cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The bacteriophage lambda gpNu3 scaffolding protein is an intrinsically disordered and biologically functional procapsid assembly catalyst.

Abstract Procapsid assembly is a process whereby hundreds of copies of a major capsid protein assemble into an icosahedral protein shell into which the viral genome is packaged. The essential features of procapsid assembly are conserved in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic complex double-stranded DNA viruses. Typically, a portal protein nucleates the co-polymerization of an internal scaffolding protein and the major capsid protein into an icosahedral capsid shell. The scaffolding proteins are essential to procapsid assembly. Here, we describe the solution-based biophysical and functional characterization of the bacteriophage lambda (λ) scaffolding protein gpNu3. The purified protein possesses significant α-helical structure and appears to be partially disordered. Thermally induced denaturation studies indicate that secondary structures are lost in a cooperative, apparent two-state transition (Tm = 40.6 ± 0.3 °C) and that unfolding is, at least in part, reversible. Analysis of the purified protein by size-exclusion chromatography suggests that gpNu3 is highly asymmetric, which contributes to an abnormally large Stokes radius. The size-exclusion chromatography data further indicate that the protein self-associates in a concentration-dependent manner. This was confirmed by analytical ultracentrifugation studies, which reveal a monomer–dimer equilibrium (Kd,app ~ 50 μM) and an asymmetric protein structure at biologically relevant concentrations. Purified gpNu3 promotes the polymerization of gpE, the λ major capsid protein, into virus-like particles that possess a native-like procapsid morphology. The relevance of this work with respect to procapsid assembly in the complex double-stranded DNA viruses is discussed.
Successful percutaneous stenting of a right gastroepiploic coronary bypass graft using monorail delivery system: a case report.

The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is being successfully used as an arterial conduit in a selected group of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, myocardial ischemia may result due to spasm, occlusion, and stenosis of this graft. The anastamosis site at distal right coronary artery (RCA) or posterior descending artery (PDA) is the most common location for stenosis of an in situ gastroepiploic coronary bypass graft. Balloon angioplasty of such stenoses has been reported with optimal short-term results. Stent deployment would decrease the restenosis rate, so that repeat procedures could be minimized for these technically challenging lesions. We describe a case of successful deployment of a stent with monorail delivery system at the anastamotic site stenosis of an in situ gastroepiploic right coronary artery bypass graft. This percutaneous coronary intervention could prevent redo coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:197-199, 2000.
A New Role for Narrative in Variationist Sociolinguistics.

Labov and Waletzky’s (1997[1967]) path-breaking description of “narrative syntax” arose in the context of variationist sociolinguistic research, and narrative continues to be an important source of data for variationist’ work. In most of this work, however, narrative is not the object of study. Variationist sociolinguists are interested in the structure and function of sounds, words, and phrases found in narrative data, but they have not typically asked how the structure and function of narrative itself might bear on the questions about linguistic variation and language change that define their field. Here I suggest that close attention to the structure and function of narrative can, in fact, shed light on a topic of central interest to variationists, namely vernacular norm-formation. I argue that narratives about encounters with linguistic difference help create shared orientations to particular sets of nonstandard linguistic features and link them with region, class, and other sources of identity. I further suggest that narrative functions particularly well as a vehicle for language-ideological differentiation (Gal & Irvine, 1995) of this sort.
Multilevel image classifier

An image classifier is described in which recognition occurs by recursive interpretation of a hierarchy of symbolic images. Interpretation within any level is by direct matching with a limited memory that is hierarchically distributed. The memory is developed by learning. It is shown that this system conforms to the standard paradigm for low-level vision [ A. Rosenfeld , in Digest of the Topical Meeting on Machine Vision ( Optical Society of America, Washington, D.C., 1985)].
Regulation of Nuclear Factor-κB by Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone in Mouse Thymocytes

CRH, a major mediator of the stress response, has been shown to exert potent immunomodulatory effects in vivo, through mechanisms that have not been elucidated yet. To determine the molecular pathways mediating the proinflammatory effects of peripheral CRH, we studied its role in the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor crucial for the regulation of a variety of inflammatory mediator genes. Our studies demonstrate that, in mouse thymocytes, CRH induces the NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with parallel degradation of its inhibitor protein inhibitor of NF-kappaB. The effect of CRH is not inhibited by dexamethasone and is mediated by the protein kinase A and protein kinase C signaling pathways. In vivo, we show that CRH-deficient mice respond to lipopolysaccharide administration by reduced activation of thymus NF-kappaB, despite their significantly elevated proinflammatory cytokine and their low corticosterone levels. These findings suggest a putative molecular pathway mediating the proinflammatory effects of peripheral CRH through induction of the NF-kappaB DNA binding activity.
Saccular aneurysms in moyamoya disease: Endovascular treatment using electrically detachable coils

Moyamoya disease (MMD) often presents with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of saccular aneurysms. We describe three patients with cerebrovascular features of MMD in whom four aneurysms of the posterior circulation were endovascularly occluded by electrothrombosis using the recently developed Guglielmi electrically detachable coils (GDC). Near total occlusion was achieved in three aneurysms. Subtotal occlusion was achieved in one aneurysm. This patient developed complications related to the neuroleptic anesthesia administered for the procedure. The particular hazards of anesthesia and aneurysmal surgery in MMD are discussed, and comparison is made with the benefits of using the GDC. Initial experience suggests that this endovascular approach is safe and effective in the treatment of saccular aneurysms in MMD. However, follow-up is necessary to assess long-term persistence of aneurysm obliteration.
Scratching the surface

Mice with mutations at the steel locus (Sr) and the white spotting locus ( W) are phenotypically similar. They have a macrocytic anemia, are white or have a dilution of coat color, and have impaired fertility. SZ mutations result in abnormalities in stromal functions, such that migration of melanoblasts and hematopoietic stem cells is defective and the microenvlronrnent of tissues fails to support de- velopment of blood cells. In contrast, Wmutations have a primary e&t on the hematopoietic stem cell, germ cell, melanoblast and mast cell, rather than their tissue envi- ronments. On the basis of such data, it has been pos- tulated that the SZ locus encodes a llgand for a receptor encoded by the Wlocus. Following the discovery of the Wlocus receptor (c-Kit), several groups, using a variety of strategies, last year cloned and characterized the ligand for c-Kit [l-7], and provided evidence that the tissue lo- calization of the receptor and its ligand corresponds to the atkcted regions In Wand Sf mice, except that both are transcribed In the brain where no functional abnor- mality has been detected. The availability of the c-Kit lig- and (KL), which is also known as stem cell factor, mast cell growth factor and steel factor, has spurred a number of revealmg, If preliminary, studies of its function, which are the focus of this article.
Controlling mammalian gene expression by allosteric hepatitis delta virus ribozymes.

We engineered small molecule responsive allosteric ribozymes based on the genomic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme by replacing the P4-L4 stem-loop with an RNA aptamer through a connector stem. When embedded in the 3′ untranslated region of a reporter gene mRNA, these RNA devices enabled regulation of cis-gene expression by theophylline and guanine by up to 29.5-fold in mammalian cell culture. Furthermore, a NOR logic gate device was constructed by placing two engineered ribozymes in tandem, demonstrating the modularity of the RNA devices. The significant improvement in the regulatory dynamic range (ON/OFF ratio) of the RNA devices based on the HDV ribozyme should provide new opportunities for practical applications.
Interchain coupling effects and solitons in CuGeO{sub 3}

The effects of interchain coupling on solitons and soliton lattice structures in CuGeO{sub 3} are explored. It is shown that interchain coupling substantially increases the soliton width and changes the soliton lattice structures in the incommensurate phase. It is proposed that the experimentally observed large soliton width in CuGeO{sub 3} is mainly due to interchain coupling effects. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Short-term in vivo exposure to the water contaminant triclosan: Evidence for disruption of thyroxine

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) is a chlorinated phenolic antibacterial compound found as an active ingredient in many personal care and household products. The structural similarity of triclosan to thyroid hormones and recent studies demonstrating activation of the human pregnane X receptor (PXR) and inhibition of diiodothyronine (T(2)) sulfotransferases, have raised concerns about adverse effects on thyroid homeostasis. The current research tested the hypothesis that triclosan alters circulating concentrations of thyroxine. The hypothesis was tested using a 4-day oral triclosan exposure (0-1000mg/kg/day) in weanling female Long-Evans rats, followed by measurement of circulating levels of serum total thyroxine (T(4)). Dose-dependent decreases in total T(4) were observed. The benchmark dose (BMD) and lower bound on the BMD (BMDL) for the effects on T(4) were 69.7 and 35.6mg/kg/day, respectively. These data demonstrate that triclosan disrupts thyroid hormone homeostasis in rats.
Peptide heterogeneity in the band 3 protein of rabbit erythrocyte plasma membranes.

Abstract We have examined the band 3 protein(s) of rabbit erythrocyte membranes by a combination of differential extraction and surface labeling methods. Only one major peptide was labeled when intact red cells were exposed to 125 I − and lactoperoxidase; this coincided with band 3. When intact cells were exposed to galactose oxidase followed by [ 3 H]borohydride, numerous surface glycoproteins were labeled, one of which clearly coincided with band 3. Differential extraction with lithium diiodosalicylate revealed one major band 3 glycoprotein which contained both the 125 I − and 3 H surface labels and three peptides which were unlabeled; these three peptides are apparently not exposed at the cell surface.
Effect of Self-Presentation on Perceptions and Recognition in an Organization

ABSTRACT We examined the role of gender in the efficacy of two acquisitive self-presentational tactics: modesty and disclosing obstacles. American undergraduate psychology students were asked to read a presentation given by a fictitious male or female project manager who had made a significant discovery and to evaluate one of two self-presentational tactics used by the managers. Results showed that the tactics used affected the credit given to the manager, the perceived difficulty of what he or she did, and the suggested recognition for the manager. Both recognition and perceived difficulty were affected by the sex of the managers and of the subjects.
Dynamics of pulsed laser ablation

Summary form only given. Above a certain fluence threshold, laser light incident on a target induces a rapid removal of material, a process called ablation. A survey of results from the literature shows that, if the laser energy deposition time is short compared with the time required to accelerate matter, the ablation threshold energy is an order of magnitude lower than the energy required to evaporate matter. Theory reveals that very large transient tensile stresses are generated at the surface. I postulate that when these stresses exceed the tensile strength of the material, ablation occurs. To verify the theory I built a Michaelson interferometer capable of measuring surface motion with a resolution of a few nanometers at time intervals of a few nanoseconds.
Viscoelastic behavior of polymer tape in a wound roll

A viscoelastic computational model is developed that uses experimentally determined viscoelastic material properties as input and can be used to predict the behavior of a tape material in a wound roll as stresses relax over time. Experimental creep test results are used to find best-fit creep-compliance parameters to describe two high density data storage tape media. The two tapes used in the analysis are a developmental tape with a poly(ethylenenaphthalate) (PEN) substrate and metal particle (MP) front coat similar to linear tape open (LTO4) (referred to in this work as “Tape C”), and LTO3, a commercially available tape with a PEN substrate and MP front coat. Sets of best-fit creep-compliance parameters are determined for both tapes. The differences between the predicted behavior using three-, five-, and seven-parameter Kelvin–Voigt models are evaluated, both for a benchmark case and in a viscoelastic wound roll model. The choice of material model is found to significantly influence the predictions of the wound roll model. The differences between different material models for the same material are on the order of the differences found between the two different materials. A material model with a higher number of creep-compliance parameters, although more computationally expensive, produces better results, particularly over long spans of time. The relative differences between the three-, five-, and seven-parameter models are shown to be qualitatively consistent for several variations in the computational model setup, allowing predictions to be made based on simple benchmarks. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Screening the whole genome of a pathogen in vivo for individual protective antigens

We report the results of a general protocol that was used to screen the whole genome of Chlamydophila abortus, type strain B577 (formerly Chlamydia psittaci strain B577), in a mouse pneumonia model. Genetic immunization was used to functionally test the genes of C. abortus as vaccines in a mouse challenge system. Nine gene fragments were isolated that conferred protection, with five protecting as effectively as the live-vaccine positive control. Bioinformatics approaches were unable to reconstruct isolation of these antigens. These results suggest that pathogen genomes can be functionally screened for vaccine candidate antigens in a mouse model to reveal new classes of vaccine candidate antigens that may have therapeutic efficacy across host species, disease manifestations, and delivery platforms.
Skeletal muscle fiber function and rate of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The contractile properties of single muscle fibers reflect the functional status of muscle at the cellular level and have not been described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Chemically skinned single muscle fibers (n = 173), obtained by needle biopsy from six men with ALS, were activated with Ca(2+), allowing maximal force measurements and specific force (SF) estimates. Maximum unloaded shortening velocity (V(o)) was determined using the slack test. The results were compared with muscle from healthy controls. Markers of disease progression included rate of change of ALS functional rating scale score, rate of change of forced vital capacity, and disease duration. Compared with controls, ALS patients had decreased whole muscle SF (measured by a combination of computerized tomography and isokinetic testing) but normal single fiber SF. The V(o) was greater for type I fibers in ALS. Patients with slower disease progression had increased single fiber size and a high percentage of hybrid fibers (expressing multiple myosin heavy chain isoforms). A needle biopsy obtained at the time of ALS diagnosis may assist with predicting rate of disease progression.
Relaxation of a two-level system: non-negativity of density matrix and possibility for anomalously long T2

Density matrix equations for the relaxation of a two-level system are studied. Standard dogma, Γ ik ≥ (γi + γk)/2, about the relaxation constant for the off-diagonal Γ ik ) and diagonal (γi) matrix elements is verified for the case of up- and down-transitions with high rates w 21 and w 12. Non-negativity of the density matrix imposes much weaker limitation, Γ21 ≥ (½)[(w 21)½ - (w 12)½]2. An almost ‘physical’ system is suggested, which describes to a certain approximation such decrease of transverse relaxation constant Γ.
Urea hydrolysis in soil: Effects of urea concentration and soil pH

Abstract When urea fertilizers are applied in bands, the concentration of urea in soil solution may range from very low at the edge of the bands to very high at the center of the bands. Thus, in order to understand the behavior of banded urea in soil, information is needed regarding the rate of urea hydrolysis under a wide range of urea concentrations. This work was conducted to study the kinetics of urea hydrolysis in samples of Kahola and Reading soils exposed to concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 m urea-N, and adjusted to pH values of 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5. The results were best described by a kinetic model involving two enzymatic reactions, both following simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics but having different affinities for urea. The Vmax for the high affinity reaction showed a relatively small peak at pH 6.5, followed by a decline and then a sharp increase as the pH increased from 6.5 to 9.5. The Vmax for the low affinity reaction and the Km values for both reactions showed maximum values at pH 6.5. The urea-N concentration at which both reactions contributed equally to the overall urease activity varied between 0.5 and 1.3 m depending on soil type and pH.
Enterprise computing in the on demand era

Web-based distributed computing is the vital technology enabler for today's most important e-business opportunities. However, a complex enterprise e-business system poses several technology challenges. Some of the key components that would enable the growth of an e-business are service-oriented architectures, understanding the use of data across businesses, application integration, and reduction of the complexity of management, and human intervention. In this position paper we outline some of the major challenges and trends in enterprise systems.
Cellular environment is important in controlling V-ATPase dissociation and its dependence on activity.

One mechanism of regulating V-ATPase activity in vivo involves reversible dissociation into its component V1 and V0 domains, which in yeast occurs in response to glucose depletion. V-ATPase complexes containing the Vph1p isoform of subunit a (VCC) are targeted to the vacuole, and Stv1p-containing complexes (SCC) are targeted to the Golgi. Overexpression of Stv1p results in mistargeting of SCC to the vacuole. We have investigated the role of the a subunit isoform and cellular environment in controlling dissociation using vacuolar protein sorting (vps) mutants that accumulate proteins in either the prevacuolar compartment (PVC) (vps27Δ) or a post-Golgi compartment (PGC) (vps21Δ). Dissociation of both VCC and SCC depends upon cellular environment, with dissociation most complete in the vacuole and least complete in the PVC. The dependence of dissociation on V-ATPase activity was also investigated using both concanamycin and inactivating mutations. Concanamycin partly blocks dissociation of both VCC and SCC in all three compartments, with inhibition generally greater for SCC than VCC. The R735Q mutant of Vph1p results in loss of both ATPase and proton transport, whereas the R735K mutant lacks proton transport but has 10% of wild type ATPase activity. For VCC in the vacuole, dissociation is completely blocked for the R735Q but not the R735K mutant. Significant dissociation of VCC is observed for both mutants in the PVC and PGC, indicating that V-ATPase activity is not absolutely required for dissociation. Similar results were obtained for SCC, although dissociation of SCC is again generally more sensitive to activity than VCC. These results suggest that the cellular environment is important both in controlling in vivo dissociation of the V-ATPase and the dependence of this process on catalytic activity. Moreover, catalytic activity is not absolutely required for V-ATPase dissociation.
Detection and Recognition of North Atlantic Right Whale Contact Calls in the Presence of Ambient Noise

In this paper, the problem of detecting and recognizing North Atlantic right whale (NARW), Eubalaena glacialis, contact calls in the presence of ambient noise is considered. A proposed solution is based on a multistage, hypothesis-testing technique that involves the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) detector, spectrogram testing, and feature vector testing algorithms. The main contributions of this paper are the inclusion of noise kernels for signals likely to produce false alarms and a second stage classification algorithm which extracts parameters from candidate contact calls and constructs a scaled squared error statistic for parameters which lie outside the range of expected calls. Closed-form representations of the algorithms are derived and realizable detection schemes are developed. Test results show that the proposed technique is able to detect approximately 80% of the contact calls detected by the human operator with about 26 false alarms per 24 h of observation. Testing data set included 44 227 right whale contact calls detected by eight human operators who performed visual and aural inspection of the data spectrogram. Data were collected in different periods from March 2001 to February 2007, in Cape Cod Bay, Great South Channel, and in the coastal waters of Georgia.
A closed-loop optimal control of the plasma glycemia

The paper investigates the problem of the optimal tracking of a desired plasma glucose evolution by means of a continuous intravenous infusion. The model for the glucose-insulin system here adopted, and recently published, belongs to the class of nonlinear single-distributed delay models. The closed-loop control law is performed according to the feedback linearization theory: a state-feedback is designed in order to exactly linearize the model with respect to a suitably defined change of coordinates. Then, the optimal tracking is achieved by minimizing a performance index. The methodology here proposed allows both to decrease and increase the glycemia. Simulations support theoretical results and show the physical reliability of the approach proposed.
Aging aware constitutive models for SnAgCu solder alloys

Recent studies on SnAgCu alloys have identified aging-time and aging-temperature as factors that significantly alter solder material behavior and microstructure [1–3]. Microstructural changes are driven by dislocation motion and diffusion processes. Together they affect the flow behavior in solder alloys. In this paper, we build on the results from our earlier analysis of creep data on aged Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu [4] solder alloy. We address three aspects of solder microstructure and behavior as affected by aging. We develop an analytical model for intermetallic particle growth and an aging aware creep law that captures Secondary creep-plasticity in solders. The basis for the constitutive models is exhaustive aging and creep test experiments conducted on the alloy. Solder samples were aged for different aging times (15, 30, 60, 90 days) and at different aging temperatures (25°C, 75°C, 125°C) prior to running creep tests. Another set of solder samples were similarly aged to characterize the microstructure. The creep data for the experiments are from a series of sixty four experiments performed using a micromechanical tester that is specially fitted with a sensitive capacitance gauge (with a resolution of 0.1 microns) to accurately measure viscoplastic responses of solder to applied loads.
Collaborative haptic environment assessment

Collaborative virtual environments (CVE) allow users from different geographical locations to execute a shared task by acting upon the same entities in the virtual world. Most of these environments rely on visual and auditory senses. The advances in haptic technology have opened a path for the sense of touch to be integrated into CVE. The main issue in a haptic CVE is maintaining state consistency despite the existence of network delays. We focus this research on studying the effects of network latency on task performance and we report our preliminary results.
Balloon one: Spontaneous long-range emergency infrastructure from space for telemetry and text

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of linking amateur weather ballooning, amateur radio, and emergency communications for the purpose of creating low-cost, easily-reproducible emergency Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA). Amateur radio and other line-of-sight communications are already widely used during disaster relief, so the vision of our work is to explore to what extent already-existing volunteer groups, which use amateur radio and other line-of-sight communications, can be better enabled to function immediately following a disaster where terrestrial infrastructure can become interrupted, especially without the need for those groups to acquire any new equipment. In this paper, we build upon ideas previously discussed by the FCC and FEMA, and discuss our experimental findings on the feasibility of using weather balloons in a DACA solution; in particular, our work especially attempts to leverage existing, already-deployed amateur radio capabilities. We conclude by evaluating our findings, mentioning some of our ongoing work in this space, including research in how to build highly-available and reusable weather balloon DACA solutions, and discuss future work we hope to see in this space. In analyzing our data, we find that our experimental weather balloon was able to successfully make radio contacts across an approximately 300-mile radius.
Effects of Constructional Factors on the Burning Rates of Textile Structures: Part I : Woven Thermoplastic Fabrics

The burning behavior of thermoplastic fabrics has been studied in terms of the form or gross structural shape in which they are presented to their own flame front. Using the TRI Flammability Analyzer, mass burning rates through ma terials in any chosen direction were measured at various levels of atmospheric oxygen concentration. Gross differences in burning behavior were observed, reflecting the influence of such factors as weave patterns, yarn twist, and linear density. Studies on multilayer structures revealed that double layers of thermoplastic fabrics burn faster than single layers. Ex planations for some of the observed phenomena are offered in terms of mechanical and heat transfer factors.
Heart transplantation with or without prior mechanical circulatory support in adults with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVES: Recent analyses establish that heart transplantation is increasing among adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), but the effects of pretransplant mechanical circulatory support (MCS) on perioperative and post-transplant outcomes have not been examined in the ACHD population. METHODS: Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data on all adult heart transplants from September 1987 to September 2012 (n =4 7 160) were classified based on primary diagnosis codes as CHD or non-CHD and MCS or non-MCS. Demographic, procedural, outcome and survival variables were compared between MCS and non-MCS ACHD patient groups. RESULTS: MCS was used in 83 (6.8%) ACHD patients compared with 8625 (18.8%) patients without CHD (P< 0.001). MCS as a fraction of ACHD transplants increased over time (P= 0.002). MCS patients spent more time on the wait list, had a higher baseline serum creatinine and were more likely to be male, status 1A, hospitalized, in the ICU and/or on a ventilator prior to transplant. However, MCS patients experienced equivalent short-term survival (30-day mortality = 10.8% in MCS vs 13.5% in non-MCS, P= 0.62) and overall survival by Kaplan–Meier analysis (P= 0.57). MCS patients had a longer post-transplant length of stay and were more likely to be transfused, but otherwise had no significant differences in adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: MCS is less commonly used in adult CHD patients compared with all patients undergoing heart transplant, but has been increasing over time. Within the ACHD population, patients with MCS have a higher risk profile, but except for increased transfusion rate and longer length of stay, do not experience less favourable post-transplant outcomes.
Thermal decomposition products of poly(vinyl alcohol)

The thermal decomposition of poly(vinyl alcohol) is known to occur in two stages. In a study of first-stage decomposition, this polymer was pyrolyzed in vacuum at 240°C for 4 hr and the products were determined by using gas chromatography. The main products were water, aldehydes having the general formula and methyl ketones having the formula , where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. Mechanisms for the formation of these carbonyl compounds are discussed.
Splitting Fingers under Strain: Pattern Formation of a Dipolar Fluid in a Polymer Medium

We study the formation and evolution of labyrinthine patterns for dipolar fluids inside a polymer medium under mechanical strain. A new general mechanism is proposed to describe the kinetics of the...
4-META use in dentistry: a literature review.

4-META (4-methacryloyloxyethy trimellitate anhydride) was invented and patented in Japan in January 1979 and patented in the United States in April 1979. For the first 8 years, 4-META dental products (manufactured by Sun Medical Co, Kyoto, Japan) were not readily available in North America. Most of the early research therefore was done in Japan and reported in Japanese. A second wave of products (manufactured by Parkell, Farmingdale, N.Y.) became available in the United States in 1987, which precipitated research in English. This article is a chronological review of the literature published between 1978 and 1998 on 4-META dental adhesive materials. Thirteen commercial products are reviewed in terms of their physical strength; research on the mechanisms of 4-META action and the biocompatibility of 4 META was excluded.
Digital Cinema Content Security and the DCI

This paper describes the content security system defined in the DCI digital cinema system specification. This specification is not a standard and is not a complete specification to which systems can be built. Rather it represents a sketch of how the major U.S. studios would like to see digital cinema systems develop. Many of the ideas in the specification will be implemented and others will be revised as the motion picture industry adopts and then transitions to digital cinema. As digital cinema systems are built and deployed, standards organizations such as SMPTE and ISO will further refine the functionality and interoperability requirements of various digital cinema components.
Trigonometric method to handle realistic error probabilities in logic circuits

We present a novel trigonometry-based probability calculation (TPC) method for analyzing circuit behavior and reliability in the presence of errors that occur with extremely low probability. Signal and error probabilities are represented by trigonometric functions controlled by their corresponding angles. By combining trigonometric identities and Taylor expansions, the effect of an error at a particular gate is simulated as a rotation. In addition, the correlations among signals caused by reconvergence are carefully handled. The TPC method is shown to be more scalable and accurate than prior approaches, especially for very low-probability errors. We measure the performance of TPC by applying it to the ISCAS and LGSyn-91 benchmark circuits. Experimental results show that TPC achieves near-linear runtime complexity even with the largest circuits, while the accuracy gradually increases with decreasing error probabilities.
Clinical Reasoning: An encephalopathic 3-day-old infant.

A full-term, 3-day-old infant presented to the emergency department with poor feeding, increased work of breathing, and encephalopathy 1 day after having been discharged from the hospital in good health. Pregnancy and labor were uneventful, and birth was by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Apgar scores were 9 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The infant's nursery course was unremarkable. On the evening after discharge, his parents noted he became sleepy and lost interest in feeding over the next 12 hours. The following morning, they noted his breathing was rapid, so they brought him to the emergency room. His general examination at presentation revealed suprasternal retractions, a flat anterior fontanelle, and an enlarged liver. Neurologic examination was notable for marked encephalopathy; he did not open his eyes or react to stimulation. His suck was weak and poorly coordinated and his gag reflex was absent. He lay in a frog-legged position; however, passive tone was increased in all 4 extremities. There were no spontaneous movements or motor response to noxious stimulation. Deep tendon reflexes were symmetrically brisk without ankle clonus. ### Questions for consideration: 1. What is the differential diagnosis for an infant who is initially well but becomes encephalopathic at several days of life? 2. What are the initial steps to evaluate an encephalopathic neonate? The differential diagnosis for encephalopathy in a previously well 3-day-old full-term neonate includes infection (sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis), a vascular event such as a sinovenous thrombosis, nonaccidental trauma, epilepsy leading to nonconvulsive status, and metabolic disturbances secondary either to inborn errors of metabolism or exogenous causes (such as inaccurate preparation of infant formula). A careful review of the history can help identify infectious risk factors, such as a maternal history of group B streptococcus colonization, prolonged rupture of membranes, or labor complicated by chorioamnionitis. Absence of herpetic lesions does not exclude the …
Indirect method for random jitter measurement on SoCs using critical path characterization

This paper presents a new method for random jitter measurement on systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) by exploiting shmoo plotting in automatic test equipment (ATE). After finding the maximum operating frequency of a microprocessor using functional test patterns that can sensitize its critical paths, the proposed method constructs a cumulative distribution function (CDF) whose standard deviation represents the root mean square (RMS) value of the random jitter of the clock signals used in the microprocessor. By leveraging tester period resolution with a frequency multiplying phase-locked loop (PLL) in the SoC, the shmoo plot with a fine period step size can detect the jitter component in the clock signal, which reflects the actual jitter that most critical paths undergo. The proposed idea was verified with circuit-level simulations, and was validated by silicon measurements using one of the latest SoC products.
Screening for substance abuse and psychiatric disorders among women patients in a VA Health Care System.

OBJECTIVE: This study of women Veterans Affairs (VA) health care patients screened for the prevalence of past-year smoking, hazardous and problem drinking, other drug abuse, and psychiatric disorders. METHODS: A survey was mailed to women veterans who had received care from VA Puget Sound Health Care System between October 1, 1996, and January 1, 1998. Screening measures included questions about cigarettes; questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test about consumption (hazardous drinking); the TWEAK test (problem drinking); a drug abuse screen; the Patient Health Questionnaire (psychiatric conditions); and the PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) Checklist. RESULTS: Of eligible patients, 1,257 (65 percent) returned surveys with complete substance use data. Patients reported a relatively high rate of past-year smoking (29.1 percent) and hazardous drinking, problem drinking, or both (31.1 percent). The rate of past-year drug use was much lower (4.9 percent). Younger age was strongly associa...
Systematic Scaling for Digital Differential Analyzers

The usefulness of large-capacity digital differential analyzers (DDA's) is severely hampered by the complexity of the scaling process. The scales needed for programming a DDA have to be compatible with the so-called ``equilibrium,'' ``topological,'' and ``boundary'' constraints, imposed by the construction of the analyzer and the nature of the problem at hand. Simultaneous trial-and-error satisfaction of all these constraints, to achieve optimal range and accuracy of computation, is practically impossible for any problem involving more than a few integrators. The paper shows how the scaling constraints can be organized in a matrix form, and how optimal scales can be produced in a systematic manner. The proposed scheme, which can be programmed for automatic execution, is adaptable for DDA's operating in conjunction with general-purpose digital computers.
NHLBI workshop report: endothelial cell phenotypes in heart, lung, and blood diseases

Endothelium critically regulates systemic and pulmonary vascular function, playing a central role in hemostasis, inflammation, vasoregulation, angiogenesis, and vascular growth. Indeed, the endothelium integrates signals originating in the circulation with those in the vessel wall to coordinate vascular function. This highly metabolic role differs significantly from the historic view of endothelium, in which it was considered to be merely an inert barrier. New lines of evidence may further change our understanding of endothelium, in regard to both its origin and function. Embryological studies suggest that the endothelium arises from different sites, including angiogenesis of endothelium from macrovascular segments and vasculogenesis of endothelium from microcirculatory segments. These findings suggest an inherent phenotypic distinction between endothelial populations based on their developmental origin. Similarly, diverse environmental cues influence endothelial cell phenotype, critical to not only normal function but also the function of a diseased vessel. Consequently, an improved understanding of site-specific endothelial cell function is essential, particularly with consideration to environmental stimuli present both in the healthy vessel and in development of vasculopathic disease states. The need to examine endothelial cell phenotypes in the context of vascular function served as the basis for a recent workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This report is a synopsis of pertinent topics that were discussed, and future goals and research opportunities identified by the participants of the workshop are presented.
Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C Phosphorylation in a β-Myosin Heavy Chain Background

Background— Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) phosphorylation modulates cardiac contractility. When expressed in cMyBP-C–null (cMyBP-C(t/t)) hearts, a cMyBP-C phosphomimetic (cMyBP-CAllP+) rescued cardiac dysfunction and protected the hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, cMyBP-C function may be dependent on the myosin isoform type. Because these replacements were performed in the mouse heart, which contains predominantly α-myosin heavy chain (α-MyHC), the applicability of the data to humans, whose cardiomyocytes contain predominantly β-MyHC, is unclear. We determined the effect(s) of cMyBP-C phosphorylation in a β-MyHC transgenic mouse heart in which >80% of the α-MyHC was replaced by β-MyHC, which is the predominant myosin isoform in human cardiac muscle. Methods and Results— To determine the effects of cMyBP-C phosphorylation in a β-MyHC background, transgenic mice expressing normal cMyBP-C (cMyBP-CWT), nonphosphorylatable cMyBP-C (cMyBP-CAllP−), or cMyBP-CAllP+ were bred into the ...
Comment on Victoria Basolo and Mai Thi Nguyen's “Does mobility matter? The neighborhood conditions of housing voucher holders by race and ethnicity”

Abstract Basolo and Nguyen discuss the role that housing vouchers play in enabling low‐income households to pay affordable prices for housing and raise questions about the extent to which vouchers promote opportunities for recipients to improve their neighborhoods. This comment suggests that researchers explore the broader implications of the study. Specifically, I discuss the use of language in naming public policies, the importance of providing counseling assistance to voucher holders, the necessity of a robust stock of housing, and the extent to which vouchers may be undermining the revitalization of low‐income neighborhoods for long‐time residents. I conclude by arguing that it is time to stop viewing housing policies as oriented to either “people” or “place.”
LAKE WORTH LAGOON CONCEPTUAL ECOLOGICAL MODEL

The Lake Worth Lagoon is a major estuarine water body located in Palm Beach County, Florida whose remaining natural resouces need to be protected. The lagoonal ecosystem has been stressed through the past one hundred years due to many anthropogenic influences. Altered hydrology of the system allows massive freshwater discharges into the lagoon, which exit via two ocean inlets and influence continental reef systems. These discharges carry large influxes of nutrients, suspended and dissolved organic matter, contaminants, and toxins into the lagoon, affecting the flora and fauna. Additional pressures in this urbanized coastal area include boating and fishing pressures, as well as loss of natural habitat through physical alterations to the system. A conceptual ecological model of the cause-and-effect relationships of flora and fauna to humaninduced and natural conditions within the system was developed. The model consists of ecosystem external drivers and ecological stressors, ecological attributes, and ecological effects, and presents research hypotheses, including the effects of altered volume, timing and distribution of fresh water relative to seagrasses, macroinvertebrates, salinity, fishes, nutrients, toxins, suspended solids, and dissolved organic loads that will assist in the development of a quantitative hydrodynamic model for this system.
Interaction among unitary spike trains: Implications for whole nerve measurements

Interaction among action potential trains was examined in electroneurograms (ENGs) from filaments containing several fibers. In an in vitro preparation, increasing aortic pressure generated trains of action potentials (spikes) from regularly discharging aortic baroreceptors. Multifiber records were electronically sorted, and spikes from each separate baroreceptor were identified. "True" discharge rates, measured as the instantaneous frequency of the sorted records, were compared with the results of three quantitation approaches commonly used for multifiber or whole nerve activity in mass ENGs: "spike" counts per unit time, ENG voltage integration, and normalizations of counts or integration. Even in ENGs containing only two active baroreceptors, numerous interactions of the two spike trains occurred. Of 33 paired recordings (66 baroreceptors), 77.3% of the individual baroreceptors had spike trains that could not be clearly discriminated because of interactions with signals from other baroreceptors. Virtually all baroreceptors (96.3%) in nine three-fiber ENGs (27 baroreceptors) showed evidence of missed spikes. Corrected or true spike rates were always greater than activity rates measured by simple counting. Similarity of discharge frequencies in the different baroreceptors was the most important determinant of the rate of voltage signal interaction. Simple count or integration methods underestimated slopes of pressure-response curves and peak activity values by 20-40% compared with sorted instantaneous frequency. Not all coincidence of action potentials in the ENG resulted in simple additions of peak voltages. We conclude that simple counting and integrative techniques substantially underestimate multifiber nerve activity and such quantitation techniques should be used cautiously, particularly in experimental comparisons across groups of animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reliability Assessment of Microarray Data Using Fuzzy Classification Methods: A Comparative Study

Microarrays have become the tool of choice for the global analysis of gene expression. Powerful data acquisition systems are now available to produce massive amounts of genetic data. However, the resultant data consists of thousands of points that are error-prone, which in turn results in erroneous biological conclusions. In this paper, a comparative study of the performance of fuzzy clustering algorithms i.e. Fuzzy C-Means, Fuzzy C-medoid, Gustafson and Kessel, Gath Geva classification, Fuzzy Possibilistic C-Means and Kernel based Fuzzy C-Means is carried out to separate microarray data into reliable and unreliable signal intensity populations. The performance criteria used in the evaluation of the classification algorithm deal with reliability, complexity and agreement rate with that of Normal Mixture Modeling. It is shown that Kernel Fuzzy C-Means classification algorithms appear to be highly sensitive to the selection of the values of the kernel parameters.
SCOLIOSIS COMPLICATED BY SPINAL-CORD INVOLVEMENT

In spite of the brevity of this series of cases of scoliosis complicated by spinal-cord involvement, the following conclusions seem justifiable and are in accord with the literature. 1. The level of the apex of the curve shows no correlation with the distribution of the neurological changes. 2. All motor changesare of the spastic type. 3. There is no definite sequence in the appearance of the sensory or motor manifestations. 4. Conservative therapy shows little, if any, permanent improvement in the neurological status; therefore, laminectomy should be performed if a short period of conservative treatment fails to relieve the signs and symptoms present, or if the neurological signs increase,—whether the sensory or motor changes are in precedence. 5. Laminectomy incisions should be drained. 6. In this series progression of signs and symptoms following laminectomy developed in all patients, but receded after a variable period, except in Case 3. This patient did not regain function. 7. Laminectomy offers the best prognosis in cases of scoliosis with signs of compression, despite the fact that torsion and tension are the etiological factors of these signs. 8. It is desirable to combine fusion with laminectomy when the patient's condition will stand this added operative procedure. The fusion should extend from horizontal vertebra to horizontal vertebra. The combined method of Steindler is a rapid procedure which has proved satisfactory. There may be an increase in the curve if solid fusion is done before the end of the period of rapid growth.