cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An essential role of Tap42-associated PP2A and 2A-like phosphatases in Ty1 transcriptional silencing of S. cerevisiae

We previously reported that overproduction of non-translatable mRNA silences Ty1 transcription, possibly via functional inactivation of the nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) and subsequent hyperstimulation of the TORC1 pathway. Further experimental evidence for CBC-to-TORC1 signalling in Ty1 transcriptional silencing is presented here. The role of Tap42 (a key downstream component of the TORC1 pathway) was tested. Mutations affecting components of the Tap42-associated PP2A/2A-like phosphatases (Tap42, redundant Pph21/Pph22 and Sit4) eliminate Ty1 transcriptional silencing and epistasis experiments show that the phosphatases function downstream of CBC. Thus, Tap42 functions in the same positive direction as Sit4, Pph21 and Pph22 in Ty1 transcriptional silencing, providing support to the idea that Tap42 may play a positive role in phosphatase activity in response to TORC1 signalling. Moreover, the pph21-102 and sit4-102 mutations affecting interactions of the phosphatases with the Tap42 regulator also abolish Ty1 transcriptional silencing, confirming that the Tap42-phosphatase complex is one required for TORC1-mediated Ty1 transcriptional silencing. PP2A holoenzyme activity, which is independent of Tap42 and TORC1, is not essential for Ty1 transcriptional silencing, strengthening the argument that TORC1-specific signalling underlies Ty1 transcriptional silencing.
Radiation in Space: Risk Estimates

The complexity of radiation environments in space makes estimation of risks more difficult than for the protection of terrestrial populations. In deep space the duration of the mission, position in the solar cycle, number and size of solar particle events (SPE) and the spacecraft shielding are the major determinants of risk. In low-earth orbit missions there are the added factors of altitude and orbital inclination. Different radiation qualities such as protons and heavy ions and secondary radiations inside the spacecraft such as neutrons of various energies, have to be considered. Radiation dose rates in space are low except for short periods during very large SPEs. Risk estimation for space activities is based on the human experience of exposure to gamma rays and to a lesser extent X rays. The doses of protons, heavy ions and neutrons are adjusted to take into account the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the different radiation types and thus derive equivalent doses. RBE values and factors to adjust for the effect of dose rate have to be obtained from experimental data. The influence of age and gender on the cancer risk is estimated from the data from atomic bomb survivors. Because of the large number of variables the uncertainities in the probability of the effects are large. Information needed to improve the risk estimates includes: (1) risk of cancer induction by protons, heavy ions and neutrons; (2) influence of dose rate and protraction, particularly on potential tissue effects such as reduced fertility and cataracts; and (3) possible effects of heavy ions on the central nervous system. Risk cannot be eliminated and thus there must be a consensus on what level of risk is acceptable.
Objective benefit of nifedipine in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: Double-blind controlled study

To compare the effects of the calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine, with that of placebo, a randomized double-blind crossover study was performed in 11 patients with moderate to severe Raynaud's phenomenon. Digital skin temperature recovery time was measured after immersing the patient's hand in ice water for 20 seconds. Patients were randomly assigned to receiving either nifedipine or placebo for one week, followed by the crossover phase. Skin temperature recovery time was also measured in 21 normal volunteers. The mean time to recovery for patients taking nifedipine was 28.5 ± 20.8 minutes versus 44.9 ± 18.9 minutes for patients receiving placebo (p <0.05 by analysis of variance with repeated measures). The mean time to recovery for the normal volunteers was 11.3 ± 7.2 minutes versus 40.2 ± 19.9 minutes for the patients (p <0.01 by the Student t test). Nine of the 11 patients noted improvement of symptoms during treatment with nifedipine. It is concluded that nifedipine is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon.
MODIS: advanced facility instrument for studies of the Earth as a system

The moderate resolution imaging spectrometer (MODIS) is discussed as an Earth-viewing sensor that is planned as a facility instrument for the Earth Observing System (Eos) scheduled to begin functioning in the mid-1990s. The MODIS is composed of two mutually supporting sensors that cover a swath width sufficient to provide nearly complete two-day global coverage from a polar-orbiting, sun-synchronous, serviceable platform. High signal-to-noise ratios are to be provided, e.g. 500 to 1 or greater with 10-12-bit quantization over the dynamic ranges of the spectral bands. MODIS' lifetime is expected to be about ten years. One of the MODIS sensors is termed MODIS-N, where N signifies nadir-viewing. The companion to MODIS-N is MODIS-T, where T signifies a tiltable field-of-view. The development of the MODIS facility from conceptual design studies (Phase-A) into detailed design studies (Phase-B) is discussed. >
Transition metal oxides: The exciting world of orbitals

Transition metal oxides show many interesting phenomena from high-Tc superconductivity to colossal magnetoresistance and multiferroicity, triggering intensive studies. However, we have barely tapped into their potential for applications.
Diagenesis of siliceous oozes—I. Chemical controls on the rate of opal-A to opal-CT transformation—an experimental study

Abstract Evidence from deep-sea sediments supports the following diagenetic maturation sequence: opal-A (siliceous ooze) → opal-CT (porcelanite) → chalcedony or cryptocrystalline quartz (chert). A solution-redeposition mechanism is involved in the opal-A to opal-CT transformation. Exceptions to the overall maturation sequence are numerous, suggesting that temperature and time are not the only important factors controlling these mineralogical transformations. The rates of the above transformations are strongly affected by the composition of the solution and of the host sediments ; in Mesozoic clayey sediments, opal-CT predominates, while in carbonate sediments quartz is most common. Experiments at 25 and 150°C over a period of one day to six months show that the transformation rate of opal-A to opal-CT is much higher in carbonate than in clay-rich sediments, and that opal-CT lepisphere formation is aided by the precipitation of nuclei with magnesium hydroxide as an important component. The role of carbonate is explained as follows : in carbonate-rich sediments, the dissolution of carbonate provides the necessary alkalinity, and sea water provides the magnesium for the magnesium hydroxide in the nuclei. In contrast, in clay-rich sediments the clay minerals compete with opal-CT formation for the available alkalinity from sea water. As a result, the clays are enriched in Mg, and the rate of opal-CT formation is strongly reduced. This mechanism also bears on the common observation of carbonate replacement by silica.
Automobile injuries--the forgotten area of public health dentistry.

Although vehicle design changes have significantly decreased the severity of body injuries, the orofacial region is traumatized in one fifth to two thirds of those injured. Impacts with the instrument panel, steering wheel, windshield, or other forward structures cause a wide range of orofacial injuries that are routinely treated by the dentist. However, the expertise of the dental profession has not been focused on the preventive aspects of orofacial injuries received in car crashes. These could be implemented, through national dental leadership and a guidance program, by the practicing dentist.
Mitigating error propagation in CDMA multiuser DFE

Robust measures via constraining the filter weight vector are applied to the decision-directed decision feedback equalization (DFE) detectors to alleviate the error propagation problem in CDMA wireless systems. These constraints are constructed from the spreading codes of the desired user to preserve its output energy. The constrained portion of the weight vector is able to curb the effect of incorrect past decisions and provide the leverage to prevent error propagation and maintain a stable transmission. The use of signal-preserving constraints also improves the multiple access interference suppression capacity. Efficient adaptive RLS algorithms for nonlinear DFE filters are developed, and the achievable steady state SINR performance of both the unconstrained and constrained DFE is derived.
IR Calibration Evaluation And Selection Using Monte-Carlo Methods

MARK A. LOVIK, MARK L. OLSON237 Putnam Ave., Cambridge MA 02139Bio -Rad Laboratories, Digilab DivisionUSAIR Calibration Evaluation and Selection using Monte -Carlo MethodsModem quantitative IR spectroscopy includes a wide repertoire of techniques including: K andP matrix methods, principal component regression (PCR), and partial least squares (PLS).The relative merits of these methods has been discussed in the literature, however their relativeperformance often depends on the specific chemical system studied. Further the relativeperformance of individual implementations of a single technique can vary. What is necessaryis a common set of tools that can be used to examine every method in a consistent manner.This set of tools can then be used in selecting the most appropriate quantitative model for thespecific chemical system studied. The use of Monte -Carlo methods as a common calibrationselection tool, and as a calibration diagnostic tool is presented.For univariate calibrations, simple inspection of a calibration plot can be used to evaluatealternate calibration methods. Diagnostic information, such as the required instrumentalprecision and accuracy necessary for desired calibration tolerances, is a straightforwardprocedure. In the multivariate case, extracting the same information is less intuitive. Findingthe limiting noise sources in multivariate calibrations is often not easy to determine. Byapplying gaussian noise to individual calibrations parameters, the degradation in calibrationperformance can be plotted as a function injected noise. These plots provide specific noisesensitivity information that is straightforward in interpretation even when the details of theunderlying method are unknown. This approach is largely technique independent, allowing thecomparison of dissimilar methods.The use of Monte -Carlo diagnostics are illustrated, for the major quantitative IR methods,using two different example data sets. The first is from a designed experiment quantitatingxylene mixtures using precise gravimetric reference analysis. The second is a near infrareddata set quantitating moisture and protein using standard reference methods. These data areused to demonstrate the utility of Monte -Carlo techniques in providing necessary informationfor reliable multivariate calibrations.
Optimal Machine Capacity Expansions with Nested Limitations under Stochastic Demand

This paper studies capacity expansions for a production facility that faces uncertain customer demand for a single product family. The capacity of the facility is modeled in three tiers, as follows. The first tier consists of a set of upper bounds on production that correspond to different resource types (e.g., machine types, categories of manpower, etc.). These upper bounds are augmented in increments of fixed size (e.g., by purchasing machines of standard types). There is a second-tier resource that constrains the first-tier bounds (e.g., clean room floor space). The third-tier resource bounds the availability of the second-tier resource (e.g., the total floor space enclosed by the building, land, etc.). The second and third-tier resources are expanded at various times in various amounts. The cost of capacity expansion at each tier has both fixed and proportional elements. The lost sales cost is used as a measure for the level of customer service. The paper presents a polynomial time algorithm (FIFEX) to minimize the total cost by computing optimal expansion times and amounts for all three types of capacity jointly. It accommodates positive lead times for each type. Demand is assumed to be nondecreasing in a “weak” sense. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004.
Self-service portal solves the forgotten password dilemma

The number of online students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) was growing rapidly, and the university's policy of requiring on campus, in person only password resets was no longer feasible. Not only did the policy need to be updated, the tools utilized by the Help Desk also required a refresh. The demand for Help Desk support was growing faster than current procedures could handle, topping off at 2,000 reset requests each month. Additionally, a state/system-wide policy change mandated password resets every 90 days, causing requests to skyrocket and demand to grow faster than current processes could accommodate. UCCS wanted to begin exploring and adopting some basic ITIL best practices, as well as an automated password recovery system. The Help Desk needed to become more than just password resets and common break fix issues. The goal was to offer services that would minimize technology related downtime across the campus. Through the implementation of service management software, including a self-service password recovery function, from Cherwell Software, the university's password reset requests dramatically decreased by 63 percent within several weeks.
Analysis Of Discrete Vibratory Systems With Parameter Uncertainties, Part I: Eigensolution

Abstract A new analytical method is proposed for the estimation of eigensolutions for undamped and proportionally damped discrete vibratory systems when the system parameters are uncertain or random variables. Given several simplifying assumptions, a direct product technique is used to estimate the first and second moments of eigensolutions in terms of the moments of system parameter matrices. The proposed methodology is reasonably accurate and computationally fast, when compared with existing methods such as the first perturbation method and the Monte Carlo simulation. Application of the new method is demonstrated through several single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. It is seen that the standard deviation predictions match well with the results yielded by the Monte Carlo simulation, unlike the first order perturbation method, especially when moderately large random fluctuations are considered. The impulse response issue is addressed in the companion paper (Part II).
Corotating Disk Assembly with Turbulent Through Flow

Turbulent flow in a paired corotating disk assembly with through flow is studied numerically. A RANS equation with near wall turbulence model is used in conjunction with an isotropic eddy viscosity model to disclose the mean and turbulent flow properties. The velocities and the mean shear vectors change directions continuously as they move away from wall. The lag angle between them is up to 31° within the log layer and precludes the use of log laws to bridge the near wall flow. A wake less wall law represents the resultant velocity profile in terms of wall coordinates. The disks' moment coefficient is lower than the one found for free-disk flows but it follows the same tendency. The turbulent flow properties are in qualitative agreement with recent experimental measurements and DNS on disk flows.
The effect of habitat size and predation on the time to extinction of prairie vole populations: simulation studies via SERDYCA

Abstract We present a spatially explicit individual-based model of rodent dynamics, customized for the prairie vole species, Microtus ochrogaster . The model strives to represent the complexity of intertwining factors that determine the spatio-temporal dynamics of small rodents. It is based on trophic relationships and incorporates important features such as territorial competition, mating behavior, density-dependent predation and dispersal out of the modeled spatial region. Vegetation growth and vole fecundity are dependent on climatic components. The results of simulations show that the model correctly predicts the overall temporal dynamics of the population density. Time-series analysis shows a very good match between the periods corresponding to the peak population density frequencies predicted by the model and the ones reported in the literature. The model is used to study the relation between persistence, landscape area and predation. We use the notions of average time to extinction (ATE) and persistence frequency to quantify persistence. While the ATE decreases with decrease of area, it is a bell-shaped function of the predation level: increasing for “small” and decreasing for “large” predation levels.
A new computer approach to the modelling of atoms and molecules Part II. The oxygen molecule O2

Abstract A classical, simplistic model of the molecular dynamics of O2 is developed for interactions which are not readily amenable to quantum mechanical analysis. All electron-electron interactions are included. Computer examples are described and discussed.
Metastable flux configurations and de Sitter spaces

Abstract We derive stability conditions for the critical points of the no-scale scalar potential governing the dynamics of the complex structure moduli and the axio-dilaton in compactifications of type IIB string theory on Calabi–Yau three-folds. We discuss a concrete example of a T 6 orientifold. We then consider the four-dimensional theory obtained from compactifications of type IIB string theory on non-geometric backgrounds which are mirror to rigid Calabi–Yau manifolds and show that the complex structure moduli fields can be stabilized in terms of H RR only, i.e. with no need of orientifold projection. The stabilization of all the fields at weak coupling, including the axio-dilaton, may require to break supersymmetry in the presence of H NS flux or corrections to the scalar potential.
Paradoxes of fuzzy logic, revisited

This paper is a reply to the article entitled Elkan’s Theoretical Argument, Re-considered by Prof. Enric Trillas and Prof. Claudi Alsina. I would like to ex-press my thanks to Dr. Piero Bonissone for inviting me to write this paper andfor showing me the article by Trillas and Alsina in advance of its publication.Ever since mathematical studies of fuzziness began with a 1965 paper en-titled Fuzzy Sets by Zadeh [3], it has been important to distinguish betweenfuzzy logic and fuzzy set theory. The theorem in my paper The ParadoxicalSuccess of Fuzzy Logic, as published in 1993 [1] and also as revised in 1994 [2],is a result about standard fuzzy logic. The paper of Trillas and Alsina concernsfuzzy sets, and therefore erroneously states that the theorem is false.At the start of their Section 2, Trillas and Alsina wrote:‘‘An equivalent formulation in Fuzzy Logic to what Prof. Elkan claimed inRefs. [8,9] is:If in the SFST (›0;1−
The jump-yip display of the black-tailed prairie dog cynomys ludovicianus

Abstract A frequent behaviour pattern of Cynomys ludovicianus is a formalized upward leap with a sharp vocalization: the ‘jump-yip’ display. It is performed in very diverse circumstances by individuals who have been startled, are being cautious, or have been involved with territorial defence. They behave in various ways, here divided into eight categories, but in all cases are less likely to flee after jumpyipping than immediately before. Virtually any act in its repertoire other than escape may then follow, although attack is rare. Providing information about the relative probabilities of escape and alternative acts appears to be very important in the complex interactions of this unusually social ground squirrel.
Studies on the Substrate Binding Segments and Catalytic Action of Lanosterol Synthase. Affinity Labeling with Carbocations Derived from Mechanism-Based Analogs of 2,3-Oxidosqualene and Site-Directed Mutagenesis Probes

Four 2,3-oxidosqualene analogs, 3, 4, 5, and 6, which are irreversible, time-dependent inhibitors of the enzyme lanosterol synthase, were found to attach covalently within the 231−236 (yeast number...
Neutrophil-derived oxidants as mediators of chemical activation in bone marrow

Neutrophil-derived oxidants have been implicated in both damage to biomolecules and the metabolic activation of xenobiotics. Since the bone marrow is a relatively neutrophil-rich tissue which is subject to xenobiotic toxicity, we have characterized the oxidant generating capability of neutrophilic cells isolated from femurs of male C57BL/6J mice. Addition of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to neutrophil preparations (70 +/- 5% ring neutrophils and metamyelocytes) elicited superoxide anion generation, as indicated by superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable acetylated cytochrome c reduction, and oxidant-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) from luminol or lucigenin. The interaction of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol (BP-diol), a proximate carcinogenic metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene (BP), with TPA-stimulated bone marrow neutrophils resulted in azide-inhibitable CL (90%) indicative of its myeloperoxidase-dependent oxidation to an excited-state intermediate. Covalent binding of [3H]BP-diol to exogenous DNA was similarly increased 3-fold in the presence of TPA-stimulated bone marrow neutrophils. Recently, our laboratory has shown that in addition to CL, TPA-stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes can activate BP-diol to an intermediate which covalently binds to DNA and elicits mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA100. These observations combined with our current results suggest a possible role for neutrophil-derived oxidants in the mechanisms of chemically-induced bone marrow toxicity.
Photocatalytic Production of Hydrogen from Water with Visible Light Using Hybrid Catalysts of CdS Attached to Microporous and Mesoporous Silicas

Microporous and mesoporous silicas are combined with nanoparticulate CdS particles to form hybrid photocatalysts that produce H2 from water/ethanol solutions under visible light irradiation. Catalyst structures are characterized by XRD and SEM. All hybrid materials are active photocatalysts for water splitting, and the order of photoactivity is found to be zeolite-Y > SBA-15 > zeolite-L. Silica cavity size, which determines, in part, CdS particle size, and photocatalytic activity are found to be correlated. Photocatalytic activity is seen to decrease under acidic or basic conditions with associated negative ionic strength effects. In addition, XPS analysis indicates loss of ion-exchanged and Cd2+ ion from the silicate supports occurs during the course of the photochemical reaction in solution with the complete retention of preformed and surface-bound CdS.
Poorer physical fitness is associated with reduced structural brain integrity in heart failure

Abstract Objective Physical fitness is an important correlate of structural and functional integrity of the brain in healthy adults. In heart failure (HF) patients, poor physical fitness may contribute to cognitive dysfunction and we examined the unique contribution of physical fitness to brain structural integrity among patients with HF. Methods Sixty-nine HF patients performed the Modified Mini Mental State examination (3MS) and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. All participants completed the 2-minute step test (2MST), a brief measure of physical fitness. We examined the associations between cognitive performance, physical fitness, and three indices of global brain integrity: total cortical gray matter volume, total white matter volume, and whole brain cortical thickness. Results Regression analyses adjusting for demographic characteristics, medical variables (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction), and intracranial volume revealed reduced performance on the 2MST were associated with decreased gray matter volume and thinner cortex ( p p Conclusions Poor physical fitness is common in HF and associated with reduced structural brain integrity. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms for the influence of physical fitness on brain health in HF.
Anonymity, Confidentiality, Privacy, and Identity: The Ties That Bind and Break in Communication Research

The adoption of the Belmont Report in 1979 and the implementation of Institutional Review Boards focused the need for anonymity as a means to the performance of ethics in human subject inquiry. Despite anonymity being the most frequent recommendation of Institutional Review Boards, the debate between anonymity and identifiability, and what is best for the research, the subject, and the researcher remains strong. This paper explores this debate and the implications that recommendations of anonymity, confidentiality, privacy, and identifiability have on the research process. Through examples of past research that have questioned and dealt with the ethical implications of these concepts, this paper fills a research gap that summarizes and characterizes the debate. This paper explores questions such as: What can anonymity, confidentiality, and privacy add to the research process? And how do they complicate it?
Acute Effects of Amiodarone Administration on Thyroid Function in Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmia

Because little has been published on early effects of treatment with amiodarone on thyroid function, we studied serum total and free thyroid hormone, reverse T3, and TSH levels in patients with cardiac arrhythmias during the first 10 days of treatment with a loading dose of amiodarone by iv infusion. Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the study. A standardized loading regimen for the i.v. infusion of amiodarone was used. The protocol provided the i.v. infusion of 20 mg/kg per day on day 1, the i.v. infusion of 10 mg/kg per day on day 2, then 600 mg/day per os for 7-10 days, and finally, in patients chronically treated with the drug, the dose was gradually reduced to 400-200 mg/day per os. Total and free concentrations of T4 tended to progressively and significantly increase (P < 0.0001 repeated measures ANOVA) starting from the fourth day of therapy, whereas total T3 decreased from the second day progressively (P < 0.0001) throughout the study; free T3 did not significantly change. TSH levels early and significantly (P < 0.001, by ANOVA) increased throughout the study, starting from the first day of therapy and reaching at 10 days a value 2.7 times higher than the basal value. Reverse T3 levels progressively and significantly (after 2 days of treatment) increased and paralleled the TSH values, reaching at the 10th day a value about 2 times higher than basal value. In conclusion, our data suggest that after i.v. treatment with amiodarone: 1) TSH is the first hormone to change significantly followed by reverse T3, T4, and T3; 2) the progressive fall of T3 levels reflects an inhibition of the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3; 3) the observed later increase of total and free T4 levels may be explained by a contribution of direct thyroidal stimulation by TSH and/or by a reduction in T4 clearance.
Human taste bud density across adult age groups

Some of the subjective variability attributed to taste experience could be related to wide variations of taste bud density. Studies of taste perception show a direct relationship between sensation and the number of receptors. Taste bud densities are quantified in this study using light microscopy to reconstruct two regions of 18 human cadaver tongues. Specimens came from male and female cadavers representing three age groups: young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. The results show a range of more than 100-fold in taste bud density that is evenly distributed among age groups and sexes. The disparity is not attributable to the state of health of the adults prior to death, and it is corroborated in the literature. Differences in taste bud density that extend across age groups probably confound some inferences about the effects of aging on taste sensitivity that are derived from cross-sectional studies of human populations. It is not clear from the data whether or not human taste bud density in individuals and in populations is stable or changing with time.
A Combinatorial NMR and EPR Approach for Evaluating the Structural Ensemble of Partially Folded Proteins

Partially folded proteins, characterized as exhibiting secondary structure elements with loose or absent tertiary contacts, represent important intermediates in both physiological protein folding and pathological protein misfolding. To aid in the characterization of the structural state(s) of such proteins, a novel structure calculation scheme is presented that combines structural restraints derived from pulsed EPR and NMR spectroscopy. The methodology is established for the protein α-synuclein (αS), which exhibits characteristics of a partially folded protein when bound to a micelle of the detergent sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (SLAS). By combining 18 EPR-derived interelectron spin label distance distributions with NMR-based secondary structure definitions and bond vector restraints, interelectron distances were correlated and a set of theoretical ensemble basis populations was calculated. A minimal set of basis structures, representing the partially folded state of SLAS-bound αS, was subsequently derived ...
Cost evaluation of novel therapeutics in rheumatoid arthritis (CENTRA) : A decision analysis model

Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the potential costs of a hypotheticalnovel biological agent (BIO) as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), compared with oral methotrexate (MTX) and intramuscular gold (IMG). A decision analysis model was used to compare the total costs of treating a cohort of 10,000 RA patients with each agent for 6 months. Total costs included direct costs and indirect costs. Baseline estimates were subjected to sensitivity analysis. Total costs per person were: MTX, $5,430; IMG, $6,725; BIO, $9,411. In sensitivity analysis, the primary cost drivers for MTX and IMG were the indirect costs of RA and monitoring costs. In contrast, total costs of the BIO were driven predominantly by medication costs. Sensitivity analysis showed, even when efficacy and safety were optimized, costs for the BIO still substantially exceeded those of MTX and IMG. Medication costs will be an important consideration in the development of novel BIOS for RA.
3D Integration-Present and Future

Demand for high speed, high density, small size, and multifunctional electronic devices has driven the development of 3D integration. Both die-to-die-stack and package-on-package 3D integration are in mass production. However, through silicon via (TSV) 3D integration is the future direction. Materials and processes for TSV 3D interconnection are reviewed in this paper. Those include processes for via drilling process, via liner (insulating) material, and via filling material. The materials for thin wafer support, mechanical, and electrical interconnection for TSV devices are also discussed.
Assessing field performance of an open-path quantum cascade laser sensor for measuring atmospheric ammonia

An open-path quantum cascade laser atmospheric ammonia sensor is demonstrated in a range of field environments. The low power, compact sensor with 500pptv detection limit in 1s addresses the unique challenges for robust open-path in-situ sensing.
Segmentation of coarticulated speech in perception.

The research investigates how listeners segment the acoustic speech signal into phonetic segments and explores implications that the segmentation strategy may have for their perception of the (apparently) context-sensitive allophones of a phoneme. Two manners of segmentation are contrasted. In one, listeners segment the signal into temporally discrete, context-sensitive segments. In the other, which may be consistent with the talker’s production of the segments, they partition the signal into separate, but overlapping, segments freed of their contextual influences. Two complementary predictions of the second hypothesis are tested. First, listeners will use anticipatory coarticulatory information for a segment as information for the forthcoming segment. Second, subjects will not hear anticipatory coarticulatory information as part of the phonetic segment with which it co-occurs in time. The first hypothesis is supported by findings on a choice reaction time procedure; the second is supported by findings on a 4IAX discrimination test. Implications of the findings for theories of speech production, perception, and of the relation between the two are considered.
Assessment of a Polyester-covered Nitinol Stent in an Atherosclerotic Swine Model

PURPOSE To evaluate the short-term patency and healing characteristics of the Cragg EndoPro covered stent in an atherosclerotic model as one of the Food and Drug Administration requirements before possible approval of the device for human use in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen self-expanding stentgrafts were placed in the aorta and right and left iliac arteries of six Yucatan microswine exposed to a regimen of accelerated atherosclerosis. The stent-grafts were constructed from nitinol wire formed into a tubular zigzag configuration. The stent frame was covered by a thin woven polyester fabric tube, with medium permeability, available in multiple diameters and lengths. The animals were killed at 24 hours, 3 months, and 6 months. Assessment was done by angiography and histology. RESULTS All stents were patent immediately after deployment. Two stents were occluded at follow-up, indicating an 88% patency rate. Minor lumen narrowing was found at the follow-up intervals. Histologic examination revealed a mixture of mature and immature endothelial cells lining both the native and stented regions in all vessels examined. The new endoluminal surface was composed primarily of fibrocollagen and elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. Intimal thickness was inversely correlated to medial thickness. Medial compression with atrophy was observed routinely with rare necrosis. Complete tissue ingrowth was seen by 3 months. The degree of vascular inflammation increased over time, as well as the foreign body giant cell reaction to the polyester fabric. CONCLUSION The patency rate does not appear to be better than that with angioplasty or noncovered stent placement in the studied time frame. The progressive vascular inflammatory changes noted should be further investigated in longer-term animal trials to ensure its safety in humans because this device is meant to be permanent.
Suppression of FOXO1 activity by FHL2 through SIRT1‐mediated deacetylation

Forkhead box class O (FOXO) proteins are transcription factors that function downstream of the PTEN tumor suppressor and directly control the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and stress responses. In the present study, we show that FOXO1 interacts with four and a half LIM 2 (FHL2) in prostate cancer cells. This interaction occurred in the nucleus and was enhanced by lysophosphatic acid. FHL2 decreased the transcriptional activity of FOXO1 and the expression of known FOXO target genes and inhibited FOXO1-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, SIRT1, a mammalian homolog of yeast Sir2, bound to and deacetylated FOXO1 and inhibited its transcriptional activity. FHL2 enhanced the interaction of FOXO1 and SIRT1 and the deacetylation of FOXO1 by Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). Overall, our data show that FHL2 inhibits FOXO1 activity in prostate cancer cells by promoting the deacetylation of FOXO1 by SIRT1.
Stress-Compensated Quartz Resonators Having Ultra-Linear Frequency-Temperature Responses

A new family of stress compensated quartz resonators having cuts exhibiting an ultra-linear frequency vs. temperature characteristic. This family of resonators has an orientation defined with respect to the crystallographic axes by polar angles φ and θ, which angles lie on the locus where the second-order temperature coefficient of frequency is zero between the angles φ=20°±2° and θ=20°±5°, and in close proximity to the locus of zero coefficient of stress. In one preferred embodiment, the resonator comprises a plate whose angles of cut φ and θ are both substantially equal to 20°. In a second preferred embodiment an exact stress compensation is provided where φ is substantially equal to 20.8° and θ is substantially equal to 23.2°, and orientation where the locus of the zero coefficient of stress intersects the locus of the zero of the second-order temperature coefficient.
A method for estimating parameters of K-distributed clutter

A method for estimating the parameters of K-distributed clutter when the available sample size of the data is limited is proposed. In this method, the arithmetic mean and geometric mean of the given data are used to estimate the model parameters. Expressions characterizing the performance of the proposed estimator are presented, along with some simulation results. For spiky clutter, simulations show that parameter estimates obtained from the arithmetic and geometric mean are approximately equal to the numerically evaluated maximum-likelihood (ML) estimates. The method is also used to estimate the parameter of the Weibull density. >
Power electronics education: courses and laboratory

This paper presents a detailed description of the undergraduate and graduate education in the field of power electronics. Suggested power electronics undergraduate and graduate curriculum along with key course contents are presented. An outline for the simulation and hardware laboratory as a supporting facility for effective power electronics education is also addressed.
The effects of release from cold stress on the community composition of terrestrial gymnamoebae: A laboratory-based ecological study simulating transition from winter to spring

Summary. Changes in community composition of terrestrial gymnamoebae were analyzed in laboratory microcosms established with thoroughly mixed soil from a northeastern U. S. A. site taken during the onset of winter 2002-2003, when the soil temperature was 5°C. The temperature of one of the microcosms, maintained in constant temperature chambers, was increased from 5°C to 25°C at 5 intervals of two weeks each for a period of 10 weeks. Another microcosm was maintained for the 10 weeks at 5°C to serve as a control for the lapse of time and to assess the effects of prolonged treatment at 5°C simulating winter conditions. Small subsamples (0.01 g) of the microcosm soil were taken using a modified 1 cm 3 syringe with the tip cut off to make a cylindrical corer. Based on a culture enrichment technique, the morphospecies richness, heterogeneity of distribution within the samples (morphospecies uniqueness) and community patchiness were determined by microscopic observation of the morphospecies that grew out in the cultures of each 0.01 g sample. The data showed that with increasing temperatures up to 20°C, the richness and patchiness of morphospecies increased while the uniqueness did not change within statistical significance. Two-weeks treatment at 25°C simulating summer conditions, produced a marked decline in richness of morphospecies and a substantial increase in the percent that were encysted suggesting less favorable conditions for growth, perhaps resulting from thermal stress and depletion of nutrients and other resources. Overall, the evidence from this study indicated that release from cold stress during the transition from winter to spring produced increased richness of morphospecies and greater patchiness of the gymnamoeba communities. This “bloom,” however, was followed by a period of less productivity and retrenchment with increasing numbers of encysted gymnamoebae as the temperature was increased above 20°C.
CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER IN THE PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN ERA: THE INCIDENCE AND TIME COURSE OF SUBSEQUENT THERAPY

Purpose: The long natural history of early stage prostate cancer is well recognized and a conservative approach to the treatment of elderly men is often encouraged. We assessed the ability of patients and physicians to adhere to a policy of watchful waiting in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) era.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all 199 men with stages T1-2 prostate cancer and PSA less than 20 ng./ml. who in our practice elected watchful waiting. Median followup in the population overall was 3.4 years. We performed Kaplan-Meier actuarial analysis of overall and disease specific survival, and most pertinent survival free from therapy. A questionnaire was administered to record the attitude of patients who ultimately proceeded to treatment to determine how therapy was triggered.Results: Median patient age was 71 years and median PSA was 6.6 ng./ml. The tumor was impalpable in 52% of patients, Gleason sum was 6 or less in 80% and 11% used some form of herbal remedy or nutr...
Flash Data Dissemination in Unstructured Peer-to-Peer Networks

The problem of flash data dissemination refers to spreading dynamically-created medium-sized data to all members of a large group of users. In this paper, we explore a solution to the problem of flash data dissemination in unstructured P2P networks and propose a gossip-based protocol, termed catalogue-gossip. Our protocol alleviates the shortcomings of prior gossip-based dissemination approaches through the introduction of an efficient catalogue exchange scheme that helps reduce unnecessary interactions among nodes in the unstructured network. We provide deterministic guarantees for the termination of the protocol and suggest optimizations concerning the order with which pieces of flash data are assembled at receiving peers. Experimental results show that catalogue-gossip is significantly more efficient than existing solutions when it comes to delivery of flash data.
Zero-installation, zero-maintenance, zero-cost portal for database-related educational use

In keeping with the special anniversary theme of ITI 2008 conference ldquoComputer at the Universityrdquo, this paper describes the Teradata University Network (TUN). TUN is a web-based educational resource that uses a zero cost - zero installation - zero maintenance model to provide tools, datasets, and other materials for teaching both traditional and emerging database-related topics at universities world-wide. In addition to an overview of the TUN content and features, the paper describes the benefits of using TUN both for educators and their students.
Design and optimization of a low noise 2.4 GHz CMOS VCO with integrated LC tank and MOSCAP tuning

A 2.4 GHz LC voltage controlled oscillator is designed and optimized via linear programming and implemented in a 0.35 /spl mu/m RF BiCMOS process technology. Our design methodology provides an insight to choosing design variables given several constraints such as voltage swing, tuning range and start-up condition. The on-chip spiral inductors used are modeled and optimized by a 3D inductor simulator. The inversion mode MOSCAP tuning is used to achieve 26% of tuning range. The measured phase noise is -121 dBc/Hz, -117 dBc/Hz and -115 dBc/Hz at 600 kHz offset from 1.91 GHz, 2.03 GHz and 2.60 GHz carriers, respectively. The VCO dissipates only 4 mA from a 2.5 V supply voltage.
Emergence and Acquisition of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli in the Intestinal Tracts of Mice Treated with Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobial Agents

After mice received orogastric administration of a fluoroquinolone-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain, subcutaneous treatment with ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin promoted persistent low-density colonization in 10% to 40% of the mice, whereas treatment with clindamycin consistently promoted high-density colonization. No emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli was detected in the mice during or after treatment with the fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents.
Variable bandwidth birefringent filter for stable femtosecond lasers

A design for a birefringent filter is described, which is suitable for tunable femtosecond lasers. Using a single plate, which has a steeply diving optic axis, two-octave tunability is attained with negligible deterioration of the stopband rejection. For a specific wavelength region, it means that the filter's bandwidth can be changed by a factor of four. Another characteristic of the design is that, for the same bandwidth, the proposed plate is five times thicker than a conventional plate in which the optic axis is parallel to the surface. Thus, etalon effects can be avoided. Tuning characteristics of color center lasers utilizing the new filter are also presented. >
Production I/sub DDQ/ testing with passive current compensation

In an ideal world, all test vectors selected as I/sub DDQ/ test vectors would have very low measurement current. In many circumstances, however, a complete set of tests cannot be defined when relying on zero-current considerations. I/sub DDQ/ test vectors selected from existing test sets must be capable of compensating for passive currents. The identification of valid test vectors, and the magnitude of the passive current, can be predicted in the ASIC environment via macrocell-specific information. This paper presents one methodology to support this test generation using digital simulation, including the selection of multiple I/sub DDQ/ test vectors.
Chromosomal Locations of Genes for Stem Rust Resistance in Monogenic Lines Derived from Tetraploid Wheat Accession ST464

The genetics of resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. and Henn.) in durum (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) is not as well understood as for bread wheat (T. aestivum L.). Our objective was to determine the chromosomal location of genes for stem rust resistance in four monogenic lines derived from the Ethiopian tetraploid landrace ST464. The four monogenic lines were crossed to a set of stem rust susceptible aneuploids based on the tetra- ploid line 47-1. We observed chromosome pairing in the hybrids and made testcrosses to 'Rusty' durum. Monogenic lines ST464-A1 and ST464- A2 were observed to carry a 2A/4B translocation, and subsequent crosses proved that the trans- location was derived from ST464. Testcross F 2 seedlings were inoculated with one of three stem rust pathotypes and classifi ed for segregation for resistance to identify the critical chromosome for each monogenic line. The stem rust resistance genes in monogenic lines ST464-A1, ST464-A2, and ST464-C1 were located to chromosomes 6A, 2B, and 6A, respectively. The gene in ST464- B1 may be located to chromosome 4A, because it appeared it was not located on any of the other 13 chromosomes. The four ST464 monogenic lines and hexaploid lines carrying Sr9e and Sr13 were then tested with eight stem rust pathotypes with the objective of postulating the genes pres- ent in the monogenic lines. The genes in ST464- A2 and ST464-C1 were postulated to be Sr9e and Sr13, respectively.
Public Education Financing Trends and the Gray Peril Hypothesis

The effects of migrating seniors on the provision of local public services in rural communities is growing in importance because of the large number of retiring baby boomers and the increasing rate at which these retirees are locating outside traditional retirement destinations. Some communities are optimistic about attracting and retaining retirees as an economic development strategy, but others are concerned that inmigrating seniors may be reluctant to support local public services, such as education, bringing with them “Gray Peril.” This article attempts to clarify questions regarding the Gray Peril hypothesis and local ability and willingness to fund education in Tennessee, an increasingly popular retirement destination. To this end, county per pupil education expenditure growth is explained by growth trends in local property tax assessment and sales tax revenue, and migration patterns of the retirement-aged population from 1962 to 2002.