cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual-dye optical mapping after myocardial infarction: does the site of ventricular stimulation alter the properties of electrical propagation?

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) disrupts electrical conduction in affected ventricular areas. We investigated the effect of MI on the regional voltage and calcium (Ca) signals and their propagation properties, with special attention to the effect of the site of ventricular pacing on these properties. Methods: New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four study groups: sham-operated (C, n = 6), MI with no pacing (MI, n = 7), MI with right ventricular pacing (MI + RV, n = 6), and MI with BIV pacing (MI + BIV, n = 7). At 4 weeks, hearts were excised, perfused, and optically mapped. As previously shown, systolic and diastolic dilation of the LV were prevented by BIV pacing, as was the reduction in LV fractional shortening. Results: Four weeks after MI, optical mapping revealed markedly reduced action potential amplitudes and conduction velocities (CV) in MI zones, and these increased gradually in the border zone and normal myocardial areas. Also, Ca transients were absent in the infarcted areas and increased gradually 3–5 mm from the border of the normal zone. Neither BIV nor RV pacing affected these findings in any of the MI, border, or normal zones. Conclusions: MI has profound effects on the regional electrical and Ca signals and on their propagation properties in this rabbit model. The absence of differences in these parameters by study group suggests that altering the properties of myocardial electrical conduction and Ca signaling are unlikely mechanisms by which BIV pacing confers its benefits. Further studies into the regional, cellular, and molecular benefits of BIV pacing are therefore warranted.
Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis

An update of a classic book in the field, Modern Portfolio Theory examines the characteristics and analysis of individual securities as well as the theory and practice of optimally combining securities into portfolios. It stresses the economic intuition behind the subject matter while presenting advanced concepts of investment analysis and portfolio management. Readers will also discover the strengths and weaknesses of modern portfolio theory as well as the latest breakthroughs.
Bortezomib-induced Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus lytic gene expression: oncolytic strategies.

Purpose of review Gamma herpesviruses (GHVs) are responsible for a substantial proportion of virus-associated human cancers, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Methods that employ lytic activation of viruses latently infecting tumors represent a novel strategy of antineoplastic therapy. Recent findings The proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, has been shown to be a potent activator of GHV lytic cycle and has demonstrated activity in case reports of GHV-related malignancies. Although initial reports implicated the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, more recent studies identify alternative pathways responsible for bortezomib-mediated lytic induction of GHVs and activity against the malignancies that harbor them. Summary Further exploration of proteasome inhibition as an oncolytic strategy is warranted and will require clinical/translational trials to determine whether lytic induction of GHVs correlates with clinical response to bortezomib, and, if so, to optimize this oncolytic strategy.
Males identify and respond adaptively to the mating strategies of other men

We recently demonstrated that college-aged women who were given a brief character sketch of personality features consistent with each strategy readily comprehended alternative male mating strategies. In the current study, we confirmed that college-aged males are also able to identify traits and tendencies associated with long-term “dad” and short-term “cad” mating strategies. Participants were aware of the cads' greater tendency for mating effort and success with women and the dads' greater suitability for long-term relationships and potential for paternal investment in offspring. There was some preference for dads rather than cads in social alliances. Participants also predicted responses to these characters in ways that would benefit their own reproductive success. Participants’ personality attributes, hypothetical behaviors, and actual behaviors generally corresponded with their judgments of their similarity to the character descriptions.
Markov chain analysis of succession in a rocky subtidal community.

Abstract: We present a Markov chain model of succession in a rocky subtidal community based on a long‐term (1986–1994) study of subtidal invertebrates (14 species) at Ammen Rock Pinnacle in the Gulf of Maine. The model describes successional processes (disturbance, colonization, species persistence, and replacement), the equilibrium (stationary) community, and the rate of convergence. We described successional dynamics by species turnover rates, recurrence times, and the entropy of the transition matrix. We used perturbation analysis to quantify the response of diversity to successional rates and species removals. The equilibrium community was dominated by an encrusting sponge (Hymedesmia) and a bryozoan (Crisia eburnea). The equilibrium structure explained 98% of the variance in observed species frequencies. Dominant species have low probabilities of disturbance and high rates of colonization and persistence. On average, species turn over every 3.4 years. Recurrence times varied among species (7–268 year...
Extensor digiti minimi tendon transfer to correct abducted small finger in ulnar dysfunction

A tendon transfer to correct the abducted posture of the small finger in patients with ulnar nerve dysfunction is described. The extensor digiti minimi is transferred deep to the extensor digitorum communis tendon or junctura tendinae to the small finger and inserted into the radial portion of the extensor hood, correcting the muscle imbalance. Successful results in 10 patients are reported.
Age and formation conditions of alteration associated with a collapse structure, Temple Mountain uranium district, Utah

Temple Mountain, Utah, is an erosional remnant capped by resistant dolomtic alteration of the Triassic Wingate and Chinle Formations. Carbonate, Fe-oxide, phyllosilicate, sulfate, and other mineral alterations are related to a collapse structure. Elemental zoning (Cr, Cu, Co, Ni, As) of the ore district is unlike that found in other uranium districts hosted by the Chinle Formation. A major uranium ore belt in the Chinle Formation partially encircles the collapse structure ∼500 m away. Two theories on the genesis of the Temple Mountain district have been proposed. Both suggest a relationship between alteration, ore mineralization, and formation of the collapse structures but differ substantially as to the intrinsic parameters of the alteration/ore mineralizing fluids. One theory suggests hydrothermal solutions up to 350 °C, whereas the other proposes cool solutions rich in CO 2 . Fluid-inclusion data collected from alteration dolomite and sphalerite and geochemical modeling of a CO 2 -rich system support aspects of the latter theory. Median homogenization temperatures for fluid inclusions in dolomite, calcite, quartz, and sphalerite are 67, 59, 74, and 73 °C, respectively. Fluid salinity measured in inclusions in sphalerite is 7.8 to 9.7 eq. wt % NaCl. Alunite, spatially associated with uranium mineralization and the collapse structure alteration, has been dated at ∼13 Ma by K-Ar methods. Acid solutions containing carbon and sulfur derived from natural gas dissolved carbonate, caused collapse, and transported and fixed uranium as oxidation states varied.
Performance of Isotropic and Anisotropic Heat Spreaders

Anisotropic heat spreaders (flexible graphite and continuous carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite) and isotropic heat spreaders (copper and aluminum) have been evaluated numerically in terms of thermal resistance. Anisotropic ones are attractive for their through-thickness thermal insulation ability. Flexible graphite is superior to carbon fiber composite in providing lower thermal resistance. Carbon fiber composite is advantageous in its superior through-thickness thermal insulation ability and its smaller critical thickness (the optimal thickness for maximizing heat spreading while minimizing thickness). The isotropic heat spreaders are superior to the anisotropic ones in providing low thermal resistance, provided that the thickness is large, but they do not have the through-thickness thermal insulation ability. A higher value of the in-plane thermal conductivity enhances the effectiveness of flexible graphite. As the heat source area decreases, the thermal resistance increases while the critical thickness decreases. For the same heat source area, a greater in-plane dimension of the heat source perpendicular to the intended heat spreading direction decreases the thermal resistance and critical thickness. Flexible graphite is comparatively more advantageous when the thickness is smaller and when the heat source area is larger. For the same thickness below 2 mm, flexible graphite with in-plane conductivity of 1500 W/(m K) is superior to copper and that with in-plane conductivity of 600 W/(m K) is superior to aluminum. The highest thermal conductance obtained is 6.1 × 104 W/(m2 K) when the thermal interfacial resistance is neglected and 5.1 × 104 W/(m2 K) when this resistance is included. The conductance increases with decreasing heat source area and with decreasing heat spreader length.
Surface Engineering of Mo-Base Alloys for Elevated-Temperature Environmental Resistance

The synthesis of robust coatings that provide protection against environmental attack at ultrahigh temperatures is a difficult challenge. To achieve this goal for Mo-base alloys, the fundamental concepts of reactive diffusion pathway analysis and kinetic biasing are used to design a multilayer Mo-Si-B-base coating with a phase sequencing that allows for structural and thermodynamic compatibility and an underlying diffusion barrier to maintain coating integrity. The coating design concepts have a general applicability. The coating structure evolution during high-temperature exposure facilitates a prolonged lifetime as well as self-healing capability. The borosilicide coatings that can be synthesized by a pack cementation process yield superior environmental resistance for Mo-base systems at temperatures up to at least 1,700°C and can be adapted to apply to other refractory metal and ceramic systems.
Delineation of a Saline Ground-Water Boundary from Borehole Geophysical Data

This study uses borehole geophysical data to calculate the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of ground water in Devonian and Silurian carbonate aquifers in northern and southwestern Indiana and specifically, to delineate the 10,000 mg/l (milligrams per liter) TDS boundary. The 10,000 mg/l TDS boundary as used here refers to the transitional zone in the Devonian rocks where the TDS concentration of saline ground water changes from less than 10,000 mg/l to 10,000 mg/l or greater. The 10,000 mg/l boundary not only defines the maximum allowable TDS concentration recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for potentially potable water, but also establishes an internal “limit” for the Silurian and Devonian carbonate aquifers in Indiana where density differences may be important for ground-water flow modeling. The study demonstrated that geophysical log data can provide a useful means of estimating TDS concentration in areas where water-quality data are lacking, found an excellent correlation between the resistivity-porosity method and measured TDS concentrations, and found several anomalous areas in Indiana where TDS concentration in Devonian and Silurian aquifers were higher or lower than expected. The TDS content of ground water in Devonian and some Silurian units was estimated by using three independent geophysical methods: static spontaneous-potential, mud-filtrate-resistivity, and resistivity-porosity. Each method yields values for formation-water resistivity (Rw), from which TDS concentrations can be estimated. Calculated concentrations from each method were compared to available water-quality analyses. Use of the resistivity-porosity method produced the most accurate results. To help quantify the values used in the resistivity-porosity method, 19 samples cut from cores were evaluated by laboratory analyses. The static spontaneous-potential method was used only where data were not available for the resistivity-porosity method. The mud-filtrate-resistivity method yielded poor results and was not used. Chemical analyses of ground water and TDS concentrations estimated from borehole geophysical log data (resistivity-porosity and static spontaneous potential methods) were used to establish areas where TDS concentrations in ground water are less than or greater than 10,000 mg/l. The concentrations of TDS of water from the Silurian and Devonian carbonates were generally found to increase in a consistent trend downdip with depth into the Illinois and Michigan Basins; however, this trend was not observed in several anomalous areas where the 10,000 mg/l TDS boundary becomes more irregular in shape. There are also areas where the underlying Silurian carbonates have TDS concentrations that are less saline than the overlying Devonian carbonates. These anomalous areas may be the result of nonuniform recharge during Pleistocene time or more recent times, or from differences in permeability that control flow paths and rates.
Smart garments: an on-body interface for sensory augmentation and substitution

The human sensory network provides an immediate interface by which to gauge ambient properties of the environment, registering pressure, sound, odor, etc. However, sensory loss can drastically diminish one's ability to process such ambient information, exposing an individual to potentially harmful situations. Smart Garments, capable of computation, communication, sensing, and actuation, have the ability to offset potentially hazardous circumstances associated with sensory loss by augmenting the human sensory capabilities. This research explores how Smart Garments can support those with a hearing impairment by leveraging the proximity and surface area of the human skin to provide contextual information (vibrotactile cues approximating the direction of critical environmental sounds) to a user.
Full-wave modeling of multiple vias using differential signaling and shared antipad in multilayered high speed vertical interconnects

A 3D full-wave approach, based on the Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equations, is successfully extended to model massively- coupled multiple vias using difierential signaling and shared antipad in high speed vertical interconnects. For the flrst time, this method has been used and tested on via-pair with shared antipad in multilayered structure. The magnetic frill current source on the port is calculated by using the flnite difierence method. Banded matrix iterative method is applied to accelerate the flnite difierence calculation. Numerical example of 15 signal via-pairs and 20 ground shielding vias in 6- layer board demonstrates that this approach is able to model the via-pair with shared antipad and to include all the coupling efiects among multiple vias. The electrical performances of difierent signal driving schemes are provided and discussed. The coupling crosstalk on various via-pairs is compared. The improvement of signal integrity is shown by using difierential signaling and shared antipad for via-pair in multilayered structure. The results are compared with HFSS and SIwave in accuracy and CPU. The CPU using Foldy-Lax approach is three orders of magnitude faster than using HFSS, and two orders of magnitude faster than using SIwave. The accuracy of Foldy-Lax is within 2% difierence from HFSS up to 20GHz, and outperforms SIwave in accuracy.
Zoned alteration in limestone at porphyry copper deposits, Ely, Nevada

The porphyry copper deposits near Ely, Nevada, occur within at least six bodies of quartz monzonite porphyry, associated spatially with barren sills, plugs, and a large stock of porphyritic quartz monzonite. The mineralized intrusive rocks were largely localized by the thrust-faulted contact between the Pennsylvanian Ely Limestone and the Mississippian Chainman Shale. Near mineralized intrusions the limestone contains extensive bodies of calc-silicate iron oxide sulfide copper ores. Adjacent shale underwent extensive potash metasomatism and hornblende-hornfels facies metamorphism but is less well mineralized. Two or more generations of postore faulting were important in developing the present geometry of the deposits. Several plutons are now "rootless"; at depth they terminate on fault contacts against unmineralized rocks.Silicate alteration assemblages in fractured quartz monzonite porphyry correlate with those in adjacent Ely Limestone. In deeper parts of the mines, secondary biotite and orthoclase plus disseminated chalcopyrite permeate porphyry. Massive andradite and fine-grained diopsidic pyroxene replace adjacent quartz-bearing limestone and dolomite. Later pyrite-chalcopyrite veinlets cut the early calc-silicates and are rimmed by quartz, calcite, magnetite, and either actinolite or a nontronite clay of varying composition Such multicolored silicate rock extends several hundred feet from altered porphyry and is called the tactite alteration zone. A band of massive wollastonite plus quartz typically occurs at the outermost edge of tactite.The irregular peripheral alteration zone, characterized by bleaching and local development of saponite, diopside, and tremolite, extends outward to unaltered limestone. Minor vein and replacement ore deposits within this zone show a crude metal zoning pattern.Biotite-orthoclase alteration in porphyry grades upward into pervasive or veinlet-dominated quartz-sericite alteration. Adjacent Ely Limestone contains hydrothermal calcite, pyrite, nontronite, and fine-grained quartz, and is referred to as the silica-pyrite zone. This zone, which has a low copper content, was apparently once extensive above ore-grade tactite zone rocks. Numerous features present in the various alteration zones can best be explained by the presence of solute-rich high temperature hydrothermal fluids during the formation of the deposits.The relationships between the different alteration types described above can be used as a model to aid in determining the prefaulting shape of the Ely porphyry copper system. Several bodies of mineralized porphyry and limestone apparently were once cupolalike features above the large unmineralized pluton. Chemical data suggest that these porphyry bodies could have provided sufficient iron to form the adjacent tactite assemblages, but that copper, sulfur, and some other elements were derived from elsewhere.
OptoNet-an omnidirectional optical data communication system

OptoNet is an experimental infrared optical data communication network. It utilizes low-cost infrared components and an omnidirectional radiation pattern. Nondirect paths, rather than line-of-sight, are used for data transmission. By optimizing operating characteristics of the transmitter and receiver, successful data communication was achieved over a range of ten meters utilizing approximately 250 mW of optical power. >
Correspondence Bias and American Sentiment in the Wake of September 11, 20011

This experiment examined correspondence bias associated with the expression of pro- or anti-American sentiment in the months following September 11, 2001. Participants read a pro- or anti-United States essay written by a person whose name was varied to suggest that he either was or was not a Muslim. Participants were informed either that the position taken in the essay had been chosen or assigned. Inferences made about the essay writer's true opinions demonstrated strong and consistent correspondence bias only when participants believed the essay writer was not a Muslim. When participants believed the essay writer was a Muslim, correspondence bias was diminished on one measure and disappeared completely on another. These findings are consistent with the notion that participants were concerned about rushing to incorrect conclusions about a Muslim target person. The strong correspondence bias exhibited by participants making judgments about a non-Muslim is consistent with Gilbert and Malone's (1995) assertion that unrealistic expectations lead to correspondence bias.
Absolute Radiation Measurement in Venus and Mars Entry Conditions

Comparisons of experimental characterization and model predictions of entry radiation relevant to Mars and Venus exploration are presented. Characterization is performed in the recently upgraded Ames Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) facility. Tests are performed in Mars (96% CO2, 4% N2) and Venus (96.5% CO2, 3.5% N2) simulant gases at downstream pressures and incident velocities spanning from 0.1-2.0 Torr and 3-12 km/s. Velocity and pressure conditions were chosen based on expected flight conditions (direct entry or aerocapture) in Mars and Venus atmospheres. The absolute radiance data are spatially and spectrally resolved and span the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) through mid-IR (120-1650 nm, 35 µm). Resolved spectra of the CO 4 th positive band in the VUV are reported for the first time. Measurements of CO2 molecular vibrational radiation is also attempted at low velocity conditions. Radiation modeled under equilibrium assumption with NEQAIR code compares favorably to measured radiation under some, but not all, conditions.
Mechatronics, systems and elements

The author introduces and defines mechatronics and its elements. The term has come to designate all complex products/processes requiring the integration of electronic, mechanical, computer (microprocessor), consumer, industrial, and military products. The topics described are mechatronics systems elements; subsystem technology; challenges for US industry; US academic institution challenges; educational initiatives; education to support CIM and mechatronics systems; and possible projects in this area. >
Arterial Venography of the Dog's Leg

Good visualization of the veins of the leg in the dog were obtained simply by increasing the dose to ca. 2 ml per kg tissue weight of contrast agent containing 282–300 mg I/ml. This is equivalent to the dose used in celiac, cerebral and coronary arteriography in man. Moderate increase in flow induced by injection of roentgen contrast agents gave some improvement in the visualization of the veins. Infusions of bradykinin and attempts at reactive hyperemia did not improve the visualization of the veins.
Aligned carbon nanotube array stiffness from stochastic three-dimensional morphology

The landmark theoretical properties of low dimensional materials have driven more than a decade of research on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and related nanostructures. While studies on isolated CNTs report behavior that aligns closely with theoretical predictions, studies on cm-scale aligned CNT arrays (>1010 CNTs) oftentimes report properties that are orders of magnitude below those predicted by theory. Using simulated arrays comprised of up to 105 CNTs with realistic stochastic morphologies, we show that the CNT waviness, quantified via the waviness ratio (w), is responsible for more than three orders of magnitude reduction in the effective CNT stiffness. Also, by including information on the volume fraction scaling of the CNT waviness, the simulation shows that the observed non-linear enhancement of the array stiffness as a function of the CNT close packing originates from the shear and torsion deformation mechanisms that are governed by the low shear modulus (∼1 GPa) of the CNTs.
Cross-domain service management for enabling domain autonomy in a federated SOA

To tackle SOA projects that span across various boundaries, enterprises are adopting a federated SOA approach in order to manage reuse across service domains. Managing service reuse involves sharing a subset of the services that are provided within a domain and fulfilling references to services required by applications or other services in a domain. While this is a major goal, it is also important for a federated enterprise to enable the autonomy of its multiple service domains. This paper proposes an approach for cross-domain service management that enables domain autonomy and that preserves across domains properties that are taken for granted by services within a domain. We introduce a cross-domain service management capability and show how this capability allows for services to be shared and reused without the need for a federation architect, and how it preserves intra-domain properties, thus enabling domain autonomy in a federation.
Mechanisms for Interteam Integration: Findings from Five Case Studies

Many product development programs consist of multiple integrated product teams (IPTs) and functional groups. Interteam information dependencies greatly affect program success. Program integration has thus become an issue of increasing interest. This paper summarizes findings from five case studies of integrative mechanisms (IMs) in complex system product development projects at Chrysler, General Electric Aircraft Engines, McDonnell Douglas, Sundstrand, and Texas Instruments. Two types of IMs are investigated in this paper: (1) Systems engineering and interface optimization and (2) Improved information and communication technologies. As the appropriateness of a given IM varies as a function of many parameters—such as program stage, size, complexity, risk, etc.—the goal of this research was not to formulate a universal template for IM application. Rather, it is hoped that the lessons learned by these five programs will help others determine the appropriateness of particular IMs in their situations. Also, the continued development of an IM categorization scheme will hopefully prove useful to those developing an integration “tool kit.”
Cyanine dyes in biophysical research: the photophysics of polymethine fluorescent dyes in biomolecular environments

The breakthroughs in single molecule spectroscopy of the last decade and the recent advances in super resolution microscopy have boosted the popularity of cyanine dyes in biophysical research. These applications have motivated the investigation of the reactions and relaxation processes that cyanines undergo in their electronically excited states. Studies show that the triplet state is a key intermediate in the photochemical reactions that limit the photostability of cyanine dyes. The removal of oxygen greatly reduces photobleaching, but induces rapid intensity fluctuations (blinking). The existence of non-fluorescent states lasting from milliseconds to seconds was early identified as a limitation in single-molecule spectroscopy and a potential source of artifacts. Recent studies demonstrate that a combination of oxidizing and reducing agents is the most efficient way of guaranteeing that the ground state is recovered rapidly and efficiently. Thiol-containing reducing agents have been identified as the source of long-lived dark states in some cyanines that can be photochemically switched back to the emissive state. The mechanism of this process is the reversible addition of the thiol-containing compound to a double bond in the polymethine chain resulting in a non-fluorescent molecule. This process can be reverted by irradiation at shorter wavelengths. Another mechanism that leads to non-fluorescent states in cyanine dyes is cis-trans isomerization from the singlet-excited state. This process, which competes with fluorescence, involves the rotation of one-half of the molecule with respect to the other with an efficiency that depends strongly on steric effects. The efficiency of fluorescence of most cyanine dyes has been shown to depend dramatically on their molecular environment within the biomolecule. For example, the fluorescence quantum yield of Cy3 linked covalently to DNA depends on the type of linkage used for attachment, DNA sequence and secondary structure. Cyanines linked to the DNA termini have been shown to be mostly stacked at the end of the helix, while cyanines linked to the DNA internally are believed to partially bind to the minor or major grooves. These interactions not only affect the photophysical properties of the probes but also create a large uncertainty in their orientation.
Stability of First-Order Multidimensional Digital Filters Under Quantization

The nonlinear behavior of first-order multidimensional (MD) digital filters implemented with two's complement truncation quantization is investigated. A sufficient condition is established for the stability of a two-dimensional (2-D) digital filter under two's comple- ment quantization. Two different classes of MD digital filters are also considered, and sufficient conditions are derived for their stability.
A History of Inner Asia: Timur and the Timurids

If the Mongol interlude (1220–1370) was a traumatic experience in the history of Central Asia, the Timurid period (1370–1507) can be a viewed as ultimately its most glorious one. It is true that the founder of this dynasty, Timur (ruled 1370–1405), was a ruthless conqueror not unlike Genghis Khan, and spent much of his life engaged in military campaigns that wrought similar massacres and destruction. These, however, befell other areas (Iran, the Golden Horde), while sparing Central Asia itself. At any rate, Timur's successors showed less aptitude for large-scale conquest than for enjoying the good life at home; and despite frequent infighting for the possession of this or that portion of the inheritance, many of them also encouraged culture and the arts. Timur himself had endeavored to embellish his capital, Samarkand, with grandiose architectural monuments some of which still constitute the pride of modern Uzbekistan: his own mausoleum, the Gur-i Emir (“The Sovereign's Tomb”), is the most famous example. Timur's quaint European appellation, Tamerlane, is a deformation of Timur-i lang, “The lame Timur,” a Turco-Persian name as it appears in certain Persian sources because of a leg maimed by a wound he sustained early in his life. Timur was born around 1336 in Transoxania near Kesh – later known as Shahrisabz – in the Kashka Darya region of what is today the Republic of Uzbekistan. He was a Turk of the Barlas tribe; this tribe, like many others, boasted a Mongol name and ancestry, but for all practical purposes it was Turkic.
Fuzzy Abstract Algebra

In 1971, Azriel Rosenfeld wrote his seminal paper on fuzzy subgroups, [52]. This paper led to a new area in abstract algebra as well as a new area in fuzzy mathematics. Hundreds of papers examining various fuzzy substructures of algebraic structures have since appeared in the literature. In this chapter, we examine those fuzzy substructures which have applications or strong potential for applications outside of mathematics, namely computer science or engineering. We emphasize that the nature of fuzzy abstract algebra differs from that of the algebra of fuzzy numbers such as triangular fuzzy numbers and others.
Fast compressive phase retrieval

Compressive Phase Retrieval refers to the problem of recovering an unknown sparse signal, upto a global phase constant, given only a small number of phaseless (or magnitude) measurements. This problem occurs in several areas of science - such as optics, astronomy and X-ray crystallography - where the underlying physics of the problem is such that we can only acquire phaseless (or intensity) measurements, and where the underlying signal is sparse (or sparse in an appropriate transform domain). We present here an essentially linear- in-sparsity-time compressive phase retrieval algorithm. We show that it is possible to stably recover k-sparse signals x ∊ Cn from O (k log4 k O log n) measurements in only O (k log5 k · log n-time. Numerical experiments show that the method is not only fast, but also stable to measurement noise.
The Post-Reform Disparity between Nasdaq and the NYSE

We report further evidence of the difference in execution costs between Nasdaq and the NYSE before and after the 1997 market reforms. We find that informed trading costs are consistently higher on Nasdaq both before and after the reforms. In the pre-reform period the Nasdaq-NYSE disparity in bid-ask spreads cannot be completely attributed to the difference in informed trading costs. However, in the post-reform period the spread difference between these two markets becomes insignificant with the effect of informed trading costs controlled. Our findings are consistent with the contention that the reforms have largely reduced noninformation trading costs and dealers' rents.
Dissociation of the α-subunit Calf-2 domain and the β-subunit I-EGF4 domain in integrin activation and signaling.

Integrin conformational changes mediate integrin activation and signaling triggered by intracellular molecules or extracellular ligands. Even though it is known that αβ transmembrane domain separation is required for integrin signaling, it is still not clear how this signal is transmitted from the transmembrane domain through two long extracellular legs to the ligand-binding headpiece. This study addresses whether the separation of the membrane-proximal extracellular αβ legs is critical for integrin activation and outside-in signaling. Using a disulfide bond to restrict dissociation of the α-subunit Calf-2 domain and β-subunit I-EGF4 domain, we were able to abolish integrin inside-out activation and outside-in signaling. In contrast, disrupting the interface by introducing a glycosylation site into either subunit activated integrins for ligand binding through a global conformational change. Our results suggest that the interface of the Calf-2 domain and the I-EGF4 domain is critical for integrin bidirecti...
R factors for aminoglycoside antibiotics.

The definition of R factors by Japanese scientists 10 years ago opened a new chapter in the saga of antibiotic resistance among enteric bacteria [1]. This package of extrachromosomal genes, comprised of the resistance determinants, which mediate resistance to a variety of environmental hazards, and the resistance transfer factors (RTF), which mediate the potential to transfer between bacteria by the process of conjugation, is widespread in nature. Studies in Japan [1], Europe [2], and the United States [3] have now indicated that, although originally found primarily among Shigella, R factors are widespread throughout enteric bacteria. R factors were initially found to mediate resistance to sulfonamide, streptomycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol, but their genetic potential is now known to include resistance to ampicillin, kanamycin, neomycin, spectinomycin, gentamicin, heavy metals, ultraviolet light, bacterial viruses, and colicins. Furthermore, most studies, like the one shown in table 1, indicate that R factors constitute the primary basis for drug resistance among most of the enteric bacteria, with the exception of Pseudomonas. The strains indicated in table 1 were isolated from patients seen in our hospital with genitourinary tract infections; more than 507o of the resistant isolates, particularly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella, contained R factors. A resistance determinant for streptomycin resistance has been found in all types of R factors and dembnstrated in all types of enteric bacteria. The minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) mediated by most of the streptomycin-resistance determinants depends on the host species and on the size of the inoculum. For example, the same R factor will mediate an MIC of 20 ^g/milliliter in E. coli but more than 1,000 /ug/milliliter in Salmonella or Shigella. Although strains of E. coli with a high level of streptomycin resistance, presumably chromosomal mutants, have been observed during therapy of patients in the past, all streptomycin-resistant isolates of coliform bac-
Structure, Morphology and Evolution of Interfaces in Si/Si1-ϰGeϰ Superlattices

The interfaces in Si0.65Ge0.35/Si superlattices grown at different temperatures (250–750 °C) and number of repetitions (5, 10, 20) are studied by x-ray and Raman scattering techniques. At 250 °C the interfaces are chemically abrupt, but exhibit a pronounced vertically correlated physical roughness that increases in magnitude with thickness. In the range of 400–550 °C interfaces are smooth but intermixed over at least two monolayers, and asymmetrically broadened with the alloy/Si interfaces width about twice (0.25 vs 0.5 nm) that of the Si/alloy interfaces. At higher temperatures (620–750 °C) undulations of 1 nm amplitude and 100 nm length scale develop at the alloy/Si interfaces. This morphological change appears to be strain-driven and causes some relaxation of the built-in strain. Moderate annealing (20 s at 750 °C) induces partial relaxation of the superlattices and out-diffusion (∼0.5 nm) of Ge into the contiguous Si layers, but has relatively little effect on the interfacial widths.
Glycolytic flux in permeabilized freshly isolated vascular smooth muscle cells

To determine whether channeling of glycolytic intermediates can occur in vascular smooth muscle (VSM), we permeabilized freshly isolated VSM cells from hog carotid arteries with dextran sulfate. The dextran sulfate-treated cells did not exclude trypan blue, a dye with molecular weight of approximately 1,000. If glycolytic intermediates freely diffuse, plasmalemmal permeabilization would allow intermediates to exit the cell and glycolytic flux should cease. We incubated permeabilized and nonpermeabilized cells with 5 mM [1-13C]glucose at 37 degrees C for 3 h. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to determine relative [3-13C]lactate production and to identify any 13C-labeled glycolytic intermediates that exited from the permeabilized cells. [3-13C]lactate production from [1-13C]glucose was decreased by an average of 32% (n = 6) in permeabilized cells compared with intact cells. No 13C-labeled glycolytic intermediates were observed in the bathing solution of permeabilized cells. We conclude that channeling of glycolytic intermediates can occur in VSM cells.
Health-related quality of life during bosutinib (SKI-606) therapy in patients with advanced chronic myeloid leukemia after imatinib failure

AbstractObjectives: The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) bosutinib has demonstrated activity in patients with advanced phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remain unexplored. This study evaluated HRQoL in advanced CML patients receiving bosutinib in an ongoing phase 2 study following resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy.Methods: This analysis included data from 76 accelerated-phase (AP) and 64 blast-phase (BP) patients resistant/intolerant to prior imatinib with or without prior exposure to other TKIs. Patient-reported HRQoL assessments completed at baseline; weeks 4, 8, and 12; every 12 weeks thereafter; and at treatment completion included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Leukemia (FACT-Leu); general health status was assessed using the 5-item EuroQol (EQ-5D) instrument and a visual analog scale (VAS).Results: HRQoL at baseline was somewhat worse in BP versus AP CML patients. There was a significant improvement in the mean F...
A case of leukemia cutis presenting as blue toes in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Blue toe syndrome (BTS) is a condition characterized by the blue or violaceous discoloration of one or more toes as a result of tissue ischemia. First described in 1976 in a report of 31 patients who presented with cyanotic toes secondary to embolic phenomena, it has since been linked with several different diseases including embolic, thrombotic, infectious and vasoconstrictive disorders.1, 2 Three fundamental mechanisms are thought to underlie the alteration in skin color: diminished arterial perfusion, impaired venous outflow, and abnormal circulating blood.1 Here we report an unusual case of leukemia cutis secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukemia manifesting as blue toe syndrome in the absence of background cryoglobulinemia or cold agglutinin disease.
Myocardial protection of perioperative application of cardiomyopeptide in cardiac surgery:a multicentre clinical trial from China

Objective To investigate the safety and myocardial protection effect of cardiomyopeptide for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Methods The trial was designed by randomized and masculine controlled(GIK fluid:glucose,insulin,potassi- um).442 patients undergoing valvular surgery on pump and 215 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)without pump.They were randomly divided into drug group(n=338 in on-pump patients,n=104 in off-pump patients)and control group (n=113 in an-pump patients,n=102 in off-pump patients).In drug group,cardiomypeptidin 3 mg/kg was intravenously injected continuously during operation and used centinuously for next 3 days after the operation.The GIK fluid was given in control group.The operative mortality and hospital mortality,heart function,the changes of myocardial morphology only limited to the patients undergoing CABG,myocardial enzymology and the quantity of troponin were observed and estimated.Results In the trial,one case was elimi- nated because of the uncompleted data,two cases died,nausea and vomit occured in another case.The others completed the trial and were diseharged without obvious side effects.The level of tropenin was lower in di'ug group than that of in control group from the 5d to the 7d after the operation(P0.05).The changes of myocardial morphology in patients undergoing CABG were following:myocardi- al lesien titer in drug group decreased dramatically after administration of the drug(P0.0001),while increased dramatically in con- trol group(P0.0001).Conclusion Using cardiomyopeptide for the patients undergoing valvular surgery or CABG during periop- eration is safe and its protective effect on myocardium is better than GIK fluid.Side effects such as nausea and vomit occur rarely.
Research Status of Surface Hydrophobic Performance of Wood

The authors summarized the background,principles,processes,and significances of hydrophobic wood modification such as immersion treatment,acetylation,sol-gel process,graft copolymerization and plasma treatments.They also presented the status of hydrophobic research on wood surfaces and provided some suggestions for future research using modifying agents,treating technologies,and evaluation methods.
The System at War with Itself: the Quest for Purity in the Third Voyage

It is on the flying island of Laputa that the quest for purity takes its most extreme and radical form in Gulliver’s Travels. Here inwardness is associated with theoretical speculation, which is given an ironically privileged position over practical geometry. As a consequence the boundaries and categories that serve to define the idea of purity in every culture now become emptied of content, as forms themselves become the object of veneration. The source for this devotion has often been described as ‘scientific’, but since it is clear that by ‘science’ Swift is referring to the entire intellectual matrix of Laputan society, Gulliver is allowed to observe its workings in institutions that are social, political and religious as well as scientific in the narrow sense of the term.
The GMO Industry: A Neglected Earthly Frontier

ABSTRACTThe production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a topic of intense debate across the globe. It is thought that the success of the GMO industry has been impeded by negative information concerning health and environmental risks spread by misguided nonprofit organizations. To assess public opinion on the topic, an 8-question survey with an optional comments section was shared on Facebook and Twitter. Results (n = 150) suggest that most individuals are open to learning more about GMOs and believe that GMO production and research should be heavily monitored. Current research is discussed to address some of the concerns.
Triptolide Exerts a Cytotoxic Effect on Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines

Abstract Abstract 4352 Background: Triptolide, a diterpenoid derived from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f., has shown anti-tumor effects in various leukemia and solid tumor cell lines in vitro. Previous studies have shown that triptolide synergizes with various chemotherapeutic agents in both leukemia and solid tumor cell lines. Triptolide has been shown to synergize with cytarabine in the THP-1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line (Pigneux et al 2008). This is of particular interest because cytarabine forms the backbone of AML therapy in both children and adults, and cytarabine resistance poses a significant challenge in the setting of refractory or relapsed AML. Therefore, an agent that works synergistically with cytarabine is of particular interest as a potential new agent for the treatment of relapsed or refractory AML. The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of triptolide, both as a single agent and in combination with cytarabine, in human AML cell lines representing low-, intermediate-, and high-relapse risk groups. Methods: The following cell lines were selected: Kasumi-1 (low risk, t(8;21)), HL-60 and THP-1 (intermediate risk), and MV4-11 (high risk, FLT3 ITD). Kasumi-1 and HL-60 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 media with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS). MV4-11 cells were cultured in IMDM media with 10% FBS and THP-1 cells were cultured in RPMI with 10% FBS. We performed the following drug treatments: triptolide alone; cytarabine alone; co-treatment with triptolide and cytarabine. Drug-induced cytotoxicity after 48 hours of treatment was assessed using the MTT assay. The combination index (CI) was determined using Calcusyn software (Biosoft, Cambridge, UK). Results: Single-agent triptolide induced cell death in all human AML cell lines tested, including cytarabine-resistant Kasumi-1 cells, at low nanomolar concentrations (average Ic50 ranging from 6–15 nM). The combination of triptolide and cytarabine acted synergistically to induce cell death in THP-1 cells as has been previously reported. Interestingly, the combination of triptolide and cytarabine acted in an antagonistic fashion in all other cell lines tested, except for at low drug concentrations in MV4-11 cells. Conclusion: Single-agent triptolide exerts a cytotoxic effect on human AML cell lines, including those that are relatively resistant to cytarbine. The effect of the combination of triptolide and cytarabine was cell-line dependent. The results of this study warrant further investigation on the potential role of triptolide as an anti-leukemic agent in combination with cytarabine. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Experimental demonstration of multi-aperture digital coherent combining over a 3.2-km free-space link

The next generation free-space optical communications infrastructure will need to support a wide variety of space-to-ground links. As a result of the limited size, weight, and power on space-borne assets, the ground terminals need to scale efficiently to large collection areas to support extremely long link distances or high data rates. Recent advances in integrated digital coherent receivers enable the coherent combining (i.e., full-field addition) of signals from several small apertures to synthesize an effective single large aperture. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate the coherent combining of signals received by four independent receive chains after propagation through a 3:2-km atmospheric channel. Measured results show the practicality of coherently combining the four received signals via digital signal processing after transmission through a turbulent atmosphere. In particular, near-lossless combining is demonstrated using the technique of maximal ratio combining.