cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Analysis of Segmentally Erected Bridges

A computer oriented analysis technique for the determination of erection stresses and displacements of bridge structures is presented. The box girder is analytically modeled as an assemblage of rectangular finite elements. Forces due to prestressing are modeled by use of an equivalent load concept wherein large tendon slopes are taken into consideration. The principle of superposition is utilized to account for the effects of stage erection. Selected results from the computer analysis of the first precast segmentally erected prestressed box girder bridge to be constructed in the United States are presented. Application of the analysis technique to this example demonstrates the practical applicability of the analysis.
Supporting Adolescent Daughters as They Come of Age: Latina Mothers’ Reflections and Recommendations

The current project describes themes emerging from a set of focus groups with 20 Latina mothers (aged 25 to over 45) who reflected on the transition to adulthood for their daughters. As community stakeholders residing in a large city in the Southern USA, these mothers shared their perspectives and advice on supporting adolescent girls during the transition to adulthood. Qualitative coding revealed four key aspects of the transition that were important to these mothers: ethnic identity, involvement of others, communication with daughters, and individual personality characteristics. We discuss their reflections with regard to the development of more culturally relevant programs for Latina girls coming of age within the USA context.
Ultrasound triggered drug delivery with liposomal nested microbubbles

When ultrasound contrast agent microbubbles are nested within a liposome, damage to the liposome membrane caused by both stable and inertial cavitation of the microbubble allows for release of the aqueous core of the liposome. Triggered release was not accomplished unless microbubbles were present within the liposome. Leakage was tested using fluorescence assays developed specifically for this drug delivery vehicle and qualitative measurements using an optical microscope. These studies were done using a 1 MHz focused ultrasound transducer while varying parameters including peak negative ultrasound pressure, average liposome diameter, and microbubble concentration. Two regimes exist for membrane disruption caused by cavitating microbubbles. A faster release rate, as well as permanent membrane damage are seen for samples exposed to high pressure (2.1-3.7 MPa). A slower release rate and dilation/temporary poration are characteristic of stable cavitation for low pressure studies (0.54-1.7 MPa).
Microscopic and Macroscopic Physics of Earthquakes

Frictional melting and fluid pressurization can play a key role in rupture dynamics of large earthquakes. For faulting under frictional stress σ_ƒ, the temperature increases with σ_ƒ and the earthquake magnitude, M_w. If the thickness of the heated zone, w, is of the order of a few mm, then, even for a modest σ_ƒ, the temperature rise, ΔT, would exceed 1000° for earthquakes with M_w = 5 to 6, and melting is likely to occur, and reduce friction during faulting. If fluid exists in a fault zone, a modest ΔT of 100 to 200° would likely increase the pore pressure enough to significantly reduce friction for earthquakes with M_w = 3 to 4. The microscopic state of stress can be tied to macroscopic seismic parameters such as the seismic moment, M_0, and the radiated energy, E_R, by averaging the stresses in the microscopic states. Since the thermal process is important only for large earthquakes, the dynamics of small and large earthquakes can be very different. This difference is reflected in the observed relation between the scaled energy ẽ = E_R/M_0 and M_W. The observed ẽ for large earthquakes is 10 to 100 times larger than for small earthquakes. Mature fault zones such as the San Andreas are at relatively moderate stress levels, but the stress in the plate interior can be high. Once slip exceeds a threshold, runaway rupture could occur, and could explain the anomalous magnitude-frequency relationship observed for some mature faults. The thermally controlled slip mechanism would produce a non-linear behavior, and under certain circumstances, the slip behavior at the same location may vary from event to event. Also, slip velocity during a large earthquake could be faster than what one would extrapolate from smaller earthquakes.
Replication Process of the Parvovirus H-1 IV. H-1-Specific Proteins Synthesized in Synchronized Human NB Kidney Cells

Abstract The synthesis of two virus-induced proteins, VP1 (mol wt 92,000) and VP2′ (mol wt 72,000), was detected in the cell and in purified virions from H-1 parvovirus propagated in synchronous cell cultures.
Engagement of the monocyte surface antigen CD14 induces lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1-dependent homotypic adhesion

Murine anti-CD14 mAb which recognize different CD14 epitopes induced marked homotypic adhesion of normal human monocytes. Induction of aggregation by anti-CD14 mAb required Mg2+, occurred at an optimal temperature of 37 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C, and exhibited a kinetics which differed from adhesion triggered by IFN-gamma and anti-CD43 mAb. Monocyte adhesion induced by anti-CD14 mAb required neither Fcy gamma R engagement nor cross-linking of CD14, because adhesion was induced by F(ab)'2 fragments, as well as by monovalent F(ab) fragments of anti-CD14 mAb. mAb to CD11a, CD18, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), but not antibodies to CD11b and CD11c, inhibited monocyte adhesion induced by CD14 engagement. These results indicate that CD14-dependent adhesion is mediated by lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1/ICAM-1 interactions. This was confirmed by the absence of aggregation in anti-CD14-stimulated cells from a patient with leukocyte adhesion deficiency. Monocyte adhesion upon CD14 engagement was blocked by an inhibitor of protein kinases, sphingosine. This suggests that protein kinases play a role in the intracellular signaling pathway(s) which couple CD14 to lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1/ICAM-1.
Load distribution model and voltage static profile of Smart Grid

Voltage profiles of feeders with the connection of distributed generations (DGs) were investigated. A unified typical load distribution model was established. Based on this model, exact expressions of feeder voltage profile with single and double DGs were derived and used to analyze the impact of DGs’s location and capacity on the voltage profile quantitatively. Then, a general formula of the voltage profile was derived. The limitation of single DG and necessity of multiple DGs for voltage regulation were also discussed. Through the simulation, voltage profiles of feeders with single and double DGs were compared. The voltage excursion rate is 7.40% for only one DG, while 2.48% and 2.36% for double DGs. It is shown that the feeder voltage can be retained in a more appropriate range with multiple DGs than with only one DG. Distributing the total capacity of DGs is better than concentrating it at one point.
BioText Team Report for the TREC 2006 Genomics Track.

The paper reports on the work conducted by the BioText team at UC Berkeley for the TREC 2006 Genomics track. Our approach had three main focal points: First, based on our successful results in the TREC 2003 Genomics track [1], we emphasized gene name recall. Second, given the structured nature of the Generic Topic Types (GTTs), we attempted to design queries that covered every part of the topics, including synonym expansion. Third, inspired by having access to the full text of documents, we experimented with identifying and weighting information depending on which section (Introduction, Results, etc.) it appeared in. Our emphasis on covering the different pieces of the query may have helped with the aspects ranking portion of the task, as we performed best on that evaluation measure. We submitted three runs: Biotext1, BiotextWeb, and Biotext3. All runs were fully automatic. The Biotext1 run performed best, achieving MAP scores of .24 on aspects, .35 on documents, and .035 on passages. 2 Biotext1: Main Run
The electronic structure and bonding in W2(μ-H)2(OiPr)4(DMPE)2 and a comparison with Mo2(OiPr)4(DMPE)2

Abstract The bonding in the recently reported [1] W 2 (μ-H) 2 (O i Pr) 4 (DMPE) 2 (O i Pr=isopropoxide; DMPE=bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) molecule is investigated via the computational method of Fenske and Hall and the results are compared with those of a previous study of the electronic structure of Mo 2 (O i Pr) 4 (DMPE) 2 by Bursten and coworkers [2] . In the dimolybdenum system, a Mo–Mo triple bond of configuration σ 2 π 4 δ 2 nb (nb=nonbonding) unites the two molybdenum atoms of oxidation states 0 and 4+. The introduction of the two bridging hydrides reduces the metal–metal bond order to two in W 2 (μ-H) 2 (O i Pr) 4 (DMPE) 2 and by analogy the bonding between the tungsten atoms can be described as σ 2 π 2 δ 2 nb . Although there is extensive mixing of the W–W and W–H σ bonds, an orbital can still be ascribed as a W–W σ bond. An analogy is made to the bonding in B 2 H 4 2− , an ethane-type molecule, and to B 2 H 6 .
Materiales para una valoración histórica de la Psicología social en España: publicaciones realizadas desde 1959 hasta 1980 (incluido)

This paper is merely informational. Its aim consist in presenting a complete bibliographic view of the works published from 1950 to 1980 (inclusive) inthe spanish sociopsychological field.
Comparing Observations of Cyclical Variability in Hot- and Cool-Star Winds

In hot-star winds, mass-loss events propagate through the wind on time-scales of order days: this makes it possible for a campaign lasting a few weeks (e.g. IUE MEGA) to follow the evolution of a number of events in their entirety. Here, we present the first results of an archival analysis of wind lines in two isolated cool stars, one a giant, the other a supergiant: the analysis is based on a set of Fe II lines with a broad range of intrinsic strengths. The results suggest that discrete mass-loss events can be identified as they move through the wind: the time-scale for propagation of an event through the wind seems to be 2–3 years for the giant and 4–8 years for the supergiant. Although the conditions for applying the Sobolev approximation may be only marginally satisfied in cool star winds, we find that nevertheless the SEI code is useful in fitting wind line profiles observed in cool stars.
Trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ) from copper amine oxidases and lysyl tyrosylquinone (LTQ) from lysyl oxidase.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the four quinone cofactors that use reactive carbonyls to catalyze amine or alcohol oxidation. These includes, trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ) found in copper amine oxidases (CAOs) and lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ) found in lysyl oxi- dase (LOX) are discussed in this chapter. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TRQ) are found in enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of alcohols and amines, respectively. TPQ, LTQ and TTQ are the examples of an exciting area of enzymology in which new functionalities derived from the post-translational modification of amino acid side chains expand the chemical capabilities of an enzyme beyond the natural amino acids. This chapter focuses on the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of catalysis and (TPQ) formation in copper amine oxidases (CAOs). The chapter also discusses the progress in understanding the biological roles of these enzymes. Although the mechanisms of catalysis and cofactor formation in lysyl oxidase (LOX) are less well developed, the available data for LOX are considered in the context of the CAOs. Finally, the sequences and possible biological roles of a recently reported family of LOX-like enzymes are described.
ADHD- and medication-related brain activation effects in concordantly affected parent-child dyads with ADHD.

Background: Several studies have documented fronto-striatal dysfunction in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using response inhibition tasks. Our objective was to examine functional brain abnormalities among youths and adults with ADHD and to examine the relations between these neurobiological abnormalities and response to stimulant medication. Method: A group of concordantly diagnosed ADHD parent–child dyads was compared to a matched sample of normal parent–child dyads. In addition, ADHD dyads were administered double-blind methylphenidate and placebo in a counterbalanced fashion over two consecutive days of testing. Frontostriatal function was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during performance of a go/no-go task. Results: Youths and adults with ADHD showed attenuated activity in fronto-striatal regions. In addition, adults with ADHD appeared to activate non-fronto-striatal regions more than normals. A stimulant medication trial showed that among youths, stimulant medication increased activation in fronto-striatal and cerebellar regions. In adults with ADHD, increases in activation were observed in the striatum and cerebellum, but not in prefrontal regions. Conclusions: This study extends findings of fronto-striatal dysfunction to adults with ADHD and highlights the importance of frontostriatal and frontocerebellar circuitry in this disorder, providing evidence of an endophenotype for examining the genetics of ADHD. Keywords: ADHD, adolescence, adulthood, brain imaging, development,fMRI,methylphenidate,neuropsychology,children,parents. Abbreviations: MTA:Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD; LNCG: local normative comparison group; CAADID: Conners Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV.
Predicting New Prion Candidates in Yeast

Prions are infectious proteins capable of self-propagating and transmitting between organisms. Even though there is no homolog to the mammalian prion protein in yeast, several soluble proteins can form heritable aggregates de novo . These proteins provide a model system to investigate the nucleation, aggregation and propagation steps involved in the formation of a prion fibril. Several prion prediction algorithms have been developed to predict yeast proteins that have the propensity to form prions. One of these algorithms was previously developed in our laboratory ( P rion A ggregation P rediction A lgorithm, PAPA, Toombs et al. , 2012). Therefore, we used PAPA to scan the yeast proteome to extract proteins that contain domains predicted to have prion activity (prion-like domains). These prion-like domains will be tested in four prion activity assays to assess their activity in vivo as well as in vitro . Here we provide preliminary evidence that we are successful at predicting yeast proteins that present prion activity in vivo . Following characterization of these prion-like domains, we will test the respective full-length proteins for prion activity using microscopy as well as developing phenotypic assays. Ultimately, we may identify new prion candidates in yeast, which will contribute information about the parameters necessary for prion formation and insight into the functions prions play in yeast. In addition, by confirming PAPA’s ability to predict prion proteins from the yeast proteome, it allows the possibility to apply this methodology to other proteomes.
Inter comparison of classification techniques for vowel speech imagery using EEG sensors

The use of Electroencephalography (EEG) in the domain of Brain Computer Interface is a now common place. EEG for imagined speech reproduction and observation of brain response to audio stimuli are active areas of research. In this paper, we consider the case of imagined and mouthed non-audible speech recorded with EEG electrodes. We analyze different feature extraction techniques such as Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), log variance Auto Regressive (AR) coefficients. Based on these extracted features, we perform a pairwise classification of vowels using three different classification models based on Support Vector Machine (SVM), Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and k-nn classifier. The proposed methodology is applied on four different data sets with some preprocessing techniques such as Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) filtering. The data sets principally comprised of either mouthing or solely imagining 5 vowel sounds without speaking or making any muscle movement. The goal of this study is to perform an inter comparison of different classification models and associated features for pairwise vowel imagery. The proposed approach is validated on different data sets and offer reasonable accuracies for pairwise classification.
Congenital aortic disease: 4D magnetic resonance segmentation and quantitative analysis

Abstract Automated and accurate segmentation of the aorta in 4D (3D+time) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) image data is important for early detection of congenital aortic disease leading to aortic aneurysms and dissections. A computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) method is reported that allows one to objectively identify subjects with connective tissue disorders from 16-phase 4D aortic MR images. Starting with a step of multi-view image registration, our automated segmentation method combines level-set and optimal surface segmentation algorithms in a single optimization process so that the final aortic surfaces in all 16 cardiac phases are determined. The resulting aortic lumen surface is registered with an aortic model followed by calculation of modal indices of aortic shape and motion. The modal indices reflect the differences of any individual aortic shape and motion from an average aortic behavior. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is used for the discrimination between normal and connective tissue disorder subjects. 4D MR image data sets acquired from 104 normal volunteers and connective tissue disorder patients MR datasets were used for development and performance evaluation of our method. The automated 4D segmentation resulted in accurate aortic surfaces in all 16 cardiac phases, covering the aorta from the aortic annulus to the diaphragm, yielding subvoxel accuracy with signed surface positioning errors of - 0.07 ± 1.16 voxel ( - 0.10 ± 2.05 mm ) . The computer-aided diagnosis method distinguished between normal and connective tissue disorder subjects with a classification correctness of 90.4%.
Energetics of proton transfer between carbon atoms (H3CH CH3)

Ab initio calculations were carried out to study the potential energy surface of (H3CHCH3)−. The 6–31G* basis set is supplemented by a set of diffuse p functions on both C and H (with a range of exponents for the latter). The binding energy of CH4 and CH3− to form the (H3CHCH3)− complex is about 2 kcal/mol, much smaller than for comparable ionic H-bonded systems involving O or N atoms. Nearly half of this interaction energy is due to correlation effects, computed at second and third orders of Moller-Plesset perturbation theory. Correlation is also responsible for substantial reductions in the energy barrier to proton transfer within the complex. This barrier is computed to be 13‒15 kcal/mol at the MP3 level, depending upon the exponent used for the H p functions.
Accurate Motion Parameter Estimation For Colonoscopy Tracking Using a Regression Method

Co-located optical and virtual colonoscopy images have the potential to provide important clinical information during routine colonoscopy procedures. In our earlier work, we presented an optical flow based algorithm to compute egomotion from live colonoscopy video, permitting navigation and visualization of the corresponding patient anatomy. In the original algorithm, motion parameters were estimated using the traditional Least Sum of squares(LS) procedure which can be unstable in the context of optical flow vectors with large errors. In the improved algorithm, we use the Least Median of Squares (LMS) method, a robust regression method for motion parameter estimation. Using the LMS method, we iteratively analyze and converge toward the main distribution of the flow vectors, while disregarding outliers. We show through three experiments the improvement in tracking results obtained using the LMS method, in comparison to the LS estimator. The first experiment demonstrates better spatial accuracy in positioning the virtual camera in the sigmoid colon. The second and third experiments demonstrate the robustness of this estimator, resulting in longer tracked sequences: from 300 to 1310 in the ascending colon, and 410 to 1316 in the transverse colon.
Nucleosome positioning: bringing order to the eukaryotic genome

Nucleosomes are an essential component of eukaryotic chromosomes. The impact of nucleosomes is seen not just on processes that directly access the genome, such as transcription, but also on an evolutionary timescale. Recent studies in various organisms have provided high-resolution maps of nucleosomes throughout the genome. Computational analysis, in conjunction with many other kinds of data, has shed light on several aspects of nucleosome biology. Nucleosomes are positioned by several means, including intrinsic sequence biases, by stacking against a fixed barrier, by DNA-binding proteins and by chromatin remodelers. These studies underscore the important organizational role of nucleosomes in all eukaryotic genomes. This paper reviews recent genomic studies that have shed light on the determinants of nucleosome positioning and their impact on the genome.
A new class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials: hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of bimetallic organophosphonate oxide phases of the Mo/Cu/O/RPO(3)(2-) family.

The hydrothermal reactions of Cu(SO4)·5H2O, MoO2, 1,10-phenanthroline, and the appropriate organodiphosphonate ligand yield organic−inorganic hybrid materials with one- or two-dimensional structures; the presence of cluster building blocks is illustrated by the structure of [{Cu(H2O)2(o-phen)}{Cu(o-phen)2}(Mo5O15)(O3PCH2CH2CH2PO3)].
Quantifying Land Cover Change Due to Petroleum Exploration and Production in the Haynesville Shale Region Using Remote Sensing

The Haynesville Shale lies under areas of Louisiana and Texas and is one of the largest gas plays in the U.S. Encompassing approximately 2.9 million ha, this area has been subject to intensive exploration for oil and gas, while over 90% of it has traditionally been used for forestry and agriculture. In order to detect the landscape change in the past few decades, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery for six years (1984, 1989, 1994, 2000, 2006, and 2011) was acquired. Unsupervised classifications were performed to classify each image into four cover types: agriculture, forest, well pad, and other. Change detection was then conducted between two classified maps of different years for a time series analysis. Finally, landscape metrics were calculated to assess landscape fragmentation. The overall classification accuracy ranged from 84.7% to 88.3%. The total amount of land cover change from 1984 to 2011 was 24%, with 0.9% of agricultural land and 0.4% of forest land changed to well pads. The results of Patch-Per-Unit area (PPU) index indicated that the well pad class was highly fragmented, while agriculture (4.4-8.6 per sq km) consistently showed a higher magnitude of fragmentation than forest (0.8-1.4 per sq km).
Systems control of BMP morphogen flow in vertebrate embryos

Embryonic morphogenetic programs coordinate cell behavior to ensure robust pattern formation. Having identified components of those programs by molecular genetics, developmental biology is now borrowing concepts and tools from systems biology to decode their regulatory logic. Dorsal-ventral (D-V) patterning of the frog gastrula by Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) is one of the best studied examples of a self-regulating embryonic patterning system. Embryological analyses and mathematical modeling are revealing that the BMP activity gradient is maintained by a directed flow of BMP ligands towards the ventral side. Pattern robustness is ensured through feedback control of the levels of extracellular BMP pathway modulators that adjust the flow to the dimensions of the embryonic field.
Land Use Choice and Change: Intensification and Diversification in the Lowland Tropics of Costa Rica

Processes of intensification and diversification of land use in a humid, lowland tropical area of Costa Rica are discussed through the application of Boserup's model of agricultural intensification. Environmental conditions and cultural factors are integrated into Boserup's model to provide a framework for understanding choices between beef and dual-purpose cattle systems, permanent cash crops (black pepper and coffee), forest, and off-farm employment in household land use and economic systems. The results indicate that intensification of cattle grazing is possible even on acid, infertile lowland tropical soils, and that small landholders intensify cattle grazing by increasing labor investments in pasture and animal management when markets for dairy products are favorable. As returns to labor from cattle grazing diminish with intensification, farmers diversify into intensive permanent cash crops or off-farm labor. Risk is a key factor influencing intensification and diversification decisions. Trees remain...
Optimal piezoelectric energy harvesting using elastoacoustic mirrors by frequency-wavenumber domain investigation

Recent work has demonstrated efficient transformation of structure-borne propagating waves into low-power electricity using metamaterial-inspired mirror configurations. Elastoacoustic waves (i) originating from a point source and (ii) arriving as plane waves have been successfully focused on a piezoelectric energy harvester using elliptical and parabolic mirror concepts, respectively. Our present work investigates the spatial optimization of a piezoelectric energy harvester domain weakly coupled to a thin plate housing an elastoacoustic mirror (or lens). Mirrors considered include elliptical arrangements of periodic stubs, and an elliptical arrangement of continuous material. Spatial and temporal transformation of the wave propagation field into the frequency- wavenumber domain is performed in order to identify the wavenumber content inside the mirror. A frequency- domain root-mean-square (RMS) evaluation is then applied to the transformed field in order to extract the preferred propagation directions. Computational modeling and experimental testing are employed to quantify performance enhancement of the presented approach. Specifically, dramatic enhancement of the harvested power output is reported by patterned electroding of a rectangular PVDF harvester in the elliptical mirror domain.
Alzheimer and beta-amyloid-treated fibroblasts demonstrate a decrease in a memory-associated GTP-binding protein, Cp20.

Abstract The two proteins most consistently identified in the brains of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) have been beta-amyloid and tau, whose roles in the physiology or pathophysiology of brain cells are not fully understood. To identify other protein(s) involved in AD that have been implicated in physiological contexts, we undertook to analyze a specific memory-associated protein, Cp20, in fibroblasts from AD and control donors. Cp20, a GTP-binding protein that is a member of the ADP-ribosylation factor family, was significantly decreased in fibroblasts from AD patients. Normal control fibroblasts exposed to 10 nM beta-amyloid, the same concentration that induced AD-like K+ changes in control fibroblasts, showed a similar decrease in Cp20. Since it has been previously demonstrated that Cp20 is a potent regulator of K+ channels, these findings suggest that changes in this memory-associated protein may explain previously observed differences in AD K+ channels and suggest a pathophysiologic involvement linked to soluble beta-amyloid metabolism that could contribute to the characteristic memory loss of AD.
Detection of surface glow related to spacecraft glow phenomena

A source of low energy neutral atoms and molecules has been developed by using a biased limiter to scrape off and reflect neutralized ions from a toroidal plasma. Beams of nitrogen and nitrogen-oxygen mixtures with energies of 1 to 15 eV and fluxes greater than about 10 to the 14 per centimeter per second were directed onto target surfaces consisting of Z-302 and Z-306 paints. With the nitrogen beams, a glow due to beam-surface interactions was successfully detected. In addition, a volume glow effect due to beam-gas interactions was observed which may play a role in spacecraft glow.
Enterprise information system modeling for continuous improvement

A three-phase information system analysis and design methodology is being used to continuously improve enterprise information systems as part of a six-step annual business improvement process. Following senior management's strategic decisions on next year's product and/or service portfolio content, interacting financial, management, engineering, and quality improvement processes are analyzed to determine their output product and/or service quality and timeliness. Concurrently, facilities, equipment, and personnel resources required for individual processes are inspected for possible immediate or future improvement. Throughout these analyses minimum essential information (MEI) requirements are derived using the Object Transformation Process Model (OTPM). Individual OTPM models are linked to help identify all pertinent data sources, information destinations, and timing requirements. The linked OTPM models are mapped onto an Embedded Computer System (ECS) model that defines a physical architecture for improving telecommunication paths between all humans, machines and embedded computers that are component parts of the integrated processes. This approach yields comprehensive information system logical and physical architectural models that can recursively guide high-leverage enterprise-wide improvement projects over succeeding fiscal years.
A COMPARISON OF CYTOLOGY AND FLUORESCENCE IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION FOR THE DETECTION OF UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA

Purpose: We determine the relative sensitivities of cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the detection of urothelial carcinoma.Materials and Methods: A mixture of fluorescent labeled probes to the centromeres of chromosomes 3, 7 and 17, and band 9p21 (P16/CDKN2A gene) was used to assess urinary cells for chromosomal abnormalities indicative of malignancy. A total of 280 urine specimens from 265 patients, including 150 with a history of urothelial carcinoma and 115 without a history of urothelial carcinoma, were analyzed. FISH analysis was performed without prior knowledge of clinical findings, that is biopsy, cystoscopy and cytology results. A positive result was defined as 5 or more urinary cells with gains of 2 or more chromosomes.Results: A total of 75 biopsies showed urothelial carcinoma at FISH analysis among the 265 patients. The sensitivity of urine cytology for pTa (36 cases), pTis (18) and pT1-pT4 (15) tumors was 47%, 78% and 60%, respectively, for an overall sensitivity of ...
Two-photon absorption measured in the presence of strong one-photon saturation in cumulene-containing polymer

The Z-scan technique is used to extract the real and imaginary third order nonlinear susceptibilities, ReX (3) and ImX (3) , respectively. A series of Z scans were conducted at 590 nm (near one-photon resonance) on a cumulene-containing polymer, poly(p-phenylene-1,4-diphenyl-1,2,3-butatriene) or PPC3, prepared in solution. At very high peak focal point intensities two-photon absorption is seen superimposed on a one-photon saturation signature in open aperture Z scans. A negative real third-order nonlinear susceptibility is also observed in closed aperture Z scans. We describe a procedure to extract the desired third-order nonlinear susceptibilities by conducting Z scans at various peak focal point intensities and then fitting the results by adjusting ReX (3) and saturation intensity. Molecular second hyperpolarizability, is calculated to be (-1.4+2.2i)x10 -29 esu which is almost 40 times larger than that measured in a monomer equivalent, and scaling nonlinearly with chain length. Z scans were also conducted at 780 nm (below one-photon resonance) on PPC3 and also gives a molecular second hyperpolarizability that is greater than that seen in the monomer. The higher value of molecular second hyperpolarizability measured near one-photon resonance is attributed to the existence of a real state at the first transition in a two-photon process. The extent of the exciton wave function obtained from the saturation intensity, is 60 A, larger than a single repeat unit.
Improving Construct Measurement In Management Research: Comments and a Quantitative Approach for Assessing the Theoretical Content Adequacy of Paper-and-Pencil Survey-Type Instruments

A cursory review of the measurement practices found in four diverse management journals is briefly reported, suggesting that the current authors’ concerns about serious measurement deficiencies in at least some subdomains of the field may not be groundless. Then, it is suggested that the demonstration of instrument content adequacy be demanded as an initial step toward construct validation by all studies which use new, modified, or previously unexamined measures. Although adequate content is a necessary pre-condition for instrument validity, there are no well-established quantitative methods for examining content adequacy. Consequently, the main focus of this article is to propose a new approach for the quantitative assessment of content adequacy and to illustrate this approach by evaluating a commonly-used job satisfaction scale. Problems in and suggestions for the use of this method a represented, along with implications and potential new applications of the method for management research.
Mortality after cure of soft-tissue sarcoma treated with conservation surgery and radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND. The objective of the current study was to analyze the potential treatment-related mortality in long-term survivors of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) treated with radiotherapy (RT) and conservation surgery. METHODS. Between 1960 and 2000, 629 of 1089 patients treated with conservation surgery and RT for nonmetastatic STS at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center never developed disease recurrence. Long-term survival and causes of death were evaluated using the person-years method to determine the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). SMRs were calculated for death from all causes, cancer, and cardiac disease using standard U.S. data. RESULTS. The median follow-up was 13.2 years. The 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year actuarial survival rates were 88%, 69%, and 52%, respectively. The overall all-case mortality was 1.14 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.98-1.33). The all-cause mortality exceeded that expected for female patients with an SMR of 1.48 (95% CI, 1.15-1.88), patients aged ≤50 years with an SMR of 1.46 (95% CI, 1.06-1.95), and patients with nonextremity tumors with an SMR of 1.57 (95% CI, 1.15-2.08). The overall cardiac mortality was not found to be significantly elevated. Overall cancer mortality was also not excessive, with an SMR of 1.33 (95% CI 0.99-1.66). Subgroup analyses revealed an increased cancer mortality over the population expected for female patients aged ≤50 years with nonextremity tumors. CONCLUSIONS. In the current study, survivors of STS who were treated with conservation surgery and RT with or without chemotherapy did not appear to experience significant excess mortality compared with controls from the U.S. general population. Subgroup analyses did demonstrate that females aged ≤50 years at the time of diagnosis with nonextremity primary tumors did have higher all-cause mortality and this increase may be due to cancer mortality. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Monolithically integrated two-dimensional arrays of optoelectronic threshold devices for neural network applications

A monolithic 10 x 10 two-dimensional array of 'optical neuron' optoelectronic threshold elements for neural network applications has been designed, fabricated, and tested. Overall array dimensions are 5 x 5 mm, while the individual neurons, composed of an LED that is driven by a double-heterojunction bipolar transistor, are 250 x 250 microns. The overall integrated structure exhibited semiconductor-controlled rectifier characteristics, with a breakover voltage of 75 V and a reverse-breakdown voltage of 60 V; this is attributable to the parasitic p-n-p transistor which exists as a result of the sharing of the same n-AlGaAs collector between the transistors and the LED.
Comparative performance of logistic regression and survival analysis for detecting spatial predictors of land-use change

Although survival analysis is known to outperform logistic regression, theoretically and according to evidence from other disciplines, little is known about how true this is in situations where the goal is detecting spatial predictors of land change. Furthermore, with the increasing availability of longitudinal land-change data, evidence is needed on the relative performance of these two different methods in situations with differing levels of data abundance. To fill this gap, we generated a pseudo land-change data set using an agent-based model of residential development in a virtual landscape. This agent-based model simulated the decisions of homebuyers in choosing residential locations based on the values of several spatial variables. Pseudo land-change maps, generated by the agent-based model with different weights on these spatial variables, were exposed to statistical analysis under the logistic and survival approaches. We evaluated how well the two approaches could reveal the spatial variables that were used in the agent-based model and compared the performance of the two methods when land-change data were collected under different sampling frequencies. Our results suggest that survival analysis outperforms logistic regression in detecting the variables that were included in agent decisions, largely because it takes into account time-dependent variables. Also, this research suggests that various properties of land-change processes like amount of developed area and access of agents to information affect the relative performance of these statistical approaches aimed at uncovering land-change predictor variables.
A New Ventricular-Performance Variable Using Electrocardiogram and Carotid Pulse Contour Derivative

The pre-ejection period (PEP) of systole is a widely used, non-invasive index of ventricular performance. For precise measurements, simultaneous recordings are required from which the Q-wave on the electrocardiogram, second heart sound on the phonocardiogram, and upstroke and incisura of the carotid pulse contour are discretely identifiable and temporally accurate. This is frequently difficult to accomplish. We, therefore, have compared 2 other noninvasive indices of ventricular performance for correlation with PEP in 17 female and 18 male subjects while supine and during head-up tilt. We also examined similarity of these indices to PEP in correlations with heart rate and blood pressure and compared them for ease in monitoring and precision in measurement. The ratio of the peak amplitude of the carotid pulse contour derivative to its total amplitude (DAR) is easier to monitor and more reliably measured than PEP; however, it is poorly correlated with PEP. Time from electrocardiographic Q-wave to peak dD/dt (Q-MAX) is also easier to monitor and somewhat more reliably measured than PEP. Although correlations of PEP and Q-MAZ with subject age are dissimilar, Q-MAX is correlated with PEP in supine and tilted subjects; the 2 variables are similarly correlated with heart rate and arterial pressure; and in 6 subjects both variables were prolonged after intravenous administration of propranolol-hydrochloride. We, therefore, propose Q-MAX as an alternative measure of ventricular performance.
Self-assembly and tunable plasmonic property of gold nanoparticles on mercapto-silica microspheres

We report the self-assembly behavior and tunable plasmonic property of gold nanoparticles on the surface of mercapto-silica colloidal spheres. The mercapto-silica spheres provide a quasi two-dimensional surface for nanoparticle immobilization through the strong gold–thiol interactions, making it convenient to control the interparticle separation by varying both the length of the capping ligands and the molar ratio of gold nanoparticles to the supporting mercapto-silica microspheres. With the ability to fine tune the interparticle separation and consequently the strength of the electromagnetic coupling, we demonstrate a high degree of control over the plasmon resonance property of the resulting composite microspheres. The colloidal form of the assembled nanostructures promises broad applications in which tailored plasmonic property and solution dispersibility are required.
Tumor necrosis factor-α and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

Abstract The two most common forms of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), the childhood cerebral form (CCER) and the adult form, adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), arise from the same mutations in the X-ALD gene at Xq28. These two forms are distinguished by the degree of cerebral inflammation. Segregation analysis suggests that an autosomal modifying gene may be a major determinant of phenotype in X-ALD. Thus, a modifying gene could be involved in initiating or promoting the inflammatory response. In this study we detected a difference in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) bioactivity, but not TNF-α protein levels, in serum from some advanced CCER patients. Early-stage CCER patients and AMN patients were in the normal range. Allelic differences in TNF-α or levels of soluble TNF receptor did not account for bioactivity differences or phenotypic heterogeneity in X-ALD.
Low-temperature thermal conductivity in a d-wave superconductor with coexisting charge order: Effect of self-consistent disorder and vertex corrections

Abstract Given the experimental evidence of charge order in the underdoped cuprate superconductors, we consider the effect of coexisting charge order on low-temperature thermal transport in a d -wave superconductor. Using a phenomenological Hamiltonian that describes a two-dimensional system in the presence of a Q = ( π , 0 ) charge density wave and d -wave superconducting order, and including the effects of weak impurity scattering, we compute the self-energy of the quasiparticles within the self-consistent Born approximation, and calculate the zero-temperature thermal conductivity using linear response formalism. We find that vertex corrections within the ladder approximation do not significantly modify the bare-bubble result that was previously calculated. However, self-consistent treatment of the disorder does modify the charge-order-dependence of the thermal conductivity tensor, in that the magnitude of charge order required for the system to become effectively gapped is renormalized, generally to a smaller value.
Inhibition of mitochondrial Mg2+ ATPase activity in isolated perfused rat liver by kepone

Abstract Hepatic mitochondria Mg 2+ ATPase (MATPase) activity was determined in isolated perfused rat liver preparations. Perfusion for 1–4 hr with 30% rat blood did not affect either the native or DNP (10 −4 M)-stimulated MATPase activity. Mitochondrial preparations obtained from perfused livers were sensitive to added kepone: first, addition of kepone (10 −6 M) resulted in total abolishment of DNP-stimulated MATPase activity; second, over and beyond the abolishment of DNP-stimulated activity, part of the native MATPase activity was also inhibited by kepone (10 −6 M). Furthermore, a higher concentration of kepone (10 −5 M) inhibited the native MATPase activity in a dose-related manner. Liver perfusion with 10 −4 M kepone in the blood perfusate resulted in a similar abolishment of DNP-stimulated. as well as inhibition of native, MATPase activity. The requirement for a higher concentration of kepone in the perfusion system is because of the partial loss of intracellular kepone from the liver into the 9000 g supernatant fraction which would have been otherwise available for the inhibition of MATPase activity in the intact liver. These results suggest that interference of energy metabolism in the liver may bear a cause effect relationship to the previously reported kepone-induced impairment of biliary excretory function.
Performance of a hybrid MC dose algorithm for IMRT optimization dose evaluation

This paper presents a hybrid intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) optimization strategy which combines the speed of pencil beam (PB) and the accuracy of Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations. After an initial deliverable-based optimization using a PB algorithm, doses are recomputed using the VMC++ MC code to determine dose correction factors, which are then utilized during further PB-based optimization. The hybrid method is benchmarked with respect to full MC deliverable-based optimization for ten prostate and ten head-and-neck IMRT plans. Final optimized plans are compared in terms of dose-volume indices used for the plan optimization. Dose prediction errors (DPEs) and optimization convergence errors (OCEs) at intermediate steps of the hybrid sequence are evaluated. The hybrid method is found to produce optimized plans that are clinically equivalent to full MC-based optimization, yet requires only 40% of the number of MC dose calculations. With the hybrid strategy presented here, MC-based optimization results are achieved in 35 min or less on a modest computing cluster. While the initial PB-deliverable-based optimization is found to have DPEs and OCEs of up to 3 Gy relative to the 65-73 Gy prescription doses, application of the first MC correction reduces the average DPEs to less than 0.3 Gy for the prostate plans and less than 0.06 Gy for the head and neck plans. The maximum observed DPE or OCE is 0.7 Gy after 1 MC dose correction, indicating that a single MC dose calculation correction might be sufficient for IMRT optimization.
Use of heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract A 49-year-old man with unstable angina and a history of severe anaphylaxis to seafood and intravenous iodine needed myocardial revascularization. Because of concern of an intraoperative protamine reaction, preoperative treatment was instituted with steroids and with H, and H 2 blockers. Revascularization was accomplished using a heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Complement activation and postoperative bleeding were minimal. Heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe, effective technique of bypass in select patients.
The definition of a large viral transcription unit late in Ad2 infection of HeLa cells: mapping by effects of ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract The synthesis of Ad2-specific nuclear RNA in HeLa cells 15 hr post-infection has been examined after ultraviolet irradiation. The synthesis of RNA complementary to various segments of Ad2 DNA is decreased differentially, with the most sensitive region at the right end of the physical map and the most resistant in the region from 0 up to 0.2–0.3 (20–30% from the left end fo the genome). For a given ultraviolet dose, the amount of labeled RNA homologous to various DNA fragments decreased exponentially from map position 0.2–0.3 to 1.0. These results suggest that a major transcriptional unit late in Ad2 infection is a rightward-transcribing unit between 0.0–0.3 and 1.0.
Playing cupid: the IDE as a matchmaker for plug-ins

We describe a composable, data-driven, plug-in ecosystem for IDEs. Inspired by Unix's and Windows Power-Shell's pipeline communication models, each plug-in declares data-driven capabilities. Developers can then seamlessly mix, match, and combine plug-in capabilities to produce new insight, without modifying the plug-ins. We formalize the architecture using the polymorphic lambda calculus, with special types for source and source locations; the type system prevents nonsensical plug-in combinations, and helps to inform the design of new tools and plug-ins. To illustrate the power of the formalism, we describe several synergies between existing plug-ins (and tools) made possible by the ecosystem.