cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seamless Tool Integration for Solder Joint Qualifications

This paper presents an approach and its demonstration for seamless tool integration for the virtual qualification and reliability prediction of solder joints of surface mounted electronic components on a populated circuit board. Starting from software called Surface Evolver, it can be used to realistically reproduce complicated geometry profiles of solder joints with various lead frames and pad specifications. User routines have been developed under ANSYS platform for automatic geometry transfer from the Surface Evolver and mesh regeneration of the solder joints inside ANSYS, as demonstrated in this paper. Moreover, a number of electronic packages with their solder joints on a typical printed circuit board (PCB) were also regenerated with parametric capability. Finite element analyses (FEAs) with proper set-up of materials, boundary conditions, and constitutive models were performed automatically by hitting one-button to go. Reliability prediction of solder joints and the failure rate of electronic components can be predicted based on failure criteria and test data implemented. An in-house tool was developed for the whole procedure of solder joint qualification and reliability assessment from deterministic to statistical aspects, including the evaluation of defect impacts.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
QUALITY AND CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF AKARA (FRIED COWPEA PASTE) PROCESSED FROM WET‐ AND DRY‐MILLED COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA) MEAL WITH SPECIFIED PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

Direct quality indicators of cowpea paste and akara produced from traditionally wet-milled peas, and hammer-milled (dry-milled) and freeze-dried (wet-milled) meals were examined in this study. Both meal samples studied were formulated to consist of 65% medium-sized particles and 35% large particles by weight. Particle volume mean diameters (µm) of the three paste samples were not significantly different from one another at the various stages during akara production. Scanning electron micrographs of akara crumb were converted to threshold images and analyzed. There was no significant difference in the amount of air found in the akara samples. Akara produced from both meals was found acceptable by sensory panelists with no significant difference in any of the attributes or overall liking among the three samples.
MO‐D‐220‐04: Imaging of Arthritis with Both Light and Ultrasound

Purpose: To explore the potential of photoacoustictomography(PAT), as an emerging optical imaging technology, for early diagnosis of inflammatory joint disorders and accurate monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy. Methods: Pulsed laser light in the near‐infrared (NIR) region was directed toward a joint with resultant ultrasonic signals recorded and used to reconstruct images that present the optical properties in subsurface joint tissues. The feasibility of this bench‐top joint imaging system in delineating soft articular tissue structures in a noninvasive manner was validated first on rat models and then on human peripheral joints harvested from fresh cadavers. Based on the study on a commonly used adjuvant induced arthritis rat model, the capability of PAT to differentiate arthritic joints from the normal was also examined. Results: With sufficient imaging depth in the NIR region, PAT can realize tomographic imaging of a human or a small‐animal joint as a whole organ noninvasively. Based on the optical contrast, various intra‐ and extra‐articular tissues, including skin, fat, muscle, blood vessels, periosteum and bone, were presented successfully in images with satisfactory spatial resolution that was primarily limited by the bandwidth of detected photoacoustic signals rather than by optical diffusion as occurs in traditional optical imaging. In comparison with the images from the normal joints, significant differences were found in the images from the inflammatory joints, including enlarged periosteum diameter and enhanced intra‐articular optical absorption. Conclusions: By presenting additional optical contrast and tissue functional information such as blood volume and blood oxygen saturation, PAI is a natural and promising complement to conventional ultrasound technologies for musculoskeletal imaging.PAT, with its intrinsic advantages, may provide a unique opportunity to enable early diagnosis of inflammatory joint disorders, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, and to monitor therapeutic outcomes with improved sensitivity and accuracy.
Effects of Grazing Pressure on Efficiency of Grazing on North American Great Plains Rangelands

Abstract Comparisons of stocking rates across sites can be facilitated by calculating grazing pressure. We used peak standing crop and stocking rates from six studies in the North American Great Plains (Cheyenne, Wyoming; Cottonwood, South Dakota; Hays, Kansas; Nunn, Colorado; Streeter, North Dakota; and Woodward, Oklahoma) to calculate a grazing pressure index and develop relationships for harvest efficiency, utilization, grazing efficiency, and animal performance and production. Average grazing pressures for heavy, moderate, and light stocking across the study sites were 40, 24, and 14 animal unit days · Mg −1 , respectively. These grazing pressures resulted in average harvest efficiency values of 38%, 24%, and 14% and grazing efficiencies of 61%, 49%, and 39% for heavy, moderate, and light stocking rates, respectively. Utilization increased quadratically as grazing pressure index increased, whereas grazing and harvest efficiencies exhibited a linear increase with grazing pressure. The latter indicates that nonlivestock forage losses (e.g., weathering, senescence, wildlife, insects) were disproportional across stocking rates. Average daily gain of livestock decreased linearly as grazing pressure index increased across study sites. Prediction equations reaffirm assumptions of 50% grazing efficiency and 25% harvest efficiency associated with moderate stocking. Novel here, however, is that harvest and grazing efficiencies increased at high grazing pressures and decreased at low grazing pressures. Use of grazing pressure index to “standardize” stocking rates across rangeland ecosystems in the North American Great Plains should improve communication among scientists, resource managers, and the public, and thus better achieve both production and conservation goals on these lands.
Chronic aspiration in children: evaluation of the lipid-laden macrophage index.

Chronic pulmonary aspiration (CPA) causes significant morbidity, but is underdiagnosed because of difficulties in establishing a diagnosis. The lipid-laden macrophage index (LLMI) is said to differentiate between those with and without CPA. Records of 113 patients were reviewed to determine specificity and sensitivity of the LLMI for CPA. Diagnostic accuracy was inferred from treatment outcome. Mean LLMI for aspirators was 104 +/- 62 (range, 20-233), and for nonaspirators, 44 +/- 39 (range, 0-170) (P < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity were 0.69 and 0.79, respectively. While the LLMI provides clinically helpful information, it does not stand alone as the gold standard for the diagnosis of CPA. Failure to thrive and neurological impairment correlated with CPA, using Fisher's exact test. CPA was not diagnosed in any patient with normal growth, normal neurological development, and an LLMI <86. No other clinical observation (cough, wheeze, vomiting, difficulty feeding, choking with feeding, recurrent pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic chest X-ray changes, endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube, nasogastric feeding tube, or transpyloric feeding tube) or diagnostic study (upper gastrointestinal series, gastroesophageal scintigraphy, modified barium swallow, or pH probe) correlated with the diagnosis of CPA.
Middle to Late Paleozoic Atmospheric CO2 Levels from Soil Carbonate and Organic Matter

The stable carbon isotope compositions of ancient soil carbonate and coexisting soil organic matter indicate that atmospheric CO 2 levels decreased by a factor of 10 during the middle to late Paleozoic era. Proxy measurements of CO 2 were made by application of a soil carbonate CO 2 paleobarometer to a suite of paleosols that share key physical and chemical characteristics. The estimates agree with theoretical models that imply that a decrease in Paleozoic atmospheric CO 2 levels was associated with afforestation of the land surface by terrestrial plants and with global climate change leading to the extensive Permo-Carboniferous glaciation.
Intracerebroventricular neuropeptide Y increases gastric acid secretion by decreasing tonic adrenergic inhibition of acid in dogs

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been shown to increase basal gastric acid secretion in dogs. We examined the hypothesis that NPY might increase gastric acid secretion by interaction with central catecholaminergic control of acid secretion in dogs. Studies were performed in awake canines with gastric fistulas and cerebroventricular guides which allowed injection into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of yohimbine (5 μg/kg) increased acid secretion compared to control (yohimbine: 9.1 ± 3.3mmol//h;control: 1.8 ± 1.0mmol/2h, P 2 -adrenergic inhibition of acid secretion. NPY 13–36 significantly increased acid secretion compared to control (NPY 13–36 1000pmol/kg i.c.v.: 5.6 ± 1.9mmol/2h;control: 1.3 ± 0.8mmol/2h, P 31 , Pro 34 ]-NPY had no effect, suggesting that the central effect of NPY is mediated at a Y 2 , probably pre-synaptic receptor. Finally, i.c.v. desmethylimipramine (DMI) inhibited the acid response to i.c.v. NPY when injected before but not after NPY (i.c.v. DMI then i.c.v. NPY: control,15.2 ± 6.6mmol/2h;DMI, 3.5 ± 1.2mmol/2h, P 0.05). This suggests that NPY acts by decreasing noradrenaline release. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that i.c.v. NPY increases acid secretion by decreasing tonic central adrenergic inhibition of acid by decreasing release of noradrenaline at pre-synaptic level.
A Darwinian, Natural History Approach to Teaching Field Methods.

start with it. One of our most productive engagements with the data in our various observation-interview experiments is to show that informants associate cultural domains and their contents in ways that are not predictable from taxonomically-ordered domains. They emotionally "load" these associations and they transform the logical structures of taxonomies because of their own personal experiential careers. There is much else, about movement from opportunistic topographical interviews, through several levels of focus, to the highly focused, problem-oriented interview; about various stages in reconnaissance; about the expressive autobiographic interview technique; grounded inference; hypothesis formation; generalization; ethics; and the differences between ethnography and ethnology, that we would enjoy discussing.
Tool update: NVisionIP improvements (difference view, sparklines, and shapes)

This paper highlights major enhancements made to the security visualization tool -- NVisionIP -- since it was first presented at the VizSEC/DMSEC 2004 Workshop.
Critical Groups of Pairs of Critical Points Produced by Linking Subsets

Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University,251 Mercer Street, New York, New York 10012Received December 11, 1996Contents1. Introduction.2. Linking. 2.1. Definition and examples. 2.2. Two abstract lemmas.3. Critical point theorems. 3.1. Functions on HilbertRiemannian manifolds.3.2. Functions on Hilbert spaces. 3.3. Functions on manifolds with boundary.4. Applications to PDEs and ODEs. 4.1. An elliptic boundary value problem witha concave nonlinearity. 4.2. Nonconstant time-periodic solutions of a system ofODEs. 4.3. An alternative for a superlinear problem.
Powermice and user performance

Claims of increased pointing speed by users and manufacturers of variable-gain mice (“powermice”) have become rife. Yet, there have been no demonstrations of this claim, and theoretical considerations suggest it may not even be true. In this paper, the claim is tested.A search of the design space of powermice failed to find a design point that improved performance compared to a standard mouse. No setting for the gain for a constant-gain mouse was found that improved performance. No threshold setting for a variable gain mouse was found that improved performance. In fact, even gain and threshold combinations favored by powermouse enthusiasts failed to improve performance. It is suggested that the real source of enthusiasm for powermice is that users are willing to accept reduced pointing speed in return for a smaller desk footprint.
RNA Hairpins with Non-nucleotide Spacers Bind Efficiently to the Human U1A Protein

Abstract The N-terminal RNA binding domain (RBD1) of the human U1A protein binds to the ten nucleotide loop in stemloop II of U1 snRNA, and to its own 3′ UTR structure. The nucleotides critical for recognition by the U1A RBD are displayed in very different geometric contexts in these two targets, leading to the question of what common features of RNA structure allow the RBD to efficiently recognize these two RNAs. The experiments described here used RNA hairpins, in which the loop size was altered by deletion, insertion or substitution with non-nucleotide (ethylene glycol) n spacers, to determine what features of this RNA structure were critical for interaction with the RBD1. Substitution of the three nucleotides on the 3′ side of the RNA hairpin loop by (ethylene glycol) 6 – 18 spacers does not significantly perturb the affinity, energetics or electrostatics of this RNA: protein association. These results confirm the suggestion that these loop nucleotides provide a flexible tether to allow the other seven nucleotides to fit onto the binding surface of the RBD, and lead to the hypothesis that conformational flexibility and the possible end-to-end distance of seven loop nucleotides are critical features of this complex formation.
An electrolytic conductivity study of tetraalkylammonium perchlorates in 1,3-dimethylethyleneurea and 1,3-dimethylpropyleneurea at 25°C

A series of four tetraalkylammonium perchlorates (methyl through butyl) in 1,3-dimethylethyleneurea and 1,3-dimethylpropyleneurea were investigated conductimetrically over the concentration range 1–100×10−4M. All data were analyzed by the Fuoss-Shedlovsky, the Fuoss-Onsager, and the full and expanded Pitts equations. Analysis by the full and expanded Pitts equations yielded largerKA and ion-size parameters as well as lower Λ0 values than the Fuoss-Onsager analysis. Data analyzed by the expanded Pitts equation yielded slightly higher Λ0 values, smallerKA values, and smaller distance parameters than the full Pitts anlysis.
The Presenting Symptoms, Differential Diagnosis, and Physical Examination of Patients Presenting with Hip Pain

The key to treating hip pain is accurate diagnosis. The search for a specific diagnosis in clinical cases of pain in the hip region is guided by an understanding of the large variety of potential causes and by a physical examination focused on the region of the hip and surrounding structures. An understanding of the differential diagnosis related to pain in the region of the hip is necessary to guide an appropriate examination and diagnostic work-up strategy. Imaging of the hip can be essential for making a proper diagnosis but is not needed to initiate a treatment plan in all cases. Table 1 presents some of the common causes of hip pain in the adult population. Some of the typical presenting symptoms are listed, and the physical examination is described. 1-4 Hip pain can present with a variety of painful patterns and limitations in motion. It may be acute or chronic, mild or severe, and localized or widely distributed. Hip pain can radiate proximally and distally and can
Sentra: a database of signal transduction proteins for comparative genome analysis

Sentra (http://compbio.mcs.anl.gov/sentra), a database of signal transduction proteins encoded in completely sequenced prokaryotic genomes, has been updated to reflect recent advances in understanding signal transduction events on a whole-genome scale. Sentra consists of two principal components, a manually curated list of signal transduction proteins in 202 completely sequenced prokaryotic genomes and an automatically generated listing of predicted signaling proteins in 235 sequenced genomes that are awaiting manual curation. In addition to two-component histidine kinases and response regulators, the database now lists manually curated Ser/Thr/Tyr protein kinases and protein phosphatases, as well as adenylate and diguanylate cyclases and c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases, as defined in several recent reviews. All entries in Sentra are extensively annotated with relevant information from public databases (e.g. UniProt, KEGG, PDB and NCBI). Sentra's infrastructure was redesigned to support interactive cross-genome comparisons of signal transduction capabilities of prokaryotic organisms from a taxonomic and phenotypic perspective and in the framework of signal transduction pathways from KEGG. Sentra leverages the PUMA2 system to support interactive analysis and annotation of signal transduction proteins by the users.
Unusual ocular complications in fractures involving the orbit

Abstract Ocular complications associated with facial fractures involving the orbit can be severe. This report describes three patients with facial fractures who sustained unusual ocular injuries. These three cases also illustrate the importance of ophthalmological examination in patients who have facial fractures involving the orbit.
Near-infrared fluorescence in fiber optic applications

Fluorescence spectroscopy has long proven to be a valuable tool in fiber optic applications. A large number of publications have addressed different fiber optic applications using fluorescent probe molecules. Since most probe molecules absorb in the UV/Vis part of the electromagnetic spectrum, the majority of these applications address the use of visible fluorophores. However, the utilization of the longer wavelength part of the spectrum may be advantageous due to its relatively low interference. Biological applications of this longer wavelength spectral region may be especially advantageous if semiconductor lasers are used as light sources. Laser diodes have all the properties of other types of lasers with the added benefits of compactness and low price. To utilize these advantages, however, new NIR absorbing probe molecules need to be developed. Certain requirements, e.g., chemical stability, presence of functional groups for binding to the fiber, etc., need to be met for using these NIR chromophores in fiber optic applications. These NIR fluorophores may be incorporated into a fiber optic probe and used for determining analytically important properties. In this paper examples of the use of NIR fluorophores are given.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Leveling up dependent types: generic programming over a predicative hierarchy of universes

Generic programming is about writing a single function that does something different for each type. In most languages one cannot case over the structure of types. So in such languages generic programming is accomplished by defining a universe, a data structure isomorphic to some subset of the types supported by the language, and performing a case analysis over this datatype instead. Such functions support a limitied level of genericity, limited to the subset of types that the universe encodes. The key to full genericity is defining a rich enough universe to encode all types in the language.In this paper we show how to define a universe with a predicative hierarchy of types, encoding a finite set of base types (including dependent products and sums), and an infinite set of user defined datatypes. We demonstrate that such a system supports a much broader notion of generic programming, along with a serendipitous extension to the usefulness of user defined datatypes with existential arguments.
Evaluation and comparison of dissolution data derived from different modified release dosage forms: an alternative method.

Dissolution testing is an essential requirement for the development, establishment of in vitro dissolution and in vivo performance (IVIVR), registration and quality control of solid oral dosage forms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of delivery system positioning in accordance with the USP 23-recommended dissolution methods and the proposed modification on drug release from controlled release systems having different operating release mechanisms, namely, swellable floatable, swellable sticking and osmotic pump. The delivery systems were evaluated by placing each dosage form either in the dissolution vessel in accordance with the USP 23 methods or over/below a designed ring/mesh device for achieving full surface exposure to the dissolution medium for sticking or floatable systems respectively. Results indicate that the overall release profiles from the sticking and floatable systems of theophylline are sensitive to their positioning in the dissolution vessel (P 0.05) for the overall release behavior. This was attributed to the greater solubility of diltiazem hydrochloride (50% solubility in water at 25 degreesC) in comparison to theophylline which is a sparingly soluble drug (0.85% solubility in water at 25 degreesC). Drug release from the osmotic pump appeared to be identical under the given experimental conditions (P>0.05). Statistical analysis of data was performed by comparing the t50%, t70%, t90%; mean dissolution times (MDT50%, MDT70%, MDT90%); the "difference factor, f1" and "similarity factor, f2". It is concluded that the results derived from the application of the "similarity factor, f2" are superior to the individual time points (e.g. tx%) and MDTx% values in differentiating between overall release patterns or the border line release profile differences. It also became apparent that in the case of the swellable sticking systems full surface exposure to the dissolution medium results in greater release rate. For the osmotic pump the required osmotic pressure threshold necessary for constant rate drug delivery appears to have reached independent of the hydrodynamic conditions. A successful and more accurate evaluation of dissolution data can be derived when full surface exposure is considered and this can be accomplished by dissolution method modification with the aid of the designed ring/mesh assembly.
A novel in vitro flow system for changing flow direction on endothelial cells

Atherosclerotic plaques localize to regions of flow disturbance, i.e. bifurcations, branch points and regions of high curvature. Shear stress in these regions can be multi-directional due to complex flow patterns such as time-varying vortices. However, commonly used in vitro flow models are incapable of changing flow orientation to any direction other than the reverse. We have developed a novel in vitro flow system to enable changes in flow direction to any angle. When cells were pre-aligned in laminar shear, and then rotated 90°, cells re-aligned over 24 h. Re-alignment involved actin remodeling by gradual rotation of actin stress fibers. This device will enable that analysis of how endothelial cells sense changes in flow direction as occur in vivo.
Nutrient and water flux in a small arctic watershed: an overview

The “Response, Resistance, Resilience to, and Recovery from Disturbance in Arctic Ecosystems” (R4D) program initially concentrated on impacts of altered water and nutrient inputs on tussock tundra vegetation. The intensive site is at Imnavait Creek (68°C 37′ N, 149° 17′ E), near Toolik Lake. Alaska in the foothills of the Brooks Range, approximately 200 km south of Prudhoe Bay. Tussock tundra was selected for initial study because it has an extensive distribution in the Alaskan Arctic (80% of the arctic region), the majority of the pipeline corridor north of the Brooks Range passes through tussock tundra, and disturbances of arctic tundra are expected to occur in the future. Also important is that 18% of the circumpolar arctic primary productivity and 47% of the circumpolar arctic stored carbon are in tussock tundra. Water and nutrient additions were performed because they frequently accompany disturbance and development in the Arctic. Emphasis was placed on determining responses of physical, physiological, and ecosystem processes to environmental change in such a way that extrapolations to other areas would be facilitated. The hills near Imnavait Creek are covered by glacial till of the Sagavanirktok River glaciation. with a deep organic layer on the less exposed hill slopes and valleys. The vegetation is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum L., Betula nana L., Vaccirtium uliginosum L, Vaccinium viiis-idaea L., Ledum palustre L., Salix pulcbra L., and Sphagnum spp. Winds were rarely calm but seldom exceed 17 m s−1, generally from the east-southeast to the south-southwest (66%). Precipitation in 1986 was 344 mm, about half of which was snowfall. Mean temperature in 1986 was −8.1°C, with an absolute minimum of −43°C. Mean July temperature was between 9.8 and 13.7°C. Nutrients are more mobile than previously thought, moving an estimated 10 m downslope in the first growing season. It underscores the importance of the winter environment to biological and hydrological processes. Greater water flow results in increased plant growth rates, leaf area, and biomass. Effects of changes in nutrient and water supply on photosynthesis were minimal. Where increases in productivity took place, they occurred more likely as a result of changes in allocation patterns, including an initial redirection of carbohydrate stores to new leaf development, than from increases in photosynthetic rates. The work reported here indicates that the downslope transmission of nutrient and water flow effects caused by altered drainage and nutrient supply may result in a larger area of impact than previously thought.
Synthesis and Conformational Studies of Model Histones: II Sequential and Random Polypeptides with the Composition L-Lysyl:L-Alanyl:L-Proline

The sequential polytripeptide (Lys-Ala-Pro)n and the random polypeptide (Lys36.2 Ala32.5 Pro31.3)n were synthesized as model histones to be used in studying the structure and interactions of nucleohistone complexes. The CD spectra of (Lys-Ala-Pro)n in aqueous solutions, at both pH 7 and 11, as well as in HFIP, TFA, and 1 M SDS (pH 7), indicated that this polytripeptide only assumed the random coil conformation under all these conditions. In aqueous solution, the CD spectra of the random sequence polypeptide indicated that this polymer undergoes a pH-dependent random coil-helix transition as the pH is raised from 7 to 11. This polymer was also partially helical in TFE. The observation that the random polymer can assume a regular, asymmetric structure may be due to a clustering of lysyl and alanyl residues at one end of the polymer because of the faster incorporation of Pro than Lys or Ala, as indicated by their respective kinetics of polymerization. The random conformation of the sequential polypeptide, (Lys-Ala-Pro)n, is probably determined by the presence of Pro at regular intervals. It is concluded that the sequential polymer (Lys-Ala-Pro)n is a plausible model histone for use in studying the influence of amino acid sequence and composition on the structure and interactions of nucleohistone complexes.
Optimal tolerance re-allocation for the generative process sequence

Abstract In generative process planning, the sequence of machining processes is decided according to the specifications of parts, such as tolerance values. However, in order to obtain the minimal manufacturing cost, the machining process sequence needs to be considered before tolerances are assigned. It is therefore difficult to assign optimal tolerances so that a minimum manufacturing cost is achieved. This paper presents an iterative approach for reallocation of tolerance within the given functional constraints to minimize the manufacturing cost. With the given values of tolerance and corresponding process sequences, which are derived from a handbook or a designer's experience as initial inputs, each iteration of tolerance re-allocation tries to improve the total cost by shifting tolerances along the different processes in the current sequence. The re-allocation problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. The Lagrange Multiplier method has been used to solve nonlinear program...
Insulin receptor substrate protein p53 localization in rats suggests mechanism for specific polyglutamine neurodegeneration

Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the expansion of an unstable CAG repeat within the coding regions of the DRPLA gene. Recently it was shown that the DRPLA gene product, atrophin-1, interacts with the human insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate protein, IRSp53. We have isolated rat and mouse cDNA clones for IRSp53 and determined expression patterns in rat central nervous system. In situ hybridization analysis revealed enriched IRSp53 mRNA expression in rat forebrain structures, including the cerebral cortex (layers II/III, V and VI), striatum, hippocampus and olfactory bulb. IRSp53 hybridization signals were also detected in the cerebellum, subthalamic nucleus, pons, amygdala and hypothalamus. These findings support the idea that insulin and insulin growth factor-1 have a role in neurotransmission, one that is regionally specific. The expression of IRSp53 in regions similar to those that degenerate in DRPLA supports the notion that IRSp53 is a relevant atrophin-1 binding protein and may provide a mechanism for region-specific neurodegeneration.
Titration of tyrosyl compounds in cationic, anionic and nonionic detergents.

Spectrosphotometric titrations of the tyrosyls of ribonuclease, reduced ribonuclease and positively charged model compounds in sodium dodecyl sulfate result in changes in pK, sharpness of titration curves, spectral shifts and changes in absorbance. At high pH the interactions with sodium dodecyl sulfate are weak. Titration of ribonuclease and negatively charged models in the presence of the cationic detergent hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride results in lower pK values, red shifts at both neutral and high pH, and high absorbances. These results are suggested to arise from binding of detergent to or near the phenolic groups.
Egg crypsis in a ground-nesting shorebird influences nest survival

Coloration of exposed eggs of ground-nesting birds is thought to reduce predation, with camouflaged eggs that more closely match the area around the nest having greater survival. We tested this hypothesis using digital photographs of 374 Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) nests and the substrate surrounding each nest to produce covariates in nest survival models. Covariates included values representing the difference between the color of the eggs and that of the substrate, the average egg and substrate colors, and variation in both egg and substrate color. Nest survival decreased as the difference between the color of the eggs and substrate increased (accounted for by two different methods of quantifying color: βΔE = −0.021, SE = 0.024, 95% CI = −0.069, 0.026 and βΔRGB = −0.004, SE = 0.005, 95% CI = −0.013, 0.005) and increased with increasing variability in substrate color (βΔSDsub = 2.624, SE = 2.846, 95% CI = −2.954, 8.202), although after model-averaging these effects were not well-supported. Model...
Retro-auricular video-assisted "gasless" thyroidectomy: feasibility study in human cadavers.

Background In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in developing alternative surgical approaches to the thyroid gland with a focus on cosmesis. Approaches can be either complete endoscopic approaches using CO2 insufflation or endoscopy-assisted approaches. We describe a novel approach for thyroidectomy via a retro-auricular incision without gas insufflation using endoscopic assistance.
FAVORABLE IMPRESSION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECRUITMENT INTERVIEWER

Students' impressions of campus recruiters influence students decisions on eventual job choice. In this study, the authors attempted to assess the effects of three variables—recruiter's age, recruiter's title, and recruiter's presentation—on students' impressions. A three factor factorial analysis of variance with three separate post hoc tests indicated that recruiter title and recruiter age significantly influenced impressions, while nonfluent presentation may have had a selective influence on impressions.
Efficient simulated annealing on fractal energy landscapes

We present a new theoretical framework for analyzing simulated annealing. The behavior of simulated annealing depends crucially on the ldŋergy landscape” associated with the optimization problem: the landscape must have special properties if annealing is to be efficient. We prove that certain fractal properties are sufficient for simulated annealing to be efficient in the following sense: If a problem is scaled to have best solutions of energy 0 and worst solutions of energy 1, a solution of expected energy no more than ɛ can be found in time polynomial in 1/ɛ, where the exponent of the polynomial depends on certain parameters of the fractal. Higher-dimensional versions of the problem can be solved with almost identical efficiency. The cooling schedule used to achieve this result is the familiar geometric schedule of annealing practice, rather than the logarithmic schedule of previous theory. Our analysis is more realistic than those of previous studies of annealing in the constraints we place on the problem space and the conclusions we draw about annealing's performance. The mode of analysis is also new: Annealing is modeled as a random walk on a graph, and recent theorems relating the “conductance” of a graph to the mixing rate of its associated Markov chain generate both a new conceptual approach to annealing and new analytical, quantitative methods. The efficiency of annealing is compared with that of random sampling and descent algorithms. While these algorithms are more efficient for some fractals, their run times increase exponentially with the number of dimensions, making annealing better for problems of high dimensionality. We find that a number of circuit placement problems have energy landscapes with fractal properties, thus giving for the first time a reasonable explanation of the successful application of simulated annealing to problems in the VLSI domain.
Diversity allocation for Dynamic Optimization using the Extended Compact Genetic Algorithm

This paper investigates the issues of maintaining diversity in the Extended Compact Genetic Algorithm (ECGA) for handling Dynamic Optimization Problems (DOPs). Specifically, we focused on how a diversity maintenance mechanism places samples in the search space, and derive an approach that is more appropriate for DOPs that change progressively. The discussion proceeds in two parts. First, we reaffirm the perspective that the problem structure should be considered when maintaining diversity for addressing DOPs. This point is demonstrated by an additively decomposable DOP in which each subfunction has two complementary optima. Following that, we further discuss how we can better allocate the samples for DOPs that change progressively by thinking about the current promising region, which should contain the current optima, and its neighborhood. Based on this notion, we devise a mechanism that utilizes the information provided by the probabilistic models from ECGA and uses a trade-off between exploration and exploitation to achieve the desired diversity allocation. The empirical results show that our approach follows the changing optima better compared to techniques that use Restricted Tournament Replacement (RTR). Furthermore, it requires only half of the function evaluations needed by approaches that use RTR.
Current treatments of chronic immune-mediated demyelinating polyneuropathies

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), and anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) neuropathy are three demyelinating acquired neuropathies, with distinct responses to immunotherapy. In placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trials, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been effective for CIDP and MMN, and plasmapheresis has been effective for CIDP. Corticosteroids have been beneficial in controlled trials for CIDP. Other agents, including cyclophosphamide, rituximab, azathioprine, cyclosporine, interferons, fludarabine, mycophenolate mofetil, and etanercept, have been reported to benefit some patients with inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies in case series and case reports. This review examines the use and toxicity associated with these immunotherapy medications in treating patients with chronic immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathies. Muscle Nerve, 2009.
Inhibition of malic enzyme induction by triiodothyronine in the diabetic rat: reversal by fructose feeding.

Abstract In order to determine whether an increase in insulin is a prerequisite for induction of malic enzyme (ME) by triiodothyronine (T 3 ), we examined the ability of various diets to affect the T 3 induction of ME in diabetic rats. Forty-eight hours after streptozotocin, rats were placed on either a regular diet, a 60% glucose diet, or a 60% fructose diet. The next day selected groups received 200 μg T 3 /100 g body weight. Twenty-four hours later serum was collected and the liver 100,000 × g supernatant fraction was assayed for ME. Compared to intact controls, the level of ME in the basal state as well as in the T 3 stimulated state was significantly less in diabetic rats (in U/mg, basal: intact, 19.3; diabetic, 7.1; T 3 -treated:intact, 56.6; diabetic, 15.6). Fructose feeding in the diabetic rats led to no significant increment in ME (1.1 U/mg) whereas the intact rat fed fructose showed a significant increment in ME (39.4 U/mg). The combined administration of fructose and T 3 in the diabetic rat however, resulted in a substantial increment of ME (30 U/mg), which was significantly greater than the increment induced by T 3 and glucose (2 U/mg). Moreover, the increment in ME induced by T 3 and fructose in diabetic animals was not significantly different from that achieved in intact animals (54.9 U/mg). All groups of diabetic rats showed a decrease in insulin from the start of the dietary manipulations to the end of the experiment (28.7 μU/ml fasting to 10.9 μU/ml when killed in the fed state). Thus ME induction by T 3 can occur in the absence of an increase in insulin secretion. Fructose feeding can supply, at least in part, the necessary factors that permit T 3 to induce ME in diabetic rats.
Side‐scan targets in Lake Superior—evidence for bedforms and sediment transport

A high-resolution side-scan sonar survey of the lake bed off the Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior, demonstrates that bottom currents are affecting lake bed morphology at depths up to 240 m. Numerous lineations which run parallel to the shore appear to be sand ribbons. A field of sedimentary furrows which occurs in one area demonstrates the long-term directional stability of the near-bottom flow. Large (100–300 m in diameter, 2–5 m deep), unusual ring-like or arcuate depressions are common throughout the western half of Lake Superior. These rings themselves do not appear to have been formed by bottom currents, but may have developed as water was released by the rapid compaction of glacial sediments which underlie the lake bed. Off the Keweenaw Peninsula the forms of the rings have been modified by bottom currents. The bottom currents which have modified the lake bed are probably generated when storms cross the lake at times when it is poorly stratified.
High salt intake delayed angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice with a genetic variant of NADPH oxidase.

Background gp91(PHOX), a catalytic subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase, is involved in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced superoxide (O₂⁻) generation. This study was designed to examine the hypothesis that an enhancement in O₂⁻ generation due to elevated Ang II induces salt-sensitivity, which contributes to the development of hypertension. Methods Assessment of blood pressure and renal excretory responses to Ang II infusion (2.2 ng·min/g) for 2 weeks via osmotic minipump was made in knockout (KO; n = 20) mice lacking the gene for gp91(PHOX) which were fed on either normal-salt (NS; 0.04% NaCl) or high-salt (HS, 4% NaCl) diet and compared these responses with those in wild-type (WT; n = 23) mice. Results Ang II induced increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was started within the 4th day in all groups except in HS fed KO mice in which SBP increased after the 10(th) day of Ang II infusion. The increases in SBP were lower in KO than WT mice at the end of 2-week infusion period. In Ang II + HS fed KO mice, the urinary excretion rate of nitrite/nitrate (U(NOx)V) markedly increased but 8-isoprostane excretion rate remained unchanged. These findings indicate that an increase in nitric oxide (NO) with a lack of O₂⁻ formation was involved in the delayed hypertension in Ang II + HS fed KO mice. Conclusion These data suggest that an enhanced O₂⁻ activity and its interaction with NO contribute to the early developmental phase of Ang II-induced salt-sensitive hypertension.American Journal of Hypertension (2011). doi:10.1038/ajh.2010.173.
Causes of cross-autocorrelation in security returns: Transaction costs versus information quality

We examine empirically the role of transaction costs and information quality as causes of cross-autocorrelations in security returns. Nonsynchronous trading influences are addressed by forming weekly returns based on averages of closing inside bid and ask quotations for NMS securities. Stock return volatility scaled by the bid-ask spread is employed as a proxy for transaction costs and trading volume is used as a measure of information quality. We find evidence that both transaction costs and information quality may contribute to cross-autocorrelations, but that information quality dominates transaction costs in explaining cross-autocorrelations after controlling for autocorrelation influences.
Time to Burn: Modeling Wildland Arson as an Autoregressive Crime Function

Six Poisson autoregressive models of order p [PAR(p)] of daily wildland arson ignition counts are estimated for five locations in Florida (1994‐2001). In addition, a fixed effects time-series Poisson model of annual arson counts is estimated for all Florida counties (1995‐2001). PAR(p) model estimates reveal highly significant arson ignition autocorrelation, lasting up to eleven days, in addition to seasonality and links to law enforcement, wildland management, historical fire, and weather. The annual fixed effects model replicates many findings of the daily models but also detects the influence of wages and poverty on arson, in ways expected from theory. All findings support an economic model of crime.
Molecular target based combinational therapeutic approaches in thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer, as with other types of cancer, is dependent on angiogenesis for its continued growth and development. Interestingly, estrogen has been shown to contribute to thyroid cancer aggressiveness in vitro, which is in full support of the observed increased incidence of thyroid cancer in women over men. Provided that estrogen has been observed to contribute to increased angiogenesis of estrogen responsive breast cancer, it is conceivable to speculate that estrogen also contributes to angiogenesis of estrogen responsive thyroid cancer. In this study, three human thyroid cancer cells (B-CPAP, CGTH-W-1, ML-1) were treated with estrogen alone or estrogen and anti-estrogens (fulvestrant and 3,3′-diindolylmethane, a natural dietary compound) for 24 hours. The cell culture media was then added to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) and assayed for angiogenesis associated events. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were also quantified in the conditioned media so as to evaluate if it is a key player involved in these observations. Conditioned medium from estrogen treated thyroid cancer cells enhanced phenotypical changes (proliferation, migration and tubulogenesis) of endothelial cells typically observed during angiogenesis. These phenotypic changes observed in HUVECs were determined to be modulated by estrogen induced secretion of VEGF by the cancer cells. Lastly, we show that VEGF secretion was inhibited by the anti-estrogens, fulvestrant and 3,3′-diindolylmethane, which resulted in diminished angiogenesis associated events in HUVECs. Our data establishes estrogen as being a key regulator of VEGF secretion/expression in thyroid cells which enhances the process of angiogenesis in thyroid cancer. These findings also suggest the clinical utility of anti-estrogens as anti-angiogenic compounds to be used as a therapeutic means to treat thyroid cancer. We also observed that 3,3′-diindolylmethane is a promising naturally occurring anti-estrogen which can be used as a part of therapeutic regimen to treat thyroid cancer.
Measurement of the δ34S value in methionine by double spike multi-collector thermal ionization mass spectrometry using Carius tube digestion

Methionine is an essential amino acid and is the primary source of sulfur for humans. Using the double spike ((33)S-(36)S) multi-collector thermal ionization mass spectrometry (MC-TIMS) technique, three sample bottles of a methionine material obtained from the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements have been measured for delta(34)S and sulfur concentration. The mean delta(34)S value, relative to Vienna Canyon Diablo Troilite (VCDT), determined was 10.34 +/- 0.11 per thousand (n = 9) with the uncertainty reported as expanded uncertainties (U). These delta(34)S measurements include a correction for blank which has been previously ignored in studies of sulfur isotopic composition. The sulfur concentrations for the three bottles range from 56 to 88 microg/g. The isotope composition and concentration results demonstrate the high accuracy and precision of the DS-MC-TIMS technique for measuring sulfur in methionine.
Retrieval parameters in growing data bases

In a recent article (1) Gerard Salton considered the question of how certain retrieval parameters can be estimated for large collections from their values in small collections. The purpose of this communication is to suggest that in the situation where documents are retrieved independently the desired parameters may be estimated more accurately by sampling and averaging techniques over homogeneous subparts of the data base. It is also suggested that certain changes in the nomenclature of the parameters would help to avoid ambiguities in their interpretation.
Fundamental Principles Inherent in the Comprehensive Care of Transgender Inmates

The transgender inmate population presents unique challenges and opportunities in medical, psychiatric, and correctional systems of care worldwide. We present a review of both case law and efforts within the medical and psychiatric communities to address transgender needs more consistently over the past few decades. In addition, we discuss the standardized implementation of core principles within the correctional system that should provide comprehensive care to transgender inmates.