cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A constrained capital budgeting problem with applications to repair kit selection

We consider a capital budgeting problem in which each potential project requires the performance of a known set of activities. In general, these sets of activities are not mutually exclusive. However, when a particular activity is common to the requirements of multiple projects, a single performance of the activity simultaneously satisfies the requirements of the multiple projects. Associated with the performance of each activity are two quantities: a known fixed cost and a consumption of a known amount of a scarce resource. Because the sets of activities required by the projects are not mutually exclusive, we cannot apportion an activity's fixed cost or resource consumption to a single project. In this paper, we formulate this capital budgeting problem (and a slight variant) as a maximal network flow problem with a side constraint, and we report computational experience using Lagrangian relaxation to find an optimal solution. We also discuss an application to the selection of parts and tools to include i...
Some fluorescent investigations of the interaction between the enantiomers of warfarin and human serum albumin

Abstract The fluorescence of warfarin is greatly enhanced on binding to a single site on human serum albumin. Other sites make only very small contributions to this enhancement. Advantage is taken of this phenomenon to estimate a binding constant for the binding of R, S and racemic warfarins to human serum albumin. Many measurements are made at the clinically significant low drug-to-protein ratios. The binding constant for the S-isomer is higher than that of the R. The abilities of phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, fenoprofen, tolmetin and aspirin to displace warfarin from this site on albumin is investigated at very slow drug-to-protein ratios. Investigations of the binding of warfarin as a function of pH suggest that the affinity is different for the N and B forms of albumin. The binding to both the N and B forms is affected by chloride ions.
Conformational stability, infrared and Raman spectra, vibrational assignments, and theoretical calculations of cyclohexylamine

Abstract The infrared spectra (4000–400 cm−1) of the gas and Raman spectra (4000–50 cm−1) of the liquid have been recorded. Additionally, the variable temperature (−65 to −100 °C) infrared spectra of the sample dissolved in liquefied xenon was recorded from (3800–400 cm−1). The three possible conformers have been identified and their relative stabilities obtained with enthalpy difference relative to trans-Axial (t-Ax) of 58 ± 15 cm−1 for gauche-Equatorial (g-Eq) ⩾ 65 ± 12 cm−1 for trans-Equatorial (t-Eq). The percentage of the three conformers is estimated to be 31% for the t-Ax, 47 ± 2% for g-Eq and 22 ± 1% for t-Eq at ambient temperature. The conformational stabilities have been predicted from theoretical calculations by utilizing several different basis sets up to 6-311+G(2df, 2pd) from both MP2(full) and density functional theory calculations by the B3LYP method. Vibrational assignments have been provided for the observed bands for all three conformers which are predicted by MP2(full)/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations to predict harmonic force constants, wavenumbers, infrared intensities, Raman activities and depolarization ratios for all of the conformers. The results are discussed and compared to the corresponding properties of some related molecules.
Neurological influences on pheromone release and calling behaviour in the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar

. Surgical removal of the brain or disconnection of the last abdominal ganglion from the ventral nerve cord prevented sex pheromone release in female Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lymantriidae), as assayed by the male wing-fanning response. The calling behaviour continued to occur in individuals whose terminal abdominal ganglion had been thus isolated, however, indicating that the neural mechanisms controlling calling function independently in the last abdominal ganglion.
Men’s Experience of Psychological Abuse: Conceptualization and Measurement Issues

In this paper the literature on men’s experience of psychological abuse (in the U.S.) is reviewed and the ability to conceptualize and measure such abuse is reconsidered. Scales used to measure psychological abuse based on the experiences of battered women are critiqued as inadequate as measures of psychological abuse of men. Although both men and women direct psychological abuse toward their partners, violence perpetrated by men and women is not necessarily the same. Adopting a gender role perspective on psychological abuse, we argue that women may use different strategies to hurt men including manipulation and gender role harassment, whereas coercive control paired with physical abuse may constitute one version of (male) intimate partner violence.
Primary Closure without Diversion in Management of Operative Blunt Duodenal Trauma in Children

Background. Operative blunt duodenal trauma is rare in pediatric patients. Management is controversial with some recommending pyloric exclusion for complex cases. We hypothesized that primary closure without diversion may be safe even in complex (Grade II-III) injuries. Methods. A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons' Trauma Center database for the years 2003-2011 was performed to identify operative blunt duodenal trauma at our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Inclusion criteria included ages <14 years and duodenal injury requiring operative intervention. Duodenal hematomas not requiring intervention and other small bowel injuries were excluded. Results. A total of 3,283 hospital records were reviewed. Forty patients with operative hollow viscous injuries and seven with operative duodenal injuries were identified. The mean Injury Severity Score was 10.4, with injuries ranging from Grades I-IV and involving all duodenal segments. All injuries were closed primarily with drain placement and assessed for leakage via fluoroscopy between postoperative days 4 and 6. The average length of stay was 11 days; average time to full feeds was 7 days. No complications were encountered. Conclusion. Blunt abdominal trauma is an uncommon mechanism of pediatric duodenal injuries. Primary repair with drain placement is safe even in more complex injuries.
Reactions of the Dirhenium(II) Complexes Re(2)X(4)(m-dppm)(2) (X = Cl, Br; dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2)) with Isocyanides. 18.(1) The Isolation and Characterization of Isomers of the [Re(2)Cl(2)(m-dppm)(2)(CO)(CNXyl)(3)](2+) Cation and Its Monocationic and Neutral Congeners.

The reactions of the multiply bonded dirhenium(II) complexes Re(2)Cl(4)(m-dppm)(2)(CO), Re(2)Cl(4)(m-dppm)(2)(CO)(CNXyl), and [Re(2)Cl(3)(m-dppm)(2)(CO)(CNXyl)(2)]O(3)SCF(3) (dppm = Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2); Xyl = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) with the requisite number of equivalents of TlO(3)SCF(3) and XylNC lead to three, non-interconvertible, structural isomers of the complex [Re(2)Cl(2)(m-dppm)(2)(CO)(CNXyl)(3)](O(3)SCF(3))(2) (4a, 5a, and 6a; a signifies a triflate salt). Each of these complexes undergoes two reversible one-electron reductions which afford the redox pairs 4a'/4' ', 5a'/5' ', and 6a'/6' ', respectively. While 4a' and 4' ' have structures which are very similar to that of 4a, the complexes 5a'/5' ' and 6a'/6' ' have structures which differ from 5a and 6a, thereby establishing the existence of coupled redox/isomerization reactions. Solutions of 6a' in acetonitrile and 6' ' in benzene slowly convert to the new isomers 7a' and 8' ', respectively, which are in turn found to be members of the redox series 7'/7' ' and 8/8'/8' '. In all, the [Re(2)Cl(2)(m-dppm)(2)(CO)(CNXyl)(3)](n+) species (n = 2, 1, or 0) have been found to exist in seven distinct structural forms which possess Re-Re bond orders of 3, 2, 1.5, 1, or 0 depending on the specific bioctahedral structure which is assumed and the charge on the complex. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations have been carried out on the seven complexes 4' ', 5a, 6a, 6a', 6' ', 7a', and 7' '.
Isolation and properties of cytochrome b5 from pig liver.

Abstract 1. 1. An isolation and purification of cytochrome b 5 from pig liver microsomes is described. Methods are given for obtaining either a purified product (containing 0.31% Fe) or one which also contains DPNH-cytochrome b 5 reductase. 2. 2. A large-scale preparation of microsomes is described. 3. 3. The behavior of the cytochrome on chromatographic columns and in the presence of certain inhibitors, its stability to heat, dialysis, and surface denaturation, and some of its spectrographic properties, both at room temperature and at liquid air temperature, are described. 4. 4. The probable relationship of the isolated cytochrome to the cytochrome as it occurs in microsomes is discussed.
Deficiencies of smooth manifolds

Abstract Being given a closed manifold M n , there are involutions ( X 2 n , T ) on closed manifolds of twice the dimension having fixed point set M . Kulkarni defined the deficiency of M for a class of involutions to be min ( 1 2 { dim H ∗ (X;Z 2 )− dim H ∗ (M;Z 2 )}) for all involutions ( X, T ) in the class. This paper exhibits manifolds for which the deficiency is positive for all involutions and studies the deficiencies for other classes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Poly(ε-caprolactone) Copolymers by Free-Radical Polymerization

A series of functionalized poly(e-caprolactone) copolymers, poly(e-caprolactone-co-vinylphosphonic acid) and poly(e-caprolactone-co-dimethyl vinylphosphonate), were synthesized by the free-radical copolymerization of 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane with two vinyl monomers, vinylphosphonic acid and dimethyl vinylphosphonate. The copolymers have ester groups in the backbone as well as pendant functional groups. The structure of each copolymer was established by 1H and 13C NMR as well as IR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the copolymer had a random structure. NMR study showed hydrogen transfer during the copolymerization. The copolymers have different solubility behavior due to the presence of different pendant functional groups.
A Simplified Two-Stage Design of Linear Discrete-Time Feedback Controllers With Applications to Systems With Slow and Fast Modes

In this paper we have shown how to simplify an algorithm for the two stage design of linear feedback controllers by reducing computational requirements. The algorithm is further simplified for linear discrete-time systems with slow and fast modes (multi-time scale systems or singularly perturbed systems) providing independent and accurate designs in slow and fast time scales. The simplified design procedure and its very high accuracy are demonstrated on the eigenvalue assignment problem of a steam power system.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Premonitory sensory phenomenon in Tourette's syndrome.

We administered a questionnaire designed to probe for premonitory sensations associated with motor tics to 50 patients with Tourette's syndrome (TS). Premonitory sensations were reported by 46 (92%) patients, and the most common sensation was an urge to move and an impulse to tic ("had to do it"). Intensification of premonitory sensations, if prevented from performing a motor tic, was reported also in 37 patients (74%), 36 patients (72%) reported relief of premonitory sensations after performing the tic, and 27 of 40 (68%) described a motor tic as a voluntary motor response to an involuntary sensation, rather than a completely involuntary movement. The "just right" sensation correlated with the presence of co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder. We conclude that premonitory sensations are an important aspect of motor tics and some patients perceive motor tics as a voluntary movement in response to an involuntary sensation.
Method for testing proximity detection and alert technology for safe construction equipment operation

The US construction industry continues to be among the leading industries for workplace fatalities after experiencing 818 fatalities in 2009. Approximately 21% of these fatalities resulted from workers being struck by an object or piece of construction equipment. The nature of construction sites often produces hazardous conditions by requiring ground workers and heavy construction equipment to operate in close proximity. The primary objective is to present a method for testing proximity detection and alert systems. Experimental trials were designed to deploy emerging radio frequency (RF) remote sensing technology to demonstrate the ability of the test method to evaluate the capability of proximity detection and alert systems to provide alerts when heavy construction equipment and workers are in too close proximity to each other. Numerous field experiments were designed and conducted to emulate typical interactions between workers on foot and construction equipment. These devices were installed on pieces o...
Suicide in College Students

Despite substantial attention to the problem of suicide among college students over the past several decades, reports on the extent of the problem have been largely inconclusive. This article reviews the findings of major studies of college suicide, noting how variations in campus and student characteristics, as well as inconsistencies in the way student suicides are defined and measured, have limited comparison of conclusions. Current evidence is reviewed that points to significant mental health problems on college campuses and suggests the need for outreach programs to identify students at risk for suicide and encourage them into treatment. One such program under development by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is described in detail. Problems related to its implementation are identified and discussed, notably the reluctance of many university officials to know the actual identities of suicidal students.
Second Phases and Impurity Segregations in Mgo- and Nio- Co-Doped Alumina

The microstructural and chemical characteristics of the segregated particles, Ni-(Mg)-Al spinel phases, and K-s’’’ alumina precipitates in fine-grained alumina co-doped with 0.15 wt % of MgO and 0.10 wt % of NiO were studied using analytical transmission electron microscopy. The segregated Ni particles and second phases were generally found at triple junctions or on grain boundaries. The K-s’’’ alumina precipitates were found to contain occasionally a high density of stacking faults. These microstructural observations point out the location of the dopants and impurities during the sintering process.
Effects of age and sex on hexachloro-1,3-butadiene toxicity in the Fischer 344 rat

Effects of age and sex on hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (HCBD) nephrotoxicity were determined 24 hours after a single dose (0, 25, 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) in 28- and 63-day-old Fischer 344 rats. HCBD treatment significantly increased the kidney to body weight ratio but had little effect on the liver to body weight ratio. The 28-day-old rats were more susceptible to HCBD nephrotoxicity judged by elevated blood urea nitrogen, decreased renal cortical accumulation of p-aminohippurate and tetraethylammonium. Adult female rats (63-day-old) appeared to be more susceptible to HCBD nephrotoxicity than males at the low dose (50 mg/kg).
Waiting time approximation in multi-class queueing systems with multiple types of class-dependent interruptions

We consider a single-server queue subject to class-dependent interruptions motivated by vessel queueing at entrances of waterways. Two classes of customers and k types of possibly simultaneous and class-dependent service interruptions are considered. We have employed service completion time analysis and proposed approximations to obtain the expected waiting time of a customer (vessel) in the queue.
The Use of Narratives to Contextualize the Experiences and Needs of Unemployed, Underemployed, and Displaced Workers.

The author examined the role of narratives used by unemployed, underemployed, and displaced workers seeking job training assistance through a government-funded One-Stop Career Center. Interviews with employees of a One-Stop Career Center provided insight on client rate of disclosure of personal narratives and how client narratives are used to facilitate the job search process. Specifically, data from the interviews suggest that narratives give career center employees insight on job seekers' background, barriers, and reemployment mind-set. Furthermore, the act of listening was seen as legitimizing job seekers' experiences. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Challenges and Opportunities for Promoting Student Achievement Through Large-Scale Assessment Results: Research, Reflections, and Future Directions

The intent of large-scale assessment systems is to promote student achievement toward specific standards by holding schools accountable for the performance of all students. However, it is difficult to know whether large-scale assessment systems are having this intended effect as they are currently implemented. In this article, the authors examine the research on intended and unintended consequences of large-scale assessment and accountability systems, highlight critical issues in using large-scale assessment programs to measure student learning and to inform intervention, and provide guidelines for promoting the intervention validity of large-scale assessments.
Performance Modeling of Storm Water Best Management Practices with Uncertainty Analysis

The performance of storm water best management practices (BMPs) contains many uncertainties that make predicting BMP performance difficult. The objective of this study is to build a BMP performance model that incorporates uncertainty analysis and to evaluate this model using observed total suspended solids (TSS) from detention basin data sets in the International Stormwater BMP Database. The representative storage-treatment performance model, the k-C* model, was chosen to represent BMP performance. Its input parameters, influent event mean concentration (EMC) (Cin), and the areal removal rate constant (k) are considered with the uncertainty analysis. To estimate the variance associated with k, the prediction interval method is applied to the linear regression equation relating hydraulic loading rate (q) to k. To estimate the variance of Cin, observed Cin data in the BMP database are used. This study assumes that both Cin and k can be represented by lognormal distributions. The probability density function...
Determinants of Aggression Toward Sexual Minorities in a Community Sample

OBJECTIVE: Sexual prejudice and masculine gender role stress were examined as mediators of the associations between adherence to different male gender norms and aggression toward sexual minorities. This study also sought to extend past research to a community sample and employ multiple methods to assess aggression. METHOD: Participants were 199 heterosexual men between the ages of 18-30 who were recruited from a large southeastern United States city. Participants completed measures of adherence to male gender role norms, sexual prejudice, masculine gender role stress, and aggression toward sexual minorities. RESULTS: Associations between adherence to the status and antifemininity norms and aggression toward sexual minorities were mediated by sexual prejudice, but not masculine gender role stress. The portion of unique association between adherence to the antifemininity norm and aggression toward sexual minorities was about three times larger than the portion mediated by sexual prejudice and masculine gender role stress. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide the first multivariate evidence from a community-based sample for determinants of aggression toward sexual minorities motivated by gender role enforcement. These data support intervention programming and preventative intervention studies aimed at reducing sexual prejudice and facilitating less stereotypic attitudes about the male gender role, particularly surrounding the antifemininity norm. Language: en
Studies on alfalfa mosaic virus. IV. An unusual strain.

Abstract The VRU strain of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) resembles most other strains of this virus in its biological properties, but purified preparations contained a considerable proportion of particles longer than bottom component. The nucleic acid content of the longer particles appeared to be similar to that of the normal AMV components, and no nucleic acid species larger than that normally associated with bottom component was detected. Fractions which consisted predominantly of longer particles were as infectious as unfractionated preparations. Therefore the longer particles must contain several RNA strands, and possibly the full complement of RNA species necessary for infection might be contained in a single particle. Reconstitution experiments indicated that the production of long particles was protein directed. It is suggested that the protein subunits of VRU strain of AMV have a greater propensity to aggregate as hexamers than pentamers.
Unique Biologic Properties of Recombinant AAV1 Transduction in Polarized Human Airway Epithelia

The choice of adeno-associated virus serotypes for clinical applications is influenced by the animal model and model system used to evaluate various serotypes. In the present study, we sought to compare the biologic properties of rAAV2/1, rAAV2/2, and rAAV2/5 transduction in polarized human airway epithelia using viruses purified by a newly developed common column chromatography method. Results demonstrated that apical transduction of human airway epithelia with rAAV2/1 was 100-fold more efficient than rAAV2/2 and rAAV2/5. This transduction profile in human airway epithelia (rAAV2/1 ≫ rAAV2/2 = rAAV2/5) was significantly different from that seen following nasal administration of these vectors to mouse lung (rAAV2/5 > rAAV2/1 ≫ rAAV2/2), emphasizing differences in transduction of these serotypes between these two species. In stark contrast to rAAV2/2 and rAAV2/5, rAAV2/1 transduced both the apical and basolateral membrane of human airway epithelia with similar efficiency. However, the overall level of transduction across serotypes did not correlate with vector internalization. We hypothesized that differences in post-entry processing of these serotypes might influence the efficiency of apical transduction. To this end, we tested the effectiveness of proteasome inhibitors to augment nuclear translocation and gene expression from the three serotypes. Augmentation of rAAV2/1 apical transduction of human polarized airway epithelia was 10-fold lower than that for rAAV2/2 and rAAV2/5. Cellular fractionation studies demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors more significantly enhanced rAAV2/2 and rAAV2/5 translocation to the nucleus than rAAV2/1. These results demonstrate that AAV1 transduction biology in human airway epithelia differs from that of AAV2 and AAV5 by virtue of altered ubiquitin/proteasome sensitivities that influence nuclear translocation.
Intraspecific variability in herbivore performance and host quality: a field study of Uroleucon caligatum (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its Solidago hosts (Asteraceae)

. 1. Performances of two clones of Uroleucon caligatum on eleven clones of Solidago were measured by caging aphids on plants in the field. 2. Several measures were obtained, including developmental time from birth to adulthood, size of first instar nymphs, adult weight, and total colony weight. 3. All measures of performance were strongly affected by plant clone. 4. Effect of aphid clone-plant clone interaction was significant only for first instar size. 5. In a subsequent screenhouse experiment, plant clones were subjected to uniform conditions and still exhibited large differences in host quality.
On the surface magnetic fields of rapidly rotating stars with winds

The consistency of estimates of angular velocities and magnetic field strength obtained from magnetic rotator models is examined. Upper and lower bounds for the surface magnetic field are derived with constraints of interior theory using magnetohydrodynamic considerations. The formulas for the bounds are applied to rapidly rotating Be stars and Wolf-Rayet type stars using Eddington-Vogt speed relevant for the radiative diffusion zone. It is suggested that stars which have equatorially enhanced winds driven by magnetic rotator effects must have fields such that the Aflven speed is close to the speed of the Eddington-Vogt currents at the base of the stellar atmosphere.
Mammography and Reduction Mammaplasty

Abstract Background: Anecdotal descriptions of the discovery of occult breast cancers in reduction mammaplasty patients during the perioperative period have appeared in the literature. Subsequently, recommendations for routine preoperative and postoperative mammographic screening for reduction mammaplasty patients have been published. Other authors have recommended that only patients at risk according to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines should have mammographic screening. Objective: The purpose of this study was to resolve some of the conflicting conclusions presented in the literature. Methods: Twenty reduction mammaplasty patients underwent preoperative and postoperative mammography. The mammograms were randomly mixed and evaluated in a blind study by 2 radiologists, who were asked to identify and describe any mammographic abnormalities, indicate which films were preoperative and which were postoperative, and make recommendations for the patient represented in each film. Results: None of the mammograms identified as preoperative by the radiologists demonstrated any confirmed breast malignancies. Both radiologists reported some abnormalities among the preoperative views and identified a number of characteristic postoperative radiologic changes. Recommendations for patients represented in the films included additional views, repeat interval films, and biopsy. One radiologist accurately identified preoperative and postoperative mammograms in 72% of the films and the other radiologist in 54% of the films, with an overall agreement between the radiologists of only 50%. Conclusions: The radiologists’ evaluations led the authors to recommend against routine preoperative mammography in all breast reduction patients; those breast reduction patients falling within American Cancer Society guidelines for mammographic screening because of high risk characteristics should undergo preoperative mammograms. Based on this study, the authors’ recommendations include the option of performing postoperative baseline and interval mammography on all breast reduction patients and the alternative approach of carrying out postoperative baseline mammography only on high-risk patients—ie, those for whom routine screening would be recommended anyway or those whose excised breast tissue has demonstrated risk-indicating histologic features.
Experimental study of granular convection.

Dry granular material confined to a cylindrical vessel convects when subjected to either continuous or discrete vertical oscillations of sufficient intensity. Particles flow upward in the center of the container and fall in a thin stream along the wall. We have studied this motion experimentally in three-dimensional cylinders for a variety of material, container, and vibration parameters using tracer particle techniques and magnetic resonance imaging. By combining these methods, we have characterized both the depth and radial dependence of the vertical flow velocity. We find that the upward flow velocity along the cylinder axis decays exponentially from the top free surface into the bulk of the material. This flow decreases and changes direction as the inner container walls are approached, displaying a radial dependence closely approximated by either a hyperbolic cosine or a modified Bessel function of order zero. We propose a simple model of granular convection consistent with these findings. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Hypopigmented variant of mycosis fungoides: Demography, histopathology, and treatment of seven cases

Abstract Background : Hypopigmented macules have been described infrequently as a presenting form of mycosis fungoides (MF). Objective : This study was designed to clarify general characteristics of a hypopigmented MF variant. Methods : Seven new cases were investigated with the use of descriptive epidemiology techniques. Demographic parameters, histopathology, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. These data were combined with those from prior reports to develop a broad composite view of this disease process. Results : The median ages in our series were 36 years for disease onset and 39 years at biopsy diagnosis. All patients had brown or black skin. Histologic findings consistently showed a lack of epidermal atrophy and moderate to profound exocytosis. Treatment with PUVA induced rapid and complete repigmentation in six of seven patients. Conclusion : On the basis of our experience and a literature review, the hypopigmented variant of MF occurs in a younger population than typical forms of the disease and affects persons with dark skin almost exclusively. Microscopic features include lack of epidermal atrophy and moderate to extreme epidermotropism of infiltrating mononuclear cells. The treatment of choice appears to be PUVA.
Nck-2, a Novel Src Homology2/3-containing Adaptor Protein That Interacts with the LIM-only Protein PINCH and Components of Growth Factor Receptor Kinase-signaling Pathways

Many of the protein-protein interactions that are essential for eukaryotic intracellular signal transduction are mediated by protein binding modules including SH2, SH3, and LIM domains. Nck is a SH3- and SH2-containing adaptor protein implicated in coordinating various signaling pathways, including those of growth factor receptors and cell adhesion receptors. We report here the identification, cloning, and characterization of a widely expressed, Nck-related adaptor protein termed Nck-2. Nck-2 comprises primarily three N-terminal SH3 domains and one C-terminal SH2 domain. We show that Nck-2 interacts with PINCH, a LIM-only protein implicated in integrin-linked kinase signaling. The PINCH-Nck-2 interaction is mediated by the fourth LIM domain of PINCH and the third SH3 domain of Nck-2. Furthermore, we show that Nck-2 is capable of recognizing several key components of growth factor receptor kinase-signaling pathways including EGF receptors, PDGF receptor-beta, and IRS-1. The association of Nck-2 with EGF receptors was regulated by EGF stimulation and involved largely the SH2 domain of Nck-2, although the SH3 domains of Nck-2 also contributed to the complex formation. The association of Nck-2 with PDGF receptor-beta was dependent on PDGF activation and was mediated solely by the SH2 domain of Nck-2. Additionally, we have detected a stable association between Nck-2 and IRS-1 that was mediated primarily via the second and third SH3 domain of Nck-2. Thus, Nck-2 associates with PINCH and components of different growth factor receptor-signaling pathways via distinct mechanisms. Finally, we provide evidence indicating that a fraction of the Nck-2 and/or Nck-1 proteins are associated with the cytoskeleton. These results identify a novel Nck-related SH2- and SH3-domain-containing protein and suggest that it may function as an adaptor protein connecting the growth factor receptor-signaling pathways with the integrin-signaling pathways.
A random map model for quantum interference

Quantum interference of particle systems results from the wave properties of the particles and are predicted theoretically from the superposition of the wave functions. In place of wave functions we use deterministic chaotic maps as the underlying mechanism that produces the observed probability density functions. Let be two wave functions of a quantum mechanical particle system. For each ψi(x,t) we define deterministic nonlinear point transformations τi(x) whose unique probability density function is the observed density . We consider the wave function ψ(x,t)=aψ1(x,t)+bψ2(x,t) and show that we can associate with ψ(x,t), a random chaotic map that switches (probabilistically between) τ1(x),τ2(x) and the identity map I(x) and whose probability density function ft(x) equals ψ∗(x,t)ψ(x,t), where t denotes time. This description of quantum interference of particle systems allows a more insightful interpretation than wave mechanics.
How compatible are liberty and equality in structuring a health care system

In their normative role in shaping the basic structure of a health care system, liberty and equality are often thought to conflict so sharply that health policy is condemned to remain an ideological battleground. In this paper, I will articulate my own view of why much of the apparently fundamental conflict between individual liberty and responsibility, on the one hand, and equality and equality's related concern for cost-efficiency, on the other hand, is less intractable than it is usually assumed to be. The result will be to break the rigid and stereotypical association of liberty-emphasizing social philosophies with the pluralistic market paradigm for a health care system and egalitarian, equity-emphasizing social philosophies with the unitary public system paradigm. Understanding better the moral ingredients of liberty and equitable distribution as well as the complexity of how liberty and equality actually intersect in a health care system opens the door to seeing the possibility of significant reconciliation. I will conclude, among other things, that even semi-libertarian views of distributive justice should strongly embrace compulsory, universal coverage of health care for some significant level of care, and that egalitarian views ought not to regard different levels of coverage for people of different income levels as necessarily unjust.
Two approaches to assertion classification.

We present a study of two approaches to assertion classification: one of these approaches, Extended NegEx, extends the rule-based NegEx algorithm to cover alter-association assertions; the other, SNegEx, is a machine learning approach and explores the contribution of lexical and syntactic context to assertion classification. Both approaches determine whether a problem, as asserted in a patient record, is present, absent, or uncertain in the patient, or associated with someone other than the patient. We present the two approaches and study their strengths. We show that Extended NegEx is a general algorithm that can be directly applied to new corpora. However, despite being based on machine learning, SNegEx can achieve similar generality. SNegEx can classify assertions by utilizing the specific syntactic and lexical context of the target, i.e., the word to be classified with an assertion type, in each corpus. Among the features it has been trained with, SNegEx benefits the most from information found in the ±4 word window of the target. This finding generalizes to both discharge summaries and radiology reports. The specific patterns learned within the ±4 word window and the rest of the context features of one corpus also generalize from discharge summaries to radiology reports.
Changes in Anesthetic Sensitivity and Glutamate Receptors in the Aging Canine Brain

This study investigated whether the aging process in dogs is associated with an increased sensitivity to inhalation anesthesia and whether age-related changes in glutamate receptors are related to the increased sensitivity. The mean minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane was 1.82 +/- .08% for 2-3 year olds and 1.45 +/- .06% for 11 years olds, indicating that there was an increased potency of isoflurane in the older dogs as compared to the young. These older animals also showed a significant decrease in binding of [3H]glutamate and [3H]dizocilpine ([3H]MK801) to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in multiple cortical and hippocampal regions. The density of binding to NMDA receptors in the cortex, using a single concentration of ligand, correlated significantly with individual MAC values. These results demonstrate that dogs experience an increase in anesthetic potency with increased age, similar to humans, and that age-related changes in the NMDA receptor may represent one mechanism underlying this increased sensitivity to anesthesia.
Cross teaching parallelism and ray tracing: a project-based approach to teaching applied parallel computing

Massively parallel Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware has become increasingly powerful, available and affordable. Software tools have also advanced to the point that programmers can write general purpose parallel programs that take advantage of the large number of compute cores available in the hardware. With literally hundreds of compute cores available on a single device, program performance can increase by orders of magnitude. We believe that introducing students to the concepts of parallel programming for massively parallel hardware is of increasing importance in an undergraduate computer science curriculum. Furthermore, we believe that students learn best when given projects that reflect real problems in computer science. This paper describes the experience of integrating two undergraduate computer science courses to enhance student learning in parallel computing concepts. In this cross teaching experience we structured the integration of the courses such that students studying parallel computing worked with students studying advanced rendering for approximately 30% of the quarter long courses. Working in teams on a joint project, both groups of students were able to see the application of parallelization to an existing software project with both the benefits and complications exposed early in the curriculum of both courses. Motivating projects and performance gains are discussed, as well as student survey data on the effectiveness of the learning outcomes. Both performance and survey data indicate a positive gain from the cross teaching experience.
Linearized plane strain of a mixture of two elastic solids. II

In a recent paper (1), we derived the solutions to the equilibrium equations for linearized plane strain of an isotropic mixture of two elastic solids. The solutions were given in terms of four complex potential functions. Here we examine the properties of these solutions and evaluate the forces and couples across an arc in the mixture.
Entropy-Balanced Bitmap Tree for Shape-Based Object Retrieval From Large-Scale Satellite Imagery Databases

In this paper, we present a novel indexing structure that was developed to efficiently and accurately perform content-based shape retrieval of objects from a large-scale satellite imagery database. Our geospatial information retrieval and indexing system, GeoIRIS, contains 45 GB of high-resolution satellite imagery. Objects of multiple scales are automatically extracted from satellite imagery and then encoded into a bitmap shape representation. This shape encoding compresses the total size of the shape descriptors to approximately 0.34% of the imagery database size. We have developed the entropy-balanced bitmap (EBB) tree, which exploits the probabilistic nature of bit values in automatically derived shape classes. The efficiency of the shape representation coupled with the EBB tree allows us to index approximately 1.3 million objects for fast content-based retrieval of objects by shape.
Diffractive photoproduction of strangeness and charm: overlap of QCD and Regge models

Abstract We suggest an overlap between the perturbative QCD and Regge models for thediffractive photoproduction of strangeness and possibly charm, and support it by explicit comparison between the model predictions. This enables us to estimate some of the QCD model parameters-most notably the gluon x distribution over the region 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.1.
Evaluation of Past Audits of Project Development on California State Highway System

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is responsible for developing and maintaining the state highway system. Fourteen audits related to the Caltrans project delivery process have been conducted in the last 30 years, an average of about one every 2 years. Most of the audits cited expense and timeliness problems with project development. Yet neither the degree to which these audits accurately assessed the problems with project development nor the degree to which implementation of audit recommendations served to improve project development has been evaluated. The audit findings and recommendations were researched and compared with newly collected data from interviews with project managers involved in the development of highway projects throughout California. Findings indicate that many of the recommendations of past audits have not been implemented, do not apply, or, if implemented, do not appear to have materially changed or to have improved project development times or costs. A flaw of pr...
Comparison of long-term outcomes of S and J pouches and continent ileostomies in ulcerative colitis patients with restorative proctocolectomy-experience in subspecialty pouch center

Abstract Background There are no published studies comparing pouch configurations and long-term adverse outcomes. Aim To evaluate outcomes of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with S-, J- pouches or continent ileostomy (CI). Methods We conducted a historical cohort study from the prospectively maintained Pouch Registry. Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated with univariate and multivariable analyses. Results Fourty-five patients with S pouches and 36 with CI (33 K pouches and 3 Barnett continent ileal reservoirs) were compared with 215 J pouches serving as controls (ratio 1:2.5). In multivariable analysis, patients with S pouches were 93% less likely to develop chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) than subjects with J pouches (odds ratio [OR]=0.07; 95% confidence interval: Conclusions Patients with J pouches appeared to have a greater risk for chronic pouchitis than those with S-pouches and but had a lower risk for developing pouch surgery-related complications than those with S pouches or CI.
Weight gain model in prepubertal rats: prediction and phenotyping of obesity-prone animals at normal body weight

Male Sprague–Dawley rats maintained from birth on a high-fat diet were examined to determine whether a specific measure before puberty can identify and allow one to characterize prepubertal rats at normal weight with high vs low risk for adult obesity. Measures from weaning (day 21) to around puberty (day 45) were taken of weight gain, absolute body weight and daily energy intake on a high-fat diet and related to the amount of body fat accumulated at maturity (80–100 days of age). Rats identified by a specific prepubertal measure as obesity-prone (OP) vs obesity-resistant (OR) were then characterized before and after puberty. Prepubertal weight gain from days 30 to 35 of age was the strongest and earliest positive correlate of ultimate body fat accrual in adult rats. The highest (8–10 g/day) compared to lowest (5–7 g/day) weight-gain scores identified accurately and reproducibly distinct OP and OR subgroups at day 35 that became obese or remained lean, respectively, as adults. The OP rats with rapid prepubertal weight gain and 50% greater adiposity at maturity (day 100) exhibited the expected phenotype of already-obese rats. These included elevated levels of leptin, insulin, triglycerides and glucose, increased galanin (GAL) peptide levels in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and reduced neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Before puberty (day 35), the OP rats with normal fat pad weights, energy intake and endocrine profile similar to OR rats exhibited these disturbances characteristic of obese rats. They had decreased capacity for fat oxidation in muscle, increased GAL expression in PVN and reduced expression of NPY and agouti-related protein in ARC. Prepubertal weight gain can identify OP rats on day 35 when they have minimal body fat but exhibit specific metabolic and neurochemical disturbances expected to promote obesity and characteristics of already-obese adult rats.
Conducting and Coding Elite Interviews

In real estate the maxim for picking a piece of property is “location, location, location.” In elite interviewing, as in social science generally, the maxim for the best way to design and conduct a study is “purpose, purpose, purpose.” It's elementary that the primary question one must ask before designing a study is, “What do I want to learn?” Appropriate methods flow from the answer. Interviewing is often important if one needs to know what a set of people think, or how they interpret an event or series of events, or what they have done or are planning to do. (Interviews are not always necessary. Written records, for example, may be more than adequate.) In a case study, respondents are selected on the basis of what they might know to help the investigator fill in pieces of a puzzle or confirm the proper alignment of pieces already in place. If one aims to make inferences about a larger population, then one must draw a systematic sample. For some kinds of information, highly structured interviews using mainly or exclusively close-ended questions may be an excellent way to proceed. If one needs to probe for information and to give respondents maximum flexibility in structuring their responses, then open-ended questions are the way to go.
The Executive Veto in Southern States

The power of American state governors to veto legislative measures is a product of gradual growth. Nine of the original organic laws made no provision whatever for the executive veto. In 1776, South Carolina became the first state to vest such power in her "President and Commander-in-Chief," a prerogative which compared with the absolute negative possessed by colonial governors, and which was abandoned by that state in 1778. However, during the next quarter-century the original fears of' executive tyranny slowly subsided. Georgia, for example, following Massachusetts and the Federal Constitution, gave the Governor "the revision of all bills passed by both houses," which negative could be overridden by a twothirds vote of the legislative chambers.' Kentucky in 1792 copied almost verbatim the Pennsylvania veto provision of 1790, but in her 1799 revision permitted a simple majority of members elected in each house to overcome the governor's objections. Tennessee in 1796 declined to grant this power to her chief executive. In the period from 1793 to 1812 no state adopted the veto device. In the latter year,
An Incremental File System Consistency Checker for Block-Level CDP Systems

A block-level continuous data protection (CDP) system logs every disk block update from an application server (e.g., a file or DBMS server) to a storage system so that any disk updates within a time window are undoable, and thus is able to provide a more flexible and efficient data protection service than conventional periodic data backup systems. Unfortunately, no existing block-level CDP systems can support arbitrary point-in-time snapshots that are guaranteed to be consistent with respect to the metadata of the application server. This deficiency seriously limits the flexibility in recovery point objective (RTO) of block-level CDP systems from the standpoint of the application servers whose data they protect. This paper describes an incremental file system check mechanism (iFSCK) that is designed to address this deficiency for file servers, and exploits file system-specific knowledge to quickly fix an arbitrary point-in-time block-level snapshot so that it is consistent with respect to file system metadata. Performance measurements taken from a fully operational iFSCK prototype show that iFSCK can turn a 10 GB point-in-time block-level snapshot to be file-system consistent in less than 1 second, and takes less than 25% of the time required by the Fsck utility for vanilla ext3 under relaxed metadata consistency requirements.
Uteroplacental insufficiency increases p53 phosphorylation without triggering the p53-MDM2 functional circuit response in the IUGR rat kidney

Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) leads to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which predisposes infants toward renal insufficiency early in life and increases the risk of kidney-related adult...