cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Graves' Disease Associated with Familial Deficiency of Thyroxine-Binding Globulin

Five patients presented with symptoms of Graves' disease and a marked decrease in their thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) capacity. While thyrotoxic, mean values +/- SD for the 5 patients were: total thyroxine (TT4) 8.8+/-2.0 mug/100 ml (normal range 4.4-9.3); TBG capacity 6.1+/-1.1 mug T4/100 ml (normal range 16-24); free thyroxine index (FTI) 25.3+/-8.9 (normal range 3.6-9.3); and total triiodo-thyronine (TT3) 244+/-56 ng/100 ml (normal range 80-160). When euthyroid, both TT4 (2.8+/-0.8 mug/100 ml) and TT3 (68+/-12 ng/100 ml) were below the normal range and FTI (5.8+/-0.6) was normal. All patients were male, and family studies revealed decreased TBG capacity in blood relatives consistent with X-chromosome linked inheritance. All examined relatives relatives of the propositi, whether hemizygous or heterozygous, were euthyroid. Over the same period of time 7 additional patients (excluding family members of propositi) were found to be euthyroid but had decreased TBG capacity. The occurrence of thyrotoxicosis in 5 out of 12 patients with inherited TBG deficiency suggests an association rather than a coincidental finding, although initial tests were performed because of suspected thyroid dysfunction. The incidence of thyrotoxicosis in patients with inherited TBG deficiency is also high on the basis of the reported prevalence of the latter genetic abnormality. This study stresses the importance of determining TT3 and FTI on patients who are clinically thyrotoxic but have normal TT4.
Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours and proliferations: a review and update

Abstract Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours include the low-grade typical carcinoid, the intermediate-grade atypical carcinoid, and the high-grade large cell neuroendocrine and small cell carcinomas. This group of tumours continues to be the subject of much investigation. Continuing issues include the examination of the relationship of these tumours to each other from a molecular standpoint, the appropriate criteria for classification, choice of nomenclature and whether or not the two high-grade carcinomas warrant separate classification. Additionally, diffuse idiopathic neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and carcinoid tumourlets are being recognized with greater frequency.
Health care huddles: managing complexity to achieve high reliability.

Background Health care huddles are increasingly employed in a range of formats but theoretical mechanisms underlying huddles remain relatively uncharted. Purpose A complexity science view implies that essential managerial strategies for high-performing health care organizations include meaningful conversations, enhanced relationships, and a learning culture. These three dimensions informed our approach to studying huddles. We explore new theories for how and why huddles have been useful in health care organizations. Methods We used a study design incorporating literature review, direct observation, and semistructured interviews. A complexity science framework guided data collection in three health care settings; we also incorporated theories on high-reliability organizations to analyze our observations and interpret huddle participants' perspectives. Findings We identify theoretical paths that could link huddles to improvement in patient safety outcomes. Huddles create time and space for conversations, enhance relationships, and strengthen a culture of safety. Huddles can be of particular value to health care organizations seeking or sustaining high reliability. Practice implications Achieving high reliability, the organizational capacity to deliver what is intended to be delivered every time is difficult in complex systems. Managers have potential to create conditions from which huddle outcomes that support high reliability are more likely to emerge. Huddles support efforts to improve patient safety when they afford opportunities for heedful interactions to take place among individuals caring for patients and embed mindfulness into the organization.
An N-terminal 80 kDa recombinant fragment of human thrombospondin-2 inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor induced endothelial cell migration in vitro and tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo

We have previously shown that stable overexpression of the thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) gene inhibited the tumor growth and angiogenesis of human squamous cell carcinoma xenotransplants. To investigate the potential antitumoral efficacy of systemic TSP-2 therapy, we expressed a recombinant 80 kDa fragment of human TSP-2 (TSP-2/NTF), encompassing the N-terminal globular region through the three type 1 repeats, in human kidney 293 EBNA cells, using a modified pCEP4 expression vector. Daily intraperitoneal injections of TSP-2/NTF resulted in a significant inhibition of the growth of human A431 squamous cell carcinomas in vivo and in reduced tumor vascularization. To further investigate possible mechanisms of the antiangiogenic activity of TSP-2/NTF, several in vitro angiogenesis assays were performed in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. TSP-2/NTF inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor induced migration of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and inhibited tube formation on Matrigel in vitro. TSP-2/NTF also inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor induced angiogenesis in an in vivo Matrigel assay. Moreover, TSP-2/NTF potently induced human dermal microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis in vitro but did not affect A431 tumor cell proliferation or apoptosis. These findings identify TSP-2/NTF as a potent systemic inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis, acting by direct inhibition of several endothelial cell functions involved in neovascularization.
A simple, leaky cell growth model for plant cell aggregates

A simple growth model is proposed for plant cell aggregates which accounts for leakage of a single intermediate metabolite from the aggregates to the medium. This model predicts a lag phase in the growth curve whose extent is determined by the intermediate metabolite leakage coefficient and its equilibrium distribution coefficient between the medium and the cell aggregates, the size of the inoculum relative to the system total water content, and the initial intermediate metabolite content in the medium. The model thus provides for an interaction between growing plant cells and their environment in a way that has heretofore been unquantified. Preliminary validation of the model has been made against literature data of Dioscorea deltoidea grown in batch suspension cell culture on sucrose, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.997. The predicted glucose + fructose concentration in the medium agrees reasonably well with experimental measurements after ca, 3.5 days of culture, although a discrepancy exists between model prediction and experiment immediately after startup. Further validation of the model is suggested on this and other plant species.
Bacterial cytosine deaminase mutants created by molecular engineering show improved 5-fluorocytosine-mediated cell killing in vitro and in vivo.

Cytosine deaminase is used in combination with 5-fluorocytosine as an enzyme-prodrug combination for targeted genetic cancer treatment. This approach is limited by inefficient gene delivery and poor prodrug conversion activities. Previously, we reported individual point mutations within the substrate binding pocket of bacterial cytosine deaminase (bCD) that result in marginal improvements in the ability to sensitize cells to 5FC. Here we describe an expanded random mutagenesis and selection experiment that yielded enzyme variants which provide significant improvement in prodrug sensitization. Three of these mutants were evaluated using enzyme kinetic analyses and then assayed in three cancer cell lines for 5FC sensitization, bystander effects and formation of 5FU metabolites. All variants displayed 18 to 19-fold shifts in substrate preference toward 5FC, a significant reduction in IC50 values and improved bystander effect compared to wild-type bCD. In a xenograft tumor model the best enzyme mutant was shown to prevent tumor growth at much lower doses of 5FC than is observed when tumor cells express wild-type bCD. Crystallographic analyses of this construct demonstrates the basis for improved activity towards 5FC, and also how two different mutagenesis strategies yield closely related, but mutually exclusive mutations that each result in a significant alteration of enzyme specificity.
Benefits Analysis for Incident Management Program Integrated with Intelligent Transportation Systems Operations: Case Study

A methodology was established to assess the various benefits of an incident management program that is part of an advanced transportation management system. The methodology computes the benefits derived from the motorist assistance service, the reduction in delay, fuel consumption, secondary crashes, and the improvement in air quality attributable to the incident management program. A case study involving the Georgia NaviGAtor, Georgia's intelligent transportation system, reveals the resulting annual benefits of implementation of the methodology. The results indicated a substantial annual savings to motorists of 7.2 million vehicle hours of incident-related delay. The overall cost savings computed for a 12-month period during 2003 and 2004 was $187 million. On the basis of an annualized infrastructure, operations, and maintenance cost of the NaviGAtor system, the annual benefits-cost ratio was calculated to be 4.4:1.
Studies of the human stretch reflex

Abstract Measurements of the response to stretch in the triceps surae muscle of 12 normal human subjects are described. Three types of response were observed. One response indicated rheologic factors to be virtually the only determinants of tension, another response indicated rheologic factors predominant at slow speeds with reflex activity at high velocities, and the remaining response indicated a large reflex response at all velocities.
Inventory-Derived Task Handedness Preferences of Nine Professions and Their Associations with Self-Report Global Handedness Preferences

The handedness preference (laterality) of 1,196 professionals grouped in nine professions previously reported using self-reported global handedness and scores on a modified Edinburgh Handedness Inventory was further defined by evaluating the association between profession and the 10 manual tasks of the inventory. The previously reported ranking of professions in order of increasing righthandedness of laterality score arose from the handedness of specific inventory tasks. A similar association was found for self-reported global handedness. The evidence continues to support the hypothesis of an association between handedness preference and specific aptitudes or skills in this sample of professional persons.
A Rapid Quantitative Bioassay for Evaluating the Effects of Ligands Upon Receptors That Modulate cAMP Levels in a Melanophore Cell Line

A new method for rapidly evaluating the effects of drugs on receptors that regulate intracellular cAMP in a cell line derived from Xenopus laevis melanophores has been developed. Melanophores were plated into sterile 96 well microtiter plates, and 3 days later the cells were treated with melatonin for 30 min to induce melanosome aggregation. Subsequent exposure to MSH or adrenergic agonists caused dose dependent pigment dispersion that peaked within 30 min. The cumulative pigment displacement from cells could be quantitated by using a microplate reader to measure changes in transmittance of light through the wells. The acquired data enabled detailed and reproducible dose response curves and time course analyses to be generated. In addition, the assay followed for the rapid characterization of the effects of antagonists upon the beta adrenergic receptor (beta AR). The assay has the potential to test the effects of ligands upon any receptor capable of mediating pigment translocation in the melanophore cell line.
Bio-butanol vs. bio-ethanol: a technical and economic assessment for corn and switchgrass fermented by yeast or Clostridium acetobutylicum.

Abstract Fermentation-derived butanol is a possible alternative to ethanol as a fungible biomass-based liquid transportation fuel. We compare the fermentation-based production of n-butanol vs. ethanol from corn or switchgrass through the liquid fuel yield in terms of the lower heating value (LHV). Industrial scale data on fermentation to n-butanol (ABE fermentation) or ethanol (yeast) establishes a baseline at this time, and puts recent advances in fermentation to butanol in perspective. A dynamic simulation demonstrates the technical, economic and policy implications. The energy yield of n-butanol is about half that of ethanol from corn or switchgrass using current ABE technology. This is a serious disadvantage for n-butanol since feedstock costs are a significant portion of the fuel price. Low yield increases n-butanol's life-cycle greenhouse gas emission for the same amount of LHV compared to ethanol. A given fermenter volume can produce only about one quarter of the LHV as n-butanol per unit time compared to ethanol. This increases capital costs. The sometimes touted advantage of n-butanol being more compatible with existing pipelines is, according to our techno-economic simulations insufficient to alter the conclusion because of the capital costs to connect plants via pipeline.
¡Vamos Taximaroa! Mexican/Chicano Soccer Associations and Transnational/Translocal Communities, 1967–2002

This article provides a social history of the most prominent soccer clubs and leagues by people of Mexican descent in Chicago and Detroit between 1967 and 2002. It analyzes the impact of sport clubs and leisure activities in the formation of Mexican American communities. Based on oral history interviews and using concrete examples, the article proposes that soccer clubs have constituted a way to articulate recreational and leisure activities, gain access to public parks and facilities, and succeeded in creating a social place otherwise denied to Mexicanos in the Great Lakes by persistent patterns of segregation and discrimination. Sport clubs have also played a role in the formation of community leadership, the construction and affirmation of a Mexican identity based on the US experience, and the expression of civic and social needs.
Torsion theories over commutative rings

Abstract The definition of an h-local integral domain is generalized to commutative rings. This new definition is in terms of Gabriel topologies; i.e., in terms of hereditary torsion theories over commutative rings. Such commutative rings are characterized by the decomposition of torsion modules relative to a given torsion theory. Min-local commutative rings constitute a special case. If R is a min-local commutative ring, then an injective cogenerator of a nonminimal Gabriel topology of R is the direct product of the injective cogenerators of all the localizations of the given Gabriel topology. The ring of quotients of a min-local commutative ring with respect to a nonminimal Gabriel topology can be canonically embedded into the product of rings of quotients of localizations. All the Gabriel topologies of commutative valuation rings and their rings of quotients are described. If R is a min-local Prufer commutative ring, then the ring of quotients of R with respect to any nonminimal Gabriel topology of R can be canonically embedded into a product of rings of quotients of localizations, each of which is a valuation ring or a topological completion of a valuation ring.
The complexity of reversible cellular automata

We study the orbits of reversible one-dimensional cellular automata. It is shown that the Turing degree structure of the orbits of these automata is the same as for general cellular automata. In particular there are reversible cellular automata whose orbits have arbitrary recursively enumerable degree.
Tissue Adhesives-Revisited.

Abstract See related articles [Edlich RF: Tissue adhesives—revisited. Ann Emerg Med January 1998;31:106-107.]
Measures of location in the plane

There are many possible candidates for measures of location of asymmetric probability distributions. This difficulty is compounded for multivariate distributions. It is the purpose of this paper to characterize the set of all possible measures of location for a given bivariate probability distribution. A closed, convex region in the plane will be constructed, any point of which is a reasonable measure of location. Reasonable here refers to the invariance of the region under certain transformations and order relations. The size of this region can be used to characterize the degree of asymmetry that a distribution possesses.
Prediction of stress intensity factors in pavement cracking with neural networks based on semi-analytical FEA

Computation of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) at the crack tip is the basis for pavement crack propagation analysis. Due to the three-dimensional (3-D) nature of cracked pavements and traffic loading, two-dimensional (2-D) finite element analysis (FEA) may be too simple to precisely predict SIFs, and the best choice for calculating the SIFs seems to be 3-D FEA programs. However, the 3-D FEA solutions are often computationally heavy. We had previously developed a semi-analytical FEA with multi-variable regression approach to fill this gap, but its accuracy still needs to be improved. To address this problem, a neural network approach based on semi-analytical FEA is presented in this paper: firstly, a SIFs database was generated through analyzing varieties of pavement structures using elastic semi-analytical FEA program; secondly, from the results in the database, neural network (NN) based SIF equations were developed for practical applications. The determination coefficients (R^2) of all the developed NN models were greater than 0.99 and mean square error (MSE) values were less than 1e-4. The comparisons between the prediction results from NN models and multivariable regression models also showed the advantage of NN over multivariable regression on the prediction accuracy. This proposed NN SA-FEA SIF prediction approach has been developed as a pavement crack propagation analysis tool.
Disaster response: community mental health service capacity in the USA

Following a natural disaster such as a major hurricane or flood, the ability of community mental health facilities to respond during the recovery stage of the disaster with adequate resources and capacity to meet community needs is critical to the recovery process. Community mental health agencies have a critical role to play in preparing for and responding to large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita of the 2005 storm season. The timely provision of mental health services to disaster victims has long been recognised as an important component of effective emergency management. In addition to a discussion of the findings from previous research studies conducted throughout the USA addressing the issue of mental health community response following a disaster, this paper will present the survey findings of a retrospective research study designed to assess the status of emergency disaster preparedness and client service capacity at community mental health facilities prior to and following the Katrina/Rita disaster in the southern USA. This discussion will also provide a qualitative assessment of the responses provided by community mental health administrators one year after Katrina/Rita, when they were asked to identify the resources needed by their facilities to effectively address future disasters.
Proteomic Analysis of Soybean Roots under Aluminum Stress

Toxic levels of aluminum (Al) in acid soils inhibit root growth and cause substantial reduction in yields of Al-sensitive crops. Aluminum-tolerant cultivars detoxify Al through multiple mechanisms that are currently not well understood at genetic and molecular levels. To enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in soybean Al tolerance and toxicity, we conducted proteomic analysis of soybean roots under Al stress using a tandem combination of 2-D-DIGE, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics tools and Al-tolerant (PI 416937) and Al-sensitive (Young) soybean genotypes at 6, 51 or 72 h of Al treatment. Comparison of the protein profile changes revealed that aluminum induced Al tolerance related proteins and enzymes in Al-tolerant PI 416937 but evoked proteins related to general stress response in Al-sensitive Young. Specifically, Al upregulated: malate dehydrogenase, enolase, malate oxidoreductase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase, in PI 416937 but not in Young. These enzymes contribute to increased synthesis of citrate, a key organic acid involved in Al detoxification. We postulate that simultaneous transgenic overexpression of several of these enzymes would be a robust genetic engineering strategy for developing Al-tolerant crops.
On minimal Haar coverings of k2 by three-dimensional spaces

Abstract In the article we introduce a notion of “Haar covering” as a form of multivariate extension of Haar spaces and show that the minimal number of 3-dimensional polynomial subspaces of two variables needed to interpolate at three distinct points is 3. This affirms a conjecture of Kyungyong Lee for three points.
Autoradiographic study of incorporation of P32 into ribonucleic acid at the intracellular level

Abstract By means of autoradiographs the incorporation of P 32 into RNA of cytoplasm, chromosomes and nucleoli of larval salivary glands of Drosophila was studied. Larvae were fed for one or two hours on food containing P 32 -inorganic phosphate and then transferred to similar food without the isotope for the remainder of the experiment. Incorporation is uniformly high in all cells of the gland during the first half of the third instar, but falls in the latter half of this stage so that labeling of RNA cannot be detected in the last third of the instar. The intracellular pattern of incorporation is such that labeled RNA can be detected after the first hour in sectors of chromosomes lying near the nucleolus. Almost simultaneously some P 32 -labeled RNA appears in the nucleolus. Within three hours the amount of RNA-P 32 in the nucleolus has increased so that one-half or more of the total in the nucleus is localized in the nucleolus. By this time labeled RNA is readily detectable in the cytoplasm, and within 5 or 6 hours the grain count over cytoplasm is nearly as high as over the nucleolus. A study of the relative specific activity-time relations of cytoplasmic and nucleolar RNA based on grain counts in autoradiographs shows that nucleolar RNA fits the role of precursor of cytoplasmic RNA. However, the data also fit the hypothesis that nucleolar and cytoplasmic RNA have a common precursor. These data are discussed with reference to the hypothesis that cytoplasmic RNA is synthesized in the nucleus, probably in the chromosomes, and transferred to the cytoplasm, at least in part, by way of the nucleolus.
Low-Gamma Continuously-Tunable Infrared (IR) Free-Electron Laser

Free electron lasers (FELs), based on stimulated emission of radiation by a relativistic electron beam, show potential as a new class of coherent radiation sources that are characterized by continuous tunability, high average power, and electrically efficient operation. Exploratory computer simulations of an FEL oscillator are presented for experimental conditions appropriate to a repetitively-pulsed Van de Graaff accelerator. A program to establish the feasibility of a continuously-tunable IR laser is also described, including discussions of two-stage and optically-pumped devices that promise attractive efficiency and power levels.
Neonatal hearing assessment in very low birth weight infants exposed to antenatal steroids

We sought to evaluate neonatal hearing assessment by the otoacoustic emission (OAE) test in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants exposed to antenatal steroids. This is a retrospective cohort study of infants <1500 g delivered between July 1998 and July 2004 who completed hearing screens on discharge. All screens were performed by the OAE. Only infants who failed or passed the exam were included in the analysis. Infants with a partial or an inadequate exam were excluded. Neonates exposed to antenatal steroids were then compared to unexposed infants for the results of their OAE. A total of 68 000 deliveries were performed during the study period. There were 703 VLBW infants who had hearing exams, of which 548 (78%) passed the screen, 95 (14%) failed and 59 (8%) were indeterminate. Gestational age, birth weight, score for neonatal acute physiology and severe intraventricular hemorrhage were associated with a failed screen (P<0.01). Antenatal steroid exposure was not associated with a failed screen (odds ratio: 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.5–1.4), P=0.43). In our population, antenatal steroids were not associated with a positive or negative effect on hearing assessment of VLBW infants.
Novel phthalocyanine/polyol high-solids coatings: Structure—property relationships

A convenient synthetic procedure for preparing nickel carboxylated phthalocyanine is reported. Upon further hydroxylation, such metal phthalocyanine moieties are incorporated into several melamine-based polyester high-solids systems and the structure—property correlations are examined. Molecular level spectroscopic FTIR analysis and mechanical testing are correlated in an effort to establish structure—property relations in these coatings. It is found that the presence of metal phthalocyanine macrocycle as a cross-linking agent enhances such properties as adhesion, hardness, and impact resistance. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Thermophilic Phage Endolysin Fusion to a Clostridium perfringens-Specific Cell Wall Binding Domain Creates an Anti-Clostridium Antimicrobial With Improved Thermostability

Clostridium perfringens is the third leading cause of human foodborne bacterial disease and is the presumptive etiologic agent of necrotic enteritis among chickens. Treatment of poultry with antibiotics is becoming less acceptable. Endolysin enzymes are potential replacements for antibiotics. Many enzymes are added to animal feed during production and are subjected to high-heat stress during feed processing. To produce a thermostabile endolysin for treating poultry, an E. coli codon-optimized gene was synthesized that fused the N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase domain from the endolysin of the thermophilic bacteriophage ɸGVE2 to the cell-wall binding domain (CWB) from the endolysin of the C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage ɸCP26F. The resulting protein, PlyGVE2CpCWB, lysed C. perfringens in liquid and solid cultures. PlyGVE2CpCWB was most active at pH 8, had peak activity at 10 mM NaCl, 40% activity at 150 mM NaCl and was still 16% active at 600 mM NaCl. The protein was able to withstand temperatures up to 50° C and still lyse C. perfringens. Herein, we report the construction and characterization of a thermostable chimeric endolysin that could potentially be utilized as a feed additive to control the bacterium during poultry production.
Design of planar inductor based Z-source inverter for residential alternate energy sources

This paper deals with a planar inductor design for optimal size reduction of z-source inverters. The smallest possible inductor size is realized through the utilization of the Finite Element method (FEM) and genetic algorithms. Operating condition of the Z-source inverter was set to a point such that it works with a smaller inductance value. We studied the reduction of radiated electromagnetic field as a result of size reduction from the planar inductor design. The resulting planar inductor was co-fired on a ceramic substrate and placed in the inverter circuit. The test results were compared to standard circuit with a normal coil design. The behavior characteristics of the optimally designed planar inductor were verified through experiments.
A Series of Guest-Defined Metal-Complex/Disulfonate Frameworks of Hydrogen-Bonded [Co(en)2(ox)]+ and 2,6-Naphtalenedisulfonate

A new series of soft-host frameworks assembled by charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between a cationic metal complex (MC) and an anionic disulfonate specifically (Co(en)2(ox)) + and 2,6-naphthalenedisulfonate (NDS), is synthesized and structurally characterized. The five new compounds have a general formula (MC)2(NDS) ·n(guest) where guests are H2O, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), p-nitrophenol (pnp), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmapy). All five structures are of the pillared-layer type where the layers are constructed of MC cations held together by a multitude of hydrogen bonds, both direct and indirect via sulfonate groups. The organic residues of the disulfonate serve as pillars. The structures of the layers and the orientations of the pillars adjust to the specifics of the guest molecules, and, as a result, four different patterns are observed. Compared to the recently reported analogous compounds with (Co(NH3)6) 3+ , these compounds have larger interpillar galleries because of the lower charge of the complex. The same effect was observed in a similar series with (Co(en)2(ox)) + complexes but linked with 4,4'- biphenyldisulfonate. The factors that influence the frameworks such as the charge of the metal complex and the guest molecules are discussed.
Performance investigation of an IQ wavelength converter

We recently proposed an IQ wavelength converter supporting multiple modulation formats. This paper presents wavelength conversion results for 20 Gb/s RZ-DPSK and 5 Gb/s NRZ-DQPSK and investigates the input dynamic range of the IQ wavelength converter
Optimized FPGA implementation of Multi-Rate FIR filters through Thread Decomposition

Multirate (decimation/interpolation) filters are among the essential signal processing components in space-borne instruments where Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters are often used to minimize nonlinear group delay and finite-precision effects. Cascaded (multi-stage) designs of Multi-Rate FIR (MRFIR) filters are further used for large rate change ratio, in order to lower the required throughput while simultaneously achieving comparable or better performance than single-stage designs. Traditional representation and implementation of MRFIR employ polyphase decomposition of the original filter structure, whose main purpose is to compute only the needed output at the lowest possible sampling rate. In this paper, an alternative representation and implementation technique, called TD-MRFIR (Thread Decomposition MRFIR), is presented. The basic idea is to decompose MRFIR into output computational threads, in contrast to a structural decomposition of the original filter as done in the polyphase decomposition. Each thread represents an instance of the finite convolution required to produce a single output of the MRFIR. The filter is thus viewed as a finite collection of concurrent threads. The technical details of TD-MRFIR will be explained, first showing its applicability to the implementation of downsampling, upsampling, and resampling FIR filters, and then describing a general strategy to optimally allocate the number of filter taps. A particular FPGA design of multi-stage TD-MRFIR for the L-band radar of NASA's SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) instrument is demonstrated; and its implementation results in several targeted FPGA devices are summarized in terms of the functional (bit width, fixed-point error) and performance (time closure, resource usage, and power estimation) parameters.
Social relationships of immigrant and resident female mountain gorillas, II: Relatedness, residence, and relationships between females.

Female transfer is common in mountain gorillas, but most adult females reside with female relatives for at least some of their lives. In four mountain gorilla social groups, co-resident relatives had higher rates of affiliative interaction and lower rates of aggressive interaction, and were more tolerant of each other, than non-relatives. These differences were greater for maternal than for paternal relatives. Non-relatives typically had few affiliative interactions, but some (mostly but not entirely long-term co-residents) had friendly relationships. Females showed reciprocity in affiliative behavior. Long-term residents in two groups maintained less tolerant relationships with more recent immigrants than with each other and than did most pairs of immigrants. The effects of relatedness and residence status on relationships may sometimes be complementary because both factors can lead to similar reproductive interests. A potential exists for some resemblance between female-female social relationships in mountain gorillas and those in female-bonded primate species. However, even female relatives usually spend little time interacting socially with each other, and the benefits of relationships with males outweigh those of relationships with other females. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THRUST LAW EFFECTS ON THE LONG-PERIOD MODES OF AEROSPACE CRAFT

An analytical study is presented of the longitudinal long-period dynamics of an aerospace craft in a nearly circular orbit, with a thrust law depending arbitrarily on the speed and altitude. The effects of the thrust law on the longitudinal modes are explored. A plane of engine possibilities is firs1 defined, with points corresponding to propulsion systems having prescribed thrust slopes with respect to speed and altitude. The characteristic equation governing the purely translational modes is then examined, leading to a fairly general stability picture in the plane of engine possibilities. Approximate expressions for the characteristic roots and times follow quite naturally, by first identifying a small quantity in the coefficients of the characteristic equation, and then expanding in a perturbation series about the origin of the plane of engine possibilities, for which the solution is always known. These expressions agree very well with the exact solutions over a wide range of altitudes and thrust laws. The period of the oscillatory translational mode (phugoid) is found to be independent to first order of the thrust law, generalizing results found by previous investigators for specific thrust laws. The results apply to the speed range from hypersonic to orbital.
Concurrent hydralazine administration prevents nitroglycerin-induced hemodynamic tolerance in experimental heart failure.

BACKGROUNDOrganic nitrates such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate are useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF), but tolerance develops rapidly during continuous administration. Because combination therapy of nitrate and hydralazine has been shown to provide both short- and long-term benefit but nitrate alone produces hemodynamic tolerance, we questioned whether hydralazine can preserve the favorable preload effects of nitroglycerin.METHODS AND RESULTSUsing an in vivo model of nitroglycerin tolerance in the CHF rat, we examined the effects of hydralazine bolus dosing during continuous nitroglycerin infusion. Continuous infusion of nitroglycerin alone (10 micrograms/min) produced initial reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 40-50%, which returned to baseline by 8 hours (tolerance development). Coadministration of hydralazine (2 x 0.1 mg) maintained the effects of nitroglycerin infusion on left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (45% reduction at 10 hours). This h...
Ovis-2: A robust distributed architecture for scalable RAS

Resource utilization in High Performance Compute clusters can be improved by increased awareness of system state information. Sophisticated run-time characterization of system state in increasingly large clusters requires a scalable fault-tolerant RAS framework. In this paper we describe the architecture of OVIS-2 and how it meets these requirements. We describe some of the sophisticated statistical analysis, 3-D visualization, and use cases for these. Using this framework and associated tools allows the engineer to explore the behaviors and complex interactions of low level system elements while simultaneously giving the system administrator their desired level of detail with respect to ongoing system and component health.
Hybrid silicon / III-V sources for optical interconnects

Single-frequency hybrid silicon compact DFB and microring lasers are presented, showing the potential of this technology for future energy-efficient transmitters in wavelength multiplexed optical interconnects.
A Guide to Publishing Your First Book: The Ins and Outs of Obtaining a Book Contract

As part of its mission to address issues of recruitment, retention, and integration of women and people of color in the profession, the APSA Task Force on Mentoring periodically publishes articles on some aspect of mentoring that will help political scientists move successfully through the profession. This brief symposium on “Publishing Your First Book” is just one such example of this initiative. For more information about the Task Force and its ongoing projects, contact Linda Lopez, APSA Director of Education and Professional Development Programs, at llopez@apsanet.org. The right contract can make or break tenure and promotion. The following article presents pearls of wisdom from David Meyer, Clyde Wilcox, Susan Clarke, Terri Givens, Carol Swain, Robert Spitzer, and Peter Labella. We divide these suggestions into two parts—those on obtaining and those on negotiating a contract.
Mechanical properties of thin pyrolitic carbon interphase SiC-matrix composites reinforced with near-stoichiometric SiC fibers

Tensile properties of Tyranno™-SA near-stoichiometric silicon carbide (SiC)-fiber–reinforced chemically vapor-infiltrated SiC-matrix composites with pyrolytic carbon interphases were experimentally studied. The influence of interphase thickness in a range of 60–300 nm on the tensile properties of the materials appeared to be generally minor. Thin interphase ( 600 nm) at the expense of composite stiffness.
Electron transport reactions between pyrene and methylviologen in a model biological membrane

Electron transport reactions in a phospholipid vesicle solution have been investigated by time-resolved laser spectroscopy. Photoelectrons were produce by two-photon absorption of the pyrene chromophore adsorbed in a model membrane (vesicle) and were captured either by bound pyrene, which was covalently attached to the surfactant molecule anchored in the hydrophobic bilayer of the membrane, or by methylviologen which was located in the outer water phase of the vesicle solution. The lifetimes and yields of pyrene fluorescence and of the lowest pyrene triplet state were not affected by the addition of methylviologen.
Long-Range Interactions between Three Transcriptional Enhancers, Active Vκ Gene Promoters, and a 3′ Boundary Sequence Spanning 46 Kilobases

The mouse immunoglobulin kappa (Igkappa) gene contains an intronic enhancer and two enhancers downstream of its transcription unit. Using chromosome conformation capture technology, we demonstrate that rearranged and actively transcribed Igkappa alleles in MPC-11 plasmacytoma cells exhibit mutual interactions over 22 kb between these three enhancers and Vkappa gene promoters. In addition, the 5' region of the active transcription unit exhibits a continuum of interactions with downstream chromatin segments. We also observe interactions between Ei and E3' with 3' boundary sequences 24 kb downstream of Ed, adjacent to a neighboring housekeeping gene. Very similar interactions between the enhancers are also exhibited by normal B cells isolated from mouse splenic tissue but not by germ line transcriptionally inactive alleles of T cells or P815 mastocytoma cells, which exhibit a seemingly linear chromatin organization. These results fit a looping mechanism for enhancer function like in the beta-globin locus and suggest a dynamic modulation of the spatial organization of the active Igkappa locus. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments reveal that the interacting Igkappa gene cis-acting sequences are associated with AP-4, E47, and p65NF-kappaB, potential protein candidates that may be responsible for initiating and/or maintaining the formation of these higher-order complexes. However, S107 plasmacytoma cells that lack NF-kappaB still exhibit mutual interactions between the Igkappa gene enhancers.
Satellite and Radar Remote Sensing of Southern Plains Grass Fires: A Case Study

Many large grass fires occurred in north Texas and southern Oklahoma on 9 April 2009, destroying hundreds ofhomesandbusinessesandburningthousandsofacresofgrasslands,producinglargesmokeanddebrisplumes that were visible from various remote sensing platforms. At the same time, strong westerly winds were transporting large amounts of dust into the region, mixing with the smoke and debris already being generated. This researchusessurface-andsatellite-basedremotesensingobservationsofthiseventtoassessthelocationsoffires and the spatial distribution of smoke and dust aerosols. The authors present a unique perspective by analyzing radar observations of fire debris in conjunction with the satellite analysis of submicrometer smoke aerosol particles. Satellite data clearly show the location of the individual fires and the downwind smoke plumes as well as the large dust storm present over the region. In particular, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical thickness at0.55 mm within the dustplumewas around0.5,and itincreasedtogreater than 1.0 when combined with smoke. Using the difference in 11- versus 12-mm brightness temperature data combined with surface observations, the large extent of the dust plume was evident through much of northcentral Texas, where visibilities were low and the 11‐12-mm brightness temperature difference was negative. Conversely, smoke plumes were characterized by higher reflectance at 0.6 mm (visible wavelength). Cross sections of radar data through the several smoke and debris plumes indicated the burnt debris reached up to 5 kmintotheatmosphere.Plumeheightoutputfrommodifiedseverestormalgorithmsproducedsimilarvalues. Sincesmokeaerosolsaresmaller andlighter whencompared with thedebris, they werelikelybeingtransported even higher into the atmosphere. These results show that the combination of satellite and radar data offers a unique perspective on observing the characteristics and evolution of smoke and debris plume emanating from grass fire events.
The Effect of Ambient Temperature on the Shoe-Surface interface Release Coefficient

Previous studies of the shoe-surface interface correlated foot fixation with cleat length, configuration, and material composition as well as turf type and surface conditions. Our study examined the effect of temperature on the rotational torsion resistance of artificial turf football shoes. Five football shoe models, a flat-soled basketball-style turf shoe, a natural grass soccer-style shoe, and three multistudded turf shoes, were studied on dry Astro Turf at five temperatures (range, 52 degrees F to 110 degrees F). An assay device, a prosthetic foot mounted on a loaded stainless steel shaft, was used to determine the force necessary to release a shoe from the turf's surface. We used a torque wrench to apply a rotational force so that each shoe was pivoted counterclockwise through an arc of 60 degrees. Our results indicated that release coefficients differ within and among the shoe models at various turf temperatures. We also found that an increase in turf temperature, in combination with cleat characteristics, affects shoe-surface interface friction and potentially places the athlete's knee and ankle at risk of injury. Based on an established risk criterion, which correlated shoe-surface interface combinations in the laboratory with documented clinical occurrences, only the flat-soled basketball-style turf shoe could be designated "safe" or "probably safe" at all five temperatures.
Functional Status, Time to Transplantation, and Survival Benefit of Kidney Transplantation Among Wait-Listed Candidates

Background In the context of an aging end-stage renal disease population with multiple comorbid conditions, transplantation professionals face challenges in evaluating the global health of patients awaiting kidney transplantation. Functional status might be useful for identifying which patients will derive a survival benefit from transplantation versus dialysis. Study Design Retrospective cohort study of wait-listed patients using data for functional status from a national dialysis provider linked to United Network for Organ Sharing registry data. Setting & Participants Adult kidney transplantation candidates added to the waiting list between 2000 and 2006. Predictor Physical Functioning scale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, analyzed as a time-varying covariate. Outcomes Kidney transplantation; survival benefit of transplantation versus remaining wait-listed. Measurements We used multivariable Cox regression to assess the association between physical function with study outcomes. In survival benefit analyses, transplantation status was modeled as a time-varying covariate. Results The cohort comprised 19,242 kidney transplantation candidates (median age, 51 years; 36% black race) receiving maintenance dialysis. Candidates in the lowest baseline Physical Functioning score quartile were more likely to be inactivated (adjusted HR vs highest quartile, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.21-1.39) and less likely to undergo transplantation (adjusted HR vs highest quartile, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.61-0.68). After transplantation, worse Physical Functioning score was associated with shorter 3-year survival (84% vs 92% for the lowest vs highest function quartiles). However, compared to dialysis, transplantation was associated with a statistically significant survival benefit by 9 months for patients in every function quartile. Limitations Functional status is self-reported. Conclusions Even patients with low function appear to live longer with kidney transplantation versus dialysis. For wait-listed patients, global health measures such as functional status may be more useful in counseling patients about the probability of transplantation than in identifying who will derive a survival benefit from it.
Performance characteristics of proximity focused ultraviolet image converters.

Performance characteristics of Bendix type BX 8025-4522 proximity focused image tubes for ultraviolet to visible light conversion are presented. Quantum efficiency, resolution, background, geometric distortion, and environmental test results are discussed. The converters use magnesium fluoride input windows with Cs - Te photocathodes, and P-11 phosphors on fiber optic output windows.
Do carbonate karst terrains affect the global carbon cycle

Carbonate minerals comprise the largest reservoir of carbon in the earth’s lithosphere, but they are generally assumed to have no net impact on the global carbon cycle if rapid dissolution and precipitation reactions represent equal sources and sinks of atmospheric carbon. Observations of both terrestrial and marine carbonate systems indicate that carbonate minerals may simultaneously dissolve and precipitate within different portions of individual hydrologic systems. In all cases reported here, the dissolution and precipitation reactions are related to primary production, which fixes atmospheric CO2 as organic carbon, and the subsequent remineralization in watersheds of the organic carbon to dissolved CO2. Deposition of carbonate minerals in the ocean represents a flux of CO2 to the atmosphere. The dissolution of oceanic carbonate minerals can act either as a sink for atmospheric CO2 if dissolved by carbonic acid, or as a source of CO2 if dissolved through sulfide oxidation at the freshwater-saltwater boundary. Since dissolution and precipitation of carbonate minerals depend on ecological processes, changes in these processes due to shifts in rainfall patterns, earth surface temperatures, and sea level should also alter the potential magnitudes of sources and sinks for atmospheric CO2 from carbonate terrains, providing feedbacks to the global carbon cycle that differ from modern feedbacks. Keywords: Global carbon cycle, carbonate terrains, organic carbon fixation, remineralization, carbonate mineral dissolution, carbonate mineral precipitation. DOI: 10.3986/ac.v42i2-3.660