cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BubR1 recruitment to the kinetochore via Bub1 enhances Spindle Assembly Checkpoint signaling

Abstract During mitosis, unattached kinetochores in a dividing cell generate the anaphase-inhibitory Mitotic Checkpoint Complex (MCC) to activate the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) and delay anaphase onset. To generate MCC, these kinetochores recruit MCC constituent proteins including the protein BubR1. The increased local concentration of BubR1 resulting from this recruitment should enhance MCC generation, but prior studies found this not to be the case. We analyzed the contribution of two BubR1 recruitment pathways to MCC generation in human kinetochores. For these analyses, we isolated a subset of the MCC generation reactions to the cytosol using ectopic SAC activation systems. These analyses and mathematical modeling show that BubR1 binding to the SAC protein Bub1, but not to the ‘KI’ motifs in the kinetochore protein Knl1, significantly enhances the rate of Bub1-mediated MCC generation in the kinetochore. Our work also suggests that Bub1-BubR1 stoichiometry will strongly influence the dose-response characteristics of SAC signaling.
Does immunosuppression use increase perioperative wound morbidity in patients undergoing transversus abdominis release

Abstract Background Transversus abdominis release is an effective procedure for complex ventral hernias. As wound complications contribute to hernia recurrences, mitigating risk factors is vitally important for hernia surgeons. Although immunosuppression can impair wound healing, it has inconsistently predicted wound occurrences, and its effect on wound morbidity after a transversus abdominis release is unknown. Methods Patients undergoing either an elective open or robotic bilateral transversus abdominis release with permanent synthetic mesh were retrospectively stratified by perioperative immunosuppression and secondarily by procedure type (open versus robotic) and immunosuppression. Results A total of 321 patients were included for analysis. Overall, 63 (19.6%) patients were on chronic immunosuppression, with history of solid-organ transplant being the most common indication (43 patients). Patients stratified by perioperative immunosuppression were well-matched with similar defect size (P = .97), body mass index ≥30 (P = .32), diabetes (P = .09), history of surgical site infection (P = .53), surgical approach (P = .53), and tobacco use history (P = .33). No differences between cohorts were elicited for any wound event when stratified by immunosuppression use. Similarly, no differences were elicited when cohorts were further stratified also by procedure type. Conclusion Chronic immunosuppression is often viewed as a notable risk factor for wound occurrences after surgery. However, our data suggest immunosuppression may not significantly increase the risk of perioperative wound morbidity follow transversus abdominis release as previously predicted.
Lepidoptera Host Records Accurately Predict Tree Use by Foraging Birds

The richness, abundance, and biomass of phytophagous arthropods like lepidopteran larvae is highly uneven among sympatric tree taxa. Optimal foraging theory predicts that predation pressure will be greatest on foraging substrates that support the highest abundance and/or diversity of prey, thus offering the greatest reward and maximizing fitness. Predation pressure can also vary with the nutritional or energetic needs of predators across the annual cycle. For insectivorous birds, prioritizing foraging effort in trees that support the most insect prey can benefit individuals by improving their foraging efficiency, condition, and ultimately fitness. However, we lack an understanding of how trees vary in their support of bird foraging activity across seasons and among plant taxa. We used plasticine caterpillar models to measure avian predation rates on 9 native North American tree species that vary in caterpillar-hosting potential. We measured avian predation rates during May, June, and October to compare caterpillar mortality in seasons that vary in life-history needs, abundance, and diversity of avian predators. We modeled daily survivorship and total mortality using Cox-proportional hazard models and logistic regression. We found that, across seasons, caterpillars had significantly higher predation rates on trees that are predicted by literature host records to support the most species of caterpillars (β = 0.22 ± 0.05, 95% CI = [0.13,0.32], z = 4.73, P < 0.0001). Caterpillars had the highest mortality in June, coinciding with avian breeding seasons, and the lowest rates in October, coinciding with fall migration and dispersal. Our study suggests that birds disproportionately forage on trees that have the highest potential to support caterpillar richness and presumably prey biomass. The observed pattern of non-random foraging has many implications; for example, the utility of using informed tree selection to improve bird foraging in managed ecosystems or potential negative implications to bird populations of forest-composition shifts due to climate change. Applying this information to habitat restoration will enable land managers to better support avian populations by planting trees that best support foraging substrates for insectivorous birds in managed ecosystems.
Automated production of traditional proofs for theorems in Euclidean geometry I. The Hilbert intersection point theorems

We present a method which can produce traditional proofs for a class of constructive geometry statements in Euclidean geometry. The method is a mechanization of the traditional area method used by many geometers. The key idea of our method is to eliminate dependent (constructed) points in a geometry statement using a few basic geometry propositions about the area of triangles. The method has been implemented. Our program, calledEuclid, can produce traditional proofs of many hard geometry theorems such as Pappus' theorem, Pascal's theorem, Gauss point theorem, and the Pascal conic theorem. Currently, it has produced proofs of 110 nontrivial theoremsentirely automatically. The proofs produced byEuclid are elegant, short (often shorter than the proofs given by geometers) and understandable even to high school students. This method seems to be the first that can produce traditional proofs for hard geometry theorems automatically.
Regeneration of Bone

The term bone regeneration is used either to describe bone repair or, more accurately, to describe bone formation in sites at which bone would not normally be expected to reform such as avulsion or amputation. Induced regeneration of bone is becoming one of the major success stories of biomedical research. Keywords: regeneration; bone replacement; growth factors; osteogenesis; bone remodelling; bone growth
Spectral estimation for magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging with spatial sparsity constraints

This paper addresses the long-standing spectral quantitation problem in magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). Although a large body of work has been done to develop robust solutions to the problem for practical MRSI applications, the problem remains challenging due to low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and model nonlinearity. Building on the existing work on the use of prior knowledge (in the form of spectral basis) for spectral estimation, this paper reformulates spectral quantitation as a joint estimation problem, and utilizes a regularization framework to enforce spatial constraints (e.g., spatial smoothness or transform sparsity) on the spectral parameters. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method, by exploiting both the spatial and spectral characteristics of the underlying signals, can significantly improve the estimation accuracy of the spectral parameters over state-of-the-art methods.
Hydration of macromolecules. II. Effects of urea on protein hydration.

Abstract When protein solutions are frozen, a relatively narrow proton magnetic resonance signal can be detected at −25 °. This signal is attributed to “bound” water. Low concentrations (ca. 1 m ) of urea and certain substituted ureas alter this signal, increasing the observed line width markedly and increasing the area by 10%. Evidence is offered that this signal is still primarily from water protons. No urea resonances are observed. The changes in the water signal are thought to be caused by denaturation of the protein. Approximately 1 urea/10 amino acids is sufficient to cause 50% denaturation of bovine serum albumin in the frozen solution. The PMR results are most consistent with a weak binding mechanism for urea action.
Ultrahigh-Resolution Spectroscopy: Photon Echoes in YAlO 3 : Pr 3+ and LaF 3 : Pr 3+

By using a new, delayed-heterodyne photon-echo technique, we have obtained a spectral resolving power of 1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$, measuring a 2.0-kHz linewidth (half width at half maximum) for the 6105-\AA{} $^{1}D_{2}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}^{3}H_{4}$ transition of YAl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$: ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ in an external magnetic field. This appears to be the highest resolution ever obtained in optical spectroscopy. Measurements were also made on the corresponding transition of La${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$: ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ giving a linewidth of 5 kHz. Optical free induction decay gave incorrect results (i.e., significantly broader linewidths).
The Illogical and Sexist QTIP Provisions: I Just Can't Say it Ain't so

Professor Zelenak and I agree on one half of my thesis: that the QTIP provisions are illogical and do not serve their purported policy goal. They were based on the premise that a married couple acts as a unit about "their" property and, quite obviously, they were motivated by the fear that in fact husband and wife do not. However, he disagrees with the other half of my thesis: that the QTIP provisions are degrading to women, sexist, and financially a bad deal for widows. While he would like to separate these two ideas, the sexism of the statute is, to a large degree, intertwined with its illogic. The QTIP provisions are degrading to women and sexist for two reasons: (1) they treat women as the invisible member of a marital unit; and (2) they implicitly equate giving an income interest to women with giving them the property itself. The article elaborates on the author's disagreement with Professor Zelenak.
Morphology and structure of the Lomonosov Ridge, Arctic Ocean

The Lomonosov Ridge is a band of continental crust that stretches across the Arctic Ocean and separates the Mesozoic Amerasian Basin from the Cenozoic Eurasian Basin. From about 87°N north of Greenland across the Pole to about 86°N, the Lomonosov Ridge is a single highstanding blocky ridge with minimum depths of ∼950–1400 m. South of 86°N on the Siberian side, the ridge breaks up into a series of ridges spread over a width of about 200 km. In this region a highstanding blocky ridge with minimum depths of ∼650–1400 m bounds the Eurasian Basin and continues to the Siberian continental margin. This ridge is continuous with the single ridge making up the Lomonosov Ridge toward North America and is the former outermost continental shelf of Eurasia bounding the Amerasian Basin. The Eurasian Basin margin of the Lomonosov Ridge consists of a series of rotated fault blocks stepping down to the basin that result from nearly orthogonal rifting to form the Eurasian Basin. No rotated fault blocks are observed on the Amerasian Basin margin of the Lomonosov Ridge. On the Amerasian Basin side, Marvin Spur, a linear ridge separated from Lomonosov Ridge by a deep basin, parallels Lomonosov Ridge on the North American side of the pole. At the bend in the Lomonosov Ridge near the North Pole, Marvin Spur continues along strike across the Makarov Basin. South of 86°N toward Siberia, a continuous outer ridge makes up the Amerasian Basin edge of the Lomonosov complex with a series of basins and ridges between it and the former Eurasian shelf. The outer ridge marks an abrupt boundary between the Lomonosov Ridge complex and the apparently oceanic crust of the Makarov Basin. The outer ridge and Marvin Spur very closely follow small circles about a pole located on the Mackenzie delta. The observed structure on the Amerasian Basin side of the Lomonosov Ridge is analogous to that observed at well-studied shear margins and supports rotational models for the development of the Amerasian Basin.
A new method of constructing symmetry-adapted linear combinations for a finite group: II. Correspondence theorem and basis operators

Abstract A correspondence theorem is introduced to describe the relation between an elementary basis function and a symmetry-adapted linear combination belonging to the same irreducible representation of a point group. By means of basis operators, the general expressions are given for the symmetry-adapted linear combinations, the coupling coefficients, the lattice harmonics and the hybrid atomic orbitals. Illustrative examples are discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the formalism.
The Torts History Scholarship of Gary Schwartz: A Commentary

This paper examines the historical scholarship of Gary Schwartz, spanning the industrial revolution to the late twentieth century. Schwartz sought to address a cluster of related questions. In particular, he inquired, how prominent are the strands of strict liability and negligence in the development of liability for accidental harm? And what does socioeconomic context provide in the way of explanation for the contours of accident law? And finally, what does the intellectual and political climate of the times contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of tort law? In this essay, I will expand on these themes, before offering my own critique of Schwartz's views. Schwartz set out to show that the fault principle had far deeper historical roots, both before and during the Industrial Revolution, than prominent tort scholars recognized - and correspondingly, that late twentieth century tort law developments in many ways reinvigorated the judicial impulse towards a pervasive negligence system for unintentional harm. I will argue that Schwartz read the historical record correctly, for the most part. But that throughout the nineteenth century, and to a somewhat lesser extent, in the twentieth century as well, the fault principle appears less robust than his reading would suggest when assessed in the context of a wide array of no-duty and limited-duty rules that he never felt entirely comfortable embracing.
Sustainability: What Does it Mean for the Operations Manager?

This study discusses the broad concept of sustainability using several viewpoints to identify the best approach to adopt it in business operations. Starting from the grand perspective adopted by the United Nations and other governmental organizations, it presents sustainability as a business policy grounded on the triple bottom line. Performance measures and continuous improvement are introduced as the components necessary to translate sustainable corporate strategy into sustainable operations, using an integrated quality, environmental and safety management system.
Bioethics and international human rights.

Increasingly, the world seems to shrink due to our ever-expanding technological and communication capacities. Correspondingly, our awareness of other cultures increases. This is especially true in the field of bioethics because the technological progress of medicine throughout the world is causing dramatic and challenging intersections with traditionally held values. Think of the use of pregnancy monitoring technologies like ultrasound to abort fetuses of the “wrong” sex in India (where a female's dowry can be a tremendous burden to the family), the sale of human organs in and between countries, or the disjunction between the haves and the have-nots in South America when it comes to bone marrow transplants, while thousands of other children die for want of fundamental goods and services like clean water, basic inoculations, and food itself.
The program summary graph and flow-sensitive interprocedual data flow analysis

This paper discusses a method for interprocedural data flow analysis which is powerful enough to express flowsensitive problems but fast enough to apply to very large programs. While such information could be applied toward standard program optimizations, the research described here is directed toward software tools for parallel programming, in which it is crucial. Many of the recent “supercomputers” can be roughly characterized as shared memory multi-processors. These include top-of-the-line systems from Cray Research and IBM, as well as multi-processor computers developed and successfully marketed by many younger companies. Development of efficient, correct programs on these machines presents new challenges to the designers of compilers, debuggers, and programming environments. Powerful analysis mechanisms have been developed for understanding the structure of programs. One such mechanism, data dependence analysis, has been evolving for many years. The product of data dependence analysis is a dota dependence gmph, a directed multi-graph that describes the interactions of program components through shared memory. Such a graph has been shown useful for a variety of applications from vectorization and parallelization to compiler management of locality. Another application of the data dependence graph is as an aid to static debugging of parallel programs. PTOOL [4] is a software system developed at Rice University to help programmers understand parallel programs. It is within this context that we at Rice have learned of the importance of interprocedural data flow analysis. I will briefly describe the PTOOL system and explain the kind of interprocedural information valuable in such an environment. PTOOL is designed to help locate interactions between
The winding number of three complexes in SU(3)

Abstract The Phillip-Stone algorithm for the topological charge of a lattice gauge field requires the computation of the winding number of certain 3-complexes in the space of the group. The extension of the computational procedure for the SU(2) gauge group to SU(3) requires an understanding of the SU(3) geometry. An important issue is the behavior of a 3-cell in SU(3) as it approaches a critical configuration, i.e., one at which the cell is a discontinuous function of its vertices. A measure of the proximity of a cell to critically is found and a method for computing its contribution to the winding number is recommended.
First-Trimester Risk Assessment: Twin Gestations

OBJECTIVE To determine the role of first-trimester screening in multiple gestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review of the literature revealed numerous studies in this area. However, most of the studies involved first-trimester singleton pregnancies. RESULTS The few studies that reviewed the experience with multiple gestations demonstrated feasibility of this technique. However, the detection rate for twin gestations was less than that of singleton gestations. CONCLUSION Although the data support the value of screening twins with biochemistry and ultrasound in the first trimester, further study is necessary to determine the most sensitive method.
Voodoo forecasting: Technical, political and ethical issues regarding the projection of local population growth

The case of an energy production community in Colorado is used to illustrate a) the great need for reliable subnational population forecasts, especially in communities expecting rapid population growth, and b) why such projections, as currently performed, cannot be reliable. Explanations for failure in forecasting are found in the methods themselves, the unavailability and unreliability of key data, politics, and the intrusion of the designers' and users' values into the forecasting models. As one solution it is proposed that forecasting be reconceptualized from a technical to an ethical issue and that it be based upon an active rather than a passive planning/forecasting philosophy. As such, the community and industry would set a desired, realistic goal, and forecasting models would be run backwards to determine the economic-demographic paths by which this goal could be achieved.
Analysis of the Reconstruction of Rail Geometry from Curvature Data

The reconstruction of rail geometry from measured curvature data is analyzed. The mathematical concept of curvature is developed and utilized in numerical integration of differential equations describing the rail path. Formulas are derived for various chord-displacement methods of measuring curvature and for their measurement response functions. The reconstruction of rail shapes is demonstrated by means of computer simulation, and the effects of measurement response and measurement error are analyzed. Accuracies are compared with those that might be obtained with accelerometer devices used to measure curvature. The techniques and results can be applied to the design of practical rail measurement systems.
The bail-in problem: systematic goals, ad hoc means

Abstract In this paper we analyze recent efforts of the international financial institutions to limit the moral hazard created by their assistance to crisis countries. We question the wisdom of the case-by-case approach taken in Pakistan, Ecuador, Romania and Ukraine. We show that because default and restructuring are painful and costly, it is simply not time consistent for the IFIs to plan to stand aside if the markets refuse to roll over maturing claims, restructure problem debts, or provide new money. Because these realities create an incentive to disburse even if investors fail to comply, the IFIs are then placed in the position of having to back down on their previous conditionality, which undermines their credibility. And since investors are aware of these facts, their behavior is unlikely to be modified by the IFIs’ less-than-credible statements of intent. Hence, this approach to “bailing in the private sector” will not work. Fortunately, there is an alternative: introducing collective-action clauses into loan agreements. This, and not ad hoc efforts to bail in the private sector, is the forward-looking solution to the moral hazard problem.
Viewpoint: experimental recovery of geometrically necessary dislocation density in polycrystals

Abstract Application of electron backscattering diffraction methods to recover estimates of the geometrically necessary dislocation density is described. The limitations of the method arising from the opacity of crystalline materials and the spatial and angular resolution limits are discussed.
Characterization of toxic components in the effluents from a refuse-fired incinerator☆

Abstract Samples of stack effluents collected during July and August 1979 from a RDF-fueled incinerator have been analyzed for chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs) and chlorodibenzofurans (CDFs). Using ultrasensitive, highly specific analytical methodology developed in this laboratory, CDDs, in particular, tetra-chlorodi-benzo-p-dioxins (TCDDs), and CDFs were readily quantitated in extracts of the effluent samples. More elaborate analyses were accomplished in order to determine the concentrations of individual TCDD isomers in the samples. Most, if not all, of the 22 TCDD isomers are apparently present in the stack effluents, but 1,3,6,8-TCDD appears to be the major isomer constitutent.
Processing and Characterization of Nanosilver Pastes for Die-Attaching SiC Devices

Screen/stencil-printable nanosilver pastes were processed and characterized for die-attaching SiC devices. The nanosilver pastes were made by mixing silver particles in diameter with an organic binder vehicle. For the die-attachment, the nanosilver pastes were printed onto silver-coated or gold-coated direct-bond-copper (DBC) substrates. After die-attaching the SiC devices, the assemblies were heated to 300 with a 40-min dwell time to develop bonding up to 40 MPa on the silver-coated substrates, which was comparable to that of the Pb37Sn63 solder die-attachment. Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) of the sintered silver die-attachment did not reveal any detectable voids, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the presence of uniformly distributed microscale pores. Because of the porous microstructure of the sintered silver and its low apparent elastic modulus, it could help relieve thermomechanical stresses in the die-attachment assembly. Finally, since silver die-attachment is almost pure in constituent (>99%), the die-attachment could enable packaging of wide bandgap semiconductors devices, such as SiC or GaN, for high-temperature operation.
Rotation for large deformation using a spherical basis

Abstract We present a model calculation for N identical valence nucleons moving in a pure i 12 2 orbital about a strongly deformed core. The calculation is done in the lab frame for all N. Backbending and decoupled bands emerge for various N-values. The B(E2) values and static quadropole moments are also calculated within this framework.
On the solution of Polyakov's ansatz

Abstract I show that the functional differential equations for conserved currents in loop space are consistent with the integrability condition.
Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

Abstract An understanding of normal acid–base physiology, and accurate interpretation of arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements, is important for diagnosis and guiding appropriate therapy of acid–base disorders.
Continuous automated sampling of tidal exchanges of nutrients by Brackish Marshes

Abstract Automated instruments were used to measure tidal exchanges of materials at two brackish marshes of differing elevation. The instruments, located at the mouths of the tidal creeks draining the marshes, measured depth and tidal current velocity, and pumped water samples in volumes proportional to flow. Separate composite samples of flood and ebb water were collected weekly for about two-thirds of the weeks throughout a 2–3-year period and analysed for orthophosphate (PO 4 3− ), total organic P (TOP), ammonium (NH 4 + ), nitrate plus nitrite (NO 3 − ), total organic N (TON), total organic C (TOC), and total suspended particles (TSP). Exchanges of these materials differed for the two marshes. At the lower elevation marsh, the largest net flux was an import of TON, but TON was exported by the high marsh. The low marsh also imported TOP, NO 3 − , and TSP, but there were no significant exchanges of these materials at the high marsh. The largest net flux at the high marsh was an export of TOC, but there was no significant net exchange of TOC at the low marsh. Both marshes exported NH 4 + . At the low marsh the tidal exchange of PO 4 3− and NH 4 + differed among years, with PO 4 3− exchange differing in direction as well as magnitude. In general, the high marsh was more prone to export materials, especially organic N and C, while the low marsh was more dominated by deposition and tended to import materials. Compared to manual techniques previously used to measure tidal exchanges, automated sampling permits lower-cost observations of many more tidal cycles, including observations during episodic storms or extreme tides. Although strong effects of such episodic events were not detected by the weekly composite sampling used here, the inclusion of such events in the sampling probably increases the accuracy of estimates of average tidal exchanges.
Paleomagnetic evidence for Neogene clockwise tectonic rotations in the central Mojave Desert, California

Paleomagnetic directions from early Miocene volcanic flows indicate that a large part of the central Mojave Desert has been tectonically rotated. Stratigraphic relations and isotopic ages suggest that two separate clockwise rotations have occurred. An early Miocene rotation of 50° ±15.6° is coincident in time and space with opening of the Daggett extensional terrane. A post-early Miocene rotation of 30° to 50° may have affected the Alvord Mountains and the immediate vicinity.
Determining identifiable parameter combinations using subset profiling

Identifiability is a necessary condition for successful parameter estimation of dynamic system models. A major component of identifiability analysis is determining the identifiable parameter combinations, the functional forms for the dependencies between unidentifiable parameters. Identifiable combinations can help in model reparameterization and also in determining which parameters may be experimentally measured to recover model identifiability. Several numerical approaches to determining identifiability of differential equation models have been developed, however the question of determining identifiable combinations remains incompletely addressed. In this paper, we present a new approach which uses parameter subset selection methods based on the Fisher Information Matrix, together with the profile likelihood, to effectively estimate identifiable combinations. We demonstrate this approach on several example models in pharmacokinetics, cellular biology, and physiology.
Style-independent document labeling: design and performance evaluation

The Medical Article Records System or MARS has been developed at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) for automated data entry of bibliographical information from medical journals into MEDLINE, the premier bibliographic citation database at NLM. Currently, a rule-based algorithm (called ZoneCzar) is used for labeling important bibliographical fields (title, author, affiliation, and abstract) on medical journal article page images. While rules have been created for medical journals with regular layout types, new rules have to be manually created for any input journals with arbitrary or new layout types. Therefore, it is of interest to label any journal articles independent of their layout styles. In this paper, we first describe a system (called ZoneMatch) for automated generation of crucial geometric and non-geometric features of important bibliographical fields based on string-matching and clustering techniques. The rule based algorithm is then modified to use these features to perform style-independent labeling. We then describe a performance evaluation method for quantitatively evaluating our algorithm and characterizing its error distributions. Experimental results show that the labeling performance of the rule-based algorithm is significantly improved when the generated features are used.
Mitigating IPMC Back-Relaxation Effect Through Controlled Activation of Patterned Electrodes

With low driving voltage (<5V) and the ability to be operated in aqueous environments, ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) materials are quickly gaining attention for use in underwater applications. There are, however, drawbacks to IPMCs, including the “back relaxation” effect. Specifically, when subjected to a DC input (or an excessively slow dynamic input), the IPMC actuator will slowly relax back toward its original position. There is debate over the physical mechanism of back relaxation, although one prevalent theory describes an initial current, caused by the electrostatic forces of the charging electrodes, which drives water molecules across the ion-exchange membrane and deforms the IPMC. Once the electrodes are fully charged, however, the dominant element of the motion is the osmotic pressure, driving the water molecules back to equilibrium, thus causing back relaxation. A new method to mitigate back relaxation is proposed, taking advantage of controlled activation of patterned (sectored) electrodes on the IPMC. Whereas previous approaches to correct back relaxation rested on an increase of input voltage which can lead to electrolysis, subsequently damaging the material, this method involves only proper control of isolated electrodes to compensate for the back relaxation and does not require sensor feedback. An electromechanical model of the actuator is used to guide the design of these input signals, and the feasibility of using electrode patterning to mitigate back relaxation is demonstrated. Without reaching electrolysis, an IPMC is able to maintain its position for approximately 30 seconds. Compared to a simple step response, the rate of relaxation is reduced by 94% and the maximum error is reduced by 64%.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Insight into demand response and photovoltaic source with Time of Day pricing

Many utilities are offering or plan to offer customers an option between standard and “Time-of-Day” (ToD) rates for electricity. Standard rates provide a flat rate for energy while the ToD rates are tiered. ToD rates are typically less than the standard rate during off-peak times and higher than the standard rate at peak times. This pricing structure can incentivize demand response (DR) and integration of photovoltaic (PV) generation. DR can shift energy consumption to off-peak times and PV generation typically coincides with peak rates. ToD pricing has the potential to reduce energy costs with DR and facilitate integration of PV energy sources. This paper presents results of a study on integrating a form of demand response and photovoltaic generation with ToD pricing. An example is presented on a residential home located in New York City Suburbs. Our findings for this example show that ToD pricing can be beneficial for customers that engage in Demand Response, however, nominal benefits are seen in conjunction with Photovoltaic energy sources.
ACP Journal Club. Review: pregabalin reduces chronic neuropathic pain in adults.

Source Citation Moore RA, Straube S, Wiffen PJ, Derry S, McQuay HJ. Pregabalin for acute and chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(3):CD007076. 19588419
Automatic registration of misaligned CT attenuation correction maps in Rb-82 PET/CT improves detection of angiographically significant coronary artery disease

We aimed to evaluate the utility of fully automated software registration intended to improve CT attenuation correction (CTAC) map misalignments during cardiac 82Rb PET/CT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). 171 consecutive patients (108 males, mean age 69 years), undergoing both rest-stress 82Rb PET/CT MPI and invasive coronary angiography within 6 months (mean 14 days, range 0-170), were studied. List mode data were automatically processed in batch mode to generate transaxial attenuation corrected slices with four different CTAC alignment correction strategies: (i) no alignment correction (NONE); (ii) manual correction (MANUAL); (iii) automated 6-parameter rigid correction (AUTO); and (iv) targeted use of automated correction only where PET-CTAC alignment was initially judged as incorrect on either stress or rest scan (AUTO for misalignment only). Initial and final registration quality was graded (1-3) by an experienced radiologist (1: satisfactory alignment ( 5 mm misalignment in any direction). Total perfusion deficit (TPD) and ischemic TPD (ITPD) were computed automatically, and their diagnostic accuracy to detect significant coronary artery disease with each realignment technique was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of ITPD, expressed as area under curve, was .81 ± .03 with no alignment correction (NONE), .83 ± .03 with MANUAL correction, .85 ± .03 with AUTO correction (P < .05 vs. NONE and MANUAL), and .87 ± .03 with the targeted use of AUTO correction (P < .05 vs. NONE, MANUAL and AUTO). Both manual and software corrections increased the percentage of cases with satisfactory PET-CTAC map alignment (P < .05 for all) at rest (from 55% for NONE to 80% for MANUAL and 92% for AUTO) and at stress (from 51% for NONE to 78% for MANUAL and 84% for AUTO). The diagnostic accuracy of 82Rb PET/CT MPI with automated rigid alignment is improved compared to data with no CTAC scan alignment or with manual alignment. The optimal strategy for diagnostic performance is to apply automatic alignment only in cases which are visually identified as misaligned.
Dynamic Human-Centered Communication Systems Theory

This article introduces Dynamic Human-Centered Communication Systems Theory DHCCST, defining communication as a complex dynamic system consisting of a human, a message, a medium, and a location. An argument is made that all elements of the system should be defined from a human centric viewpoint. The article reconceptualizes humans as evolved, embedded, embodied brains EEEBs. Media are reconceptualized as brain-like creatures BLCs. Communication is defined as the interaction of one or more EEEBs with other EEEBs or with BLCs. Medium of carriage and encoding system are reconceptualized along continua ranging from evolved to man-made. Examples of hypotheses arising from DHCCST are presented and some theories and effects are reinterpreted using this new perspective.
Breaking barriers to transcription elongation.

Recent studies have challenged the view that transcription is predominantly regulated at the level of RNA polymerase II recruitment to promoters. Transcription is also regulated at the level of elongation by factors that act directly upon RNA polymerase II or that manipulate the chromatin environment. Hundreds of protein factors participate in transcription and its regulation in eukaryotes. Many of these proteins regulate specific genes by targeting upstream promoter regions, whereas a smaller but mechanistically diverse set of factors functions at most genes during RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation. These elongation factors can affect mRNA production at particular stages and in different ways during transcription. Some factors act directly on Pol II, whereas others manipulate the chromatin environment.
Loops and bulge/loops in iron-responsive element isoforms influence iron regulatory protein binding. Fine-tuning of mRNA regulation?

A family of noncoding mRNA sequences, iron-responsive elements (IREs), coordinately regulate several mRNAs through binding a family of mRNA-specific proteins, iron regulatory proteins (IRPs). IREs are hairpins with a constant terminal loop and base-paired stems interrupted by an internal loop/bulge (in ferritin mRNA) or a C-bulge (in m-aconitase, erythroid aminolevulinate synthase, and transferrin receptor mRNAs). IRP2 binding requires the conserved C-G base pair in the terminal loop, whereas IRP1 binding occurs with the C-G or engineered U-A. Here we show the contribution of the IRE internal loop/bulge to IRP2 binding by comparing natural and engineered IRE variants. Conversion of the internal loop/bulge in the ferritin-IRE to a C-bulge, by deletion of U, decreased IRP2 binding by >95%, whereas IRP1 binding changed only 13%. Moreover, IRP2 binding to natural IREs with the C-bulge was similar to the ΔU6 ferritin-IRE: >90% lower than the ferritin-IRE. The results predict mRNA-specific variation in IRE-dependent regulation in vivo and may relate to previously observed differences in iron-induced ferritin and m-aconitase synthesis in liver and cultured cells. Variations in IRE structure and cellular IRP1/IRP2 ratios can provide a range of finely tuned, mRNA-specific responses to the same (iron) signal.
Anti-cytokine treatment in patients with chronic heart failure--a clinical approach.

The article ‘‘The changes of circulating tumor circulating TNFa concentrations which was accomnecrosis factor levels in patients with congestive heart panied by improvement of NYHA functional class. failure influenced by therapy’’ by Liu et al. [1] in Vol. Although this study follows a straightforward clinical 69 of the Int J Cardiol touches a very important approach, I do have some concerns about the clinical aspect of current research in the field of chronic heart relevance and conclusion. failure (CHF), particularly of whether blockade of Firstly, if both therapies were to have cytokine TNFa’s biological action leads to improved cardiac suppressing effects, one would expect trends towards performance and of whether anti-cytokine treatment lower TNFa concentrations in both groups B (PDE-I is applicable as an adjuvant therapeutic option in but no ACE-I) and C (ACE-I plus dobutamine but no CHF patients. The paper by Liu et al. [1] is in PDE-I). This has been observed but, unfortunately, keeping with this approach and lends support to a precise p-values have not been given. Comparing the growing number of anti-cytokine directed investigacytokine values of all 3 groups by mean6SD, the tions. As shown previously, inhibitors of the phosdocumented p-value of group A (PDE-I plus ACE-I) phodiesterase (PDE-I) can suppress cytokine release in comparison to B and C is questionable. The in vitro and in vivo in humans [2,3]. However, authors did not comment on the statistics that had long-term treatment with PDE-I has been linked to been used for repeated measures. increased mortality in CHF patients [4], thereby As all patients were hospitalised (NYHA III or IV) limiting their application to acute interventions in and partly had a need for dobutamine, this raises the decompensated CHF only. On the other hand, inquestion of whether all patients were stable at study hibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEentry. In fact, this would have significant impact on I) improve survival [5]. In order to sufficiently cytokine concentrations as referred to by the authors suppress cytokines in vitro, however, high non-physand others [7]. In this respect, changes in body iological doses were required [6]. weight and kidney function over time (differentiated The main finding of the study by Liu et al. [1] is according to the 3 treatment strategies) could indicate that combined, non-specific anti-cytokine treatment correction of body fluid. It also could give some consisting of ACE-I and PDE-I significantly reduced explanation for the improved functional class in all 3 patient groups irrespective of treatment (numbers and p-values not given) and the general decline of TNFa *Tel.: 144-171-351-8127; fax: 144-0171-351-8733. E-mail address: m.rauchhaus@.ic.ac.uk (M. Rauchhaus) concentrations in the total study population after
CMOS image sensor array for surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy

A novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor system using CMOS image sensor array is proposed in this paper. Recently, a simple SPR system was proposed by the author, which achieved high resolution and fast response time using a bi-cell photo-detector. However it requires mechanical adjustment process to balance two signals of the bi-cell before measurement. It requires not only additional time but also additional mechanical control unit, which is a source of the noise. It also suffers from the small linear range. The proposed method chooses a pixel as the center from many pixels, which gives the most balance of bi-cell signal. Therefore no mechanical adjustment is required. The method also overcomes the small linear range problem by switching the center adaptively during the test. Furthermore, it has several advantages of CMOS image sensor such as low cost, low power, and on-chip functionality, which makes the proposed SPR sensor system be a good candidate for field applications. A prototype CMOS image sensor chip with 12bits analog to digital converter is designed and fabricated with 0.5um AMI CMOS technology.
Complicated emergent endovascular repair of a life-threatening bilateral internal jugular vein occlusion.

A 62-year-old woman had painful facial swelling that progressed to extensive periorbital and perioral edema with loss of vision, hearing, and consciousness. Her past surgical history was significant for right radical neck dissection including internal jugular vein (IJV) resection, laryngectomy, partial esophagectomy, tracheoesophageal fistula repair, and tracheostomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. In addition, the patient had received radiation therapy to the neck. A venogram revealed occlusion of the left IJV. A guidewire from the femoral vein was passed through the occluded segment; however, attempts to introduce an angioplasty balloon failed. A percutaneous basilic vein approach allowed passage of a dilator sheath over a guidewire, thereby enabling Wallstent deployment across the IJV occlusion. A second Wallstent was inserted across a stenosis in the brachiocephalic vein; however, this second stent reoccluded the IJV. Surgical removal of the second Wallstent was required through a segmental claviculectomy and venotomy. Patency was restored in the IJV and the brachiocephalic vein with the return of baseline neurologic function. This case demonstrates a complicated emergent endovascular repair of a life-threatening IJV occlusion that required surgical salvage. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:397-401.)
Bowers Swell : evidence for a zone of compressive deformation concentric with Bowers Ridge, Bering Sea

Abstract Bowers Swell is a newly discovered bathymetric feature which is up to 90 m high, between 12 and 20 km wide, and which extends arcuately about 400 km along the northern and eastern sides of Bowers Ridge. The swell was first revealed on GLORIA sonographs and subsequently mapped on seismic reflection and 3.5 kHz bathymetric profiles. These geophysical data show that the swell caps an arcuate anticlinal ridge, which is composed of deformed strata in an ancient trench on the northern and eastern sides of Bowers Ridge. The trench fill beneath the swell is actively deforming, as shown by faulting of the sea floor and by thinning of the strata across the crest of the swell. Thinning and faulting of the trench strata preclude an origin for the swell by simple sediment draping over an older basement high. We considered several models for the origin of Bowers Swell, including folding and uplift of the underlying trench sediment during the interaction between the Pacific plate beneath the Aleutian Ridge and a remnant oceanic slab beneath Bowers Ridge. However, such plate motions should generate extensive seismicity beneath Bowers Ridge, which is aseismic, and refraction data do not show any remnant slab beneath Bowers Ridge. Another origin considered for Bowers Swell invokes sediment deformation resulting from differential loading and diapirism in the trench fill. However, diapirism is not evident on seismic reflection profiles across the swell. We favour a model in which sediment deformation and swell formation resulted from a few tens of kilometers of low seismicity motion by intraplate crustal blocks beneath the Aleutian Basin. This motion may result from the translation of blocks in western Alaska to the south-west, forcing the movement of the Bering Sea margin west of Alaska into the abyssal Aleutian Basin.
Heterogeneity-induced large deviations in activity and (in some cases) entropy production

We solve a simple model that supports a dynamic phase transition and show conditions for the existence of the transition. Using methods of large deviation theory we analytically compute the probability distribution for activity and entropy production rates of the trajectories on a large ring with a single heterogeneous link. The corresponding joint rate function demonstrates two dynamical phases---one localized and the other delocalized, but the marginal rate functions do not always exhibit the underlying transition. Symmetries in dynamic order parameters influence the observation of a transition, such that distributions for certain dynamic order parameters need not reveal an underlying dynamical bistability. Solution of our model system furthermore yields the form of the effective Markov transition matrices that generate dynamics in which the two dynamical phases are at coexistence. We discuss the implications of the transition for the response of bacterial cells to antibiotic treatment, arguing that even simple models of a cell cycle lacking an explicit bistability in configuration space will exhibit a bistability of dynamical phases.
Group therapy with the multiply oppressed: Treating Latino, HIV-infected injecting drug users

The Latino community in New York City and across the country is disproportionally represented in the AIDS epidemic. This article explores the impact of multiply oppressed group membership on the psychotherapeutic group treatment of Latino, HIV-infected injecting drug users. The interaction of traditional Latino values with injecting drug user and seropositive identities is described. Clinical examples drawn from a bilingual group held in a methadone maintenance clinic in the South Bronx highlight how oppressed group memberships affect Yalom's curative factors.