cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of peripheral neuropathy in ART-naïve patients initiating modern ART regimen

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations of pre-ART CD4 with peripheral neuropathy (PN) and estimate the prevalence of PN in HIV-positive patients starting modern combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimens. ART-naive subjects initiating cART were followed longitudinally and screened for signs/symptoms of PN. Lower pre-ART CD4 count was associated with post-ART PN. After 7 years (n = 117), the prevalence (95 % CI) of PN and SPN were 31 % (23, 40 %) and 5 % (2, 11 %) with pre-ART CD4 count >250 copies/μL. PN continues to be identified in HIV-infected individuals on modern cART by targeted assessment but is generally without symptoms.
Social control and expressed emotion.

Research shows a higher risk of relapse among schizophrenics in high “expressed emotion” families. In this paper, the measure called “expressed emotion” is conceptualized as an indicator of family attempts to socially control the schizophrenic person's behavior in a particular way. This social contr
Input-output feedback compensator design

Abstract In this paper, a design for input-output feedback compensators will be presented. For a given denominator matrix of the closed-loop system, a lower order compensator can be found by a searching algorithm. The computation of the design is not increased much from the standard design.
Morphologically based model of bed load transport capacity in a headwater stream

[1] Field measurements of channel and bed material properties are used to develop a network-based model of bed load transport capacity in Halfmoon Creek, a high-gradient stream in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The formerly glaciated watershed contains self-formed reaches that are generally disconnected from hillslopes and major sediment perturbations, strung together by a sequence of bedrock and cascade channels. Measurements of channel geometry, slope, and bed sediment texture (surface and substrate) were taken in 27 reaches with gradients ranging from 0.6 to 6% to examine interactions among key variables affecting bed load transport. The analysis shows that the grain size distribution of the substrate is relatively uniform throughout the basin; however, the distinction between surface and substrate texture varies systematically with channel gradient and shear stress. Reaches with high shear stress are characterized by coarse surface layers, with a high threshold for transport, limiting the mobility of the sediment supplied. In reaches with lower gradient and shear stress the difference between surface and substrate texture is less, increasing both the frequency of transport and the mobility of the bed load. While it might appear that the steeper reaches of Halfmoon Creek have a high capacity for carrying fine-medium gravel, the relative mobility of these sizes is affected by the presence of very coarse sediment on the bed surface. As a result, modeled estimates of bed load transport rate indicate that average annual bed load sediment yields increase downstream nearly linearly with discharge, suggesting a simple scaling of bed load transport capacity with discharge and drainage area.
Enhanced Adaptive Frequency Sampling for RF and Microwave CAD

In this paper, an enhanced adaptive frequency sampling algorithm for robust electromagnetic (EM) modeling and computer aided design (CAD) is proposed. The algorithm is based on rational interpolation, which leads to more accurate RF/microwave models as compared to other existing interpolants, e.g. spline. Starting with a minimal number of support points i.e. EM data and with lowest-order rational functions, the algorithm systematically produces a rational function model, which meets a user-specified accuracy. In each stage of the algorithm, additional poles and/or zeros are added, and new support points are adaptively selected based on a statistical criterion. The algorithm distinguishes critical regions of an EM component's behavior that need to be densely sampled and uses relatively fewer data in other regions. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are shown via RF/microwave examples.
Combined adaptive optics: optical coherence tomography and adaptive optics: scanning laser ophthalmoscopy system for retinal imaging

We describe a novel instrument that combines adaptive optics - Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO). Both systems share a common AO sub-system and vertical scanner to permit simultaneous acquisition of retinal images from both OCT and SLO. One of the benefits of combining OCT with SLO includes automatic co-registration between the two imaging modalities and potential for correcting lateral and transversal eye motion resulting in motion artifact-free volumetric retinal imaging. Results of using this system for eye model imaging are presented. Feasibility for clinical application is briefly discussed as well as potential further improvements of the current system.
Mapping OWL to the Entity Relationship and Extended Entity Relationship models

This paper presents mapping rules to conceptually model an Entity Relationship (ER) diagram and Extended Entity Relationship (EER) diagram from OWL by identifying ER and EER constructs in OWL. OWL has been designed for the semantic web, but data in OWL format is not easy to manipulate or query. The conceptual view of OWL presented in this paper is necessary to understand OWL and OWL data, and will be used to eventually map OWL data to the relational model. Once in the relational model, OWL data can avail of mature relational database technology.
Electromagnetic scattering models of layered random rough surfaces and their role in addressing some of the grand challenges of climate research

Several layered rough surface and random media scattering models recently developed are discussed, including analytical methods based on small perturbation method and the stabilized extended boundary condition method. It is also shown how some of these models are being used to retrieve subsurface properties from synthetic and experimental data. This is an overview paper on the above topics, with many of them described in more detail in other papers whose citations are provided here.
Vehicle distribution and marketing - the last frontier for competitive advantage

Vehicle distribution and marketing can provide a significant competitive advantage in the motor industry both in the U.S. and Europe. Problems with current motorcar distribution and marketing policies in the U.S. and Europe are identified. Manufacturers are beginning to deal with these problems by creating new distribution channels. More fundamental to competitive success in distribution and marketing is simultaneously getting back to basics and abandoning business–as–usual approaches. In the future, the winners will be those companies introducing specialisation, economies of scale, cost control and attention to consumer service into their franchise systems while meeting real customer needs. At the same time, they will have to reduce option content and unnecessary product complexity to sharpen vehicle differentiation and definition.
Morphological constraints in the piscivore-planktivore interaction: Implications for the trophic cascade hypothesis

Results arc presented from a 3-yr, replicated pond study examining how differential planktivore vulnerability can influence planktivore responses to piscivory and ultimately plankton responses via cascading effects. Without piscivores, planktivory from a multispecies planktivore assemblage (fathead minnow Pimephalcs promelas and pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibboia) produced the well-documented plankton responses. Chaoborus densities, zooplankton biomass, and cladoceran and copepod mean body sizes were reduced, and chlorophyll concentrations and gross primary production were enhanced. With piscivorcs, levels of planktivory were depressed due to elimination of the highly vulnerable minnow and a shift in the size structure of the relatively less vulnerable sunfish toward larger, benthivorous sizes. Hence, zooplankton biomass and cladoceran and copepod mean body sizes were increased, and chlorophyll concentrations and gross primary production were reduced. However, juvenile sunfish remained abundant in ponds containing piscivores, so Chaoborus densities remained low and small cladocerans (Bosmina and Ceriodaphnia) were abundant. Moreover, Daphnia biomass, mean body size, and number of days present during the final year in these ponds were negatively correlated with small sunfish biomass, indicating that piscivory did not simply cancel out the effects of planktivory.
COMPUTER-AUTOMATED REPRINT REQUESTS

The current explosion of information in the medical sciences makes it difficult and time consuming to keep on top of the literature within one's discipline. Computers can eliminate the drudgery of ...
Electroluminescence in an organic polymer channel waveguide

Summary form only given. We successfully demonstrated the fabrication of an index-guided channel-waveguide structure with an organic electroluminescent thin film. We showed electroluminescence in poly[2-methoxy, 5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH:PPV) layers that are thick enough to support confined waveguide modes by applying somewhat higher voltages (20-30 V) compared with thin-film surface-emitting devices (<5 V).
Hypostoma of agnostid trilobites

The hypostoma, which is a ventral sclerite that covers the oral region, has recently been discovered in four species of agnostid trilobites. The discovery is significant because the suborder Agnostina is the only major trilobite taxon for which the hypostoma has not been described. The agnostid hypostoma is distinctly different in shape from that of non-agnostid trilobites. Minus its wings, it is widest posteriorly, lacks border furrows, has unusually long wings, and in some species is fenestrate. It is unattached to other sclerites, and presumably was held in place beneath the anterior part of the glabella by muscle tissue. Hypostomal differences probably indicate basic differences in food or feeding habits of agnostid and non-agnostid trilobites. This, along with other evidence, suggests a major divergence in mode of life of these two trilobite groups, and should be given strong consideration in future attempts at trilobite classification.
eAuctions: Impact of Network Externalities on Sellers' Behavior

Virtual markets are becoming more and more accepted by buyers and sellers. The success of eBay has prompted other companies to offer auction sites to lure buyers and sellers. The new companies usually offer lower rates to attract virtual sellers thereby multiplying the number of options for virtual buyers. This project presents an exploratory study of the final value available to sellers on two different auction sites, eBay and Yahoo! Auctions. Specifically, the study aims at finding whether or not the leading Internet auction site provides a better opportunity for sellers to extract more consumer surplus by selling goods for higher prices. The statistical analysis shows that in the leading site (eBay) the number of bids placed is greater, the average final price offered is higher, and the average final value is higher than in the competing site (Yahoo!). These findings are important to virtual sellers and buyers and to new organizations promoting virtual markets.
The Pulmonary Vessels in Incipient Left Ventricular Decompensation

Dilatation of the pulmonary vessels of the upper zones and constriction of the vessels of the lower zones characterizes left ventricular decompensation. These changes may precede the onset of clinical symptoms providing a useful warning sign of impending danger. A hypothesis is suggested to account for the non-uniform vessel pattern. An exception is noted in patients with severe emphysema or bronchitis in whom generalized dilatation may occur.
Distortion-Delay Tradeoff for a Gaussian Source Transmitted over a Fading Channel

We study the end-to-end distortion-delay tradeoff for a Gaussian source transmitted over a fading channel. The analog source is quantized and stored in a buffer until it is transmitted. There are two extreme cases as far as buffer delay is concerned: no delay and infinite delay. We observe that there is a significant power gain by introducing a buffer delay. Our goal is to investigate the situation between these two extremes. Using the recently proposed effective capacity concept, we derive a closed-form expression for this tradeoff. In order to characterize the convergence behavior, we derive an asymptotically tight upper bound for our tradeoff curve, which approaches the infinite delay lower bound polynomially. Numerical results demonstrate that introduction of a small amount of delay can save significant transmission power.
Emotional reactivity and emotion regulation among adults with a history of self-harm: laboratory self-report and functional MRI evidence.

Intentionally hurting one’s own body (deliberate self-harm; DSH) is theorized to be associated with high negative emotional reactivity and poor emotion regulation ability. However, little research has assessed the relationship between these potential risk factors and DSH using laboratory measures. Therefore, we conducted two studies using laboratory measures of negative emotional reactivity and emotion regulation ability. Study 1 assessed self-reported negative emotions during a sad film clip (Reactivity) and during a sad film clip for which participants were instructed to use reappraisal (Regulation). Those with a history of DSH were compared to two control groups without a history of DSH matched on key demographics: one healthy group low in depression and anxiety symptoms and one group matched to the DSH group on depression and anxiety symptoms. Study 2 extended Study 1 by assessing neural responding to negative images (Reactivity) and negative images for which participants were instructed to use reappraisal (Regulation). Those with a history of DSH were compared to a control group matched to the DSH group on demographics, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Compared to control groups, participants with a history of DSH did not exhibit greater negative emotional reactivity but did exhibit lower ability to regulate emotion with reappraisal (greater self-reported negative emotions in Study 1 and greater amygdala activation in Study 2 during regulation). These results suggest that poor emotion regulation ability, but not necessarily greater negative emotional reactivity, is a correlate of and may be a risk factor for DSH, even when controlling for mood disorder symptoms.
The spatial foundations of the conceptual system

This article proposes that the representation of concepts in infancy is in the form of spatial image-schemas. A mechanism that simplifies spatial information is described along with a small set of spatial primitives that are sufficient to account for the conceptualizations that preverbal infants use to interpret objects and events. This early system is important to understand because it organizes the adult conceptual system of objects and events and remains its core. With development, the system becomes enriched by language in several ways, and also by means of analogical extension to nonspatial information. Nonspatial bodily information, such as feelings of force and motor activity, is also added, but remains secondary. It becomes associated with spatial representations, but except for its spatial aspects is represented in a more inchoate and less accessible fashion.
Attenuation of the progression of articular cartilage degeneration by inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling in a mouse model of osteoarthritis.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is implicated in osteoarthritis. We therefore studied the role of TGF-β1 signaling in the development of osteoarthritis in a developmental stage-dependent manner. Three different mouse models were investigated. First, the Tgf-β receptor II (Tgfbr2) was specifically removed from the mature cartilage of joints. Tgfbr2-deficient mice were grown to 12 months of age and were then euthanized for collection of knee and temporomandibular joints. Second, Tgfbr2-deficient mice were subjected to destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Knee joints were then collected from the mice at 8 and 16 weeks after the surgery. Third, wild-type mice were subjected to DMM at the age of 8 weeks. Immediately after the surgery, these mice were treated with the Tgfbr2 inhibitor losartan for 8 weeks and then euthanized for collection of knee joints. All joints were characterized for evidences of articular cartilage degeneration. Initiation or acceleration of articular cartilage degeneration was not observed by the genetic inactivation of Tgfbr2 in the joints at the age of 12 months. In fact, the removal of Tgfbr2 and treatment with losartan both delayed the progression of articular cartilage degeneration induced by DMM compared with control littermates. Therefore, we conclude that inhibition of Tgf-β1 signaling protects adult knee joints in mice against the development of osteoarthritis.
Decreased Endothelium-Dependent NO-cGMP Vascular Relaxation and Hypertension in Growth-Restricted Rats on a High-Salt Diet

Low birth weight caused by placental insufficiency increases the risk of hypertension in young adults, particularly while ingesting a high-salt diet; however, the vascular mechanisms involved are unclear. We tested whether intrauterine fetal growth restriction results in salt-sensitive offspring that exhibit impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, enhanced vascular contraction, and hypertension during high-salt diet feeding. Male offspring of control pregnant rats and pregnant rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (intrauterine growth restricted [IUGR]) were fed either a normal-sodium (NS, 1%) or a high-sodium (HS, 8%) diet. Body weight was less in IUGR/NS and IUGR/HS than in NS and HS rats. Arterial pressure was greater in IUGR/NS (144±4 mm|Hg) than in NS (131±3 mm|Hg) rats and far greater in IUGR/HS (171±12 mm|Hg) than in HS (129±2 mm|Hg) rats. In isolated, endothelium-intact aortic strips, phenylephrine (Phe, 10−5 mol/L) caused an increase in active stress that was greater in IUGR/NS (13.9±0.9 N/m2) than in NS (8.5±0.6 N/m2) animals and far greater in IUGR/HS (18.2±1.2 N/m2) than in HS (9.4±0.8x104 N/m2) rats. Acetylcholine caused relaxation of the Phe-mediated contraction and induced vascular nitrite/nitrate production that was less in IUGR/NS than in NS animals and far less in IUGR/HS than in HS rats. N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, which inhibits nitric oxide (NO) synthase, or ODQ, which inhibits cGMP production in smooth muscle, inhibited acetylcholine relaxations and enhanced Phe contractions in NS and HS rats but not in IUGR/NS or IUGR/HS rats. Endothelium removal enhanced Phe-induced stress in NS and HS rats but not in IUGR/NS or IUGR/HS rats. Thus, endothelium-dependent relaxation via the NO-cGMP pathway is inhibited in systemic vessels of IUGR rats, particularly during intake of an HS diet. This might explain the increased vasoconstriction and arterial pressure in low-birth-weight offspring during ingestion of an HS diet.
The Effect of Free Gossypol on Chick Growth

Abstract THE deleterious physiological effects of cottonseed meal for various domestic animals other than ruminants have been attributed to the toxicity of the free gossypol in this product. Withers and Carruth (1915) observed a correlation between the decrease in the amount of gossypol and an improvement in the nutritional value of cottonseed after cooking. These workers reported further that the extraction of uncooked cottonseed with diethyl ether rendered the meal nontoxic to rats and guinea pigs. This indicated that the toxicity of raw cottonseed meal was due to the presence of free gossypol which could be detoxified by heat, or removed by extraction with diethyl ether. The nutritional value of cottonseed products and the relationship of nutritional value to gossypol content was studied by Gallup (1927 Gallup (1928), Lyman, Holland and Hale (1944), and Swell and Turney (1946). In these investigations a good correlation was not always found between nutritional value and …
Progressive metamorphism of pelitic rocks from protolith to granulite facies, Dutchess County, New York, USA: constraints on the timing of fluid infiltration during regional metamorphism

A complete Barrovian sequence ranging from unmetamorphosed shales to sillimanite–K-feldspar zone metapelitic gneisses crops out in a region extending from the Hudson River in south-eastern New York state, USA, to the high-grade core of the Taconic range in western Connecticut. NNE-trending subparallel biotite, garnet, staurolite, kyanite, sillimanite and sillimanite–K-feldspar isograds have been identified, although the assignment of Barrovian zones in the high-grade rocks is complicated by the appearance of fibrolitic sillimanite at the kyanite isograd. Thermobarometric results and reaction textures are used to characterize the metamorphic history of the sequence. Pressure–temperature estimates indicate maximum metamorphic conditions of 475 °C, c. 3–4 kbar in the garnet zone to >720 °C, c. 5–6 kbar in the highest grade rocks exposed. Some samples in the kyanite zone record anomalous (low) peak conditions because garnet composition has been modified by fluid-assisted reactions. There is abundant petrographic and mineral chemical information indicating that the sequence (with the possible exception of the granulite facies zone) was infiltrated by a water-rich fluid after garnet growth was nearly completed. The truncation of fluid inclusion trails in garnet by rim growth or recrystallization, however, indicates that metamorphic reactions involving garnet continued subsequent to initial infiltration. The presence of these textures in some zones of a well-constrained Barrovian sequence allows determination of the timing of fluid infiltration relative to the P–T paths. Thermobarometric results obtained using garnet compositions at the boundary between fluid–inclusion-rich and inclusion-free regions of the garnet are interpreted to represent peak metamorphic conditions, whereas rim compositions record slightly lower pressures and temperatures. Assuming that garnet grew during a single metamorphic event, infiltration must have occurred at or slightly after the peak of metamorphism, i.e. 4–5 kbar and a temperature of c. 525–550 °C for staurolite and kyanite zone rocks.
The closed conformation of a highly flexible protein: the structure of E. coli adenylate kinase with bound AMP and AMPPNP.

The structure of E. coli adenylate kinase with bound AMP and AMPPNP at 2.0 A resolution is presented. The protein crystallizes in space group C2 with two molecules in the asymmetric unit, and has been refined to an R factor of 20.1% and an Rfree of 31.6%. In the present structure, the protein is in the closed (globular) form with the large flexible lid domain covering the AMPPNP molecule. Within the protein, AMP and AMPPNP, an ATP analog, occupy the AMP and ATP sites respectively, which had been suggested by the most recent crystal structure of E. coli adenylate kinase with AP5A bound (Muller and Schulz, 1992, ref. 1) and prior fluorescence studies (Liang et al., 1991, ref. 2). The binding of substrates and the positions of the active site residues are compared between the present structure and the E. coli adenylate kinase/Ap5A structure. We failed to detect a peak in the density map corresponding to the Mg2+ ion which is required for catalysis, and its absence has been attributed to the use of ammonium sulfate in the crystallization solution. Finally, a comparison is made between the present structure and the structure of the heavy chain of muscle myosin. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mass Spectral Analysis in Proteomics

Mass spectrometry provides key tools for the analysis of proteins. New types of mass spectrometers that provide enhanced capability to discover protein identities and perform improved proteomic experiments are discussed. Handling the complex mixtures of peptides and proteins generated from protein complexes and whole cells requires multidimensional separations; several forms of separation are discussed. Applications of mass spectrometry-based approaches for contemporary proteomic analyses are described.
Nonlinear statistical retrievals of ice content and rain rate from passive microwave observations of a simulated convective storm

A numerical simulator for analysis of multispectral passive microwave mapping and retrieval is described. This simulator allows evaluation and optimization of satellite-based cloud and precipitation parameter retrieval algorithms. It contains three major components: the forward radiative transfer model, the sensor observation model, and the parameter retrieval algorithm. Simulated spaceborne observations of an oceanic tropical squall sampled at five stages in time are demonstrated for a simplified version of the proposed Earth Observation System (EOS) Multifrequency Imaging Microwave Radiometer (MIMR). The simulator uses a nonlinear statistical retrieval algorithm consisting of a Karhunen-Loeve (KL) transform, a projection operator, a nonlinear inverse mapping and a linear minimum mean-square error estimator. Retrievals of rain rate and integrated ice content are performed for each evolutionary frame at both full spatial resolution (1.5 km) and the degraded spatial resolution of a MIMR-class system. Results are presented for both KL-based and brightness temperature-based retrieval algorithms. It is found that the KL-based algorithm has a reduced complexity and performs better than the brightness temperature-based algorithm for degraded resolution imagery, especially for rain rate retrievals. In addition, rain rate retrievals are more affected by low image resolution than are integrated ice content retrievals. Retrieval accuracy of both rain and integrated ice is also found to depend on the evolutionary stage of the storm. >
A Cubic-Phase Oral Drug Delivery System for Controlled Release of AG337

AG337 is a novel thymidylate synthase inhibitor possessing potent antitumorogenic activity which was designed using protein structure-based techniques. It is currently undergoing clinical trials as both N and oral formulations. Based on AG337's short in vivo half-life, an oral controlled-release formulation is desired. The feasibility of using cubic liquid crystalline phases formed from monoolein for controlled release of AG337 has been investigated in this study. AG337 (m.p. = 298°C) was triturated with glycerol and then dissolved in monoolein using mild heat. The resulting gel was liqu@ed by further heating to 65"C, then cooled to RT to yield a clear viscous solution. Samples of the formulation were exposed to water for up to 48 hr at 25°C. Thermal analysis of this system was undertaken in order to determine the effect of hydration state on the liquid crystalline structure. The differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) pro$le of samples not exposed to water showed no distinct endo- or exothermic transitions. However, samples exposed to water exhibited multiple endothermic transitions from 80" to 120 "C. These data demonstrate a thermal response to time-dependent water uptake in the formulation as might occur in vivo afrer oral dosing, due to changes in physical properties of the system. In vitro release rates of AG337from this fomrcltion were evaluated.
The steam locomotive makes a comeback: A new solution to staged single-ventricle palliation?

Achieving long-term survival and good quality of life for patients with single-ventricle circulations remains one of the greatest challenges in the field of congenital heart disease. Much of the mortality occurs during the period of ‘‘shunt dependency.’’ The concept of avoiding this period by allowing the bidirectional Glenn shunt to be performed during the neonatal period has always been appealing, but attempts to do so have been unsuccessful. In the current issue of the Journal, Esmaily-Moghadam and coworkers 1 propose to combine the bidirectional Glenn shunt and placement of a restrictive systemic-to-pulmonary shunt during the stage 1 operation. On the surface, this idea seems counterproductive, as it would only serve to further raise superior vena caval (SVC) pressure, with its attendant risks in the neonatal period. Esmaily-Moghadam and coworkers’ approach, however, is more sophisticated than that. They seek to turn the shunt into a forward-directed, high-velocity jet that adds energy and momentum to the Glenn flow without a significant rise in SVC pressure. The mechanism is called the ejector jet. The phenomenon was instrumental in the design of the steam locomotive and has had widespread industrial applications. To understand the ejector jet, consider Figure 1. 2 Two fluid compartments (a and b) are connected by a pipe of area A2. If the pressure in a (PA) is greater than the pressure in b (PB), the fluid flows left to right. In turn, imagine that fluid in compartment b must empty at a certain rate (Q) through a resistive orifice into a reservoir. This flow rate must be maintained by sufficiently large PB. Whatever PB is, PA must be even greater without the ejector jet. Now enter the ejector jet. It is powered by a pump that draws a relatively small amount of fluid (density r, rate Qj) from compartment a and ejects it at high velocity into the pipe through a small orifice of area Aj. The jet entrains and mixeswith the surroundingflow and imparts kinetic energy and momentum to it. The energized flow enters compartment b and diffuses, converting its kinetic energy back into pressure. The ejector jet augments PB without a rise in PA, so the flow through the resistive orifice increases without a rise in compartment a pressure. In fact, the pres
Design-manufacturing integration as a mediator of antecedents to new product design quality

Using data from 137 completed new product design (NPD) projects, we examine the direct and indirect effects on new product design quality of technological novelty, project organization complexity, and design-manufacturing integration (DMI). We use structural equation modeling to test the potential of DMI as a mediator of the effects of project organization complexity and technology novelty on product design quality. The results suggest that DMI is a strong driver of design quality, whereas technology novelty and project organization complexity serve to improve design quality only indirectly, in so much as they are associated with greater DMI. These findings extend prior research by establishing the importance of DMI at the NPD project level, suggesting that it is an effective means for coping with technological uncertainty and project organization complexity. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research and for managerial practice.
A Study on crosstalk analysis in aggregative transmission lines with turning vias

This paper presents measurement, modeling and simulation studies of high-speed signal propagation in multi-layered PCB with turning vias (immediate layer changing) in a mixed-referencing environment. The effects of turning vias, plane referencing, decoupling capacitor placement and, panel dimensions on high-speed signal propagation in an organic board are studied.
Thymectomy is safe for myasthenia gravis patients: Analysis of the NSQIP database.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine thymectomy-associated morbidity and mortality outcomes among myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Methods: Patients undergoing thymectomy were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2012 using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were stratified by MG diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors for morbidity outcomes. The chi-square test was used to examine the association between MG diagnosis and surgical approach. Results: A total of 1,148 subjects underwent thymectomy, and 108 had MG. Compared with control subjects, MG patients had a more severe American Society of Anesthesiologists physical classification and frailty index score, greater corticosteroid usage, and a higher rate of reintubation. There were no deaths among MG patients. The majority of MG patients underwent transsternal thymectomy. Conclusion: Although patients with MG have a greater preoperative morbidity and a higher frequency of reintubation, thymectomy was found to be a safe procedure overall. Muscle Nerve 53: 370–374, 2016
Realization of State-Space Models for Wave Propagation Simulations

Fully three-dimensional numerical solutions can quantify exterior seismic or acoustic propagation throughout complex geologic or atmospheric domains. Results from impulsive sources typically reveal propagating waves plus reverberations due to multi-path scattering and wave-guide behavior, with decay toward quiescent motions as the dominant wave energy moves out of the domain. Because such computations are expensive and yield large data sets, it is advantageous to make the data reusable and reducible for both direct and reciprocal simulations. Our objective is efficient time-domain simulation of the wave-field response to sources with arbitrary time series. For this purpose we developed a practical and robust technique for superstable model identification. A superstable model has the form of a state-space model, but the output matrix contains the system dynamics. It simulates propagation with the fidelity of the pulse response calculated for the numerical system. Our development of the superstable technique was motivated by our initial application of the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm to wave-field systems from high-performance-computing analyses, where we recognized exterior propagation features allowing superstable model assignment. Most importantly the pulse response and its decay over the domain are captured in a finite duration, and decay to zero beyond a finite number of time steps implies a system with zero eigenvalues. We review the superstable identification technique and demonstrate in detail infrasonic propagation system identification with pulse response data derived from supercomputer analysis. We conclude that, using superstable-identified systems, we are able to create reusable and reducible propagation-system models that accurately simulate the wave field using a fraction of the original computational resources.
Salvage radiotherapy in patients with recurrent or refractory primary or secondary central nervous system lymphoma after methotrexate-based chemotherapy

Abstract Background To assess the efficacy of salvage radiation therapy (RT) in patients with recurrent/refractory primary or secondary central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) after initial methotrexate (MTX)-based chemotherapy and to identify factors associated with treatment outcome. Patients and methods We reviewed 36 patients with primary or secondary CNSL who relapsed after MTX therapy and received salvage RT. Primary end points were radiographic response and overall survival (OS). Results After salvage RT, 18 patients (50%) achieved a complete radiographic response and 6 (17%) achieved a partial response, for an overall response rate of 67% [95% confidence interval (CI) 49% to 81%]. The median OS from start of salvage RT was 11.7 months (range: 0.6–94.7). Patients treated with less than five cycles of MTX before failure had a significantly shorter OS than patients who received five or more cycles (9.2 months versus not reached, P = 0.04). Patients with CNSL limited to brain only had a significantly longer OS than patients with disease in the brain and other central nervous system locations (16.5 versus 4.5 months, P = 0.01). Conclusion Salvage RT is effective for patients with recurrent/refractory primary or secondary CNSL after initial MTX therapy. Having received five or more cycles of MTX before failure and CNSL limited to the brain at relapse are associated with longer OS.
Selective stimulation of colonic transit by the benzofuran 5HT4 agonist, prucalopride, in healthy humans

BACKGROUND—Prucalopride (R093877) is a selective and specific 5HT4 agonist, the first of a new chemical class of benzofurans, with gastrointestinal prokinetic activities in vitro. AIMS—To evaluate the effects of prucalopride on gastrointestinal and colonic transit. METHODS—A validated scintigraphic technique was used to measure gastrointestinal and colonic transit over 48 hours in 50 healthy volunteers. For seven days, each subject received a daily dose of 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mg prucalopride, or placebo in a double blind, randomised fashion. The transit test was performed over the last 48hours. RESULTS—There were significant accelerations of overall colonic transit at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours (p 0.5) or small bowel transit (overall p=0.12). The medication appeared to be well tolerated during the seven day treatment of healthy subjects. CONCLUSION—Prucalopride accelerates colonic transit, partly by stimulating proximal colonic emptying, but does not alter gastric or small bowel transit in healthy human subjects. Prucalopride deserves further study in patients with constipation. Keywords: benzofuran; prucalopride; motility; transit; colon; gastrointestinal
Reciprocal and Multiplicative Relational Reasoning with Rational Numbers

Developmental research has focused on the challenges that fractions pose to students in comparison to whole numbers. Usually the issues are blamed on children’s failure to properly understand the magnitude of the fractional number because of its bipartite notation. However, recent research has shown that college-educated adults can capitalize on the structure of the fraction notation, performing more successfully with fractions than decimals in relational tasks, notably analogical reasoning. The present study examined whether this fraction advantage also holds in a more standard mathematical task, judging the veracity of multiplication problems. College students were asked to judge whether or not a multiplication problem involving either a fraction or decimal was correct. Some problems served as reciprocal primes for the problem that immediately followed it. Participants solved the fraction problems with higher accuracy than the decimals problems, and also showed significant relational priming with fractions. These findings indicate that adults can more easily identify relations between factors when rational numbers are expressed as fractions rather than decimals.
Immunological Approaches to Contraception: The Need, Basic Premise, and Overview

The world population is increasing at a rapid pace. It stood at one billion in 1830, the next billion was attained in 1930, the third in 1957, the fourth in 1979 and at current projections the figure is expected to pass the six billion mark by the year 2000. In the closing two decades of this century, half as many more people will be added to the global habitation as the number accumulated since the origin of man until the year 1980. This rate of expansion is bound to impose considerable strain on resources such as food, housing, jobs, and other social amenities; especially because 90 percent of the increase will be in economically developing countries.
Decentralized Decision Making in Dynamic Technological Systems

Operations Management (OM) is concerned with the study of technological systems that produce goods or services through the repetitive execution of standardized tasks. Although many of these systems are decentralized with an owner (or principal) delegating operational control to one or more noncooperative decision makers (or agents), traditional OM models suppress that feature for analytical tractability. Yet, the behavior of the noncooperative agents is also important and should be captured in OM models. Numerous recent research efforts have attempted to do that, but to maintain tractability they suppress most of the system complexity which is the landmark of OM models; see Anupindi, Bassok, and Zemel (1999), Cachon and Lariviere (1997), Lippman and McCardle (1997), Van Mieghem (1998). In addition, the few notable exceptions that capture both the processing dynamics and the agents’ behavior utilize sophisticated models whose tractability relies on specialized assumptions; see Bassok and Anupindi (1999), George (1999), Hall and Porteus (1999), Lee and Whang (1996).
The Hall of Fame

Selection into the MLB hall of fame is a special honor reserved for the all-time great players and managers. And, over time, the selection or nonselection of players has provided controversies for discussion. Many fans believe that Pete Rose belongs in the HOF based solely on his playing career; other fans are less forgiving about his admitted gambling on baseball games as a manager. Similar arguments are made about Shoeless Joe Jackson. On the other side, arguments arise over some players who have been inducted into the hall. Notably, did Phil Rizzuto deserve the honor when he was voted in by the Veteran’s Committee in 1994?. Bill James (1995) argued that Rizzuto’s career statistics did not warrant his selection.
Abstract 3063: Nitroglycerin Treatment Attenuates APP and BACE1 Protein Levels In Cerebral Microcirculation

Several cardiovascular risk factors are associated with an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the mechanistic link is unknown. A common feature of cardiovascular risk factors...
Evaluation of a Behavior Change Curriculum: Outcomes and Impact in a Follow-up Study

Methods This article examines the performance of fourth-year medical students on a standardized clinical exam, comparing students during the two-year period before the initiation of the study curriculum in motivational interviewing and two classes of students who completed the curriculum of interest. Sustainability of learning and performance gains as well as patient perceptions and satisfaction were evaluated.
Statins: Risk-Benefits and Role in Treating Dyslipidemias

Statins are the mainstay of therapy for the management of dyslipidemia, and particularly elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Currently available statins include atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. The advent of statin therapy has contributed to a substantial decrease in cardiovascular mortality over the past several decades. Results from multiple clinical trials have shown conclusively that lowering LDL-C levels leads to clinical event reduction in primary and secondary prevention, for both men and women, and across various other patient subgroups. Extensive clinical experience indicates that statin therapy may be initiated and maintained over the long term with a high degree of safety, and adverse effects associated with statin use are outweighed by their proven benefits in clinical event reduction.
Simulating electrical modulation detection thresholds using a biophysical model of the auditory nerve.

Modulation detection thresholds (MDTs) assess listeners' sensitivity to changes in the temporal envelope of a signal and have been shown to strongly correlate with speech perception in cochlear implant users. MDTs are simulated with a stochastic model of a population of auditory nerve fibers that has been verified to accurately simulate a number of physiologically important temporal response properties. The procedure to estimate detection thresholds has previously been applied to stimulus discrimination tasks. The population model simulates the MDT–stimulus intensity relationship measured in cochlear implant users. The model also recreates the shape of the modulation transfer function and the relationship between MDTs and carrier rate. Discrimination based on fluctuations in synchronous firing activity predicts better performance at low carrier rates, but quantitative measures of modulation coding predict better neural representation of high carrier rate stimuli. Manipulating the number of fibers and a temporal integration parameter, the width of a sliding temporal integration window, varies properties of the MDTs, such as cutoff frequency and peak threshold. These results demonstrate the importance of using a multi-diameter fiber population in modeling the MDTs and demonstrate a wider applicability of this model to simulating behavioral performance in cochlear implant listeners.
Fractal Simulate Plants Based on BSP Algorithm

The paper advances a programmed method,it applies GDI+,based on fractal algorithm and BSP algorithm.By constituting the model for every part,deal with following the characteristic of plant growth,we can get many lively and lifelike images of plant.
Epidemiologyical analysis of STDs in Changping District of Beijing City during 2008-2013

Objective To analyze the infectious status and the epidemic characteristics of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) in Changping District of Beijing City so as to provide scientific basis for formulation of prevention and control measures.Method The epidemiology and demographic data of the STDs in Changping District during 2008- 2013 were analyzed.Results The average annual incidence in Chang ping District was 52.43/100 000 in the period of 2008-2013,the ratio ofmale to female was 1.16∶1, the majority of thme reported cases aged 20-39 years(68.17%), occupations of most paitients werehousework and unemployment, farmers, business services and cadres(65.27%), Most patients lived at East Small Town, SmallTown, City North Streets and Beiqijia Town(64.44%). Conclusion STDs demonstrted a downward trend in 2008-2013;gonorrhea declined, however, syphilis increased. The risk population were males, young adults, housework and unemployment.
Targeting the Smad proteins in the transforming growth factor beta pathway for development of anti-cancer therapeutics.

C183 The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) pathway is emerging as a regulator of metastatic cancer cells. TGF-beta regulates cellular responses through activation of several signal transduction pathways including phosphorylation of the proteins Smad2 and Smad3. The phosphorylated Smads form a heterotrimer with Smad4 to engage over forty different transcription factors and signal transduction proteins through protein-protein binding interactions. TGF-beta acts through the Smads as a tumor suppressor but also acts through the Smads in malignant cancer as a tumor promoter that facilitates invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Strategies for inhibiting the tumor promoting signaling without inhibiting the tumor suppressor functions would be beneficial. We are testing the hypothesis that the distinct protein binding sites on Smad proteins are differentially important for binding to specific protein partners and, thereby, differentially important for cellular responses to TGF-beta. We have established that peptide aptamers, constrained peptides on a rigid protein scaffold, can bind to Smads and inhibit Smad-dependent transcription in cells (Oncogene 24: 3864-74 2005). We have described peptide aptamers that selectively inhibit transcriptional responses to TGF-beta, inhibit epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) or inhibit Smad4 dependent cell survival (Mol. Biol. Cell 17: 3819-31, 2006 and PNAS 103:18580-5, 2006). We report on our progress defining the roles of specific protein binding sites on Smad3 using small molecule inhibitors and Smad3 mutations. A quantifiable co-immunoprecipitation assay called LUMIER was used to establish that mutations on different regions of Smad3 selectively disrupt binding to some proteins and not others, identifying potential “hot spots” that might be targeted with small molecule ligands. We established assays for measuring the binding of over 20 different proteins to Smad3 in formats amenable to high throughput screening of chemical libraries. The initial screen identified 4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethylene)- 2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-[4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-thiazolyl] -3H-pyrazol-3-one which binds directly and reversibly to Smad3 with an apparent Kd of ~2uM as measured by SPR. The inhibitor disrupts binding of some Smad protein interactions but does alter binding of others. The discovery of a chemical ligand that selectively disrupts Smad protein binding provides evidence that at least one specific functional site on Smad3 is druggable and provides a template for optimization to make more potent and selective compounds useful for in vivo testing. Supported by RO1 CA090875 to FMH and P30CA 014520.