cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal information storage in a content addressable memory using realistic neurons

Abstract We study the storage and retrieval of spatiotemporal patterns in a network of realistic neurons. These neurons are simplified versions of the Hodgkin-Huxley model. Their time dynamics are exploited to represent information in terms of oscillatory spatiotemporal patterns. The proposed scheme uses excitatory connections to represent the spatial content of information (i.e., at which neurons the spikes are generated) and inhibitory connections for the temporal content (i.e., the timing of the spikes generated at different neurons). Two self-organizational rules are presented for the construction of a content addressable system. Computer simulations demonstrated successful retrieval of spatial oscillatory patterns in the presence of noise and time-dependent fluctuations of the inputs. The results suggest an encoding/decoding scheme in terms of the spatiotemporal distribution of action potentials, which is consistent with recent experimental results.
A critique of progress in adolescent smoking prevention

Abstract Researchers have developed a number of programs for preventing adolescent smoking. This critique evaluated a cross-section of 12 of these programs. The majority demonstrated short-term effectiveness in reducing the onset of smoking. The studies stressed three common themes: information about smoking's physiological and social effects, skills to cope with peer and advertising pressures, and the modification of attitudes. Despite many positive outcomes in reducing smoking, the studies did not clearly establish whether the interventions did so by imparting coping skills or by modifying attitudes. This leaves in doubt the exact processes that influence smoking behavior. Carbon monoxide and thiocyanate analyses have not been established as alternatives to self-report, as these methods prove unreliable with adolescent populations. Due to the lack of longitudinal studies, the long-term effectiveness of these interventions remains undetermined.
Superradiance and Rabi Oscillation in FDTD Simulation with Use of Multi-Level Medium Rate Equations

The Lorentzian-gain model used in FDTD cannot model superradiance and Rabi oscillation. We show that superradiance and Rabi oscillation can occur in the recent multi-level multi-electron FDTD model and shall be dealt with carefully in applications.
The Intersection Between Deep Moral Frames and Rhetorical Style in the Struggle over U.S. Immigration Reform

This essay highlights and explores a point of tension between theoretical writings on style and moral frames. Past political communication scholarship points to the importance of the feminine style in today's televisual era of politics. In this same political era, the conservative strict parent moral frame has dominated most policy debates. Surprisingly, this highly successful moral frame appears squarely at odds with the feminine style so closely connected with political success. This essay attempts to unravel this tension between styles and frames by examining discourse drawn from the 2007 debate over comprehensive immigration reform. To account for the success of conservative messages within this debate, this essay both (a) calls into question the nature of the relationship between the television medium and the feminine style and (b) expands our understanding of the discursive operation of deep moral frames by drawing a distinction between intra-familial and extra-familial policy discourse.
Penetration of >5-µm chrysotile fibers through DuPont Tyvek 1422A and Kimberly-Clark CPF fabrics

Aerosols of 4.1-µm mass median aerodynamic diameter chrysotile fibers were generated and passed through stitched (seamed) and unstitched (unseamed) DuPont Tyvek 1422A and Kimberly-Clark composite polypropylene fabric (CPF) spunbonded fabrics. The two unstitched fabrics and the two stitched fabrics were penetrated by amounts of chrysotile, which did not allow a statistically significant difference in penetration to be observed. Both Tyvek and the CPF allowed approximately a 1% penetration through the unstitched material and approximately a 30% penetration through the stitched material. These values refer to the suit materials perse and not to the entire garment. As such, they should not be considered as representative of the entire suit as worn by personnel.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis of the Behçet's type: Successful treatment with thalidomide

A 48-year-old man with a 27-year history of debilitating recurrent aphthous stomatitis major and pustular skin lesions was treated successfully with thalidomide. Side effects have not been encountered during a 6-month symptom-free period, while he has taken 25 mg per day. The drug is currently unavailable in this country except for the treatment of leprosy. It is hoped that publication of the dramatic response to thalidomide in this one instance will encourage greater interest in this potentially useful drug.
Influence of malignancy on the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in infants and children

This prospective, controlled study evaluates the influence of malignancy on the pharmacokinetics and dosage requirements of vancomycin in 33 infants and children with cancer (age 5.72 +/- 4.11 years, mean +/- SD) compared with 31 patients without cancer (age 4.18 +/- 5.10 years) using a two-compartment Bayesian pharmacokinetic program. Patients in the malignancy group required a vancomycin dosage regimen of 71.5 +/- 13.9 mg/kg/day to attain a mean peak serum vancomycin concentration (SVC) of 22.38 +/- 4.54 mg/liter and a mean trough SVC of 6.84 +/- 2.78 mg/liter. Patients without cancer in the control group required a mean vancomycin dosage regimen of 50.2 +/- 13.0 mg/kg/day to attain a mean peak SVC of 21.70 +/- 6.70 mg/liter and a mean trough SVC of 8.05 +/- 3.01 mg/liter. Comparative analysis of pharmacokinetic data revealed an increase in vancomycin clearance (0.149 +/- 0.028 liter/hour/kg) in the malignancy group as compared with that (0.114 +/- 0.031 liter/hour/kg) in the control group. There were no significant differences with respect to the mean values of volume of distribution between two groups (0.638 +/- 0.079 liter/kg vs. 0.618 +/- 0.102 liter/kg). Analysis of the predictive performance of the Bayesian program indicated that final sets of peak and trough SVCs were predicted with minimal bias and accurate precision in both study groups. This study showed that the presence of malignancy in infants and children increased vancomycin clearance resulting in larger dosage requirements.
Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for drug- and alcohol-related health problems in emergency departments (EDs): review of outcomes, implementations, and costs

We conducted a literature review of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in emergency-department (ED) settings to evaluate intervention designs, outcomes, cost-savings, and implementation. Publications selected were primary or secondary research of SBIRT in ED settings for alcohol or drug use. Publications were separated into three categories: outcomes, costs, and implementation. Outcome literature excluded secondary research, focusing on primary analyses of SBIRT in ED settings that targeted drug and alcohol use. Twenty-six articles were found and grouped into interventions for alcohol or drugs. Some studies appeared in both groups. Of the 25 alcohol studies, 22 reported significant treatment effects. Of the 10 drug studies, eight reported significant treatment effects. Most studies reported outcome measures as change in alcohol or drug use; others identified treatment attendance or assessment scores as outcome variables. With regard to cost, nine publications outlined cost-savings, including reduced recurrent substance-related ED visits and reduced cost per patient. With regard to implementation, 22 publications discussed SBIRT implementation in EDs. Research suggests that physicians and mid-level providers can efficiently conduct SBIRT and address substance use disorders among ED patients. Although SBIRT has been successfully integrated into many busy EDs, it is a challenge requiring ongoing commitment, planning, and support from ED staff. Despite barriers to SBIRT implementation, EDs that have implemented SBIRT show cost savings and improved ability to diagnose and treat alcohol- and drug-related problems. Future research should explore the effect of SBIRT in EDs for drug-related problems as well as its long-term sustained implementation.
A RISC architecture with two-size, overlapping register windows

The issues involved in designing multiple-register window schemes are examined, and fixed-size, variable-size and two-size window organizations are discussed. These three multiple-register approaches are compared. A detailed example is presented, showing that the proposed two-size register window scheme has significant advantages over both fixed-size and variable-size schemes. A prototype design is presented. >
Method of Minimizing Size of Heat Rejection Systems for Thermoelectric Coolers to Cool Detectors in Space

A thermal design concept of attaching the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) hot side directly to the radiator and maximizing the number of TECs to cool multiple detectors in space is presented. It minimizes the temperature drop between the TECs and radiator. An ethane constant conductance heat pipe transfers heat from the detectors to a TEC cold plate which the cold side of the TECs is attached to. This thermal design concept minimizes the size of TEC heat rejection systems. Hence it reduces the problem of accommodating the radiator within a required envelope. It also reduces the mass of the TEC heat rejection system. Thermal testing of a demonstration unit in vacuum verified the thermal performance of the thermal design concept.
Phosphorylation of the p190 RhoGAP N-terminal domain by c-Src results in a loss of GTP binding activity

p190 RhoGAP is a multi-domain protein that is thought to regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics. It can be phosphorylated both in vitro and in vivo at multiple sites by the Src tyrosine kinase and one or more of these sites is postulated to modulate p190 function. One of the regions which is multiply phosphorylated by Src in vitro is the N-terminal GTP binding domain. Using a partially purified, bacterially expressed recombinant protein that includes the GTP binding domain (residues 1–389), we show that GTP binds to this fragment in a specific and saturable manner that is both time- and dose-dependent and that tyrosine phosphorylation of this fragment by c-Src results in a loss of GTP binding activity. These findings suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of the p190 N-terminal domain can alter its ability to bind GTP.
Aquatic plants: an opportunity feedstock in the age of bioenergy

There is a growing impetus to identify and develop bioenergy feedstocks that can be harnessed in ways that do not require major land-use intensification or use of food crops. Although invasive aquatic plants have long been regarded as an intriguing potential feedstock because of their high growth rate in natural water bodies, most contemporary management is based on plant control rather than utilization. This review presents a comparative life cycle overview of modern aquatic plant control and alternative bioenergy utilization programs, highlighting costs and benefits associated with both approaches. Given recent advances in harvester and bioenergy conversion technologies, it may be cost effective to incorporate utilization techniques in many water bodies, particularly if ancillary benefits associated with nutrient removal and greenhouse-gas reductions are given monetary credit. Pilot projects and site-specific evaluations are, however, needed to determine the ultimate scale in which bioenergy production ...
Differential roles of glycogen synthase kinase-3 isoforms in the regulation of transcriptional activation.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) exists as two structurally similar isoforms, α and β, whose activities are negatively regulated by serine phosphorylation but positively controlled by tyrosine phosphorylation. We used GSK-3 isoform-specific small interfering RNAs, dominant negative mutants, and pharmacological inhibitors to search for the differential roles for both GSK-3 isoforms in regulating transcriptional activation in cultured rat cerebral cortical neurons. GSK-3α and GSK-3β were shown to have differentially regulated transactivation such that GSK-3α silencing/inhibition was more robust than GSK-3β silencing/inhibition in causing cAMP-responsive element- and NF-κB-dependent transactivation. Moreover, protein-DNA array studies identified two novel GSK-3-regulated transcription factors, early growth response 1 and Smad3/4, which were oppositely affected by GSK-3α or GSK-3β silencing or inhibition. Taken together, our results underscore critical variations in the function and regulation of GSK-3α and GSK-3β. The development of GSK-3 isoform-specific inhibitors is thus crucial for therapeutic intervention of GSK-3-related neuropathological conditions.
Enhancing college students' critical thinking: A review of studies

Twenty-seven studies are reviewed that investigate the effect of instructional methods, courses, programs, and general college experiences on changes in college students' critical thinking. Only two studies used true experimental designs; most were nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group designs. The results failed to support the use of specific instructional or course conditions to enhance critical thinking, but did support the conclusion that college attendance improves critical thinking. What is lacking in the research is a common definition of critical thinking, good instrumentation to provide specific measurement, and a clear theoretical description of the nature of an experience that should enhance critical thinking.
Damage to nearby divertor components of ITER-like devices during giant ELMs and disruptions

During normal operation of the high confinement mode in future ITER devices, edge-localized modes (ELMs) are a potential threat to the divertor components lifetime and plasma contamination. To predict the outcome of the direct ELM plasma impact on the divertor plate, conversion of plasma energy into radiation in the shielding layer, and then the resulting energy deposition of radiation flux to the surrounding areas, comprehensive physical and numerical models are developed and implemented in the HEIGHTS package. The energy deposition, divertor material erosion, resulting vapour plasma temperature and density evolution, and subsequently the resulting radiation, its transport and deposition around the divertor area are calculated for the predicted ELM and disruption parameters and for the prospective full ITER geometry. The initial simulation results showed that the disrupted plasma power density at the original divertor location and vapour radiation fluxes on nearby dome locations can have the same order of magnitude. The simulation results of the integrated modelling indicate a significant potential damage of the divertor nearby surfaces during giant ELMs and disruption impacts for ITER-like parameters and geometry.
IOStone: a synthetic file system benchmark

This paper presents a portable benchmark called IOStone that measures file system performance on a string of file system requests that is representative of measured system loads. Instead of isolating a particular aspect of file system performance such as disk access speed, or channel bandwidth, IOStone measures performance of the entire file system which includes components of disk performance, CPU performance on file system tasks, and disk cache performance, IOStone provides a basis for comparing performance of different file system implementations. It can also guide system builders in matching processor performance with file system performance. Measurements made using the IOStone benchmark indicate that a good balance between processor performance and file system performance is rarely achieved. Version II of the C language version of IOStone is available through electronic mail from becker@iris.ucdavis.edu.
Mie theory interpretations of light scattering from intact cells

We present a Mie theory-based analysis of angularly resolved light scattering from intact cells that involves the product of a particle size distribution rho and the scattering cross section sigma. The analysis shows that the ability to size intracellular organelles depends strongly upon the assumed functional form of the particle size distribution; however, the product sigma rho extracts the dominant light scatterers regardless of this choice. We examine goniometer measurements from our own and another laboratory and find that this analysis reconciles seemingly conflicting results and confirms that mitochondrial-sized organelles dominate scattering from intact cells in the angular range 50 degrees - 90 degrees.
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Impact on Disease Severity in Adult Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

ObjectivesFollowing human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) develops secondary to dysfunction of innate and adaptive immune responses. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common medical disorder; these patients are considered to be relatively immunocompromised. It is hypothesized that comorbid DM occurs more frequently than expected in a cohort of adult RRP patients and that RRP patients with DM have more severe disease than those without DM.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care laryngology practice, 5-year period.Subjects and MethodsAdult-onset RRP patients from 2007 to 2012 at the University of Washington were reviewed. The gender, age of onset of RRP, number of interventions, pathology, presence or absence of DM, and calculated anatomic Derkay severity score were recorded.ResultsEighty-four adult RRP patients were characterized; 64 male (76%) and 20 female (24%). Six of 84 patients (7.1%) had DM; this prevalence was not higher than an age-matched ...
Theory of polydisperse inhomogeneous polymers

A formalism is presented for incorporating realistic molecular weight distributions into field theory models of inhomogeneous polymeric fluids. The method is illustrated in the context of an equilibrium interface between coexisting phases of molten polydisperse A and B homopolymers. We solve the model field theory in the self-consistent mean-field approximation and analyze the structure of the interface for the special case of a Schulz molecular weight distribution. The formalism is general, however, and can be used even beyond the mean-field approximation to assess polydispersity effects in a wide variety of inhomogeneous polymers, such as block and graft copolymers and their alloys.
Genetic influences on daily intake and meal patterns of humans

The heritability of nutrient intake was investigated with 109 identical and 86 fraternal adult twin pairs who were paid to maintain 7-day food intake diaries. Both classical analysis of heritability and linear structural modeling revealed significant additive genetic influences on body size, height and weight, and body fatness (body-mass index). Significant heritabilities were also found for the amount of food energy ingested daily, as well as its macronutrient, alcohol, and water content. Linear structural modeling analysis showed that 65% of the variance in energy intake was attributable to heredity. In addition, the pattern of intake, meal frequency, size, and meal macronutrient, alcohol, and water composition, were also found to have strong heritabilities. Linear structural modeling indicated that 44% of the variance in meal frequency and 65% of the variance in meal size was attributable to heredity. However, shared, familial environment had no significant impact on the levels or pattern of intake in adulthood. These results indicate that not only body size but also the pattern and amounts of nutrients ingested by humans in natural environments are strongly influenced by the immediate environment and heredity, but not at all by the familial environment.
A VESSEL IS ITS OWN BEST LIFEBOAT: PREVENTION OF CASUALTIES THROUGH EDUCATION.

The U.S. Coast Guard has observed the death rate for commercial fishermen decline steadily during the years following the enactment of the Fishing Vessel Safety Act of 1988. This Act called for requirements of survival equipment and fire fighting equipment, among other items, targeted at minimizing the consequences of a vessel capsize, sinking, fire or other casualty that required the crew to abandon ship. In recent years, the death rate has plateaued with minimal to no decreases and even a slight increase in 1996. While of concern, this plateau seems logical because the primary focus over the last eight to ten years has been on reducing the consequences of commercial fishing casualties (response). However, fishing vessels continue to capsize or sink before crew members are able to access survival equipment and lives are being lost. In order to continue to decrease the industry death rate, regulators and those responsible for oversight of this industry must shift the focus from reducing the consequence of casualties (response) to decreasing the likelihood of casualties occurring (prevention). This paper details the most recent initiative the U.S. Coast Guard has undertaken in its Fishing Vessel Safety Program and describes the Fishing Vessel Training Suite developed to facilitate this industry-wide education. The Training Suite consists of three trainers and a document titled, Best Practices Guide to Vessel Stability. The three trainers include: (1) Interactive Stability Trainer, (2) Small Vessel Damage Stability Trainer, and (3) Small Vessel Damage Control Trainer. The U.S. Coast Guard has received very positive feedback from the commercial fishing industry and lives have been saved as a result of the use of this Training Suite.
Information technology standards in a changing world: the role of the users

Standards for information technology (IT) systems are important to users in effectively applying IT and carrying out the business of their organizations. Users need standards to interconnect products developed by different vendors and to move software, data and applications from one system to another. However, the formal standards development process does not always respond to user needs in a timely way. The cost and complexity of the process often inhibits direct user participation over the long period of time needed to develop standards. Users also have difficulty applying the standards when they are developed in a fragmented and non-integrated fashion. New approaches and tools are needed to enable users to achieve their goals for interoperable multi-vendor systems.
Motivations for providing a secure base: links with attachment orientation and secure base support behavior

This investigation examined the importance of underlying motivations in predicting secure base support behavior, as well as the extent to which support motivations are predicted by individual differences in attachment orientation. Participants were 189 married couples who participated in two laboratory sessions. During a questionnaire session, couples completed assessments of their underlying motivations for providing, and for not providing, support for their partner's exploration (i.e., goal-strivings), as well as assessments of their typical secure base support behavior. In an observational session, couples engaged in a discussion of one member's personal goals, during which the partner's secure base support was assessed. Results revealed a variety of distinct motivations for providing, and for not providing, secure base support to one's partner, as well as theoretically expected links between these motivations and both secure base behavior and attachment orientation. This work establishes motivations as important mechanisms that underlie the effective or ineffective provision of relational support.
Dynamic assessment of spontaneous language and cue responses in adult- directed and child-directed play: a statistical and descriptive analysis:

This study used a dynamic assessment procedure to examine normally- developing and language-impaired preschoolers in terms of spon taneous language and responses to clinician cues during conditions of child-directed and adult-directed play. No significant differences were found for subject groups or conditions for the spontaneous language variables. Significant differences, however, were found in the respon siveness of the two groups to clinician cues during the adult versus child-directed play conditions. The data were also examined descriptive ly and individual responses to the play-direction conditions are re ported. The relative importance of statistical versus descriptive analyses of the data is discussed along with the clinical implications of dynamic assessment.
Export Agriculture and Development Path: Independent Farming in Comparative Perspective

This paper compares ‘regions of “recent settlement’ (Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand) and Argentina to help assess the conditions under which export oriented agrarian regions and societies adopt a development path oriented to industrialization, focusing on the 1860s through the 1930s. The paper surveys the available literature to trace how agricultural export sector expansion shaped land tenure, class formation, and agrarian political participation in these societies. It sketches the class alliances and related structural conditions shaping the development path adopted. The regions of recent settlement tended to share a pattern of agrarian social structure and mobilization characterized by a high incidence of family operated farms, relatively little landlord predominance, strong farmer mobilization, and a class alliance and polity adhering to a consensus on industrialization and basic policies. Argentina represents a contrasting case in which landlords prevailed. The paper contributes to broader theoretical debate by relating the impact of export agriculture to the internal organization of the export sector.
Transmission losses in infrared anti-reflection coatings due to water absorption

Infrared optical systems require a range of exotic materials, many with large indices of refraction. The mismatch in the index between the optical element and the surrounding medium can result in reflection losses that approach 50%. Antireflection (AR) coatings are applied to these elements in order to minimize "ghost" reflections and improve the optical transmission through a system. The coatings are designed to be highly transparent; however, significant infrared absorption has been observed in some AR coatings. Likely candidates for the loss mechanism are water trapped into the optical coatings during deposition and water being incorporated into coating voids or grain boundaries during exposure to ambient humidity. Five different AR coatings have been procured from four manufacturers to study the cause of the observed losses. Upon receipt of the coated samples, infrared transmission measurements were made which showed the presence of incorporated water/hydroxyl, as evidenced by reduced transmission around 2.9 μm. Four of the five sample types placed in laboratory air for two months continued to absorb water, whereas those placed in flowing dry nitrogen showed no change. Samples placed in a humid environment for one, three and ten days also showed additional water incorporation with the magnitude of the change in transmission on the order of that observed with the two-month air exposure.
Chemoprevention of breast cancer

Despite a recent trend toward improvement in the U.S. breast cancer mortality rate, breast cancer incidence (182,800 new cases anticipated in 2000) and mortality figures (over 40,800 anticipated deaths) remain the highest and second highest, respectively, of all cancers in U.S. women. In 1998, the selective-estrogen-receptor-modulator (SERM) tamoxifen achieved positive results in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT), leading to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of tamoxifen for risk reduction in women at high risk of breast cancer (the historic first FDA approval of a cancer preventive agent). This brought about a paradigm shift in new approaches for controlling breast cancer toward pharmacologic preventive regimens, called chemoprevention. This paper presents a comprehensive clinical review of breast cancer prevention study, highlighting issues of the extensive study of tamoxifen. These issues include the record of primary tamoxifen results in several breast-cancer risk-reduction settings (primary, adjuvant, and ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]); critical secondary BCPT risk-benefit findings (including quality of life issues) and their effects on counseling patients on use of tamoxifen for prevention; ethic minorities; optimal tamoxifen dose/duration; and potential impact on mortality and other issues involved with potential net benefit to society. Other breast-cancer chemoprevention issues reviewed here include women at high genetic risk (especially BRCA1 mutation carriers); raloxifene in breast cancer prevention; other SERMs; SERM resistance; and new agents and combinations currently in development. Very recent developments involving PPAR-γ ligands, COX-2 inhibitors, and RXR-ligands are discussed in the section on new drug development.
Hydraulic Conductivity of Bentonite Slurry Mixed Sands

The hydraulic conductivity (k) of specimens from columns containing initially dry sands mixed with bentonite slurries was measured. The mixed specimens represented a range in void ratios ( 0.672≤e≤3.94 ) and bentonite contents ( 0.61%≤BC≤7.65% , by dry weight). The measured k values, which ranged from 2.4× 10−7 cm/s to 6.8× 10−4 cm/s , correlated poorly with the total void ratio (e) of the specimens, due to the complicating effect of the bentonite in the sand-bentonite slurry mixtures. However, the measured k values correlated better with the void ratio of the bentonite ( eb ) , which is consistent with the results of previous studies involving permeation of compacted bentonite and sand-bentonite specimens, even though the range in values of eb in this study ( 42.5≤ eb ≤127 ) was much higher than that previously reported. The relatively large range in eb values for the sand-bentonite slurry mixtures was also consistent with the relatively large range in measured k values, which are about one to seven or...
Utilization of dual-column focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope for three dimensional characterization of high burn-up mixed oxide fuel

Abstract Developing a more fundamental understanding of fuel performance requires detailed characterization of irradiated fuel under a variety of conditions. Historically characterization was limited by instrumentation available. Great strides have been made in new characterization techniques, yet there application to irradiated fuels has been delayed due to the difficulty of working with the samples. This paper outlines the first results from the application of a dual-column focused ion beam along with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction detectors to analyze the 3D structure of high burn-up MOX fuel. The applicability and advantages of the advanced techniques to irradiated fuel are also discussed.
Conducting the Survey

In this chapter, we explore fielding an online survey, recruiting subjects, and increasing the response rate.
Familial intracranial aneurysms: an autopsy study.

Objective Familial intracranial aneurysms are more common than has been appreciated, but systematic autopsy studies of affected individuals have not been reported. We reviewed the autopsy findings of a group of patients with familial aneurysms to elucidate the nature of the putative underlying arteriopathy. Methods Using a computerized diagnostic index, we identified all patients with intracranial aneurysms in whom postmortem examination had been performed at the Mayo Clinic between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1994. The medical records, radiographic studies, and autopsy findings of these patients were reviewed. Results Among the 28 patients with intracranial aneurysms, 3 (11%) had one or more first-degree relatives with documented intracranial aneurysms. The mean age of the three patients (two women and one man) was 54 years. Microscopic examination of the vascular system revealed medial changes, consisting of degeneration of elastic fibers and increased ground substance, in the systemic arteries of 2 of the 3 patients with familial aneurysms but in none of the 25 patients with sporadic aneurysms. These nonspecific medial changes involved both common and extracranial internal carotid arteries in one patient and the entire aorta as well as intracranial and common carotid arteries in the other patient. Conclusion These observations suggest that an underlying arteriopathy in patients with familial intracranial aneurysms involves the tunica media and commonly may affect systemic (extracranial) arteries.
A shape analysis for optimizing parallel graph programs

Computations on unstructured graphs are challenging to parallelize because dependences in the underlying algorithms are usually complex functions of runtime data values, thwarting static parallelization. One promising general-purpose parallelization strategy for these algorithms is optimistic parallelization.This paper identifies the optimization of optimistically parallelized graph programs as a new application area, and develops the first shape analysis for addressing this problem. Our shape analysis identifies failsafe points in the program after which the execution is guaranteed not to abort and backup copies of modified data are not needed; additionally, the analysis can be used to eliminate redundant conflict checking. It uses two key ideas: a novel top-down heap abstraction that controls state space explosion, and a strategy for predicate discovery that exploits common patterns of data structure usage.We implemented the shape analysis in TVLA, and used it to optimize benchmarks from the Lonestar suite. The optimized programs were executed on the Galois system. The analysis was successful in eliminating all costs related to rollback logging for our benchmarks. Additionally, it reduced the number of lock acquisitions by a factor ranging from 10x to 50x, depending on the application and the number of threads. These optimizations were effective in reducing the running times of the benchmarks by factors of 2x to 12x.
Nicotine induces oxidative stress and activates nuclear transcription factor kappa B in rat mesencephalic cells

Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of more than 4700 chemical compounds including free radicals and oxidants. Toxicity exhibited by cigarette smoke may be due to combined action of these compounds inducing many cellular processes mediated through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Major player probably nicotine as it is present in tobacco, in higher concentrations. The compounds that induce intracellular oxidative stress recognized as the important agents involved in the damage of biological molecules. Experiments using animal and cell culture model systems suggested that moderately higher concentrations of some forms of ROS like NO and H(2)O(2) can act as signal transducing agents. Nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) an inducible transcription factor detected in neurons found to be involved in many biological processes such as inflammation, innate immunity, development, apoptosis, and antiapoptosis. Our present study demonstrates that nicotine induces ROS levels in a dose dependent manner in rat mesencephalic cells. Electro mobility shift analysis showed that nicotine activates inducible NF-kappaB by binding to consensus sequence of DNA. Nicotine added to cell culture stimulates the degradation of IkappaB-alpha subunit in 2 h. Further activation of c-Jun terminal kinase indicates that nicotine induces oxidative stress leading to activation of stress dependent NF-kappaB pathway in mesencephalic cells.
Identification of a hormone-dependent phosphorylation site adjacent to the DNA-binding domain of the chicken progesterone receptor.

We have previously identified three phosphorylation sites in chicken progesterone receptor (PR) isolated from the cytosol of chicken oviducts. Several lines of evidence suggested that there might be additional phosphorylations that occur only in the nuclear compartment. We have reexamined the phosphorylation of the PR using whole cell extracts and have identified a second hormone-dependent phosphorylation site (Ser367) which is located on the amino-terminal side of the DNA-binding domain. This site also contains a Ser-Pro consensus sequence, as do the three previously reported sites. There are four Ser-Pro sequences in chicken PR, and all four are phosphorylated. Two of the sites showed substantial phosphorylation in the absence of hormone, with some enhancement in response to hormone, whereas two of the sites showed very little phosphorylation in the absence of hormone. This suggests either that despite the Ser-Pro consensus sequences, the sites are phosphorylated by different enzymes, or that binding ho...
Thinking about Others versus Another: Three Reasons Judgments about Collectives and Individuals Differ

In this article, we review evidence that people are more positive in assessments of specific individuals than they are about collectives of others, even when people have essentially no information about the individual or collective they are judging. We offer three explanations for this difference. First, evaluative “attacks” on individuals are more aversive than similar attacks on collectives. Second, to encourage or smooth interaction, people sometimes “assume the best” about individuals until proven wrong. Social interaction occurs between specific individuals, so such optimism does not extend to people in general. Third, in making judgments of individuals versus collectives, people naturally focus on different types of information. For an individual, people spontaneously consider influences that operate inside an individual (e.g.,one’s will, one’s moral conscience). But for collectives, people instead contemplate influences that operate at a social level (e.g.,social influence, social norms). We explore how these three proposals help predict when judgments of individuals and collectives do or do not differ.
Impact of generic substitution decision support on electronic prescribing behavior.

Objective To evaluate the impact of generic substitution decision support on electronic (e-) prescribing of generic medications. Design The authors analyzed retrospective outpatient e-prescribing data from an academic medical center and affiliated network for July 1, 2005–September 30, 2008 using an interrupted time-series design to assess the rate of generic prescribing before and after implementing generic substitution decision support. To assess background secular trends, e-prescribing was compared with a concurrent random sample of hand-generated prescriptions. Measurements Proportion of generic medications prescribed before and after the intervention, evaluated over time, and compared with a sample of prescriptions generated without e-prescribing. Results The proportion of generic medication prescriptions increased from 32.1% to 54.2% after the intervention (22.1% increase, 95% CI 21.9% to 22.3%), with no diminution in magnitude of improvement post-intervention. In the concurrent control group, increases in proportion of generic prescriptions (29.3% to 31.4% to 37.4% in the pre-intervention, post-intervention, and end-of-study periods, respectively) were not commensurate with the intervention. There was a larger change in generic prescribing rates among authorized prescribers (24.6%) than nurses (18.5%; adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.63). Two years after the intervention, the proportion of generic prescribing remained significantly higher for e-prescriptions (58.1%; 95% CI 57.5% to 58.7%) than for hand-generated prescriptions ordered at the same time (37.4%; 95% CI 34.9% to 39.9%) (p<0.0001). Generic prescribing increased significantly in every specialty. Conclusion Implementation of generic substitution decision support was associated with dramatic and sustained improvements in the rate of outpatient generic e-prescribing across all specialties.
Parallel processing of the matched-filter array for sound capture

New microphone array and signal processing techniques for high quality hands-free sound capture in noisy, reverberant enclosures have been developed. The new techniques combine matched-filtering of individual sensors and parallel processing to provide acute spatial volume selectivity which is capable of mitigating the deleterious effects of noise interference and multipath distortion. The new method outperforms traditional delay-and-sum beamformers which provide only directional spatial selectivity. The research additionally explores truncated matched-filtering to reduce complexity and improve sound capture quality.
Evidence of Homing of a Displaced Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy

ABSTRACT During a short-term telemetry study to determine behavior of angler-caught and released muskellunge, an individual muskellunge was caught and displaced into a separate lake in a chain of lakes. Following its release, this female fish (980 mm) traveled 10 km in three days. The fish bypassed numerous areas with suitable habitat in which muskellunge were commonly found and returned to the area from which it was originally captured.
Insulin analogs for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Purpose Evolving practice recommendations on the use of insulin analogs versus other forms of insulin therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes are reviewed, with an emphasis on supporting evidence from practice guidelines and clinical trials published over the last six years. Summary Current consensus guidelines call for aggressive pharmacotherapy to attain specific glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets as a means of reducing the risk of macrovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular [CV] death) and the tailoring of HbA1c-lowering regimens according to patient-specific factors such as the duration of diabetes, life expectancy, and comorbid conditions. Joint guidelines issued in 2009 by two leading organizations of endocrinology specialists recommend the use of insulin analogs (e.g., detemir, glargine) versus neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin, citing a more predictable time course and a lower potential for hypoglycemia; growing evidence indicates that the use of insulin analogs may offer other advantages such as enhanced dosing flexibility (with the possibility of self-titration by some patients) and less weight gain. Some evidence from trials published since 2007 indicates that early or intensive insulin analog therapy and very aggressive glycemic goals (e.g., HbA1c of <6%) may be associated with an increased mortality risk, especially in patients with longstanding diabetes and major CV comorbidities. Ongoing research is expected to help elucidate the comparative merits of intensive and standard HbA1c-lowering regimens and optimal strategies for individualized treatment of diabetic and prediabetic patients. Conclusion Published evidence suggests that insulin analogs may ofer advantages over other insulins as part of individualized pharmacotherapy regimens for appropriately selected patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2013; 70:320–34
Heterogeneity in the Polarity of Nra Regulatory Effects on Streptococcal Pilus Gene Transcription and Virulence

Transcription of several key virulence factors of Streptococcus pyogenes is under the control of Mga and Nra/RofA. In an M serotype 49 (M49) strain, Nra is a negative regulator of pilus gene transcription; also, Nra represses mga expression, leading to downregulation of the M protein surface fibril and secreted cysteine protease SpeB. In this report, the role of Nra in the virulence of an M53 classical skin strain was investigated. In contrast to the case for the M49 strain, Nra functions as a positive regulator of pilus gene transcription in the M53 strain, and inactivation of nra leads to loss of virulence in a humanized mouse model of superficial skin infection. Furthermore, Nra has no measurable effect on mga transcription in the M53 strain; this finding is further supported by a lack of detectable Nra effects on M protein- and SpeB-dependent phenotypes. Whereas MsmR is reported to activate nra and pilus gene transcription in the M49 strain, in the M53 strain it acts as a repressor of these genes. In both strains, MsmR and Nra form a feed-forward loop network motif for pilus gene transcription, but their effects have opposite signs. The findings demonstrate key strain-specific differences in the transcriptional circuitry governing virulence gene expression in S. pyogenes and its impact on pathogenesis.
The flicker noise in amorphous silicon based temperature sensors in flexible substrates

This paper presents the flicker noise or 1/f-noise measurement of RF sputtered amorphous silicon temperature sensors. The temperature sensor was fabricated between a polyimide substrate and superstrate to place it on a zero stress plane. The effects of flicker noise and voltage dependence of noise voltage power spectral density of the sensor were evaluated. The average value of flicker noise coefficient or normalized Hooge parameter K 1/f was found to be 1.2×10−11.
Protease-Activated Receptor Signaling in Platelets Activates Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α Differently for Cyclooxygenase-1 and 12-Lipoxygenase Catalysis

Objective— The rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of thromboxane A 2 (TxA 2 ) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by platelets is activation of cytosolic phospholipase A 2α (cPLA 2α ), which releases arachidonic acid, which is the substrate for cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 12-lipoxygenase. We evaluated signaling via the human platelet thrombin receptors, protease-activated receptor (PAR) 1 and PAR4, to the activation of cPLA 2α , which provides a substrate for the biosynthesis of TxA 2 and 12-HETE. Methods and Results— Stimulating washed human platelets resulted in delayed biosynthesis of 12-HETE, which continues after maximal formation of TxA 2 is completed, suggesting that 12-HETE is not formed by the same pool of arachidonic acid that provides a substrate to COX-1. PAR1-induced formation of TxA 2 was inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol kinase inhibitor LY294002, whereas this inhibitor did not block 12-HETE biosynthesis. Both 1-butanol and propranolol also blocked TxA 2 biosynthesis but did not inhibit 12-HETE formation. Conclusion— The concerted evidence indicates that the platelet thrombin receptors signal activation of cPLA 2α coupled to COX-1 by a pathway different from that signaling activation of the cPLA 2α coupled to 12-lipoxygenase.
Mechanical prophylaxis to prevent venous thromboembolism in surgical patients: A prospective trial evaluating compliance ☆

Abstract Purpose Sequential compression devices (SCDs) and venous foot pumps (VFPs) are used to prevent venous thromboembolism in surgical patients, but compliance is presumed to be poor. We evaluated compliance with these devices, compared compliance between intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients, and identified factors associated with better compliance. Materials and Methods Compliance was prospectively evaluated twice daily from admission until discharge, ambulation, or device discontinuation. A compliance score was determined by dividing the number of compliant evaluations by the total number of assessments. Compliance was compared between ICU and non-ICU patients, and predictors for compliance were identified. Results There were 150 patients evaluated. Overall compliance was 73 ± 29. Compliance was higher in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients (82 ± 22 vs 62 ± 32; P Conclusions Compliance with mechanical prophylaxis is suboptimal particularly in non-ICU patients. Strategies to improve compliance or alternative prophylaxis should be considered in those patients.