cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
5.8 GHz dual-polarized aperture-coupled microstrip antenna

The paper presents the design of a dual-polarized aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna suitable for passive 5.8 GHz radio frequency identification (RFID) applications. The antenna provides two orthogonal ports with nearly 30 dB isolation and crosspolarization levels of nearly 20 dB for both ports. Using the orthogonal ports, both transmit and receive functions can be implemented on the same antenna. This type of antenna could be very useful for RFID transponders which have to receive energy from an RFID reader and send back identification information.
Omega loops: nonregular secondary structures significant in protein function and stability.

Omega (omega-) loops, a nonregular secondary structure found in globular proteins, are characterized by a polypeptide chain that follows a loop-shaped course in three-dimensional space. They do not contain repeating backbone dihedral angles or regular patterns of hydrogen bonding; however, many omega-loops contain a large number of hydrogen bonds, therefore it is not correct to think of omega-loops as structures lacking in hydrogen bonds. omega-Loops are found almost exclusively at the protein surface and exhibit amino acid preferences consistent with this observation. Since the first description of omega-loops in 1986, experiments have been conducted to probe the role of these structures in protein function, stability, and folding. It has become clear that omega-loops are often involved in protein function and molecular recognition. One motif, an omega-loop lid, that is flexible and mobile until substrate or inhibitor is bound and which probably plays a role in one or more steps of enzymatic catalysis, h...
The Magnetic Energy Storage System Used in ZT-1

The ZT-1 toroidal pinch experiment is driven by a magnetic energy storage system that uses four fuses to interrupt the current. One fuse package can interrupt 800 kA, develop 70 kV peak, and absorb 30 kJ. Each quadrant is driven by a fuse to increase the total voltage around the torus to 280 kV and the total inductively stored energy is 100 kJ. Approximately 10% agreement is obtained with a numerical calculation used to predict the fuse behavior. Inductive coupling of 14 nH between the four fuses eliminates the jitter of ~ 0.1 μs, observed with a single fuse.
Putative height acceleration following tethered cord release in children.

Object Tethered cord (TC) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the normal movement of the spinal cord. A TC can be unmasked by a cutaneous abnormality or manifest clinically in myriad neurological, urological, and orthopedic symptoms. The relationship between TC and height is previously unknown. This study investigates the association between TC release and changes in height profiles in the pediatric population. Methods Fifty-two children undergoing first-time TC release at a single institution were examined retrospectively. Clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, pre- and postoperative height, and height-for-age percentiles were recorded and analyzed. Results Children with TC experienced a statistically significant increase in age-adjusted height percentiles after TC release (p = 0.0028), with a mean increase of 7 percentile points (from 48.1st to 54.9th percentile). When stratified by age, children 5 years or older (5–18 years) demonstrated a mean percentile increase of 1...
Managing Multicore with OpenMP (Extended Abstract)

High end distributed and distributed shared memory platforms with many thousands of cores will be deployed in the coming years to solve the toughest technical problems. Their individual nodes will be heterogeneous multithreading, multicore systems, capable of executing many threads of control, and with a deep memory hierarchy. For example, the petascale architecture to be put in production at the US National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) in 2011 is based on the IBM Power7 chip which uses multicore processor technology. Thousands of compute nodes with over 200,000 cores are envisioned. The Roadrunner system that will be deployed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is expected to have heterogneous nodes, with both AMD Opterons and IBM Cells configured, and a similar number of cores.
Bence Jones Proteins and Light Chains of Immunoglobulins

Bence Jones proteins can be cleaved specifically by several types of endopeptidases into fragments corresponding to the amino-terminal, variant (VL) portion and to the carboxyl-terminal, constant (CL) portion of the light polypeptide chain. Two types of neutral proteases, designated elastase-like (ELP) and chymotrypsin-like (CLP), have been isolated and purified from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Because these proteases have defined proteolytic activity under physiologic conditions for several types of human proteins, we investigated their effect on human Bence Jones proteins. Incubation of κ-type or λ-type Bence Jones proteins with ELP or CLP under appropriate conditions resulted in cleavage of both types of light chains as evident by immunochemical and electrophoretic analyses. Treatment with ELP or CLP of one κ Bence Jones protein resulted in the formation of a single component that had antigenic and electrophoretic properties similar to the VL fragment derived from pepsin digestion of the native protein. No component corresponding to the CL could be detected immunochemically or electrophoretically. Studies of isolated pepsin-labile (37°C) and pepsin-stable (55°C) CL fragments demonstrated the marked susceptibility of the carboxyl-terminal half of the light chain to proteolysis by the leukocyte-derived neutral proteases. Incubation with ELP of three other κ Bence Jones proteins and three reduced-alkylated λ Bence Jones proteins resulted, in each case, in the formation of a homogeneous component which was electrophoretically and immunochemically distinct from the pepsin-derived VL fragment. An identical component could also be formed by incubating a pepsin-derived VL fragment with ELP. In the ELP-treated samples, no CL-related material was detected electrophoretically or immunochemically with antisera possessing specificity for CL antigenic determinants present on the unfolded light polypeptide chain or on the isolated CL. The component formed by ELP or CLP treatment of certain Bence Jones proteins thus appears to be VL-related, but lacks the idiotypic antigenic determinant present on the native protein. In this respect, these neutral protease-derived light chain components are similar to the amyloid-like VL fragments generated in vitro from certain endopeptidase-treated Bence Jones proteins.
The relation of scalability and execution time

Scalability has been used extensively as a de facto performance criterion for evaluating parallel algorithms and architectures. In this paper, the relation between scalability and execution time is carefully studied. Results show that isospeed scalability well characterizes the variation of execution time. Three algorithms from scientific computing are implemented on an Intel Paragon and an IBM SP2 parallel computer. Experimental and theoretical results show that scalability is an important, distinct metric for parallel and distributed systems, and may be as important as execution time in a scalable parallel and distributed environment.
Combined 18F-FDG–FDOPA Tumor Imaging for Assessing Response to Therapy

The article on imaging metastatic melanoma with 18F-FDG, 6-fluoro-l-dopa (FDOPA), and 15O-water, by Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss et al. ([1][1]) in this issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine , raises several interesting issues likely to be important in the evolution of PET in oncology. These issues
From the Middle Out

Agnosticism has been largely passed over in the literature on Theism. This paper lays out an affirmative case for the agnostic position. Tapping into the classical arguments about the paradoxical qualities of ‘omni’ principles it argues that the agnostic position is ultimately more tenable than either Theism or Atheism. In the first part it regards the paradoxes of omnipotence and their replies strictly logically, declaring them to be true antimonies. In the second part it argues that classic arguments for belief before proof run afoul of additional paradoxes and require the rejection of the most basic logical principles to accept.
Analogies between the Langlands Correspondence and Topological Quantum Field Theory

Class field theory, i.e., the description of Abelian coverings of 1-dimensional schemes in terms of ideles, has two generalizations in two different directions. One is the higher-dimensional class field theory of Parshin, Kato, Bloch and Saito [P 1–2], [K], [B1], [Sa] which describes Abelian coverings of schemes of absolute dimension n in terms of Milnor K n -groups of the appropriately defined ring of adeles (in the classical case the group of ideles can be seen as K 1). The other generalization, the Langlands program, concerns only 1–dimensional schemes but describes higher-dimensional representations of the Galois groups in terms of representations of the groups of adelic matrices. One would like to have a common generalization of these two theories which would describe higher-dimensional representations of the Galois groups of higher-dimensional schemes. This question, although very natural, has never been discussed in the literature, even at the most rough and heuristic level (like what kind of structures should be involved in the “Langlands theory for higher dimensional schemes”). The present paper is an attempt to do so and to generate a rough conjectural framework for such a theory. I am aware that the conclusions are preliminary at best, but I hope that the general approach sketched here will help to formulate a more detailed program.
Analytical and Functional Determination of Polymyxin B Protein Binding in Serum

To enhance our understanding of the pharmacological properties of polymyxin B, serum protein binding for polymyxin B1, B2, and B3 and for isoleucine-polymyxin B1 was evaluated. Using equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration, comparable protein binding was found in all 4 components of polymyxin B (92% to 99%). Protein binding in human serum was further assessed using a functional assay, the results of which were in general agreement with previous findings (approximately 90%).
An assessment of the barriers to the consumers' uptake of genetically modified foods: a neural network analysis

BACKGROUND This paper studies which of the attitudinal, cognitive and socio-economic factors determine the willingness to purchase genetically modified (GM) food, enabling the forecasting of consumers' behaviour in Andalusia, southern Spain. This classification has been made by a standard multilayer perceptron neural network trained with extreme learning machine. Later, an ordered logistic regression was applied to determine whether the neural network can outperform this traditional econometric approach. RESULTS The results show that the highest relative contributions lie in the variables related to perceived risks of GM food, while the perceived benefits have a lower influence. In addition, an innovative attitude towards food presents a strong link, as does the perception of food safety. The variables with the least relative contribution are subjective knowledge about GM food and the consumers' age. The neural network approach outperforms the correct classification percentage from the ordered logistic regression. CONCLUSION The perceived risks must be considered as a critical factor. A strategy to improve the GM food acceptance is to develop a transparent and balanced information framework that makes the potential risk understandable by society, and make them aware of the risk assessments for GM food in the EU. For its success, it is essential to improve the trust in EU institutions and scientific regulatory authorities. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Laparoscopic management of liver metastases from uveal melanoma.

Background Although uveal melanoma is a rare disease, its metastasis to the liver is associated with a poor survival. The aim of this study is to analyze the survival after surgical treatment of uveal melanoma metastases to the liver.
Construct validity of voluntary and involuntary absenteeism

Construct validity of voluntary and involuntary employee absenteeism is examined in this study. Canonical correlation analysis of absenteeism measures and organizational, personal and attitudinal variables is used to assess empirically the discriminant validity of voluntary and involuntary absenteeism. The empirical results provide evidence consistent with the interpretation that voluntary and involuntary absenteeism are distinct constructs that are associated differentially with subsets of organizational, personal and attitudinal variables. Further study of causal absenteeism models that include voluntary and involuntary absenteeism constructs and organizational, personal and attitudinal variables is needed to more clearly explicate the antecedents of absenteeism.
Speaking as One: Supporting Open Access with Departmental Resolutions

Library faculty at the City University of New York (CUNY) have engaged in promoting and advocating for open access publishing at each of our campuses as well as across the University. Inspired by the passing of a faculty senate resolution in support of the creation of an open access institutional repository and associated policies, many CUNY librarians felt the need to raise their level of commitment. In this article, the authors—four library faculty members and one faculty member from outside the library—share their experiences creating and approving open access policies in the library departments of four CUNY schools and promoting open access beyond the libraries. They offer practical advice and guidance for other librarians and faculty seeking to encourage the embrace of open access publishing in departments or other sub-institutional contexts.
Pentobarbital enhances GABAergic neurotransmission to cardiac parasympathetic neurons, which is prevented by expression of GABA(A) epsilon subunit.

BackgroundPentobarbital decreases the gain of the baroreceptor reflex on the order of 50%, and this blunting is caused nearly entirely by decreasing cardioinhibitory parasympathetic activity. The most likely site of action of pentobarbital is the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor. The auth
A Curious Result: A Combined Heat-Pump and Rankine Cycle Which Supplies Work and Cold Air to the Ambient

The Kelvin-Plank statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that work cannot be taken from a constant temperature reservoir without putting energy in first. This means a device cannot be built that produces work from ambient air temperature without a constant supply of work or heat into the device. However, this paper presents the analysis of a particular coupling of two cycles that appears to do just that. The machine combines two thermodynamically matched cycles: a heat-pump cycle and a Rankine cycle. Each cycle runs the other, with the net result being shaft work available to the ambient and an exhaust product of cold air. The only input to the machine is 12°C air from the ambient atmosphere. The heat-pump uses ammonia as the working fluid, absorbing heat from ambient atmosphere and supplying heat to the Rankine engine boiler. The Rankine cycle expansion engine uses propane as the working fluid, and supplies shaft work to power the heat-pump compressor. Using standard, well-known analysis, the net result is a machine that, once started, supplies work and cold air to the ambient with no further work input. Under ideal analysis, the heat-pump operates with a coefficient of performance of 6.85 and the Rankine cycle operates with an efficiency of 21%. Multiplying these gives a combined cycle efficiency of 1.44. The heat-pump superheater operates at an average temperature of −44°C, with a mass flow rate of 1.00 kg/s. It absorbs 106 kW of heat from ambient temperature air and supplies that heat to the Rankine cycle boiler. The Rankine cycle expansion engine has a mass flow rate of 2.51 kg/s, and produces 364 kW of work. Of this, 254 kW is supplied to the heat-pump compressor, 4 kW to the Rankine cycle feed-pump, and the remaining 106 kW of work to the ambient. This equals the heat extracted from the ambient; there is no unexplained creation of energy. All analysis was performed from standard engineering text books, and all thermodynamic data was taken from common industry charts. The cycles are common and well known, and the temperatures, pressures, and expansion ratios well within believable values. The analysis has been peer reviewed and no errors found. Yet when these two cycles with these two working fluids are combined, the result is net work to the environment and cold air, with no work or heat input. The authors do not believe the second law is flawed. We expect an error will be discovered, either in our analysis or in the thermodynamic tables of the two fluids that we used. We present the analysis and result in the hopes of having the error pointed out.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Are we essentially persons? Olson, Baker, and a reply.

Dans le cadre du debat sur la nature de la personne et sur l'identite personnelle, l'A. souleve avec E. Olson et L. R. Baker la question souvent negligee de l'essence de la personne. Tandis que l'un defend l'identite entre l'homme et l'animal, et que l'autre defend l'idee de constitution en tant qu'animal humain, l'A. montre que la these de Baker rencontre de nombreuses difficultes concernant le statut des nouveaux-nes, l'ontologie de la premiere personne et l'identite de la vie mentale.
Superpixel Estimation for Hyperspectral Imagery

In the past decade, there has been a growing need for machine learning and computer vision components (segmentation, classification) in the hyperspectral imaging domain. Due to the complexity and size of hyperspectral imagery and the enormous number of wavelength channels, the need for combining compact representations with image segmentation and superpixel estimation has emerged in this area. Here, we present an approach to superpixel estimation in hyperspectral images by adapting the well known UCM approach to hyperspectral volumes. This approach benefits from the channel information at each pixel of the hyperspectral image while obtaining a compact representation of the hyperspectral volume using principal component analysis. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that the additional information of spectral channels will substantially improve superpixel estimation from a single "monochromatic" channel. Furthermore, superpixel estimation performed on the compact hyperspectral representation outperforms the same when executed on the entire volume.
An Eclectic Approach to Estimating the Determinants of Achievement in Jamaican Primary Education

This article estimates the determinants of cognitive skills in Jamaican primary education. We take an eclectic approach, integrating the production function framework favored by economists with the concerns of educators about pedagogical processes and those of sociologists regarding school organization and management. At the same time, we correct for selectivity biases induced by school choice. We use an unusually rich data set, the 1990 Jamaican Survey of Living Conditions, which includes not only scores on cognitive achievement tests but also detailed information on each child's household and the primary scbool he or she attends. We find that all three components-physical and pedagogical inputs, pedagogical practices, and school organization and climateinfluence student achievement. Our policy simulations suggest that a focus on inputs alone may be misplaced'in school systems with input levels as high'as those found in Jamaica; school reforms that concentrate on just a few pedagogical practices could lead to substantial improvements in student achievement.
Natural Neural Projection Dynamics Underlying Social Behavior

Social interaction is a complex behavior essential for many species and is impaired in major neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacological studies have implicated certain neurotransmitter systems in social behavior, but circuit-level understanding of endogenous neural activity during social interaction is lacking. We therefore developed and applied a new methodology, termed fiber photometry, to optically record natural neural activity in genetically and connectivity-defined projections to elucidate the real-time role of specified pathways in mammalian behavior. Fiber photometry revealed that activity dynamics of a ventral tegmental area (VTA)-to-nucleus accumbens (NAc) projection could encode and predict key features of social, but not novel object, interaction. Consistent with this observation, optogenetic control of cells specifically contributing to this projection was sufficient to modulate social behavior, which was mediated by type 1 dopamine receptor signaling downstream in the NAc. Direct observation of deep projection-specific activity in this way captures a fundamental and previously inaccessible dimension of mammalian circuit dynamics.
HLA-B, -DRB1/3/4/5, and -DQB1 gene polymorphisms in human immunodeficiency virus-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Polymorphisms of genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, particularly those encoding HLA-DR, have been suggested as markers of susceptibility to Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). We conducted a case-control study comparing 147 homosexual men who developed KS after infection by human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) with 147 matched dually infected men without HIV-associated KS (HIV-KS) from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. HLA-B, DRB1, DRB3, DRB4, DRB5, and DQB1 polymorphisms were examined by high-resolution DNA-based methods. Differences in distributions of genetic variants were tested by conditional logistic regression. Previously reported relationships with HLA-DRB1 alleles could not be confirmed. Instead, other associations were observed. In univariate analysis, KS was weakly associated with B*2702/5 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18–0.91). Similar or stronger associations, positive or negative, were seen for haplotypes containing class II alleles: DRB1*1302-DQB1*0604 (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.02–13.1), DRB4 (DR53) haplotype family members [OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32–0.85], and DRB3 (DR52) haplotype family members (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.07–2.67). The B*1402-DRB1*0102 haplotype, which invariably contains the V281L mutation in the 21-hydroxylase gene governing adrenal steroid biosynthesis, occurred in five cases and one control (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 0.58–42.8). In a final multivariable analysis, only DRB1*1302-DQB1*0604 (OR = 6.43, 95% CI = 1.28–32.3, P = 0.02) remained significantly associated with KS. Associations of HLA-DRB families with HIV-KS could reflect underlying immune dysregulation. The HLA B*1402-DRB1*0102 haplotype associated with increased risk of KS might represent an antigen-presenting pathway unfavorable for immune response to HHV8. Alternatively, the relationship might hold a clue to the predilection of KS for men because that haplotype harbors the mutant form of the 21-hydroxylase gene. J. Med. Virol. 76:302–310, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analyzing powers in p→p→pnπ+ and determination of pion S and P wave amplitudes near threshold

Abstract Analyzing powers were measured and used to quantify the observation that s-wave processes dominate near threshold. Values of Ay(θπ,φπ=0°) are presented for η values of 0.22, 0.42 and 0.50. Maximum analyzing powers AN0 are equal to −0.13, −0.24, and −0.28, respectively. A partial wave analysis, made possible by the new analyzing powers and available cross sections, indicates that the s-wave contribution to the cross section constitutes about 91% of the total cross section at η=0.22, or 300 MeV. It decreases to about 75% for η=0.5.
N-Terminal Fragments of Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C Inhibit Actomyosin Motility by Tethering Actin

Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) mutations are a leading cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. cMyBP-C has 11 domains, C0 through C10, that bind sarcomeric proteins, including myosin and actin. A 29 kD N-terminal fragment (C0C1f) of cMyBP-C containing the first two domains C0 and C1 and the first 15 residues of the conserved MyBP-C motif is cleaved from cMyBP-C following ischemic-reperfusion injury (Sadayappan et al., JMCC 44:S44, 2008). Expressed C0C1f fragments inhibit actin velocities in the motility assay at a 2:1 molar ratio to myosin, similar to other N-terminal fragments: C0C3, C0C2, and C1C2. Interestingly, fragments containing only the C0C1 domains do not alter velocity, suggesting the additional 15 residues in C0C1f are necessary for inhibition. Adding C0C1 to the motility assay can partially reverse the C0C3-mediated inhibition of velocity, suggesting C0C1 may compete with C0C3 for actin binding. cMyBP-C fragments may affect motility by creating a tether between actin and the flowcell surface. To test this, motility experiments were performed under high ionic strength, saturating MgATP, and in the absence of methylcellulose, conditions in which most actin filaments diffuse away from the surface due to weak interactions with myosin. In the presence of C0C2, many actin filaments bound and translocated on the surface, confirming this fragment's tethering capacity. Additionally, in the laser trap we adhered C0C3 fragments to a bead in the absence of myosin and observed C0C3 transiently binding to a single actin filament with an ∼100 ms attached lifetime. We also saw evidence that C0C3 may partially unfold under load. These experiments strongly suggest that N-terminal domains of cMyBP-C containing the MyBP-C motif tether actin filaments and provide one mechanism for modulating actomyosin motion generation, i.e. by imposing an effective viscous load within the sarcomere.
Peptic ulcers in the elderly is a surgical disease.

Background: Operative management for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has changed significantly over the last 30 years. Methods: For a 15-year period, records of patients undergoing operative management for peptic ulcer disease were stratified into age groups and examined with respect to presentation, type of operation, and risk factors. Results: In all, 154 patients underwent surgery for PUD during the 1990s. Elderly patients were more likely to require an emergent operation (91%, P = 0.005), present with hemodynamic instability (25%, P = 0.025), and have a longer hospital stay (21 days, P = 0.012). Among the elderly in the 1990s as compared with the 1980s, there was increased use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ([NSAIDs] (49%, P = 0.005), decreased tobacco use (22%, P = 0.014), and less likelihood of postoperative renal failure (6%, P = 0.014). Conclusions: Elderly patients in the 1990s comprise the majority of cases presenting in a more unstable condition as compared with patients <60 years old, but show similar rates of morbidity and mortality. Elderly patients undergoing surgery for PUD have shown an increase in use of NSAIDs over the last 15 years. The types of procedures have not changed, but operations are more likely to be an emergent basis.
Physical Activity and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults

There is strong evidence that regular physical activity reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Building on the evidence review for the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, this article summarizes the recommended amounts and types of physical activity for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults. Key guidelines are largely based on current understanding of the dose-response relationship between amount of physical activity and risk of chronic disease. In part due to the preventive effects on cardiovascular disease, physical activity has beneficial effects on functional limitations and health-related quality of life in older adults. Gaps in research on physical activity and cardiovascular health are discussed, with an emphasis on the need for research on how sedentary time affects risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.
DNA polymerase β inhibitors from Tetracera boiviniana

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an active methyl ethyl ketone extract of Tetracera boiviniana, using a sensitive assay to monitor DNA polymerase beta inhibition, resulted in the isolation of three known triterpenoids, betulinic acid (1), 3-cis-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (2), and 3-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (3). Compounds 1-3 inhibited DNA polymerase beta with IC50 values of 14, 15, and 4.2 microM in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 6.5, 7.5, and 2.0 microM in the absence of BSA, respectively. Further, compounds 1-3 potentiated the effects of bleomycin in cultured P-388D1 cells.
How White Noise Generates Power-Law Switching in Bacterial Flagellar Motors

The clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) spinning of a bacterial flagellar motor is controlled by the concentration [Y] of a phosphorylated protein, CheY-P. Representing the stochastic switching behavior of the motor by a dynamical two-state (CW and CCW) model, whose energy levels fluctuate in time (t) as [Y](t) fluctuates, we show that temporal fluctuations in [Y](t) can generate a power-law distribution for the durations of the CCW states, in agreement with recent experiments. Correlations between the duration times of nearby CCW (CW) intervals are predicted by our model, and shown to exist in the experimental data and to affect the power spectrum for motor switching.
The effects of a single massive dose of vitamin D2 (D-Stoss therapy) on oral and other tissues of young dogs.

A DECADE ago European clinicians introduced the vitamin D-Stoss (shock) technique for the prevention of rickets in infants.6 This treatment consisted of the administration of large single doses, of l/s million international units or more, of vitamin D. Since the introduction of this method, large single doses of vitamin D,* or D,t have been employed in this country a1so.18, 22 Administration of as high as 11h2 million international units daily to human beings as a treatment for refractory rickets has been tried.l Warnings have been expressed2’ 9, 10, 12, 13, 22 against too much enthusiasm in biologic therapy because of marked roentgenographic and histologic changes in dental and paradental structures of dogs as the result of overdoses of vitamin D. Complete knowledge on the storage and destruction of excessive amounts of vitamin D is not available as yet; studies along these lines have been conducted in experimental animals** I3 and in human beings.14 Assay of the various body tissues of dogs, sacrificed three days after a large single dose, accounted for less than 10 per cent of the original massive dose.ll Caution was advised against the acceptance of the vitamin D-Stoss therapy for rickets or its prevention until more is known about the possible damaging effects, The hypercalcemia which results from hyperparathyroidism and that from the toxic effect of overdosage of vitamin D are of different physiologic 0rigins.l” The former is from a withdrawal of calcium from the body stores and the latter from an increased absorption from the ihtestines or diminished loss through the feces. Deposition of minerals in bone, dentine, and soft tissue has been observed following the hypercalcemic state of both hyperparathyroidism and hypervitaminosis D.15 Pathologic calcifications have been demonstrated in dogs on the surfaces of bone trabeculae, and tooth roots; connective tissue, as for instance Sharpey’s fibers, and pulp tissue showed amorphous highly calcified depositions.2 Small malformed teeth were also observed in these animals. The establishment of the maximum nontoxic dose of vitamin D is a difficult task, as various species and even individual animals of the same species differ in their tolerance of overdosage of vitamin D. In addition, the vitamin D products used by investigators have varied as to source and method of prepara-
A model for duplicating bottleneck machines in the presence of budgetary limitations in cellular manufacturing

SUMMARY The duplication of bottleneck machines is an important decision a parts-manufacturing company has to deal with after the part-machine assignments to manufacturing cells are determined. The reason being, in the long run, significant savings in material handling costs due to parts generating intercell moves can be realized. Although there have been studies undertaken in the area of cellular manufacturing which have addressed the process of duplication, most have not considered the economies of production in light of the associated costs. In this paper, a realistic two-phase methodology has been presented to model the duplication process taking into account the sequence of operations of parts and budgetary limitations faced by the company. The model has been applied to an example problem and the results obtained have been justified at various budgetary levels.
Effects of Long-Term Cigarette Smoking on Endothelium-Dependent Responses in Humans

Abstract Endothelial injury is a central feature of vascular disease induced by cigarette smoking and may act as a precursor for future atherosclerosis. Using forearm occlusion plethysmography, we studied the vascular responses to methacholine (an endothelium-dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (an endothelium-independent vasodilator) infused into the brachial artery of 35 long-term cigarette smokers and 16 nonsmoking subjects. N G -monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA), a stereospecific inhibitor of nitric oxide production, was used to inhibit synthesis of nitric oxide in the endothelium. The reactive hyperemic response at peak and during recovery to the temporary interruption of forearm blood flow was also compared between groups. Smokers had elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels compared with nonsmokers (5.1 ± 2.1% vs 0.8 ± 0.4%; p −1 ·100 ml −1 and from 4.0 ± 1.5 to 9.3 ± 4.0 ml·min −1 ·100 ml −1 , respectively, compared with 3.2 ± 1.0 to 13.5 ± 5.6 ml·min −1 ·100 mL −1 and from 2.9 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 4.2 ml·min −1 ·100 ml −1 in nonsmoking subjects (p = NS). L-NMMA (4 μmol/min for 5 minutes) significantly reduced forearm blood flow in both smokers and nonsmokers from 4.1 ± 1.4 to 3.4 ± 1.2 ml·min −1 ·100 ml −1 and 3.8 ± 0.7 to 2.3 ± 0.5 mL·min −1 ·100 ml −1 , respectively (p
Behavior and dynamics of optically controlled TRAPATT oscillators

The experimental behavior of optically controlled TRAPATT oscillators is described and results of a detailed numerical analysis of the dynamics of this optical control are presented. Wide ranges in illumination level and circuit tuning conditions are considered in order to investigate the extent of the optical control and to bring out various features of this control. It is shown that illumination of the TRAPATT diode results in increased electrical activity and serves to produce substantial shifts in oscillation frequency and power. A salient feature of this optical control is that the variations in frequency and power are dependent on the frequency to which the oscillator circuit is tuned, making it possible to adjust the characteristics of the frequency and power control. The observed behavior is shown to be the result of an optical enhancement of the carrier avalanche process which acts to control the dynamics of plasma formation and, in turn, the final density of the trapped plasma. Results of the calculations are found to be in good agreement with experiment and to indicate that further improvement in the degree of control can be obtained with optimized device structures.
Time-lapse Analysis And Detection of Fluid Changes At Vacuum Field, New Mexico

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection is currently used as a tertiary recovery method in the Permian San Andres Formation, Central Vacuum Unit, Lea County, New Mexico. Multicomponent, 3D seismic surveys were conducted prior to and 8 months after carbon dioxide injection in an attempt to monitor the fluid front. Poststack cross-equalization techniques were applied to the time-lapse data volumes to enhance the interpretability of the compressional and shear wave velocity and amplitudes, and their variation over time. Fluid porperties for a carbonate rock invaded by CO2 displacing oil suggest a complex interplay between density and compressibility of the mix which is mostly governed by pressure conditions. Time-lapse, crossequalized images also reveal a complex behaviour of the rock-fluid interaction with areas of decrease in shear wave velocities surrounding high fluid pressure, CO2 injectors, and areas of S2 velocity increase surrounding low fluid pressure producer wells. This result, validated by time-lapse amplitude anomalies, has important consequences for shear waves in the detection of fluid changes associated with CO2 flooding.
Limitation of smoking by sons and daughters who smoke and smoking behavior of parents.

(1971). Limitation of Smoking by Sons and Daughters who Smoke and Smoking Behavior of Parents. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 118, No. 2, pp. 293-296.
Ahead of the curve: next generation estimators of drug resistance in malaria infections

Drug resistance is a major obstacle to controlling infectious diseases. A key challenge is detecting the early signs of drug resistance when little is known about its genetic basis. Focusing on malaria parasites, we propose a way to do this. Newly developing or low level resistance at low frequency in patients can be detected through a phenotypic signature: individual parasite variants clearing more slowly following drug treatment. Harnessing the abundance and resolution of deep sequencing data, our ‘selection differential' approach addresses some limitations of extant methods of resistance detection, should allow for the earliest detection of resistance in malaria or other multi-clone infections, and has the power to uncover the true scale of the drug resistance problem.
Multi-frame coding of LPC parameters at 600-800 bps

Pitch-excited linear predictive coding (LPC) is widely used to code speech at 2400 b/s. The authors describe a method of coding LPC parameters which reduces the required channel bandwidth from 2400 b/s to 600-800 b/s. This method uses a split vector quantizer to code spectral parameters at 18 to 22 b/frame without excessive memory requirements. It also exploits interframe redundancy by block coding the pitch, voicing, and energy parameters, and by selectively interpolating the spectral parameters. When operating at less than 700 b/s, the system achieved as core of 90 for a three-male-speaker DRT (diagnostic rhyme test). >
3:51 Recombinant human bone morphogenic protein–2 for posterolateral spine fusion

Abstract Purpose of study: To determine if the dose and carrier for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2 (rhBMP-2), which was successful in rhesus monkeys, could induce consistent radiographic spine fusions in humans. Methods used: Twenty-five patients undergoing lumbar arthrodesis were randomized (1:2:2 ratio): 1) autograft/TSRH pedicle screw instrumentation (n=5); 2) rhBMP-2/TSRH (n=11) and 3) rhBMP-2 only without internal fixation (n=9). The carrier was 60% hydroxyapatite/40% tricalcium phosphate granules (10 cm 3 per side) with 20 mg rhBMP-2 per side. Patients had single-level disc degeneration, Grade I or less spondylolisthesis, mechanical low back pain with or without leg pain and failed at least 6 months of nonoperative treatment. The primary outcome was radiographic fusion measured by two independent/masked radiologists, as defined by evidence of continuous bridging trabecular bone as well as less than 3 mm translation and less than 5 degrees angular motion on flexion/extension films. Computed tomography scans were used to assess fusion mass continuity if there was uncertainly on the plain films. Secondary outcome measures included Oswestry and SF-36. of findings: All 25 patients were available for follow-up (mean, 17 months; range, 12 to 27 months). The radiographic fusion rate was 40% (2 of 5) in the autograft/TSRH group and 100% (20 of 20, p=.05) with rhBMP-2 with or without TSRH internal fixation. A statistically significant improvement in Oswestry score was seen at 6 weeks in the rhBMP-2–only group (−17.6, p=.009) and at 3 months in the rhBMP-2/TSRH group (−17.0, p=.003) but not until 6 months in the autograft/TSRH group (−17.3, p=.041). At final follow-up, Oswestry improvement was greatest in the rhBMP-2–only group (−28.7, p Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: This represents the first prospective, randomized clinical trial using a recombinant BMP for posterolateral spine fusion without autogenous bone graft. The radiographic fusion rates obtained appear to be higher than the control group in the study and most historical controls published in the literature for this diagnosis. Overall significance of findings: Recombinant human BMP-2 with the biphasic calcium phosphate granules consistently induced radiographic posterolateral lumbar spine fusion with or without internal fixation in patients with not greater than Grade I spondylolisthesis. There was a statistically greater and quicker improvement in patient-derived clinical outcome measures in the rhBMP-2 groups. These findings provide hope that bone graft harvest and its associated morbidity may not be needed and the clinical results may be at least as good or better than those with autogenous iliac crest bone. Disclosures: Device or drug: rhBMP-2. Status: investigational. Device or drug: BCP Ceramic Granules. Status: investigational. Device or drug: TSHR pedicle screws/rods. Status: approved. Conflict of interest: Scott D. Boden, grant research support; Scott D. Boden and John G. Heller, consultants Medtronic Sofamor Danek.
Short wavelength free electron lasers in 1996

The author is grateful for support of this work by the Naval Postgraduate School and SURA/CEBAF.
Combining Structure and Property Values is Essential for Graph-Based Learning

Graph mining algorithms that seek to find interesting structure in a graph are compelling for many reasons but may not lead to useful information learned from the data. This position paper explores the current graph mining approaches and suggests why certain algorithms may provide misleading information whereas others may be just what is needed. In particular, algorithms that ignore the rich set of node and edge properties that are prevalent in many real-world graphs are in danger of finding results based on the wrong information.
VALIDATION OF RAPE MYTH ACCEPTANCE SCALE

Burt (2) has shown that attitudinal, experiential, and demographic variables influence acceptance of myths about rape but assessment of reliability and validiry of the scale is necessary. Bun defines rape myths as stereotyped, prejudicial, or false beliefs about rape, victims, and rapists. Thus, scores on a scale of acceptance should correlate with dogmatism which refers to closed-minded inability to receive, evaluate, and act on relevant information on its own intrinsic merits (3). We predicted a negative correlation between scores for acceptance of rape myths and trustworthiness or the extent to which people are seen as moral, honest, and reliable (5) since many rape myths involve suspicion and negative attitudes toward victims of rape. Twenty-six college students completed the Burt scale, a dogmatism scale (4), and the Trustworthiness Scale from Wrightsman's (5) Philosophies of Human Nature Scale. The Pearson correlations validate the scale. Scores on the scale of rape myths significantly related to those on dogmatism (r = .51, p < .05) and were inversely correlated with those on Trustworthiness (r = --.46, p < .05). Although subjects' sex and grade did nor affect scores on dogmatism and trustworthiness, sex did influence acceptance of the myths (F1.3 = 9.46, # < .005). The 13 males (32.2) had a higher mean acceptance score than the 13 females (24.7), which confirms previous sex'differences in adherence to rape beliefs ( 1 ).
Attitude Certainty: A Review of Past Findings and Emerging Perspectives

Attitude certainty, or the sense of conviction with which one holds one's attitude, has been the subject of considerable research attention. This article provides an overview of past, present, and future research on this topic. First, we review past work on attitude certainty, focusing on what has been learned about the antecedents and consequences of feeling certain or uncertain of one's attitude. Following this review, we examine emerging perspectives on attitude certainty. In particular, we describe recent work exploring the metacognitive appraisals that shape attitude certainty, the different meanings attitude certainty can have, and the dynamic effects of attitude certainty on attitude strength. Along the way, we also highlight important questions that have yet be answered about the certainty construct.
Direct analysis of solid samples by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract The direct analysis of solid samples by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS) has been demonstrated. This method provides a rapid alternative to traditional means of solid sample analysis, as the sample pre-treatment procedures are eliminated or minimized. Three instrument calibration methods for the solid sample determinations such as liquid standard, standard addition and differing weights of a standard reference material have been investigated. Utilization of standard reference materials for standardization, when available, provided for the best performance for the ETV-ICP-MS system. A simple and easy to use method of introducing the solid sample, with a well-defined mass, into the graphite furnace has been developed.
Absence of sterol biosynthesis in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun and in the barnacle Balanus nubilus Darwin

Abstract A dietary requirement for sterols in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus and in the barnacle Balanus nubilus has been established by the use of isotopic tracer techniques. Squalene and sterols were isolated by Florisil column chromatography. Squalene fractions were purified via the thiourea adduct product or the hexahydrochloride derivative. Sterol fractions were purified by recrystallization from methanol or by the dibromide derivative. Radioanalysis of the total lipids and fatty acids from all samples exposed to acetate- 14 C or mevalonate- 14 C showed sufficient incorporations of the isotopes for lipid synthesis. No incorporation of radioactivity into the squalene or the sterols of any sample occurred. It is concluded that Callinectes sapidus and Balanus nubilus are unable to synthesize squalene and sterols from acetate or from mevalonate.
Continuity of Phase Shift at Continuum Bound State

When a separable potential has a bound state in the continuum, there are two possible definitions of the phase shift. It is shown that if the phase shift is chosen to be the boundary value of the phase of an analytic function, then it has a jump discontinuity of magnitude $\ensuremath{\pi}$ at each continuum bound state. Some advantages of this definition, as opposed to one giving a continuous phase shift, are presented.