowledge.
Issues in Wardrop routing in wireless networks

Traditionally, traffic in wireless networks is routed along minimum hop paths from sources to destinations. It can be theoretically shown that flow avoiding routing provides throughput gains over shortest path routing in random wireless networks by a factor of four when the sources are few enough. Motivated by this, an alternative approach to wireless routing using delay measurements to adaptively route packets in order to achieve a Wardrop equilibrium is presented. The proposed protocol is completely distributed and balances load along loop-free paths. An ns-2 simulation study indicates that the protocol is able to automatically route flows to "avoid" each other, improving over the performance of shortest-path protocols in a variety of scenarios. The architectural challenges in implementing such a multi-path, delay based, probabilistic algorithm are discussed. A user-space implementation of the protocol has been built on a modified Linux 2.4.20 kernel. Finally, a measurement study of the implementation on a six node testbed is discussed.
Silver(I) 3-Aminomethylpyridine Complexes, Part 1: Effect of Ligand Ratio, π-Stacking, and Temperature with a Noninteracting Anion

The reaction of the asymmetric 3-aminomethylpyridine (3-amp) ligand with silver(I) tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) produces an array of structural motifs that depend on the ratio of the reactants present and crystallization temperature. With a 1:1 ratio of 3-amp to silver, either a folded macrocycle, 1a, or a linear coordination polymer, 1, is formed, depending upon whether the crystals are grown at −35 or 5 °C. A 3:2 ratio forms two-dimensional sheets of 2 regardless of temperature of crystallization. The 2:1 ratio of ligand to metal again sees a temperature dependence with either a one-dimensional, 3a, or two-dimensional, 3, coordination polymer formed upon crystallization at low and high temperatures, respectively. Addition of 2,2‘-bipyridine to any of the previous reaction mixtures stops the formation of their respective structures, instead constructing the discrete Ag−Ag-linked 4.
Angular dependence of the luminance and contrast in medical monochrome liquid crystal displays

Active-matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) are light-modulating devices that generate images by differentially transmitting a nearly uniform luminous field provided by a backlight. While emissive displays exhibit a quasi-Lambertian emission with almost constant contrast at off-normal viewing, the anisotropy of the electro-optic effect that controls light transmission in AMLCDs causes a pixel luminance that varies, sometimes strongly, with viewing angle. These variations are not identical for all gray levels and can eventually cause grayscale inversions. In this paper, we measured the luminance emission of a monochrome medical AMLCD, a medical cathode-ray tube monitor, and a color desktop AMLCD, using a collimated photopic probe positioned on a manual rotation arm, and a research radiometer with automatic readout. The probe measures luminance with a small acceptance angle and provides optical shielding from emissions at other viewing directions that contaminate the readings. We obtained luminance response curves versus angle in the vertical, horizontal and at 45 degrees diagonal directions. The display systems were calibrated to reflect the DICOM Part 3.14 standard grayscale display function (GDF) when measured using the manufacturer's probe and software tools. We analyzed the measurements at different viewing directions with respect to their departure from the GDF by computing the normalized contrast (deltaL/L) as a function of the DICOM just-noticeable difference index. Although cathode-ray tubes are known to be quasi-Lambertian emitters, the luminance at normal viewing is higher than the luminance observed at large angles. This decrease in luminance is however proportionally similar for all gray levels, resulting in a relatively flat contrast response for all angles. In addition to being more pronounced, the angular variation in AMLCDs does not follow the same profile at different intensities with the subsequent variation in the achieved display contrast. The changes due to off-normal viewing are substantial at large angles in the horizontal and vertical directions, and much worse in the diagonal viewing directions.
Rho GTPase independent regulation of ATM activation and cell survival by the RhoGEF Net1A.

ATM activation following DNA damage is a critical event which is required for efficient DNA repair and cell survival, yet signaling mechanisms controlling its activation are incompletely understood. The RhoGEF Net1 has previously been reported to control Rho GTPase activation and downstream cell survival outcomes following double strand DNA damage. However the role of Net1 isoforms in controlling ATM-dependent cell signaling has not been assessed. In the present work we show that expression of the Net1A isoform is specifically required for efficient activation of ATM but not the related kinase DNA-PK after ionizing radiation. Surprisingly Net1A overexpression also potently suppresses ATM activation and phosphorylation of its substrate H2AX. This effect does not require catalytic activity towards RhoA or RhoB, and neither Rho GTPase affects ATM activation, on its own. Consistent with a role in controlling ATM activation, Net1A knockdown also impairs DNA repair and cell survival. Taken together these data i...
Migraine headaches in hydrocephalic children: a diagnostic dilemma

Headaches, vomiting, and altered sensorium can be seen in patients with shunt malfunction as well as in those with migraines. We report five cases in which children with hydrocephalus and CSF shunts presented with a variety of recurring symptoms, including headache, vomiting, impairment of consciousness to the point of coma, and, in one patient, descerebrate posturing. Various diagnoses were entertained: shunt malfunction, slit ventricle syndrome, and low pressure (overshunting). Repeated procedures were carried out in all patients, including shunt taps, multiple shunt revisions, and a subtemporal decompression. When the diagnosis of migraine was considered, four patients improved on propranolol therapy; one failed this therapy but responded to verapamil. We conclude that in patients with hydrocephalus and repeated bouts of symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and impairment of consciousness and in the case of documented, adequate shunt function, the diagnosis of migraine be entertained before further operative intervention is undertaken.
Polarization-independent athermal design for electro-optic modulators and variable optical attenuators

In this paper, a unique polarization independent athermal electro-optic modulator using lithium niobate, LiNbO 3 , and/or lithium tantalite, LiTaO 3 crystals is presented. The modulator uses a unique sandwich configuration, in which a pair of lithium niobate crystals are bonded together and an embedded electrode is sandwiched in between them. By applying a proper electric field, the output intensity of the device can be continuously adjusted independent of polarization state of incoming light beam and the ambient temperature.
Chondrocyte activation by interleukin-1: synergism with fibroblast growth factor and phorbol myristate acetate.

Exposure to synovial factors or purified interleukin-1 (IL-1) induces the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the neutral proteinases (NP) collagenase, gelatinase and stromelysin by lapine articular chondrocytes. Having frequently found our partially purified synovial preparations to elicit this process of chondrocyte activation more strongly than recombinant IL-1, Phadke's report [1] of synergism between IL-1 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) intrigued us. In our hands, basic FGF (1 ng/ml–1 μg/ml) did not activate chondrocytes but, in a dose-dependent manner, enhanced the production of PGE2 and NP by chondrocytes exposed to IL-1α or IL-1β (1–10 U/ml). Further examination determined that the basic FGF was a better synergist than acidic FGF. In view of reports that FGF activates protein kinase C, we tested whether phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) could substitute for FGF as a synergist. Not only did it do so, but PMA alone (0.1 ng/ml–100 ng/ml), unlike FGF, provoked the production of PGE2 by chondrocytes. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 could not substitute for FGF in enhancing induction of the NP. Using a cDNA probe, we confirmed that the synergistic effects of both FGF and PMA upon IL-1 mediated collagenase induction, were associated with an increased abundance of collagenase mRNA.
Dynamics of Rims and the Onset of Spinodal Dewetting at Liquid/Liquid Interfaces

Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate dewetting instabilities of liquid films from solid and liquid substrates in three limiting cases. We examined dewetting of a poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) copolymer of viscosity ηT(SAN) from a solid substrate, SiOx, and from a liquid polystyrene (PS) substrate whose viscosity ηS(PS) ≫ ηT (SAN). The third case involved the dewetting of PS liquid films from liquid SAN substrates of varying thickness, HS. In this latter case, the viscosity of the top PS liquid layer ηT(PS) ≫ ηS(SAN), the viscosity of the SAN substrate layer. SAN films dewet SiOx substrates by a spinodal process when they were of thickness H 300 A the SAN films were stable. For the situations in which the substrates were liquid PS films, SAN films of thickness HT(SAN) 1000 A dewet the PS substrates by a mechanism involving the nucleation of holes with outer rims and the subsequent growth of these holes...
Stability of diced systems

Diced systems are defined as autonomous systems governed by ordinary differential equations having discontinuities (in Rn) on submanifolds where one or more of the state variables takes an integer value. Such systems may be regarded as approximations of continuous systems or as representative models of a class of discontinuous systems. Trajectories of such systems (for a given initial state) are readily calculated and may exhibit complex sliding-mode segments. Asymptotic properties of such trajectories are discussed and classified. Motivation is given in terms of observed properties of interconnected power systems.
NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become one of the most commonly used medications in Western nations since the introduction of the first NSAID, aspirin, about 1 century ago. It is estimated that more than 70 million NSAID prescriptions and more than 30 billion of over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen preparations are sold annually in the United States. 38,44 NSAIDs are generally well tolerated; however, their use frequently is limited by adverse gastrointestinal effects ranging from dyspepsia to serious complications, such as bleeding or perforation from gastric or duodenal ulcers. Although adverse effects of NSAIDs occur only in a few individuals, the widespread use of NSAIDs has resulted in a substantial number of affected persons who experience serious gastrointestinal complications. It is estimated that 10% to 20% of NSAID users report dyspeptic symptoms, and 5% to 15% of rheumatoid arthritis patients taking NSAIDs are expected to discontinue medications because of dyspepsia. 36,59 A prospective study from the Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Aging Medical Information System (ARAMIS) has showed that the rate of NSAID-related gastrointestinal complications requiring hospitalization was 6 times higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were taking NSAIDs than in those who were not. 61 Despite a decline in the rate of hospitalization from NSAID-related gastrointestinal disorders, the mortality of hospitalized patients remains about 5% to 10%. 2,60 In 1997, the estimated death rate from NSAID-related complications in patients with arthritis was equivalent to that from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 58,61 The medical costs related to NSAID-associated gastrointestinal complications have been reported to exceed $2 billion annually. 69
Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 Exhibits a Unique Membrane-interacting Activity That Is Not Found in Its Ortholog from Non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 (MtbESAT-6) reportedly shows membrane/cell-lysis activity, and recently its biological roles in pathogenesis have been implicated in rupture of the phagosomes for bacterial cytosolic translocation. However, molecular mechanism of MtbESAT-6-mediated membrane interaction, particularly in relation with its biological functions in pathogenesis, is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the pH-dependent membrane interaction of MtbESAT-6, MtbCFP-10, and the MtbESAT-6/CFP-10 heterodimer, by using liposomal model membranes that mimic phagosomal compartments. MtbESAT-6, but neither MtbCFP-10 nor the heterodimer, interacted with the liposomal membranes at acidic conditions, which was evidenced by release of K+ ions from the liposomes. Most importantly, the orthologous ESAT-6 from non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsESAT-6) was essentially inactive in release of K+. The differential membrane interactions between MtbESAT-6 and MsESAT-6 were further confirmed in an independent membrane leakage assay using the dye/quencher pair, 8-aminonapthalene-1,3,6 trisulfonic acid (ANTS)/p-xylene-bis-pyridinium bromide (DPX). Finally, using intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence approaches, we probed the pH-dependent conformational changes of MtbESAT-6 and MsESAT-6. At acidic pH conditions, MtbESAT-6 underwent a significant conformational change, which was featured by an increased solvent-exposed hydrophobicity, while MsESAT-6 showed little conformational change in response to acidification. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that MtbESAT-6 possesses a unique membrane-interacting activity that is not found in MsESAT-6 and established the utility of rigorous biochemical approaches in dissecting the virulence of M. tuberculosis.
ATP-Responsive DNA-Graphene Hybrid Nanoaggregates for Anticancer Drug Delivery

Stimuli-triggered drug delivery systems are primarily focused on the applications of the tumor microenvironmental or cellular physiological cues to enhance the release of drugs at the target site. In this study, we applied adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP), the primary “energy molecule”, as a trigger for enhanced release of preloaded drugs responding to the intracellular ATP concentration that is significantly higher than the extracellular level. A new ATP-responsive anticancer drug delivery strategy utilizing DNA-graphene crosslinked hybrid nanoaggregates as carriers was developed for controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX), which consists of graphene oxide (GO), two single-stranded DNA (ssDNA, denoted as DNA1 and DNA2) and ATP aptamer. The single-stranded DNA1 and DNA2 together with the ATP aptamer serve as the linkers upon hybridization for controlled assembly of the DNA-GO nanoaggregates, which effectively inhibited the release of DOX from the GO nanosheets. In the presence of ATP, the responsive formation of the ATP/ATP aptamer complex causes the dissociation of the aggregates, which promoted the release of DOX in the environment with a high ATP concentration such as cytosol compared with that in the ATP-deficient extracellular fluid. This supports the development of a novel ATP-responsive platform for targeted on-demand delivery of anticancer drugs inside specific cells.
Towards effective embedded processors in codesigns: customizable partitioned caches

This paper explores an application-specific customization technique for the data cache, one of the foremost area/power consuming and performance determining microarchitectural features of modern embedded processors. The automated methodology for customizing the processor microarchitecture that we propose results in increased performance, reduced power consumption and improved determinism of critical system parts while the fixed design ensures processor standardization. The resulting improvements help to enlarge the significant role of embedded processors in modern hardware/software codesign techniques by leading to increased processor utilization and reduced hardware cost. A novel methodology for static analysis and a field-reprogrammable implementation of a customizable cache controller that implements a partitioned cache structure is proposed. The simulation results show significant decrease of miss ratio compared to traditional cache organizations.
Membrane Interactions Mediated by DNA Hybridization

Our lab has been involved for some time in the development of strategies for assembling and partitioning model membranes on solid supports. While ideally suited for analysis by surface-sensitive methods, the close proximity of the lower leaflet of the supported bilayer to the solid support limits its application, especially for transmembrane proteins. In order circumvent this limitation, we have developed three model membrane architectures in which the bilayer is separated from the support: tethered vesicles using DNA-lipid conjugates which can be used to study vesicle-vesicle interactions and fusion; structures that position a black lipid membrane in close proximity to a highly reflective mirror for interferometry in combination with electrical measurements; and membrane patches tethered to solid supports or to fluid supported bilayers using DNA-lipid conjugates. Each architecture offers specific advantages and opportunities, and recent results will be described.
An Instance of Delayed Communication in Solitary Wasps

THE eumenid Rygchium foraminatum (de Saussure) and the sphecid Trypoxylon clavatum Say are common solitary hunting wasps which nest in hollow twigs, making the burrows septate with cross-walls of mortar so that a linear chain of cells is formed. Each brood cell, when first made, contains a single egg along with paralysed prey sufficient for full growth of the young hatched larva to the adult wasp. Generally the provisioned cell is only somewhat larger than the wasp which will mature within it, and indeed may be too small in diameter to permit the adult wasp, once formed, to reverse its direction within it. The oldest wasp larva of necessity lies innermost at the blind end of the burrow, while the youngest occupies the cell nearest the sole exit from the nest. When nests are constructed in burrows 4–6 mm. in diameter and 150 mm. long, each mother wasp may provision from 1–10 cells per burrow, most nests having 4–6 provisioned cells.
Macroparticle Theory of a Standing Wave Free-Electron Laser Two-Beam Accelerator

Free-electron laser operation is formulated using a macroparticle approach based on a universal gain equation. Microwave excitation in a single cavity is derived analytically and is given in the form of analytic recursion equations for a multicavity system driven by a sequence of electron bunches. Qualitative and quantitative insights into the basic excitation and saturation mechanisms are provided. Stability analysis on a test particle moving around a macroparticle shows the importance of precise control of bunch spacing.
Optimization in the recovery of a labile intracellular enzyme

A high molecular weight intracellular enzyme of Bacillus brevis ATCC 9999 is released when the organism is disrupted by sonication of homogenization. However, both processes also degrade the enzyme. Assays for protein release and specific enzymatic activity of the released protein indicate that both release and degradation can be represented by first-order kinetic models. Utilization of the difference between the kinetics of release and degradation allows optimization in the recovery of this enzyme for both the sonication and homogenization processes.
Gastric influences on canine small intestinal myoelectric activity.

The aim was to determine whether the canine stomach modulates interdigestive and digestive small intestinal myoelectric activity. In four conscious dogs with electrodes implanted chronically on the duodenum and jejunum, enteric myoelectric activity was recorded during fasting and after feeding a 200-g liver meal. The dogs then underwent total gastrectomy and esophagoduodenostomy, after which they were restudied. Gastrectomy did not alter the pattern of the enteric interdigestive myoelectric complexes; the occurrence, period, duration of phase III, and consistency of distal propagation of enteric IMCs remained unchanged. Gastrectomy also preserved both the postcibal inhibition of the enteric IMCs and the postcibal induction of the fed myoelectric pattern in the small bowel. However, the onset on the fed pattern occurred more promptly after gastrectomy than before gastrectomy. We concluded that the pattern of canine duodenal and jejunal interdigestive myoelectric activity was largely independent of the stomach. The more rapid onset of the fed pattern with feeding postgastrectomy may relate to more rapid entry of chyme into the small intestine.
Ultrasound artifacts affecting the diagnosis of breast masses

Abstract An investigation of the outcome of over 1600 breast ultrasound examinations revealed a number of scanning artifacts. Artifactual echoes in cysts resulted from inappropriate scanning factors, including focal zone placement, gain, TGC, and gray scale, and from partial volume effect. The absence of a sign suspicious for carcinoma, posterior shadowing to a solid mass,resulted from faulty focal zone placement, or from the mass resting on chest wall tissue. Pathology was sometimes simulated by postsurgical scars, ducts, and benign calcifications. Corrective procedures to alleviate the various scanning artifacts are recommended.
Effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine on local cerebral glucose utilization in the rat.

The effects of (+-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") (5, 10, 15 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.) on local cerebral utilization of glucose were studied by the quantitative autoradiographic 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose method in awake adult male Fischer-344 rats. Statistically significant effects on local utilization of glucose, 5 min after the administration of MDMA were observed in 20 of 60 areas of brain sampled. Marked stimulation was seen in components of the extrapyramidal motor system (substantia nigra, globus pallidus, entopenduncular nucleus, subthalamic nucleus, cerebellar vermis). The limbic system showed decrements in the medial cortex and hippocampal dentate gyrus (outer blade) and the lateral habenula, while there was stimulation in the mammillary body and the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus. Glucose utilization in MDMA-treated rats was reduced in the superior colliculus and medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system, but was unchanged in the visual cortex and components of the auditory system. Some of the effects of MDMA on cerebral utilization of glucose resembled those previously reported with l-cocaine, d-amphetamine, and phencyclidine, implicating some common mechanisms in the actions of these drugs.
Host virus interactions and the molecular regulation of HIV-1: Role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated nephropathy

Chronic renal disease affects up to 10% of children and adults with HIV infection, and is manifested by a characteristic syndrome that has been termed HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) [recently reviewed in 1–3]. The main histologic features of this syndrome are shown in Figure 1 and include: (1) focal segmental and global glomerulosclerosis with glomerular capillary tuft collapse; (2) mesangial proliferation and visceral epithelial cell hypertrophy; (3) microcystic tubular diltation, with atrophy and degeneration of tubular epithelial cells; (4) interstitial inflammation, with a predominantly mononuclear cell infiltrate, and interstitial fibrosis; and (5) ultrastructural evidence of tubuloreticular inclusions within glomerular endothelial cells.
Towards an understanding of the mechanics underlying aortic dissection

Acute aortic dissection and associated aortic catastrophes are among the most devastating forms of cardiovascular disease, with a remarkably high morbidity and mortality despite current medical and surgical treatment. The mechanics underlying aortic dissection are incompletely understood, and a further understanding of the relevant fluid and solid mechanics may yield not only a better appreciation of its pathogenesis, but also the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. After illustrating some of the inadequacies with respect to the extant work on the mechanics of aortic dissection, we alternatively postulate that the clinical hemodynamic disturbances that render the aorta susceptible to the initiation of dissection are principally elevated maximum systolic and mean aortic blood pressure, whereas the hemodynamic disturbances that facilitate propagation of dissection are principally elevated pulse pressure and heart rate. Furthermore, abnormal aortic mechanical properties and/or geometry are requisite for dissection to occur. Specifically, we propose that the degree of anisotropy will directly influence the probability of future aortic dissection. Imaging of the aorta may provide information regarding aortic anisotropy and geometry, and in combination with a hemodynamic risk assessment, has the potential to be able to prospectively identify patients at high risk for future aortic dissection thereby facilitating prophylactic intervention. The aim of the paper is to identify the main mechanical issues that have a bearing on aortic dissection, and to suggest an appropriate mathematical model for describing the problem.
Control: Organizational and Economic Approaches

Organizational design often focuses on structural alternatives such as matrix, decentralization, and divisionalization. However, control variables e.g., reward structures, task characteristics, and information systems offer a more flexible approach. The purpose of this paper is to explore these control variables for organizational design. This is accomplished by integration and testing of two perspectives, organization theory and economics, notably agency theory. The resulting hypotheses link task characteristics, information systems, and business uncertainty to behavior vs. outcome based control strategy. These hypothesized linkages are examined empirically in a field study of the compensation practices for retail salespeople in 54 stores. The findings are that task programmability is strongly related to the choice of compensation package. The amount of behavioral measurement, the cost of measuring outcomes, and the uncertainty of the business also affect compensation. The findings have management implications for the design of compensation and reward packages, performance evaluation systems, and control systems, in general. Such systems should explicitly consider the task, the information system in place to measure performance, and the riskiness of the business. More programmed tasks require behavior based controls while less programmed tasks require more elaborate information systems or outcome based controls.
Political economy of Central Asia: Initial reflections on the need for a new approach

This article aims to give an overview of the analytical approaches to political economy of Central Asia. It argues that twenty years after transition paradigm we still find lingering separation bet...
Applying the Fourier--modified Mellin transform (FMMT) to Doppler-distorted waveforms

The magnitude spectrum of a time domain signal has the property of delay-invariance. Similar to the delay-invariance property of the Fourier transform, the Mellin transform has the property of scale-invariance. By combining these two transforms together one can form the Fourier-Mellin transform that yields a signal representation which is independent of both delay and scale change. Due to the undesired low-pass property of the Mellin transform (MT), the modified Mellin transform (MMT) which is also scale-invariant is applied in our approach. Therefore the Fourier-modified Mellin transform (FMMT) of the original signal and the Doppler-distorted signal will be identical. This signal representation is useful in signal detection and target recognition. Several examples dealing with different waveforms have been simulated to illustrate the applicability of this approach. The performance of the Fourier-modified Mellin transform under different levels of noise in the signal are also illustrated in this paper.
Laboratory Simulation of Absorption Spectra in Cloudy Atmospheres

WE have undertaken a laboratory investigation of diffuse reflectivity from a suspension of polymer latex spheres in a medium of variable absorption. This has been done in order to simulate the formation of absorption lines in cloudy planetary atmospheres.
Synthesis of real-world driving cycles using stochastic process and statistical methodology

This paper proposes a procedure for synthesising real-world driving cycles to reproduce naturalistic driving patterns for arbitrary driving distances. The procedure combines stochastic processes and statistical methodologies. Vehicle dynamics equations are investigated and two states, velocity and acceleration, are selected to represent real-world driving behaviour with the Markov chain. Then, the information is extracted from the naturalistic driving data measured in Southeast Michigan in a form of transition probability matrices (TPMs). Statistical methods are utilised to guarantee the representativeness of synthesised cycles. Results demonstrate the ability to capture features of a whole category of naturalistic data with a single synthetic cycle.
Sensitization to Cockroach Allergen: Immune Regulation and Genetic Determinants

Asthma is a major public health concern. Cockroach allergen exposure and cockroach allergic sensitization could contribute to the higher prevalence of asthma. However, the underlying immune mechanism and the genetic etiology remain unclear. Recent advances have demonstrated that several receptors (PAR-2, TLRs, CLRs) and their pathways mediate antigen uptake from the environment and induce allergies by signaling T cells to activate an inappropriate immune response. Cockroach-derived protease can disturb airway epithelial integrity via PAR-2 and leads to an increased penetration of cockroach allergen, resulting in activation of innate immune cells (e.g., DCs) via binding to either TLRs or CLRs. The activated DCs can direct cells of the adaptive immune system to facilitate promotion of Th2 cell response and subsequently increase risk of sensitization. Mannose receptor (MR), as a CLR, has been shown to mediate Bla g2 (purified cockroach allergen) uptake by DCs and to determine allergen-induced T cell polarization. Additionally, genetic factors may play an important role in conferring the susceptibility to cockroach sensitization. Several genes have been associated with cockroach sensitization and related phenotypes (HLA-D, TSLP, IL-12A, MBL2). In this review, we have focused on studies on the cockroach allergen induced immunologic responses and genetic basis for cockroach sensitization.
Needs assessment since 1981: The state of the practice

Abstract Articles should deal with topics applicable to the broad field of program evaluation. Implications for practing evaluators should be clearly identified. Examples of contributions include, but are not limited to, reviews of new developments in evaluation and descriptions of a current evaluation effort, research problem, or technique. Manuscripts should include appropriate references and not exceed 10 double-spaced typerwritten pages in length.
Experimental and numerical study of microchannel heater/evaporators for thermal phase-change actuators

Abstract The performance of thermal phase-change actuators is strongly affected by the design of their heater/evaporators. The use of microchannels to control the liquid working fluid via capillary forces promises one approach to optimize the operation of heater/evaporators and the performance of the actuators. An experimental and numerical study of heater/evaporators for phase-change actuators, based on open rectangular microchannels, is presented. The microchannel heater/evaporators consist of SU8 walls fabricated in a radial pattern on either silicon or silicon nitride membranes. The microchannels, of rectangular cross section, taper from a width of 80 μm at their outer radius to a width of five microns at their inner radius, and have a constant depth of 40 μm. The energy balance for the heater/evaporators is determined experimentally through measurements of electrical power dissipated as heat in a thin-film resistance heater, sensible heat transfer by conduction radially out of the evaporator, and latent heat transfer by evaporation from the microchannels themselves. A finite difference code is then used to calculate liquid flow pumped by capillary forces in the microchannels as well as sensible and latent heat transfer rates. The numerical code is shown to predict the experimental measurements well. The performance of this type of heater/evaporator for phase-change actuators is shown to be limited by two mechanisms: dry-out of the working fluid in the microchannels due to the capillary limit determines maximum evaporative mass transfer rates, while conduction heat losses out of the evaporators determines maximum evaporator efficiencies.
Ontogeny of PCP and sigma receptors in rat brain.

Abstract Phencyclidine (PCP) binds with high affinity to two receptors in rat brain — the the PCP receptor and the Sigma receptor. Although both receptors are present prenatally, and their number increases postnatally, their rate of increase, compared to the increase in brain protein, is quite different, yielding distinct ontogenic profiles. Thus, PCP receptors are present on prenatal day 2 and show a further 15-fold increase by postnatal day 28. In contrast, Sigma receptors are present at their highest density during the perinatal period, and decline thereafter. The Kd of the PCP receptor for TCP remains constant throughout development, whereas the Kd of the Sigma receptor for (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine decreases 40% postnatally. On postnatal day 6, both PCP and Sigma receptors display a pharmacological profile similar to that observed in adult animals.
A choice-making ethic for organizational communication: The work of Ian I. Mitroff

This article examines the ethical implications of Ian Mitroff's scholarly contribution to the study of Organizational Communication. Although Mitroff does not specifically ground his work in ethics, this article considers an “ethic of choicemaking” to be a significant interpretive key for understanding the contribution of his research. In addition, this article provides another conceptual key for understanding the considerable quantity of Mitroff's work by organizing it around three major themes: science, decision-making, and myth. The goal of this article is to make explicit two conceptual keys to Mitroff's scholarship, an “ethic of choice” and a three-fold division of his work that exemplifies his commitment to maximizing choice in organizational settings.
Physical training in patients with heart failure

Summary Heart failure is a primary health concern in North and South America, with hospitalizations for heart failure as the primary diagnosis continuing to rise. There is a positive relationship between the prevalence of heart failure and age. However, mortality from heart failure is on the decline due to medical advancements, pharmacotherapy and nonpharmacological interventions. One of these nonpharmacological interventions is physical training or exercise. Physical training or exercise is becoming widely accepted by the medical community as a viable option in the medical management of stable heart failure patients. Both aerobic and resistance type exercise have been shown to be efficacious in stable heart failure patients. Evidence now exists not only supporting exercise to improve or maintain physical function in heart failure patients, but also quality of life. Many studies have shown that utilizing exercise in this population improves mood and overall self-reported well being. While the myocardial benefits from exercise may be minimal in heart failure patients, the peripheral benefits leading to improved physical function and preservation of independence are indispensible. Based on the research that has been conducted in the area of exercise and heart failure to this point, clinicians working with this population have the data necessary to prescribe evidence-based exercise prescriptions that can be utilized as part of a comprehensive medical management approach. Currently, several medical position statements endorse exercise as a safe and effective modality in heart failure patients.
Superconductors from Superstrings

We establish that in a large class of strongly coupled (3+1)-dimensional N=1 quiver conformal field theories with gravity duals, adding a chemical potential for the R charge leads to the existence of superfluid states in which a chiral primary operator of the schematic form O=lambdalambda+W condenses. Here lambda is a gluino and W is the superpotential. Our argument is based on the construction of a consistent truncation of type IIB supergravity that includes a U(1) gauge field and a complex scalar.
Microsatellite mutations during the polymerase chain reaction: mean field approximations and their applications

We develop a novel mathematical model for microsatellite mutations during polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on the model, we study the first- and second-order moments of the number of repeat units in a randomly chosen molecule after n PCR cycles and their corresponding mean field approximations. We give upper bounds for the approximation errors and show that the approximation errors are small when the mutation rate is low. Based on the theoretical results, we develop a moment estimation method to estimate the mutation rate per-repeat-unit per PCR cycle and the probability of expansion when mutations occur. Simulation studies show that the moment estimation method can accurately recover the true mutation rate and probability of expansion. Finally, the method is applied to experimental data from single-molecule PCR experiments.
Male survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have a long term persisting risk of cardiovascular events

Long-term survivors of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We retrospectively studied cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in 109 SCT survivors (62 males, 47 females; median age 34 years) five years or more after bone marrow (15) or T cell–depleted peripheral blood (94) SCT for CML (56), acute leukemia (29), MDS (13), and others (11). One death and two cardiovascular events were reported. At five and ten years after SCT, respectively, 44% and 52% had abnormal lipid profiles; 23% of 5-year survivors met the Adult Treatment Panel III threshold for dyslipidemia treatment, which is substantially higher than the age-matched general population. There were significant increases in prevalence of hypertension ( p p = 0.018), and body mass index ( p = 0.044) after SCT compared with baseline. The Framingham general cardiovascular risk score (FGCRS) in males at five years after SCT projected a doubling (median 10.4% vs. 5.4%) in the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events. Females received HRT after SCT, and none had increased FGCRS. Chronic GVHD and C-reactive protein were not associated with CVRF at any time. All CVRFs stabilized between five and ten years after SCT. Thus, SCT survivors have sustained elevations in CVRFs. Males have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events in their second and third decade after SCT.
Increased tolerance in mice following prenatal exposure to barbiturate.

HS/Ibg (heterogeneous stock) mice dams were fed milled mouse food containing 3 g/kg phenobarbital (PhB) in acid form and water as their only nutritional source from gestation days 9–19. Control females received milled food and water. Blood PhB levels of treated females and fetuses were 40–200 μg/ml blood. At the age of 50 days, male offspring were injected with C14-sodium pentobarbital (PenB) (50 mg/kg). Steep time and temperature loss were monitored and, in randomly selected individuals, brain PenB levels were determined upon awakening. The experiment was repeated on the same animals for 3 consecutive days. All offspring developed functional (central nervous system) tolerance during the 3 testing days as evidenced by the daily decrease in sleep time while brain levels of PenB upon awakening increased (P<0.001). Offspring who received PhB prenatally had generally shorter sleep times, less temperature loss, and higher brain PenB levels upon awakening than controls. The differences were most pronounced on the second day (sleep time reduced 27%, P<0.001; temperature loss 47%, P<0.001; brain PhB levels increased 23%, P<0.01).
Connectedness and diameter for random orders of fixed dimension

Let P k (n) be the (partial) order determined by intersecting k random linear orderings of a set of size n; equivalently, let P k (n) consist of n points chosen randomly and independently from the unit cube in ℝ k , with the induced product order. We show for each fixed k>1, that with probability approaching 1 as n→∞, the comparability graph of P k (n) is connected and has diameter 3.
Effects of various photoperiods on the temporal distribution of paradoxical sleep in rats.

Abstract A study has been made of the effects of different photoperiods on paradoxical sleep (PS) in rats. The EEG recordings from olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex were used to monitor slow-wave sleep, arousal, and PS. Triggering PS by a 5-min period of “lights-off” every 30 min during the day was confirmed. Rats were exposed to short days of 1, 4, and 12 hours composed of equal periods of light and darkness alternating continuously. During these abbreviated days, most of the PS occurred in the dark whereas under normal 24-hour diurnal lighting the bulk of PS occurs in the light. The photic induction of PS seems to be an unconditioned response specific to the lights-off stimulus. Attempts were made with lights-off as the unconditioned stimulus to condition PS to an auditory, conditioned stimulus. Pairing the tone and lights-off did not interfere with the photic induction of PS, but the tone alone was ineffective in triggering PS. Temporal conditioning did not occur. Finally, PS was not elicited by lights-on. Thus, lights-off appears to be a relatively specific, unconditioned stimulus for PS induction. The eyes are necessary for the effect to appear, but the pineal gland is not.
Contracting Justice: The Viral Strategy of Felix Gonzalez-Torres

During the so-called U.S. culture wars of the late millennium, Gonzalez Torres could have easily been denounced as one of the most pernicious threats to conservative visions of the ideal constitution of U.S. subjects: he was an artist, a Latino (Cuban) immigrant and person of color, queer, HIV positive, intellectual, a feminist, and an unapologetic leftist. Rather than reject power's rhetoric, which—in the wake of the Reagan revolution— commonly defined the minority subject as a threatening agent of conta gion and contamination, Gonzalez-Torres appropriated this rhetoric and the apparatuses of power to transform the limiting conditions of minority subjectivity into a critical condition of possibility and transformation.2 At tempting to stage a kind of counterrevolution to conservative and neolib eral structures of power, Gonzalez-Torres's work involved a viral strategy meant to infect power in an attempt to bring about greater conditions of social justice. As curator Ann Goldstein and art historian Miwon Kwon have sepa rately observed, within the voluminous analysis written about Gonzalez
Rupture of an ascending and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm causing tension hemothorax: a case report.

Abstract Background: A ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition and can lead to a tension hemothorax. Objectives: To describe the presentation and management of a case of a tension hemothorax. Case Report: An 84-year-old woman presented in respiratory distress and was found to have a tension hemothorax. The cause was the rupture of an ascending and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. She was managed with intubation, mechanical ventilation, and chest tube placement with stabilization. Definitive operative repair was deferred due to the patient's comorbidities and wishes of the family. Conclusions/Summary: A tension hemothorax can result from an ascending and descending thoracic aneurysm, as this case describes. Emergent therapy is necessary as this is a life-threatening condition.