cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal linear constraints and subspace adaptive filtering

Linearly constrained adaptive filters can remove interference while preserving signals of interest. However, in many applications the interference and signals are distributed throughout a large space. In such cases, fully adaptive filtering is difficult to implement. Instead, data is typically partitioned into subspaces. Then, within each subspace, interference is cancelled. Finally, the resulting subspace signals are recombined. This procedure is used in many fields, such as wideband radar, sonar, communications, and radio astronomy (relevant techniques include subband adaptive beamforming/filtering, adaptive subarrays, frequency jump burst processing, and space-time adaptive processing). The purpose of this paper is to: (1) quantify the performance associated with subspace adaptation, and (2) enumerate techniques to improve its performance. In particular, we formulate a new class of "optimal linear subspace constraints." The benefits of these techniques are quantified and compared.
Prescription drug monitoring programs in the United States of America

Since the late 1990s, the number of opioid analgesic overdose deaths has quadrupled in the United States of America (from 4 030 deaths in 1999 to 16 651 in 2010). The objectives of this article are to provide an overview of the problem of prescription drug overdose in the United States and to discuss actions that could help reduce the problem, with particular attention to the characteristics of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). These programs consist of state-level databases that monitor controlled substances. The information compiled in the databases is at the disposal of authorized persons (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, and other health-care providers) and may be used only for professional purposes. Suppliers can use such information to prevent interaction with other drugs or therapeutic duplication, or to identify drug-search behavior. Law enforcement agencies can use these programs to identify improper drug prescription or dispensing patterns, or drug diversion.
Polygenic Mutation in Drosophila Melanogaster: Genetic Interactions between Selection Lines and Candidate Quantitative Trait Loci

We have investigated genetic interactions between spontaneous mutations affecting abdominal and sternopleural bristle number that have accumulated in 12 long-term selection lines derived from an inbred strain, and mutations at 14 candidate bristle number quantitative trait loci. The quantitative test for complementation was to cross the selection lines to an inbred wild-type strain (the control cross) and to a derivative of the control strain into which the mutant allele at the candidate locus to be tested was substituted (the tester strain). Genetic interactions between spontaneous mutations affecting bristle number and the candidate locus mutations were common, and in several cases the interaction effects were different in males and females. Analyses of variance of the (tester – control) differences among and within groups of replicate lines selected in the same direction for the same trait showed significant group effects for several candidate loci. Genetically, the interactions could be caused by allelism of, and/or epistasis between, spontaneous mutations in the selection lines and the candidate locus mutations. It is possible that much of the response to selection was from new mutations at candidate bristle number quantitative trait loci, and that for some of these loci, mutation rates were high.
Structural studies of lacUV5-RNA polymerase interactions in vitro. Ethylation interference and missing nucleoside analysis.

Substantial effort has been made to investigate the interactions that the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase makes with promoter DNA during transcription initiation. ThelacUV5 promoter has been the object of many of these studies, and to date, an incredible wealth of information exists on how RNA polymerase interacts with this promoter. We have sought to expand current knowledge by the use of two chemical interference protocols, phosphate ethylation and missing nucleoside. We have added to existing information with the identification of additional phosphates, for example, at the start site of the template strand that, when ethylated, perturb the binding of RNA polymerase. We have also discovered a number of positions, most remarkably −37 to −34 of the nontemplate strand, where nucleoside loss decreases binding. Finally, we have discovered positions of ethylation and/or nucleoside loss that can stimulate binding. In particular, missing nucleosides and phosphate ethylation near the transcription start site enhance RNA polymerase binding.
Pulmonary Arterial Pressure Testing for High Mountain Disease in Cattle

High mountain or brisket disease is an economically costly disease of cattle raised at elevations greater than 1500 m (5000 ft). It appears that no one breed is resistant to the effects of high-altitude hypoxia. Some breeds, and pedigrees within breeds, appear to be more naturally resistant to the effects of high altitude. Multiple factors contribute to the variance in pulmonary arterial pressure in cattle, including breed, gender, body condition, concurrent illness, environmental conditions, elevation, and genetics. Pulmonary arterial pressure testing is an effective diagnostic and management tool used to identify clinically affected and high-risk animals. The procedure can be performed in the field and is an economically valuable method for the selection and breeding management of beef cattle raised at high altitude.
De novo membranous glomerulonephropathy in renal allografts: A report of ten cases and review of the literature

De novo posttransplantation membranous glomerulonephropathy (MGN) is the most common form of de novo glomerulopathy in renal allografts. The clinical and pathological features of ten patients with de novo MGN were studied and the related literature was reviewed to assess the clinical features, morphologic characteristics, and natural course of this disease. De novo MGN may occur in both living related and cadaveric allografts at any time after transplantation. It presents clinically either as asymptomatic proteinuria or the nephrotic syndrome, a feature of poor prognostic implication. Morphologically, de novo MGN in most instances has distinct differences from idiopathic MGN in native kidneys and is accompanied by varying features of rejection. About 50% of grafts which develop de novo MGN eventually fail. This rather poor outcome may not represent the natural history of de novo MGN per se but rather the consequences of associated chronic rejection. Evidence is presented that many of the cases of so-called de novo MGN may be a complication of transplant glomerulopathy rather than being caused by mechanisms totally independent from rejection.
Modified separable kernel method for heat conduction with a nonlinear boundary condition.

7 MacNeal, R. H., ed., The NASTRAN Theoretical Manual, NASA SP-221, 1970. 8 Giles, G. L., Blackburn, C. L., and Dixon, S. C, "Automated Procedures for Sizing Aerospace Vehicles Structures (SAVES)," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 9, No. 12, Dec. 1972, pp. 812-819. 9 Zienkiewicz, O. C. and Cheung, Y. K., The Finite Element Method in Structural and Continuum Mechanics, McGraw-Hill, London, 1967, pp. 67-70. 10 Pian, T. H. H., "Derivation of Element Stiffness Matrices by Assumed Stress Distribution," AIAA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 7, July 1964, pp. 1333-1336. 11 Gallagher, R. H. and Huff, R. D., "Derivation of the ForceDisplacement Properties of Triangular and Quadrilateral Orthotropic Plates in Plane Stress and Bending," Rept. D2114-950005, Jan. 1964, Bell Aerospace Co., Buffalo, N.Y., pp. 14-27.
Androgens and women's health: Genetic and epidemiologic aspects of lipid metabolism

Lipoprotein metabolism may be viewed as a process whereby large, triglyceride-carrying particles from the intestine and liver are broken down into smaller cholesterol-enriched lipoprotein particles. In the process, triglyceride is transported from the intestine and liver to adipose and other storage tissues. Androgen appears to affect lipoprotein metabolism in a number of ways. These include: increasing the activity of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase, resulting in higher levels of triglyceride in adipose tissue and a drop in total circulating high-density lipoprotein levels, respectively, and decreasing catabolic removal of low-density lipoproteins from circulating plasma. In pre- and postmenopausal women, androgen progestins in some oral contraceptives, especially the older 19-nortestosterone derivatives such as norgestrel, lower high-density lipoprotein and raise low-density lipoprotein levels. Newer 19-nortestosterone derivatives, such as desogestrel and norgestimate, have a lesser effect on circulating lipoproteins. Nonoral androgenic progestins (e.g., subcutaneous norgestrel) have little effect on circulating lipids, however, which indicates the significance of the "first pass" through the liver for oral agents. The effects of androgens on atherogenesis are largely unexplored, although preliminary studies indicate that they may promote the atherogenic process.
Economic, statistical, and linguistic factors affecting success on the test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL)

Abstract Adults' success in learning English - measured by TOEFL scores - is regressed as a function of GNP per capita (proxying instructional efforts); share of foreign trade in GNP (proxying everyday exposure to English); percentage of speakers taking the TOEFL (for comparability of populations); and the diachronic relatedness of English to one's native language, indicated by the Indoeuropean language tree. All four regressors are significant. The relatedness variable affords, for the first time, statistical evidence that difficulty in second language learning is not intrinsic to the target language, but relative - a function of the historical relatedness of the target and native languages.
Antinociceptive properties of intrathecal dexmedetomidine in rats

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist. In this study, the intrathecal administration of dexmedetomidine into the rat lumbar subarachnoid space produced dose-dependent, prolonged antinociception as measured by hot plate and tail flick testing. Intrathecal administration of 3 or 10 micrograms of dexmedetomidine increased hot plate and tail flick latencies to cutoff values within 15 min of injection. Animals receiving 1 microgram of intrathecal dexmedetomidine did not show any significant antinociception when compared to saline controls. The intrathecal administration of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan, ablated all measurable antinociception produced by the prior injection of 10 micrograms of dexmedetomidine.
Relationships between the influence of cortisol on tissue amino acid accumulation and amino acid incorporation in protein, and the cortisol inhibition of substrate metabolism.

The in vitro effect of cortisol on the cellular accumulation of free amino acid or a-aminoisobutyric acid and the incorporation of amino acid into protein was studied using the mouse ear strip preparation. It was determined that cortisol strongly inhibited amino acid incorporation into protein in glucose medium, weakly inhibited this incorporation in pyruvate medium and did not inhibit it at all in succinate medium. The cortisol inhibition of the metabolism of these substrates to CO2 followed the same sequence, i.e., glucose, pyruvate and no inhibition of succinate. Cortisol usually shows at least a 3-hr latent period in glucose medium before an inhibition of amino acid incorporation into protein can be demonstrated. This latent period is decreased to less than 30 min by preincubation of the tissue with cortisol in succinate medium. These data are interpreted to mean that this cortisol action on protein synthesis is manifest through inhibition of specific substrate metabolism and subsequent energy generat...
The metabolic pattern of C14-diethylstilbestrol.

AS IS well established, diethylstilbestrol is a potent synthetic estrogen capable of producing vaginal estrus response in ovariectomized rats in amounts less than one gamma. Although studies on the fate of this compound at rather high dosage levels have been reported (Dodgson et al, 1948; WilderSmith and Williams, 1948; Mazur and Shorr, 1942; Hanahan et al., 1951; Twombly and Schoenwaldt, 1951), no data are available on its metabolism at near physiological levels. The availability of radioactive diethylstilbestrol, labeled in the methylene position with carbon 14 as indicated in the formula, of sufficiently high specific activity permitted working with doses as low as 5 gamma. A study of this estrogen’s metabolic pattern, including its absorption and excretion pathways, was undertaken and the results are reported here. Diethylstilbestrol, labeled with carbon 14 in the methylene position, was synthesized by the method of Dauben and Meikle (unpublished resuits), which followed essentially the original proce...
Lyndon Johnson redefines “equal opportunity:”; The beginnings of affirmative action

(1980). Lyndon Johnson redefines “equal opportunity:”; The beginnings of affirmative action. Central States Speech Journal: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 85-94.
Ion sorption by isolated chloroplasts.

Iron sorption by isolated wheat chloroplasts indicate two binding sites with dissociation constants near that of FeCNS++aq., the firmer of which requires 6 × 10−3 g. iron/ml. chloroplasts for saturation. Copper and manganese did not compete for the site. Binding by wheat chloroplasts of potassium, rubidium, carbonate, and phosphate is very small.
Far infrared spectrum of the internal rotation of CH3OH and CD3OH

Abstract The far infrared spectra of the Q branches of hindered rotation in CH 3 OH and CD 3 OH have been investigated in the 80–250 cm −1 spectral region. The theoretical spectra are calculated using the full set of Kirtman constants and are compared with experimental spectra of resolutions up to 0.25 cm −1 . The theoretical spectrum of CH 3 OH is slightly different from previously published data which did not include all of the Kirtman perturbation terms. For both molecules the agreement of the theoretical and experimental spectrum is satisfactory considering that only the Q -branch spectra have been studied. Experimentally, many more lines have been found which most likely belong to P - and R -branch lines or clusters thereof.
Intravenous Lidocaine in the Treatment of Refractory Headache: A Retrospective Case Series

Background.— New treatments are needed to treat chronic daily headache (CDH) and chronic cluster headache (CCH). New treatments are needed to treat this population and intravenous (IV) lidocaine is a novel treatment for CDH. Objective.— The aim of this study was to examine the use of IV lidocaine for refractory CDH patients in an inpatient setting. Methods.— This was an open-label, retrospective, uncontrolled study of IV lidocaine for 68 intractable headache patients in an inpatient setting. We reviewed the medical records of patients receiving IV lidocaine between February 6, 2003 and June 29, 2005. Results.— Pretreatment headache scores averaged 7.9 on an 11-point scale and posttreatment scores averaged 3.9 representing an average change of 4. Average length of treatment was 8.5 days. Lidocaine infusion was generally well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions.— This study suggests benefit of lidocaine treatment and the need for further prospective analyses. The mechanism of lidocaine in treating headache is unknown.
Allocating procurement to capacitated suppliers with concave quantity discounts

We consider a procurement problem where suppliers offer concave quantity discounts. The resulting continuous knapsack problem involves the minimization of a sum of separable concave functions. We identify polynomially solvable special cases of this NP-hard problem, and provide a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme for the general problem.
Why Following the Rules Matters: The Customs of War and the Case of the Texas War of Independence

Abstract It is commonly assumed that the pre-codified, customary law of war had little true influence on the decisions or behavior of combatants in the western world. Evaluating this assumption concerning the custom (or norm) of the giving of quarter to enemy combatants in the Texas War of Independence of 1835--1836, this paper finds a strong and widely accepted norm on this subject already by the early 19th century, which exerted significant influence on the behavior in and the results and consequences of the war. The following of this custom of war by the Texian Army, on the one hand, and its intentional and preplanned breaking by the Mexican army headed by Santa Anna for the supposed military and psychological benefits that would accrue from it, on the other, such as in the cases of the Alamo and Goliad, led to severe internal and external consequences for the Mexican side in the short and long term that greatly contributed to their failure to achieve their objectives and to the Texian success in achie...
Composite electrolyte membranes for high temperature CO2 separation

Abstract A membrane device that can selectively separate CO2 at temperatures exceeding 600 °C has been demonstrated. The membrane can be made from a composite material made of a molten carbonate electrolyte that fills the pore space in a solid oxide electrolyte (e.g. yttria doped zirconia (YSZ), or gadolinia doped ceria (CGO)). The experimental evidence points to a transport mechanism based on opposing ionic currents of carbonate and oxide ions. The flux of CO2 across these membranes has been shown to increase with temperature, reaching permeabilities of 10−11 mol m−1 s−1 Pa−1 (or permeance of 3 × 10−8 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1) at 850 °C. The use of a non-ion conducting solid oxide, Al2O3, does not result in strong CO2 permeability or selectivity, supporting a facilitated dual-ion transport mechanism.
Inactivation of acetylcholinesterase with a bretylium tosylate photoaffinity probe

Abstract Azidobretylium tosylate (ABT), the p -azido analogue of bretylium tosylate, has been synthesized to serve as a photoaffinity probe for bretylium binding sites. Bretylium tosylate has antiarrhythmic action and also interacts with amiloride-sensitive sodium ion transport sites. Acetylcholinesterase was used as a model protein, and both bretylium and ABT are reversible inhibitors of this enzyme. The kinetic inhibition constants ( K i ) were determined to be 40 μM for bretylium tosylate and 6 μM for ABT. The azido compound is photochemically labile and apparently irreversibly inactivates the enzyme. The rate was retarded by the addition of bretylium tosylate or 4-oxo- N , N , N -trimethylpentanaminium iodide (OTI). Sephadex G-25 chromatography further demonstrated the irreversible nature of the photoinactivation. Since ABT binds at or near the acetylcholinesterase active site, it may be a useful probe for the characterization of the enzyme active site.
Intensities of Satellites of L β 2

By use of the Siegbahn x-ray spectrograph, the intensities, relative to the parent line, of the satellites of the x-ray line $L{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$, have been studied in the atomic number range $40lZl53$, inclusive. The "integrated intensity" (total area of satellite structure, comprising four lines) is about 4 percent of that of $L{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$ for Cb(41); rises to a maximum of 52 percent for Ag(47); and then drops rapidly to a value too small to be measured (less than 1 percent) for Te(52). These results are in disagreement with the theory of Druyvesteyn (Diss., Groningen, 1928), which predicts a continuous decrease in satellite intensity with increasing $Z$.
Naturally derived myocardial matrix as an injectable scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering

Myocardial tissue lacks the ability to significantly regenerate itself following a myocardial infarction, thus tissue engineering strategies are required for repair. Several injectable materials have been examined for cardiac tissue engineering; however, none have been designed specifically to mimic the myocardium. The goal of this study was to investigate the in vitro properties and in vivo potential of an injectable myocardial matrix designed to mimic the natural myocardial extracellular environment. Porcine myocardial tissue was decellularized and processed to form a myocardial matrix with the ability to gel in vitro at 37 degrees C and in vivo upon injection into rat myocardium. The resulting myocardial matrix maintained a complex composition, including glycosaminoglycan content, and was able to self-assemble to form a nanofibrous structure. Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were shown to migrate towards the myocardial matrix both in vitro and in vivo, with a significant increase in arteriole formation at 11 days post-injection. The matrix was also successfully pushed through a clinically used catheter, demonstrating its potential for minimally invasive therapy. Thus, we have demonstrated the initial feasibility and potential of a naturally derived myocardial matrix as an injectable scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering.
A Scale-Space Clustering Method: Mitigating the Effect of Scale in the Analysis of Zone-Based Data

Scale-space clustering methods have a variety of applications in image processing, spatial imagery data mining, classification of land uses, identification of seismic belts, pattern recognition, and more. The full potential of these methods, particularly in a socioeconomic context, has not been realized due to its cumbersome mathematical formulations and lack of implementation in a ready-to-use module for wide distribution. The objectives of this article are threefold: to develop a modified scale-space clustering method (MSSC) that accounts for both attribute homogeneity and spatial contiguity, to implement the method in a geographic information system (GIS) program for wide distribution, and to demonstrate its values in a case study. This is coherent with the intent of developing frame-independent and scale-invariant methods, and has important implications in several spatial analysis issues. For instance, it can be used (1) to construct geographic areas with sufficiently large base population to mitigate...
A generalized circle diagram for a four-terminal network and its application to the capacitor single-phase motor

THE MAIN PURPOSE of this paper is to present an operating circle diagram for the capacitor motor, showing that the input-current vector follows a circular envelope, as the mechanical shaft power is varied. A secondary aim is to review the theory of the generalized four-terminal network, thereby developing circle-diagram equations which can be applied to any linear network which delivers its output power into a variable impedance of constant power factor. This generalized method of approach can be applied quite readily to the three-phase induction motor, obtaining the same results which now are available in practically all textbooks on a-c machinery. The same point of view can be extended to single-phase motors, the capacitor motor being a good example. Considerable work still remains to be done in order to make the single-phase circle diagram as useful as the one commonly used for three-phase motors,1 but the author believes that the generalized treatment offered in this paper may be a step in the right direction.
Calcofluor and Ink-Potassium Hydroxide Preparations for Identifying Fungi

Calcofluor and ink-potassium hydroxide preparations identified Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigatus , and Candida albicans , the three most common ocular fungal pathogens, in scrapings, biopsy specimens, and tissue sections of corneal mycotic infections in rabbits. These stains also identified fungal organisms in specimens from four human patients with keratomycoses. Neither procedure requires more than a few minutes to perform or extensive training or experience to interpret. The specimen stained with calcofluor can be examined immediately, but may not identify all fungi. The more sensitive ink-potassium hydroxide preparation should be examined after 18 to 24 hours, and is less likely to provide false-positive results than the calcofluor method.
WebAnywhere: experiences with a new delivery model for access technology

In this paper we describe recent developments and our experiences in releasing WebAnywhere. WebAnywhere was originally designed as a web-based alternative to a traditional screen reader. It can be run on any computer without installing new software, making it ideal for use on-the-go or in libraries and schools where the appropriate access technology is unlikely to already be installed and where users do not have permission to install it. Since its initial release nearly two years ago, WebAnywhere has expanded from its original goal of supporting blind web users to become a platform for an array of technologies supporting access for people with disabilities.
Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for High-Throughput Analysis of Pharmaceutical Samples in the Ambient Environment

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) allows mass spectrometry to be used for on-line high-throughput monitoring of pharmaceutical samples in the ambient environment, without prior sample preparation. Positive and negative ion DESI are used to characterize the active ingredients in pharmaceutical samples formulated as tablets, ointments, and liquids. Compounds of a wide variety of chemical types are detected in these complex matrices. The effects on analytical performance of operating parameters, including the electrospray high voltage, heated capillary temperature, solvent infusion rate, and solvent composition, are evaluated and optimized. In addition to experiments in which a simple solvent is sprayed onto the solid analyte samples, reactive desorption is performed by adding reagents to the solvent spray to generate particularly stable or characteristic ions with the analytes of interest. A variable-speed moving belt was built for high-throughput sampling and used to provide rapid qualitative and s...
An application of information theory to genetic mutations and the matching of polypeptide sequences.

Abstract An information-based methodology for determining the quality of an alignment of two code sequences is presented. The assumptions involved in the procedure are as follows, (i) The information required to effect the alignment is separable into three categories: location, type and operation detail. The information basis of all three categories must be the same so that the information values obtained may be added together to produce a meaningful total for the entire alignment, (ii) All possible alignments may be expressed as composites of four mutation operations, UR , S , In and D . Two mutations are constrained from occurring at the same site to avoid ambiguity and to render the set of alignments finite, (iii) The character statistics and corresponding estimates of the probabilities of occurrence for mutations are available or at least estimable. In application, one needs to obtain estimates of the distribution of (a) the spacing between mutations, (b) the frequency of the four mutation operations, and (c) the inserted character frequencies and deletion lengths. Some of the constraints on these estimates are described and means, in each case, for obtaining reasonable values are suggested. These requirements are all extremely fundamental in nature and can, in principle, be satisfied biochemically. The greatest potential value of the method, is that these physical quantities may be related in a non-arbitrary way to the complex problem of alignment. The method requires no arbitrary penalty factors and should help to guide geneticists in gathering the necessary data.
Gel electrophoretic analysis of the geometry of a DNA four-way junction

Branched DNA molecules (Holliday structures) are believed to be key intermediates in the process of homologous genetic recombination. However, despite the importance of such structures, their transient nature makes it difficult to analyze their physical properties. In an effort to evaluate several models for the geometry of such branched molecules, a stable, synthetic DNA four-way junction has been constructed. The geometry of the synthetic junction has been probed by gel electrophoresis, utilizing the fact that bent DNA molecules demonstrate reduced mobilities on polyacrylamide gels to an extent that varies with the degree of the bend angle. From the synthetic four-way junction, we have produced a set of molecules in which all combinations of two junction arms have been extended by 105 base-pairs. The electrophoretic mobilities of the extended junctions differ in a manner which indicates that the junction is not a completely flexible structure; nor is it tetrahedral or planar-tetragonal. Instead, the four strands that comprise the DNA four-way junction are structurally non-equivalent. The significance of these observations with regard to previous models for four-way junction geometry is discussed.
An Analysis of Description Logic Augmented with Domain Rules for the Development of Product Models

The languages and logical formalisms developed by information scientists and logicians concentrate on the theory of languages and logical theorem proving. These languages, when used by domain experts to represent their domain of discourse, most often have issues related to the level of expressiveness and need specific extensions. In this paper, we first analyze the requirements for the development of structured knowledge representation models for manufacturing products. We then explore how these requirements can be satisfied through the levels of logical formalisms and expressivity of a structured knowledge representation model. We report our analysis of description logic (DL) and domain-specific rules with respect to the requirements by giving an example of a product ontology developed with ontology web language-description logic (OWL) and augmented with semantic web rule language (SWRL) rules. Clearly, increasing the expressivity of a product ontology also improves that of domain-specific rules, but there exits the usual tradeoff between the expressivity of languages and the complexity of their reasoning tasks. We present a case study of an electromechanical product to validate the analysis and,further show how the OWL-DL reasoner together with the rule engine can enable reasoning about the product ontology. We finally discuss the open issues such as capabilities and limitations related to the usage of DL, OWL, and SWRL for product modeling.
Thyroxine Therapy, Hypothyroid Patients, and Coronary Revascularization

Excerpt To the editor: In their article, Hay and coauthors (1) address the question of the safety and the appropriateness of thyroid hormone replacement in patients with incapacitating coronary art...
The effects of mask scattering on photoresist profiles in masked ion beam lithography

Abstract A W/Cr/Si mask system and a masked ion beam lithography (MIBL) simulation package are used in a channeling exposure experiment to determine the effects of mask scattering on resist profiles. The mask used consists of W absorbers on a thin Si membrane. A thin Cr layer is used to improve adhesion and as a reactive ion etch stopping layer. Reactive ion etching is used to achieve nearly vertical W sidewalk. The computer program is part of the SAMPLE process simulation package developed at the University of California, Berkeley. The model uses analytical calculations to model the mask scattering and find the energy deposited in the resist. The resist development can be simulated for any specified time interval, mask, resist, or beam parameters. In a simple example, the W/Cr/Si mask is used to expose PMMA to a H+ beam. This exposure illustrates the degradation of resist profiles due to mask scattering and channeling misalignment. The MIBL simulation is used to determine the possible causes of the resist degradation. It is found that beam alignment is the most critical parameter in determining resist profile quality.
Rethinking Organizational Culture as a Toolkit: Implications for Organizational Identity

In this theoretical paper, I examine organizational use of culture and its relationship with organizational identity, newly accounting for organizations’ engagement in cultural exchanges. I extend ...
Should Newborns be Screened for Immunodeficiency? Lessons Learned from Infants with Recurrent Otitis Media

Recurrent otitis media in children is considered one of the warning signs of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), particularly antibody deficiencies. Infants who have the most serious and potentially lethal form of PID, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), sometimes present with recurrent otitis media. Most of the time, because of the severity of the immune defect, they develop more serious and systemic infections. SCID is distinct among the PIDs and considered a pediatric emergency. Diagnosing SCID during the newborn period is crucial because survival completely depends on early diagnosis and treatment. Mortality declines significantly if immune reconstitution is established before 3.5 months of age, particularly before severe infections have occurred. However, most patients are diagnosed after they have suffered chronic or recurrent infections and developed permanent sequelae. Without institution of population-based newborn screening, most infants will miss the opportunity to live a healthy life.
Invisible Sensing of Vehicle Steering with Smartphones

Detecting how a vehicle is steered and then alarming drivers in real time is of utmost importance to the vehicle and the driver's safety, since fatal accidents are often caused by dan- gerous steering. Existing solutions for detecting dangerous maneuvers are implemented either in only high-end vehicles or on smartphones as mobile applications. However, most of them rely on the use of cameras, the performance of which is seriously constrained by their high visibility requirement. Moreover, such an over/sole-reliance on the use of cameras can be a distraction to the driver. To alleviate these problems, we develop a vehicle steering detection middleware called V-Sense which can run on commodity smartphones without additional sensors or infrastructure support. Instead of using cameras, the core of V-Sense/ senses a vehicle's steering by only utilizing non-vision sensors on the smartphone. We design and evaluate algorithms for detecting and differentiating various vehicle maneuvers, including lane-changes, turns, and driving on curvy roads. Since V-Sense does not rely on use of cameras, its detection of vehicle steering is not affected by the (in)visibility of road objects or other vehicles. We first detail the design, implementation and evaluation of V-Sense and then demonstrate its practicality with two prevalent use cases: camera-free steering detection and fine-grained lane guidance. Our extensive evaluation results show that V-Sense is accurate in determining and differentiating various steering maneuvers, and is thus useful for a wide range of safety-assistance applications without additional sensors or infrastructure.
Staggered consistent checkpointing

A consistent checkpointing algorithm saves a consistent view of a distributed application's state on stable storage. The traditional consistent checkpointing algorithms require different processes to save their state at about the same time. This causes contention for the stable storage, potentially resulting in large overheads. Staggering the checkpoints taken by various processes can reduce checkpoint overhead. This paper presents a simple approach to arbitrarily stagger the checkpoints. Our approach requires that the processes take consistent logical checkpoints, as compared to consistent physical checkpoints enforced by existing algorithms. Experimental results on nCube-2 are presented.
Integrated routing and storage for messaging applications in mobile ad hoc networks

This paper is motivated by the observation that traditional ad hoc routing protocols are not an adequate solution for messaging applications (e.g., e-mail) in mobile ad hoc networks. Routing in ad hoc mobile networks is challenging mainly because of node mobility - the more rapid the rate of movement, the greater the fraction of bad routes and undelivered messages. For applications that can tolerate delays beyond conventional forwarding delays, we advocate a relay-based approach to be used in conjunction with traditional ad hoc routing protocols. This approach takes advantage of node mobility to disseminate messages to mobile nodes. The result is the Mobile Relay Protocol (MRP), which integrates message routing and storage in the network; the basic idea is that if a route to a destination is unavailable, a node performs a controlled local broadcast (a relay) to its immediate neighbors. In a network with sufficient mobility - precisely the situation when conventional routes are likely to be non-existent or broken-it is quite likely that one of the relay nodes to which the packet has been relayed will encounter a node that has a valid, short (conventional) route to the eventual destination, thereby increasing the likelihood that the message will be successfully delivered. Our simulation results under a variety of node movement models demonstrate that this idea can work well for applications that prefer reliability over latency.
Two-dimensional position sensing Si detectors: Current and charge pulse characteristics☆

Abstract The current and charge pulse characteristics of two-dimensional position sensing Si detectors (PSDs) employing resistive charge division have been measured by making use of pulsed photon systems. The detectors studied are discrete two-dimensional PSDs where individual gold and orthogonal aluminum strips are deposited on the front and back surfaces, respectively, of the silicon wafer. Resistive charge division is accomplished by two external resistor networks. Detector fabrication and the pulsed photon systems are described. The anomalous currents (i.e., polarity reversal with time) exhibited by these detectors, which we reported earlier, have been studied and their time characteristics determined. Calculations based on a simplified model of the detector predict these anomalous currents, and the results of the calculations are compared with measurements. The currents characteristic of two-dimensional detectors have measured time durations considerably longer than those measured for equivalent one-dimensional detectors. Further, the anomalous currents result in ballistic deficits which are greater than unity, an effect entirely absent for one-dimensional detectors. For detectors having fixed area and thickness, the requirement that these detectors exhibit near distortion-free position response for heavy ions in the presence of intense background fluxes (i.e., protons) imposes strong restrictions on the total resistance of the external resistor networks, which are discussed.
Assessing Foodshelves' Ability to Distribute Healthy Foods to Foodshelf Clients

Foodshelves provide a vital service of distributing food to food insecure families, but the resources foodshelves have to source and distribute healthy food and the extent to which this emergency food is healthy have not been evaluated. All member foodshelves of the Emergency Foodshelf Network (n = 58), a food bank in Minnesota, were sent a survey that assessed resources and barriers related to organizational policies, infrastructure, and access to healthy food that foodshelves face. Results from 35 responding agencies suggest that foodshelves with healthy food sourcing and distribution policies tended to serve larger caseloads, be managed by paid staff, and purchase more food than received as donations. Lack of healthy food in the hunger relief system was a barrier to foodshelves implementing policies.
TACC3 deregulates the DNA damage response and confers sensitivity to radiation and PARP inhibition.

Deregulation of the transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3), an important factor in the centrosome–microtubule system, has been linked to a variety of human cancer types. We have recently reported on the oncogenic potential of TACC3; however, the molecular mechanisms by which TACC3 mediates oncogenic function remain to be elucidated. In this study, we show that high levels of TACC3 lead to the accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and disrupt the normal cellular response to DNA damage, at least in part, by negatively regulating the expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and the subsequent DNA damage response (DDR) signaling cascade. Cells expressing high levels of TACC3 display defective checkpoints and DSB-mediated homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair systems, leading to genomic instability. Importantly, high levels of TACC3 confer cellular sensitization to radiation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition. Overall, our findings provide critical information regarding the mechanisms by which TACC3 contributes to genomic instability, potentially leading to cancer development, and suggest a novel prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer types expressing high levels of TACC3.
Development of impedance void meter for evaluation of flow symmetry

Abstract Often it is useful or even necessary to know whether the void fraction is evenly distributed in two-phase flows. In industrial systems, unevenly distributed flows can be a factor in vibrations and other undesirable occurrences. In bubble column chemical reactors, uneven distribution of the void can result in reduced reaction efficiency. In experiments, it is often desirable to have symmetrically distributed void for local measurements since this allows for more rapid data collection. Current systems for determining the symmetry of the void distribution in distributed flows either suffer from very long measurement time requirements or cause significant disturbances to the flow. To address the need for approximate evaluation of flow symmetry without causing excessive disturbance to the flow, a new impedance void meter design has been developed and tested under a variety of conditions. The ability of the new design to evaluate the void distribution symmetry has been tested through comparison with conductivity probe measurements of local void fraction, and the accuracy of the impedance meter has been verified through comparison with the conductivity probe measurements and with typical impedance void meter measurements.
Effects of the implementation of a smoke-free policy in a medical center

The implementation of a smoke-free policy in this medical center was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of regular cigarette smoking from 16.7 percent to 13.8 percent and a smoking cessation rate of 22.5 percent among regular smokers over the 2 1/2 years since the policy was announced. This decrease in prevalence is the result of both smoking cessation among existing employees and less frequent regular smoking among new employees. At two-year follow-up, the policy was overwhelmingly endorsed by medical center staff overall but was viewed less favorably by those who continued to smoke. Nevertheless, over the 2 1/2 years, many of these smokers have been in the action stage of cessation (37.1 percent made a serious attempt to stop smoking, 20.7 percent had used nicotine polacrilex in a smoking-cessation effort, and 13.8 percent had attended a formal cessation program). The implementation of a smoke-free policy has made a significant contribution toward providing a healthful work environment and toward encouraging nonsmoking behavior in staff and patients.
BRCA1 tumor suppressor network: focusing on its tail

Germline mutations of the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene are a major cause of familial breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA1 plays critical roles in the DNA damage response that regulates activities of multiple repair and checkpoint pathways for maintaining genome stability. The BRCT domains of BRCA1 constitute a phospho-peptide binding domain recognizing a phospho-SPxF motif (S, serine; P, proline; × varies; F, phenylalanine). The BRCT domains are frequently targeted by clinically important mutations and most of these mutations disrupt the binding surface of the BRCT domains to phosphorylated peptides. The BRCT domain and its capability to bind phosphorylated protein is required for the tumor suppressor function of BRCA1. Through its BRCT phospho-binding ability BRCA1 forms at least three mutually exclusive complexes by binding to phosphorylated proteins Abraxas, Bach1 and CTIP. The A, B and C complexes, at lease partially undertake BRCA1's role in mechanisms of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair that maintain genome stability, thus may play important roles in BRCA1's tumor suppressor function.
Acculturation, Social Context, and Drug Use: Findings from a Sample of Hispanic Adolescents

Criminologists have largely neglected the influence of acculturation in the etiology of Hispanic drug use and delinquency. This is somewhat surprising since a long line of research from several disciplines has consistently linked higher levels of acculturation to greater incidence of negative social, health, and behavioral outcomes. A major shortcoming of this extant literature, however, is its failure to consider the acculturation-drug use link within a particular explanatory framework. This study attempts to address this oversight by examining the acculturation-drug use relationship within the context of gang membership, drug availability, and susceptibility to peer influence. Using data from a sample of Mexican–American adolescents residing in the American Southwest, a series of regression equations were estimated exploring the relative effects of acculturation, gang membership, drug availability, and susceptibility to peer influence on drug use. Separate analyses were conducted on minor (e.g., alcohol, marijuana) and major (e.g., cocaine, heroin) drug use. Findings indicated that all study variables, except acculturation, were significantly related to drug use.
Modeling of Toxicological Effects of Fire Gases: V. Mathematical Modeling of Intoxication of Rats By Combined Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide Atmospheres

Mathematical modeling methods for the intoxication of rats by carbon mon oxide and hydrogen cyanide are extended to accommodate combined at mospheres of these fire gas toxicants. Predictions using the Fractional Effective Dose model for both incapacitation and lethality show no significant differences from animal bioassay data. Use of the model is suggested as a potential substitute for live animal testing for the toxicity of smoke produced from burning materials. The model is further shown to have potential utility in the assessment of toxic hazard tenability limits using analytical data from full-scale fires.
Economics of Athenian Drama: Its Relevance for the Arts in a Small City Today

I. The Greek audience, 366. — II. Financing the Greek festival, 370. — III. The magnitude of the financial burden, 373. — IV. Concluding comment: Relevance for contemporary urban planning, 375.
Statistical‐mechanical model of protein precipitation by nonionic polymer

A theoretical approach to predict the solubility of proteins in solutions containing nonionic polymers is presented. The effective protein-protein interaction due to the presence of the polymer is related to the volume-exclusion potential of Asakura and Oosawa. Statistical-mechanical perturbation theory, as originally applied by Gast et al. to model colloidal flocculation, is used to calculate free energies, from which solubility curves for varying protein-polymer diameter ratios are obtained. The theory correctly predicts all the trends observed in experimental studies of these systems. To explain the influence of processes parameters such as the pH and the ionic strength on protein solubility, the intermolecular potential is improved by the addition of an electrostatic interaction term. It is found that theoretical predictions of the variation in protein solubility, both with the solution pH and the ionic strength, are in accordance with experimental observations.