cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tendency of MHD Forces to Create Localized, Collimated Plasma-filled Flux Tubes & Ion Orbit Instability in a Flux Tube

Electrostatic helicity injection involves the injection of new azimuthal magnetic flux to link the existing axial flux of an open magnetic field. Since magnetic flux is frozen into plasma, this injection of new flux requires the injection of new plasma as well. This associated plasma injection means that helicity injection involves an increase of the density in the flux tube comprised by the initial open magnetic field lines. The injection of plasma and its embedded magnetic flux results in a collimation of the open flux tube when the embedded magnetic flux becomes compressed due to flow stagnation. Plasma injection occurs in the form of jets originating from biased electrodes having plasma sources. These jets can originate from both cathodes and anodes. An ion orbit instability may occur for cathode-originating jets. In cathode-originating jets the ions move opposite to the direction of the conventional current and so experience an anti-pinch force which can be strong enough to overwhelm the usual magnetic force responsible for cyclotron orbit motion.
Personality organization and language behavior: the imprint of psychological differentiation on language behavior in varying communication conditions.

The language behavior of field-independent (F-I) and field-dependent (F-D) clinically normal, verbally resourceful female college students was examined in three different communication conditions: Dialogue, Warm (visually supportive) monologue, and Cold (visually nonsupportive and stressful) Monologue. F-I and F-D Ss produced similar amounts of the different types of language behavior evaluated in each of the three communicative conditions. However, they differed with respect to verbal output and length of sentence “packaging” unit in Monologue conditions. F-D Ss talked considerably less but at the same time produced different types of grammatically more elaborate language behavior in Warm and Cold Monologue compared to their Dialogue language behavior. F-I Ss talked considerably more but also showed a type of language autonomy. The pattern of language behavior which characterized F-I speech in Dialogue remained the same in both Monologue conditions.
Fluid-elastic instability in tube arrays subjected to air-water and steam-water cross-flow

Flow induced vibrations in heat exchanger tubes have led to numerous accidents and economic losses in the past. Efforts have been made to systematically study the cause of these vibrations and develop remedial design criteria for their avoidance. In this research, experiments were systematically carried out with air-water and steam-water cross-flow over horizontal tubes. A normal square tube array of pitch-to-diameter ratio of 1.4 was used in the experiments. The tubes were suspended from piano wires and strain gauges were used to measure the vibrations. Tubes made of aluminum; stainless steel and brass were systematically tested by maintaining approximately the same stiffness in the tube-wire systems. Instability was clearly seen in single phase and two-phase flow and the critical flow velocity was found to be proportional to tube mass. The present study shows that fully flexible arrays become unstable at a lower flow velocity when compared to a single flexible tube surrounded by rigid tubes. It is also found that tubes are more stable in steam-water flow as compared to air-water flow. Nucleate boiling on the tube surface is also found to have a stabilizing effect on fluid-elastic instability.
PAST: Viewing the programming process

A software package called PAST (Programmer Assessment Software Tools) is described. PAST was designed as a research and diagnostic tool to analyze how programmers develop and test program code. PAST uses line changes between successive compiles to estimate a programmer’s cognitive processing. Line changes are highlighted and graphically presented between any two versions or compiles. Summary graphs and statistics across all versions also are provided. Applications of PAST for expanding our understanding of programming and applying it to research, teaching, and learning are discussed.
Isolation and characterization of a human neutrophil aggregation defective mutant of Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is known to adhere to human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and cause them to aggregate. In this study, we isolated a spontaneously occurring aggregation defective (AGG−) mutant and this mutant will be used for future study of the interactions between this bacterium and human PMN. Genomic DNA fingerprinting by random-primed polymerase chain reaction method revealed a difference between the parent strain and the AGG− mutant. This mutant also showed an altered phenotype in both microbicidal and phagocytic assays, suggesting that the bacterial factor involved in the aggregation may also be very important for the phagocytosis and, subsequently, the killing by human PMNs. Further study of this mutant may help to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between this pathogen and human PMNs.
Study of quadrupole-octopole Cc corrector for the large gap HREM

Summary We have considered several aspects of a quadruplet of quadrupole-octopoles aimed at the Cc-correction of a high resolution TEM with large-gap pole piece and low beam energy. The strategy of adding appropriate numbers of octopoles to balance the third order aperture aberrations and correct coma is discussed in detail. We also numerically studied the behavior of several resolution-limiting factors as functions of the focal length and chromatic aberration of the objective lens. For the purpose of comparison, the calculation used on two models: the Gaussian thin lens model and rectangular thick lens model, as extreme cases of the real quadrupole-octopole field distribution. We conclude that for a moderate electrode potential of the electrostatic quadrupole, its power stability poses the the most severe limit on the achievable resolution. It is expected that as long as the power instability of its electrostatic quadrupoles can be maintained below 0.1 ppm, a quadrupole-octopole quadruplet Cc corrector featuring thick field distribution can provide a correction of Cc up to 6.5 mm without inducing any other aberration effects.
Epididymo-Orchitis after Cryoablation of Prostate for Prostate Cancer

We report two cases of acute epididymo-orchitis developing 4 to 6 weeks after cryoablation for prostate cancer. One patient required a simple orchiectomy for epididymal abscess; the other responded to treatment with antibiotics. Since the occurrence of these two cases, we routinely perform bilateral vasectomy prior to prostate cryoablation. We suggest that an extended course of prophylactic antibiotics may also be needed in order to avoid this complication.
Immunoreactivity in a cellular immune reaction of lymphocytes preabsorbed on cell monolayers.

SELECTIVE removal from non-immune lymphoid cell populations, of lymphocytes involved ultimately in production of antibody against haptenic determinants, has been demonstrated1,2 using the particular haptenic group coupled to an inert substrate. In a series of preliminary experiments, we have used monolayer cultures of fibroblast cells to remove lymphocytes, from a population of non-immune lymph node cells, capable of reacting against cellular antigens represented in the monolayer culture. Our test system in these experiments is the in vitro graft reaction model of Ginsburg3 as modified by Berke et al.4.
Pacemaker and ICD Generator Reliability: Meta-analysis of Device Registries

ContextDespite there being millions of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) generator implants worldwide, little is known about device reliability.ObjectivesTo perform a meta-analysis of prospective pacemaker and ICD registries to determine annual rates of pacemaker and ICD malfunction and to identify trends in these rates.Data SourcesMEDLINE (January 1966 to April 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (through second quarter 2005), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (through second quarter 2005), and a bibliographic review of secondary sources. Search terms included pacemaker, artificial; defibrillators, implantable; registries; performance; and malfunction.Study SelectionEligible registries were prospective; reported the number of patients with pacemaker, ICD, or both; and allowed determination of the annual number of device malfunctions. Of 1007 references screened, 3 registries meeting the selection criteria were identified and included 2.1 million pacemaker person-years and 14 821 ICD person-years of observation.Data ExtractionIncluded the annual number of patients with pacemakers and ICDs at risk of device failure and the annual number of generator malfunctions (1983-2004 for pacemakers, 1988-2004 for ICDs). A device malfunction was defined as an integral component failure that required device explantation prior to reaching elective replacement. Failures of pacemaker and ICD electrodes were not included in the study.Data SynthesisThere were 2981 pacemaker and 384 ICD generator malfunctions. Pacemaker reliability improved markedly during the 1980s (P for trend <.001) and the pacemaker malfunction rate remained low during the remainder of the study. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator reliability improved during the first 10 study years (P for trend <.001). From 1998-2002, however, the ICD malfunction rate increased more than 4-fold (P for trend <.001), before decreasing substantially in the latter 2 years of the study. Overall, the mean (SE) annual ICD malfunction rate was about 20-fold higher than the pacemaker malfunction rate (26.5 [3.8] vs 1.3 [0.1] malfunctions per 1000 person-years, P<.001). Battery malfunctions were the most common cause of device failure.ConclusionsPacemaker reliability has improved markedly. In contrast, after more than a decade of improving device reliability, the ICD malfunction rate transiently increased before experiencing substantial reductions in the latter 2 study years. Whether increasing device sophistication accounts for the observed decrease in reliability is not known. Continued monitoring of pacemaker and ICD performance is required.
Phosphorylation of high- and low-molecular-mass atrial natriuretic peptide analogs by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Abstract Synthetic high- and low-molecular-mass atrial peptides were phosphorylated in vitro by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and [ 32 P]ATP. From a series of atrial peptide analogs, it was deduced that the amino acid sequence, Arg 101 Ser 104 of atriopeptin was required for optimal phosphorylation. Phosphorylated AP(99–126) was less potent than the parent atriopeptin in vasorelaxant activity and receptor-binding properties. These results indicate that the presence of a phosphate group at the N-terminus of AP(99–126) decreases the interaction of the peptide with its receptor and, as a consequence, decreases bioactivity. These observations are in contrast to those of Rittenhouse et al. [(1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 7607–7610] who reported that phosphorylation of AP(101–126) enhanced the stimulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells.
Chemokines and Cytokines: A Primer of Cellular Biology for the Clinical Neonatologist

The developing fetus that exists in a privileged and relatively sterile environment has no major requirement for protection against invading organisms or other mechanisms of injury. When that fetus transforms into a preterm infant, survival necessitates rapid activation of immune function. The systemic and mucosal immune response is orchestrated by myriad locally functioning chemicals called chemokines and cytokines. This article reviews the structure, function, and cellular population of these compounds as well as their roles in the development or protection against the diseases of preterm infants.
Toward upgrading the quality of consumer decision-making

This paper explores the notion of consumer informations systems as a framework for studying consumer behavior. It is argued that this approach may be a particularly productive one for those interested in improving the quality of consumer decision-making.
Use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog for protection against premature ovarian failure during cyclophosphamide therapy in women with severe lupus

Objective. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease predominantly affecting women of childbearing age, causes an unacceptably high incidence of irreversible premature ovarian failure (POF). This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of depot leuprolide acetate, a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRH-a), for protection against POF during CYC therapy. Methods. Young women with severe SLE treated in a standardized protocol of monthly intravenous bolus CYC were offered treatment with GnRH-a (depot leuprolide acetate; a 3.75-mg monthly injection during the standard CYC regimen). Patients treated with GnRH-a were compared with controls individually matched by age (5 years) and by cumulative CYC dose (5 gm). Reproductive status was determined after a minimum followup of 3 years after CYC therapy. The primary outcome was time to POF. Paired summary statistical analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess differences in outcome between groups. Results. POF developed in 1 of 20 women treated with GnRH-a (5%) compared with 6 of 20 controls (30%) matched by age and cumulative CYC dose (matched odds ratio 0.09, P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated improved cumulative ovarian protection over time in the GnRH-a–treated group (P 0.04). Conclusion. Treatment with GnRH-a during CYC therapy was associated with a significant reduction of POF in young women with severe SLE.
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for patients with pathologic T3b renal-cell carcinoma: the Johns Hopkins experience.

Background and Purpose: Surgical therapy for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) with vascular involvement has traditionally been performed via an open approach. As laparoscopic techniques have improved, more surgeons are attempting laparoscopic nephrectomy for higher stage RCC. The goal of our study was to evaluate the safety and short-tem oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in patients with renal vein involvement. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the clinical and pathologic data for 37 patients who underwent a pure laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC with renal vein thrombus from 2005 to 2008 by dedicated laparoscopic surgeons. Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were assessed. Median age of our study population was 65 years, and mean follow-up was 14 months. Results: Median pathologic tumor size was 7.5 cm. One (2.7%) patient needed conversion to an open procedure. Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 200 mL (interquartile range [IQR]) 100–850), and median length of stay (LOS) was 3 d...
BACITRACIN DISC RESISTANT BETA HEMOLYTIC ORGANISMS FROM PATIENTS WITH PHARYNSITIS

Many patients axe known to be treated unnecessarily for Group A streptococcal (strep) pharyngitis by pediatricians who fall to include bacitracin discs on culture plates. In our experience an average of 44% of beta hemolytic (hemol) colonies (col) from throat cultures plated on sheep blood agar and incubated anaerobically are bacitracin resistant. To determine what the resistant organisms are that may trigger unnecessary therapy and the role of Group A strep in this population, beta hemol col from cultures in which disc resistant col predominated or were present in high proportions were isolated and identified. In the 9 month interval studied there were 9075 cultures. The 18% containing disc sensitive populations were considered Group A. 138 cultures with disc resistant populations predominant or in high proportion were studied. In the first group of 41 cultures 15% were enteric bacilli. There were eliminated subsequently because enteric bacilli in high proportion can be identified by odor. Considering all other organisms, 82% were strep, 14% were alpha hemol on replate, 3% were staphylococci and one culture yielded B. subtils.. The strep were Groups G(33%), C(28%), B(26%), A(20%) and F(3%). The disc “resistant” Group A strep made up only 0.11% of the total cultures and an estimated 0.3% of the hamol col. All 10 “resistant” Group A isolates were bacitracin sensitive on replate. We conclude that 44% of the patients are treated unnecessarily to include the 0.3% that may be missed by faulty disc identification
X-Linked Infantile Periodic Alternating Nystagmus

Objective: To describe the clinical and electrophysiological characterization of four family members from three generations who have X-linked infantile periodic alternating nystagmus (XIPAN). Methods: Complete clinical ophthalmological evaluation, pedigree analysis, electroretinograms (ERG), eye movement recordings (EMR), color vision, and fundus photography were performed on all subjects. Results: Three males in two generations and one female were examined. Clinical examinations showed a jerk/pendular nystagmus with a latent component, strabismus, and a significant refractive error in the three affected males, while the female had only myopic astigmatism. ERG, color contrast, and fundus examinations were normal in all four family members. All four family members showed EMR abnormalities with infantile jerk/dual jerk and pendular nystagmus waveforms. The female had nystagmus present on EMR only and all patients showed (a)periodicity to their nystagmus. Conclusions: In this family with no other congenital ...
Gender Differences in Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in systolic blood pressure of more than 20 mm Hg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg, within 3 minutes of changing from a supine to an upright position. The typical clinical presentation of orthostatic hypotension includes dizziness, syncope, blurry vision and loss of balance. Symptoms may be more frequent in women, but the complicating roles played by comorbid factors and the estrogen mechanisms are not well understood. Women have a more active parasympathetic system, higher estrogen levels and a lower center of gravity. Thus, women less effectively compensate for the drop of blood pressure in response to positional change. An understanding of these mechanisms contributing to orthostatic hypotension may improve diagnosis and treatment of the problem.
Identification of a highly conserved hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein in the cell walls of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and two other Volvocales.

The unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dang, has a cell wall made entirely from hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs). We recently employed a quantiative in vitro reconstitution system (Adair et al. 1987, J. Cell Biol. 105, 2373–2382) to assign outer-wall HRGPs of C. reinhardtii to specific sublayers, and describe the major interactions responsible for their assembly. Some of these interactions appear to involve relatively conserved HRGP domains, as evidenced by interspecific cell-wall reconstitution between C. reinhardtii and two multicellular Volvocales (Volvoxcarteri lyengar and Gonium pectorale Muller). In the present report we provide biochemical and immunological evidence that the outer cell-walls of V. carteri and G. pectorale both contain prominent HRGPs closely related to C. reinhardtii GP2. Identification of conserved GP2 homologues indicates a molecular basis for interspecific reconstitution and provides a useful avenue for characterization of HRGP domains mediating cell-wall formation in these algae.
A Semiempirical Test for Dynamical Instability in Luminous Blue Variables

By employing as input parameters only observationally determined stellar surface quantities, detailed envelope models for six well-observed luminous blue variables at quiescence are constructed and tested for marginal dynamical instability. The best-observed of these objects, P Cyg, proves to be exactly in a state of marginal dynamical instability, just as predicted. Within the larger observational errors estimated for the five other objects, they too are probably in the same marginally unstable state as P Cyg.
The Relationship Between Human Papillomavirus Status and Other Molecular Prognostic Markers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) status and known prognostic makers for head and neck cancers including tumor hypoxia, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and intratumoral T-cell levels and to determine the prognostic impact of these markers by HPV status. Methods and Materials: HPV status in 82 evaluable head and neck squamous cell carcinomas patients was determined by pyrosequencing and related to p16{sup INK4a} staining and treatment outcomes. It was correlated with tumor hypoxia (tumor pO{sub 2} and carbonic anhydrase [CAIX] staining), EGFR status, and intratumoral lymphocyte expression (CD3 staining). Results: Forty-four percent of evaluable tumors had strong HPV signal by pyrosequencing. There was a significant relationship between strong HPV signal and p16{sup INK4a} staining as well as oropharynx location. The strong HPV signal group fared significantly better than others, both in time to progression (TTP, p = 0.008) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.004) for all patients and for the oropharyngeal subset. Positive p16{sup INK4a} staining was associated with better TTP (p = 0.014) and OS (p = 0.00002). There was no relationship between HPV status and tumor pO{sub 2} or CAIX staining. However, HPV status correlated inversely with EGFR reactivity (p = 0.0006)more » and directly with CD3(+) T-lymphocyte level (p = 0.03). Whereas CAIX and EGFR overexpression were negative prognostic factors regardless of HPV status, CD3(+) T-cell levels was prognostic only in HPV(-) tumors. Conclusion: HPV status was a prognostic factor for progression and survival. It correlated inversely with EGFR expression and directly with T-cell infiltration. The prognostic effect of CAIX and EGFR expression was not influenced by HPV status, whereas intratumoral T-cell levels was significant only for HPV(-) tumors.« less
Clinical trial remote data capture client/server solution

This presentation illustrates a software and hardware solutions that provides a speedy but reliable and secure delivery of patient clinical trial data to a research data center. A wireless data entry terminal captures patient data and performs data cleaning during data entry. The data is later uploaded to a remote database via a wireless service gateway that is connected to the Internet over a high-speed broadband connection. This data is available immediately after being uploaded to the clinical database. The significant reduction in data delivery cycle time provides a considerable reduction in trial costs and faster time to market for the new procedure or device.
Affinity monolith preconcentrators for polymer microchip capillary electrophoresis

Developments in biology are increasing demands for rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive biomolecular analysis. In this study, polymer microdevices with monolithic columns and electrophoretic channels were used for biological separations. Glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate monolithic columns were formed within poly(methyl methacrylate) microchannels by in situ photopolymerization. Flow experiments in these columns demonstrated retention and then elution of amino acids under conditions optimized for sample preconcentration. To enhance analyte selectivity, antibodies were immobilized on monoliths, and subsequent lysozyme treatment blocked nonspecific adsorption. The enrichment capability and selectivity of these affinity monoliths were evaluated by purifying fluorescently tagged amino acids from a mixture containing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Twenty-fold enrichment and 91% recovery were achieved for the labeled amino acids, with a >25 000-fold reduction in GFP concentration, as indicated by microchip electrophoresis analysis. These devices should provide a simple, inexpensive, and effective platform for trace analysis in complex biological samples.
The (Na+ + K+)-dependent ATPase in the isolated mucosal cells of turtle bladder.

1. 1. In the microsomal fraction of isolated mucosal cells of turtle bladders, addition of Na+ and K+ to Mg2+-containing mixtures increased ATPase activity by 100–150%; and the (Na+ + K+)-dependent activity was completely inhibited by ouabain. 2. 2. Apparent Km values, with respect to ATP were: 0.22 mM for the (Na+ + K+)-dependent and 0.18 mM for the Mg+-dependent activity. The apparent Km for Na+ was 4.5 mM; and that for K+, 0.36 and 2.9 mM. 3. 3. No effects on activity were found after addition of amiloride, furosemide, and acetazolamide. In contrast, 0.1 mM N-ethylmaleimide inhibited the (Na+ + K+)-dependent activity by 45% without affecting the Mg2+-dependent activity. 4. 4. For Mg2+-dependent ATPase, the order of nucleotide preference was: ATP > GTP > ITP > CTP > UTP > ADP; and for (Na+ + K+)-dependent ATPase, the order was: ATP > ITP > CTP > GTP, while the activity with UTP or ADP was negligible. 5. 5. The pH optimum of the activity with Na+ + K+ + Mg2+ was 7.3–7.5; while that with Mg2+ alone was a weak function of the pH. 6. 6. Activity of ATPase increased as a function of temperature (15–45°). The calculated activation energy was 13.0 kcal/mole for the Mg2+-dependent and 27.5 kcal/mole for the (Na+ + K+)-dependent activity.
Library synthesis and characterization of 3-aminopropyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane)s and poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane)s

Libraries of 3-aminopropyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (APT–PDMS) and poly(ϵ-caprolactone)–poly(dimethylsiloxane)–poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL—PDMS–PCL) triblock copolymers were synthesized. Preliminary experiments were carried out to select an appropriate catalyst and route for the poly(dimethylsiloxane) synthesis, and trial experiments were conducted to verify the successful synthesis of the intended polymer compositions. Then, a series of APT–PDMS oligomers were synthesized with an automated combinatorial high-throughput synthesis system to cover a molecular weight range of 2500–50,000 g/mol. Trial PCL—PDMS–PCL triblock copolymers were synthesized with the automated reactor system and characterized in detail with rapid gel permeation chromatography, high-throughput Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, two library synthesis experiments were carried out in which the lengths of both the poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly(ϵ-caprolactone) blocks in the PCL—PDMS–PCL triblock copolymers were varied. The results obtained from these experiments demonstrated that it was possible to synthesize libraries of well-defined APT–PDMS oligomers and PCL—PDMS–PCL triblock copolymers with an automated high-throughput system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4880–4894, 2006
Identifying Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Gaps to Enhance HPV Vaccine Diffusion

To examine differences in knowledge, attitudes, and related practices among adopters and nonadopters of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the researchers conducted 83 in-depth interviews with 18- to 26-year-old women. The study identified knowledge-attitude-practice gaps in the context of the HPV vaccine to explain why diffusion of a preventive innovation (such as the HPV vaccine) requires targeted risk communication strategies in order to increase demand. Salient findings included similarities between vaccinated and unvaccinated women's lack of knowledge and uncertainties about HPV and cervical cancer. Vaccinated women who had no knowledge of HPV or no-risk/low-risk perceptions of HPV reported receiving vaccination, indicating HPV risk protection behavior could precede knowledge acquisition for vaccinated women. These vaccinated women identified an interpersonal network supportive of vaccination and reported supportive social influences. Among unvaccinated women, unsupportive vaccination attitudes ...
Empowerment for the ophthalmic nurse

Self-empowerment is the means by which nurses can take charge of their own professional development and help determine nursing's future. Becoming involved in nursing organizations, taking political action, and enlisting the cooperation of health care consumers are major steps toward this goal that can be attained when a nurse achieves personal power through personal growth.
Sensitivity analysis of stationary performance measures for Markov chains

Derivative estimation is an important problem in performance analysis of discrete event dynamic systems. Derivative estimation of stationary performance measures is difficult since it generally requires the consistency of estimators. This paper proposes an algorithm for derivative estimation of stationary performance measures for Markov chains. Both discrete-time and continuous-time chains are considered. The basic idea is to simulate the original Markov chain with a modified performance measure which can be estimated by extra simulations. The computational load of the extra simulations at each step is bounded. It is shown under mild assumptions that the algorithm attains the best possible rate of convergence as the simulation time goes to infinity. An unexpected connection between the algorithm and solutions to Poisson equations is also revealed.
Galerkin/Runge-Kutta discretizations for semilinear parabolic equations

A new class of fully discrete Galerkin/Runge–Kutta methods is constructed and analyzed for semilinear parabolic initial boundary value problems. Unlike any classical counterpart, this class offers arbitrarily high-order convergence without suffering from what has been called order reduction. In support of this claim, error estimates are proved, and computational results are presented. Furthermore, it is noted that special Runge–Kutta methods allow computations to be performed in parallel so that the final execution time can be reduced to that of a low-order method.
Radio-frequency waveform generation with a CMOS compatible on-chip spectral shaper

We demonstrate thermo-optically tunable multiple-channel micro-ring resonators as an ultra-compact on-chip spectral shaper, and tunable multiple-ring all-pass filters as variable delay lines for photonic radio-frequency waveform generation. High quality radio-frequency pulsed signals were achieved.
Image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for conduction block of peripheral nerves.

The objective of our work has been to investigate the use of ultrasound image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to non-invasively produce conduction block in rabbit sciatic nerves in vivo, a technique that could become a treatment of spasticity and pain. The work reported here involved the investigation of the duration of such conduction blocks after HIFU treatment and whether they resulted in axon degeneration. The right sciatic nerves of 12 rabbits were treated, under guidance of ultrasound imaging, with repeated 5-s applications of 3.2 MHz HIFU with in situ intensity of 1930 W/cm2 (spatial-average, temporal-average) until conduction block was achieved. Survival endpoints were 0, 7, or 14 days after HIFU treatment, at which point the nerve conduction was assessed. Qualitative and quantitative histological analysis of nerve sections proximal and distal to the HIFU site was performed. Conduction block of all 12 nerves was achieved with average HIFU treatment time of 10.5±4.9 s (mean±SD). The volume of necrosis of adjacent muscle was measured to be 1.59±1.1 cm3 (mean±SD). For all nerves, conduction block remained at the survival endpoint and the block resulted in degeneration of axons distal to the HIFU site, as confirmed by electrophysiological and histological methods. Potential clinical applications include treatment of spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury or pain in cancer patients.
Corticosteroids for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia with Acute Respiratory Failure: Experience with Rescue Therapy

Corticosteroids have proven effective as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of PCP in patients with AIDS, when begun within 72 h of conventional anti-Pneumocystis therapy. Their efficacy as rescue (or salvage) therapy in patients who have failed conventional therapy, however, remains unproven. Ths report presents our experience with 16 patients admitted to our MICU for acute respiratory failure (PaO2/FIo2 ratio ≤150) due to PCP. Five of six patients (83 percent) who received "primary" CS rescue (initial CS use prompted by acute respiratory failure after 72 h of conventional anti-Pneumocystis therapy) survived hospitalization. Our experience suggests that CSs may be effective even when started after 72 h of conventional therapy. Additional studies are needed to clarify the role of CS rescue therapy.
Digitalis VII. The Effect of Various Alkalies on the Sensitivity of the Baljet Reaction for Digitoxin

By Using tetraethylammonium hydroxide as the alkali, the Baljet spot test for cardiotonic glycosides has been greatly improved, A revision of the U. S. P. control procedure for the assay of digitoxin using tetraethylammonium hydroxide as the alkali is recommended.
Triangular flow in event-by-event ideal hydrodynamics in Au+Au collisions at √SNN = 200A GeV

The first calculation of triangular flow ${v}_{3}$ in Au$+$Au collisions at $\sqrt{{s}_{\mathrm{NN}}}=200A$ GeV from an event-by-event $(3+1)d$ transport$+$hydrodynamics hybrid approach is presented. As a response to the initial triangularity ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{3}$ of the collision zone, ${v}_{3}$ is computed in a similar way to the standard event-plane analysis for elliptic flow ${v}_{2}$. It is found that the triangular flow exhibits weak centrality dependence and is roughly equal to elliptic flow in most central collisions. We also explore the transverse momentum and rapidity dependence of ${v}_{2}$ and ${v}_{3}$ for charged particles as well as identified particles. We conclude that an event-by-event treatment of the ideal hydrodynamic evolution starting with realistic initial conditions generates the main features expected for triangular flow.
Design-to-time scheduling and anytime algorithms

Design-to-time real-time scheduling is an approach to solving time-sensitive problems where multiple methods are available for many subproblems. It is an alternative to the anytime algorithm approach, scheduling discrete methods rather than anytime algorithms with the goal of maximizing the value of the scheduled computation. In this paper we briefly introduce the design-to-time approach, describe how design-to-time can be used to schedule anytime algorithms including some experimental results, and examine anytime characteristics of our design-to-time scheduling algorithm.
Impact of physical initialization on cloud forecasts

The impact of initial data on cloud forecasts by the Florida State University Global Spectral Model (FSUGSM) has been investigated. This work has shown that improving the information content of the initial data by physical initialization has a very strong, positive impact on cloud forecasts. Model spin-up of clouds is considerably reduced. There is an overall better representation of high, middle, low, and total clouds over the tropics and there is a discernible improvement in the prediction of clouds. A strong correlation between cloud shortwave forcing and longwave forcing has been noted in model forecasts with the physically initialized data. This result compares very well with observations from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE).
The Effects of Part-Time MBA Programs on Students: The Relationships Between Students and Their Employers

The authors explore how the relationship between part-time master of business administration (MBA) students and their employers changes as students proceed through their MBA program by examining the degree to which students are integrated into their employer organizations. Significant positive relationships observed between students’ progress through their MBA program and the integration factors of coworker support and future prospects with their employers suggest that an MBA education can have a positive effect on employee–employer integration levels. Consequently, in addition to increasing business knowledge and skills, an MBA degree appears to assist with integrating employees and employers.
Modeling and design analysis of 3D vertical resistive memory — A low cost cross-point architecture

Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) is one of the most promising emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) candidates due to its fast read/write speed, excellent scalability and low-power operation. Recently proposed 3D vertical cross-point ReRAM (3D-VRAM) architecture attracts a lot of attention because it offers a cost-competitive solution as NAND Flash replacement. In this work, we first develop an array-level model which includes the geometries and properties of all the components in the 3D structure. The model is capable of analyzing the read/write noise margin of a 3D-VRAM array in the presence of the sneak leakage current and voltage drop. Then we build a system-level design tool that is able to explore the design space with specified constraints and find the optimal design points with different targets. We also study the impact of different design parameters on the array size, bit density, and overall cost-per-bit. Compared to the state-of-the-art 3D horizontal ReRAM (3D-HRAM), the 3D-VRAM shows great cost advantage when stacking more than 16 layers.
A Simplified Clinical Electrocardiogram Score for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Mortality

Background Electrocardiogram (ECG) scores have been demonstrated to predict CV mortality but they are rarely utilized clinically. Objective Develop a simple score consisting of adding classical ECG abnormalities to make the ECG a more convenient prognostic tool. Methods Resting ECGs of 29,320 outpatient male veterans from the Palo Alto Veteran Affairs Healthcare System (PAVHS) collected between 1987 and 2000 were computer analyzed with an average follow-up of 7.5 y. Twelve classic ECG abnormalities were chosen on the basis of prevalence and corresponding relative risks, including left and right bundle branch block, diagnostic Q waves, intraventricular conduction defect, atrial fibrillation, left atrial abnormality, left and right axis deviation, left and right ventricular hypertrophy, ST depression, and abnormal QTc interval. A simple score derived from the summation of these criteria was then entered into an age and heart rate adjusted Cox analysis. Results There was a progressive increase in risk of death as the number of ECG abnormalities increased. The relative risks for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 ECG abnormalities were 1.8 (CI 1.6–2.0), 2.4 (CI 2.2–2.7), 3.6 (CI 3.2–4.1), 4.5 (CI 3.8–5.4), and 6.0 (CI 4.7–7.8) respectively (p < 0.001). The age-adjusted hazard ratio for CV mortality was 6.0 when there were five or more ECG abnormalities present. Conclusion Summing the number of classical ECG abnormalities provides a powerful predictor of CV mortality independent of age, standard risk factors, and clinical status. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Equivalent inclusion method-based simulation of particle sedimentation toward functionally graded material manufacturing

A novel numerical approach based on Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method is presented to simulate the Stokes’ flow of many spherical particles moving in a viscous fluid at a small Reynolds number. Many particles fall toward the bottom of the fluid at different velocities and thus form a graded microstructure in terms of the material phase and the particle size. For each particle, an eigenstrain rate, which is given in a polynomial form, is introduced to represent the mismatch between the particle and the rest of the fluid. Rongved’s fundamental solution of a point force in a semi-infinite domain with a fixed boundary (Rongved in J. Appl. Mech. 22, 545–546, 1955) is used to calculate the velocity field caused by the body force and eigenstrain rate. Based on Eshelby’s stress equivalent condition, the eigenstrain rate of each particle can be solved and the sedimentation process of a many-particle system can be simulated as a quasi-equilibrium process. If only one or two particles are considered, the results agree with the finite element results very well. Using a suspension of aluminum and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) powders mixed in ethanol, the microstructural evolution is illustrated along with the sedimentation process, which produces a graded mix collected at the fixed boundary for functionally graded material manufacturing.
Impurity complexes and conductivity of Ga-doped ZnO

Using hybrid functional theory together with experimental measurements, we investigate the influence of gallium impurities and their complexes on electrical properties of ZnO. In contrast to the behavior of isolated Ga impurities and native defects, the calculated formation energies of Ga complexes are consistent with our experimental data. We show that for high levels of Ga doping the acceptor behavior of Ga${}_{\mathrm{Zn}}$-${V}_{\mathrm{Zn}}$ and Ga${}_{\mathrm{Zn}}$-O${}_{i}$ complexes explains the conductivity measurements and compensation levels in ZnO. The computed binding energies of these complexes are also consistent with the binding energies obtained from the measurements of the temperature dependence of carrier mobility. Our results show that the formation of defect complexes, often overlooked by theory, can be indispensable in capturing the defect physics.
Distinguishing Maltreating versus Nonmaltreating At-Risk Families: Implications for Foster Care and Early Childhood Education Interventions:

Discriminant function (DF) analysis was used to distinguish 92 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse maltreating versus nonmaltreating families on indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and pa...
Depression and pregnancy stressors affect the association between abuse and postpartum depression.

To determine how psychosocial factors affect the association between a history of abuse and postpartum depression (PPD). Women at four urban hospitals in Utah were enrolled ≤48 h of delivering a live-born infant. At enrollment, pregravid history of physical or sexual abuse was obtained via self-report. Psychosocial covariates such as pregnancy stressors and depression were also collected. Pregnancy stressors were categorized using “stressor” questions from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The primary outcome measure, a pre-specified Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of ≥12 was obtained 6–8 weeks postpartum. Among the 1,038 women studied, psychosocial risk factors were common: abuse history 11.7%, pregnancy stressors–financial 49.1%, emotional 35.0%, partner-associated 19.8%, and traumatic 10.3% and depression history 16.7%. While abuse was associated with a +PPD screen in a preliminary model [aOR 2.05 (1.28, 3.26)], adding psychosocial covariates reduced the unadjusted association of abuse and PPD [aOR 1.12 (0.66, 1.91)]. After adjustment, PPD was associated with depression history [aOR 2.85 (1.90, 4.28)], prepregnancy BMI [aOR 1.04 (1.01, 1.07)] multiple stressors [3 categories aOR 4.35 (2.00, 9.46)]; 4 categories [aOR 6.36 (2.07, 19.49)] and sum of stressors * history of abuse [aOR 1.50 (0.92, 2.46)]. Interestingly only women with a moderate number of stressors were sensitive to an abuse history. Abuse and pregnancy stressors are common and interact to influence the likelihood of screening positive for PPD.
Nucleosome sliding induced by the xMi-2 complex does not occur exclusively via a simple twist-diffusion mechanism.

Abstract ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes can induce the translocation (sliding) of nucleosomes in cis along DNA, but the mechanism by which sliding occurs is not well defined. We previously presented evidence that sliding induced by the human SWI/SNF complex does not occur solely via a proposed “twist-diffusion” mechanism whereby the DNA rotates about its helical axis without displacement from the surface of the nucleosome (Aoyagi, S., and Hayes, J. J. (2002) Mol. Cell. Biol. 22, 7484–7490). Here we examined whether the Xenopus Mi-2 nucleosome remodeling complex induces nucleosome sliding via a twist-diffusion mechanism with nucleosomes assembled onto DNA templates containing branched DNA structures expected to sterically hinder rotation of the DNA helix on the nucleosome surface. We find that the branched DNA-containing nucleosomes undergo xMi-2-catalyzed sliding at a rate and extent identical to that of nucleosomes assembled on native DNA fragments. These results indicate that both the hSWI/SNF and xMi-2 complexes induce nucleosome sliding via a mechanism(s) other than simple twist diffusion and are consistent with models in which the DNA largely maintains its rotational orientation with respect to the histone surface.
Perception and reality: Public knowledge of plug-in electric vehicles in 21 U.S. cities

This paper examines the extent of consumer knowledge about plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and the current policies in place to encourage their purchase and use. Data are collected via a survey administered to a sample of 2302 adult drivers in 21 of the largest cities in the United States. Almost two-thirds of the respondents provided incorrect answers to basic factual questions about PEVs and, of those, approximately 75% underestimated their private value or advantages. The vast majority (94.5%) of respondents were not aware of the current state and local incentives in place in their locale to encourage PEV purchase and use. Based on a review of consumer theory, multivariate models are developed and used to assess the factors associated with consumer interest in the two major types of PEV technologies, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). Results show demographic and attitudinal characteristics having the largest influence on interest in either type of PEV. Misperceptions about purchase price and expected fuel and maintenance savings are likewise significant, although their impacts differ between BEVs and PHEVs. Better informing consumers about already available public incentives and advantageous aspects of existing PEV technologies offer promising steps toward their mass commercialization.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Nonstructural Proteins Decrease Levels of Multiple Members of the Cellular Interferon Pathways

Viruses of the Paramyxoviridae family, such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), suppress cellular innate immunity represented by type I interferon (IFN) for optimal growth in their hosts. The two unique nonstructural (NS) proteins, NS1 and NS2, of RSV suppress IFN synthesis, as well as IFN function, but their exact targets are still uncharacterized. Here, we investigate if either or both of the NS proteins affect the steady-state levels of key members of the IFN pathway. We found that both NS1 and NS2 decreased the levels of TRAF3, a strategic integrator of multiple IFN-inducing signals, although NS1 was more efficient. Only NS1 reduced IKKepsilon, a key protein kinase that specifically phosphorylates and activates IFN regulatory factor 3. Loss of the TRAF3 and IKKepsilon proteins appeared to involve a nonproteasomal mechanism. Interestingly, NS2 modestly increased IKKepsilon levels. In the IFN response pathway, NS2 decreased the levels of STAT2, the essential transcription factor for IFN-inducible antiviral genes. Preliminary mapping revealed that the C-terminal 10 residues of NS1 were essential for reducing IKKepsilon levels and the C-terminal 10 residues of NS2 were essential for increasing and reducing IKKepsilon and STAT2, respectively. In contrast, deletion of up to 20 residues of the C termini of NS1 and NS2 did not diminish their TRAF3-reducing activity. Coimmunoprecipitation studies revealed that NS1 and NS2 form a heterodimer. Clearly, the NS proteins of RSV, working individually and together, regulate key signaling molecules of both the IFN activation and response pathways.