cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peak flow meters in childhood asthma: parent report of use and perceived usefulness.

Abstract Introduction: Peak flow meters (PFMs) in children with moderate to severe asthma have been used to monitor changes in asthma status and inform treatment decisions. However, their usefulness and the likelihood of their long-term use by families remains controversial. Methods: One hundred sixty-eight children ages 6 to 19 years were enrolled in a longitudinal randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of 3 different intensities of symptom monitoring on diverse clinical outcomes: subjective symptom monitoring, symptom-time PFM monitoring, and daily PFM monitoring. Results: At 3 months after the intervention, 90% of parents and 82% of children surveyed perceived a benefit to the monitoring method taught, regardless of group assignment. Ninety-three percent of parents but only 71% of children planned to continue that method. At 1 year after exiting from the study, 69% continued to use a PFM; 30% had discontinued use. No group differences existed in frequency of PFM use between symptom-time and daily users (x = 4.36 vs x = 4.31 times per month). Predictors of continued PFM use included greater frequency of symptoms and younger age. Those discontinuing use believed that it added no additional information to assist in management, using it was a chore/burden, it was not available when needed, and the child's asthma had improved. Discussion: Families will probably use a PFM to inform management during symptomatic times. Daily use is not perceived as useful by most families and is likely to be an unrealistic expectation for most children. J Pediatr Health Care. (2002). 16, 67-72.
Optical processor for the very large array (VLA) radiotelescope. Encoding-dependent errors.

An optical Fourier transform processor converts visibility data at its input to a sky brightness function at its output. Scattered light and spurious terms resulting from the method of encoding the complex visibility function as a real-valued and nonnegative transmittance result in errors in the processor output. In this paper, we discuss the degree to which each of these undesired terms degrades the signal-to-noise ratio of the output for different encoding methods and classes of images. We suggest alternative methods of encoding the input that greatly reduce the errors. Two particularly powerful methods of minimizing noise are "complementary weighting" and "bias equalization". Two data dependent parameters are found to be most important: (1) the ratio of the mean-squared visibility magnitude to the square of its maximum, and (2) the ratio of the squared maximum of the brightness function to its mean squared value.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use of Geographically Weighted Regression Model for Exploring Spatial Patterns and Local Factors Behind NDVI-Precipitation Correlation

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)-precipitation correlation has long been studied. In previous studies, the correlation was usually based on global regression model, which assumed such correlation be constant across the space. However, NDVI-precipitation correlation is spatially dependent and affected by local factors (e.g., soil background). In this paper, geographically weighted regression model is utilized to analyze the NDVI-precipitation correlation on three land use types (i.e., 1) grassland, 2) fallow/idle land, and 3) winter wheat land) within U.S. central great plain area. Results suggest that geographically weighted regression model has better performances than global regression models. Specifically, higher average ${{\rm R}^{2}}$ (0.81) and lower proportion (9%) of residuals with spatial autocorrelation has been achieved under geographically weighted regression in comparison with lower average ${{\rm R}^{2}}$ (0.68) and higher proportion (38%) of residual with spatial autocorrelation under global regression models. In addition, the spatially dependent correlation between NDVI and precipitation has been revealed with geographically weighted regression model. From the north to south, the increasing unit rate of NDVI’s change with precipitation has been found through spatially varying regression slopes. Moreover, local factors affecting NDVI-precipitation correlation, such as soil permeability and thickness, have been identified through analyzing the local goodness of fitting under geographically weighted regression model. In summary, unveiled spatial patterns of NDVI-precipitation correlation provide another perspective for studying correlations between NDVI and climatic factors. This work should also be helpful to better understand crop responses to precipitation in agricultural management.
Nafion as an efficient reaction medium for diastereoselective photochemical reactions

Abstract The ability of alkali ion exchanged Nafion interior to enhance the influence of chiral auxiliaries in photochemical reactions was examined with three independent asymmetric photoreactions, namely, photoisomerization of trans , trans -2,3-diphenylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid derivatives, electro-cyclization of 2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-1-acetic acid derivatives and oxa di-π methane rearrangement of 1,2-dihydro-2,2′-dimethylnapthalenone derivatives. Chiral auxiliaries that lead to 1:1 mixture of diastereomers in organic solvents yielded products in 5–21% diastereomeric excess when the photoreactions were carried out within the nanoclusters of alkali ion exchanged Nafion. The investigated systems also serve as probes to understand the mode of distribution of guest molecules within Nafion framework upon inclusion.
Heat Transport between Heat Reservoirs Mediated by Quantum Systems

We explore a model of heat transport between two heat reservoirs mediated by a quantum particle. The reservoirs are modeled as ensembles of harmonic modes linearly coupled to the mediator. The steady state heat current, as well as the thermal conductance are obtained for arbitrary coupling strength and will be analyzed for the cases of weak and strong coupling regimes. It is shown that the violation of the virial theorem – the imbalance between the average potential and kinetic energy of the mediator – can be considered as a measure of the coupling strength that takes into account all the relevant factors. The dependence of the thermal conductance on the coupling strength is non-monotonic and displays a maximum. Temperature dependence of the heat conductance may reach a plateau at intermediate temperatures, similar to the classical plateau at high temperatures. We will discuss the origin of Fourier’s law in a chain of macroscopically large, but finite subsystems coupled by the quantum mediators. We will also address the origin of the anomalously large heat current between the scanning tunneling microscope tip and the substrate in deep vacuum which was found in recent experiments.
'We Cannot Find Qualified Blacks': Faculty diversification programmes at South African universities

The racial and gender composition of faculty at historically White South African universities does not reflect the distribution of Blacks and women in the larger society. While historically White universities have invested some effort to diversify the racial composition of their students, they have not shown similar enthusiasm for faculty recruitment and employment programmes. This article examines policies and programmes at the University of Cape Town, an English-language university, and the University of Stellenbosch, an Afrikaans-language university, that have been implemented to diversify the racial composition of their faculty. The article specifically assesses two case studies, the Equal Opportunity Employment Policy at the University of Cape Town, and the Staff Broadening Policy at the University of Stellenbosch, to determine their underlying assumptions, their overall objectives, and their effectiveness in recruiting and retaining Black academics. The article concludes with an examination of affir...
Modeling and simulating a path planning and obstacle avoidance algorithm for an autonomous robotic vehicle

Path planning in robotics deals with developing the logic for the navigation of a robot. The implementation details of most previous algorithms are proprietary to specific organizations. The requirement of a customized strategy for collision free and concerted navigation of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) led to the activities of this research. As a part of this research an algorithm has been developed and visually simulated. The algorithm is evolutionary and capable of path planning for ATVs in the presence of completely known and newly-discovered obstacles. This algorithm helps the ATV model to maneuver in an open field in a specific pattern and avoid obstacles, if any, along its path. The algorithm is implemented and simulated using C and WINAPI. As a result, given the data of known obstacles and the field, the virtually-modeled ATV can maneuver in a systematic and optimum manner towards its goal by avoiding all the obstacles in its path.
National culture and national adoption and use of mobile telephony

The study investigates the effects of national culture on the five-year adoption growth rates of mobile telephones using both Hall's cultural classifications and Hofstede's multicultural framework. Results indicate that polychronic cultures are more conducive to the adoption of mobile telephones, as hypothesised. Individualism and uncertainty avoidance were also found to be negatively related to mobile adoption growth rates. Findings from the study provide insights into the role of national culture in explaining differences in the adoption rates and will help global marketers formulate more effective marketing and communication strategies by accommodating for cultural influences during the adoption/diffusion process.
Distributed Reconfiguration Strategies for Fault-Tolerant Multiprocessor Systems

In this paper, we investigate strategies for dynamically reconfiguring shared memory multiprocessor systems that are subject to common memory faults and unpredictable processor deaths. These strategies aim at determining a communication page, i.e., a page of common memory that can be used by a group of processors for storing crucial common resources such as global locks for synchronization and global data structures for voting algorithms. To ensure system reliability, the reconfiguration strategies must be distributed so that each processor independently arrives at exactly the same choice. This type of reconfiguration strategy is currently used in the STAGE operating system on the PLURIBUS multiprocessor [5]. We analyze the weak points of the PLURIBUS algorithm and examine alternative strategies satisfying optimization criteria such as maximization of the number of processors and the number of common memory pages in the reconfigured system. We also present a general distributed algorithm which enables the processors in such a system to exchange the local information that is needed to reach a consensus on system reconfiguration.
The IBM RISC System/6000 processor: hardware overview

A highly concurrent superscalar second-generation family of RISC workstations and servers is described. The RISC System/6000 family is based on the new IBM POWER (performance optimization with enhanced RISC) architecture; the hardware implementation takes advantage of this powerful RISC architecture and employs sophisticated design techniques to achieve a short cycle time and a low cycles-per-instruction (CPI) ratio. The RS/6000 CPU features multiple-instruction dispatch, multiple functional units that operate concurrently, separate instruction and data caches, and zero-cycle branches. In this superscalar implementation, at a given cycle the equivalent of five operations can be executed simultaneously ( a branch, a condition-register operation, and a floating-point multiply-add).
Toward Systems of Opportunity: How to Cap Pipelines to Prisons in Schools

Current research quantifies the existence of the cradle to prison pipeline or the schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline (Children's Defense Fund, 2007; Fuentes, 2011; Mincy, 2006; Urban League, 2007). ...
The effect of post-injury spinal position on canal occlusion in a cervical spine burst fracture model

STUDY DESIGN The canal space of burst-fractured, human cervical spine specimens was monitored to determine the extent to which spinal position affected post-injury occlusion. OBJECTIVE To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in spinal canal occlusion as a function of spinal positioning for a burst-fractured cervical spine model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Although previous studies have documented the effect of spinal positioning on canal geometry in intact cadaver spines, to the authors' knowledge, none has examined this relationship specifically in a burst fracture model. METHODS Eight human cervical spine specimens (levels C1 to T3) were fractured by axial impact, and the resulting burst injuries were documented using post-injury radiographs and computed tomography scans. Canal occlusion was measured using a custom transducer in which water was circulated through a section of flexible tygon tubing that was passed through the spinal canal. Any impingement on the tubing produced a rise in fluid pressure that was monitored with a pressure transducer. Each spine was positioned in flexion, extension, lateral (and off-axis) bending, axial rotation, traction, and compression, while canal occlusion and angular position were monitored. Occlusion values for each position were compared with measurements taken with the spine in neutral position. RESULTS Compared with neutral position, compression, extension, and extension combined with lateral bending significantly increased canal occlusion, whereas flexion decreased the extent of occlusion. In extension, the observed mechanism of occlusion was ligamentum flavum bulge caused by ligament laxity resulting from reduced vertebral body height. CONCLUSIONS Increased compression of the spinal cord after injury may lead to more extensive neurologic loss. This study demonstrated that placing a burst-fractured cervical spine into either extension or compression significantly increased canal occlusion as compared with occlusion in a neutral position.
Near Perfect Sunlight Absorption in 20nm-Thick Iron Oxide Photoanode Based on Core-Shell Nanocone Structure

We design a novel core-shell nanocone structure that allows full absorption of sunlight into an iron oxide photoanode. The photocurrent approaches 12.5mA/cm2 within an iron oxide thickness of 20nm, verified by full-field electromagnetic simulation.
Uninsured children and adolescents with insured parents.

Context Millions of US children and adolescents lack health insurance coverage. Efforts to expand their insurance often focus on extending public coverage to uninsured parents. Less is known about the uninsured whose parents already have coverage. Objective To identify predictors of uninsurance among US children and adolescents with insured parents. Design and Setting Cross-sectional and full-year analyses of pooled 2002-2005 data from the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Participants Children and adolescents younger than 19 years in 4 yearly MEPS files with positive full-year weights who had at least 1 parent residing in the same household. There were 39 588 in the unweighted cross-sectional analysis and 39 710 in the unweighted full-year analysis. Main Outcome Measure Prevalence of uninsurance among children and adolescents with at least 1 insured parent; predictors of uninsurance among children with at least 1 insured parent. Results In the cross-sectional study population, 1380 of 39 588 children and adolescents were uninsured with at least 1 insured parent (weighted prevalence, 3.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0%-3.6%). In multivariate analyses of children and adolescents with at least 1 insured parent, those uninsured were more likely Hispanic (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.23-2.03) than white, non-Hispanic; low income (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.42-2.88) and middle income (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.09-2.03) than high income; from single-parent homes (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.59-2.49) than from homes with 2 married parents; and living with parents who had less than a high school education (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10-1.89) than those with at least 1 parent who had completed high school. Those whose parents had public coverage were less likely to be uninsured (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.96) than were those whose parents reported private health insurance. These predictors remained significant in full-year analyses. Similar patterns of vulnerability were also found among a subset of uninsured children with privately covered parents. Conclusions Among all US children, more than 3% were uninsured with at least 1 insured parent. Predictors of such uninsurance included having low and middle income. Having a parent covered by only public insurance was associated with better children's coverage rates.
Tuberculous cerebellar abscess

Background: Tuberculosis is an important illness with an increasing occurrence. Although considered primarily a pulmonary disease, tuberculosis can affect any organ system. Central nervous system involvement is potentially devastating and occurs with escalating frequency in both immunocompetent. and immunologically incompetent populations. Methods: This case report involved a patient admitted to the authors9 inpatient service. Data were obtained from the patient9s medical record. MEDLINE and Index Medicus literature searches were conducted for the years 1977 to the present, with cross-references for earlier articles. Results and Conclusions: A 36-year-old previously healthy, immunocompetent woman with a diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and no determined primary focus was found to have a cerebellar abscess. Treatment included surgical excision of the abscess combined with 6 months of antituberculosis therapy. Diagnostic tools included the tuberculosis skin test, smears and culture of specimens, computed tomographic scans, and rapid assays based on nucleic acid amplification, ie, polymerase chain reaction. The polymerase chain reaction has great potential for rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly when there might be few bacilli, as in pleural, peritoneal, or cerebrospinal fluid. Appropriate therapy for tuberculous cerebellar abscess includes standard antituberculosis medications for 6 to 9 months and surgical excision of the abscess.
Natural Enemies of Spider Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Cotton: Density Regulation or Casual Association?

Environ. Entomol. 20(3): 849-856 (1991) ABSTRACT This study addresses the potential impact of natural enemies on the abundance of spider mites, Tetranychus spy., on cotton in the San Joaquin Valley of California. These natural enemies are omnivorous predators, and include the big-eyed bug, Geocoris pallens StAl and G. punctipes (Say), the minute pirate bug, Orius trfsticolor (White), and the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). Simple linear regression suggested that omnivorous predators were potentially effective in delaying the buildup of spider mites, with the highest rz (0.65) recorded for adult F. occidentalis. Geocoris showed the potential to suppress the rate of spider mite population increase (rl = 0.73). All three tested predator species exhibited the capacity to suppress early season spider mite abundance, with the highest r2 (0.62) recorded for Ceocoris and Orius. Predators were also potentially able to suppress mid- to late-season spider mite populations. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between mid- to late-season spider mite abundance and early season predators. Results from a second year were less conclusive, suggesting that the reduced range of spider mite abundance limited our ability to discern potentially significant interactions during that year.
The advantages of using short cycle time manufacturing (SCM) instead of continuous flow manufacturing (CFM)

Over the past two decades, continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) has been the principal operational tool to manage and improve manufacturing asset usage. CFM measures and manages throughput of the tools/toolsets that comprise the manufacturing line. Various systems have been proposed to help manage throughput (e.g. PUSH, PULL, theory of constraints) with their attendant control methodologies (e.g. MRP, KANBAN, drum-buffer-rope). This paper explores how the X-factor (normalized cycle time) rather than throughput is used as the prime line control and analysis parameter; hence, the name short cycle time manufacturing (SCM). As manufacturing lines have both throughput and X-factor commitments, it is essential to understand the fundamental relationships between throughput, capacity and X-factor. This paper also shows that X-factor is a much more sensitive indicator of capacity problems than throughput, as X-factor increases rapidly as throughput approaches effective capacity. This X-factor sensitivity can be used as a diagnostic tool to uncover unforeseen capacity issues. Short cycle time manufacturing (SCM) allows each tool/toolset to be analyzed depending on its demonstrated X-factor and capacity versus target to determine which tools/toolsets need improvement, as the overall X-factor of the line is just the weighted sums of the component toolset X-factors. This paper also analyzes the impact of mix and volume with a cycle time constraint on the capacity of tools that are affected by batch or train size. SCM provides significant advantages over CFM in helping to manage and improve manufacturing asset utilization.
A regional high-frequency reconstruction of May–June precipitation in the north Aegean from oak tree rings, A.D. 1089–1989

May‐June precipitation is the primary limiting factor in annual tree-ring growth of the oaks of northeastern Greece and northwestern Turkey (39‐42 ϒN, 22‐37 ϒE). In a regional tree-ring chronology of historic building and modern forest samples, the May‐June precipitation explains at least 40% of the variance for 1900‐1985, and is reconstructed here from A.D. 1089‐1989. The reconstruction is compared to three other precipitation reconstructions for Turkey. The mean temperature of May and June is also a growth-limiting factor owing to its effect on the availability of precipitation to the trees, but is more difficult to calibrate and reconstruct accurately owing to the trees’ indirect response and the low number of long-temperature records available for the interior of northwestern Turkey. An analysis of the various methods of manipulating oak tree-ring data for regional climate reconstruction shows that removing all but the high-frequency variability plus normalizing the oak data sets before combining them into a master chronology are optimal techniques for a reasonable precipitation reconstruction of the entire area over the instrumental period. However, these methods do remove the low-frequency signal and dampen some of the evidence of local extremes in May‐June precipitation; these issues are discussed here and will be addressed in future research. Copyright ! 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Metabolic consequences of weight cycling induced by high fat and protein feedings in female Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract In this study, we examined the effects of weight cycling (WC) on blood substrate, hormone levels and hepatic enzyme activities. WC in female Sprague-Dawley rats was produced by feeding them a high fat diet (HF) to induce obesity and then feeding them restricted amount of casein (3g/day) until body weight reached the control level. This weight gain/loss was repeated 3 times in HF ad-libitum fed rats (HFAL-C group). Rats in another group also weight cycled three times. During the refeeding phase, only 75% of the ad-lib intake of the HF diet was given to these rats (HF75-C). HFAL-NC group was fed the HF diet ad-libitum without any weight cycling. The control rats were fed the low fat rodent diet ad-lib and not cycled (CHAL-NC). After 61 weeks on these feeding regimens, all rats were sacrificed in a non-fasting state. It was observed that WC did not reduce final body weight or total fat content, but it reduced fat free mass compared to noncycled rats. The reduction of HF feeding to 75% reduced body weight of the HF75-C group to the level of the control rats. However, these rats still had a higher body fat content than the CHAL-NC group. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels were not different among the 4 groups. HF feeding significantly elevated blood insulin levels in HF groups, regardless of WC or not. Blood triglyceride levels, on the other hand, were affected by the quantity of energy consumed, rather than by the dietary fat content. Hepatic enzyme activities were not affected by WC or HF feeding. We concluded that WC exerted more influence on body composition than on metabolic parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Mammalian Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos as Methodological Components

Theunique attributes oflarge size, totipotency, thejoining together oftwo haploid genomes, andthe relative accessibility during the intervalbetween ovulation and implantation, make thedeveloping embryo excellent experimentalmaterial. Recent advances inpreimplantationembryology have been remarkable. There seemsto be synergism
A 14,500-year record of landscape change from Okpilak Lake, northeastern Brooks Range, northern Alaska

Analyses of lithology, organic-matter content, magnetic susceptibility, and pollen in a sediment core from Okpilak Lake, located in the northeastern Brooks Range, provide new insights into the history of climate, landscape processes, and vegetation in northern Alaska since 14,500 cal year BP. The late-glacial interval (>11,600 cal year BP) featured sparse vegetation cover and the erosion of minerogenic sediment into the lake from nearby hillslopes, as evidenced by Cyperaceae-dominated pollen assemblages and high magnetic susceptibility (MS) values. Betula expanded in the early Holocene (11,600–8,500 cal year BP), reducing mass wasting on the landscape, as reflected by lower MS. Holocene sediments contain a series of silt- and clay-dominated layers, and given their physical characteristics and the topographic setting of the lake on the braided outwash plain of the Okpilak River, the inorganic layers are interpreted as rapidly deposited fluvial sediments, likely associated with intervals of river aggradation, changes in channel planform, and periodic overbank flow via a channel that connects the river and lake. The episodes of fluvial dynamics and aggradation appear to have been related to regional environmental variability, including a period of glacial retreat during the early Holocene, as well as glacial advances in the middle Holocene (5,500–5,200 cal year BP) and during the Little Ice Age (500–400 cal year BP). The rapid deposition of multiple inorganic layers during the early Holocene, including thick layers at 10,900–10,000 and 9,400–9,200 cal year BP, suggests that it was a particularly dynamic interval of fluvial activity and landscape change.
Reinventing growth: science, technology and innovation in Africa

The report of the Commission for Africa chaired by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Our Common Interest, has helped to redirect international attention to how it addresses Africa's economic challenges. One of the most important outcomes of the report is the growing focus on the need for Africa and its development partners to make the transition from short-term relief activities to long-term growth-oriented strategies. This transition involves charting a new path for development cooperation that stresses the importance of technological and institutional innovation. Correspondingly, development cooperation strategies will need to be aligned with this emerging vision.
Dynamic Trans Interactions in Yeast Chromosomes

Three-dimensional organization of the genome is important for regulation of gene expression and maintenance of genomic stability. It also defines, and is defined by, contacts between different chromosomal loci. Interactions between loci positioned on different chromosomes, i.e. “trans” interactions are one type of such contacts. Here, we describe a case of inducible trans interaction in chromosomes of the budding yeast S. cerevisiae. Special DNA sequences, inserted in two ectopic chromosomal loci positioned in trans, pair with one another in an inducible manner. The spatial proximity diagnostic of pairing is observable by both chromosome capture analysis (3C) and epifluorescence microscopy in whole cells. Protein synthesis de novo appears to be required for this process. The three-dimensional organization of the yeast nucleus imposes a constraint on such pairing, presumably by dictating the probability with which the two sequences collide with one another.
MAPPING COMPLICATED SURFACES ONTO A SPHERE

A method for mapping a closed, triangulated surface of genus 0 onto the unit sphere was developed using a parameterization based on spherical coordinates analogous to latitude and longitude combined with Mercator scaling. The algorithm was tested on 77 protein and DNA surfaces and produce correct (bijective) mappings. The mappings produce relatively uniform distortion, as judged by angular criteria, and by distribution of octant areas, thus facilitating the graphical analysis of these surfaces. An application to the analysis and comparison of electrostatic surface potentials in the active sites of three serine proteases is presented.
Wire swizzling to reduce delay uncertainty due to capacitive coupling

Reduction of worst-case delay and delay uncertainty due to capacitive coupling is a still unsolved problem in physical design. We describe a routing only layout solution-swizzling-which reduces worst-case coupling delay for long parallel wires such as in wide on-chip global buses. We understand that swizzling is a folklore in structured-custom design community but we are the first to describe the method and analyze the potential benefits in literature. We give a general method for construction of good swizzling patterns. We also give empirically determined, optimal swizzling patterns for various technology nodes and typical repeater intervals. From our results, we see up to 31.5% reduction in worst-case delay and 34% reduction in delay uncertainty.
A classification-based framework for predicting and analyzing gene regulatory response.

We have recently introduced a predictive framework for studying gene transcriptional regulation in simpler organisms using a novel supervised learning algorithm called GeneClass. GeneClass is motivated by the hypothesis that in model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we can learn a decision rule for predicting whether a gene is up- or down-regulated in a particular microarray experiment based on the presence of binding site subsequences ("motifs") in the gene's regulatory region and the expression levels of regulators such as transcription factors in the experiment ("parents"). GeneClass formulates the learning task as a classification problem — predicting +1 and -1 labels corresponding to up- and down-regulation beyond the levels of biological and measurement noise in microarray measurements. Using the Adaboost algorithm, GeneClass learns a prediction function in the form of an alternating decision tree, a margin-based generalization of a decision tree. In the current work, we introduce a new, robust version of the GeneClass algorithm that increases stability and computational efficiency, yielding a more scalable and reliable predictive model. The improved stability of the prediction tree enables us to introduce a detailed post-processing framework for biological interpretation, including individual and group target gene analysis to reveal condition-specific regulation programs and to suggest signaling pathways. Robust GeneClass uses a novel stabilized variant of boosting that allows a set of correlated features, rather than single features, to be included at nodes of the tree; in this way, biologically important features that are correlated with the single best feature are retained rather than decorrelated and lost in the next round of boosting. Other computational developments include fast matrix computation of the loss function for all features, allowing scalability to large datasets, and the use of abstaining weak rules, which results in a more shallow and interpretable tree. We also show how to incorporate genome-wide protein-DNA binding data from ChIP chip experiments into the GeneClass algorithm, and we use an improved noise model for gene expression data. Using the improved scalability of Robust GeneClass, we present larger scale experiments on a yeast environmental stress dataset, training and testing on all genes and using a comprehensive set of potential regulators. We demonstrate the improved stability of the features in the learned prediction tree, and we show the utility of the post-processing framework by analyzing two groups of genes in yeast — the protein chaperones and a set of putative targets of the Nrg1 and Nrg2 transcription factors — and suggesting novel hypotheses about their transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Detailed results and Robust GeneClass source code is available for download from http://www.cs.columbia.edu/compbio/robust-geneclass .
Reconfigurable computing and electronic nanotechnology

We examine the opportunities brought about by recent progress in electronic nanotechnology and describe the methods needed to harness them for building a new computer architecture. In this process we decompose some traditional abstractions, such as the transistor, into fine-grain pieces, such as signal restoration and input-output isolation. We also show how we can forgo the extreme reliability of CMOS circuits for low-cost chemical self-assembly at the expense of large manufacturing defect densities. We discuss advanced testing methods that can be used to recover perfect functionality from unreliable parts. We proceed to show how the molecular switch, the regularity of the circuits created by self-assembly and the high defect densities logically require the use of reconfigurable hardware as a basic building block for hardware design. We then capitalize on the convergence of compilation and hardware synthesis (which takes place when programming reconfigurable hardware) to propose the complete elimination of the instruction-set architecture from the system architecture, and the synthesis of asynchronous dataflow machines directly from high-level programming languages, such as C. We discuss in some detail a scalable compilation system that performs this task.
Outcomes in patients with chronicity of left bundle- branch block with possible acute myocardial infarction

Introduction Guidelines derived from patients in clinical trials indicate that emergency department patients with likely myocardial infarction (MI) who have new left bundle-branch block (LBBB) should undergo rapid reperfusion therapy. Whether this pertains to lower risk emergency department patients with LBBB is unclear. Methods A total of 401 consecutive patients with LBBB undergoing an MI rule-out protocol were included. Left bundle-branch blocks were classified as chronic; new; or, if no prior electrocardiogram (ECG) was available, as presumably new. Left bundle-branch blocks were considered concordant if there was ≥1 mm concordant ST elevation or depression. Rates of MI, peak MB values in MI patients, and 30-day mortality were compared across groups. Results A majority of patients (64%) had new (37%) or presumably new LBBB (27%). A total of 116 patients (29%) had MI, with no significant difference in prevalence or size of MI among the 3 ECG groups. Myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 86% of patients with concordant ECG changes versus 27% of patients without concordant ECG changes ( P 5× normal in 50% who had concordant ST changes compared to none of those who did not. Concordant ST changes were the most important predictor of MI (odds ratio 17, 95% CI 3.4-81, P P Conclusions Most patients with possible MI with new or presumably new LBBB do not have MI. Concordant ECG changes were an important predictor of MI and death. Current guidelines regarding early reperfusion therapy for patients with LBBB should be reconsidered.
FTIR Analysis of Silica-Filled Natural Rubber

Abstract The interactions of silica filler in zinc activated, sulfur vulcanized cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)-Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy. The variables examined were increased levels of silica and quality of mixing of the batch. The increased silica level resulted in band broadening and a frequency shift to lower wavenumbers of the silica absorbance region (1250-1000 cm−1) due to a combination of physical and chemical adsorption of the rubber and parts of cure system on the silica surface. The peaks that appeared near 1040 and 1017 cm−1 were attributed to physical interactions between silica and the natural rubber. However some chemical bonding of the IR was present as a result of a free radical reaction that takes place during the milling process. Inefficient mixing had an affect comparable to adding less filler, according to the results above. That is, there was less “effective” filler in the poorly mixed samples because poor di...
Cholecystokinin satiety involves CCKA receptors perfused by the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery

Three experiments compared the potency of the type A cholecystokinin (CCKA)-receptor antagonist devazepide for increasing intake of 30% sucrose when injected into the superior pancreaticoduodenal (...
Phase I trial of neoadjuvant dasatinib in patients with resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma

7580 Background: The optimal multi-modality treatment for resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) remains unknown. We designed a biomarker-based neoadjuvant trial from our preclinical studi...
Jewish Intermarriage in American Society: Literature Review

As of the 1960s, intermarriage has been the most researched, contentious, and discussed topic of American Jewish family life. Jews, like other ethnic groups, struggle and work hard to find a place in American life, while debating what level of their traditional Jewish heritage is to be maintained. As the tensions and pulls between assimilation and ethnic group loyalty ensue, the greatest debate is the context and impact of intermarriage amongst and between the Orthodox and Reform sections of the Jewish people. On one hand, Orthodox families argue Jewish intermarriage decimates the continuity of the Jewish people. On the other hand, the Reform movement views intermarriage as an opportunity to effectively assimilate within American culture while maintaining a sense of Jewishness. As American life continues to evolve, and as Jews continue to intermarry, the debate for optimal stability, functionality, consistency, and continuity for the American Jewish community will continue.
The Validity and Function of Law: The Reformation Doctrine of Usus Legis

Usus Legis is a doctrine that recognizes the multiple uses of law. One use of law, the theological use, governs and reforms man in relation to his own sin. The civic use of law governs man in his relationships with others. This article discusses the functions of the different uses of law and the implications of the doctrine of usus legis in contemporary legal jurisprudence.
The Influence of Punishment on Learning when the Opportunity for Inner Repetition is Reduced

* Accepted for publication by Buford Johnson of the Editorial Board, and received in the Editorial Office on February 3, 1937.
Plant growth with new fluorescent lamps : I. Fresh and dry weight yields of tomato seedlings.

Tomato seedlings were grown under seven kinds of fluorescent lamps, including two that are commercially available, and five experimental lamps. Detailed descriptions and spectral emission curves for these lamps are presented.The 78/22 lamp, which emitted most of its energy above 500 mμ, more than ten percent above 700 mμ, and had a sharp peak output at 660 mμ, generally produced superior fresh and dry weight yields. This effect may be due primarily to the high peak of energy emitted at approximately 660 mμ, combined with a considerable emission in the far-red, which in turn may be related to the red ↔ far-red reversibility phenomeon.The Com I lamp, which lacked the sharp peak output at 660 mμ and emitted more energy in the blue than the 78/22 lamp, was generally second only to the latter in promoting plant growth. A high moisture content was found in plants under this lamp in some experiments.The IRIII lamp had the sharp peak output at 660 mμ but greater output in the blue than the 78/22 lamp. The 282 lamp output was similar to the 78/22 but lacked the high peak. Both of these lamps generally gave improved results over those produced by commercial Gro-Lux, Warm-white, and FLAT lamps. This was attributed to the greater percentage of red and far-red energy emission by the former two lamps. The yields with the FLAT lamp were consistently lowest of all. This has been attributed to the high percentage of emitted energy in the blue and green portions of the spectrum.Both length of the test period (13 days versus 26 days) and light intensity (550 μw/cm(2) versus 1100 μw/cm(2)) may be important factors in determining which composition of spectral energy emission produces the greatest yields. Under low intensity and short test period the Com I light produced highest fresh- and dry-weight yields, but under high intensity and longer growth period the 78/22 lamp gave greatest yields. This effect may be due to inhibition of leaf expansion by red light in the early stages of growth.The experiments demonstrate that it is possible to develop a fluorescent lamp for plant growth that combines the desirable characteristics of both incandescent and fluorescent light. This work also shows that the tomato plant in the seedling stage grows best under an artificial light source with a high percentage of energy emission in the red, a considerable amount in the far-red, and a very small amount in the blue part of the spectrum.
Operative morbidity and survival following hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis in octogenarians: a contemporary case matched series.

Abstract Background Clinical outcomes of octogenarians undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are poorly characterized. The current study evaluated operative morbidity, mortality and survival outcomes among a contemporary cohort of octogenarians. Methods Patients undergoing their first hepatectomy for CRLM were identified from institutional databases and those ≥80 years old (y) were matched 1:1 to a group of patients Results From 2002 to 2012, 1391 hepatectomies were performed for CRLM, 55 (4%) in patients ≥80 y. Major complications occurred twice as frequently among patients ≥80 y [10 (19%) ≥80 y versus 5 (9%) Conclusions Hepatectomy for CRLM among well-selected octogenarians is reasonable with cancer related survival outcomes similar to those observed in younger patients. However, it is associated with clinically significant morbidity/mortality and continued efforts directed at optimizing perioperative care are necessary to improve early outcomes among octogenarians.
The Functioning Time Estimation and Measurement For Slapper Detonator

This paper introduces the principle of initiation of slapper detonator, computes and measures its functioning time. The results of computation and measurement accord well with each other. This shows the veracity of estimation and validity of measurement.
Thrombelastography as an Aid to Regional Anesthesia: Preliminary Communication

Thrombelastography (TEG), a less commonly available technique used to assess hemostatic function, has recently gained popularity. Analysis of TEG yields qualitative information about platelet function, thromboplastin generation and their interaction with the intrinsic cascade to form a stable clot. Additional information is obtained about fibrinogen and Factor XIII levels as well as the fibrinolytic system. TEG has been shown to be more sensitive and accurate than traditional coagulation tests at both predicting and treating coagulopathies. We report here three cases in which TEG was used to assess hemostatic function in patients at risk for bleeding prior to the induction of regional anesthesia. In all three cases, traditional tests were inadequate to predict the safe practice of regional anesthesia. TEG provided this information and regional anesthesia was successfully employed.
Dual Regulatory Role of Cyclooxygenase and Lipoxygenase and their Products in Cell Survival and Apoptosis

Aoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a genetically encoded cell suicide program defined by characteristic morphologic, biochemical, and molecular changes resulting in nonpathologic cell loss. A large number of distinct cellular phenotypes set apoptosis apart from another cell death process, i.e., necrosis.1,2 Apoptosis plays a key role in physiological processes such as embryonic development, maturation of the host immune system, and in maintaining tissue and organ homeostasis. Apoptosis has also been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions exemplified by cardiac infarction, atherosclerosis, Alzeimer’s disease and other neurodegenic diseases, HIV, tumorigenesis and tumor progression. A multitude of factors have been implicated in regulating/modulating apoptosis; these include: (i) oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes exemplified by p53, bcl-2 family (bcl-2, bcl-XL, bcl-Xb, bcl-XS, bax, BAG-1, bad, bak, Al, Mcl-1), myc, ras, abl, raf, Rb-1, and Waf-1; (ii) growth factor/growth factor receptors represented by NGF/NGF receptor, TNF-α/Fas, TGF-β/TGF receptor, IGF-1/IGF receptor, and PDGF/PDGF receptor; (iii) intracellular signal transducers such as protein kinase C, tyrosine kinases and protein phosphatases, lipid signaling molecules such as ceramide, and Ca2+; (iv) cell cycle regulators exemplified by cdc-2 and E2F; (v) reactive oxygen species; (vi) extracellular matrix regulators/signal transducers (extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin and transmembrane integrin receptors); (vii) specific endonucleases such as Ca2+- and Mg2+-dependent DNase; and (viii) cytoplasmic proteases typified by ICE (interleukin 1-converting enzyme) family.1-10 The major impact of apoptosis on cancer research is manifested primarily in three areas: oncogenesis, tumor homeostasis, and the mechanism of action of cytotoxic antitumor drugs.11 Most anti-tumor agents such as radiation (by generating oxygen radicals) and chemotherapeutic drugs kill tumor cells by inducing apoptosis. Likewise, development by tumor cells of resistance to these treatments is mostly a result of loss of response to apoptosis induction.1-11