cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation-induced malignancy of the head and neck.

Objective Our goal was to evaluate our experience with radiation-induced malignancy (RIM), compare that experience to the literature, and review treatment modalities. Study design and setting The setting is the University of Kansas Medical Center. A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with RIM. Patients were included if they met the criteria for RIM as delineated in the literature. Results Thirteen patients met the criteria for RIM. The mean latency period was 22 years. Sarcomas were the most common type of RIM and the paranasal sinuses were the most common location. Surgical resection was our treatment of choice. Conclusions Our patient series differs from previous reports in that sarcomas were the predominating RIM and the paranasal sinuses were the most common location. We noted a shorter latency period than has been previously published. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. EBM rating: C.
Fluxes across epithelia.

Epithelial membranes are useful and convenient tissues in which to study fundamental processes of ionic transport. They devote a substantial fraction of their total energy resources to transport, they serve as a convenient model for plasmalemmal transport, and they have interesting properties related to hormonal regulation. The frog's skin, in particular, has been fruitful in generating concepts relating to the properties of serial membrane systems and to the use of isotopic tracers in the study of transport mechanisms.
Surimi: The “high tech” raw materials from minced fish flesh

Abstract Unknown in the United States before 1979, the age‐old Japanese process of preparing gelled fish protein products has excited the world seafood industry. Made from washed minced flesh, surimi is an ideal raw material for analog seafood products (e.g., crab, scallops, shrimp) and other innovative formulated foods. Surimi is a highly functional, pure fish protein‐water‐cryoprotectant combination that, when properly combined with other ingredients, will form a stable gel. International politics involving the International Fishery Conservation Act, the establishment of fishery conservation zones, and world need for better utilization of raw material from the sea have all contributed to the rapid rise in popularity of surimi products. Surimi, truly the “high tech” product from modernization of the world's fishing industry, can enable us to realize total utilization of this most important source of protein.
Community-Based Partnerships for Improving Chronic Disease Management

With the growing burden of chronic disease, the medical and public health communities are re-examining their roles and opportunities for more effective prevention and clinical interventions. The potential to significantly improve chronic disease prevention and have an impact on morbidity and mortality from chronic conditions is enhanced by adopting strategies that incorporate a social ecology perspective, realigning the patient-physician relationship, integrating population health perspectives into the Chronic Care Model, and effectively engaging communities using established principles of community engagement.
Textural sorting effect on elastic velocities, part I: laboratory observations, rock physics models, and applications to field data.

Summary Laboratory measurements, theoretical models, and field data indicate that in sediments and sedimentary rocks the deterioration of grain sorting results in a more efficient packing, thus causing the framework mixture to stiffen and the velocity to increase. Sediments and rocks with a grainor mud-supported fabric, and a low stage of textural maturity will show a high elastic velocity, in comparison with mature or supermature sediments. In contrast, if the rock framework is mechanically stable, well-sorted clastic rocks with a simple diagenesis will exhibit better reservoir properties and lower elastic velocities that poorly-sorted clastic rocks.
A controlled trial of nebulized isoetharine in the prehospital treatment of acute asthma.

Acute asthma is a potentially life-threatening disorder, recognizable to the prehospital care provider. While therapies are available to the prehospital care provider for treating acute asthma, no previous controlled studies have been performed demonstrating that treatment in the field is efficacious and safe. The authors conducted a controlled trial of the prehospital use of nebulized isoetharine in an urban emergency medical services system. Fifty-two patients with acute asthma were studied. Patients were initially evaluated with a peak flow meter. Half of the patients received isoetharine, while the control group received basic life support only. There was no difference in baseline values. Peak expiratory flow increased from 138 L/min to 148 L/min in the control group, while it increased from 149 L/min to 218 L/min in the treatment group (P < .001). The authors conclude that paramedic treatment of acute asthma with nebulized isoetharine is effective in improving pulmonary function and clinical status during transport.
The “Post-Racial” Politics of Race: Changing Student Assignment Policy in Three School Districts

Many school districts have recently revised, or tried to revise, their policies for assigning students to schools, because the legal and political status of racial and other kinds of diversity is u...
How the Bank of France Changed U.S. Equity Expectations and Ended the Panic of 1907

Using an event study approach, we find the announcement by the Bank of France in 1907 to accelerate gold payments directly for U.S. crops is associated with the ultimate upturn in U.S. equity prices. Spillover to the French financial markets accompanied the Regents’ decision to release sterilized reserves, thereby arresting the drainage of coin in French circulation. Counterfactual analysis shows that the facility alone would have been unlikely to end the crisis. Investors may have revised equity expectations upward, recognizing that the acceleration in reliable seasonal gold flows would relieve monetary stringency.
Stability of nucleosomes containing homogenously ubiquitylated H2A and H2B prepared using semisynthesis

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are an essential feature in the dynamic regulation of chromatin. One of these modifications, ubiquitylation, has been speculated to directly influence the stability of the nucleosome, which represents the basic building block of chromatin. Here we report a strategy for the semisynthesis of site-specifically ubiquitylated histone H2A (uH2A). This branched protein was generated through a three-piece expressed protein ligation approach including a traceless ligation at valine. uH2A could be efficiently incorporated into nucleosomes, thereby opening the way to detailed biochemical and biophysical studies on the function of this PTM. Accordingly, we used uH2A, as well as a previously generated ubiquitylated H2B, in chaperone-coupled nucleosome stability assays to demonstrate that the direct effect of ubiquitylated histones on nucleosomal stability is in fact modest.
A theorem in combinatorial matrix theory

Abstract Let Z be a matrix of order n , and suppose that the elements of Z consist of only two elements x and y , which are elements of a field F . We call Z an ( x,y )-matrix over F . In this paper we study the matrix equation ZEZ T = D +λ J , where Z is a nonsingular ( x,y )-matrix over F , Z T is the transpose of Z , D and E are nonsingular diagonal matrices, J is the matrix of 1's and λ is an element of F . Our main theorem shows that the column sums of Z are severely restricted. This result generalizes a number of earlier investigations that deal with symmetric block designs and related configurations. The problems that emerge are of interest from both a combinatorial and a matrix theoretic point of view.
A new broadening mechanism in tunneling systems

Abstract A broadening mechanism which arises through the phonon dressing factor is presented. Some of the experimental results which are more consistent with this type of broadening are mentioned. Finally, the extension to other types of tunneling systems, such as glasses, is discussed briefly.
High power ytterbium disk laser

A novel diode-pumped disk laser yielded 490 W in a quasi-cw mode. Electrical efficiency of the laser was found to be 9.4%. Heating of the laser disk was only 2.7% of the absorbed optical power.
On the Structure of Limited-Feedback Beamforming Codebooks for Amplify-and-Forward Relay Networks

We determine necessary conditions on the structure of symbol error rate (SER) optimal compact quantizer codebooks for limited feedback beamforming in wireless networks with one transmitter-receiver pair and R parallel amplify-and-forward relays. We call a codebook “small” if its cardinality is less than R, and “large” otherwise. A “d-codebook” depends on the power constraints and can be optimized accordingly, while an “i-codebook” remains fixed. It was previously shown that any i-codebook that contains the single-relay selection (SRS) codebook achieves the full-diversity order, R. We prove the following: Every full-diversity i-codebook contains the SRS codebook, and thus is necessarily large. In general, as the power constraints grow to infinity, the limit of an SER-optimal large d-codebook contains an SRS codebook, provided that it exists. For small codebooks, the maximal diversity is equal to the codebook cardinality. Every diversity-optimal small i-codebook is an orthogonal multiple-relay selection (OMRS) codebook. Moreover, the limit of an SER-optimal small d-codebook is an OMRS codebook. We observe that SRS is nothing but a special case of OMRS for codebooks with cardinality equal to R. As a result, we call OMRS as "the universal necessary condition" for codebook optimality. Finally, we confirm our analytical findings through simulations.
Characterization of the non-competitive antagonist binding site of the NMDA receptor in dark Agouti rats

The ability of non-competitive NMDA antagonists and other selected compounds to inhibit [3H]MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor in brain membranes was evaluated in female, dark Agouti rats. In homologous competition binding studies the average apparent affinity (KD) of [3H]MK-801 for its binding site was 5.5 nM and the binding site density (Bmax) was 1.83 pmol/mg protein. Inhibition of [3H]MK-801 binding by non-competitive NMDA antagonists was best described with a one-site competition model and the average Hill coefficients were -1. A series of eight non-competitive NMDA antagonists inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding with the following rank order of affinity (K(i), nM): MK-801 (5.5) > dexoxadrol (21.5) > or = TCP (24.2) > phencyclidine (100.8) > (+)-SKF 10,047 (357.7) > dextrorphan (405.2) > ketamine (922.2) > dextromethorphan (2913). These inhibition binding constants determined in dark Agouti rat brain membranes were significantly correlated (P = 0.0002; r2 = 0.95) with previously reported values determined in Sprague-Dawley rats [Wong et al., 1988, J. Neurochem. 50, 274-281]. Despite significant differences in metabolic capability between these strains, the central nervous system NMDA receptor ion channel shares similar characteristics.
An Evaluation of Eight Personnel Training Methods for Small Business Owners

Data are presented which indicate a need for improvement in the personnel skills of small business owners. A set of criteria is then provided for possible approaches to training small business owners in personnel skills. These criteria were developed from interview material acquired in a field study of small business owners. They include: research substantiation of overall effectiveness; face validity; degree of efficiency of time use; ease of access; relative cost; degree to which the method involves criticism of trainees; and effectiveness in skill development. The training approaches evaluated or these criteria are the lecture method, programmed instruction; business games/simulation; the case method, the role play method, sensitivity training; the conference method; and behaviour role modelling. Results suggest that most small business owners would derive the greatest benefits from behaviour role modelling, business games, and/or role play method and would benefit least from the lecture method and sen...
Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) Noncoding Ribonucleic Acid: Isoform Structure, Expression, and Functions

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is an imprinted gene highly expressed in the human pituitary. However, MEG3 expression is lost in human gonadotroph-derived pituitary adenomas and most human tumor cell lines. Expression of MEG3 in tumor cells results in growth suppression, p53 protein increase, and activation of p53 downstream targets. The MEG3 gene encodes a noncoding RNA of approximately 1700 nucleotides. There are 12 different MEG3 gene transcripts, generated by alternative splicing. They contain the common exons 1-3 and exons 8-10, but each uses one or more exons 4-7 in a different combination in the middle. MEG3 isoform expression patterns are tissue and cell type specific. Functionally, each isoform stimulates p53-mediated transactivation and suppresses tumor cell growth. We analyzed the secondary RNA folding structure of each MEG3 isoform, using the computer program mfold. All MEG3 RNA isoforms contain three distinct secondary folding motifs M1, M2, and M3. Deletion analysis showed that motifs M2 and M3 are important for p53 activation. Furthermore, a hybrid MEG3 RNA, containing a piece of artificially synthesized sequence different from the wild type but folding into a similar secondary structure, retained the functions of both p53 activation and growth suppression. These results support the hypothesis that a proper folding structure of the MEG3 RNA molecule is critical for its biological functions. This study establishes for the first time the structure-function relationship of a large noncoding RNA and provides a first look into the molecular mechanisms of the biological functions of a large noncoding RNA.
Novel Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′- Monophosphate Response Element in the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin β-Subunit Gene

CG is encoded by separate alpha- and beta-subunit genes. Expression of both genes is stimulated by cAMP, but the kinetics of activation are different, with cAMP stimulation of the alpha gene preceding that of the beta gene. The cAMP response element (CRE) in the alpha gene contains a palindromic DNA sequence, TGACGTCA, that binds the transcription factor CREB, a nuclear phosphoprotein that is activated by protein kinase-A. Previously, detailed characterization of a CRE in the CG beta gene had been difficult due to low levels of expression in transfected cells. In this study the 5'-flanking sequence of the CG beta gene was fused to a sensitive luciferase (LUC) reporter gene, allowing delineation of a CG beta CRE in transient expression assays performed in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. The full-length CG beta promoter, -3700 to 362 basepairs (bp), was stimulated 8- to 14-fold by treatment with 1 mM 8-bromo-cAMP. Analyses of a series of deletion mutants in the CG beta promoter demonstrated that -311 CG beta LUC retained nearly complete cAMP stimulation, but deletion to -187 bp eliminated cAMP responsiveness. Overlapping DNA fragments between -311 and -30 bp were fused to a heterologous promoter (-99 alpha LUC) to further define the locations of basal elements and CREs. Basal expression required a combination of at least two distinct elements between -311 and -30 bp, whereas cAMP responsiveness was conferred by sequences between -311 and -202 bp. Shorter DNA sequences within this region were insufficient for cAMP stimulation, suggesting that more than one element may be required. DNase-I footprinting and gel mobility shift studies demonstrated at least three distinct protein-binding sites within the CG beta CRE sequence. Recombinant CREB (expressed in E. coli) did not bind to these sites, and they share no sequence homology with the alpha gene CRE, indicating that a cAMP-responsive transcription factor other than CREB interacts with the CG beta promoter.
A model and exploratory study for promoting professional sales in winery visitor centers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a model for promoting professional sales in winery visitor centers, as well as the results of an exploratory study to test the model.Design/methodology/approach – A survey methodology was used to evaluate the sales behavior of winery personnel in three popular wine tourist regions of California, USA. In total, 284 mystery shopper evaluations were completed and analyzed. In addition, a professional sales model for winery visitor centers was developed based on secondary sources drawn from the literature.Findings – Results indicate that some of the winery visitor centers have adopted professional sales techniques and trained their staff to perform these tasks, but there is still ample opportunity to improve. Sales presentations could become more interactive in many cases, and relationship and trust building actions could be emphasized more.Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to three wine regions in California, and only provides descript...
POSTNATAL PLACIOCEPIIALY: PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY IN 40 CASES (1981–86)

We report 40 cases of postnatal plagiocephaly seen over a 6 yr period (1981-86). Twenty cases had mild to moderate plagiocephaly (10 males, 10 females) due to muscular torticollis and responded to physical therapy and repositioning within the first few months of life. In 3 instances, a head positioning device was helpful; in 2 instances where no consistent therapy was attempted the cranial deformity persisted. An additional 9 cases had severe plagiocephaly due to persistent muscular torticollis (8 males, 1 female). When the above measures failed to correct cranial symmetry by 5 to 6 months, helmet therapy was instituted with excellent results. Another 5 cases (3 males, 2 females), had marked occipital flattening from prolonged use of an Infant Seat; 3 improved with repositioning alone, while 2 with associated muscular torticollis required either head positioning device or helmet. Four children with medical problems resulting in prolonged recumbency (CNS abnormalities, intestinal atresia, TE fistula) and associated mild torticollis, responded to simple repositioning. Two other children with unremitting torticollis due to Klippel-Feil anomaly required helmet therapy. Neck stretching exercises and repositioning were most effective in correcting plagiocephaly when instituted early in the first year of life. When torticollis was severe (more common in males) or due to underlying vertebral anomalies, helmet therapy was effective.
Renewal of sucrose-seeking behavior in rats: Role of D2 dopamine receptors

Abstract The present study characterized renewal of sucrose-seeking behavior in rats (Experiment 1). The role of the dopamine subtype-2 (D 2 ) receptors in mediating renewal of sucrose-seeking behavior also was examined (Experiment 2). Rats were trained to respond for sucrose pellets (45 mg each) on a fixed-ratio 25 (Experiments 1 and 2) schedule of reinforcement in Context A. Following acquisition, rats underwent extinction and 4 renewal tests in Contexts B and A, respectively. In Experiment 2, rats were pretreated with vehicle or the D 2 dopamine receptor antagonist eticlopride (5, 10, 20, or 40 μg/kg) 30 min prior to the first renewal test session. A follow-up experiment (Experiment 3) examined the effect of a high eticlopride dose (40 μg/kg) on locomotor activity. Renewal of sucrose-seeking behavior persisted for 3 sessions. Eticlopride dose-dependently blocked renewal of sucrose-seeking behavior without suppressing locomotor activity, implicating a role of D 2 dopamine receptors in mediating renewal of sucrose-seeking behavior.
Thermoperiod-photoperiod interactions in the determination of diapause in Ostrinia nubilalis

Abstract Photoperiodic determination of larval diapause in Ostrinia nubilalis is shown to be strongly influenced by superimposed thermoperiods, here termed “thermophotoperiods.” Thermoperiodic cryophase temperatures (0–25°C) exert effects that are markedly different from responses evoked by thermophotoperiodic cryoscotophases of the same temperatures. The differences are attributed to the presence or absence of light (thermophotophase or thermophase). Perturbations of 12 h dark: 12 h light and 10 h dark: 14 h light photoperiods by low-temperature pulses of 4 h duration demonstrated that the biological clock reactions associated with both the scotophase and photophase are sensitive to temperature. Statistically significant thermoperiod-photoperiod interactions have been demonstrated.
Plant availability of applied and native boron in soils with diverse properties

Laboratory and greenhouse research was conducted to study effects of soil properties on the availability of native and applied B in 14 Virginia soils. Boron absorption could be described by the Langmuir equation in 12 of the 14 soils, and maximum B adsorption (Vmax) in these 12 soils ranged from 3.3 to 26.5 mg kg−1. A multiple regression equation, −19.3+3.51 pH+0.048 clay content, accounted for 89.6% of the variation in Vmax for the 12 soils. Curvilinear relationships (α=0.01) occurred between B in corn (Zea mays L.) tissue from native B and hot-water soluble B, mannitol exchangeable B, and NH4-acetate and Mehlich III extractable B. Among these four procedures, mannitol exchangeable B correlated most closely (r=0.923) with B in corn tissue from native B. From 0.4 to 13.5% of the applied B was absorbed by corn plants and translocated to shoots. Curvilinear relationships (α=0.01) occurred between B in corn tissue from applied B and soil clay content, NH4-oxalate extractable Al and Fe, and acidified NH2OH·HCl extractable Mn. It is evident from these relationships that soil clay and oxyhydroxides of Al, Fe, and Mn have an affinity to adsorb B in somewhat unavailable forms.
Voiding Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Disease Review and Management

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurologic disease diagnosed among young adults in whom neurons within the central nervous system are affected causing inflammation, loss of the myelin sheath, and neural degeneration. As such, many systems are potentially involved including the urinary tract. However, treatment of voiding symptoms must be individualized to each patient, taking into account the many facets of the disease, i.e., the direct effects of MS on the bladder, the ability of the patient to address those effects, the potential side effects of treatments, the complications of the disease or treatments on the ability to treat the underlying disease, and the changing nature of MS itself if the patient progresses. The purpose of this article is to review the voiding dysfunction associated with MS and its treatments relevant to the practicing urologist.
Metastability in SU (N) gauge theories at high temperatures

Abstract Pure SU ( N ) gauge theories have a global Z N symmetry which breaks spontaneously at high temperatures. Fundamental representation fermions explicitly break the Z N symmetry. We show that this leads to the existence of metastable states at high temperatures in most SU ( N ) gauge theories. These states may exist at arbitrarily high temperatures, contrary to the usual pattern of metastability. The thin wall approximation is applicable in many cases. We calculate various parameters associated with the metastable states, including the action and radius of a critical droplet. These metastable phases may have very long lifetimes. They may be unobservable in heavy ion collisions, but could play a role in the early universe.
Band engineering of infrared avalanche photodiodes for improved impact ionization coefficient ratios

We model the effects of the electronic band structure on hole- and electron-initiated impact ionization coefficients. Calculations for bulk alloy AlGaSb avalanche photodiodes with alloy compositions near the resonance between the energy gap and the spin-orbit splitting reveal that the hole- to electron-impact ionization coefficient ratio shows no enhancement at high electric fields. This is due to carrier heating spreading the hole distribution in the split-off band. However, an enhancement due to the resonance in the band structure is predicted for weak fields. A strategy to extend this type of an enhancement to high fields in a superlattice involves band engineering the superlattice to place flat bands approximately one energy gap below the top of the valence band. This prevents hot holes from spreading in energy and hence gives rise to strong hole-initiated impact ionization and a large hole- to electron-impact ionization coefficient ratio. Quantitative results are presented for a mid-infrared InAs/GaInSb/AlSb superlattice.
Group D Streptococcal Bacteremia In Children A Review of 72 Cases in 12 Years

A review was conducted of 72 cases of pediatric group D streptococcal (GDS) bacteremia treated at our institution during a 12-year period. These 72 cases represented 90% of all instances in which this organism was isolated by blood culture (in eight others, GDS was considered a contaminant); the rate of isolation of this organism relative to all positive blood cultures during this time period was 1.3%. Infection was nosocomially acquired in 25 cases; 18 occurred in an intensive care unit. At the time their positive blood culture was obtained, 25 patients were afebrile and 10 patients were receiving parenteral antibiotic therapy to which the isolate exhibited in vitro susceptibility. In 31 cases, GDS was isolated by blood culture in conjunction with another organism, most frequently Staphylococcus epidermidis. Underlying medical conditions or foci of infection associated with GDS bacteremia were identified in 65 patients; the most common were the presence of an indwelling central venous catheter (23), a variety of lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (21), and pulmonary infiltrate (15). Bacteremia was associated with GDS meningitis in three patients who had had no prior neurosurgical procedure. The overall mortality rate was 20%; nearly two thirds of all deaths occurred in patients younger than 1 year of age.
An axiomatic theory of conjoint expected risk

Abstract This paper presents an axiomatization of subjective risk judgments that leads to a representation of risk in terms of seven free parameters. This is shown to have considerable predictive ability for risk judgments made by 10 subjects. The risk function retains many of the features of the expectation models—e.g., a constant number of parameters independent of the number of outcomes—but it also allows for asymmetric effects of transformations on positive and negative outcomes. This arises by axiomatizing independently the behavior with respect to gambles having entirely positive outcomes and those with entirely negative outcomes. Complex gambles are decomposed into these, and zero outcomes, using the expected risk property. The resulting risk function compares favorable with other functions previously suggested. It is also demonstrated that preference judgments are distinct from risk judgments, and that the theory does not apply as well to the former.
Development of a Controller Platform for Force-Based Real-Time Hybrid Simulation

Force-based real-time hybrid simulation is a seismic experimental method that combines physical testing using shake tables and dynamic actuators with numerical analysis. The unique aspect of this force-based formulation is that various hybrid simulation techniques, such as dynamic, pseudo-dynamic, and quasi-dynamic testing, can be similarly executed. To implement such a method, the hardware components and the corresponding software were designed and integrated into a modular controller platform. This article focuses on the implementation issues of such formulation. A pilot scale setup was assembled to conduct proof of concept experiments of the controller platform and is presented herein.
Intense femtosecond shaped laser beams for writing extended structures inside transparent dielectrics

We review recent results on the propagation and self-focusing of intense femtosecond laser pulses with shaped beam profiles in transparent dielectric media. At sufficiently high optical power, beam shaping seeds into the transverse modulation instability and results in the deterministic placement of intense laser filaments within the beam profile. Resulting spatial filament distributions may be utilized for writing complex extended structures inside transparent dielectrics. Specific examples of beam shapes we will discuss are Bessel beams, optical vortices, Bessel beams of higher order, and Airy beams.
The energy harvesting multi-way relay channel with intermittent data: the impact of buffer sizes

In this paper, a multi-way relay channel is considered with energy harvesting nodes. The harvested energy at each node can be stored in a battery of finite capacity. Additionally, each node employs a data buffer of limited size to store data prior to transmission. Data packets to be exchanged between the nodes arrive at the source nodes in an intermittent fashion. In this setup, the offline sum throughput maximization problem, which turns out to be a convex optimization problem, is solved. The corresponding online problem is formulated, and a backward induction-based optimal solution is proposed. In addition, a near-optimum low complexity solution is presented. It is noted that the solutions for the offline and online throughput maximization problems for the multi-way relay channel also provide solutions for its special cases, e.g., the multi-pair two-way relay channel, the two-way channel, and others. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the resulting optimal transmission policies for various channel setups, comparing the sum throughput to upper and lower bounds, and demonstrating the impact of buffer sizes at the relay.
Fastfood: approximating kernel expansions in loglinear time

Despite their successes, what makes kernel methods difficult to use in many large scale problems is the fact that computing the decision function is typically expensive, especially at prediction time. In this paper, we overcome this difficulty by proposing Fastfood, an approximation that accelerates such computation significantly. Key to Fastfood is the observation that Hadamard matrices when combined with diagonal Gaussian matrices exhibit properties similar to dense Gaussian random matrices. Yet unlike the latter, Hadamard and diagonal matrices are inexpensive to multiply and store. These two matrices can be used in lieu of Gaussian matrices in Random Kitchen Sinks (Rahimi & Recht, 2007) and thereby speeding up the computation for a large range of kernel functions. Specifically, Fastfood requires O(n log d) time and O(n) storage to compute n non-linear basis functions in d dimensions, a significant improvement from O(nd) computation and storage, without sacrificing accuracy. We prove that the approximation is unbiased and has low variance. Extensive experiments show that we achieve similar accuracy to full kernel expansions and Random Kitchen Sinks while being 100x faster and using 1000x less memory. These improvements, especially in terms of memory usage, make kernel methods more practical for applications that have large training sets and/or require real-time prediction.
Effects of exercise in diabetic rats before and during gestation on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic endurance training on glucose and lipid homeostasis in diabetic mothers and their offspring. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered diab...
You Can't Not Choose: Embracing the Role of Choice in Ecological Restoration

From the moment of its inception, human choice about how to treat the environment is a key part of ecological restoration. Because many, if not most, restoration projects require continual management once established, human choice remains a vital component of restoration projects for their entire life. But ecological restorationists often downplay the role of choice in restoration, partly because we see the choice to restore as obvious and inherently good and partly because we feel the restoration of more natural conditions for a habitat will lessen the impact of human choice over time. Some critics feel the role of human choice in restoration degrades the value of restoration. However, another response to human choice in restoration is to embrace choice, even with the problems it brings, and use choice as a way to more fully engage humans with the environment. If such choices are approached carefully, with recognition of the potential for poor choices, then restorationists can arrive at restorations that are better for both the environment and us.
Diffusions, exit time moments and Weierstrass theorems

Let X t be a one-dimensional diffusion with infinitesimal generator given by the operator L = 1/2(a(x)d/dx) 2 + b(x)d/dx where a(x) is a smooth, positive real-valued function and the ratio of a(x) and b(x) is a constant. Given a compact interval, we prove a Weierstrass-type theorem for the exit time moments of X t and their corresponding (naturally weighted) first derivatives, and we provide an algorithm that produces uniform approximations of arbitrary continuous functions by exit time moments. We investigate analogues of these results in higher-dimensional Euclidean spaces. We give expansions for several families of special functions in terms of exit time moments.
Differential requirement for A2a and A3 adenosine receptors for the protective effect of inosine in vivo.

Inosine is an endogenous nucleoside with immunosuppressive properties that is known to inhibit the accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines and protect mice from endotoxin-induced inflammation and lung tissue damage. There are no known receptors specific for inosine, but A3 adenosine receptors (A3Rs) have been shown to bind inosine, resulting in mast cell degranulation and increased vascular permeability. The present study specifically addresses the requirement for A2aR and/or A3R for the protective effect of inosine in 2 experimental in vivo models of inflammatory disease. The data show that A3R is essential for protection against ConA-induced fulminant hepatitis since only A3R-expressing mice were protected by inosine whereas wild-type and A2aR-deficient mice exhibited severe liver damage even after administration of inosine. In addition, we show in a model of LPS-induced endotoxemia that inosine protected both A2aR-/- and A3R-/- mice from inflammation, but not A2aA3R double-null mice, indicating that in this model both A2aR and A3R were used by inosine. Thus, we demonstrate that A2a and A3 adenosine receptors are differentially utilized by inosine for the down-regulation of tissue damage under different inflammatory conditions in vivo. (Blood. 2003;102:4472-4478)
Single coronary artery giving rise to an intraseptal left coronary artery in a patient presenting with neurocardiogenic syncope

BackgroundSyncope occurs frequently in adolescents, and is often benign. Potential worrisome syncopal events include those occurring with exertion, concurrent chest pain, dyspnoea or palpitations, and those with focal or diffuse neurologic changes.CaseA 16-year-old female was referred to our institution for a history of exercise-induced spells. She was diagnosed since the age of 2 years with neurocardiogenic syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. She had been evaluated at multiple institutions, and was followed by pediatric neurology for a diagnosis of migraines. Owing to recurrent worsening symptoms and a syncopal episode requiring resuscitation, an echocardiogram was performed. The right coronary was normal, but the left coronary artery ostium could not be identified well. Doppler patterns were suspicious of an abnormal left coronary artery, and computed tomography angiography was performed. This revealed a single coronary artery arising from the right aortic sinus, with the left coronary artery arising from the proximal coronary trunk and coursing through the infundibular septum. This was surgically treated utilising a left internal mammary artery bypass graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery. A year later, she has not experienced any recurrence of syncope, and has returned to athletic activity.ConclusionThis case highlights the index of suspicion that must be present when evaluating any patient with syncope, both clinically and via echocardiography. A computed tomography angiogram is indicated for better evaluation of coronary artery anatomy when an anomalous coronary cannot be ruled out by echocardiography.
Potential therapeutics for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Focus on "Induction of cardioprotection by small netrin-1-derived peptides"

ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (MI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. MI occurs when a portion of the heart is deprived of oxygen due to blockage of a coronary artery; this injures heart muscle, leading to impaired cardiac function. In patients with MI, the treatment of choice for reducing acute myocardial ischemic injury and limiting MI size is the timely and effective restoration of blood perfusion. However, the process of reperfusion itself can paradoxically induce myocardial injury, known as myocardial ischemiareperfusion (I/R) injury, for which there is still no effective therapy (2). Experimental studies have identified several critical factors that act in concert to induce the detrimental effects of myocardial reperfusion injury. These factors are cytosolic and mitochondrial oxidative stress, intracellular Ca 2 overload, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, and inflammation. Of these identified factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be the most important, due to their functions in 1) inducing the opening of the MPTP; 2) mediating dysfunction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which contributes to Ca 2 overload; and 3) acting as neutrophil chemoattractant.
Search for γ-rays emitted in the formation of a fission isomer

Abstract A search for γ-rays preceding isomeric fission in the reaction 238 U(α, 2n) 240m Pu yielded negative results. Upper limits are given for the number of unconverted photons per isomer formed.
Operation of the Alcator C-MOD power system

The energy storage and power conversion system for Alcator C-MOD is designed to supply up to 500 MJ to the experiment at peak powers in excess of 300 MVA. The experiment requires flexibility in the control of magnet currents to achieve simultaneous shaping, ohmic drive, and position control with a small set of uncompensated PF magnets. The relatively modest budget and limited manpower make issues of maintenance and reliability extremely important to the eventual success of the experiment. These requirements resulted in a power system design with many unique features. A total of 11 conversion systems power the 14 magnets of the tokamak to provide nearly complete flexibility in plasma shaping and control. Five thyristor circuit breakers are used to initiate the plasma. Four of the PF converters utilize circulating current configurations to maintain plasma position control as the magnet currents pass through zero. The TF converter incorporates transformer tap-changing circuitry to reduce alternator loads during peak demand periods. Many converters have solid-state fuse loss and conduction monitor circuits that allow continued operation when only 1 device in a parallel bank fails. The same circuits detect commutation failures and protect the converters from these potentially destructive faults. Unique design features can sometimes lead to new and unforeseen problems in operation or maintenance. This report will discuss the initial operating experience of the Alcator C-MOD power system from preliminary acceptance testing through plasma operations. The performance of the thyristor circuit breakers, commutation and conduction monitor circuits, circulating current power supplies, and tap-changing TF supply will be presented and compared with expectations. The overall performance and reliability of the power system will be examined as well.
A scalable application placement controller for enterprise data centers

Given a set of machines and a set of Web applications with dynamically changing demands, an online application placement controller decides how many instances to run for each application and where to put them, while observing all kinds of resource constraints. This NP hard problem has real usage in commercial middleware products. Existing approximation algorithms for this problem can scale to at most a few hundred machines, and may produce placement solutions that are far from optimal when system resources are tight. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm that can produce within 30seconds high-quality solutions for hard placement problems with thousands of machines and thousands of applications. This scalability is crucial for dynamic resource provisioning in large-scale enterprise data centers. Our algorithm allows multiple applications to share a single machine, and strivesto maximize the total satisfied application demand, to minimize the number of application starts and stops, and to balance the load across machines. Compared with existing state-of-the-art algorithms, for systems with 100 machines or less, our algorithm is up to 134 times faster, reduces application starts and stops by up to 97%, and produces placement solutions that satisfy up to 25% more application demands. Our algorithm has been implemented and adopted in a leading commercial middleware product for managing the performance of Web applications.
Statistics in Production and Inspection

D URING the past ten years there has been a phenomenal growth in the use of Shewhart control charts in improving the quality of industrial products. Likewise, manufacturers have greatly increased their use of standard sampling plans in the inspection of purchased materials. In view of the wide areas of application still untouched, these trends seem likely to continue. An appraisal of the future for statistics in production and inspection focuses attention on three worthy questions: 1) What contribution can the statistician make to greater and more effective utilization of present statistical methods in industry? 2y What part can the statistician play in developing new statistical methods and in making them readily available? 3) How can the quality control engineer get the maximum benefit from the work of the statistician? To suggest tentative answers to these three interlocking questions is the object of the present paper.
Testing the LIGO inspiral analysis with hardware injections

Injection of simulated binary inspiral signals into detector hardware provides an excellent test of the inspiral detection pipeline. By recovering the physical parameters of an injected signal, we test our understanding of both instrumental calibration and the data analysis pipeline. We describe an inspiral search code and results from hardware injection tests and demonstrate that injected signals can be recovered by the data analysis pipeline. The parameters of the recovered signals match those of the injected signals.
Conversion to Bosentan From Prostacyclin Infusion Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Pilot Study

Study objectives We assessed the efficacy of bosentan in transitioning from prostacyclin infusions in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods Twenty-two PAH patients were recruited from five PAH centers if they had been clinically stable while receiving therapy with IV epoprostenol or subcutaneous treprostinil for at least 3 months. Patients were observed in an open-label prospective trial while bosentan was added to therapy, and then epoprostenol or treprostinil were tapered after 2 months. Results Ten of the 22 patients were transitioned off prostacyclin infusion therapy after a mean (± SEM) duration of 6.1 ± 1.2 months. Of those patients, seven patients have continued not receiving prostacyclin infusion therapy for a mean duration of 17.7 ± 5.3 months, with no significant changes in pulmonary artery (PA) pressure estimated by echocardiography, World Health Organization (WHO)/New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), or Borg dyspnea score. The conditions of three patients deteriorated, necessitating the resumption of prostacyclin therapy, and two patients subsequently died. Twelve patients failed to transition or even lower the prostacylin infusion rate and had worsening of their WHO/NYHA functional class and estimated systolic PA pressures, and had a trend toward deterioration in their mean 6MWD (294 ± 41 to 198 ± 34 m, respectively; p = 0.2). Of these, two patients subsequently died. The baseline characteristics of those who transitioned successfully vs those who transitioned unsuccessfully were a lower prostacyclin infusion rate, and less severe elevations in the mean and estimated systolic PA pressures. Conclusion Transitioning from therapy with prostacyclin to bosentan is possible in some PAH patients, mainly in those receiving lower prostacyclin doses and having less pulmonary hypertension at baseline. Careful patient selection and close interim monitoring is needed because the conditions of patients can deteriorate, and they may not respond to the resumption of therapy with prostacyclin.
Improving Teaching Effectiveness Using Distance-Education Tools

Distance education is now an integral part of offering courses in many institutions. With increasing access to the internet, the importance of distance education will only grow. But, to date, the specific benefits that distance education brings to student learning objectives remain unclear. We first propose a framework that links student performance and satisfaction to the learning environment and course delivery. Next, we empirically evaluate our framework using data from a Business Statistics course that we offer in the traditional classroom setting and as a distance-education course. Our results show that while a well-designed distance-education course can lead to a high level of student satisfaction, classroom-based students achieve even higher satisfaction if they are also given access to online learning material. This indicates that material for an effective distance-education course can also be used to supplement in-class teaching to increase satisfaction with student learning objectives.
Modal Response of Structures

In this note, an attempt is made to provide additional information concerning the contributions of the lower modes to the total response of a shear building to earthquake loading.