cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Split Transcriptional Repressor That Links Protein Solubility to an Orthogonal Genetic Circuit.

Monitoring the aggregation of proteins within the cellular environment is key to investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of off-pathway protein assemblies associated with the development of disease and testing therapeutic strategies to prevent the accumulation of non-native conformations. It remains challenging, however, to couple protein aggregation events underlying the cellular pathogenesis of a disease to genetic circuits and monitor their progression in a quantitative fashion using synthetic biology tools. To link the aggregation propensity of a target protein to the expression of an easily detectable reporter, we investigated the use of a transcriptional AND gate system based on complementation of a split transcription factor. We first identified two-fragment tetracycline repressor (TetR) variants that can be regulated via ligand-dependent induction and demonstrated that split TetR variants can function as transcriptional AND gates in both bacteria and mammalian cells. We the...
Implementing Agency-based Social-Support Skill Training:

Social support is a critical component in adequate child rearing, especially among multiproblem families at risk for child maltreatment. The authors describe the implementation of a group training ...
Ten lessons from a quarter of a century of post‐communist economic transformation

The dominant idea in the early post‐communist economic transition was that an early and comprehensive radical economic reform programme was needed. This program was accompanied by a clear programme of political economy reform, which included; a clear understanding that the old system was finished, a political breakthrough, new political leaders, new economic policymakers, the swift elaboration of a reform programme, a functioning parliament, sufficient international financial support, fast implementation, public understanding, and the overruling of any need for consensus. In hindsight, all of these factors worked when they were present. Critics warned of too sharp an output fall, which did not come to pass, lagging institutional development, and neglect of social reforms. The biggest problem has become the absence of real property rights because of captured judicial systems in the post‐communist countries not belonging to the European Union.
SMTSampler: efficient stimulus generation from complex SMT constraints

Stimulus generation is an essential part of hardware verification, being at the core of widely applied constrained-random verification techniques. However, as verification problems get more and more complex, so do the constraints which must be satisfied. In this context, it is a challenge to efficiently generate random stimuli which can achieve a good coverage of the design space. We developed a new technique SMTSampler which can sample random solutions from Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) formulas with bit-vectors, arrays, and uninterpreted functions. The technique uses a small number of calls to a constraint solver in order to generate up to millions of stimuli. Our evaluation on a large set of complex industrial SMT benchmarks shows that SMTSampler can handle a larger class of SMT problems, outperforming state-of-the-art constraint sampling techniques in the number of samples produced and the coverage of the constraint space.
Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis results in fewer procedures than hemodialysis.

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an underutilized modality for hospitalized patients with an urgent need to start renal replacement therapy in the USA. Most patients begin hemodialysis (HD) with a tunneled central venous catheter (CVC). Methods We examined the long-term burden of dialysis modality-related access procedures with urgent-start PD and urgent-start HD in a retrospective cohort of 73 adults. The number of access-related (mechanical and infection-related) procedures for each modality was compared in the first 30 days and cumulatively through the duration of follow-up. Results Fifty patients underwent CVC placement for HD and 23 patients underwent PD catheter placement for urgent-start dialysis. Patients were followed on average >1 year. The PD group was significantly younger, with less diabetes, with a higher pre-dialysis serum creatinine and more likely to have a planned dialysis access. The mean number of access-related procedures per patient in the two groups was not different at 30 days; however, when compared over the duration of follow-up, the number of access-related procedures was significantly higher in the HD group compared with the PD group (4.6 ± 3.9 versus 0.61 ± 0.84, P < 0.0001). This difference persisted when standardized to procedures per patient-month (0.37 ± 0.57 versus 0.081 ± 0.18, P = 0.019). Infection-related procedures were similar between groups. Findings were the same even after case-matching was performed for age and diabetes mellitus with 18 patients in each group. Conclusions Urgent-start PD results in fewer invasive access procedures compared with urgent-start HD long term, and should be considered for urgent-start dialysis.
Range detection using entangled optical photons

Quantum radar is an emerging field that shows a lot of promise in providing significantly improved resolution compared to its classical radar counterpart. The key to this kind of resolution lies in the correlations created from the entanglement of the photons being used. Currently, the technology available only supports quantum radar implementation and validation in the optical regime, as opposed to the microwave regime, because microwave photons have very low energy compared to optical photons. Furthermore, there currently do not exist practical single photon detectors and generators in the microwave spectrum. Viable applications in the optical regime include deep sea target detection and high resolution detection in space. In this paper, we propose a conceptual architecture of a quantum radar which uses entangled optical photons based on Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion (SPDC) methods. After the entangled photons are created and emerge from the crystal, the idler photon is detected very shortly thereafter. At the same time, the signal photon is sent out towards the target and upon its reflection will impinge on the detector of the radar. From these two measurements, correlation data processing is done to obtain the distance of the target away from the radar. Various simulations are then shown to display the resolution that is possible.
A low-cost, wireless near-infrared spectroscopy device detects the presence of lower extremity atherosclerosis as measured by computed tomographic angiography and characterizes walking impairment in peripheral artery disease.

Abstract Background Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who experience intermittent claudication report a range of symptoms. Patients with symptoms other than classically described intermittent claudication may be at the highest risk for functional decline and mobility loss. Therefore, technologies allowing for characterization of PAD severity are desirable. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows for measurements of muscle heme oxygen saturation (StO2) during exercise. We hypothesized lower extremities affected by PAD would exhibit distinct NIRS profiles as measured by a low-cost, wireless NIRS device and that NIRS during exercise predicts walking limitation. Methods We recruited 40 patients with PAD and 10 control participants. All patients with PAD completed a computed tomographic angiography, 6-minute walk test, and a standardized treadmill test. Controls completed a 540-second treadmill test for comparison. StO2 measurements were continuously taken from the gastrocnemius during exercise. Variables were analyzed by Fischer's exact, χ2, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. Correlations were assessed by partial Spearman correlation coefficients adjusted for occlusive disease pattern. Results Patients with PAD experienced claudication onset at a median of 108 seconds with a median peak walking time of 288 seconds. The baseline StO2 was similar between PAD and control. The StO2 of PAD and control participants dropped below baseline at a median of 1 and 104 seconds of exercise, respectively (P Conclusions In this initial evaluation of a novel, low-cost NIRS device, lower extremities affected by PAD exhibited characteristic changes in calf muscle StO2, which differentiated them from healthy controls and were strongly correlated with walking impairment. These findings confirm and expand on previous work demonstrating the potential clinical value of NIRS devices and the need for further research investigating the ability of low-cost NIRS technology to evaluate, diagnose, and monitor treatment response in PAD.
Championing Innovation in the Global Corporation

OVERVIEW:Rapid technological and organizational change, coupled with the globalization of business, has led to a need for managers to understand how to champion innovation in different cultures. As the championing styles managers prefer vary greatly across countries, the amount of adaptation managers need to make in the championing styles can vary from very little to a great deal, depending on where they are from and where they are trying to champion innovation. Cultural differences explain patterns of similarity and difference in championing styles across countries. However, culturally appropriate championing styles are not always the ones that promote the most innovation. Consequently, managers face an important strategic decision: Do they change their own culture to encourage acceptance of effective championing styles, or do they select locations for innovation in which the culture is most accepting of effective championing styles?
Stochastic Gradient Coding for Flexible Straggler Mitigation in Distributed Learning

We consider distributed gradient descent in the presence of stragglers. Recent work on gradient coding and approximate gradient coding have shown how to add redundancy in distributed gradient descent to guarantee convergence even if some workers are slow or non-responsive. In this work we propose a new type of approximate gradient coding which we call Stochastic Gradient Coding (SGC). The idea of SGC is very simple: we distribute data points redundantly to workers according to a good combinatorial design. We prove that the convergence rate of SGC mirrors that of batched Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) for the $l_{2}$ loss function, and show how the convergence rate can improve with the redundancy. We show empirically that SGC requires a small amount of redundancy to handle a large number of stragglers and that it can outperform existing approximate gradient codes when the number of stragglers is large.
Pathways towards human immunodeficiency virus elimination.

Abstract Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Research seeking to transform viral suppression into elimination has generated novel immune, chemical and molecular antiviral agents. However, none, to date, have excised latent integrated proviral DNA or removed infected cells from infected persons. These efforts included, but are not limited to, broadly neutralizing antibodies, “shock” and “kill” latency-reversing agents, innate immune regulators, and sequential long-acting antiretroviral nanoformulated prodrugs and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. While, the latter, enabled the complete excision of latent HIV-1 from the host genome success was so far limited. We contend that improvements in antiretroviral delivery, potency, agent specificity, or combinatorial therapies can provide a pathway towards complete HIV elimination.
The Spirit Names the Child: Pentecostal Names and Trans-ethics

This chapter argues that the contemporary Pentecostal onomastics are a performative act of response to the call of history, temporalities, and the futuristic shaping of the social ethos that can be created using a build-up of “Jesus” names. There is an underlying desire to reshape the social ethics that are upheld by psychic substrates such as naming practices. These self-namers are creating an authentic Christian identity that is essentially African, edgier than traditional/Western-appropriated Christian names, and also includes “Jesus” in the pantheons of the African deities.
IL-12 p40 monomer is different from other IL-12 family members to selectively inhibit IL-12Rβ1 internalization and suppress EAE

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common human demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The IL-12 family of cytokines has four members, which are IL-12 (p40:p35), IL-23 (p40:p19), the p40 monomer (p40), and the p40 homodimer (p402). Since all four members contain p40 in different forms, it is important to use a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) to characterize these molecules. Here, by using such mAbs, we describe selective loss of p40 in serum of MS patients as compared to healthy controls. Similarly, we also observed decrease in p40 and increase in IL-12, IL-23, and p402 in serum of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, as compared to control mice. Interestingly, weekly supplementation of mouse and human recombinant p40 ameliorated clinical symptoms and disease progression of EAE. On the other hand, IL-12, IL-23, and p402 did not exhibit such inhibitory effect. In addition to EAE, p40 also suppressed collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Using IL-12Rβ1-/-, IL-12Rβ2-/-, and IL-12Rβ1+/-/IL-12Rβ2-/- mice, we observed that p40 required IL-12Rβ1, but not IL-12Rβ2, to suppress EAE. Interestingly, p40 arrested IL-12-, IL-23-, or p402-mediated internalization of IL-12Rβ1, but neither IL-12Rβ2 nor IL-23R, protected regulatory T cells, and suppressed Th1 and Th17 biasness. These studies identify p40 as an anti-autoimmune cytokine with a biological role different from IL-12, IL-23, and p402 in which it attenuates autoimmune signaling via suppression of IL-12Rβ1 internalization, which may be beneficial in patients with MS and other autoimmune disorders.
Quantitative Acoustic Emissions Source Mechanisms Analysis of Soft and Competent Rocks through Micromechanics-Seismicity Coupled Modeling

Abstract This research studied seismic source mechanisms of acoustic emission (AE) events generated during the failure of intact and jointed rock samples using a microscale mechanical-seismicity co...
'Drive and Wave': The Response to LAPD Police Reforms After Rampart

We study LAPD police reforms after the Rampart scandal, when formal oversight rose discretely in 1998, and then fell in late 2002. We offer a simple model to interpret how police behavior is affected by changed accountability to the public. We show how officers responded by a practice they labeled “drive and wave”. The arrest-to-crime rate fell 40% after accountability to the public rose, then rebounded to its original level when accountability fell. For the “victimless” crimes of narcotics and prostitution, arrests fall almost 50% and then rebound. No such effects arise for the Los Angeles Sheri Department, even for those stations surrounded by areas policed by the LAPD. We also see no effects on arrests made by other agencies within the LAPD’s jurisdiction. This impact was greatest in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, and felt least in White communities. Other behavioral responses – use of force and street stops – tell a similar story. We argue that much of the response may be attributable to an imbalance between oversight done by suspects compared to that done by the victims of crime. We also document an impact on homicides.
Associations of Loneliness and Social Isolation With Health Span and Life Span in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study.

BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation are emerging public health challenges for aging populations. METHODS We followed N = 11 302 U.S. Health and Retirement Study participants aged 50-95 from 2006 to 2014 to measure persistence of experiences of loneliness and exposure to social isolation. We tested associations of longitudinal loneliness and social isolation phenotypes with disability, morbidity, mortality, and biological aging through 2018. RESULTS During follow-up, 18% of older adults met criteria for loneliness, with 6% meeting criteria at 2 or more follow-up assessments. For social isolation, these fractions were 21% and 8%. Health and Retirement Study participants who experienced loneliness and were exposed to social isolation were at increased risk for disease, disability, and mortality. Those experiencing persistent loneliness were at a 57% increased hazard of mortality compared to those who never experienced loneliness. For social isolation, the increase was 28%. Effect sizes were somewhat larger for counts of prevalent activity limitations and somewhat smaller for counts of prevalent chronic diseases. Covariate adjustment for socioeconomic and psychological risks attenuated but did not fully explain associations. Older adults who experienced loneliness and were exposed to social isolation also exhibited physiological indications of advanced biological aging (Cohen's d for persistent loneliness and social isolation = 0.26 and 0.21, respectively). For loneliness, but not social isolation, persistence was associated with increased risk. CONCLUSIONS Deficits in social connectedness prevalent in a national sample of U.S. older adults were associated with morbidity, disability, and mortality and with more advanced biological aging. Bolstering social connectedness to interrupt experiences of loneliness may promote healthy aging.
Smoking Cessation Initiatives in Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Evidence-Based Review.

» As smoking increases the risk of adverse events and leads to increased hospital costs following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), many institutions have introduced perioperative smoking cessation initiatives. Although such programs have been demonstrated to improve outcomes for smokers undergoing TJA, the optimal approach, duration, and timing of smoking cessation models have not been well-defined. » Overall, initiating a smoking cessation program 4 weeks preoperatively is likely adequate to provide clinically meaningful reductions in postoperative complications for smokers following TJA, although longer periods of cessation should be encouraged if feasible. » Patients brought in for emergency surgical treatment who cannot participate in a preoperative intervention may still benefit from an intervention instituted in the immediate postoperative period. » Cotinine testing may provide some benefit for encouraging successful smoking cessation and validating self-reported smoking status, although its utility is limited by its short half-life. Further study is needed to determine the value of other measures of cessation such as carbon monoxide breath testing. » Smoking cessation programs instituted prior to TJA have been demonstrated to be cost-effective over both the short and long term.
Regulation of Proto-Oncogene Expression and Rate of Protein Synthesis by the Tumor Promoter Okadaic Acid

Okadaic acid is a non-phorbol-ester-type tumor promoter that specifically inhibits phosphoserine/phosphothreonine specific protein phosphatases. We show that treatment of cells with okadaic acid reduces the rate of protein synthesis. In parallel expression of the c-fos proto-oncogene is elevated. This latter effect can be further enhanced by simultaneous addition of anisomycin, a potent protein synthesis inhibitor.
Intramolecular DNA triplexes in supercoiled plasmids. I. Effect of loop size on formation and stability.

The capacity of four oligopurine•oligopyrimidine (pur•pyr) sequences with different lengths of interruptions in the center [GAA)4(N)n(GAA)4G) (n = 3, 5, 7, and 9) to adopt intramolecular DNA triplexes was evaluated in recombinant plasmids. The hyperreactive patterns of the pur•pyr inserts to specific chemical probes (OsO4, diethyl pyrocarbonate, and dimethyl sulfate) at the base pair level demonstrate that intramolecular triplexes with identical 12-base triads in the stem but with different loop sizes (4, 6, 8, and 10 bases) can form in supercoiled plasmids. Furthermore, the extent of OsO4 modification was measured as a function of temperature and of average negative supercoil density. In addition, the transition free energy of B-DNA to triplexes at pH 4.5 was determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis. These comparative studies show that longer loops require more supercoil energy for triplex formation and are less thermostable than triplexes with shorter loops. Also, it may be that not only the loop size but the base composition of the loop region affects the structural transition and triplex stability. Thus, these results significantly broaden the range of natural pur.pyr sequences that may adopt triplexes.
GAP into the Breach

Stephen R. Sprang Guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) are critical regulatory molecules in cells. In this issue, Scheffzek et al. report the structure of the key GTPase Ras complexed with its GAP, an accessory molecule necessary for efficient catalysis. In his Perspective, Sprang compares this new structure with the structure of Gabound to RGS, another important GTPase regulatory system.
Vigilante Racism: The De-Americanization of Immigrant America

The mistreatment of those of Arab, Muslim, and Sikh descent in the United States post September 11 amounts to vigilante racism--the enforcement of a presumed code of what constitutes a "true" American. In the process, the culprits engage in a process of "de-Americanizing" individuals of color, informing them that they do not belong to the American community. There are two Americas; one that is embracing of diversity, the other that continues to be premised on a Euro-centric vision.
High-Performance Organizations: The Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Case Study

Organizational effectiveness is the goal of organizations competing in the changing landscape of global business (Colquitt, LePine, Wesson, 2009). While profitability sustains a firm financially, the well-being of the human capital of the organization is equally important to ensure competitiveness (Carpenter & Sanders, 2008). Collins (2001) posited that effective strategic leaders are those with the capabilities to drive the transformations of the firm into new and profitable models. Firms that are able to transition from good to great companies (Collins, 2001) have leaders who demonstrate to be (1) capable individuals, (2) contributing team members, (3) competent managers, (4) effective leaders, and (5) humble executives. According to Blanchard (2006) leaders in high performing organizations prioritized the triple-bottom line of being “the provider of choice, the employer of choice, and the investment of choice” (in Watson, 2007, p. 46). Leaders in high-performance organizations strive to keep their customers, employees, and investors satisfied, emphasizing that people are always first (Schermerhorn, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008, p. 22). This study will address the components of the culture and organizational behavior of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in the U.S. to determine if the characteristics of the firm qualify it as a high-performance organization.
Crystallization and properties of Sr-Ba aluminosilicate glass-ceramic matrices

Powders of roller quenched (Sr,Ba)O-Al2O3-2SiO2 glasses of various compositions were uniaxially pressed into bars and hot isostatically pressed at 1350 C for 4 hours or cold isostatically pressed and sintered at different temperatures between 800 to 1500 C for 10 or 20 hours. Densities, flexural strengths, and linear thermal expansion were measured for three compositions. The glasss transition and crystallization temperatures were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The liquidus and crystallization temperature from the melt were measured using high temperature Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Crystalline phases formed on heat treatment of the glasses were identified by powder x ray diffraction. In Sr containing glasses, the monoclinic celsian phase always crystallized at temperatures above 1000 C. At lower temperatures, the hexagonal analog formed. The temperature for orthorhombic to hexagonal structure transformation increased monotonically with SrO content, from 327 C for BaO-Al2O3-2SiO2 to 758 C for SrO-Al2O3-2SiO2. These glass powders can be sintered to almost full densities and monoclinic celsian phase at a relatively low temperature of 1100 C.
Coupon Usage and Frequent Buyer Club Participation by Lower, Middle, and Upper Social Classes

Abstract More than 75% of households belong to at least one frequent-buyer club program and over 90% of these households use their cards almost every time they shop. Presently, customer-loyalty efforts are a major promotional priority for 56% of marketers. However, marketing scientists have not compared the social class participation levels of frequent-buyer club members to those of coupon-users and “ordinary” customers. By performing this comparison, it was found that the coupon-user (p < 0.01) and frequent-buyer (p < 0.01) groups had lower social class standings than did the “ordinary” households. Moreover, because there were no significant (p < 0.20) differences between the upper, middle, and lower social class standings of coupon-users and frequent-buyers, managerial substitutions of frequent-buyer promotions for coupon efforts seem rational.
A new channel for the detection of planetary systems through microlensing

We propose and evaluate the feasibility of a new strategy to search for planets via microlensing observations. This new strategy is designed to detect planets in "wide" orbits, i.e., with orbital separation, a, greater than ~1.5 R_E. Planets in wide orbits may provide the dominant channel for the discovery of planets via microlensing, particularly low-mass (e.g., Earth-mass) planets. Because the ongoing microlensing observations and extensions of them should be able to discover planets in wide orbits, we provide a foundation for the search through detailed calculations and simulations that quantify the expected results and compare the relative benefits of various search strategies. If planetary systems similar to our own or to some of the known extra-solar systems are common, then the predicted detection rates of wide-orbit events are high, generally in the range 2-10% of the present detection rate for apparently single events by stars. The expected high rates should allow the microlensing observing teams to either place significant limits on the presence of planetary systems in the Galactic Bulge, or begin to probe the population in detail within the next few years. We also address the issues of (1) whether planets discovered via microlensing are likely to harbor life, (2) the feasibility of follow-up observations to learn more about planet microlenses, and (3) the contamination due to stellar populations of any microlensing signal due to low-mass MACHOs.
Covariance Control of Discrete Stochastic Bilinear Systems

This paper will characterize the covariances that certain bilinear stochastic discrete time systems may possess. An explicit parameterization of all controllers that assign such covariances is then given. The state feedback assignability and robustness of the system are then discussed from a deterministic point of view. This work will extend the theory of covariance control for continuous time bilinear systems to a discrete time setting.
Influence of Cover Soil Depth on the Load Rating of Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts

This paper describes the influence of cover soil depth on the load rating of the designs of multibarrel, cast-in-place (CIP) reinforced concrete (RC) box culverts and highlights implications for the load rating and design of culvert structures. The basics of culvert load rating are discussed and are followed by a history of culvert design policy and the challenges created by the use of culvert standard designs. A population of Texas Department of Transportation CIP RC standard culvert designs developed between 1930 and 1980 was load rated by using AASHTO policy guidance and a two-dimensional model of direct stiffness structural demand for a full range of cover soil depths. This analysis resulted in a set of 1,081 relationships of load rating versus cover soil depth. Three typical relationships of rating versus depth are illustrated and described in detail. The distribution of characteristic relationships of rating versus depth on the basis of culvert geometry, design cover soil depth, and design era is ex...
Reactions on modified silica surfaces

Abstract Molecular dynamic computer simulations have been used to model adsorbate interactions at silica surfaces. Deposition of alkali ions into vSiO 2 and SiO 2− x F x surfaces provided a means to study the effect of varying surface composition on the behavior of adsorbates. Silica surfaces with a range in the concentration of non-bridging oxygen and silica surfaces doped with varying concentrations of fluorine were exposed to the alkali adsorbates. The fluorinated surfaces were less reactive towards the alkali than were the vitreous silica surfaces. Reactivity was also reduced when the non-bridging oxygen concentration was decreased on the silica surfaces and the fluorine concentration was decreased on the fluorine doped surfaces. Non-bridging oxygen sites on the silica surfaces were energetically the most favorable for bonding, followed by fluorine sites on the fluorinated surfaces and bridging oxygen sites on both types of surfaces.
UXO target area identification with hidden Markov models

Site characterization activities at potential unexploded ordnance (UXO) sites rely on sparse sampling collected as geophysical surveys along strip transects. From these samples, the locations of target areas, those regions on the site where the geophysical anomaly density is significantly above the background density, must be identified. A target area detection approach using a hidden Markov model (HMM) is developed here. HMM’s use stationary transition probabilities from one state to another for steps between adjacent locations as well as the probability of any particular observation occurring given each possible underlying state. The approach developed here identifies the transition probabilities directly from the conceptual site model (CSM) created as part of the UXO site characterization process. A series of simulations examine the ability of the HMM approach to simultaneously determine the target area locations within each transect and to estimate the unknown anomaly intensity within the identified target area. The HMM results are compared to those obtained using a simpler target detection approach that considers the background anomaly density to be defined by a Poisson distribution and each location to be independent of any adjacent location. Results show that the HMM approach is capable of accurately identifying the target locations with limited false positive identifications when both the background and target are intensities are known. The HMM approach is relatively robust to changes in the initial estimate of the target anomaly intensity and is capable of identifying target locations and the corresponding target anomaly intensity when this intensity is approximately 60% higher than the background intensity at intensities that are representative of actual field sites. Application to data collected from a wide area assessment field site show that the HMM approach identifies the area of the site with elevated anomaly intensity with few false positives. This field site application also shows that the HMM results are relatively robust to changes in the transect width.
Tibial and Femoral Tunnel Changes After ACL Reconstruction A Prospective 2-Year Longitudinal MRI Study

Background:Tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is a well-accepted and frequent phenomenon, yet little is known regarding its origin or natural history.Purpose:To prospectively evaluate the cross-sectional area (CSA) changes in tibial and femoral bone tunnels after ACL-R with serial MRI.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Patients underwent arthroscopic ACL-R with the same surgeon, surgical technique, and rehabilitation protocol. Each patient underwent preoperative dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and clinical evaluation, as well as postoperative time zero MRI followed by subsequent MRI and clinical examination, including functional and subjective outcome tests, at 6, 12, 24, 52, and 104 weeks. Tibial and femoral tunnel CSA was measured on each MRI at tunnel aperture (ttA and ftA), midsection (ttM and ftM), and exit (ttE and ftE). Logistic regression modeling was used to examine the predictive value of demographic data and preoperative bone quality (as...
On the condition number of Lagrangian numerical differentiation

Given distinct nodes U:(u"0, u"1,...,u"n) in [-1,1], consider the differentiation rule @?^(^k^)(0) ~ h^-^[email protected]^n"j"="0w"[email protected]?(hu"j), where w"j = 1^(^k^)"j(0;U),1 "j(t;U), @? P"n, and 1"j(u"i;U) = @d"i"j. The condition number @l"k"n(U) = @S^n"j" "=" "0|w"j| is a measure of the error due to perturbations in the function values @?(hu"j). T. J. Rivlin (SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 1975) theoretically determined sets U which minimize the condition number for fixed k, n. Results of Rivlin are used to exhibit an explicit formula for the optimal value of @l"k"n(U). A description is given of a simple and efficient algorithm, and a corresponding FORTRAN subroutine, for computing derivatives of interpolating polynomials. Condition numbers obtained from the subroutine are tabulated for optimal, equidistant, and geometric nodes and for 1 =< k =< n =< 15 andk, n of the same parity. The computed values, whose relative errors are theoretically bounded by machine precision, are remarkably free from roundoff amplification. The subroutine can be used as the basis of a simple program that returns approximate derivatives and corresponding error estimates.
Editorial: Oxygen radical scavengers as adjuvant therapy for coronary reperfusion

The cornerstone of modern reperfusion therapy is the well-established experimental and clinical observation that timely and sustained restoration of blood flow can limit myocardial infarct size, enhance the long-term recovery of left ventricular function, and improve survival post-infarction [1,2]. Reperfusion has, however, been termed a double-edged sword [3], due in large part to the potentially deleterious burst of cytotoxic oxygen-derived free radicals--most notably the superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and their intermediary, hydrogen peroxide--documented to occur upon restoration of blood flow to previously ischemic tissue [4-6]. Indeed, overwhelming attention has focused on the role of these reactive oxygen species in precipitating so-called lethal reperfusion injury (i.e., the death of previously ischemic but viable myocytes by reperfusion per se), a concept that, despite intensive investigation, remains unsubstantiated [7-9]. Oxygen radicals may, however, confound the benefits of early reperfusion by a second means, by triggering platelet aggregation [10] and thereby contributing to acute reocclusion following initially successful thrombolysis [2,11,12]. In contrast to the uncertainties surrounding lethal reperfusion injury, the incidence and dire consequences of recurrent occlusion are clear. For example, recent analysis of data from the Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) trial revealed a significant increase in the rate of death or reinfarction, a greater need for further interventional procedures, and prolonged hospitalization in the 28% of patients initially reperfused with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) who subsequently developed recurrent ischemia [12]. This editorial focuses on this second and less well-appreciated facet of free radical production in the setting of ischemia/reperfusion, and asks the question, Does adjuvant therapy with oxygen radical scavenging agents offer a promising therapeutic strategy to maintain vessel patency and maximize the benefits of early reperfusion? The Premise: Oxygen Radicals Trigger Platelet Aggregation
Assessing and Improving Technology Integration Skills for Preservice Teachers Using the Teacher Work Sample

This study explores the efforts at Brigham Young University to improve preservice candidates' technology integration using the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) as an assessment tool. Baseline data that was analyzed from 95 TWSs indicated that students were predominantly using technology for productivity and information presentation purposes even though they had been taught to use technology for active student learning. Researchers discovered that decisions made about technology integration were heavily influenced by field instructors and TWS rubrics. An intervention plan was developed to train field instructors and 99 TWSs were analyzed the following year. The TWSs showed noticeable improvements including increases in the percentage of candidates who involved their K-12 students in using technology in their lessons.
Transient Natural Convection Heat Transfer Correlations for Tube Bundles Immersed in a Thermal Storage

A scale analysis of the transient discharge of a fully mixed thermal storage vessel with an immersed single-tube heat exchanger is extended to provide a generalized expression for the transient natural convection Nusselt number for heat exchangers comprising many tubes. The transient Nusselt number is expressed in terms of the Rayleigh number at the initiation of the discharge (or charge) process and easily measured geometric parameters. Nusselt numbers measured for a 240-tube heat exchanger immersed in a fully mixed 126 L storage vessel are well correlated in the proposed form. The applicability of the approach to thermally stratified storage fluids is evaluated for both a single-tube and the 240-tube bundle. For heat exchangers of practical size for solar systems, for example the 240-tube bundle, buoyancy driven flow within the storage is sufficient to mix an initially stratified fluid. In this case, Nusselt numbers during the discharge process are predicted accurately by the proposed transient formulation. However, if the storage fluid remains stratified during discharge, as is the case for an initially stratified vessel with a single-tube heat exchanger, the transient formulation is not recommended.
Mechanism of hyaluronan binding and degradation: structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae hyaluronate lyase in complex with hyaluronic acid disaccharide at 1.7 A resolution.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important constituent of the extracellular matrix; its bacterial degradation has been postulated to contribute to the spread of certain streptococci through tissue. Pneumococci and other streptococci produce hyaluronate lyase, an enzyme which depolymerizes HA, thus hyaluronate lyase might contribute directly to bacterial invasion. Although two different mechanisms for lyase action have been proposed, there was no crystallographic evidence to support those mechanisms. Here, we report the high-resolution crystal structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae hyaluronate lyase in the presence of HA disaccharide product, which ultimately provides the first crystallographic evidence for the binding of HA to hyaluronate lyase. This structural complex revealed a key interaction between the Streptococcus peneumoniae hyaluronate lyase protein and the product, and supports our previously proposed novel catalytic mechanism for HA degradation based on the native Streptococcus peneumoniae hyaluronate lyase structure. The information provided by this complex structure will likely be useful in the development of antimicrobial pharmaceutical agents.
Tetrodotoxin: anesthetic activity in the de-epithelialized cornea.

· Background: Tetrodotoxin (TTX) binds with high affinity to sodium channels and produces local anesthesia. We investigated whether TTX is an effective, long-acting corneal anesthetic in rabbits. · Methods: After mechanical debridement of the central corneal epithelium, topical TTX (1 mM, 0.1 mM, or 0.01 mM) was applied to one eye each of 18 New Zealand White rabbits. The fellow eye of each rabbit was treated with control vehicle. Blink response to a mechanical stimulus was assessed. Blink response was also assessed every 3 h for 30 h in 6 rabbits treated with 1 mM TTX administered every 6 h. In a separate group of 12 rabbits with central epithelial debridement, the rate of epithelial healing was compared between animals treated with topical 1.0 mM TTX and animals receiving no treatment. · Results: After 4 h, eyes treated with 1.0 mM and 0.1 mM TTX were anesthetic. At 6 h, five of six rabbit eyes treated with 1.0 mM TTX were still partially anesthetic. By 8 h, the mean anesthesia score for 1.0 mM TTX was approaching normal. With multiple dosing, all six rabbit eyes remained anesthetic for the duration of the experiment. There was no significant difference in the rate of re-epithelialization between eyes treated with TTX and untreated controls. There was no evidence of systemic or local toxicity from topical TTX. · Conclusion: In a rabbit model, TTX is a long-acting topical anesthetic that retains its effectiveness when administered repeatedly over 24 h and does not inhibit epithelial healing. It may have application in management of pain after photorefractive keratectomy.
Estimating potential aggregate interlock load transfer based on measurements of volumetric surface texture of fracture plane

The volumetric surface texture (VST) test was developed at the University of Minnesota to provide an estimate of the load transfer potential available through aggregate interlock across a concrete fracture plane. It can also provide an estimate of the abrasion that has taken place since fracture. A study was undertaken to validate the VST concept and test procedures. The factors investigated in this study include the effects of aggregate characteristics on measured surface texture and the effects of measured surface texture on crack and undoweled joint performance, as indicated by deflection-based load transfer efficiency. Deflection, load, and crack width data were collected for both field and laboratory slabs, and VST testing was performed with companion specimens for these slabs. This study has shown that the VST test provides a means of accurately measuring surface texture so that the selection of concrete aggregates can be performed with consideration of potential aggregate interlock at cracks and un...
Gay–See also–Lesbian Resources for Believers

ABSTRACT Few bibliographies exist that specifically focus on the resources available for lesbian and gay people of faith. This paper seeks to gather some of the best resources, both old and new, into a cohesive and comprehensive format as they mainly relate to the Christian tradition. Focusing on available books, as well as Internet resources, annotated lists have been assembled that document resources that many theological libraries might consider for purchase. Books have been categorized in typical library categories and each entry is annotated to aid in selection. Internet sites have also been annotated to explain their inclusion in the article.
DETECTION OF HYDROGEN-BONDED SUPRAMOLECULAR COMPLEXES USING ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION FROM CHLOROFORM

The stoichiometry of a noncovalent, hydrogen-bonded supramolecular complex, hub(M)3·RCA3, was characterized using electrospray ionization from chloroform. The intact (1:3) complex was observed in the negative-ion mode as a Cl−-bound species using Ph4PCl as the source of the charge donor. Collisionally and thermally induced dissociation of the (1:3) complex resulted in the simultaneous loss of all the three RCA units, indicating a cooperative binding of RCA units in the (1:3) complex. These results suggest that the attachment of small, organic-soluble ions may be a useful technique for mass spectrometric characterization of neutral supramolecular complexes that are stable or soluble only in non-polar organic solvents.
Cognitive differentiation between paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics.

sample. A primary differentiation between paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics appears to be in their cognitive style. Silverman (1964) distinguishes the two groups according to scanning ability. Paranoids tend to be high scanners while nonparanoids are the reverse. McReynolds (1960) differentiates the two groups in terms of the number of cognitive categories needed to assimilate new percepts. Paranoids use fewer categories than nonparanoid schizophrenics. Several studies (Foulds & Owen, 1963; Payne & Hewlett, 1960; Ornitz, 1969; Young & Jerome, 1972) support the notion that paranoids react in a more rigid conceptual manner than nonparanoid schizophrenics. For example, McDowell, Reynolds, and Magaro (in press) found that, when patients were presented with an auditory discrimination, paranoids responded more to the dominant conceptual category than nonparanoids, even when this led to failure. The present study examined this phenomenon using a visual discrimination. It is expected that in a task requiring the identification of ambiguous visual stimuli, paranoids will respond more to the conceptual aspects present and will follow these cues significantly more than nonparanoid schizophrenics. It is also expected that paranoids will perform similar to nonschizophrenic control subjects since previous research (Magaro, 1975) has shown that, on many tasks, paranoids and nonschizophrenics tend to perform similarly. METHOD Subjects were 8 male paranoid and 8 nonparanoid schizophrenics, and 8 nonschizophrenic controls drawn from a VA and a state mental hospital in Maine. Criteria for inclusion as subject were: 8 mo. or less current hospitalization; age between 18 and ,60 yr.; no evidence of organicity or retardation; and a current
How to print 100 nm contact hole with low NA 193 nm lithography

The continuous shrinkage of critical dimensions on 300 mm wafers has driven ArF lithography to resolve very small features for the next generation node. But the depth of focus (DOF) for 100 nm contact holes with a low NA of 0.75 is not adequate. Some resolution enhancement techniques (RETs), such as high transmission attenuated phase shifting masks, increase isolated contact hole DOF. Annular or quadrapole illumination improves dense hole resolution. However, they still cannot meet the requirement of logic circuit fabrication. To delineate 100-nm contact holes at 200-nm pitch, the resist process for 193 nm light was studied for the feasibility of a robust manufacturing process. In this paper we will discuss how to improve the process conditions of the thermal flow technique, as well as optimizing the illumination settings, prebake / post exposure bake temperatures, the mask dimensions and thermal flow temperature. Moreover, we will show the process window after the thermal flow process with optical proximity correction.
Differential Systems with Feedback: Time Discretizations and Lyapunov Functions

In this paper we examine a class of Eulerian time discretizations for a monotone cyclic feedback system with a time delay; see Mallet-Paret and Sell (1996a, 1996b) for background information. We construct an integer-valued function V for the discrete-time problem. The Main Theorem shows that V is a Lyapunov function, that is, V(xn+1)≤V(x n ) along a solution {x n }∞n=0, where the time steps can be relatively large.