cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relaxed Implementation of Spectral Methods for Graph Partitioning

This paper presents a fast implementation of the recursive spectral bisection method for p-way partitioning. It is known that recursive bisections for p-way partitioning using optimal strategies at each step may not lead to a good overall solution. The relaxed implementation accelerates the partitioning process by relaxing the accuracy requirement of spectral bisection (SB) method. Considering the solution quality of a SB method on a graph is primarily determined by the accuracy of its Fiedler vector, we propose to set a tight iteration number bound and a loose residual tolerance for Lanczos algorithms to compute the Fiedler vector. The relaxed SB was tested on eight representative meshes from different applications. Experimental results show that the relaxed SB on six meshes produces approximately equivalent quality solutions as the Chaco SB while gaining 10% to 35% improvements in execution time. On the other two meshes, the relaxed SB approaches the Chaco SB in quality as p increases and reduces the execution time by 40% to 70%. Coupled with the Kernighan-Lin local refinement algorithm, the relaxed SB is able to yield high quality solutions in all test cases as p goes beyond 32. Multilevel and spectral quadrisection algorithms benefit from relaxed implementations, as well.
Fundamental Tax Reform in California: Another Option

In this article, we analyze an alternative, more sweeping approach to California tax reform. We examine the complete replacement of personal and corporate income taxes and the current sales tax with a broad-based consumption-oriented retail sales tax, accompanied by rebates to address distributional concerns. We draw on readily available data sources to provide a rough estimate of the revenue-neutral tax rate required to replace the existing tax regime and offer some preliminary thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach.
Reciprocal Relationship between Head Size, an Autism Endophenotype, and Gene Dosage at 19p13.12 Points to AKAP8 and AKAP8L.

Microcephaly and macrocephaly are overrepresented in individuals with autism and are thought to be disease-related risk factors or endophenotypes. Analysis of DNA microarray results from a family with a low functioning autistic child determined that the proband and two additional unaffected family members who carry a rare inherited 760 kb duplication of unknown clinical significance at 19p13.12 are macrocephalic. Consideration alongside overlapping deletion and duplication events in the literature provides support for a strong relationship between gene dosage at this locus and head size, with losses and gains associated with microcephaly (p=1.11x10-11) and macrocephaly (p=2.47x10-11), respectively. Data support A kinase anchor protein 8 and 8-like (AKAP8 and AKAP8L) as candidate genes involved in regulation of head growth, an interesting finding given previous work implicating the AKAP gene family in autism. Towards determination of which of AKAP8 and AKAP8L may be involved in the modulation of head size and risk for disease, we analyzed exome sequencing data for 693 autism families (2591 individuals) where head circumference data were available. No predicted loss of function variants were observed, precluding insights into relationship to head size, but highlighting strong evolutionary conservation. Taken together, findings support the idea that gene dosage at 19p13.12, and AKAP8 and/or AKAP8L in particular, play an important role in modulation of head size and may contribute to autism risk. Exome sequencing of the family also identified a rare inherited variant predicted to disrupt splicing of TPTE / PTEN2, a PTEN homologue, which may likewise contribute to both macrocephaly and autism risk.
Effect on Gastric Surfactant

Sucralfate is unique among pharmaceutical approaches to peptic ulceration in that it binds to the ulcer site as described in more detail in Chapter 10. However, the binding of a protective agent to the surface it protects has been exploited in the protection of nonbiological surfaces since ancient man first put bear grease on his spears to stop them from rusting. The same principle is retained in modern-day corrosion inhibitors which are surfactants that function by coating the surfaces they protect by a process known in the physical sciences as adsorption, 1 the deposited lining often rendering the surface hydro- phobic. This aspect has led to the realization2 that many corrosion inhibitors closely resemble the highly surface-active disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) found in the lung where there is increasing evidence3 for its binding to the alveolar mucosa in addi- tion to its more traditional role of reducing surface tension. In this chapter we pursue the mounting body of evidence supporting the concept of endogenous gastric surfactant providing the gastric mucosal barrier and review the capability of sucralfate to compensate for any deficiency.
Aquele que "salva" a mãe e o filho

This paper aims to reconstruct the myth surrounding the Brazilian slave merchant Francisco Felix de Souza (1754-1849). Relying on the exam of textual sources, interviews with family members as well as the examination of Francisco Felix de Souza's memorial, the article analyzes the reconstruction of the memory of the slave merchant within his family. At the same time, it aims at understanding how the memory of the ancestor expresses the political issues related to the memory of slavery in the contemporary Benin.
Low‐carb tissue factor?

See also Kothari H, Rao LVM, Pendurthi UR. Glycosylation of tissue factor is not essential for its transport or functions. This issue, pp 1511–20.
Advanced Absorption Technology Development in the United States

Advanced technologies for gas-fired absorption heat pumps, air-conditioners, and chillers for building space conditioning are being developed in the United States with support from a number of organizations and manufacturers. Single-effect cycle absorption heat pumps were developed in the 1970's, but proved to be too costly to manufacture. Several advanced cycle heat pump projects were started in 1982 and 1983 and have demonstrated substantially improved efficiency with simultaneously reduced manufacturing cost. Development of advanced cycle residential heat pumps continues with a goal of product introduction by 1992 or 1993. Because of the importance of air-conditioning, projects have also been underway since the mid 1980's to substantially improve the cooling performance of absorption equipment. Air-cooled LiBr/H2O air-conditioning technology is being developed to increase the potential markets for double-effect equipment, and triple-effect cycles are being developed to dramatically improve cooling efficiency compared to existing absorption chillers.
Effective methods for learning: a study in visualization

The use of visualization techniques has recently been revitalized in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. In an effort to improve retention and reduce failure rates at our university a recent research study was performed to determine the impact of visualization techniques throughout our computer science curriculum. To what extent should a data structures and algorithms course, for example, use visualization techniques to improve student interest and comprehension? Which courses in our curriculum will benefit most with the use of visualization techniques? What visualization tools should be used? At what level should visualization techniques be emphasized? This paper presents a brief description of our findings related to these issues and concludes with information related to how our students learn.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Emotional Eating

The present study investigated the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional eating in a sample of medically healthy and medication-free adults. Participants with PTSD (n = 44) and control participants free of lifetime psychiatric history (n = 49) completed a measure of emotional eating. Emotional eating is the tendency to eat or overeat in response to negative emotions. PTSD participants exhibited greater emotional eating than control participants (η(2) = .20) and emotional eating increased with higher PTSD symptom severity (R(2) = .11). Results supported the stress-eating-obesity model whereby emotional eating is a maladaptive response to stressors. Over time, this could lead to weight gain, particularly abdominal stores, and contribute to higher risk for comorbid medical disorders. Findings suggest the importance of future longitudinal research to understand whether emotional eating contributes to the high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in PTSD.
Administering Entitlement: Governance, Public Health Care, and the Early American State

This article explores the federal marine hospitals of the early republic, the first public health care system in US history. Beginning in 1798, the federal government collected twenty cents per month from mariners' wages and used this revenue to subsidize medical care for sick and disabled merchant mariners. Previous studies have traced links between marine hospitals and modern public policy. By studying governance from the bottom up, this article takes a different approach. I argue that jurists, physicians, and officials' regulation of sailors' entitlement to public health care facilitated and reflected a transformation of national authority. Between 1798 and 1816, sailors' entitlement was a local matter, based on the traditional paternalist understandings of maritime laborers as social dependents. By 1836, though, the federal Treasury redefined entitlement around a newly calculus of productivity: only the productive were entitled to care at the marine hospitals. This story about governance, federal law, and political economy in the early United States suggests that the early American state was a more vibrant participant in the market and society than has been previously understood.
Substrate-inhibited enzyme reaction in a tubular reactor with axial dispersion

Abstract For a fixed set of physico-chemical parameters, an isothermal substrate-inhibited enzyme reaction in a tubular reactor with axial dispersion can give rise to multiple steady states. Criteria previously developed for non-isothermal reactions are applied to this case to develop analytic conditions which ensure uniqueness of steady states. The criteria compare well with values obtained from exact numerical calculations.
Influence of Nitrogen Doping on Tungsten Oxide Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Thin films of tungsten oxide were investigated for use as a top junction in a hybrid photoelectrode. To increase the solar to hydrogen efficiency, the tungsten oxide requires a bandgap reduction to the range of 2.2 to 2.4 eV. Nitrogen doping of WO3 films was employed to reduce the bandgap via valence band modification. For low levels of doping, the bandgap was observed to increase, an effect attributed to decreased size of the polycrystals in the film. The photoelectrochemical efficiency was found to decrease from 80% for pure WO3 to 56% for films deposited at a nitrogen partial pressure of 1.5 mTorr. For even higher doping levels (to 5 mTorr N2), the bandgap was shown to decrease to a value of ∼1.9 eV, but the structural data indicates that significant disorder had been introduced. This disorder is consistent with recurrent dislocations, an effect that is common for the tungsten oxide material.
Case Report: Subcortical Prosopagnosia and Anosognosia

ABSTRACT A 59-year-old right-handed woman with acute hemorrhage affecting the head of the left caudate nucleus exhibited prosopagnosia and anosognosia. It is suggested that these symptoms are due to a disconnection syndrome affecting a putative cortico-limbic reticular loop involved in attention. Prosopagnosia can occur with lesions outside the main central visual pathways and is a material-specific motivational neglect to faces: alternatively prosopagnosia in this patient may represent abnormal gating sensory limbic activity since sensory (visual) modulated memory related cholinergic fibers arising from the nucleus basalis of the substantia innominata (Meynert’s) were likely involved by surrounding edema.
The influence of mechanical compression on the induction of osteoarthritis-related biomarkers in articular cartilage explants

Summary Objective Macromolecules of the articular cartilage extracellular matrix released into synovial fluid, blood, or urine can serve as potentially useful biomarkers of the severity of osteoarthritis (OA). Biomechanical factors play an important role in OA pathogenesis, yet their influence on biomarker production is not well understood. The goal of this study was to examine the hypothesis that dynamic mechanical stress influences the release of these biomarkers from articular cartilage. Methods Explants of porcine cartilage were subjected to dynamic compression at 0.5Hz for 24h at stresses ranging from 0.006 to 0.1MPa. The concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), keratan sulfate (KS measured as the 5D4 epitope), total sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG), and the KS (keratanase-digestible) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) (chondroitinase-digestible) fractions of S-GAG were measured. Radiolabel incorporation was used to determine the rates of proteoglycan and protein synthesis. Results The magnitudes of mechanical stress applied in this study induced nominal tissue strains of 4–23%, consistent with a range of physiological to hyperphysiologic strains measured in situ . COMP release increased in proportion to the magnitude of dynamic mechanical stress, while KS, CS and total S-GAG release increased in a bimodal pattern with increasing stress. Protein and proteoglycan synthesis were significantly decreased at the highest level of stress. Conclusion Mechanical stress differentially regulates the turnover of distinct pools of cartilage macromolecules. These findings indicate that mechanical factors, independent of exogenous cytokines or other stimulatory factors, can influence the production and release of OA-related biomarkers from articular cartilage.
High-Resolution Structure of a Virally Encoded DNA-Translocating Conduit and the Mechanism of DNA Penetration

Although ϕX174 DNA pilot protein H is monomeric during procapsid assembly, it forms an oligomeric tube on the host cell surface. Reminiscent of a double-stranded DNA phage tail in form and function, the H tube transports the single-stranded ϕX174 genome across the Escherichia coli cell wall. The 2.4-Å resolution H-tube crystal structure suggests functional and energetic mechanisms that may be common features of DNA transport through virally encoded conduits.
Non-linear feature extraction for robust speech recognition in stationary and non-stationary noise

Abstract An analysis-based non-linear feature extraction approach is proposed, inspired by a model of how speech amplitude spectra are affected by additive noise. Acoustic features are extracted based on the noise-robust parts of speech spectra without losing discriminative information. Two non-linear processing methods, harmonic demodulation and spectral peak-to-valley ratio locking, are designed to minimize mismatch between clean and noisy speech features. A previously studied method, peak isolation [IEEE Transactions on Speech and Audio Processing 5 (1997) 451], is also discussed with this model. These methods do not require noise estimation and are effective in dealing with both stationary and non-stationary noise. In the presence of additive noise, ASR experiments show that using these techniques in the computation of MFCCs improves recognition performance greatly. For the TI46 isolated digits database, the average recognition rate across several SNRs is improved from 60% (using unmodified MFCCs) to 95% (using the proposed techniques) with additive speech-shaped noise. For the Aurora 2 connected digit-string database, the average recognition rate across different noise types, including non-stationary noise background, and SNRs improves from 58% to 80%.
Oceanic radiance model development and validation: application of airborne active-passive ocean color spectral measurements.

It is shown that airborne active–passive (laser–solar) ocean color data can be used to develop and validate oceanic radiance models. The two principal inputs to the oceanic radiance model, chlorophyll pigment and incident solar irradiance, are obtained from a nadir-viewing laser-induced fluorescence spectrometer and a zenith-viewing radiometer, respectively. The computed water-leaving radiances are validated by comparison with the calibrated output of a separate nadir-viewing radiometer subsystem. In the North Atlantic Ocean, the calculated and the observed airborne radiances are found to compare very favorably for the 443-, 520-, and 550-nm wavelengths over an ~170-km flight track east of St. John’s, Newfoundland. The results further suggest that the semianalytical radiance model of ocean color, the airborne active (laser) fluorescence spectrometer, and the passive (solar) radiometric instrumentation are all remarkably precise.
Treatment of Primary Peritoneal Mesothelioma by Continuous Hyperthermic Peritoneal Perfusion (CHPP)

Background: Primary peritoneal mesothelioma is a locally aggressive disease that is difficult to treat or even palliate. Continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP) with cisplatin (CDDP) allows uniform, high regional delivery of chemotherapeutics and hyperthermia to the peritoneal surface for the treatment of peritoneal tumors. This article summarizes the results of 18 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma treated with CHPP.
Reference Sets, Identities, and Aspirations in a Complex Organizational Field: The Case of American Four-Year Colleges and Universities

This article introduces cluster analysis and reference set analysis as tools for understanding structure, identity, and aspiration in complex organizational fields. Cluster analysis is used to identify the structure of the organizational field in American four-year colleges and universities. The article shows that presidential choices of reference institutions closely parallel the major locations in this structure. By contrast, several widely used classifications of higher education institutions fail to correspond either to the “objective” or to the “perceived” structure of the field. The article also identifies the major locations of presidential discontent within the field, measured as differences between presidents' current and aspiration reference sets. This analysis shows that only presidents in research universities and highly selective liberal arts colleges are content with their current locations. Finally, the article shows that aspirations for change are conditioned by location in the field and t...
Divided attention: Evidence for coactivation with redundant signals

Abstract Many models of divided attention assume that signals presented on different channels produce separate activations, any one of which can initiate a response. According to these models, detection responses are especially fast when signals are presented on two channels at the same time because the system can detect a signal in either of two ways. Such models predict a testable relation among reaction time distributions for conditions in which a single signal is presented as compared with a condition in which two signals are presented, and this prediction is tested in two tasks. A bimodal detection task required a simple speeded response to either a visual or an auditory signal. A letter search task required a choice response depending on whether or not a two-letter display included the signal letter “A.” Data from both tasks are inconsistent with the prediction. When two signals are presented, responses are faster than separate-activation models can explain. The results favor “coactivation” models, in which signals presented on different channels contribute to a common pool of activation that initiates a response.
The 6Li-α-d vertex constant

Abstract A critical comparison is made of the vertex constant, C 6 Li- α -d 2 , derived from various sources. It is found that the extracted values fall into two distinct sets. Arguments are presented for preferring those values which collect around the larger figure C 6 Li- α -d 2 ≈ 5.7, which is favored by a majority of realistic α-d intercluster wave functions, and photodisintegration, transfer-reaction and quasifree-scattering data.
A representation of the probability of a fuzzy subset

Abstract A representation of the probability associated with a fuzzy subset is presented. This representation, which is itself a fuzzy subset of the unit interval, is defined by the intersection of an upper and lower bound on the probability of the fuzzy event.
The effects of positive versus negative impact reflection on change in job performance and work-life conflict.

Research on task significance and relational job design suggests that information from beneficiaries of one’s work fosters perceptions of impact, and thus improved work outcomes. This paper presents results from a longitudinal field experiment examining the effect of another strategy for fostering perceptions of impact – engaging employees in regular reflection about how their work benefits others. With a sample of professionals from multiple organizations, this longitudinal study examined the effect on job performance and work-life conflict of both positive and negative impact reflection. Results show that negative impact reflection had a pronounced negative effect on job performance, but no effect on work-life conflict. Positive impact reflection had a weak positive effect on work-life conflict, but no significant effect on job performance. The direction of effects seen in the no intervention condition mirrored that of the negative impact reflection condition, suggesting a possible buffering effect for positive impact reflection. This research provides empirical and theoretical contributions to the literatures on relational job design and task significance.
Sequence analysis of the polymerase L gene of human respiratory syncytial virus and predicted phylogeny of nonsegmented negative-strand viruses

The complete nucleotide sequence of the large (L) polymerase gene of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strain A2 was determined by analysis of cloned-cDNAs representing the entire gene and confirmed in part by dideoxy sequencing of genomic RNA. The RSV L gene is 6578 nucleotides in length and contains a single major open reading frame that encodes a protein of 2165 amino acids. The molecular weight (250,226) and amino acid composition of the deduced RSV L protein are similar to those of other negative-strand RNA viruses. Regions of statistically significant amino acid sequence similarity were identified in pairwise global alignments of the RSV L protein with its counterparts in four paramyxoviruses (parainfluenza virus type 3, Sendai virus, measles virus, Newcastle disease virus) and two rhabdoviruses (rabies virus, vesicular stomatitis virus). In addition, amino acid sequence alignments showed that the RSV L protein has a 70-amino acid amino-terminal extension relative to the others. This is suggested to be due to the acquisition of gene overlap of the RSV L gene with its upstream neighbor, the 22K (M2) gene and the use of a new translational start site. The most highly related region among these seven proteins is located within the amino-terminal half, representing approximately 20% of each protein sequences. This region contains six discrete segments that are colinear and highly conserved in each paramyxovirus and rhabdovirus L protein, and three of these overlapped with sequence motifs found previously in other RNA-dependent RNA and DNA polymerases. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from the paramyxovirus and rhabdovirus L protein sequences to further define their relationships. The branching order indicates that RSV represents a lineage within the paramyxovirus family which is relatively distinct from the others, which in turn are more closely interrelated. Among these other members of the family Paramyxoviridae, the branching order does not entirely conform to their current taxonomic organization, providing support for its reevaluation.
Role of the carrier protein in the antibody elicited to DNP hapten.

SummaryThe antibody response to DNP-hapten in inbred mice injected with different carrier proteins was studied under controlled conditions. Use of isogenic serum resulted in the production of antibodies to DNP but none toward the carrier protein. Immunization with DNP conjugates of bovine, rabbit, and rat y 2 globulins resulted in anti-DNP titers which were 13, 3, and 3 times as high, respectively, as with the isologous DNP-γ 2 globulin conjugate. The responses against carriers paralleled the anti-DNP responses (bovine > rabbit = rat>mouse = 0). The degree of anti-hapten response was directly related to the antigenicity of the carrier molecule. These data support a concept of anti-hapten production involving recognition of the “foreignness” of the carrier or modified carrier.
Detonation of methane-air mixtures

Experimentally, the propagation of detonation waves in methane-air mixtures has been investigated. In a tube having a large length to diameter ratio steady state wave propagation was achieved. The actual propagation velocities were close to the calculated Chapman-Jouguet velocities. The limits of detonation were ascertained to be between 8 and 14.5 percent methane. A minimum initiation energy density of 9.42MJ/m 2 was established for stoichiometric mixtures implying the need for rather substantial charges for the initiation of spherically symmetric systems. In all cases the detonation wave exhibited a spinning structure. The motion compensated and laser schlieren photographs, smoked foil traces, and pressure transducer records strongly support the currently accepted model for the structure of such a wave, which results in the creation of extremely high local overpressures.
The ontogeny of feeding kinematics in a giant salamander Cryptobranchus alleganiensis: Does current function or phylogenetic relatedness predict the scaling patterns of movement?

Abstract Studies of the scaling of feeding movements in vertebrates have included three species that display both near-geometric growth and isometry of kinematic variables. These scaling characteristics allow one to examine the “pure” relationship of growth and movement. Despite similar growth patterns, the feeding movements of toads (Bufo) slow down more with increasing body size than those of bass (Micropterus), and sharks (Ginglymostoma). This variation might be due to major differences in the mechanism of prey capture; the bass and sharks use suction to capture prey in water, while the toad uses tongue prehension to capture prey on land. To investigate whether or not these different scaling patterns are correlated with differences in feeding mechanics, we examined the ontogenetic scaling of prey capture movements in the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), which also has near-geometric growth. The hellbender suction feeds in the same general manner as the teleosts and shark, but is much more closely related to the toad. The feeding movements of the hellbender scale more similarly to the feeding movements of toads than to those of fishes or sharks, indicating that phylogenetic relatedness rather than biomechanical similarity predicts ontogenetic scaling patterns of movement.
Many body theory and lattice gauge theory

Abstract We draw analogies between the shell model and the quark model and also between the many body theory and the lattice gauge theory. We then report results of our lattice calculations on the πN σ term and the flavor-singlet axial charge of the nucleon in the framework of quenched QCD. The disconnected insertions, or vacuum polarizations, which involve contributions from the sea quarks are evaluated with the stochastic estimator with the Z 2 noise which yields minimum variances. We find the sea-quark contribution to the πN σ term to be ∼ 1 2 − 1 4 of that of the dynamical fermion calculation. Whereas the sea-quark contribution to the flavor-singlet g A is negative and large enough to cancel the valence (connected insertion) contribution substantially to resolve the “proton spin crisis”.
Can we make performance measures more resilient to the effects of coding

Starting in 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) instituted a value-based purchasing (VBP) program for most US hospitals. Under this program, participating hospitals have their base operating Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payments reduced by a small percentage each year (1.5% for fiscal year 2015). The amount that is withheld is then given back, in the form of incentives, to hospitals that exceed the 50th percentile of all hospitals’ performance for selected metrics, including risk-adjusted mortality.1, 2 CMS has instituted a differently structured but similarly themed initiative under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.3 Fear of financial penalties along with concern about the effect of public reporting on hospital reputation have resulted in hospitals putting great effort into improving performance on these metrics.4 Pneumonia was a clear choice for inclusion in the VBP and HRRP programs because it is the most common infectious diagnosis in US hospitals, with aggregate costs of US hospitalizations exceeding $10 billion in 2011.5, 6
Child Development and the Human-Companion Animal Bond:

Companion animals are more common in households with minor children than in any other household type. More than 70% of U.S. households with children also have pets, with most parents reporting acquisition of an animal "for the children." Yet, studies of children's development largely have been limited to children's relationships with other humans. This article argues for a biocentric approach to development, in which children's contacts with the non-human world—animals, plants, and natural ecologies—come under scientific scrutiny. To understand the developmental significance of this ubiquitous aspect of children's environments, theory and research on companion animals in relation to perceptual, cognitive, social, and emotional development are reviewed and evaluated. The significance of children's encounters with animals, especially in the context of a human-companion animal bond, is emphasized. Biocentric research directions are described.
Systemic hypoxia alters gene expression levels of structural proteins and growth factors in knee joint cartilage.

Abstract We investigated the effects of short- (8- and 24-h) and long-term (3 weeks) exposure to systemic normobaric hypoxia (13%) on the gene expression level of structural proteins and growth factors in knee joint cartilage of rabbits. Collagen type Ia2, II, and Va1, TGF-β1, and b-FGF were upregulated after short-term hypoxia in both menisci, but not in articular cartilage. In contrast, long-term hypoxia downregulated gene expression level of collagens, aggrecan, and growth factors in articular cartilage and meniscal fibrocartilage. Interestingly, gene expression levels of non-collagenous proteins biglycan, decorin, and versican were not affected by short-term or by long-term hypoxia in knee joint cartilage. The present study suggests that changes in oxygen level differentially affect gene expression levels of growth factors, collagens, and non-collagenous proteins in normal knee joint cartilage in rabbits.
Current–voltage curves for molecular junctions computed using all-electron basis sets

Abstract We present current–voltage (I–V) curves computed using all-electron basis sets on the conducting molecule. The all-electron results are very similar to previous results obtained using effective core potentials (ECP). A hybrid integration scheme is used that keeps the all-electron calculations cost competitive with respect to the ECP calculations. By neglecting the coupling of states to the contacts below a fixed energy cutoff, the density matrix for the core electrons can be evaluated analytically. The full density matrix is formed by adding this core contribution to the valence part that is evaluated numerically. Expanding the definition of the core in the all-electron calculations significantly reduces the computational effort and, up to biases of about 2 V, the results are very similar to those obtained using more rigorous approaches. The convergence of the I–V curves and transmission coefficients with respect to basis set is discussed. The addition of diffuse functions is critical in approaching basis set completeness.
Neutron scattering study of the phase transitions in a doped polycrystalline Fe3O4: Zn0.005Fe2.995O4

Abstract Temperature dependent neutron elastic scattering and resistivity measurements have been made on a polycrystalline sample of Zn 0.005 Fe 2.995 O 4 , which displayed a well-separated, bifurcated, heat-capacity anomaly. The lower-temperature anomaly (near 110 K) was found to be associated with a lattice distortion, but no change in neutron intensity was observed at the higher-temperature anomaly (near 119 K). The electrical resistivity of this sample also exhibited an abrupt change only at the lower-temperature anomaly. The downward shift of the lower-temperature, λ-type anomaly as a result of the very low Zn impurity is, however, confirmed by the neutron scattering results and demonstrates the extreme sensitivity of the structural transition to impurities.
Elastomeric fluorinated polyurethane coatings for nontoxic fouling control

Nontoxic antifouling coatings have been investigated for many years as possible successors to toxic antifouling paints. Polymers containing fluorine or silicone have been tested and each has been shown to be partially effective for different reasons. This paper describes a new coating which combines the best features of fluorinated and silicone coatings and is non-toxic. Four fluorinated elastomers were prepared and tested for fouling resistance during a full fouling season. The surface energy and mechanical properties of each polymer were measured and correlated to fouling performance. One of the elastomers was shown to foul slowly, clean easily, be durable in the marine environment and organisms bonded to it only weakly. The surface energy, elastic modulus, and thickness of the elastomer may be varied as desired over wide ranges to meet differing performance requirements.
Explosives and landmine detection using an artificial olfactory system

We are developing a portable, artificial olfactory system based on multiple attributes of the sense of smell to identify air-borne odors, including those associated with buried landmines. Brief (1-2 sec) air samples are drawn over an array of optically-interrogated, cross-reactive chemical sensors. These consist of polymers with high sensitivity and relatively narrow specificity for nitroaromatics (Timothy Swager, MIT), as well as those with broader responses, thus permitting discrimination among substances that may be confused for nitroaromatics. Biologically-based pattern matching algorithms automatically identify odors as one of several to which the device has been trained. In discrimination tests, after training to one concentration of 6 odors, the device gave 95% correct identification when tested at the original plus three different concentrations. Thus, as required in real world applications, the device can identify odors at multiple concentrations without explicitly training on each. In sensitivity tests, the device showed 100% detection and no false alarms for the landmine-related compound DNT at concentrations as low as 500 pp-trillion (quantified by GC/MS) - 10 times lower than average canine behavioral thresholds. To investigate landmine detection capabilities, field studies were conducted at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. In calibration tests, signals from buried PMA1A anti-personnel landmines were clearly discriminated from background. In a limited 9 site "blind" test, PMA1A detection was 100% with false alarms of 40%. Although requiring further development, these data indicate that a device with appropriate sensors and exploiting olfactory principles can detect and discriminate low concentration vapor signatures, including those of buried landmines.
Fire Induced Gas Flow in an Enclosure

Abstract The gas flow induced by a small fire in a large room is considered. The fire plume acts as a pump and the window opening as a throttle. Generalizations of Kawagoe's expressions for the window air flow and height of the neutral plane are developed and used to rationalize previously unexplained features of Gross and Robertson's enclosure fire data.
Patient Demographic and Tumor Characteristics Influencing Oncologist Follow-Up Frequency in Older Breast Cancer Survivors

Although recommendations for breast cancer follow-up frequency exist, current follow-up guidelines are standardized, without consideration of individual patient characteristics. Some studies suggest oncologists are using these characteristics to tailor follow-up recommendations, but it is unclear how this is translating into practice. The objective of this study was to examine current patterns of oncologist breast cancer follow-up and determine the association between patient and tumor characteristics and follow-up frequency. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database was used to identify stage I–III breast cancer patients diagnosed 2000–2007 (n = 39,241). Oncologist follow-up visits were defined using Medicare specialty provider codes and the linked AMA Masterfile. Multinomial logistic regression determined the association between patient and tumor characteristics and oncologist follow-up visit frequency. Younger age (p < 0.001), positive nodes (p < 0.001), estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor positivity (p < 0.001), and increasing treatment intensity (p < 0.001) were most strongly associated with more frequent follow-up. However, after accounting for these characteristics, significant variation in follow-up frequency was observed. In addition to patient factors, the number and types of oncologists involved in follow-up were associated with follow-up frequency (p < 0.001). Types of oncologists providing follow-up varied, with medical oncologists the sole providers of follow-up for 19–51 % of breast cancer survivors. Overall, 58 % of patients received surgical oncology, and 51 % undergoing radiation received radiation oncology follow-up, usually in combination with medical oncology. Significant variation in breast cancer follow-up frequency exists. Developing follow-up guidelines tailored for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics while also providing guidance on who should provide follow-up has the potential to increase clinical efficiency.
Blunt carotid injury outcomes: results of long-term follow-up

RESULTS: 93 patients with a mean age of 37 years were diagnosed with 112 injuries. 72(77%) patients survived to discharge; 6 of 21 deaths were attributable to BCI. Post-discharge follow-up was available on 54(75%) patients. 52 surviving patients had a mean follow-up of 31.1 months(1-109 months). 34(65%) patients had follow-up arteriograms; 32(94%) demonstrated improvement or no change. All except 4(7%) of patients were discharged on anticoagulation therapy. At last follow-up, 80% were ambulatory, 76% performed ADLs, and 59% lived independently. 14 patients with BCI also received endovascular stent therapy; 10 had pseudoaneurysms, 4 had severe narrowing and/or contralateral injuries. Eleven stent patients were alive with a mean follow-up of 29 months(3-69 months) demonstrating no adverse outcomes.
Endocrine Responses of Cows Subjected to Controlled Voltages During Milking

Abstract For the relative influence of central and of peripheral inhibitive mechanisms on the milk-ejection reflex, dairy cows were subjected to control voltages during milking. Integrated 1-min jugular vein samples were taken at −20, −12, −9, −2, −1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 20 min relative to the start of milking for measurement of norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, oxytocin, and prolactin. Cows were subjected to voltages that resulted in body currents of 5 mA. For the response of cows to continuously applied voltage, the voltage remained on for 20 min starting 10 min prior to milking. For the response to intermittently applied voltage, the voltage was on for 5 of every 30 s. Milk yield and milking time were decreased in cows subjected to stimulation by intermittent voltage. This decrease could not be explained by changes in peripheral concentrations of either oxytocin or catecholamines. Plasma prolactin did decrease; however, it seems unlikely the prolactin would affect the milk-ejection reflex. We hypothesize that this decrease in milk yield resulted from neural mediated changes within the mammary gland.
Predicting disease progression after nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma: The utility of prognostic models and molecular biomarkers

Disease progression after nephrectomy for pathologically localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with a significant mortality rate, given the limited efficacy of available treatment regimens for metastatic disease. As such, several adjuvant trials have been designed to treat patients at particularly high risk for post-surgical RCC progression. Several different prognostic models designed to identify patients at high risk of disease progression are available. Although these available predictive models provide a reasonable assessment of patients’ risks of disease progression, the accuracy of these models may further be improved via the incorporation of molecular prognostic biomarkers. Although numerous candidate molecules have been described, few have been specifically assessed for the association with disease progression after nephrectomy. IMP-3, CXCR3, p53, Survivin, cIAP1, B7-H1, and B7-H4 have all been associated with disease progression after nephrectomy. The incorporation of 1 or several of these biomarkers may increase the accuracy of currently available prognostic models and thereby facilitate the appropriate use of adjuvant therapies aimed at preventing future disease progression. As such, the authors review the current prognostic tools for predicting disease progression for localized RCC, and detail studies to date that have evaluated various biomarkers in this setting.
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Variants: Threat of New Lentiviruses

Infection in humans with the lentivirus HIV-1 typically results in the development of a chronic disease state characterized by the slow decline of CD4+ lymphocytes, the development of immunosuppression, and the development of opportunistic infections, ultimately leading to death. Although the average course of disease runs approximately 10 years, shorter and longer progression times have been noted. These alterations are presumed to be, at least partially, a factor of viral variation. The simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) are the nonhuman primate counterparts to HIV. Several of these isolates, including SIV from sooty mangabey monkeys, induce a remarkably similar disease in Asian macaques. Recently, variants of SIV from sooty mangabey monkeys and SIV from African green monkeys have been described, which are increasingly more pathogenic. As in HIV-1 infections, this is probably due to genetic variation. On the basis of these findings, atypical viruses with tremendous pathogenic potential can arise from apathogenic or moderately pathogenic viruses.
The Status of Student Health Programs in Negro Colleges, 1938–39

The National Tuberculosis Association in December of 1936 began making annual grants to Howard University to stimulate the development of student health activities in Negro colleges. Subsequently, this organization was joined by the American Social Hygiene Association in promoting this activity. Realizing the meagerness of information in the field, we set as one of our primary tasks the investigation by personal inspections of a representative sample of Negro colleges. The school year 1938-39 was chosen for this phase of the work, and on the first trip, which took place in January and February for a period of about five weeks, 25 colleges in the southeastern area were visited. The second trip covered a wide area of the central south and southwest and included 27 institutions. This was accomplished in six weeks during November and December of the same year. Two additional colleges were visited in 1939, bringing the total number of schools surveyed to 54 institutions scattered in 15 states.1
Three GADD45 isoforms contribute to hypertonic stress phenotype of murine renal inner medullary cells.

Mammalian renal inner medullary (IM) cells routinely face and resist hypertonic stress. Such stress causes DNA damage to which IM cells respond with cell cycle arrest. We report that three growth a...
CAN FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE RATES TO A MAIL SURVEY BE INCREASED BY INCLUDING ANOTHER COPY OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE?

In a mail survey of business respondents, this experiment tested the hypothesis that return rates from follow-ups which included another copy of the questionnaire would be more effective than letter-only follow-ups. Sending another copy of the questionnaire in the follow-up could increase returns for a number of reasons, such as providing another questionnaire for respondents who had discarded the original. The two methods were equally effective in the first follow-up, however, in the second follow-up returns from the letter-plus-questionnaire were almost twice that of the letter-only group. The results suggest that in planning a mail survey, it may be appropriate to consider a letter-only first follow-up and a letter-plus-questionnaire second follow-up.
Two-Stage System of Systems Model by Linking System Design With Resource Allocation

Decomposition-based product design optimization under system of systems paradigm is linked with resource (i.e., product) allocation. A two-stage, system of systems approach to linking resource allocation (e.g., vehicle routing problem (VRP)) and system design optimization (e.g., vehicle design problem (VDP)) is presented. The problem inherently contains discrete variables from VRP, thus a practical formulation is presented to overcome convergence difficulty associated with shared discrete variables in a decomposed setting. Two examples, composed of four and eight air routes respectively with the introduction of a new aircraft to the existing fleet, are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A new type of aircraft is designed and allocated to the currently existing VRP to meet the demand, while the direct operating cost of an airline is minimized.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Antiproliferative activity of recombinant interferons alpha and beta for human renal carcinoma: cells: supra-additive activity with elevated temperature or vinblastine

We are investigating IFN activity for human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in conjunction with other forms of therapy in vitro. Our investigations employed IFN alpha and beta generated by recombinant DNA technology. We employed IFN species in conjunction with vinblastine or elevated temperature of incubation for RCC cells. Recombinant IFNs alpha and beta were provided by Triton/Cetus IFN program. RCC cells grown at 37°C with 1,000 IU/ml IFN alpha for seven days produced significant inhibition in growth kinetics (p<0.01). Incubation at 39.5 °C significantly augmented inhibition producing cytotoxicity without altering growth kinetics in controls (p<0.01). Treatment of cells with IFN beta (5 ng/ml) 24 hours prior to treatment with vinblastine (0.25 μg/ml×1 h) resulted in supra-additive inhibition of growth kinetics as determined by isobole analysis (p<0.001). Concomitant treatment with IFN and vinblastine or IFN treatment 24 hours after vinblastine treatment augmented inhibition to a lesser extent. Our results suggest supra-additive biological activity of recombinant IFN at increased temperature, or with vinblastine.