cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of the Serum Cobalamin Assay for Diagnosis of Cobalamin Deficiency

The authors' objective, with this study, was to determine the use in routine clinical practice of the cobalamin serum assay in evaluating patients suspected of having cobalamin deficiency. The design was a prospective observational study of a diagnostic test compared with a criterion gold standard. The setting was the Veterans Affairs hospital inpatient wards and outpatient clinics. The authors prospectively identified all patients who had serum cobalamin measured and enrolled all those with cobalamin < 133 pmol/L (180 pg/mL) and a random sample of patients with cobalamin greater than or equal to 133 pmol/L (N = 168). There were no interventions. To identify cobalamin deficiency, subjects underwent blinded clinical and laboratory examinations, Schilling test, and urinary methylmalonic acid assay, with a trial of cobalamin replacement, if needed. Of 1,599 patients assayed, 84 (5.2%) had low cobalamin levels. After evaluation, 16 of those with low cobalamin levels, but none of those with normal cobalamin levels, were confirmed as deficient. Positive predictive value of a low cobalamin level in this population was 22.2% (95% confidence interval, 12.6-31.8%). After correcting for sampling procedure, the calculated sensitivity rate was 100% (95% confidence interval, 20.6-100%), and specificity rate was 95.8% (95% confidence interval, 95.2-100%). The authors conclude that in routine use, the positive predictive value of the cobalamin assay is low. Low cobalamin levels should not be used alone to justify a lifetime of parenteral therapy or to rule out other conditions that mimic cobalamin deficiency.
A Case Study of Citizen Complaints as Social Indicators

The purpose is to illustrate the applicability of the approach and the techniques of systems engineering to certain urban problems. Systems engineering can be an effective tool in the design and operation of organizations to accomplish such urban activities as police scheduling, waste disposal, river purification, fire house location, etc. The relatively unploughed ground of applying systems engineering to the quality of urban life is addressed here. The quality of urban life, an elusive but intuitively satisfying concept, is operationally useful to the extent that a city can identify and move toward achieving the goals of its citizenry. Social indicators measure the extent to which these goals have been achieved. For such indicators to be usable on line inputs for determining changes in urban subsystems, they must respond rapidly and sensitively to the citizenry's changing perception of the gap between goals and actual achievements. Indicators aggregated over long intervals of time, large physical areas, or population groups tend to be sluggish and historical. It is shown how unsolicited complaints and comments from the citizenry may help to define such operationally useful social indicators. A conceptual framework emphasizing adaptive urban subsystems is presented, and data are used to illustrate the feasibility of the approach.
Characterisations of classes of multivalued processes using Riesz approximations

Let E′ be the separable dual of a Banach space E, and K the class of all nonempty, convex, weak∗-compact subsets od E′. J. Neveu proved the convergence of K-valued martingales called multivalued martingales. We prove Riesz approximations for some multivalued processes; i.e., for these processes, we show that they are close to some multivalued martingales. We also obtain Riesz decomposotions of some single-valued processes; i.e., we show that they are the sums of a martingale and another process which goes to zero. The class of processesses considered for Riesz approximation includes multivalued amarts. The Riesz decomposition of single-valued amarts was obtained by Edgar and Sucheston. Our proofs require some of their results in the multivalued form. Riesz decomposition for multivalued processes is not possible even in simple cases.
Wicksell's version of Gibson's Paradox

Knut Wicksell's theory of price increase depends on a positive two-rate-interest-differential between the natural (iN) and the loan rate (iL). It is shown how Wicksell uses this theory to justify the positive relation over time between prices and the nominal interest rate now called Gibson's Paradox. BothiN andiL must be stated in ‘nominal’ terms and an independent increase iniN sets off the increase in P.iL remains constant for a time, while the nominal demand for credit increases.iL eventually increases after a substantial lag with respect to the increase in P. The rate of inflation rather than the price level is also brought in as a potential cause ofiL rising.
Protein-Resistant Polymer Coatings on Silicon Oxide by Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

The modification of silicon oxide with poly(ethylene glycol) to effectively eliminate protein adsorption has proven to be technically challenging. In this paper, we demonstrate that surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl methacrylate (OEGMA) successfully produces polymer coatings on silicon oxide that have excellent protein resistance in a biological milieu. The level of serum adsorption on these coatings is below the detection limit of ellipsometry. We also demonstrate a new soft lithography method via which SI-ATRP is integrated with microcontact printing to create micropatterns of poly(OEGMA) on glass that can spatially direct the adsorption of proteins on the bare regions of the substrate. This ensemble of methods will be useful in screening biological interactions where nonspecific binding must be suppressed to discern low probability binding events from a complex mixture and to pattern anchorage-dependent cells on glass and silicon oxide.
FPGA based string matching for network processing applications

String matching is a key problem in many network processing applications. Current implementations of this process using software are time consuming and cannot meet gigabit bandwidth requirements. Implementing this process in hardware improves the search time considerably and has several other advantages. This paper presents an array based hardware implementation of this time consuming process for network intrusion detection and directory lookup applications using reconfigurable hardware. These designs are coded in VHDL targeting a Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGA and are evaluated in terms of the speed and resource utilization.
Eye to eye transfer of an early response modification in chicks.

ZEIER1 reported that trained loss of a cliff-avoidance response did not transfer from eye to eye in the chick whereas imprinting and pattern discriminations do transfer in birds. He suggested “It is possible therefore that tasks involving responses for which there is a strong inherent disposition are more easily transferred from eye to eye than are reactions that run counter to an innate response tendency”. I have observed, however, transfer of a learned response that runs counter to the “innate” tendency of chicks to peck small targets.
OB Hemorrhage Complicated by DIC: Are You Ready?

Childbearing Poster Presentation Background This presentation addresses the management of a patient admitted to Baylor University Medical Center's labor and delivery sustaining massive hemorrhage with resulting disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and peripartum hysterectomy after an induction of labor and forceps assisted vaginal delivery. Prompt recognition, timely intervention, and a collaborative multidisciplinary team approach were required to save this patient's life. Case A 35‐year‐old healthy female, primigravida at 40 1/7 weeks gestation was admitted for oxytocin induction of labor. The patient required a low forceps assisted vaginal delivery for persistent occiput posterior position and delivered a healthy male, weighing 8lb 7oz. Following the repair of a third‐degree midline episiotomy and bilateral sidewall lacerations, the patient had an initial estimated blood loss of 800 ml, with a firm fundus and vaginal packing left in place for a noted friable posterior wall. Over the next hour, after the vaginal packing was placed, the patient's mean arterial pressure showed a significant drop from 89 on admission to 52. Fluid resuscitation was initiated utilizing Lactated Ringer's solution and Hespan, and 2.5 mg of Methergine was administered. Continued bleeding was noted and the patient was taken to the operating room (OR) for further evaluation. A stat hematocrit was 16.6; the patient's starting hematocrit was 32.3. In the OR, the patient was noted to have further deteriorating vital signs and oozing was noted from previous puncture sites. The patient was intubated by anesthesia. Lab work from a hemostasis profile revealed DIC. For the next 2 hours extensive resuscitation with cryoprecipitate, fresh frozen plasma, blood, and platelets were administered in an attempt to correct the DIC, preserve the patient's uterus, and return her to a hemostatic state. Continued bleeding was noted and the decision was made by the physician to proceed with a hysterectomy. Following hysterectomy, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit in stable condition. Conclusion Massive hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death. Prompt recognition, timely, effective communication, and rapid response are crucial for positive outcomes. Case review and debriefing led to quality action items being identified. Simulation training has played a key role in quality improvement initiatives. The ability to activate a massive transfusion protocol was crucial in the above case. Simulation scenarios and in situ drills have been developed through which multidisciplinary collaboration allows identification and improvement in processes without harm to patients.
On the role of heat and mass transport during the mutual annihilation of two premixed propane–air flames

Abstract The unsteady process of mutual annihilation of two stoichiometric propane–air flames in one dimension is investigated numerically in the presence of preferential (the diffusion of heat relative to mass diffusion of species) and differential diffusion (the relative mass diffusions of species) effects. These effects are found during the early stages of mutual annihilation, corresponding to preheat layers’ interactions, as well as during the merger of the reaction layers. The diffusive mobility of heat relative to the reactants results in the preheating of the reactants and associated increases in the rates of reactants’ consumption. These rates are sustained during the merger of the reaction layers due to the relative mobility of the secondary fuels, especially H 2 , which results in the build-up of radicals in the reaction zone prior to the completion of the mutual annihilation process. Preferential and differential diffusion effects also result in the formation of products of incomplete combustion at the end of this process.
Influence of Feed Particle Density on Paniculate Passage from Rumen of Holstein Cow

Abstract The response of rumen turnover rate to increasing alfalfa fiber density or chromium concentration was evaluated. Alfalfa fiber density was elevated by mordanting with increasing chromium concentrations. As chromium concentration of the mordanting solution was raised, there was a concomitant increase of chromium content and density of the resultant alfalfa fiber. Two Holstein cows were fed for ad libitum consumption equal portions of a total mixed ration three times a day. Cows were fed a pulse dose of marker, and fecal grab samples were collected at scheduled intervals for 5 days. Chromium analysis was on the undigested cell wall. By linear regression analysis the slope was fit for the declining phase of the marker excretion curve. Rumen turnover rates (h −1 ) and cell wall densities (g/ml) were: .0107, 1.126; .0072, 1.165; .0191, 1.242; .0228, 1.396; and .0194, 1.703 for alfalfa cell wall mordanted with 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32% chromium concentrations. Particle density and chromium concentration may be important factors affecting rate of particle turnover in the rumen.
Affordable Implementations Of Image Processing Algorithms

The advance of semiconductor technology has made monolithic implementations of commonly used imaging system functions feasible and affordable. This is particularly true of high-throughput functions such as low-pass filtering, edge detection, and automatic gain control that are typically applied to an entire image to enhance the imaging sensor output for display or further processing. This paper describes the integrated-circuit implementation of three important image-processing functions: a general-purpose programmable neighborhood operator, a Sobel edge-detection circuit, and a histogram-modification circuit.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterizing and Improving Spatial Visualization Skills

Three-dimensional spatial visualization is an essential skill for geoscientists. We conducted two evaluations of students’ spatial skills to examine whether their skills improve after enrollment in...
Nonlinear behavior of Zn:tetrabenzporphyrin

The nonlinear transmission of Zn:Tetrabenzporphyrin was measured in a Z-scan setup using 532 nm wavelength laser light with a 13 ns pulse duration. The excited-state absorption cross section, the excited-state refractive index cross section and the linear and nonlinear absorption contribution to a thermal image index change are discussed. The effects of fluorescence and acoustic waves on the nonlinear response of TBP have been determined. Limiter performance was modeled in an f/14 limiter and saturation effects were identified.
Averaged occipital responses to stimulation of sites in the upper and lower halves of the retina

Averaged responses of the occipital lobes to flashes imposed along the midline of the upper part of the retina are larger and of shorter latency than responses to flashes imposed on the lower retina. Since reaction times also are shorter when the upper retina is stimulated, this study provides further evidence for the generalization that reaction time varies inversely with amplitude and directly with latency of the evoked response.
Massless mixed-symmetry bosonic free fields

Abstract The covariant description is analyzed of massless bosonic free particles in any dimension which carry arbitrary representations of the Lorentz group. The ghost content is given with complete generality and the full construction is carried out for the case of representations which correspond to Young tableaux with at most two columns.
Modeling drop size distributions

There is abundant literature discussing the prediction of a representative drop diameter in a spray. However, there are relatively few publications discussing prediction of a drop size distribution in sprays. In the present paper, we review the three available methods for modeling drop size distributions: the maximum entropy method, the discrete probability function method, and the empirical method.
Association of glyceollin with the incompatible response of soybean roots to Meloidogyne incognita

Glyceollin accumulated 2 to 3 days after inoculation of incompatible cv. Centennial soybean roots with Meloidogyne incognita , but not in the related compatible cultivar, Pickett 71. Both varieties were compatible to the relared nematode M. javanica and neither accumulated significant quantities of glyceollin. Glyceollin accumulated primarily in the stele of inoculated Centennial roots, consistent with previous observations that the hypersensitive response was localized in these tissues. Glyceollin inhibited the motility of M. incognita in vitro , but had no observed effect on M. javanica . The data suggested that glyceollin accumulation may be causally related to the restriction of M. incognita development in the incompatible cultivar Centennial.
Introduction to GPGPU programming

This tutorial will present audience members with the foundations necessary to implement general purpose computations on graphics processing units (GPUs). Initially designed for computer graphics, current GPUs have evolved into programmable, highly parallel, floating point processing units. GPUs are now viewed as inexpensive coprocessors that are ideally suited for many applications beyond computer graphics. In this tutorial, the presenters will provide attendees with the knowledge required to realize the full potential of GPUs by introducing industry standard languages, tools, and techniques. Specifically, this tutorial aims to provide those outside of computer graphics with the basic knowledge required to realize the performance gains offered by today's GPUs on general purpose computations.
Reduction of ornithine decarboxylase antizyme (ODC-Az) level in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis model.

Reduction of ornithine decarboxylase antizyme (ODC-Az) level in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis model
SCALER: Scalable parallel file write in HDFS

Two camps of file systems exist: parallel file systems designed for conventional high performance computing (HPC) and distributed file systems designed for newly emerged data-intensive applications. Addressing the big data challenge requires an approach that utilizes both high performance computing and data-intensive computing power. Thus, HPC applications may need to interact with distributed file systems, such as HDFS. The N-1 (N-to-1) parallel file write is a critical technical challenge, because it is very common for HPC applications but HDFS does not allow it. This study introduces a system solution, named SCALER, which allows MPI based applications to directly access HDFS without extra data movement. SCALER supports N-1 file write at both the inter-block level and intra-block level. Experimental results confirm that SCALER achieves the design goal efficiently.
Thymic factor-induced reduction of pulmonary metastases in mice with FSA-1 fibrosarcoma.

The biological activities of two thymic factors, serum thymic factor thymulin normally present in serum and thymosin alpha-1 (Ta-1) extracted from the thymus gland, have been studied. The effects of the factors on the growth of pulmonary metastases and survival of mice were evaluated in pathogen-free C3H/fSed males. Mice were injected i.v. with the single cell suspension of the syngeneic methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma.The treatment with thymulin and Ta-1 started two days after injection of 5 × 104 to 2 × 105 tumor cells per mouse. Different doses of the thymic factors were administered S.C. in sets of 5 daily injections through a period of 2 or 3 weeks. Numbers of tumor colonies in the lung were determined two weeks after the cell injection. Treatment with 0·1μg Ta-1 per injection through the period of two or three weeks, prolonged the survival of tumor-injected mice. Similar effects were observed in mice treated with 0·01μg and 0·1μg thymulin per injection. Numbers of tumor colonies in lungs of these mice two weeks after the cell injection were also reduced in comparison with saline-treated controls. These findings correlated with prolonged survival time of identically treated mice. The effectiveness of thymic factors in reducing tumor growth was dependent on the tumour load. In addition, the effects induced by Ta-1 persisted longer than observed in thymulin-treated mice. Mice challenged 150 days after the primary tumor cell injection and treatment with Ta-1 demonstrated increased resistance to tumor, while mice treated with other factors behaved as saline-treated controls.
Could the Aristotelian square of opposition be translated into Chinese

To translate the Aristotelian square of opposition into Chinese requires restructuring the Aristotelian system of genus-species into the Chinese way of classification and understanding of the focus-field relationship. The feature of the former is on a “tree” model, while that of the later is on the focusfield model. Difficulties arise when one tries to show contraries betweenA- type and E-type propositions in the Aristotelian square of opposition in Chinese, because there is no clear distinction between universal and particular in a focus-field structure of thinking. If there could be a chance to discuss the analytic identity between the two logical systems, then it might be only constituted during a face to face conversation in the present, or, in other words, in the translation of particular propositions (singular subjective,I-type, andO-type propositions) in a particular case. The best hope for a translator is that in the actual temporally situated practice,now he or she might find a temporary way to map the concepts of one to the other with relatively little loss of structure.
A three-dimensional optical photonic crystal with designed point defects.

Photonic crystals1,2,3 offer unprecedented opportunities for miniaturization and integration of optical devices. They also exhibit a variety of new physical phenomena, including suppression or enhancement of spontaneous emission, low-threshold lasing, and quantum information processing4. Various techniques for the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystals—such as silicon micromachining5, wafer fusion bonding6, holographic lithography7, self-assembly8,9, angled-etching10, micromanipulation11, glancing-angle deposition12 and auto-cloning13,14—have been proposed and demonstrated with different levels of success. However, a critical step towards the fabrication of functional 3D devices, that is, the incorporation of microcavities or waveguides in a controllable way, has not been achieved at optical wavelengths. Here we present the fabrication of 3D photonic crystals that are particularly suited for optical device integration using a lithographic layer-by-layer approach15. Point-defect microcavities are introduced during the fabrication process and optical measurements show they have resonant signatures around telecommunications wavelengths (1.3–1.5 µm). Measurements of reflectance and transmittance at near-infrared are in good agreement with numerical simulations.
Seborrheic dermatitis-like and atopic dermatitis-like eruptions in HIV-infected patients.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to discuss psoriasis and Reiter's syndrome as they relate to patients with AIDS and ARC (AIDS-related complex) and to asymptomatic carriers of the HIV virus. It is currently believed that between 1 and 2 million people in the U.S. are infected with the HIV virus, 1 and psoriasis is a relatively common chronic papulosquamous cutaneous disorder affecting upwards of 2% of the population of the United States. 2–4
Mental Health and the Global Agenda

This article reviews the impact of mental health on overall health on a global level. The authors suggest changes that could lead to improved identification and treatment of mental illness in countries with limited resources.
A weight reduction intervention that optimizes use of practitioner's time, lowers glucose level, and raises HDL cholesterol level in older adults.

Abstract Objective The effects of a cognitive-behavioral weight control intervention were compared in two independent-living, older adult (mean age=70.5 years) communities. Design The research design compared the experimental community (n=163), which received the intervention, with the control community (n=162). Subjects Overweight individuals (>4.5 kg of age-adjusted weight according to height-weight tables) were recruited from both communities. Intervention Components of the Dietary Intervention: Evaluation of Technology (DIET) program included a videotape, a workbook, computerized tracking of participants, a telephone hot line, educational group discussions, and individual consultation. Outcome measures Changes in body weight, body mass index, and lipid and glucose measures were selected to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Statistical analysis One-way analysis of variance by group was done to compare changes in continuous variables between the intervention and control communities. Results Baseline body mass index and weight were 30.8 and 79.5 kg, respectively, in the experimental community and 28.8 and 75.8 kg, respectively, in the control community. Mean weight change in the experimental community was −3.2 kg after 40 weeks of intervention, compared with no weight change in the control community ( P P Applications Our findings suggest that an intervention that optimizes use of the practitioner's time can achieve a moderate weight loss and metabolic improvement in a community of older adults.
An Optimal Prevention and Detection Model for Pollution Patrol

ABSTRACT This paper presents a flight scheduling model for sensor (infra-red and ultra-violet) equipped aircraft whose mission is the detection and prevention of harbor and coastal oil and hazardous material pollution. The objective of the model is to maximize the expected number of pollution incidents detected per pollution flight. The model requires, as an input, parameters representing probabilities of pollution incidents occurring for different geographical sectors. These parameters are estimated using, coastwise and harbor, petroleum and hazardous material shipping statistics. The shipping statistics considered include movement of petroleum products along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts as well as the movement of such commodities in the intra-coastal waterway system and the Great Lakes. Particular port characteristics and past pollution incident statistics are also used to estimate required parameters of the scheduling model. The constraints in the model concern the availability of aircraft, f...
Experimental verification of longitudinal spatial hole burning in high-power diode lasers

For high-power diode lasers, asymmetric reflectivities of facets are employed in order to improve slope efficiency. In recent years, the cavity lengths of these laser diodes have been increased to better distribute heat in order to improve output power. However, these two methods result in an inhomogeneous longitudinal profile of photon density, which leads to a non-uniform gain profile and is typically referred to as longitudinal spatial hole burning (LSHB). LSHB is believed to one of the limiting factors in scaling the output power of diode lasers. In this work, the LSHB effect is confirmed experimentally. The longitudinal photon density distribution, carrier density distribution, and gain distribution were calculated using a finite difference method to solve the spatially-varying rate equations in an 808 nm high-power diode laser. The experimental work was carried out by direct observation of spontaneous emission from a window patterned into the top contact of a 1.5 mm cavity length 808 nm diode laser. Because the spontaneous emission rate is proportional to the square of carrier density, the carrier density distribution could be measured for the device. The non-uniformity observed in this device agrees with the calculated carrier density profile, strongly supporting the existence of the LSHB effect in the device.
Optimal capital scaling: a new feasibility for small scale mining

The historical trend in mine development has been the adoption of larger and more capital-intensive methods of production. Such methods have profited from the relatively low costs of investment capital and the reduction in unit costs afforded by technical economies of scale. More recently, rising real rates of interest have increased the investment costs of these capital-intensive mining ventures, amplifying their inherent financial diseconomies of scale and decreasing their economic viability.
Experimental analysis of two measurement techniques to characterize photodiode linearity

As photodiodes become more linear, accurately characterizing their linearity becomes very challenging. We compare the IMD3 results from a standard two tone measurement to those from a more complex three tone measurement technique. A Ge n-i-p waveguide photodetector on Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) substrate is used for the comparison. Additionally, we analyze, via simulation, the limitations of the measurement system in determining the distortion of highly linear photodiodes.
INFLUENCE OF RELIGION AND BIRTHPLACE ON THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF NORTHERN IRELAND

SummaryThe effect of geographic and religious subdivision on the genetic structure of Northern Ireland was assessed using data on 10 craniofacial measurements collected on 755 adult males that were born in five counties and belonged to one of three religious affiliations (Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian). Fifteen samples were defined based on birth county and religious affiliation. Two-way univariate and multivariate analysis of variance shows significant effects of birth county and religious affiliation, with somewhat greater subdivision due to religion. Distance matrix correlations reveal a small, but significant, effect of birth county and religious affiliation on the pattern of genetic distances between the 15 samples, with a slightly greater influence of religion. The Church of Ireland samples show the greatest differences, perhaps revealing the combined influence of differential population origins and religious differences as a barrier to gene flow. Overall, religion has a significant, tho...
An enterprise information architecture: a case study for decentralized organizations

As enterprises became increasingly information based, making improvements in their information activities is a top priority to assure their continuing competitiveness. A key to achieving these improvements is developing an enterprise information architecture (EIA). An EIA can be viewed as a structured set of multidimensional interrelated elements that support all information processes. The current ad hoc EIA in place within many enterprises cannot meet an organization's future needs because it has an incoherent framework, incompatibilities, missing elements, few and poorly understood standards, uneven quality and unnecessary duplications. This paper discusses the EIA developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a case study, for other information based enterprises, particularly those with decentralized and autonomous organization structures and cultures. While the technical architecture is important the organization and processes by which it is developed and sustained over time are equally important. This paper outlines the motivation for an EIA and discusses each of the interacting elements identified. It also presents an organization structure and processes for building a sustainable EIA activity.
Reciprocal Regulation of HFE and Nramp2 Gene Expression by Iron in Human Intestinal Cells

The newly identified hemochromatosis gene, HFE, and a candidate iron transporter gene, Nramp2, have been proposed as key factors responsible for the regulation of intestinal iron absorption. Although the exact functions of these proteins in intestinal iron absorption are unknown, HFE may be required for the down-regulation of iron absorption that occurs with increasing iron status, and Nramp2 may up-regulate iron absorption when iron status is low. Thus, we examined whether the expression of the HFE and Nramp2 genes are regulated by iron status in the human intestinal cell line Caco-2. HFE mRNA and HFE protein were increased and Nramp2 mRNA was decreased by increasing cellular iron status in Caco-2 cells. This iron-mediated modulation of mRNA levels was specific to iron. Moreover, super-induction of HFE mRNA in the presence of cycloheximide suggests that HFE gene expression may be controlled by a short-lived repressor protein. HFE and Nramp2 mRNA levels also changed in opposite directions during cellular differentiation. This reciprocal modification of the HFE and Nramp2 gene expression during both iron treatment and cell differentiation in Caco-2 cells is consistent with an opposing role for these proteins in homeostatic regulation of human intestinal iron absorption.
Hysterectomy and Predictors for Opioid Prescription in a Chronic Pain Clinic Sample

Objectives. To describe the prevalence of hysterec- tomy for women aged 18-45 seeking treatment at a chronic pain clinic, to describe patient characteris- tics (pain intensity, age, smoking status, hormone replacement status, and psychosocial factors) based on opioid and hysterectomy status, and to determine whether hysterectomy status predicted receipt of opioid prescription. Design. Retrospective cross-sectional chart review. Participants. Total 323 new female patients aged 18-45 who completed the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form at initial evaluation at a chronic pain clinic during a 12-month period (July 2008-June 2009). Measures. Data were collected from the Brief Pain Inventory and medical charts. Variables included opioid prescription, average pain inten- sity, pain type, age, hysterectomy status, smoking status, and pain-related dysfunction across domains measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. The association of opioid prescription with hysterec- tomy and other factors were determined by logistic regression. Results. Prevalence of hysterectomy was 28.8%. Average pain intensity was not associated with either hysterectomy or opioid prescription status. However, hysterectomy and high levels of pain- related dysfunction were significantly and indepen- dently associated with opioid prescription after adjusting for age and pain intensity. More than 85% of women with hysterectomy and high pain-related dysfunction had opioid prescription. Conclusions. Hysterectomy may confer risk for pain-related dysfunction and opioid prescription in women 45 and younger. More research is needed to understand 1) how patient characteristics influence prescribing patterns and 2) the specific medical risks and consequences of chronic opioid therapy in this population.
Near and mid IR fiber Brillouin-active optical devices and applications

Implementation of some of the concepts of fiber based mid-IR optical devices using a fiber ring, which has been shown to greatly lower the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) threshold, is addressed. It is shown that when the SBS process in the fiber is viewed as an amplifying mechanism, the externally generated thermal and mechanical Brillouin noise in a linear fiber can be selectively amplified by the ring, forming an excellent ambient noise sensing element. Some preliminary data are presented.
In-plane thermoelectric properties of Si/Ge superlattice

In this paper we report experimental investigation of the in-plane thermoelectric properties of Si/Ge superlattices grown on silicon-on-insulator wafers. A two-wire 3/spl omega/ method was employed to measure the in-plane thermal conductivity of the superlattice sample investigated. The in-plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of the same sample are also measured. Experimental data are compared with the results of theoretical models of carrier transport based on carrier pocket engineering and partial diffuse phonon interface scattering.
Accountability in professionalism.

Economic Accountability We need to consider each of these models in more depth, beginning with economics. The imaging tests and procedures radiologists perform every day generate substantial costs and revenues for payers, health systems, hospitals, and radiology groups [2]. From a narrow short-term point of view, it might seem advantageous for radiologists to perform as many examinations as possible. In a fee-for-service system, the more radiologists do, the more income they generate [3]. This approach may benefit not only those receiving payments but also those making them, such as insurance companies, at least in the sense that their organizations grow as they collect and distribute more funds. In a broader longer-term perspective, however, it is vital that radiologists attempt to ensure that resources are not wasted and instead are put to the best use [4]. As pressures mount to curtail the growth of health care spending, radiologists need to be in the forefront in evaluating the efficacy and efficiency of our work. In what clinical situations is a radiologic examination truly indicated, and which one provides the greatest value? What can we do to improve the accessibility and efficiency of our services? From an economic point of view, it is incumbent on radiologists to strive to be the experts in assessing the benefits and costs of radiologic services. We hear all the time about the great expense associated with radiologic imaging. The tests themselves are expensive, and we are performing more and more of them, which generates substantial aggregate costs. Accountability in Professionalism
The use of discharge perturbations to understand in situ vegetation resistance in wetlands

The ability to better quantify resistance to water flow exerted by vegetation is receiving increased attention due to ongoing worldwide efforts to restore natural vegetation communities in the wetlands and use of vegetation for environmental benefits in streams and wetlands. In south Florida, vegetation resistance affects discharge through shallow wetlands of the Everglades and projects under way in the system to restore remaining natural systems. A more detailed knowledge of the flow dynamics in these wetlands is required to improve modeling of these systems that supports restoration and management efforts. The goal of this investigation is to understand the flow dynamics and the vegetation resistance within a 3 km by 7 km area in the Everglades referred to as STA-3/4 Cell 3A. Methods are developed to demonstrate the use of analytical solutions of partial differential equations (PDEs) and inverse methods to obtain bulk and spatially varying resistance parameters. To achieve this goal, a field test was conducted using sinusoidal discharge disturbances capable of creating water waves in the storm water treatment area (STAs). The discharges, wave speeds, and the wave attenuation rates from the test are used to develop graphical and empirical functions expressing discharge in terms of water depth and energy slope. The empirical functions developed are power law type, and different functions are developed for different depths. The results show that the Manning's equation is not applicable for wetlands with thick emergent vegetation, as well as the difficulty of applying a single power law-type expression for vegetation resistance over a wide range of depths and energy slopes without errors. This is partly due to the existence of multiple flow regimes and different power exponents over depth and energy slopes in these regimes. Results show that the flow regime at low depths is similar to porous media flow, and the flow regime at higher depths is more turbulent.
Cyclicity of polynomial systems

Results on cyclicity for systems defined over commutative polynomial rings are presented. This involves tests for cyclicity of polynomial matrices as well as an algorithm to obtain the companion form of a matrix using polynomial type transformations.
Theoretical study of fast light with short sech pulses in coherent gain media

We investigate theoretically the phenomenon of so-called fast light in an unconventional regime, using pulses sufficiently short that relaxation effects in a gain medium can be ignored completely. We show that previously recognized gain instabilities, including superfluorescence, can be tolerated in achieving a pulse peak advance of more than one full peak width.
Modeling reflex-healing autonomy for large-scale embedded systems

High-energy physics experiments require an extraordinary amount of real-time computation, and the computers implementing the online data processing must be very reliable because of the large cost associated with operating the facilities and the potential for loss of irreplaceable data. Conventional redundancy-based fault tolerance and adaptive approaches are not appropriate because of the tremendous system cost (fault tolerance is limited to a maximum of 10% overhead). In this work, we developed a framework for building robust embedded systems, which utilizes an autonomic reflex-healing approach to achieve fault tolerance. Components of the framework implement user-defined failure adaptation strategies within the context of a large-scale embedded environment. The tools embrace a model-based approach combining design specification and code-generation for both simulation and system implementation. In this paper we present the concepts and entities of the reflex and healing framework
Wafer-level mechanical characterization of silicon nitride MEMS

The mechanical and physical properties of silicon nitride thin films have been characterized, particularly for their application in load-bearing MEMS applications. Both stoichiometric (high-stress) and silicon-rich (low-stress) films deposited by LPCVD have been studied. Young's modulus, E, has been determined using conventional lateral resonators and by bulge testing of membranes, and tensile strength has been determined using a specially designed microtensile specimen. All microdevices have been fabricated using standard micromachining. We have also measured the thermal expansion coefficient of stoichiometric silicon nitride. Our best estimate of E is 325/spl plusmn/30 GPa for stoichiometric and 295/spl plusmn/30 GPa for silicon-rich silicon nitride. The average tensile strength for the stoichiometric material is 6.4/spl plusmn/0.6 GPa, while that for the silicon-rich material is 5.5/spl plusmn/0.8 GPa; the burst strength of membranes of the stoichiometric material is 7.1/spl plusmn/0.2 GPa.
What Do Epidemiologic Findings Tell Us about Health Effects of Environmental Aerosols

In the last 10 years there has been an abundance of new epidemiological studies on health effects of particulate air pollution. The overall evidence suggests that fine particulate pollution can be an important risk factor for cardiopulmonary disease. Long-term, repeated exposure to fine particulate air pollution may increase the risk of chronic respiratory disease and the risk of cardiopulmonary mortality. Short-term exposures exacerbate existing cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and increase the risk of becoming symptomatic, requiring medical attention, or even dying. This paper outlines the results of the basic epidemiologic studies and briefly reviews and discusses recent studies that have looked at specific physiologic health endpoints in addition to lung function. A few recent, mostly exploratory pilot studies, have observed particulate pollution associations with blood plasma viscosity, heart rate, heart rate variability, and indicators of bone marrow stimulation. A systemic response to particulate-related pulmonary inflammation remains somewhat speculative. The epidemiologic evidence, nevertheless, seems consistent with the hypothesis that particle-induced pulmonary inflammation, cytokine release, and altered cardiac autonomic function may be part of the pathophysiological mechanisms or pathways linking particulate pollution with cardiopulmonary disease.
Neuroimaging of structural pathology and connectomics in traumatic brain injury: Toward personalized outcome prediction

Recent contributions to the body of knowledge on traumatic brain injury (TBI) favor the view that multimodal neuroimaging using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI and fMRI, respectively) as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has excellent potential to identify novel biomarkers and predictors of TBI outcome. This is particularly the case when such methods are appropriately combined with volumetric/morphometric analysis of brain structures and with the exploration of TBI-related changes in brain network properties at the level of the connectome. In this context, our present review summarizes recent developments on the roles of these two techniques in the search for novel structural neuroimaging biomarkers that have TBI outcome prognostication value. The themes being explored cover notable trends in this area of research, including (1) the role of advanced MRI processing methods in the analysis of structural pathology, (2) the use of brain connectomics and network analysis to identify outcome biomarkers, and (3) the application of multivariate statistics to predict outcome using neuroimaging metrics. The goal of the review is to draw the community's attention to these recent advances on TBI outcome prediction methods and to encourage the development of new methodologies whereby structural neuroimaging can be used to identify biomarkers of TBI outcome.
Migrant worker centers: contending with downgrading in the low-wage labor market

Mass migration to major USA cities is reworking patterns of ethnic jobholding and labor market segmentation. Employers in a variety of industries have turned to recent migrants, many of whom are not authorized to work in the USA, as a stable labor supply for low-wage jobs. As a result, many migrant workers enter urban economies through precarious jobs in low-wage industries and the informal economy where they often endure routine violations of labor and employment laws. This paper examines the activities of a “migrant worker center” in improving wages and working conditions in migrant labor markets. Through a case study of a worker center located in a port-of-entry immigrant neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side, we examine the geographies of the low-wage labor market and the problems that have arisen for workers who hold jobs that effectively exist beyond the reach of government regulation. We argue that migrant worker centers will likely emerge as a key resource for workers who are drawn to global cities by the promise of economic opportunity yet confront harsh conditions in the local labor markets in which they are employed.
Graphical Models for Recognizing Human Interactions

We describe a real-time computer vision and machine learning system for modeling and recognizing human actions and interactions. Two different domains are explored: recognition of two-handed motions in the martial art 'Tai Chi', and multiple-person interactions in a visual surveillance task. Our system combines top-down with bottom-up information using a feedback loop, and is formulated with a Bayesian framework. Two different graphical models (HMMs and Coupled HMMs) are used for modeling both individual actions and multiple-agent interactions, and CHMMs are shown to work more efficiently and accurately for a given amount of training. Finally, to overcome the limited amounts of training data, we demonstrate that 'synthetic agents' (Alife-style agents) can be used to develop flexible prior models of the person-to-person interactions.
On the costs and benefits of stochasticity in stream processing

With the end of clock-frequency scaling, parallelism has emerged as the key driver of chip-performance growth. Yet, several factors undermine efficient simultaneous use of on-chip resources, which continue scaling with Moore's law. These factors are often due to sequential dependencies, as illustrated by Amdahl's law. Quantifying achievable parallelism can help prevent futile programming efforts and guide innovation toward the most significant challenges. To complement Amdahl's law, we focus on stream processing and quantify performance losses due to stochastic runtimes. Using spectral theory of random matrices, we derive new analytical results and validate them by numerical simulations. These results allow us to explore unique benefits of stochasticity and show that they outweigh the costs for software streams.