cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model Schedules of Mortality

The observation of empirical regularities in mortality risks across many populations with reliable data (see Chapter 10 by Robine, this volume) led to the development of model schedules of mortality. These models are parsimonious representations of typical age and gender variations in the risk of death. These representations take one or a combination of two forms: mathematical and tabular. Mathematical representations incorporate empirical regularities in a parametric function linking each age to a mortality risk. Tabular representations incorporate these regularities in a set of tables showing mortality rates corresponding to different age groups. Each table is indexed by one or a few parameters. Hybrid representations combine both strategies by applying a parametric function to transform a “standard” table of age-specific mortality rates. Any parameter set thus yields a new table of age-specific mortality rates. In either mathematical, tabular, or hybrid form, a model mortality schedule requires only a few parameters to provide mortality risks over the life span that vary with age in a manner consistent with one of a few typical patterns observed in our massive extant mortality records.
Investigation of Some Integral Equations Arising in Antenna Synthesis

Let A be a compact linear operator on a Hubert space \( H,\,N(A) = \left\{ 0 \right\},\,A{\phi_n} = {\lambda_n}{\phi_n},\,\left| {{\lambda_1}} \right| \geqslant \left| {{\lambda_2}} \right| \geqslant ... \). We assume that the system \( \left\{ {{\phi_n}} \right\} \) is an orthonormal basis of H.
A Proposed Mitochondrial–Metabolic Mechanism for Initiation and Maintenance of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Fawn-Hooded Rats: The Warburg Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease of the pulmonary vasculature that is characterized by vascular obstruction and progressive right ventricular failure. One hallmark of clinical PAH is its very poor survival, with PAH mortality rates approximating those of many malignancies. The discovery that the fawn-hooded rat strain (FHR) spontaneously develops PAH has allowed for major insights into the pathophysiology of PAH. These findings have revealed that cancer and PAH not only share a similarly poor prognosis but also demonstrate similar resistance to apoptosis and activation of cell proliferation as a major pathophysiologic mechanism. One of the causes for the resistance to apoptosis and increased proliferation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells in PAH is a cancer-like metabolic shift towards a glycolytic metabolism (Warburg effect) and down-regulation of mitochondrial glucose oxidation. This book chapter will review the role of such a metabolic shift in the pathophysiology of PAH and also highlight emerging anti-proliferative PAH therapies that correct the metabolic dysregulation in PAH.
Correction to: Integrating STEM into Preschool Education; Designing a Professional Development Model in Diverse Settings

In the original publication the order of author was published incorrectly. The correct order is given in this Correction.
Biaryl axially chiral derivatizing agent for simultaneous separation and sensitive detection of proteinogenic amino acid enantiomers using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract Novel sophisticated derivatizing agents for the efficient enantioselective separation and mass spectrometric detection of d - and l -amino acids have been developed. Two new axially chiral reagents derived from 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-biphenyldiamine were synthesized. Their chiral separation and detection abilities were evaluated by derivatizing proteinogenic amino acid standards in reversed-phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The resulting diastereomers derived from the developed derivatizing agents and amino acids could be completely separated, because of the effective chiral environment constructed by the axially chiral biphenyl moiety. After optimizing the reactive group, (R)-4-nitrophenyl N-[2′-(diethylamino)-6,6′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl]carbamate hydrochloride ((R)-BiAC) was found to be the best reagent for highly sensitive simultaneous d , l -amino acid analysis. Using (R)-BiAC, the complete chiral separation of all derivatized proteinogenic amino acids was achieved within 11.5 min with Rs greater than 1.9, except for certain allo-isomers. An exceptional feature of this reagent was its control of elution order, i.e., it afforded elution of the diastereomers derived from d -amino acids before their l -amino acid counterparts for all 19 proteinogenic amino acids. Sensitive detection was also achieved by introducing a dialkyl amino group and selectively cleaving it at the binding site between the reagent and amino acid. Attomole (amol) detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) were obtained for the tested d , l -amino acids, in the range 7.0–127 amol. As an example of application, the method was applied to food sample analysis, and detected several d -amino acids. Consequently, the developed method seems likely to facilitate simultaneous determination of enantiomers, including the tiny amounts of d -amino acids found in nature.
An Analysis of Global Value Chain Incomes in Indian Industries

The importance of using measures of global value chains to understand the participation of countries in global trade has increased in recent years, as the fragmentation of production accelerated globally. This paper provides estimates of foreign content in domestic production in Indian industries, Indian content in the production of global industries, and the reliance of income generated in Indian industries on foreign demand. In general, India’s participation in GVC is relatively lower than in many other countries, yet it is improving. We find that the expansion of India’s manufacturing, and to some extent, market services sectors increase demand for output from upstream sectors in foreign countries that produce intermediate inputs used in the downstream sectors in India. We also see that Indian content is relatively the highest in global textile production, but its contribution to India’s GDP by means of value chain income is not the highest and has declined over the years. We also provide some initial evidence that the relationship between India’s participation in the GVC and sectoral productivity level is positive, which suggests the importance of intensifying India’s participation in the GVC.
Disparities by age in depressive symptoms and substance use among men who have sex with men living with HIV.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between age, depressive symptoms, and substance use among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. Baseline data were obtained from 337 M...
A Safe Interval between Preoperative Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections and Subsequent Knee Arthroscopy.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of intra-articular corticosteroid injections prior to knee arthroscopy on the rate of postoperative infection and define a safe timing interval between intra-articular corticosteroid injections and subsequent knee arthroscopy. The PearlDiver Database was used to identify patients who underwent a knee arthroscopy from 2007 to 2017. Patients were sorted into an injection cohort if they received any intra-articular corticosteroid injections within 6 months before surgery and a control cohort if they received no such injections. The injection cohort was then stratified into subgroups based on the timing of the most recent injection. We identified two types of postoperative infection in the 6 months following surgery: a broad definition of infection using knee infection diagnoses, and a narrow definition of infection requiring surgical treatment. The effects of the timing of preoperative corticosteroid injections on the rates of postoperative infection were investigated. The rate of broadly defined postoperative infection was significantly higher in the 0 to 2 weeks injection group (6.90%, 20/290) than the control group (2.01%, 1,449/72,089, p
Design, Implementation, and Deployment of TempMesh: A Wireless Mesh Network to Aggregate River-Temperature Data

As part of a restoration project designed to enhance Chinook salmon populations in the lower Yuba River, we sought to characterize river temperatures at micro-habitats scales relevant to juveniles. Given that temperatures vary more across the channel than they do longitudinally, temperature had to be assayed both along the length of a study reach as well as across the channel. These temperatures needed to be measured at least hourly in order to capture the totality of the diel fluctuations. It was necessary to sample for the full duration of juvenile residence in the lower Yuba River – a six-month period over the winter. Though it was desirable to design a system that could sample for at least a year to capture the totality of seasonal fluctuations. In this paper, we present the design, implementation and deployment of a wireless sensor network that was installed to monitor temperature data on the Lower Yuba River. The mesh network was implemented using nodes that contained a MSP430 chipset with a radio operating at 433 MHz. We describe the network architecture which included a network storage function to address intermittent link failures. We describe the event-based software architecture of the mesh network mode specifically in relation to energy optimization. We also give details of the deployment and provide measurement data.
Further Investigation of Forced Imbibition in Unconventional Oil Reservoirs for Enhanced Oil Recovery

One of the popular EOR methods for unconventional oil reservoirs is taking advantage of the spontaneous imbibition during the completion stage of a multistage hydraulic fractured horizontal well. A...
Molecular mechanisms underlying effects of n−3 and n−6 fatty acids in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n−3 PUFA, are widely regarded as cardioprotective. We review and compare evidence on the benefits, and in some cases adverse effects, of n−3 and n−6 PUFA in cardiovascular disease prevention, and provide insight into potential molecular mechanisms of these benefits. Hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic and anti-aggregatory properties of these fatty acids confer cardiovascular protection. Unresolved inflammation plays an important role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Specialized pro-resolving mediators, including resolvins, maresins, protectins, and lipoxins, produced by the oxygenation of n−3 and n−6 PUFA, play an important role in cardiovascular benefits mediated by PUFA. We also review current data on molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of these lipid mediators. Understanding molecular pathways of both n−3 and n−6 PUFA is important for advancing preventive and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
Charge conservation and higher moments of charge fluctuations

Higher moments of distributions of net charge and baryon number in heavy-ion collisions have been proposed as signals of fundamental QCD phase transitions. In order to better understand background processes for these observables, models are presented which enable one to gauge the effects of local charge conservation, decays of resonances and clusters, Bose symmetrization, and volume fluctuations. Monte Carlo methods for generating samplings of particles consistent with local charge conservation are presented and are followed by a review of simple analytic models involving a single type of charge with a constant experimental efficiency. The main model consists of thermal emission superimposed onto a simple parametrization of collective flow, known as a blast wave, with emission being consistent with individual canonical ensembles. The spatial extent of local charge conservation is parameterized by the size and extent over which charge is conserved. The sensitivity of third- and fourth-order moments, skewness and kurtosis, to these parameters, and to beam energy and baryon density is explored. Comparisons with STAR data show that a significant part of the observed non-Poissonian fluctuations in net-proton fluctuations are explained by charge and baryon-number conservation, but that measurements of the STAR collaboration for fluctuations of net electric charge significantly differ from expectations of the models presented here.
Validity of the effective medium theory for modeling near-field thermal emission by nanowire arrays

Abstract Nanowire arrays are promising man-made materials for tuning the spectrum and the magnitude of near-field thermal radiation. Near-field radiative properties of nanowire arrays are often studied using the effective medium theory (EMT). In this paper, we inspect the validity of the Maxwell-Garnett (MG) and Bruggeman (BR) EMTs for predicting near-field thermal emission by quartz and indium tin oxide (ITO) nanowire arrays. The near-field energy density predicted using the EMTs is compared with numerical simulations obtained using the thermal discrete dipole approximation. For quartz nanowire arrays, which support localized surface phonons in the infrared region, neither MG nor BR EMT can accurately predict the spectrum and the magnitude of near-field thermal emission even at distances, zo, greater than the array pitch, L over π. Based on the performed simulations, the EMT agrees the best with the T-DDA when 1 L z o π . It is also shown that MG EMT is slightly more consistent with numerical simulations than the BR EMT. For the ITO array, which does not support localized surface plasmons in the infrared region, the MG EMT provides an acceptable estimations of near-field thermal radiation. Finally, it is observed that near-field emission can vary by a factor of two in lateral directions which cannot be captured in the EMT.
The Hermeneutical Function of the Family in Right Understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and Its Use for Catholic University Education.

In this paper, I argue that a de facto politicizing approach to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching miscasts several qualities of that body of teaching, leading to several negative prejudices. As a remedy to this politicization, I propose a “familial hermeneutical” approach that renders the principles of Catholic Social Teaching more comprehensible and avoids the negative effects of politicization. I address possible objections to this proposal and in the process of replying further clarify the proposal. Finally, I draw out the thesis’s practical implications for Catholic higher education by indicating how the familial hermeneutic can assist the curricula of programs such as business ethics, where a chief difficulty is inculcating in the student a proper perception of how to take a principled approach to subject matter.
Thermal management strategies for gallium oxide vertical trench-fin MOSFETs

Trench-fin MOSFETs, with their near-surface heat generation and the higher-surface area afforded by their geometry for thermal management, represent a promising solution to the thermal problems frequently encountered in lateral β-Ga2O3 devices. Here, we investigate potential thermal-management strategies for a vertical β-Ga2O3 trench-fin MOSFET through parametric analysis, offering recommendations on how best to design a device for maximal current density and excellent thermal performance. Primarily, by using a thermally conductive dielectric over the MOSFET structure, significant improvements to device power density may be achieved, aided by thermal spreading. Additionally, we find that by bonding thermal spreaders to its topside can yield significant improvements in thermal performance.
Investigating the impact of weakly supervised data on text mining models of publication transparency: a case study on randomized controlled trials

Lack of large quantities of annotated data is a major barrier in developing effective text mining models of biomedical literature. In this study, we explored weak supervision strategies to improve the accuracy of text classification models developed for assessing methodological transparency of randomized controlled trial (RCT) publications. Specifically,we used Snorkel, a framework to programmatically build training sets, and UMLS-EDA, a data augmentation method that leverages a small number of existing examples to generate new training instances, for weak supervision and assessed their effect on a BioBERT-based text classification model proposed for the task in previous work. Performance improvements due to weak supervision were limited and were surpassed by gains from hyperparameter tuning. Our analysis suggests that refinements to the weak supervision strategies to better deal with multi-label case could be beneficial.
Penile implant infection factors: a contemporary narrative review of literature.

Objective We aim to review and summarize published literature that features implanted penile devices and details infection of these devices as a complication. In particular, we will detail the factors that influence infection of penile implants. Background Types of penile prostheses (PP) include inflatable implants and semirigid implants; these are utilized for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Likely the most feared complication of penile implants is infection. There are a handful of factors that are implicated in device infection. Methods Searches were performed using MEDLINE and PubMed databases using keywords and phrases 'penile implant AND infection'; 'penile prosthesis AND infection'; 'penile implant infection'. We have presented results from our literature search. We divided these into 'Surgical Elements' and 'Patient Selection and Factors.' Each topic is discussed in its own section. Conclusions Strides have been made since the initial penile prosthesis (IPP) surgeries to improve infection rates including diabetes control, antibiotic coating of devices, and antibiotic implementation. Going forward, more studies, especially randomized control trials, need to focus on defining levels of diabetic control (sugar control and A1C control), determining the role of metabolic syndrome in infection promotion and determining laboratory values which could be predictive of infection. We present a discussion of important factors to consider in the realm of PP infections. In addition, we include studies which discuss topics for future directions in decreasing the number of infections seen with PP.
SEISMIC RELIABILITY OF LIFELINE NETWORKS

An efficient method for seismic reliability assessment of lifeline networks, such as water distribution systems and communication or transportation networks, is developed. Lifeline component failures resulting from ground shaking and fault differential movements are analyzed using structural performance functions given in terms of earthquake variables. An improved fault-rupture model which considers the ruptured area produced by an earthquake on the fault plane is utilized. A new, polynomially bounded method for computer lifeline network reliability is developed. It is shown that for a fixed earthquake magnitude on a fault, the network will take on at most 2 n stages where n is the number of network components. Computing the seismic reliability of large networks becomes feasible using these new techniques. A water distribution system is analyzed using newly developed computer programs.
Film Theory ‘After’ Deleuze

_Apres Deleuze: Philosophie et esthetique du cinema_ Edited by Dominique Chateau and Jacinto Lageira Paris: Dis Voir, 1996 ISBN: 2-912-308-003 152 pp.
Manycores in the Future

The change from single core to multicore processors is expected to continue, taking us to manycore chips (64 processors) and beyond. Cores are more numerous, but not faster. They also may be less reliable. Chip-level parallelism raises important questions about architecture, software, algorithms, and applications. I'll consider the directions in which the architecture may be headed, and look at the impact on parallel programming and scientific computing.
Robert Dahl on power

Two questions about Dahl’s evolving view of power are addressed. Have critics failed to distinguish his broad concept of power from the operational measures required for its study? It is argued that his classic study Who Governs? was driven by a concept of power on whose narrowness they rightly focused because it excluded important questions about power relations and mechanisms. Secondly, how satisfactory is his final conceptualization of power? This, it is argued, is still too narrow. It conflates power and influence, failing to see the importance of its dispositional character. It advances too narrow a view of its origins and its impact. And it fails to acknowledge the virtues of relating the concept of power to that of ‘interests’.
Different Endocytosis Pathways of the C5a Receptor and the N-formyl Peptide Receptor

Two chemoattractant receptors, C5aR (the complement fragment C5a receptor) and FPR (the N-formyl peptide receptor), are involved in neutrophil activation at sites of inflammation. In this study, we found major differences in the intracellular trafficking of the receptors in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Western blot analysis showed that FPR was stable during a 3 h stimulation with ligand, but C5aR was reduced in quantity by 50%. Not all C5aR was targeted directly for degradation however; a small, but visible fraction of the receptor became re-phosphorylated upon subsequent addition of ligand, suggesting that some of the receptor had cycled to the cell surface. Light membrane fractions isolated from activated cells showed C5aR distribution at the bottom of a glycerol gradient, colocalizing with the main distribution of the late endosomal/lysosomal marker LAMP2, whereas FPR was found at the bottom of the gradient as well as in the middle of the gradient, where it cofractionated with the early/sorting endosomal marker Rab5. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observed ligand-dependent redistribution of C5aR-EGFP from the plasma membrane to LAMP2-positive compartments, whereas FPR-EGFP showed significant colocalization with the early/sorting endosomes. Analysis of endogenous C5aR and FPR in neutrophils revealed a pattern similar to the CHO transfectants: C5aR underwent degradation after prolonged ligand stimulation, while FPR did not. Finally, we confirmed the down-regulation of C5aR in a functional assay by showing reduced chemotaxis toward C5a in both CHO transfectants and neutrophils after preincubation with C5a. A similar decrease in FPR-mediated chemotaxis was not observed.
Vision-based methods for driver monitoring

This project involves the use of a dashboard-mounted camera to monitor the direction a driver is looking. This is accomplished by using the framework for processing video (FPV), developed at the University of Minnesota by Osama Masoud. The monitoring software works by first finding the lips on the driver's face using color analysis. Then, the skin color of the driver can be sampled and a face region is generated. The largest holes in this region are the lips and eyes. Once the eyes are found, the software finds the darkest pixels in the eyes and marks these as the pupils. The software uses the relative positions of the eyes and pupils to make statements about the gaze direction. Also discussed is monitoring various other driver activities such as adjusting as car stereo.
The influence of soybean planting density on dinitrogen fixation and yield

We investigated the effect of planting density on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield in glasshouse and field experiments. Because net canopy photosynthesis increases with increasing plant density, we hypothesized that increasing planting density would result in increasing rates of dinitrogen fixation in soybeans and higher yields per unit land area. In glasshouse studies, Wayne variety soybeans were planted in 10-cm diameter pots, 1 plant pot-1 in matrices of 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, or 30-cm equidistant intervals. Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum was added to half of the plants in each treatment. Replicate measurements of total stem height, internode lengths, leaf mass, stem mass, root mass, nodule number, nodule mass, and nitrogenase activity were obtained at 3, 6, and 9 weeks post-emergence. Fruits were harvested and counted at week 14. As planting density increased there were (1) altered morphology and growth rates, (2) increased apparent specific nodule activity (SNA), (3) decreased nodule number and mass, and (4) nearly constant fruit and seed production/plant. Expressed on a unit area basis, nitrogen influx and yield increased geometrically as planting density increased, with maximum values observed for 10-cm plantings. Field studies of Wayne, Stein, Williams, and Gold Harvest soybean varieties were made in 1985. Plots were established containing 100 plants spaced at 10-, 20-, and 30-cm distances. Measurements made during the growing season and at harvest established the same relative trends identified from the glasshouse studies. Increasing plant densities resulted in higher yields per unit land. Varietal differences were almost significant.
State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory

Anxiety was defined by Freud as “something felt,” an emotional state that included feelings of apprehension, tension, nervousness, and worry accompanied by physiological arousal. Consistent with Darwin's evolutionary perspective, Freud observed that anxiety was adaptive in motivating behavior that helped individuals cope with threatening situations and that intense anxiety was prevalent in most psychiatric disorders. In measuring anxiety, Cattell (1966) emphasized the importance of distinguishing between anxiety as an emotional state and individual differences in anxiety as a personality trait. Keywords: anxiety; STAI; emotion; personality; state anxiety; trait anxiety
Modeling Study for the Design of an Innovative Composite Membrane Inflation Test

The focus of this study is to develop a dynamic membrane inflation test to characterize the mechanical response of human corneal and scleral tissues at high rates representative of blast conditions and to model the dynamic loading conditions experienced in ocular blast injuries. Previous studies investigate the quasistatic inflation response of these tissues at pressures in the physiological range (Anderson et al. 2004, Burnstein et al. 1995, Myers et al. 2010, Voorhies 2003). Test data reveals considerable rate-dependence, as both tissues exhibit greater stiffening effects at higher rates.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Validity of the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale with Urban, Low-Income Kindergarten Children

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (PIPPS), a teacher-rating instrument of interactive play behaviors for early childhood, was valid for urban, ...
Profiling in resolving inflammatory exudates identifies novel anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators and signals for termination

A highly orchestrated inflammatory response and its completion, termed resolution, are essential for ongoing health. Thus, complete understanding of the cellular and molecular events that govern natural resolution is vital. Using an unbiased systems approach to profile self-limited inflammatory exudates, we identified a novel genus of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) comprised of three new families coined the resolvins, protectins and most recently the maresins biosynthesized from omega-3 fatty acids. These join the lipoxin- and aspirin-triggered lipoxins as anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators formed from arachidonic acid with the genus. SPMs have proven stereoselective, and control both the duration and magnitude of inflammation. Mapping these endogenous resolution circuits provides new avenues to probe the molecular basis of many widely occurring diseases where uncontrolled inflammation is characteristic. The focus of this JIM review is to depict recent advances from studies by the authors and colleagues on the biosynthesis and actions of these novel anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and protective lipid mediators. Together these findings indicate that defective mechanisms and pathways in resolution may underlie our current appreciation of the inflammatory phenotype(s) that characterize some prevalent human diseases.
Henry Giroux and the Arts

Henry A. Giroux is well known for pushing the definitions of education. From his early forays into what has been termed the ‘New Sociology of Education’ in the early 1980s to his more recent discus...
Management of anteroposterior dental movements

Abstract Management of the anteroposterior dimension is one of the most common problems encountered in orthodontic treatment. Numerous methods are available to treat the anteroposterior discrepancy depending on the treatment objectives and the available growth potential. Some situations may require a dental correction such as maxillary molar derotation or distal movements of both the upper and lower molars. If additional arch length is required, the extraction of permanent teeth may serve as an effective treatment modality as long as the anchorage requirements are considered. Other instances may necessitate skeletal correction via growth modification ie, maintaining the maxilla anteroposteriorly during growth. Regardless of the treatment mechanics used, it is important to understand how these different methods can affect the amount of arch length gained with respect to the treatment objectives for incisor and molar position. Once the objectives for incisor and molar position are determined, then the appropriate mechanotherapy can be used.
Computation of spectral arrays in hot plasmas using the Lanczos algorithm.

We apply the approach initiated by Lanczos to compute large spectral arrays in hot plasmas. The wave functions that form the basis for the Lanczos state vectors are derived from a self-consistent ``average-atom'' model. We present calculations for a bromine plasma at low and at metallic density.
Pulsed and cw photothermal phase shift spectroscopy in a fluid medium: theory

A theoretical treatment of photothermal phase shift spectroscopy in a fluid medium for the most general conditions is given. The medium is assumed to be flowing. Results for a stationary medium appear as a special case. Both pulsed and cw excitation are considered. For pulsed excitation, the results are valid for excitation pulses of arbitrary length. For the cw case, modulated excitation is explicitly considered, and the results for unmodulated excitation appear as a special case.
An efficient procedure for permutation tests in imaging research

Recent interest in hypothesis testing on functional imaging data has spurred the development of several statistical techniques. The purpose of this paper is to provide a method to reduce the computational intensity associated with randomization tests of positron emission tomography imaging data. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional distributional hypothesis testing versus the advantages and disadvantages of randomization tests. A method for reducing the computational intensity of randomization uses a conjunction of updating and sequenching and results in significantly reduced processing. The running times of randomization methods are compared.
Restoration of left ventricular geometry and improvement of left ventricular function in a rodent model of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Objectives Various approaches to myocardial reconstruction have been developed for the treatment of congestive heart failure resulting from ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods In this study we determined whether in situ application of polymers could reshape left ventricular geometry in a chronic rodent model of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Results We demonstrate that alginate and fibrin can augment left ventricular wall thickness, resulting in reconstruction of left ventricular geometry and improvement of cardiac function. Echocardiographic results at 5 weeks after injection of alginate demonstrated persistent improvement of left ventricular fractional shortening and prevention of a continued enlargement of left ventricular dimensions, whereas fibrin glue demonstrated no progression of left ventricular negative remodeling. There was increased arteriogenesis in both the alginate and fibrin glue groups compared with that seen in the phosphate-buffered saline control group. Infarct size was significantly reduced in the fibrin group ( P Conclusion Intramyocardially injected polymers can be used to reshape the aneurysmal left ventricle and might therefore be an approach for myocardial reconstruction and a potential option in treating chronic heart failure in human subjects.
Images in photoresist for self-interferometric electrical image monitors

Self-interferometric electrically measurable image focus monitors have been designed and tested in photoresist in a double exposure implementation. The Pattern-and-Probe monitors for this experiment were placed on a multiple student phase shift mask, and were validated by means of SEM images in photoresist on wafers shot at 193nm with an NA of 0.85, with 40nm focus steps. A large number of monitor parameters were varied in the experiment, such as the number of rings, linewidth and center probe size, and recommendations for the optimal combination of parameters for the design are given. Misalignment is accounted for by placing multiple patterns on the mask, translated a small amount so that at least one will be centered exactly over the line. The results exhibit sufficient sensitivity to produce an open circuit after 0.3 - 0.6 Rayleigh Units defocus, and thus detect when the process is at the edge of the process window.
Every vertex a king

A king in a tournament is a vertex which can reach every other vertex via a 1-path or 2-path. A new inductive proof is given for the existence of an n-tournament with exactly k kings for all integers n >= k >= 1 with the following exceptions: k = 2 with n arbitrary, and n = k = 4 (in which cases no such n-tournament exists). Also, given an n-tournament T, the smallest order m is determined so that there exists an m-tournament W which contains T as a subtournament and so that every vertex of W is a king. Bounds are obtained in a similar problem in which the kings of W are exactly the vertices of T.
Experiential learning and security lab design

Awareness of the need for Information Systems Security continues to expand. This expansion has created a need for security focused lab modules. By design, these lab modules should optimize student learning experiences. Incorporating Kolb's experiential learning model helps assure an optimum learning experience. This paper, presents procedures and methodologies utilized in developing security lab modules. These modules illustrate the application of Kolb's experiential learning model.
Differential inhibition by 4-nitroquinoline-N oxide in serially propagated mammalian cell lines.

Abstract The levels of protein, asRNA, mRNA, and DNA were determined in three cell lines during the initial 24 hr period following a 2 μg/ml treatment with NQO. HeLa cells were most susceptible to NQO activity with ChL and RNb next in order of susceptibility. Augmented asRNA concomitant with inhibition of mRNA levels noted in NQO-treated cultures suggests that inhibition by NQO is not at the level of nucleotide synthesis, but at some later polymerization step. Additional evidence from nuclei isolated from NQO-treated RNb cells indicates NQO inhibits nuclear-associated RNA. The increased concentration of DNA detected within the 24 hr period following NQO exposure implies that cells are inhibited during the pre-mitotic, G2 phase.
The short happy life of Celiant Corporation: Did managerialism at Lucent Technologies divert shareholder wealth to private equity investors?

Abstract Proponents of private equity investment in corporate ventures assert that private equity creates shareholder wealth by alleviating agency costs, improving venture governance, and allocating resources more efficiently. Critics claim private equity expropriates wealth from public company shareholders to private investors and managers. We use managerialism as a framework to examine these competing claims in the context of the power amplifier business at Lucent Technologies. Lucent spun off this business in 2001 into a company called Celiant Corporation, and then sold Celiant in a series of transactions in 2001 and 2002. We estimate that Lucent contributed assets to Celiant worth $330 million, but that the spin-off and sale of Celiant generated only $91 million for Lucent's shareholders. The apparent loss of over $200 million of shareholder wealth is consistent with a scenario in which Lucent managers and private equity investors used their superior information for personal gain.
Liver-directed gene delivery

Abstract Cell surface receptors can provide a convenient natural mechanism for delivery and internalization of substances to cells. We have utilized asialoglycoprotein receptors on hepatocytes to target DNA specifically to these cells. Studies initially began with marker genes in cell culture studies. More recently, normal genes in the form of targetable protein-DNA complexes have been introduced into animals possessing inherited metabolic disorders. Partial, transient corrections of these diseases have been achieved by intravenous injection of the complexed genes.
A Dynamic Portrait of Global Aerosols

Through numerical experiments that simulate our current knowledge of the dynamical and physical processes that govern weather and climate variability of Earth's atmosphere, models create a dynamic portrait of our planet. The simulation visualized here captures how winds lift up aerosols from the Earth's surface and transport them around the globe. Such simulations allow scientists to identify the source and pathway of these tiny particulates that influence weather and climate. Each frame covers a 30-&#x00AD;-minute interval, from September 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007.
THE ROLE OF N265 OF THE GABAA RECEPTOR β2 SUBUNIT IN THE ACTIONS OF ALCOHOLS AND ANESTHETICS

Alcohols and volatile anesthetics enhance the function of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors containing α, β, and γ subunits, and the presence of an alcohol and volatile anesthetic binding site has been identified in the α1, α2, and β1 subunits. However, the specific role of the β2 subunit has not been elucidated. The present study examined whether amino acid residue Asparagine-265 (N265), which is homologous to the implicated residue in the α subunits, contributes to an alcohol and volatile anesthetic binding site in the GABAA receptor β2 subunit. Cysteine was substituted at the candidate residue, and cRNAs encoding wild-type α1β2γ2S or mutant α1β2(N265C)γ2S receptors were injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology, we asked whether the cysteine mutation affected receptor sensitivity to alcohols, and if octyl methanethiosulfonate (OMTS), an alcohol and anesthetic analog, reacted with the substituted cysteine and irreversibly altered GABA-induced currents. Further, the potentiation of GABA-induced currents by alcohols and anesthetics was measured before and after the application of OMTS, which has been shown to convalently bind to cysteine residues located at alcohol and anesthetic binding sites. We found that potentiation of GABA-induced currents by butanol or octanol was significantly reduced in mutant 1β2(N265C)γ2S receptors compared to wild-type receptors, and submaximal GABA-induced currents of mutant receptors were irreversibly potentiated following the application of OMTS, presumably due to the covalent reaction between OMTS and the thiol group in the substituted cysteine. Moreover, the potentiation of GABA-induced currents by butanol or isoflurane was abolished in mutant receptors following the application of OMTS, suggesting that an alcohol and volatile anesthetic binding site at position 265 of the β2 subunit was irreversibly occupied by OMTS and consequently prevented alcohols and anesthetics from binding and producing their effects. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that N265 may contribute to an alcohol and anesthetic binding site, and ultimately we propose that the GABAA receptor β2 subunit may be important for the actions of these compounds.
Electronic spectra of carotenoids. β-Carotene

Abstract Linear dichroic spectra of rans - and cis -β-carotenes in stretched polyethylene films have been reexamined. Self-consistent assignments of the major absorption bands have been made on the basis of polarization directions and molecular orbital predictions. The angle between the 1 B ← A and 1 C ← A transition moments in cis -β-carotene is very near 90δ.
Immunology: Short-term memory.

Chemical modification of histone proteins can affect the expression of their associated genes. Some immune cells seem to exploit this process to avoid excessive inflammation while fighting invading pathogens.
Pulsed evaluation of high power electrochemical energy storage devices

Researchers and manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), electric-double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), and lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have been able to produce devices with power densities previously thought to be impossible. As a result of their higher power density, these devices are able to source high currents to compact pulsed power loads. Though many pulsed power sources already exist which draw their prime power from electrochemical energy storage devices, the number of systems and their capabilities will increase substantially as energy storage technologies continue to advance. Though manufacturers often list the peak pulsed current capability on the electrochemical cell's datasheet, sometimes the value listed can be limited by the hardware used to test the cells and not always the cells themselves. In order to experimentally validate the pulsed current limitations of newer electrochemical cells, a low impedance test stand, capable of extracting high pulsed current from individual cells has been developed. The impedance of the stand, roughly equal to or less than 1 milli-Ohm, is such that in most cases, the impedance of the cell dominates the discharge current. A description of the test stand, the 100 ms pulsed current limitations of many different cells, and experiments representative of how these devices can function in a pulsed power system will be presented.
Reverse power flow study of an isolated Quasi-Switched-Capacitor DC/DC converter for automotive applications

This paper presents the study of the reverse power flow of an isolated Quasi-Switched-Capacitor (QSC) DC/DC converter for automotive applications. The converter employs a QSC DC/AC front-stage circuit with a 3:1 voltage step-down ratio, and a synchronous-rectifying-current-doubler post-stage circuit. The reverse power flow is delivered from the 14 V dc bus to the high voltage (HV) dc bus, for the vehicle starting up operation. To implement the reverse power flow, the control method is described, and the converter operation principles are analyzed. The simulation and experiment results of a 1 kW prototype based on silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs on the HV side are provided.
Optimization of tube current in coronary multidetector computed tomography angiography: assessment of a standardized method to individualize current selection based on body habitus.

UNLABELLED This study sought to extract information on individual patient habitus from scout imaging and to correlate radiograph tube current settings with enhancement of the coronaries as a function of patient profiles for coronary multidetector computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty patients underwent coronary 64-slice multidetector computed tomography consisting of 2-plane scouts and electrocardiography-gated coronary studies at 64 x 0.625 mm, radiograph voltage of 120 kVp, and radiograph currents of 295 to 788 mA, which were reconstructed during 65%, 75%, and 85% R-R intervals. Patients' weight was recorded. On scout imaging, chest diameters were determined, and circumferences were calculated. To determine whether body weight showed sex-specific characteristics, t test was used. Pearson correlation determined whether cross-sectional measurements reflected female/male body habitus. On coronary imaging, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the aorta and the coronaries were calculated. To assess whether CNRs differed throughout the diastolic phase, t test was used. Data triplets of CNRs and the corresponding current and circumference were plotted; CNRs less than 250 Hounsfield unit (HU) were discarded, dissecting lines as 95th percentiles correlating radiograph currents and patients' circumferences were calculated. RESULTS Female/male weights differed significantly (P = 0.0006); circumferences based on scouts adequately reflected body weight (coefficients, 0.86 male/0.87 female). Homogenous vascular enhancement of the aorta (mean +/- SD, 344.4 +/- 81.8 HU) and the right (292.3 +/- 82.8 HU) and left (285.8 +/- 81.3 HU) coronaries was achieved (P > 0.005). Ninety-fifth percentile cutoffs identified linear relationships between patient's circumference and the minimal adequate radiograph current achieving CNR less than or equal to 250 HU. CONCLUSION Scout imaging can be used to determine individual patient habitus; habitus-adjusted minimal radiograph tube current cutoff levels identified in this study ensuring clinically required levels of coronary enhancement can be used for future coronary CT angiography optimization of tube current based on scout imaging.
Soot formation in laminar acetylene/air diffusion flames at atmospheric pressure

The flame structure and soot-formation (soot nucleation and growth) properties of axisymmetric laminar coflowing jet diffusion flames were studied experimentally. Test conditions involved acetylene-nitrogen jets burning in coflowing air at atmospheric pressure. Measurements were limited to the axes of the flames and included soot concentrations, soot temperatures, soot structure, major gas species concentrations, radical species (H, OH, and O) concentrations, and gas velocities. The results show that as distance increases along the axes of the flames, detectable soot formation begins when significant H concentrations are present, and ends when acetylene concentrations become small. Species potentially associated with soot oxidation—O2, CO2, H2O, O, and OH—are present throughout the soot-formation region so that soot formation and oxidation proceed at the same time. Strong rates of soot growth compared to soot nucleation early in the soot-formation process, combined with increased rates of soot nucleation and oxidation as soot formation proceeds, causes primary soot particle diameters to reach a maximum relatively early in the soot-formation process. Aggregation of primary soot particles proceeds, however, until the final stages of soot oxidation. Present measurements of soot growth (corrected for soot oxidation) in laminar diffusion flames were consistent with earlier measurements of soot growth in laminar premixed flames and exhibited encouraging agreement with existing hydrogen-abstraction/carbon-addition (HACA) soot growth mechanisms in the literature that were developed based on measurements within laminar premixed flames. Measured primary soot particle nucleation rates in the present laminar diffusion flames also were consistent with corresponding rates measured in laminar premixed flames and yielded a crude correlation in terms of acetylene and H concentrations and the temperature.