cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of ill-conditioned situations in inverse coefficient problem for the Sturm-Liouville operator based on boundary measurements

The problem of determining the unknown coefficient k = k(x) of the Sturm-Liouville operator Au ≡ -(k(x)u' (x))' + q(x)u(x) from the measured data at the boundary x = 0;1 is considered. It is assumed that the function u = u(x) has several singular points in (0, 1) of different types. As a result different types of ill-conditioned situations (mild, moderate and severe) in (0, 1) arise. We analyze all the ill-conditioned situations and then based on the analysis construct computational method for the solution of the inverse problem.
Bias-line compensation in multi-stage amplifiers

In this paper, a novel bias-line compensation (BLC) using inverting current buffer for multi-stage amplifiers is proposed. This technique uses a compensation capacitor connected between the output node and low-impedance bias line, which helps in increasing the bandwidth and improving PSRR. The proposed technique is implemented in a widely-adopted low-voltage, high-gain and wide-swing pseudo-class AB amplifier [1]. The amplifier is conventionally compensated with reverse-nested Miller compensation. The results show that bias-line compensation improves the bandwidth by 50% and PSRR by 5dB with ±1.25V power supplies. The amplifier with bias-line compensation is stable for a capacitive load in the range of 1pF to 200pF. The chip was fabricated in a 0.5µm 2P3M process. Measurement results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reactions of the Ammoniated Electron with Some Rare-Earth Ions

For ammoniacal solutions at room temperature, and in the order of symbol of ion, concentration range of the ion (in units of 10-6M) and specific rate (in units of 1011 M-l.s-1), the specific rates of eam- with rare-earth ions measured by nanosecond pulse radiolysis are: Pr3+, 40-55, 3.1; Nd3+, 28-38, 2.7; Sm3+ , 40-60, 3.8; Dy3+ , 95-300, 2.7; Ho3+ , 50-300; 1.8; and Er3+ , 50-290, 1.5. In the presence of methanol or water, the specific rates of the above given reactions are markedly decreased.
EVIDENCE OF EVOLUTIONARY FORCES LEADING TO THE SPREAD OF LETHAL GENES IN WILD POPULATIONS OF HOUSE MICE.

Work performed in the Department of Zo6logy and Nevis Biological Station lunder (Contractl,( (30-1)-1804 with the United States Atomic Energy Commission. L. C. Dunn, Nature, 176, 1275-1276, 1955. L. C. Dunn, these PROCEEDINGS, 43, 158-163, 1957. L. C. Dunn, Acta genet. et statist. med., 4, 139-147, 1953. T. Prout, Acta genet. et statist. med., 4, 148-151, 1953. L. C. Dunn, Cold Spring Harbor Symposia Quant. Biol., Vol. 21, 1956 (in press).
Plakophilin, armadillo repeats, and nuclear localization.

Plakophilins are armadillo-repeat containing proteins, identified through their localization to desmosomes. Expressed in a wide range of tissues, plakophilins are largely nuclear in most cell types [Schmidt et al. (1997) Cell Tissue Res 290:481; Mertens et al. (1996) J. Cell Biol 135:1009]. Using Xenopus embryos and cultured A6 cells, together with myc- and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tags, we found that both the N-terminal, non-armadillo repeat "head" and the C-terminal armadillo repeat-containing regions can enter nuclei. The "arm" repeat domain is predominantly cytoplasmic and concentrated at the cell cortex, whereas the head and full-length polypeptides are concentrated in the nucleus. The head domain can also be seen to decorate and disrupt keratin filament network organization in some cells. In the course of these studies, we found that the distribution of the myc-epitope and green fluorescence differed in fixed cells, e.g., while the green fluorescence of a myc- and GFP-tagged head domain polypeptide was usually exclusively nuclear, a substantial fraction of the myc-immunoreactivity was cytoplasmic. Treating cells with the translation inhibitor cycloheximide reduces the cytoplasmic myc-signal, suggesting that it represented nascent polypeptides awaiting folding and nuclear import. Based on these types of experiments, GFP can be seen as a marker of the distribution of the mature form of the tagged polypeptide.
An empirical assessment of the effect of professionalism on cynicism among prison guards

Prison guards have generally escaped social science inquiry. Although the prison guards’ officially prescribed role (custody and security) is straightforward, part of the problem is their isolation from the free society and the danger and uncertainty surrounding their work. One attitude that is potentially emergent in this problematic environment is cynicism. To minimize the effects of cynicism on prison guards, correctional agencies have devised and implemented a plan of professionalization, which is characterized by a concern for higher standards in all areas and improved benefits and working conditions. Our focus was evaluating the effect, if any, professionalism has on cynicism. Analysis of data derived from 144 prison guards showed that the relationship between professionalism and cynicism is complex. Generally, only one professionalism dimension—sense of calling to the field—reduced a prison guard's cynicism. Effects of other professionalism dimensions on cynicism ranged from negligible to moderate.
ELECTROSPINNING OF BIOMATERIALS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN TISSUE ENGINEERING

Electrospinning is a process for generating micrometer or nanometer scale polymer fibers with large surface areas and high porosity. For tissue engineering research, the electrospinning technique provides a quick way to fabricate fibrous scaffolds with dimensions comparable to the extracellular matrix (ECM). A variety of materials can be used in the electrospinning process, including natural biomaterials as well as synthetic polymers. The natural biomaterials have advantages such as excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, which can be more suitable for making biomimic scaffolds. In the last two decades, there have been growing numbers of studies of biomaterial fibrous scaffolds using the electrospinning process. In this review, we will discuss biomaterials in the electrospinning process and their applications in tissue engineering.
Collective effects in the jn configuration

Abstract Using a model Hamiltonian with pairing and quadrupole forces we investigate the structure of selected states of the configuration jn with j = 13 2 , 17 2 , 21 2 and n = 4, 6 as a function of the relative coupling strength. Exact results for excitation energies, E2 transition rates and two-particle transfer spectroscopic amplitudes are presented and compared with the results of previous approximate variational calculations for the same model.
Biodistribution of [35S]‐cysteine and cysteine prodrugs: potential impact on chemoprotection strategies

Thiazolidine prodrugs of L-cysteine constructed with aldose monosaccharides as the carbonyl donor offer powerful protection against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepato-toxicity, but require large doses to be effective. Using disaccharides in prodrug synthesis produces a thiazolidine ring form with a cyclic sugar moiety present. This structural motif may allow the delivery of the prodrug to specific carbohydrate receptors, such as the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) of hepatocytes, thus reducing the required dose of prodrug and enhancing the effectiveness of cytoprotection. The bio-distribution of [35S]-labeled prodrugs was investigated in Swiss-Webster mice, both in the presence and absence of APAP, and compared to labeled L-cysteine itself. Accumulation of radioactivity in liver appeared to be stimulated by the presence of APAP in some cases, but organ levels after prodrug administration were much lower than after the administration of L-cysteine itself. These studies identified differences in the biodistribution of L-cysteine prodrugs of different structural types, as well as effects of the hepatotoxin on localization, but the occurrence of targeted delivery to hepatocytes remains speculative. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enteral nutrition with stearidonic acid increases incorporation of antiinflammatory N-3 fatty acids in liver phospholipids in the rat

Abstract We have shown that an enteral nutrition formula containing eicosa-pentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA) provided beneficial antiinflammatory effects in critically ill patients with acute lung injury. The use of diets enriched with stearidonic acid (18:4n-3; SDA) may provide a novel means to increase EPA content in tissue phospholipids and to provide the health benefits typically associated with n-3 fatty acids from fish oil. There is little known about the effects of increased consumption of SDA on tissue phospholipid fatty acid composition. We examined whether diets supplemented with SDA can be used as a precursor to increase EPA content in liver phospholipids and to determine the effectiveness of SDA in increasing tissue EPA content as compared with dietary EPA in rats. Male Long--Evans rats ( n = 10) were randomly divided into three dietary groups and fed a modified US-17 diet providing 200 kcal/kg/day and containing either 2% oleic acid (OA, 18:1 n-9) ( n = 4), 1% EPA /1% OA ( n = 3), or 1% SDA/1% OA ( n = 3) for 2 weeks. Dietary fatty acid composition was controlled by substituting the ethyl esters of EPA and SDA for OA; thus changes in phospholipid fatty acid composition would be the result of dietary changes of these fatty acids. The fatty acid compositions (mol %) of liver phospholipids were determined by gas chromatography. There was a small reduction, although not significant, in AA content with EPA and SDA as compared with OA. SDA resulted in an increase in EPA content in liver phospholipids that was approximately 50% of that for EPA. There was a smaller increase in tissue DPA content with SDA than EPA as compared with OA. There was no significant increase in DHA content with either EPA or SDA as compared with OA. These results indicate that dietary SDA can be used to increase EPA content in liver phospholipids and the relative effectiveness of SDA conversion to EPA and incorporation into tissue phospholipids was equivalent to one-half of dietary EPA. TABLE—ABSTRACT P77 . Fatty acid OA EPA SDA 20:4 n-6 (AA) 28.3 ± 1.02 a 25.1 ± 0.42 a 26.6 ± 0.30 a 20:5 n-3 (EPA) 0.02 ± 0.06 a 1.21 ± 0.43 b 0.66 ± 0.04 a,b 22:5 n-3 (DPA) 0.16 ± 0.04 a 1.65 ± 0.33 b 1.01 ± 0.04 c 22:6 n-3 (DHA) 6.49 ± 0.26 a 6.39 ± 0.004 a 6.67 ± 0.43 a Note. Values with different superscripts are significantly different ( P ≤ 0.05).
Combining artificial neural networks and statistics for stock-market forecasting

We have developed a stock-market forecasting system based on artificial neural networks. The system has been trained with the Standard & Poor 500 composite indexes of past twenty years. Meanwhile, the system produces the forecasts and adjusts itself by comparing its forecasts with the actual indexes. Since most of stock-market forecasting systems are based on some kind of statistical models, we have also implemented a statistical system based on Box-Jenkins ARIMA(p,d,q) model of time series. We compare the performance of the these systems. It shows that the artificial neural network's forecasting is generally superior to time series but it occasionally produces some very wild forecasting values. We then developed a transfer function model to forecast based on the indexes and the forecasts by the artificial neural networks.
Numerical study of source localization using the TDOA method

The time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning method is a classic method that is used to determine the unknown location of a transmitting wireless terminal, based on the time differences in the signals that are received at different receivers. In this research the method is studied for two- dimensional (2-D) problems for simplicity, for an electromagnetic dipole source radiating a carrier wave that is modulated by a baseband signal. By maximizing the cross-correlation between the signals arriving at any two receivers, the TDOA between these two receivers is estimated. In principle, only three receivers are needed for source localization in 2-D problems in the absence of noise, using the TDOA between any two pairs of receivers. The source is then constrained to lie at the intersection of two hyperbolas, arising from these two pair of receivers. Localization in the presence of noise is usually based on minimizing the square error between the measured TDOA between all possible pairs of receivers (multiplied by the speed of light) and the difference in distances between the estimated transmitter location and the corresponding pair of receivers.
Propagation of Systematic Errors in a One Layer Primitive-Equation Model for Synoptic Scale Motion

Abstract A one-layer, mid-latitude, beta-plane channel model of an incompressible homogeneous fluid is constructed to study the propagation of systematic errors on a nearly stationary synoptic scale wave. A time- and space-centered difference scheme is used to evaluate the governing primitive equations. Data fields resulting from height field perturbations injected at various locations in the synoptic wave are compared to the unperturbed synoptic wave at 3-hr intervals for 5 model days. Results show that the low-frequency or quasi-geostrophic component of the error tends to move toward the core of maximum velocity in the basic state and that, after 5 days, these maximum height errors are in the core regardless of the location of the initial perturbation.
Candanbala's Tears: Recovering the Emotional Life of Jainism

In the oft-told narrative of the Jain sati Candanbala, we see her standing at the door in chains, making an offering of lentils to Mahavir with tears in her eyes. Candanbala's tears, which arise after Mahavir passes by without taking alms, resonate with the Jain experience of worshipping an unresponsive Jina. Jain theology has been presented as anti-emotion and yet, within the most normative strata of the tradition, we find emotions and bhakti devotionalism as key first causes of moral actions of ideal persons. This essay examines the representations of Candanbala's tears in Shvetambar narrative and hymn literature alongside contemporary performances of the Candanbala Fast, the end of which is marked by a reenactment of this narrative. Analysis (informed by field research) of textual materials illuminates the potential for beneficial emotions within the Jain tradition alongside the argument that Candanbala's popularity arises from an identification with her moment of despair.
Seeking effectiveness and equity in a large college chemistry course: an HLM investigation of Peer-Led Guided Inquiry

This study employed hierarchical linear models (HLM) to investigate Peer-Led Guided Inquiry (PLGI), a teaching practice combining cooperative learning and inquiry and tailored for a large class. Ultimately, the study provided an example of the effective introduction of a reform pedagogical approach in a large class setting. In the narrative, the strengths of HLM as a statistical technique are discussed in the context of pedagogical reforms, and the case is made for the use of HLM in rigorous determinations of both effectiveness and equity associated with reform practices. The implementation of PLGI in a college-level general chemistry course is also described. For the study, two general HLM models suited to investigating reform were developed and utilized to examine the effectiveness and equity of PLGI as implemented in this setting. The models showed that the reform was associated with statistically significant improvement over traditional pedagogy in terms of academic performance on multiple measures, but achieving equity remained elusive: the consequences of pre-existing achievement gaps did not lessen as a result of reform implementation. The analysis led to several implications for educational research, particularly in terms of evaluating pedagogical reforms, as well as for teaching. Choosing effective and equitable pedagogies for classroom implementation remains a critical goal for classes of any size. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 794–811, 2008
Protein aggregation and the ubiquitin proteasome pathway: gaining the UPPer hand on neurodegeneration

Abstract Protein misfolding and aggregation are common to most neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that abnormalities of protein homeostasis contribute to pathogenesis. Research implicates at least two components of cellular protein quality control in disease: molecular chaperones and the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP). Although evidence is more compelling for chaperone involvement, recent cell-based and genetic studies suggest that perturbations in the UPP also contribute to neurodegenerative disease processes. UPP involvement in disease seems even more probable when the UPP is viewed not simply as an isolated degradation machine but rather as a complex cascade linked both to other ubiquitin-dependent processes and to chaperone systems.
Resonance effects for different states of a circulating bubble

The influence of an RF field superimposed on the DC bias on the tangential drive requirement of a moving bubble was measured. The bubble was maintained in continuous circular motion in a rotating gradient apparatus. With appropriate amplitude and frequency of RF field, the drive field required to move the bubble could be reduced. A minimum in the drive field occurred at an RF frequency of about 20 MHz. The measurements were performed for bubbles with and without Bloch lines. There was no discernible difference in drive field requirement between S=1 and S=0 bubbles. A harmonic oscillator model for the radial motion combined with the standard model for coercive pressure was used to calculate the expected velocity versus tangential drive relation. The principal features of the experimental results were borne out in the calculations. >
The prognostic implications of macrophages expressing proliferating cell nuclear antigen in breast cancer depend on immune context

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are recruited from the circulation to the tumor site, and can undergo a spectrum of phenotypic changes, with two contrasting activation states described in the literature: the M1 and M2 phenotypes. We previously identified a population of TAMs that express proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and are associated with high grade, hormone receptor negative breast cancers and poor outcomes. In the present exploratory study we again found that high PCNA+ TAM counts in pre-treatment tumor biopsies (102 invasive breast cancer cases from the I-SPY 1 Trial, a prospective neoadjuvant trial with serial core biopsies and gene array data) were associated with high grade, hormone receptor negativity, and decreased recurrence free survival. We explored the association of these PCNA+ TAMs with the expression of M1 and M2 related genes and, contrary to expectation, observed that high PCNA+ TAM levels were associated with more M1- than M2-related genes. An immune gene signature, derived from cytotoxic T cell and MHC Class II genes (Tc/ClassII), was developed and we found that high PCNA+ TAM counts, in the context of a low Tc/ClassII signature score, were associated with significantly worse recurrence free survival in all cases and in hormone receptor negative only cases. We observed similar results using a gene signature-proxy for PCNA+ TAMs in a larger independent set of 425 neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer cases. The results of this exploratory study indicate that high numbers of PCNA+ TAMs, in the absence of an anti-tumor immune microenvironment (as indicated by a low Tc/ClassII signature score), are associated with poor outcomes in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This, along with the observation that PCNA+ TAMs were associated predominantly with M1-related genes, may provide new insights into the role of the immune microenvironment in breast cancer.
Role of glutamatergic and GABAergic systems in alcoholism.

The pharmacological effects of ethanol are complex and widespread without a well-defined target. Since glutamatergic and GABAergic innervation are both dense and diffuse and account for more than 80% of the neuronal circuitry in the human brain, alterations in glutamatergic and GABAergic function could affect the function of all neurotransmitter systems. Here, we review recent progress in glutamatergic and GABAergic systems with a special focus on their roles in alcohol dependence and alcohol withdrawal-induced seizures. In particular, NMDA-receptors appear to play a central role in alcohol dependence and alcohol-induced neurological disorders. Hence, NMDA receptor antagonists may have multiple functions in treating alcoholism and other addictions and they may become important therapeutics for numerous disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's chorea, anxiety, neurotoxicity, ischemic stroke, and chronic pain. One of the new family of NMDA receptor antagonists, such as DETC-MESO, which regulate the redox site of NMDA receptors, may prove to be the drug of choice for treating alcoholism as well as many neurological diseases.
Medulloepithelioma: Two unusual locations

Reported herein are two cases of medulloepithelioma (ME) occurring in very unusual locations. Case 1 involved a 44-year-old man who presented with leg pain and urinary incontinence. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an enhancing epidural and intradural lumbosacral mass. He underwent L3-S2 laminectomy with partial tumor resection. Approximately 2 months following surgery, he developed leptomeningeal spread of the tumor, and died 2 months later. Case 2 involved a 22-month-old girl who presented with painless left proptosis. MRI demonstrated diffuse, fusiform, and contrast-enhancing enlargement of the left optic nerve. Following biopsy, she was treated with chemotherapy. Histologically, the tumors in both cases consisted of primitive pseudostratified neuroepithelial cells, arranged in papillary, tubular, or trabecular configurations. A PAS-stained external limiting membrane (ELM) of the neuroepithelia was present. In case 1 there were scattered cartilaginous nodules within the tumor, in keeping with the diagnosis of a teratoid ME. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin, nestin, microtubule-associated protein-2, CD56, CD10, glial fibrillary acidic protein (focal), and S-100 protein (focal). The main differential diagnoses include an immature teratoma and an optic nerve glioma in cases 1 and 2, respectively. Histological demonstration of the ELM by PAS stain is a simple but useful technique.
Identification of the methylated ribosomal proteins in HeLa cells and the fluctuation of methylation during the cell cycle

Methylated proteins from HeLa cell cytoplasmic ribosomes have been identified. At least seven proteins are methylated and four of them are mildly acidic. The nature of the methylated amino acid in each protein is presented. In synchronized HeLa cell culture, the extent of methylation for both subunits varies with the cell cycle. Methylation of the 40 S subunit occurs heavily in the late G1 phase whereas methylation of the 60 S subunit is most pronounced in the early S phase.
Extremum seeking-based tracking for unknown systems with unknown control directions

We develop controllers which perform trajectory tracking for a class of unknown linear and nonlinear systems. In the linear case we work under the assumption that the time-varying input vector, which is otherwise unknown, satisfies a persistency of excitation condition over a sufficiently short window. In the multi-input nonlinear case the square of the unknown time-varying input matrix has a known lower bound. Our design does not guarantee perfect regulation to the desired trajectory, but ensures semiglobal uniform ultimate boundedness of the error system and prevents large overshoots even when the initial estimate of the control direction is wrong. The stability analysis is inspired by the approach in a recent work by Durr, Stankovic, and Johansson, which combines a Lie bracket second-order averaging result of Gurvits and Li with an extension of the perturbation theory semiglobal practical stability result of Moreau and Aeyels.
What can functional analytic psychotherapy contribute to empirically‐validated treatments?

Although empirically-validated treatments are useful in treating a variety of psychological dysfunctions, there continues to be a number of problems and criticisms regarding strict adherence to these treatment protocols. One such criticism concerns the fact that many individuals are unresponsive to manualized treatment approaches and require more individualized assessment and treatment. Using cognitive therapy for depression, behavioural marital therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy as exemplar therapeutic interventions, we present functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) as a promising mechanism by which to address this issue and thereby enhance the efficacy of empirically-validated treatments. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The limit of precision in nuclear and analytical chemistry

Abstract The precision associated with an experiment in nuclear chemistry or activation analysis is commonly estimated by means of Poisson counting statistics. Such an estimate, as well as the conclusion that the precision may be indefinitely improved by increasing the number of counts obtained, is necessarily wrong when additional sources of random error are operating. Knowledge of the additional, non-Poisson component of random error is required for reliable estimates of parameters and their standard errors, to detect model errors, to plan counting experiments efficiently, and to establish the limit of precision when the Poisson counting error becomes negligible. For these purposes, an iterative computation program — XESS — has been developed to take into account the additional variance and unequal statistical weights. The significance and detectability of excess variance is illustrated with data from studies of photonuclear reactions and activation analysis.
Neutralizing antibodies to interferon

The impact of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to interferon-beta (IFN-beta) on clinical and imaging parameters in multiple sclerosis (MS) is reviewed. An effect on relapse rates and imaging parameters was noted in patients who tested positive for NAbs, but disability measures were unaffected or showed a trend toward improvement. Patients who developed NAbs during treatment with IFN-beta1a tended to remain NAb+, whereas those who developed NAbs during IFN-beta1b treatment tended to revert to NAb- over time. NAbs were more persistent in patients with high titers. The prevalence of NAbs was lower when a higher-than-standard dose of IFN-beta1b was given in a dose-comparison study. The prevalence of NAbs in an observational study of MS patients who exhibited suboptimal treatment responses to IFN-beta1b was significantly less than the reported prevalence in clinical trials. An immunoregulatory effect of immune complexes of cytokine and anticytokine antibodies is proposed to account for the variability of clinical responses seen in patients who develop NAbs to IFN-beta1b.
Pricing and sales tax collection policies for e-cigarette starter kits and disposable products sold online.

Background Previous studies have examined marketing characteristics of e-cigarettes sold online and others have examined e-cigarettes pricing in retail (non-Internet) settings. This study expands on these findings by examining pricing and marketing characteristics of interest among e-cigarette online vendors. Methods Structured web searches were conducted from August–September 2014 to identify popular e-cigarette Internet vendors. We then collected pricing data (e-cigarette starter kits and disposables), sales tax collection policies and other vendor marketing characteristics. Average price for each product category was then compared with marketing characteristics using linear regression for continuous variables and independent t-tests for binary variables. Results Our searches yielded 44 e-cigarette Internet vendors of which 77% (n = 34) sold a total of 238 starter kit offerings (Mprice = $55.89). Half (n = 22) sold disposable types of e-cigarettes (Mprice = $7.17 p/e-cigarette) at a price lower than reported elsewhere in retail settings. Average disposable e-cigarette prices were also significantly higher for vendors displaying more health warning notices (P = 0.001). Only 46% disclosed sales tax collection policies and only 39% collected sales tax in their state of business. Conclusions This study expands on current understanding of e-cigarette pricing and availability online and finds variation in e-cigarette pricing may be influenced by type of product, use of online health warnings and vendor sales tax collection policies. It also finds that e-cigarette online access and availability may be impacted by a combination of pricing and marketing strategies uniquely different from e-cigarette retail settings that requires further study and targeted policy-making. [Cuomo RE, Miner A, Mackey TK. Pricing and sales tax collection policies for e-cigarette starter kits and disposable products sold online. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Pharmacotherapy of Panic Disorder: Proposed Guidelines for the Family Physician

Background: Efforts to improve the recognition and treatment of panic disorder in the primary c~re setting have not resulted in better outcomes. Studies show that even when physicians recognize panic disorder, they do not treat it adequately. Family physicians need specific diagnostic and treatment guidelines when they encounter a patient who has possible panic disorder. Jletbods: Four psychiatrists with expertise in the pharmacotherapy of panic disorder and experience working in the primary care setting reviewed the available treatment literature and developed a consensus treatment algorithm for panic pharmacotherapy in the primary care setting. These proposed guidelines were reviewed for accuracy by 3 additional psychiatric experts and for their applicability to the primary care setting by 2 leading experts on the treatment of mental disorders in primary care. Results: Guidelines for medication selection, dosing, titration, side-effect management, and maintenance treatment are proposed. Modifications for patients already on psychotropic medication are provided, and indications for psychiatric consultation are specified. Conclusions: Panic disorder is a highly treatable condition, and primary care physicians can deliver effective pharmacotherapy if specific guidelines are carefully followed. (J Am Board Fam Pract 1998;11:282-90.) 'With a prevalence of approximately 6 to 8 percent according to the most well-designed studies,I-4 panic disorder is the most commonly encountered anxiety disorder in tne primary care setting. Eighty-five percent of patients with panic disorder initially seek care in the general medical setting. 5 Panic disorder occurs less often than depression in primary care, and primary care physicians are less effective at recognizing anxiety compared with de­ pression. 6 In one study 70 percent of 57 patients with panic disorder saw an average of 10 physi­ cians before finally having their condition diag­ nosed,7 Because panic disorder so closely mimics med­ ical disorders requiring acute treatment, primary care physicians are often distracted by concerns they will fail to recognize emergent medical con­ ditions such as cardiac ischemia. High utilization
The analysis of wind exponents retrieved from microwave radar and radiometric measurements

The analysis of the dependence of gravity-capillary spectral density on wind speed is based on near-nadir microwave radiometric measurements and VV scatterometric measurements at view angles 30/spl deg/-60/spl deg/ from nadir obtained by different investigators in field experiments during the last 25 years. Wind exponents estimated by a symmetric-regression technique for moderate wind speed are consistent both for radiometric and scatterometric measurements. Using Donelan and Pierson's approach, a parameterization of the exponent in the nonlinear dissipation term is derived. The results obtained can be used in model development for the purposes of microwave remote sensing of the ocean.
Polar SiGe Class E and F Amplifiers Using Switch-Mode Supply Modulation

Two integrated polar supply-modulated class E and F power amplifiers (PAs) in 0.18-mum SiGe BiCMOS process are presented. The amplifiers are used to transmit GSM-EDGE signals with an envelope dynamic range of 11 dB and a frequency range of 880-915 MHz. The amplifiers use switch-mode dc-dc buck converters for supply modulation, where sigma-delta (SigmaDeltaM), delta (DeltaM), and pulsewidth modulation are used to modulate the PA amplitude signal. A framework has been developed for comparing the three switching techniques for EDGE implementation. The measurement results show that DeltaM gives the highest efficiency and lowest adjacent channel power, providing class E and F PA efficiencies of 33% and 31%, respectively, at maximum EDGE output power. The corresponding class E and F linearized amplifiers' output spectra at 400-kHz offset are -54 and -57dBc, respectively
Effects of topical pre-treatment with dexamethasone on the immediate and late phases of topically induced ocular anaphylaxis in the rat.

. We tested the effects of pre-treatment with dexamethasone on topically induced ocular anaphylaxis in the rat. Rats were immunized with dinitrophenylated Ascaris suum extract and challenged with di-DNP-lysine. Dexamethasone was administered topically once (24, 6, or 1 h before challenge) or three times (6, 4, and 2 h before challenge). A single pre-treatment given at 24 or 6 h had no significant effect. A single pre-treatment 1 h before challenge reduced the extent of edema assessed histologically but not clinically, and had no significant effect on the eosinophil count in conjunctival tissue examined 6 h after challenge. Eyes pre-treated with dexamethasone 6, 4, and 2 h before challenge showed a significant reduction in conjunctival edema assessed histologically and clinically 1 h after challenge. In addition, 6 h after challenge the number of eosinophils was significantly reduced. We conclude that repeated pre-treatment with dexamethasone can suppress both the immediate phase and the cellular late phase of topically induced ocular anaphylaxis.
Performance of abdominal ultrasonography in blunt trauma patients with out-of-hospital or emergency department hypotension ☆

Abstract Study objectives We determine the test performance of abdominal ultrasonography for detecting hemoperitoneum in blunt trauma patients with out-of-hospital or emergency department (ED) hypotension. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all blunt trauma patients hospitalized at a Level I trauma center. Patients were included if they were older than 6 years and had out-of-hospital or ED hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg) and underwent ED ultrasonography. The initial interpretation of the abdominal ultrasonography was recorded, including the presence or absence of intraperitoneal fluid and the specific location of such fluid. Presence or absence of intra-abdominal injury was determined by abdominal computed tomography scan, laparotomy, or clinical follow-up. Results Four hundred forty-seven patients with a mean age of 36.0±17.5 years were enrolled. One hundred forty-eight (33%) patients had intra-abdominal injuries, and 116 (78%) of these patients had hemoperitoneum. Abdominal ultrasonography had the following test performance for detecting patients with intra-abdominal injury and hemoperitoneum: sensitivity 92/116 (79%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 71% to 86%), specificity 316/331 (95%; 95% CI 93% to 97%), positive predictive value 92/107 (86%; 95% CI 78% to 92%), and negative predictive value 316/340 (93%; 95% CI 90% to 95%). The positive likelihood ratio was 15.8, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.22. One hundred five (91%) of the 116 patients with intra-abdominal injuries and hemoperitoneum underwent a therapeutic laparotomy. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated intraperitoneal fluid in 87 (sensitivity 83%; 95% CI 74% to 90%) of these 105 patients. Conclusion Of patients with out-of-hospital or ED hypotension, abdominal ultrasonography identifies most patients with hemoperitoneum and intra-abdominal injuries. Hypotensive patients with negative abdominal ultrasonography results, however, must be further evaluated for sources of their hypotension, including additional abdominal evaluation, once they are hemodynamically stabilized.
Low power control IC for efficient high-voltage piezoelectric driving in a flying robotic insect

A dual-channel, low power control IC for driving high voltage piezoelectric actuators in a flapping-wing robotic insect is presented. The IC controls milligram-scale power electronics that meet the stringent weight and power requirements of aerial microrobots. Designed in a 0.13µm CMOS process, the IC implements an efficient control algorithm to drive piezoelectric actuators with high temporal resolution while consuming &#60;100µW during normal operation at 1.0V.
AXIOMS FOR FINITE COLLAPSE MODELS OF ARITHMETIC

The collapse models of arithmetic are inconsistent, nontrivial models obtained from ℕ and set out in the Logic of Paradox (LP). They are given a general treatment by Priest (Priest, 2000). Finite collapse models are decidable, and thus axiomatizable, because finite. LP, however, is ill-suited to normal axiomatic reasoning, as it invalidates Modus Ponens, and almost all other usual conditional inferences. I set out a logic, A3, first given by Avron (Avron, 1991), and give a first order axiom system for the finite collapse models. I present some standard arithmetical axioms in addition to a cyclic axiom and prove that these axioms are sound and complete for the cyclic models, reporting a similar result for the heap models. The state of the situation for the each of the kinds of infinite collapse model is, however, left an open question.
Extracellular transglutaminase 2 activates β-catenin signaling in calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells

Accumulation of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is often associated with mineral deposits in vasculature. Here, we demonstrate that purified TG2 stimulated a 3-fold increase in matrix mineralization and up-regulation of osteoblastic markers in cultured primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Extracellular TG2 interacts with the low density lipoprotein related-protein 5 receptor and activates β-catenin signaling in VSMCs. These results suggest that TG2 may promote vascular calcification by activating the β-catenin signaling pathway.
Structural information based term weighting in text retrieval for feature location

Many recent feature location techniques (FLTs) apply text retrieval (TR) techniques to corpora built from text embedded in source code. Term weighting is a standard preprocessing step in TR and is used to adjust the importance of a term within a document or corpus. Common term weighting schemes such as tf-idf may not be optimal for use with source code, because they originate from a natural language context and were designed for use with unstructured documents. In this paper we propose a new approach to term weighting in which term weights are assigned using the structural information from the source code. We then evaluate the proposed approach by conducting an empirical study of a TR-based FLT. In all, we study over 400 bugs and features from five open source Java systems and find that structural term weighting can cause a statistically significant improvement in the accuracy of the FLT.
Experiences with distributed query processing

Different implementations of an experimental distributed query processing system which is constructed on top of existing database management systems (DBMSs) are presented. A performance evaluation is carried out. It is shown that the response times of query execution are affected significantly by the degree of site autonomy, interferences among processes, interface with the local DBMSs, and communications facilities. Too much autonomy for data replication increases response times. However lack of processing autonomy also increases response times. A goal is to identify the type of autonomy that facilitates query processing. It is shown that pipelining of the actions for data replication, which include local reduction, data transfer, and union fragments, improves performance whereas pipelining between join and data replication causes deterioration in performance because of competition of resources. However, the simulation results indicate that, in a multiprocessor environment, pipelining always improves performance provided that processes which compete for the same resource are assigned to different processors. >
Regulators of G-Protein signaling RGS10 and RGS17 regulate chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells

A critical therapeutic challenge in epithelial ovarian carcinoma is the development of chemoresistance among tumor cells following exposure to first line chemotherapeutics. The molecular and genetic changes that drive the development of chemoresistance are unknown, and this lack of mechanistic insight is a major obstacle in preventing and predicting the occurrence of refractory disease. We have recently shown that Regulators of G-protein Signaling (RGS) proteins negatively regulate signaling by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a growth factor elevated in malignant ascites fluid that triggers oncogenic growth and survival signaling in ovarian cancer cells. The goal of this study was to determine the role of RGS protein expression in ovarian cancer chemoresistance. In this study, we find that RGS2, RGS5, RGS10 and RGS17 transcripts are expressed at significantly lower levels in cells resistant to chemotherapy compared with parental, chemo-sensitive cells in gene expression datasets of multiple models of chemoresistance. Further, exposure of SKOV-3 cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy causes acute, persistent downregulation of RGS10 and RGS17 transcript expression. Direct inhibition of RGS10 or RGS17 expression using siRNA knock-down significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced cell toxicity. The effects of cisplatin, vincristine, and docetaxel are inhibited following RGS10 and RGS17 knock-down in cell viability assays and phosphatidyl serine externalization assays in SKOV-3 cells and MDR-HeyA8 cells. We further show that AKT activation is higher following RGS10 knock-down and RGS 10 and RGS17 overexpression blocked LPA mediated activation of AKT, suggesting that RGS proteins may blunt AKT survival pathways. Taken together, our data suggest that chemotherapy exposure triggers loss of RGS10 and RGS17 expression in ovarian cancer cells, and that loss of expression contributes to the development of chemoresistance, possibly through amplification of endogenous AKT signals. Our results establish RGS10 and RGS17 as novel regulators of cell survival and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells and suggest that their reduced expression may be diagnostic of chemoresistance.
Explicit allocation of best-effort packet delivery service

This paper presents the "allocated-capacity" framework for providing different levels of best-effort service in times of network congestion. The "allocated-capacity" framework-extensions to the Internet protocols and algorithms-can allocate bandwidth to different users in a controlled and predictable way during network congestion. The framework supports two complementary ways of controlling the bandwidth allocation: sender-based and receiver-based. In today's heterogeneous and commercial Internet the framework can serve as a basis for charging for usage and for more efficiently utilizing the network resources. We focus on algorithms for essential components of the framework: a differential dropping algorithm for network routers and a tagging algorithm for profile meters at the edge of the network for bulk-data transfers. We present simulation results to illustrate the effectiveness of the combined algorithms in controlling transmission control protocol (TCP) traffic to achieve certain targeted sending rates.
Cadaver Transplant Ureteroneocystostomy Dehiscence After 5 Years: A Case of Chronic Rejection

A60-year-old white male was referred for seating a stent from the transplant kidney to the bladder to correct a leak at the ureteroneocystostomy site. The patient had been diagnosed with end stage renal disease approximately 15 years earlier. Hypertension was the major comorbitity which is marginally controlled with medical treatment. Deteriorating renal function mandated a renal transplant 6 ½ years ago. The cadaveric transplant functioned exceptionally well for approximately 6 years, with serum creatinine levels between 1.1 and 1.3 mg/100 ml. However, in the last 6 months renal function again declined with serum creatinine levels increasing to 8.6 mg/100 ml. Computerized tomography revealed moderate hydronephrosis with poor and delayed contrast excretion of the transplanted kidney. A percutaneous nephrostomy tube (8Fr) was placed, with prompt improve
14C Cycling in lignocellulose-amended soils: predicting long-term C fate from short-term indicators

We compared lignocellulose (the second most abundant component of plant material) degradation over 8 months in contrasting soils from each of five sites across the United States with the aim of assessing which soils are likely to store more C. The soils were collected from a tallgrass prairie restoration (farmland, and plots restored in 1993 and 1979), the semiarid shrub-steppe (cool, moist upper slope and warm, dry lower slope soils), long-term farmland (no-till and conventional-till), and from two forest soils (loblolly pine and Douglas fir; fertilized and nonfertilized). Soils that rapidly metabolized freshly added C exploited endogenous and newly transformed C to a lesser degree over the course of the incubation (lower slope shrub-steppe, nonfertilized Douglas fir, and tallgrass prairie farmed and 1993 restorations). We also pooled the data to find a strong relationship between sand content and lignocellulose C remaining in the soil after 8 months (R=0.68) and also between short-term storage of lignocellulose C (at 7 days) and lignocellulose C remaining after 8 months (R=0.94). To predict C storage, models of C and soil properties must be modified to reflect the structure and function of microbial communities. Communities in richer soils may be more competent to use native C following fresh C additions when compared with communities in poorer soils.
Uncovering peer effects mechanisms with weight outcomes using spatial econometrics

a b s t r a c t Research about how peers influence weight outcomes among adolescents has yielded mixed findings. This paper seeks to not only estimate these peer effects, but also to dis- tinguish between two mechanisms: social multiplier effects and social norm effects. After estimating an augmented spatial autoregressive model using data from the National Lon- gitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health Survey, this study finds significant peer interactions in body mass index, which can be explained by both mechanisms of peer influ- ence; the social norm effect is much larger than the social multiplier effect. The estimated peer effects for overweight and obesity statuses suggest that peer effects are important for overweight status but not for obesity status, and peer influence for overweight status appears to operate solely through social multiplier effect. These findings provide important information for the design of obesity-prevention interventions in schools.