cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NLRP10 is a NOD-like receptor essential to initiate adaptive immunity by dendritic cells

NLRs (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich-repeat-containing receptors; NOD-like receptors) are a class of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that respond to host perturbation from either infectious agents or cellular stress. The function of most NLR family members has not been characterized and their role in instructing adaptive immune responses remains unclear. NLRP10 (also known as PYNOD, NALP10, PAN5 and NOD8) is the only NLR lacking the putative ligand-binding leucine-rich-repeat domain, and has been postulated to be a negative regulator of other NLR members, including NLRP3 (refs 4-6). We did not find evidence that NLRP10 functions through an inflammasome to regulate caspase-1 activity nor that it regulates other inflammasomes. Instead, Nlrp10(-/-) mice had a profound defect in helper T-cell-driven immune responses to a diverse array of adjuvants, including lipopolysaccharide, aluminium hydroxide and complete Freund's adjuvant. Adaptive immunity was impaired in the absence of NLRP10 because of a dendritic cell (DC) intrinsic defect in emigration from inflamed tissues, whereas upregulation of DC costimulatory molecules and chemotaxis to CCR7-dependent and -independent ligands remained intact. The loss of antigen transport to the draining lymph nodes by a subset of migratory DCs resulted in an almost absolute loss in naive CD4(+) T-cell priming, highlighting the critical link between diverse innate immune stimulation, NLRP10 activity and the immune function of mature DCs.
The acceptability of sleep-deprived electroencephalograms.

Abstract The aim of this study was to ascertain the acceptability of sleep-deprived EEGs to parents and their young child. Fifty unselected children having a sleep-deprived EEG were recruited. Data were collected from a sleep diary, a parent questionnaire and the request form of the EEG. Data collected covered developmental, learning and behavioural problems and the acceptability of the sleep-deprived EEG. There were 29 males (58%) in the study group. The average age was 8.6 years (range 2–17 years). Fifty percent of parents found it difficult to keep their child awake at night and 30% of parents found it difficult to wake their child in the morning. Fifty-four percent of parents reported their child had difficult behaviour on the day of the EEG. None had seizures provoked by sleep deprivation.
ELECTRONIC-STRUCTURE STUDIES OF THE DIFFERENCES IN FERROELECTRIC BEHAVIOR OF BATIO3 AND PBTIO3

We have performed extensive self-consistent total energy calculations for PbTiO3 and BaTiO3 in order to better understand the origin of the ferroelectric instability in perovskites and the reasons ...
A multicenter investigation of age-related differences in lengths of stay, hospitalization charges, and outcomes for a matched tetraplegia sample☆☆☆

Abstract Objective: To examine the effects of age at injury on lengths of stay, treatment costs, and outcomes using a matched sample of tetraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Design: Differences were examined by separating the sample into three age categories (18 to 34, 35 to 64, and 65+ years old) matched for American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Motor Impairment Classification and level of neurologic preservation bilaterally. Analysis of variance was used to examine age group differences for lengths of stay, medical expenses, and functional outcome. Setting: Sixteen medical centers in the federally sponsored Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Project. Participants: Three hundred seventy-five adult patients with tetraplegic SCI admitted between 1988 and 1996 were assessed at acute care admission, inpatient rehabilitation admission, and inpatient rehabilitation discharge. Main Outcome Measures: ASIA Motor Index and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) admission, discharge, and efficiency scores; acute care and rehabilitation lengths of stay and medical care charges; and discharge disposition. Results: Analyses revealed equivalent lengths of stay and charges for all age groups. There were no age-related differences in ASIA and FIM Motor scores at acute care and inpatient rehabilitation admission. Younger patients' scores on the FIM Motor subscale improved significantly more than did middle and older patients'. The two younger groups of patients had a more significant improvement than did older patients, as indicated by ASIA Motor Index scores. When taking lengths of stay into account, the FIM motor scores of the youngest group of patients improved more quickly than those of the two older groups. Furthermore, the younger and middle age groups demonstrated greater treatment efficiency than the older patient group based on ASIA Motor Index score ratios. Younger patients were least likely to be discharged to institutional settings. Conclusions: Along with neurologic and functional status, age should be considered when formulating treatment plans and prognostic statements. For older patients, alternative rehabilitation settings with lower-intensity treatment and lower charges may prove to be a more efficacious use of resources.
Altered expression of Mβ2, the class II β-tubulin isotype, in a murine J774.2 cell line with a high level of taxol resistance

A series of taxol- and taxotere-resistant J774.2 cell lines has been characterized with respect to altered expression of β-tubulin, the cellular target for these drugs. Vertebrates have six classes of β-tubulin isotypes, each displaying a distinct pattern of expression. Although the functional significance of multiple β-tubulins has not been fully defined, there is evidence that the individual isotypes contribute to differences in microtubule dynamics and drug binding. To determine if alterations in the expression of β-tubulin isotypes play a role in taxol resistance, a PCR-based methodology was developed that permits highly specific amplification of each of the six known murine β-tubulin isotypes. Two isotypes, Mβ5 and Mβ3, were expressed abundantly in the drug-sensitive parental J774.2 cells. Although expressed at an extremely low level in the parental cells, expression of the Mβ2 isotype was increased 21-fold (
The synthesis of some monomethylanthraceneamines

The synthesis of 2-methyl-1-anthracenamine ( 2 ), 3-methyl-1-anthracenamine ( 7 ), 4-methyl-1-anthracenamine ( 14 ), 1-methyl-2-anthracenamine ( 20 ), 3-methyl-2-anthracenamine ( 26 ), and 1-methyl-3-anthracenamine ( 30 ) from the corresponding 9,10-anthraquinones in order to confirm their presence in coal-derived products is reported.
Health Reform Interrupted: The Unraveling Of The Oregon Health Plan

The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) has received national and international attention for rationing medical care based on explicit priorities. However, in recent years OHP has lost substantial enrollment and struggled to live up to its core principles. This paper explores what went wrong in OHP and the implications of Oregon’s experience for state-led health reform.
Expression, activity and distribution of Na,K-ATPase subunits during in vitro neuronal induction.

Abstract The expression pattern of the α and β isoforms and the γ subunit of the Na,K-ATPase was investigated during in vitro induction of pluripotent murine embryonic stem (ES) cells into neuronal cells. α1 protein was expressed in undifferentiated ES (UES) cells and throughout all stages studied. In contrast, α3 protein was prominent only when neuronal cells have reached full differentiation. In this model, neuron-depleted cultures did not express the α3 isoform, indicating its specificity for mature neuronal cells. UES possessed Na,K-ATPase activity consistent with a single isoform (α1), whereas in fully mature neuronal cells a ouabain-sensitive isoform (α3) accounted for 27±4% of the activity, and a ouabain-resistant isoform (α1) 66±3%. Immunocytochemistry of mature neuronal cells for α1 and α3 proteins showed a similar distribution, including cell soma and processes, without evidence of polarization. β1 protein was expressed in uninduced ES, embryonic bodies (EB) and neuronal cells. While proteins of the β2 and β3 isoforms were not detected by immunoblots (except for β2 in UES), their mRNAs were detected in UES and EB (β2 and β3), and in immature and fully differentiated neuronal cells (β3). Message for the β2 isoform, however, was not present in neuronal cells. γ subunit mRNA and protein were undetectable at any stage. These results provide further characterization of neuron-like cells obtained by induction of ES cells in vitro, and establish a model for the expression of isoforms of the Na,K-ATPase during neuronal differentiation. The relation to other aspects of neuronal cell development and relevance to a specialised function for the α3 subunit in neurons are discussed.
Current Issues and Trends in Meshing and Geometric Processing for Computational Engineering Analyses

This paper presents the currant issues and trends in meshing and geometric processing, core tasks in the preparation stage of computational engineering analyses. In product development, computational simulation of product functionality and manufacturing process have contributed significantly toward improving the quality of a product, shortening the time-to-market and reducing the cost of the product and manufacturing process. The computational simulation can predict various physical behaviors of a target object or system, including its structural, thermal, fluid, dynamic, and electro-magnetic behaviors. In industry, the computer-aided engineering (CAE) software packages have been the driving force behind the ever-increasing usage of computational engineering analyses. While these tools have been improved continuously since their inception in the early 1960s, the demand for more complex computational stimulation has grown significantly in recent years, creating some major shortfalls in the capability of current CAE tools. This paper first discusses the current trends of computational engineering analyses and then focuses on two areas of such shortfalls: meshing and geometric processing, critical tasks required in the preparation stage of engineering analyses that use common numerical methods such as the finite element method and the boundary element method.
5-bromodeoxyuridine induction of hematopoietic neoplasia and retrovirus activation in the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria.

Abstract Hematopoietic neoplasia and virus replication were induced in shoft-shell clams, Mya arenaria, by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (5-BrdUrd). Eighty clams were found to be nonneoplastic by the in vivo bleeding method. These clams were randomly distributed into four aquaria and maintained in seawater at 1°C. 5-BrdUrd was added to aquaria in the following concentrations: 0, 20, 100, and 200 μg/ml. After 4 days of treatment, the aquaria were drained, rinsed, and fresh sea water without 5-BrdUrd was added. Sea water was changed on a weekly basis thereafter. The clams were diagnosed for neoplasia by the in vivo method at days 4, 9, 16, and 23 of the experiment. Results showed that on day 23, neoplasia was not found in the aquarium without 5-BrdUrd, but in the aquaria containing 20, 100, and 200 μg/ml of 5-BrdUrd the incidences of neoplasia were 37, 79, and 35%, respectively. 5-BrdUrd-induced neoplastic tissue was homogenized and subjected to differential ultracentrifugation. Retrovirus-like particles resembling ones previously shown to induce neoplasia were isolated from neoplastic clams which were induced by 5-BrdUrd. When these particles were inoculated into healthy clams, the clams developed neoplasia. Neoplastic hemocytes, cultured in sea water containing 50 μg/ml of 5-BrdUrd, formed pseudopodia after 4 days. Pseudopod formation is a trait of normal hemocytes. This indicates that differentiation of neoplastic hemocytes may be induced by the drug.
Danger and Opportunity: Making Public Safety Job One in Pennsylvania's Indeterminate Sentencing System:

Pennsylvania's prison population increased annually between 2000 and 2007 by an average of 3.2%. However, between 2007 and 2008, the change was 9.1%, the highest in the nation and well above the na...
13-year clinical assessment of 10 amalgam alloys

Abstract The first commercial high-copper amalgam was developed in the mid-1960's. In 1975, a study to evaluate in vivo/in vitro performance of nine of these new alloys was initiated at Indiana University. These nine high-copper amalgams plus a traditional amalgam were tested for four laboratory properties and their gamma-2 content, and were clinically assessed for fracture at the margins. Originally, 60 restorations of each material were placed in patients and then recalled at six, 12, and 24 months. Recently, 13 years post-operatively, approximately one-third of the original patients were located. These patients were given a clinical exam, and photographs were taken of their restorations. From these recall data, the mean loss of all restorations at 13 years was 11.3%. The alloys Cupralloy, Tytin, and Dispersalloy had the lowest loss rates. The evaluation of the fracture at the margins (ridit means) indicates that there are five groups of alloys with some overlap between groups. The alloys Cupralloy, Indiloy, Dispersalloy, and Phasealloy exhibited the least fracture at the margins. The gamma-2-containing alloys — Optaloy II, Micro II, Velvalloy, and Aristaloy CR — showed the greatest rate of fracture at the margins. A correlation matrix of the ridit means at different years, the loss of restorations at 13 years, and the mechanical properties indicate that the early (one- and two-year) fracture at the margins predicts the 13-year results. Mechanical properties, however, do not predict the clinical performance of the materials at 13 years.
An Empirical Study of Declining Lead Times: Potential Ramifications on the Performance of Early Market Entrants

This study examines innovation lead time, the construct believed to be the key determinant of launch order strategic value. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that innovation lead times are continuing to decrease as the result of new product development acceleration strategies. However, broad scale empirical evidence regarding product launches since 1984 has not been forthcoming. This study fills the void by comparing lead times for first movers and second movers across a 20-year time span, ending in 2004. Results confirm that first-mover lead times have continued to decrease significantly, whereas second-mover lead times have decreased marginally.
A climatological basis for conserving groundwater and reducing overflow in aquaculture ponds in the Southeast United States

Abstract Drop-fill water management schemes for aquacultural ponds reduce both groundwater use and effluent release. A drop-fill scheme assumes that pond water level will be allowed to decrease to the “drop” depth before makeup water is used to return it to the “fill” depth, which is typically some fraction (e.g., 1/2) of the drop depth. This paper compares predicted performance of drop-fill schemes at five sites in the Southeast U.S. (Thompsons, TX, Stuttgart, AR, Stoneville, MS, Clemson, SC, and Fairhope, AL). The locations were chosen to assess the effect of the east–west precipitation gradient and the south–north change from maritime to continental characteristics on the drop-fill approach in this region. Performance of the drop-fill schemes was based on calculated daily water balances for ponds using 40-year (1961–2000) precipitation (P) and evaporation (E) records at the sites. Pond evaporation is assumed to be 0.8 × pan evaporation. Since performance differences based on regional P minus E (P−E) records was the subject of this work, ponds were assumed identical in other respects (i.e., all ponds were assumed to be levee-type and to have zero infiltration). Simulated drop-fill schemes tested included (in cm): 0/0, 5/2.5, 10/5, 15/7.5, 20/10, 25/12.5, 30/15, 45/22.5, 60/30, 90/45, and 120/60. Each scheme was simulated using daily time steps for 40 years at each site. Results suggested that rigorous adherence to even a modest drop-fill scheme results in substantial reductions in both groundwater use and effluent release. It also appears that P−E conditions at all sites allow implementation of more aggressive drop-fill schemes in properly designed ponds that will require no supplemental groundwater for most years. This was also true with respect to effluent release at three of five sites. At two sites, precipitation was sufficiently large that zero effluent years were either not predicted (Fairhope) or relatively uncommon (Clemson) for any drop-fill scheme.
Correlation of several soil N indices for wheat

Abstract A study relating N uptake by wheat to several N soil tests was conducted throughout North and South Dakota. Sixty nine sites were utilized over a period of 5 years. The N soil tests and their respective r values with N uptake are: Soil Nitrate‐N 0–15 cm (N15), r=0.50; nitrate‐N 0–30 cm (N30), r=0.58; nitrate‐N 0–60 cm (N60), r=0.51; nitrate‐N 0–120 cm (N120), r=0.43; Kjeldahl N (TN), r=0.27; Organic matter (OM), r=0.24; absorbance of 0.01 M NaHCO3 extract (SB), r=0.21; and ammonia distilled from autoclaved 0.01 M CaCl soil slurry (AN), r=0.21. Regression equations were used to predict N uptake by wheat using the soil test indices as independent variables. Soil tests that were useful in these equations were N30, AN, SB, and OM. Over all site years, only 29% of the variability in N uptake was explained using the 0–30 cm nitrate content. For the years of 1984 and 1985, approximately 60% of the N uptake variability was explained.
An Examination of the Function of the Norm Referenced Achievement Test

(1988). An Examination of the Function of the Norm Referenced Achievement Test. Kappa Delta Pi Record: Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 28-31.
New salts of graphite, C12+HF2− & C24+SiF5− and the treshold for the oxidative intercalation of graphite

Abstract Third row transition metal hexafluorides (MF 6 ) for which the electron affinity exceeds 130 kcal/mole (M = Os, Ir, Pt) have been found to intercalate graphite with electron oxidation of the host lattice, whereas those with inferior electron affinities (M = W, Re) do not intercalate 1 . This behavior can be rationalized on kinetic or thermodynamic grounds; arguing for the latter, a simple Born-Haber cycle may be used which suggests an electron affinity threshold of 120–130 kcal/mole for the MF 6 intercalation reaction. For the general case of intercalation reactions by metal fluorides (with or without added fluorine), wherein the graphite lattice is oxidized, the threshold is determined by the free energy of the half-reaction which produces the intercalating fluoro-anion. The lattice energy of the graphite salt must also be taken into account when comparing free energy thresholds for large (e.g., MF 6 ) and small (e.g. HF 2 − ) intercalating species. We have evaluated the free energy of formation of a number of fluoro-anions from the heats of formation and lattice energies of salts which contain them. These studies indicate a threshold free energy of ca. 110 kcal/mole for graphite intercalation. Two ‘borderline’ second stage compounds, C 24 + SiF 5 − and C 12 + HF 2 − , have been synthesized.
Role of Potassium Channels in Relaxations of Canine Middle Cerebral Arteries Induced by Nitric Oxide Donors

Background and Purpose The mechanisms underlying smooth muscle relaxations of cerebral arteries in response to nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) are still not completely understood. The present study was designed to determine the role of potassium channels in the relaxations to NO donors 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as well as 8-bromo-3′,5′-cGMP (a synthetic analogue of cGMP) and zaprinast (a selective cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor). Methods Rings of canine middle cerebral arteries without endothelium were suspended in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution for isometric tension recording. The levels of cGMP were measured by radioimmunoassay. Relaxations to NO donors 8-bromo-cGMP and zaprinast were studied in the presence and in the absence of K+ channel blockers charybdotoxin (large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels), glyburide (ATP-sensitive K+ channels), 4-aminopyridine (delayed rectifier K+ channels), and BaCl2 (multiple types of K+ channels). Results Concen...
Second-generation, highly abbreviated route for elaboration of the oxetane D-ring in a fully functionalized taxane.

A six-step conversion of oxirane 3 to oxetane 9 is reported. The synthetic route takes particular advantage of the acid-catalyzed ring opening of 3 to allyl alcohol 4 in a polar reaction medium and of the heightened capability of the OsO4·TMEDA complex to effect the efficient stereocontrolled dihydroxylation of this intermediate. The overall yield of the new sequence is 33%.
Evaluation of a patient education model for increasing hand hygiene compliance in an inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Abstract Background Transmission of microorganisms from the hands of health care workers is the main cause of health care–acquired infections. Recent studies on bacterial contamination of hands by medical care specialty found the highest bacterial contamination on the hands of health care workers from rehabilitation units. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of a patient education model on hand hygiene (HH) compliance in a rehabilitation unit. Methods A 6-week pre- and post-intervention study with a 3-month follow-up using a patient education model was conducted in a 24-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit located in an acute care hospital. Thirty-five patients were enrolled in the intervention phase of the study after agreeing to ask all health care workers who had direct contact with them, “Did you wash/sanitize your hands?” Compliance with the program was measured through soap/sanitizer usage per resident-day before, during, and after the intervention. Results Usage increased from 5 HH per resident-day during the preintervention to 9.7 HH per resident-day during the intervention ( P P P Conclusions Patient education increased HH compliance in an inpatient rehabilitation unit by 94% during the 6-week intervention, 34% during the 6 week post intervention, and 40% at 3-month follow-up. This program empowers patients with responsibility for their own care and provides ongoing HH education.
The effect of self-radiation on crystal volume

Abstract A phenomenological model is developed to explain the exponential time dependencies commonly observed for the lattice parameter, a, of actinide compounds, i.e., Δ a a = A (1− e − Bt ) . The model assumes that isolated Frenkel defects are produced at a constant rate by ∼5-MeV α particles emitted by actinide nuclei and that these defects anneal at a rate proportional to the number present. The model is shown to be consistent with published, room-temperature data for the actinide dioxides. However, systematic measurements taken as a function of temperature are needed to determine the energetics of the annealing process.
Calcineurin inhibitor-sparing regimens in solid organ transplantation: focus on improving renal function and nephrotoxicity.

Abstract: Background: The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), cyclosporine and tacrolimus, have had a revolutionary effect on the overall success of renal transplantation through reduction in early immunologic injury and acute rejection rates. However, the CNIs have a significant adverse impact on renal function and cardiovascular disease, and extended long-term graft survival has not been achieved. The recognition of these effects sparked interest in CNI-sparing strategies. Strategies to limit CNI exposure include CNI minimization, avoidance, and withdrawal. We sought to review the impact of CNI-sparing strategies in kidney, liver, and heart transplantation. Materials and methods: A PubMed search 1966 to August 2006 was conducted to identify relevant research articles, and the references of these articles as well as the authors’ personal files were reviewed. Results: Calcineurin inhibitor minimization using mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus may be associated with a modest increase in creatinine clearance (CrCl) and a decrease in serum creatinine (SCr) in the short term. Despite improvement in CrCl or SCr, CNI nephrotoxicity and chronic allograft nephrotoxicity are progressive over time when CNI exposure is maintained. In kidney transplantation, the tubulo-interstitial and glomerular damage are irreversible. Mycophenolate mofetil may improve renal outcomes during CNI minimization more than sirolimus, and antibody induction may be effective to limit CNI exposure, but longer-term follow-up data are required. Use of sirolimus with mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine to avoid CNI exposure de novo has improved glomerular filtration rate for at least two yr in most studies in kidney transplantation; however, experience is limited in liver and heart transplantation, and reports of delayed graft function and wound healing with sirolimus may have dampened enthusiasm for de novo use. Late CNI withdrawal has achieved variable results, possibly because withdrawal was attempted after the kidney damage was too extensive. Early CNI withdrawal, prior to significant graft damage, has generally improved CrCl and markers of fibrosis and decreased chronic allograft lesions, a finding also observed with sirolimus in most CNI avoidance studies. Successful withdrawal appears to be more effective than CNI minimization. Conclusions: Calcineurin inhibitors are associated with significant nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney damage. Minimization is associated with a modest increase in renal function, but persistent damage is observed on biopsies as long as the CNIs are continued. Avoidance is hampered by lack of experience and possible sirolimus-induced side effects. CNI withdrawal may be the best option by delivering CNIs during the early period of immunologic graft injury and then converting them to less nephrotoxic agents before significant renal damage occurs.
Mantle cell lymphoma of the maxillary sinus invading the orbit.

Abstract Background Lymphomas are the most common primary orbital tumor in adults 60 years of age and older. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a distinct subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This case report describes a presentation of MCL with ocular involvement and discusses the management options. Case Report A 63-year-old black male Vietnam veteran presented with symptoms of numbness of the right tooth and gum area with right maxillary facial pain, which he described as stabbing in nature. After extensive evaluation, the patient’s symptoms were found to be caused by MCL of the right maxillary sinus invading the orbit. The lymphoma was treated successfully with a combination of high-dose corticosteroids and intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Conclusions Because of the aggressive nature of MCL, early detection and diagnosis are keys to the patient’s survival. Given the potential for ocular involvement, eye care professionals play an important role in the early detection and management of these patients, ensuring that they are promptly referred to a specialist, e.g., an ophthalmologist or oncologist, for appropriate testing and treatment.
Constructive variational methods for differential equations

On considere des methodes constructives pour resoudre des systemes d'equations aux derivees partielles non lineaires
Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele.

Myelomeningocele is a morbid disease with a significant mortality within the first several decades of life. Fetal surgery is a promising therapy to prevent progressive neurological dysfunction. Unfortunately, fetal repair has not been shown thus far to improve leg or bladder function. Data from VUMC and CHOP suggest that hindbrain herniation and the need for VP shunting may be decreased. These potential improvements must be balanced with maternal safety considerations. The current funded trial in the United States will provide answers about the efficacy of fetal surgery for this disease, and, just as importantly, will provide the best data about the efficacy of the current multidisciplinary methods of treatment for MMC and the outcome of these children.
Relaxation Effects in Spectra: Eigenvalue Treatment of Superoperators

Superoperators have been used in several recent papers to treat the effects of relaxation on the shape of spectrum lines. Although the emphasis in these papers has been on M\"ossbauer spectra, the generality of the treatments allows them to be applied in many fields of spectroscopy. To apply these theories it has been necessary in most cases of interest to plot out the spectrum, point by point, inverting a relatively large matrix at each point. In this paper it is shown that parameters of the spectrum, such as linewidths, may be obtained directly from the eigenvalues of the superoperators used in these theories. With the help of perturbation theory, some general results are then obtained in the limiting cases of slow and fast relaxation rates. This eigenvalue treatment greatly simplifies problems such as determining how a particular term in the Hamiltonian affects the shape of the spectrum.
The origins and history of the fields medal

Abstract The Fields Medal is the most distinguished unternational award in mathematics. John Charles Fields felt strongly the lack of a Novel Prize in mathematics. He was also disturbed, as Chairman of the Committee of the 1924 International Mathematical Congress, by the scars left from the Versailles Treaty which marred the international character of the Congress. This paper traces the evolution of the award from incidents in Fields' background, through its formal inception at meetings of the University of Toronto Committee fir the 1924 Congress, to its eventual establishment and the first awards at the Oslo International Congress in 1936. Included are a list of all Fields Medal winners to date, the text of Fields' proposal for the establishment of the award, and relevant excerpts from minutes of the Toronto Committee, and a photograph of the medal.
Development of a Risk-Screening Tool for Cancer Survivors to Participate in Unsupervised Moderate- to Vigorous-Intensity Exercise: Results From a Survey Study

Abstract Background The health benefits of exercise increase in dose-response fashion among cancer survivors. However, it is unclear how to identify cancer survivors who may require a pre-exercise evaluation before they progress from the common recommendation of walking to unsupervised moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise. Objective To clarify how to identify cancer survivors who should undergo a pre-exercise evaluation before they progress from the common recommendation of walking to unsupervised moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise. Design Electronic survey. Participants Forty-seven (n = 47) experts in the field of exercise physiology, rehabilitation medicine, and cancer survivorship. Setting Not applicable. Methods We synthesized peer-reviewed guidelines for exercise and cancer survivorship and identified 82 health factors that may warrant a pre-exercise evaluation before a survivor engages in unsupervised moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise. The 82 health factors were classified into 3 domains: (1) clinical health factors; (2) comorbidity and device health factors; and (3) medications. We surveyed a sample of experts asking them to identify which of the 82 health factors among cancer survivors would indicate the need for a pre-exercise evaluation before they engaged in moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise. Main Outcome Measurements The response rate to our survey was 75% (n = 47). Across the 3 domains of health factors, acute symptoms, comorbidities, and medications related to cardiovascular disease were agreed on to indicate a pre-exercise evaluation for survivors before they engaged in unsupervised moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise. Other health factors in the survey included hematologic, musculoskeletal, systemic, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and neurological symptoms and comorbidities. Eighteen experts (38%) said it was difficult to provide absolute answers because no 2 patients are alike, and their decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Conclusions The results from this expert survey will help to identify which cancer survivors should undergo a pre-exercise evaluation before they engage in unsupervised moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise.
Extrafetal findings at fetal MR: evaluation of the normal placenta and correlation with ultrasound

Despite the increasing use of magnetic resonance (MR) for fetal imaging, few studies have addressed the MR appearance of the normal placenta. The goal of this paper is to describe the MR features and thickness of the normal placenta during the second and early third trimester of gestation, based on a retrospective study comparing MR with the reference standard of obstetric imaging, ultrasound.
Fracture Mechanics Analysis for Saw Cutting Requirements of Concrete Pavements

Concrete sawing operations are performed at predetermined locations within the first 24 h to prevent random cracking on jointed plain concrete pavements. In current construction procedures, the depth and timing of the saw are usually established by the contractor on the basis of experience. A study analyzed the effect of several concrete mixture proportions and constituents on the early-age fracture properties and their effect on saw cut timing and depth for concrete pavements with several slab geometries. Concrete pavement mixtures with different coarse aggregate size and cementitious content were evaluated to determine sensitivity of the measured fracture properties on saw cut model predictions. Finite element analysis was used to derive the geometric correction factors necessary to characterize the fracture properties of concrete based on the wedge splitting test configuration. A saw cut depth model previously proposed was modified to determine the timing and depth of notches on jointed plain concrete pavements. The theoretical analysis and practical example lead to the observation that if greater time is desired before saw cutting, the design should favor concrete materials with slower development of fracture properties. Thinner concrete pavements also require significantly deeper notch depth ratios relative to those of thicker slabs.
A neighborhood condition which implies the existence of a complete multipartite subgraph

Abstract Given a graph G and uϵV ( G ), the neighborhood N ( u )={ uϵV ( G )| uvϵE ( G )}. We define NC k ( G )= min |∪ N ( u i )| where the minimum is taken over all k independent sets { u 1 … u k } of vertices in V ( G ). We shall show that if G is a graph of order n that satisfies the neighborhood condition NC k (G) > d−2 d−1 n+cn 1− 1 r for some real number c = c ( m , d , k , r ) then for sufficiently large n , G contains at least one copy of a K ( r , m … m d −1 ) where m i = m for each i and r ⩾ m . When r =1, 2 or 3, this result is best possible.
Physics of small metal clusters: Topology, magnetism, and electronic structure.

The electronic structure of small clusters of lithium atoms has been calculated using the self-consistent-field, molecular-orbital method. The exchange interaction is treated at the unrestricted Hartree-Fock level whereas the correlation is treated perturbatively up to second order by including pair excitations. This is done in two steps, one involving only the valence electrons and the other including all the electrons. A configuration-interaction calculation has also been done with all possible pair excitations. The equilibrium geometries of both the neutral and ionized clusters have been obtained by starting from random configurations and using the Hellmann-Feynman forces to follow the path of steepest descent to a minimum of the energy surface. The clusters of Li atoms each containing one to five atoms are found to be planar. The equilibrium geometry of a cluster is found to be intimately related to its electronic structure. The preferred spin configuration of a cluster has been found by minimizing the total energy of the cluster with respect to various spin assignments. The planar clusters are found to be less magnetic than expected by Hund's-rule coupling. For three-dimensional clusters, however, the magnetism is governed by Hund's rule. The effect of correlation has been found to have decisive influence on the equilibrium topology and magnetism of the clusters. The binding energy per atom, the energy of dissociation, and the ionization potential of the clusters are compared with experiment and with previous calculations. The physical origin of the magic numbers and the effect of the basis functions on the calculated properties have also been investigated.
On the degeneracy of the full AGM -theory of theory-revision

A general method is provided whereby bizarre revisions of consistent theories with respect to contingent sentences that they refute can be delivered by revision-functions satisfying both the basic and the supplementary postulates of the AGM -theory of theory-revision.
Rac1b, a tumor associated, constitutively active Rac1 splice variant, promotes cellular transformation

A novel splice variant of Rac1, designated Rac1b, is expressed in human breast and colon carcinoma cells. Rac1b contains an additional 19 amino-acid insert immediately behind the switch II domain, a region important for Rac1 interaction with regulators and effectors. Recent studies showed that Rac1b exhibited the biochemical properties of a constitutively activated GTPase, yet it showed impaired interaction with downstream effectors, suggesting that Rac1b may be defective in biological activity. Whether Rac1b is a biologically active protein was not addressed. Therefore, we evaluated the biochemical, signaling and growth-promoting properties of authentic Rac1b. Similar to previous observations, we found that Rac1b showed enhanced intrinsic guanine nucleotide exchange activity, impaired intrinsic GTPase activity, and failed to interact with RhoGDI. Surprisingly, we found that Rac1b, like the constitutively-activated and transforming Rac1(Q61L) mutant, promoted growth transformation of NIH3T3 cells. Rac1b-expressing cells also showed a loss of density-dependent and anchorage-dependent growth. Surprisingly, unlike activated Rac1(61L), Rac1b did not show enhanced activation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factor or stimulate cyclin D1 expression, the signaling activities that best correlate with Rac1 transforming activity. However, Rac1b did promote activation of the AKT serine/threonine kinase. Therefore, we suggest that Rac1b selectively activates a subset of Rac1 downstream signaling pathways to facilitate cellular transformation.
Finding the illuminant direction

Shading is important for estimation of three-dimensional shape from the two-dimensional image, for instance, for distinguishing between the smooth occluding contour generated by the edge of a sphere and the sharp occluding contour generated by the edge of a disk. In order to use shading information to solve such problems, one must know the illuminant direction L. This is because variations in image intensity (shading) are caused by changes in surface orientation relative to the illuminant. Each illuminant direction L has a unique effect on the distribution of changes in image intensity dI, potentially permitting the estimation of L. However, because dI is a function of bothL and the surface curvature, L can be estimated from the image only by making an assumption about the imaged surface curvature. One assumption that is sufficient to disentangle L and surface curvature is that changes in surface orientation are isotropically distributed. This condition is true of images of convex objects bounded by a smooth occluding contour and is true on average over all scenes. Estimates made by using this assumption agree with estimates of illuminant direction given by human subjects for images of natural objects, even when both are objectively wrong. Further, there is a significant correlation between the variance of these estimates and the variance of the human subjects’ estimates.
Efficient initiation of HCV RNA replication in cell culture.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem affecting an estimated 170 million individuals worldwide. We report the identification of multiple independent adaptive mutations that cluster in the HCV nonstructural protein NS5A and confer increased replicative ability in vitro. Among these adaptive mutations were a single amino acid substitution that allowed HCV RNA replication in 10% of transfected hepatoma cells and a deletion of 47 amino acids encompassing the interferon (IFN) sensitivity determining region (ISDR). Independent of the ISDR, IFN-α rapidly inhibited HCV RNA replication in vitro. This work establishes a robust, cell-based system for genetic and functional analyses of HCV replication.
Mysteries of the ringed planets

An assessment is presented of the recent progress in the theory of planetary rings which was in evidence at the IAU's recent, 75th Colloquium. Observational material was dominated by spacecraft data, and theoretical consideration of the problems posed comes predominantly from gravitational mechanics. An understanding of collective effects, in light of both fluid mechanical and statistical mechanical methodologies, is being approached, and the importance of electromagnetic phenomena studies is noted. Voyager observations of Saturn's rings, and accumulating data from stellar occultations by the rings of Uranus, provided most of the observational material. Jupiter's faint ring was closely examined by the 1979 Voyager flight. These three known ring systems are found to exhibit such family resemblances as their proximity to the parent planet and magnetospheric environment.
Clear sub-resolution assist features for EUV

In EUV lithography, the short wavelength of the light makes the topography of the mask stand out as three dimensional objects rather than thin masks. This generally requires use of a rigorous scattering simulator to calculate the diffracted orders of a mask in order to explain experimental results. In contrast, for optical proximity correction we cannot afford such detailed calculations and we would like to replace such detailed simulations with faster methods that give similar results. In this paper, we discuss observations we made during our printing experiments on a 0.33 NA EUV projection system. In order to extend the process window for non-nested trenches we introduced clear assist features. We observed strong tilt of Bossung curves and best focus shifts for certain pitches. These shifts can be explained by a phase difference between main and assist feature. This effect is very similar for both horizontal and vertical trenches, and it depends strongly on the illumination of the mask. We find that the best focus shift can be minimized for certain assist pitches and illumination conditions, but a general solution for random pitches appears not obvious.
Velocity Profiles for Turbulent Boundary Layers Under Freestream Turbulence

Correlations for changes of skin friction coefficients (Δcf ) and wake parameters (ΔΠ), relative to the low freestream turbulence condition, are presented for the case of turbulent boundary layers under freestream turbulence with zero and adverse pressure gradients. The turbulent boundary layers were evaluated on a plate in a wind tunnel using a monoplane rod set turbulence generator; comparisons were also made using the data of several other investigators. The results, which define the velocity profiles within the boundary layers, were found to collapse for a large range of the pressure gradient parameter.
An improved nearly-orthogonal structured mesh generation system with smoothness control functions

This paper presents an improved nearly-orthogonal structured mesh generation system with a set of smoothness control functions, which were derived based on the ratio between the Jacobian of the transformation matrix and the Jacobian of the metric tensor. The proposed smoothness control functions are capable of relaxing the local strong orthogonal conditions so that nearly orthogonal but smooth mesh can be achieved. Examples and applications are also investigated in this paper to demonstrate the effects of the proposed mesh generation system.
Social Epidemiology of Diabetes and Associated Conditions

Research focusing on the social determinants of diabetes has focused on individual-level factors such as health behaviors, socioeconomic status, and depression. Fewer studies that incorporate a broader consideration of the multiple contexts or organizational levels (eg, family, health care setting, neighborhood) within which individuals are embedded exist in the mainstream diabetes literature. Such an approach would enhance our understanding of this complex disease, and thus, future avenues of research should consider the following: (1) a life-course approach, which examines the influence of early life exposures on the development of diabetes; (2) aiming to understand the biological mechanisms of social determinants of diabetes; and (3) implementing interventions on multiple levels. Integrating this multilevel and life-course approach will require transdisciplinary science that brings together highly specialized expertise from multiple disciplines. Broadening the study of social determinants is a necessary step toward improving the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Inspection of surface-mount device images using wavelet processing

In this paper, the wavelet transform is used on surface mount device (SMD) images to devise a system used to inspect the presence of SMDs in printed circuit boards. The complete system involves preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. The images correspond to three cases: SMD present (SMD), SMD not present with a speck of glue (GLUE), and SMD not present (noSMD). For each case, two images are collected using top and side illuminations but these are first combined into one image before proceeding to do further processing. Preprocessing is done by applying the wavelet transform to the images to expose details. Using 500 images for each of the three cases, various features are considered from different wavelet subbands, using one or several transform levels, to find four good discriminating parameters. Classification is performed sequentially using a two-level binary decision-tree. Two features are combined into a two-component feature vector and are fed into the first level that compares the SMD vs noSMD cases. The second level uses another feature vector produced by combining two other features and then compares the SMD and GLUE cases. The features used give no cluster overlap on the training set and simple parallelpiped classifier is devised at each level of the tree producing no errors on this set. Results give 99.6% correct classification when applied to a separate testing set consisting of 500 images for each case. All the errors are made to level 2 classifying six SMD images erroneously as GLUE.
Microammeter Indication of High-Frequency Bridge Balance

A visual method of obtaining bridge balance by means of a d-c. microammeter in the plate circuit of an electron tube detector associated with one or more stage of amplification, which gives maximum reading for a state of bridge balance, thereby permitting use of a sensitive meter. A large bridge unbalance reduces the deflection to a low value and as the balance is approached the reading increases. This method overcomes the limitations of the aural method and renders a quantitative determination of the degree of unbalance.