cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Versus No History of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Noncardiac Critical Care Illness.

The incidence of new-onset secondary atrial fibrillation (NOSAF) is as high as 44% in noncardiac critical illness. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of NOSAF, compared with history of prior atrial fibrillation (AF) and no history of AF in noncardiac critically ill patients. Patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery were excluded. NOSAF incidence, intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality outcomes were analyzed. Of 2,360 studies reviewed, 19 studies met inclusion criteria (n = 306,805 patients). NOSAF compared with no history of AF was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (risk ratio [RR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76 to 2.41, p 1 year) mortality (RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.40, p
Expert System for Milling Process Selection

The application of artificial intelligence in the field of manufacturing engineering have been quite widespread, especially in the areas of diagnostics, debugging, process evaluation, planning, design, and classification problems. Expert systems are valuable tools to be used in manufacturing engineering, especially in the selection of various parameters that contribute to the quality and cost of the product being manufactured. In machining, particularly milling, the selection of the appropriate process (es) to be used to machine the part is dependent on heuristic and domain dependent knowledge which can be represented as production rules. This paper will outline the design and development of an expert system which will enable the selection of milling processes for the manufacture of a product, describe data and knowledge acquisition methods, examine inference procedures, and identify effective expert system design methods.
A novel millimeter-wave multi-order LC oscillator

This paper presents a novel LC oscillator, capable of operating at frequencies beyond 100 GHz in a standard 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS process. A new phase noise reduction technique using higher order LC filter is introduced and theories are discussed. Custom designed coplanar waveguides from 3D electromagnetic simulation are employed, and a corresponding circuit model is extracted from an S-parameter optimization technique.
Fragile X Syndrome: Recognition in Young Children

In recent years, a number of articles have appeared in the literature concerning the fragile X syndrome; however, in few cases was the diagnosis of the syndrome in young children discussed. A review of 20 children younger than 7 1/2 years of age who had the fragile X syndrome seen at the Cincinnati Center of Developmental Disorders was undertaken in an attempt to establish guidelines that would aid the practicing physician in determining which children should have a chromosomal analysis. All children were developmentally delayed; 95% had speech delays. Short attention span with hyperactivity, temper tantrums, mouthing of objects persisting at an age beyond when it would be expected, autistic behaviors, and poor gross motor coordination were seen in 50% or more of the children. Mental retardation was present in the family history of 65%, and 90% had a family history of at least one of the following: mental retardation, learning disabilities, or hyperactivity. The most common physical findings were long and/or wide and/or protruding ears, prominent jaw and/or long face, high arched palate, and a flattened nasal bridge. The fragile X syndrome can be recognized by noting key aspects of the behavioral and family histories as well as the physical findings.
Urodynamic evaluation of patients with spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, which may be congenital/developmental or acquired in origin, is a narrowing of the spinal canal, nerve root canals, or intervertebral foramina. Compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots may lead to structural neuronal damage, neuronal ischemia or edema, and axonal transport block. The most frequent symptom in patients with spinal stenosis is back pain and some have classic neurogenic claudication. We have performed urodynamic evaluations in 2 patients with combined cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis. A girl with achondroplastic dwarfism had urgency incontinence and detrusor hyperreflexia. An adult man with acquired degenerative spinal stenosis had difficulty voiding and findings compatible with the cauda equina syndrome.
Effect of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Nephropathy on IgG Pharmacokinetics and Subcutaneous Bioavailability in the Rat

The objective of this research was to assess the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) on the pharmacokinetics of human IgG (hIgG), an antibody isotype, in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Furthermore, the specific role of T2DM in the altered disposition of hIgG was evaluated by treating diabetic rats with pioglitazone, while the role of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was assessed using 5/6 nephrectomized Sprague Dawley rats. ZDF male (lean non-diabetic control and obese diabetic) and pioglitazone-treated ZDF rats were studied at ages 12–13 weeks (only DM was present), and at ages 29–30 weeks (progression to DN). All animals were dosed with 1 mg/kg of hIgG intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC). ZDF rats had significantly higher blood glucose concentrations and urinary albumin excretion compared to control rats. Significant increases in total clearance (2.5-fold) and renal clearance (100-fold) of hIgG were observed; however the major increase in total clearance was due to increased non-renal clearance. Greater changes in urinary albumin excretion and total and renal clearances of IgG (3.5-fold and 300-fold, respectively) were observed with progression to DN. SC bioavailability of hIgG in all animal groups was similar (>84%). With pioglitazone-treatment, diabetic animals remained euglycemic and treatment was able to reverse the clearance changes, although incompletely. In the CKD group, no difference in hIgG clearance was observed when compared with controls. In conclusion, the increased clearance of hIgG in ZDF diabetic animals, reversal by pioglitazone treatment and lack of effect of CKD, demonstrate the influence of T2DM on hIgG pharmacokinetics.
Separate binding sites for intact PTH 1-84 and synthetic PTH 1-34 in canine kidney

The present studies examine the characteristics of parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor binding in canine basolateral renal cortical membranes using iodinated preparations of intact bovine PTH 1-84 and [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34] bPTH 1-34 amide. A solid phase lactoperoxidase technique was used to iodinate the bPTH 1-84. The PTH 1-34 analog was iodinated using chloramine T. Both radioligands were purified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Specific binding of 125I PTH 1-84 reached equilibrium at 3 hours whereas binding of the 125I PTH 1-84 analog reached equilibrium at 45 minutes. Excess bPTH 1-84 resulted in complete inhibition of binding of 125I bPTH 1-84, whereas 22 +/- 1.6% of the bound radioligand remained bound in the presence of excess synthetic bPTH 1-34. These data suggested the possibility of a binding site for the carboxy-terminal region of intact PTH, or binding sites selective for intact hormone. Therefore, additional studies were performed with PTH fragments, PTH 28-53, PTH 35-84, and PTH 53-84. In contrast to previous studies in other systems, these fragments did not result in significant displacement of 125I PTH 1-84. Analysis of binding of 125I PTH 1-84 and 125I [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34] PTH 1-34 amide, using LIGAND, both indicated a single site model with similar affinities. Thus, the data are consistent either with multiple receptors with similar affinities or a second binding site for bPTH 1-84 on the same receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ADHD and criminality: A primer on the genetic, neurobiological, evolutionary, and treatment literature for criminologists

Abstract Objective This state of the art review of 102 studies is a primer on ADHD and its major comorbidities for criminologists unfamiliar with the genetic, neurobiological, and evolutionary literatures. Materials and methods Neurological, genetic, medical, and criminal justice data bases were keyword searched for articles on ADHD and/or articles using ADHD as a major independent variable. Results ADHD is a disorder that is closely connected to externalizing behaviors, conduct problems, and criminal behavior across the life course. Conclusions To date, ADHD research has been carried out primarily by biomedical researchers and de-emphasized by criminologists whose training is overwhelmingly in the social sciences. The special expertise of criminologists in uncovering environmental correlates of antisocial behavior can benefit biomedical researchers who in turn can assist criminologists in uncovering the individual-level correlates of antisocial behavior.
Surgical management of submandibular sialadenitis and sialolithiasis.

Abstract Four patients with chronic submandibular sialadenitis and sialolithiasis were successfully managed with sialadenectomy and transoral sialolithotomy. The use of sialograms, usual treatment procedures, and surgical anatomy is discussed.
Context and Implications Document for: Can Education Change Society? Du Bois, Woodson, and The Politics Of Social Transformation

This guide accompanies the following article: Michael W. Apple, Can Education Change Society? Du Bois, Woodson, and the Politics of Social Transformation, Review of Education, 10.1002/rev3.3000
Analysis of cis-acting promoter elements using microinjected synthetic oligonucleotides

The transferrin receptor (TR) is expressed in a proliferation-dependent manner that requires transcriptional activation of its gene. Furthermore TR function is required for the DNA synthetic phase of the cell cycle. Oligonucleotides encoding promoter elements within the human transferrin receptor gene were injected into quiescent fibroblasts. The cells were then serum stimulated and the effect of the oligonucleotides on nuclear labeling with [3H]thymidine was determined. Inhibition was observed for oligonucleotides corresponding to a specific region of the promoter.
SU-E-T-260: Radiation Exposure Estimation for 131Cs Prostate Implant Patient Release Determination.

Purpose: Due to the short half‐life and high energy of Cesium‐131 (131Cs), the exposure rate outside the patient could potentially increase radiation exposure to hospital staff and exceed the maximum patient release exposure rate limit. A calculation technique has been developed to estimate the exposure rate at 1 meter from the patient, for prostate patients receiving 131Cs implants. Methods: In our calculation for each patient, all 131Cs sources were treated as one single source, and the point on the prostate with the shortest distance to skin surface was selected as the effective source position. Attenuation inside the patient was calculated based on the attenuation coefficient of 30 keV photons in water, assuming homogeneous patient density. This calculation technique was evaluated on our first 25 131Cs implant patients. For comparison, the exposure rate at approximately 1 meter inferior to patient perineum was measured prior to patient release using the Inovision 451P‐RYR survey meter. Results: The distance from the edge of the prostate to skin surface along the inferior direction was the shortest in all 25 patients. The mean of the calculated exposure rates at 1 meter from skin surface was 0.53 mR/hr, 0.53 mR/hr, 0.04 mR/hr, 0.04 mR/hr and 1.5 mR/hr along the anterior, posterior, left, right and inferior directions, respectively. The mean of the measured exposure rate at 1 meter inferior to patient perineum was 1.1 mR/hr. The mean ratio of the measured versus calculated exposure rate was 0.74 (standard deviation = 0.23). Conclusions: Our calculation technique is useful in determining in advance whether a patient may require hospitalization after his implant. The exposure rate at 1 meter inferior to patient perineum is a good indicator for determining whether the exposure rate along any direction might exceed the maximum allowed patient release exposure rate of 6 mR/hr.
Distinguishing virtue epistemology and extended cognition

This paper pursues two lines of thought that help characterize the differences between some versions of virtue epistemology and the hypothesis that cognitive processes are realized by brain, body, and world.
Combined radiation and convection in absorbing, emitting and anisotropically scattering gas-particulate tube flow

Abstract A numerical procedure has been developed to investigate the interaction of thermal radiation with conduction and convection in thermally developing gas-particulate suspension flow through a circular tube. In the present study an analysis is performed on the turbulent flow of a multiphase medium with absorbing, emitting and anisotropically scattering particulates bounded by a heated or cooled constant-temperature wall. The contribution of thermal radiation is obtained by modification of the differential approximation to accommodate linear-anisotropic scattering, which is shown to be accurate by comparison with some exact solutions. The governing differential equations are derived as three coupled (non-linear) equations which are solved numerically by an implicit finite difference method with iterative procedure of the paniculate terms. The results are summarized for wide ranges of parameters.
Neuronal Differentiation and Patterning inXenopus: The Role of cdk5 and a Novel Activator Xp35.2

Abstract Cdk5, a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family, has been shown to play an important role in development of the central nervous system in mammals when partnered by its activator p35. Here we describe the cloning and characterization of a novel activator of cdk5 inXenopus,Xp35.2. Xp35.2 is expressed during development initially in the earliest differentiating primary neurons in the neural plate and then later in differentiating neural tissue of the brain. This is in contrast to the previously describedXenopuscdk5 activator Xp35.1 which is expressed over the entire expanse of the neural plate in both proliferating and differentiating cells. Expression of both Xp35.1 and Xp35.2 and activation of cdk5 kinase occur when terminal neural differentiation is induced by neurogenin and neuro D overexpression but not when only early stages of neural differentiation are induced by noggin. Moreover, blocking cdk5 kinase activity specifically results in disruption and reduction of the embryonic eye where cdk5 and its Xp35 activators are expressed. Thus, cdk5/p35 complexes function in aspects of neural differentiation and patterning in the early embryo and particularly in formation of the eye.
The mechanism of precartilage mesenchymal condensation: a major role for interaction of the cell surface with the amino-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin

Using low magnification Hoffman Modulation Contrast microscopy to rapidly identify precartilage mesenchymal condensations in chick limb bud cultures, we have determined the effect on condensation number of treatments disruptive of the interaction of cell surface components with endogenously produced fibronectin. A monoclonal antibody directed against the amino-terminal heparin-binding domain of fibronectin reduced the number of condensations by more than 50%, as did the oligopeptide gly-arg-gly, which is a repeated motif in that fibronectin domain. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies directed against the collagen- and integrin-binding domains of fibronectin, or oligopeptides containing the fibronectin integrin-recognition sequence arg-gly-asp-ser, had no significant effect on condensation number. Addition of Flavobacterium heparinase to cultures also reduced condensation number by more than 50%. Alcian blue staining of sulfated proteoglycan was greatly reduced in differentiated cultures that had been exposed to treatments that reduced condensation number. Taken together with the accompanying study, which directly demonstrates an adhesive interaction between the amino-terminal domain of extracellular fibronectin and heparin-like molecules on the surfaces of latex bead probes, the data presented here strongly indicate a major role for the corresponding cell-matrix interaction in mediating precartilage condensation in limb mesenchyme.
Religious Discrimination and Religious Governance Across Secular and Islamic Countries: France and Indonesia as Limiting Cases

In this article, the author explores resemblances and overlaps of very different regimes of religious governance, the secular and the religious, in the ways they address religious discrimination. The author defines religious discrimination broadly and considers the possible solutions available to those (usually) democratic states that respond to complaints of discrimination. The author considers two limit cases: Indonesia, which bases its Islamic judicial system on scripture; and France, which proclaims that it does not recognize or support any religion. The author argues that although these two countries begin at opposite ideological positions with respect to the state’s relationship to religion, in fact they adopt policy positions that share several features, including granting formal privileges to recognized religions and maintaining the state’s legal superiority to scripture as the source of law. The author argues, not that this overlap is to be expected in all cases, even of democratic societies responsive to discrimination claims, but that we ought to pursue further comparative research into its scope.
Schurz on hypothetico-deductivism

L'A. denonce les incoherences de la seconde version de l'hypothetico-deductivisme que G. Schurz substitue a la conception standard de l'hypothetico-deductivisme, responsable de conclusions inacceptables. Dans l'article suivant, intitule «Relevant Deduction and Hypothetico-deductivism: a Reply to Gemes», G. Schurz refute plusieurs points de la critique de Gemes, soulignant l'insuffisance de son interpretation de la theorie de la confirmation. Mais il reconnait la proximite de la solution proposee par Gemes avec ses propres vues
Exploring information seeking processes in collaborative search tasks

Many theories and models exist for understanding and explaining information seeking processes (ISP) for individuals. Such is not the case for collaborative information seeking (CIS), despite its growing importance. In this paper we take Kuhlthau's ISP model, designed for individual information seeking, and map it to a CIS situation. We present a laboratory study with 84 participants in 42 pairs and demonstrate how their information seeking processes over two sessions can be mapped to various stages of the ISP model. In addition, we explore the affective dimension of information seeking as well as perceived relevance expressed by the participants through their interactions. We discuss similarities and disparities of ISP for individuals and collaborative information seeking. In particular, we show that there is a logical progression from uncertainty about the task to being satisfied about the collected information among the participants; and at the same time, there is a lack of clear segmentation between stages of formulating information need, exploring information, and collecting it. The latter can be attributed to exploratory search tasks and interactions among the collaborators.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and health-related quality of life in OEF/OIF veterans

Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are often associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) combat veterans. The current study examines the individual contributions of these two disorders on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an OEF/OIF cohort. The study hypothesizes that PTSD and depression will each significantly predict lower physical and mental HRQoL even when controlling for overlapping symptoms: anhedonia, concentration, and insomnia. Participants were 220 OEF/OIF combat veterans who completed an interview and self-report questionnaires examining study variables. All study hypotheses were tested with multiple regression analyses. PTSD and depression significantly contributed to mental and physical HRQoL, even after controlling for overlapping symptoms. However, while independent main effects of PTSD and depression, with and without overlapping symptoms, emerged for predicting mental HRQoL, no significant independent main effects emerged for predicting physical HRQoL. Findings suggest PTSD and depression contribute uniquely to the negative relationship with HRQoL, adding to the growing literature on distinctive and common effects of these disorders in OEF/OIF veterans. Results highlight the need to better understand the implications for assessment and treatment.
An image processing pipeline using coupled oscillators

Image Processing Pipelines (IPPs) are systems that iteratively modify an input image into a series of abstractions with the goal of identifying the objects in the image. There have been many proposed IPPs, implemented in both hardware and software, but by and large these designs have been based on Boolean logic based computation and arithmetic. Studies have shown that Boolean computers are hitting a theoretical ceiling on their performance in terms of transistor size, energy consumption/heat dissipation, clock rates, and by extension, computation time. Due to these issues, researchers have proposed using non-Boolean approaches, where possible, for various computations in common algorithms. One of the emerging technologies in the field of non-Boolean computation is the use of coupled oscillators. A proposed use of coupled oscillators is for pattern matching, which can be interpreted as a high-dimensional distance measurement. Using an approach based on using coupled oscillators as a computational primitive, this work utilizes the benefits gained from this new computational paradigm to gain performance in terms of both speed and power with respect to a benchmark IPP, without decreasing its image identification accuracy.
Revisiting Protein Folding at the Single Molecule Level

Determining the mechanism by which a protein folds remains a primary goal in biology. Statistical theories of protein folding have long predicted plausible mechanisms for reducing the vast conformational space through distinct ensembles of structures. However, these predictions have remained untested experimentally, since the multiplicity of trajectories and folding structures is averaged out using bulk techniques. Moreover, most intermediate conformations are only transiently present, rendering their isolation and characterization difficult by commonly used spectroscopic methods. Owing to recent advances in single molecule force-clamp spectroscopy, we are now able to probe the structure and dynamics of the small protein ubiquitin by measuring its length, mechanical stability and effect of solvent environment during each stage of folding. Here we discover that upon hydrophobic collapse, the protein rapidly selects a subset of non-native like, minimum energy structures that are mechanically weak and insensitive to the solvent environment. From this much reduced ensemble, the native state is acquired through a barrier-limited transition. The existence of such heterogeneous ensemble of minimum energy collapsed states was theoretically proposed by lattice simulations to be a milestone in the process of narrowing the available conformational space of a protein during its journey to the native fold, and a general feature of proteins that are naturally designed through evolution to fold on biological timescales. Here we demonstrate that such ensemble of collapsed states is also apparent in our experiments in the well-characterized I27 and Protein L proteins, albeit on different timescales, thus suggesting that their presence is ubiquitous to other mechanically stable proteins with a well-defined fold. Our results present the first experimental evidence for the validity of statistical mechanics models in describing the folding of small proteins on biological timescales.
Treatment of worker's compensation cases of carpal tunnel syndrome: An outcome study

The primary goal of this retrospective study was to determine the most effective treatment protocol to return worker's compensation patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to their original jobs. By examining a homogeneous subject pool and using specific, functional outcome measures determined by what is needed to reduce worker's compensation costs, a treatment protocol could be developed benefiting both the employer and employee. A total of 121 charts of worker's compensation patients with diagnoses of work-related CTS were reviewed. For inclusion in the study, patients could have no other upper extremity disorder, they must have completed treatment for the CTS, and the etiology of their CTS could not be traumatic. A total of 58 patients were included. Those who received conservative treatment followed by surgery (n = 27) were compared with those who were treated with surgery only (n = 31). A chi-square test showed a significant relationship between type of treatment and return to work (chi2(1)=4.065; p=0.044). Of the 31 patients who received only surgical treatment, 83.9% returned to original employment. Of the 27 patients who received both conservative and surgical treatment, 59.1% returned to their original employment. While this is a small sample size, the findings suggest that conservative treatment alone is not effective in returning worker's compensation patients with CTS to work.
Potential impact of rainfall on the air-surface exchange of total gaseous mercury from two common urban ground surfaces

Abstract The impact of rainfall on total gaseous mercury (TGM) flux from pavement and street dirt surfaces was investigated in an effort to determine the influence of wet weather events on mercury transport in urban watersheds. Street dirt and pavement are common urban ground surfaces that concentrate many substances (eroded soil, leaf and vegetation litter, automobile debris, industrial atmospheric fallout) which can contain elevated mercury concentrations. In this study, the primary analyses included (i) observing the time series flux of TGM from pavement and street dirt following surface wetting and (ii) determining if wet deposition provides a fresh source of mercury that is available for release (emission) when applied to these surfaces. Application of de-ionized water (DI) and rainwater both induced an immediate 65% increase in TGM emission from pavement (from 0.5 to 1.4 ng m−2 h−1 [based on averages]). For street dirt, an immediate 70% increase in emission was induced following DI water application (from 3.0 to 9.0 ng m−2 h−1 [based on averages]) and an immediate 30% increase in emission following rainwater application (from 4.5 to 6.5 ng m−2 h−1 [based on averages]). Both surfaces showed continuous elevated release of TGM following the initial water application stage. There was a decrease in emission as the pavement surface dried. Despite the difference in immediate TGM emission from street dirt using both solutions, statistical evaluation indicated there was no prolonged difference. This suggests that mercury in rainwater was not available for re-emission when applied to these surfaces, at least for the time frame studied (2 h after water application). Therefore, it is likely that the elevated TGM emission following water application resulted primarily from pre-existing mercury. Removal of pre-existing mercury by water application followed a zero order process for both surfaces; however, removal rates were much different for each surface (k = 0.26 ng m−2 min−1 for street dirt; k = 0.03 ng m−2 min−1 for pavement). Results from laboratory surface washing experiments revealed only 0.1% of all available surface-bound mercury on pavement was removed by surface emission 90 min after a simulated light rainfall event (0.13 cm of rainfall).
Broad HIV-1 neutralization mediated by CD4-binding site antibodies

We have identified several patient sera showing potent and broad HIV-1 neutralization. Using antibody adsorption and elution from selected gp120 variants, the neutralizing specificities of the two most broadly reactive sera were mapped to the primary receptor CD4–binding region of HIV-1 gp120. Novel antibodies to the CD4-binding site are elicited in some HIV-1–infected individuals, and new approaches to present this conserved region of gp120 to the immune system may result in improved vaccine immunogens.
Review of a 3-year experience with topical chemotherapy and immunotherapy of superficial cutaneous neoplasms.

A 3-year experience with topical chemo- and immunotherapy of superficial cutaneous neoplasms is reviewed. Agents used were 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), Trenimon (TEIB), and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The antitumor effect of FU is a result of direct cytostatic action, whereas that of TEIB and DNCB is mediated by delayed hypersensitivity. All drugs were prepared in a hydrophilic ointment base. The treatment of patients with diagnoses of solar keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma (in situ), utilizing the above agents either singly or in combination, is described. Complete response was noted in over 98 percent of the lesions treated. The interrelationship of this modality with surgical excision and radiotherapy is emphasized.
STAR-CITY: semantic traffic analytics and reasoning for CITY

This paper presents STAR-CITY, a system supporting semantic traffic analytics and reasoning for city. STAR-CITY, which integrates (human and machine-based) sensor data using variety of formats, velocities and volumes, has been designed to provide insight on historical and real-time traffic conditions, all supporting efficient urban planning. Our system demonstrates how the severity of road traffic congestion can be smoothly analyzed, diagnosed, explored and predicted using semantic web technologies. We present how semantic diagnosis and predictive reasoning, both using and interpreting semantics of data to deliver useful, accurate and consistent inferences, have been exploited and adapted systematized in an intelligent user interface. Our prototype of semantics-aware traffic analytics and reasoning, experimented in Dublin City Ireland, works and scales efficiently with historical together with real live and heterogeneous stream data.
Class awareness in Iceland

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study class awareness in Iceland in the wake of a national economic collapse.Design/methodology/approach – This comparatively oriented case study uses new survey data, secondary data on Iceland and 2005 World Values Survey data. The data are analyzed using a synthesis of Weber's theory of class and reference group theory.Findings – Contrary to conventional wisdom, Icelanders are class‐aware. Most recognize and understand class terms, and are willing to assign themselves to a class. Consistent with Weber, Icelanders have fairly strong awareness of their class position, evidenced by a strong relationship between subjective class and economic class, on the one hand, and subjective class and class indicators, on the other. Consistent with reference group theory, a subjective “middle class” tendency is revealed across the class structure. Icelanders also have more of a “middle class” view of their class position and see it, on average, as higher than people in most oth...
Dynamic thiolation–thioesterase structure of a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase

Non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS) produce numerous secondary metabolites with various therapeutic/antibiotic properties. Like fatty acid synthases (FAS), these enzymes are organized in modular assembly lines in which each module, made of conserved domains, incorporates a given monomer unit into the growing chain. Knowledge about domain or module interactions may enable reengineering of this assembly line enzymatic organization and open avenues for the design of new bioactive compounds with improved therapeutic properties. So far, little structural information has been available on how the domains interact and communicate. This may be because of inherent interdomain mobility hindering crystallization, or because crystallized molecules may not represent the active domain orientations. In solution, the large size and internal dynamics of multidomain fragments (>35 kilodaltons) make structure determination by nuclear magnetic resonance a challenge and require advanced technologies. Here we present the solution structure of the apo-thiolation-thioesterase (T-TE) di-domain fragment of the Escherichia coli enterobactin synthetase EntF NRPS subunit. In the holoenzyme, the T domain carries the growing chain tethered to a 4'-phosphopantetheine whereas the TE domain catalyses hydrolysis and cyclization of the iron chelator enterobactin. The T-TE di-domain forms a compact but dynamic structure with a well-defined domain interface; the two active sites are at a suitable distance for substrate transfer from T to TE. We observe extensive interdomain and intradomain motions for well-defined regions and show that these are modulated by interactions with proteins that participate in the biosynthesis. The T-TE interaction described here provides a model for NRPS, PKS and FAS function in general as T-TE-like di-domains typically catalyse the last step in numerous assembly-line chain-termination machineries.
Tsc2 Null Murine Neuroepithelial Cells Are a Model for Human Tuber Giant Cells, and Show Activation of an mTOR Pathway

Abstract Cortical tubers are developmental brain malformations in the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) that cause epilepsy and autism in TSC patients whose pathogenesis is uncertain. Tsc2 null murine neuroepithelial progenitor (NEP) cells display persistent growth when growth factors are withdrawn, express GFAP at high levels, and have reduced expression of a set of early neuronal lineage markers. Tsc2 null NEP cells exhibit aberrant differentiation into giant cells that express both βIII-tubulin and GFAP and that are morphologically similar to giant cells in human tubers. Tsc2 null giant cells and tuber giant cells have similar transcriptional profiles. Tsc2 null NEP cells express high levels of phosphorylated S6kinase, S6, Stat3, and 4E-BP-1, which is reversed by treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR. We conclude that giant cells in human tubers likely result from a complete loss of TSC2 expression and activation of an mTOR pathway during cortical development.
Whitman and Modern Dance

Recounts the history of the creation and performance of choreographer Helen Tamiris's Walt Whitman Suite, a dance created in 1936 for the Federal Dance Project and based on "Salut au Monde," "Song of the Open Road," and "I Sing the Body Electric"; proposes that Tamiris is "a translator of Whitman's words into the new language of modern dance."
Chemotactic activity of lens proteins and the pathogenesis of phacolytic glaucoma.

• Leakage of lens proteins from a hypermature cataract can result in a characteristic glaucoma that is associated with the invasion of the anterior chamber by monocytes. We hypothesized that the lens proteins themselves might account for the monocyte response. A sonicated lens induced concentration-dependent migration of monocytes in a Boyden chamber assay system. Checkerboard analysis indicated that the movement was directed rather than merely random. Relative to a control chemoattractant, N -formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, the lens induced monocyte migration more potently than neutrophil migration. The ability to induce migration was markedly reduced by incubating the lens with either trypsin or papain. Chemotactic activity was readily demonstrable in lenses from young donors without cataracts. Separation of lens proteins by gel filtration with high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the chemotactic activity was most consistently associated with the gamma crystallin fraction. The chemotactic activity of lens proteins may contribute to the pathogenesis of phacolytic glaucoma or the uveitis resulting from retained cortical material after cataract extraction.
Flat panel stereoscopic display: description and applications

The flow of information among our armed forces is greater than ever and the workload on the warfighter is increasing. A novel, stereo-based 3D display has been developed to aid the warfighter by displaying information in a more intuitive fashion by exploiting depth perception. The flat panel display has a footprint consistent with current and future vehicles, unmanned systems, and aircraft and is capable of displaying analog 3D video and OpenGL 3D imagery. A description of the display will be given along with discussion of the applications evaluated to date.
Wind-driven lateral variability in a partially mixed estuary

Abstract A circulation study of the upper Neuse River Estuary (NRE) was initiated to characterize the nature of motion in the lateral dimension and to understand the role that this motion may play in the occurrences of warm weather fish kills. Low frequency wind-driven variability in across channel bottom salinity was identified and attributed to variability in the synoptic wind band. Diurnal variability in bottom salinity appeared to be driven by diurnal wind variability, presumably associated with the local sea breeze. In both cases the lateral response of the system was driven predominantly by across channel wind forcing and not by Ekman setup associated with along channel winds. Additional variability at near diurnal periods may have been due to baroclinic seiches. A lateral, barotropic seiche with a period of ∼30 min was also identified. High salinity water was found to be a good marker for low DO water across the estuary. Wind-driven upwelling of low DO/high salinity water and downwelling of high DO/low salinity water was documented and provides a plausible causal mechanism for the death of pelagic fish in the upper NRE.
Preparation and Properties of Low-Cost α-Sialon Ceramic Synthesized from Boron-Rich Slag-Based Mixture

With boron-rich slag, silica fume, bauxite chalmette and carbon black as starting materials, -sialon powder was prepared by carbothermal reduction nitridation(CRN). The mechanical properties of hot-pressed sintered slag α-sialon ceramic, which was started from slag -sialon powder, were measured. The hardness, toughness and bend strength of hot-pressed slag α-sialon ceramic reached 17GPa, 3.74MPam1/2 and 333.5MPa, respectively. These properties were close to that of chemical α-sialon ceramics prepared by expensive chemical agents as starting materials.
Fabrication of Anisotropic Super Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Nanoporous Membranes by Plasma Polymerization of C 4 F 8 on Anodic Aluminum Oxide

Freestanding anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes were fabricated using a two-step anodization procedure, voltage reduction method, and inductively coupled plasma polymerization. The fabrication process was monitored with electrochemical and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Static contact angle measurements demonstrated that the two surfaces of the fabricated AAO membranes have dramatically different degrees of hydrophobicity. The contact angle of water on the side modified with the fluorocarbon film was 150°, whereas the contact angle on the hydrophilic side, which was initially attached to the aluminum substrate, was less than 5°. The fabricated freestanding AAO membranes with only one hydrophobic surface are expected to find applications in the design of new systems for separation and filtration and as gas and liquid transport devices such as gas-diffusion electrodes for miniature power sources and sensors.
Equations of state of olivine-transformed spinels

Abstract Based on our recent data on the elasticity of olivine in the forsterite-fayalite series, Birch's law for the velocity-density-mean atomic weight relation is used to construct the equations of state of spinels in the Mg 2 SiO 4 -Fe 2 SiO 4 system. The equations of state of these olivine-transformed spinels are first presented and then discussed in relation to the equations of state of the same compositions in the olivine structure. Effects of the iron/magnesium ratios in these mineral systems on the solid equations of state are discussed. We conclude that (1) Birch's law is a useful scheme by which we can deduce equation-of-state parameters of the yet unmeasured olivine-transformed spinels; (2) the olivine-transformed spinels are less compressible than olivines at all pressures; (3) the β-Mg 2 SiO 4 (spinel) is more compressible than the Fe 2 SiO 4 -spinel, although in the olivine structure fayalite was seen to be more compressible than forsterite; and (4) the incompressibility values for the olivine-transformed spinels are in the neighborhood of 2 Mb and their first pressure derivatives range from 4 to 5 as the iron/magnesium ratio in the lattice increases.
Standard semiconductor packaging for high-reliability low-cost MEMS applications

Microelectronic packaging technology has evolved over the years in response to the needs of IC technology. The fundamental purpose of the package is to provide protection for the silicon chip and to provide electrical connection to the circuit board. Major change has been witnessed in packaging and today wafer level packaging technology has further revolutionized the industry. MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology has created new challenges for packaging that do not exist in standard ICs. However, the fundamental objective of MEMS packaging is the same as traditional ICs, the low cost and reliable presentation of the MEMS chip to the next level interconnect. Inertial MEMS is one of the best examples of the successful commercialization of MEMS technology. The adoption of MEMS accelerometers for automotive airbag applications has created a high volume market that demands the highest reliability at low cost. The suppliers to these markets have responded by exploiting standard semiconductor packaging infrastructures. However, there are special packaging needs for MEMS that cannot be ignored. New applications for inertial MEMS devices are emerging in the consumer space that adds the imperative of small size to the need for reliability and low cost. These trends are not unique to MEMS accelerometers. For any MEMS technology to be successful the packaging must provide the basic reliability and interconnection functions, adding the least possible cost to the product. This paper will discuss the evolution of MEMS packaging in the accelerometer industry and identify the main issues that needed to be addressed to enable the successful commercialization of the technology in the automotive and consumer markets.
Affective assessment of computer users based on processing the pupil diameter signal

Detecting affective changes of computer users is a current challenge in human-computer interaction which is being addressed with the help of biomedical engineering concepts. This article presents a new approach to recognize the affective state (“relaxation” vs. “stress”) of a computer user from analysis of his/her pupil diameter variations caused by sympathetic activation. Wavelet denoising and Kalman filtering methods are first used to remove abrupt changes in the raw Pupil Diameter (PD) signal. Then three features are extracted from the preprocessed PD signal for the affective state classification. Finally, a random tree classifier is implemented, achieving an accuracy of 86.78%. In these experiments the Eye Blink Frequency (EBF), is also recorded and used for affective state classification, but the results show that the PD is a more promising physiological signal for affective assessment.
Plasma thromboplastin component: influence of coumarin compounds and vitamin K on its activity in serum.

SummaryDeficiencies of plasma thromboplastin component (PTC) are not necessarily congenital in origin. Serum levels of PTC were depressed following the administration of two 4-hydroxy coumarin compounds to 24 patients. PTC activity was also reduced in a patient who developed a deficiency of vitamin K subsequent to an inability to adsorbfats (cystic fibrosis of the pancreas). In both groups of patients, PTC activity rapidly increased towards normal following the administration of vit. K analogues.
A disposition to reappraise decreases anterior insula reactivity during anxious anticipation

Across individuals there is variability in one's inherent tendency to reappraise emotional events in everyday life, which may be related to how worried one becomes in the presence of an anticipated aversive event. The extent to which this natural tendency to reappraise has neurobiological correlates during anxious anticipation is unknown. Neuroimaging research indicates that responses in the anterior insula precede anticipated aversive events and appear to represent one's affective feeling state of anxious anticipation. Successful cognitive reappraisal should weaken this anticipatory insula response. Here, functional magnetic resonance images were acquired while participants completed an anticipation task. We found increased anterior insula activation during aversive anticipation and a negative association between anxious anticipatory right anterior insula reactivity and dispositional reappraisal. Thus, even without the instruction to reappraise, individuals high in dispositional reappraisal tended to have a reduced anticipatory insula response to aversive stimuli, thereby down-regulating a neural substrate for aversive anticipation.
A human study of patch maintainability

Identifying and fixing defects is a crucial and expensive part of the software lifecycle. Measuring the quality of bug-fixing patches is a difficult task that affects both functional correctness and the future maintainability of the code base. Recent research interest in automatic patch generation makes a systematic understanding of patch maintainability and understandability even more critical. We present a human study involving over 150 participants, 32 real-world defects, and 40 distinct patches. In the study, humans perform tasks that demonstrate their understanding of the control flow, state, and maintainability aspects of code patches. As a baseline we use both human-written patches that were later reverted and also patches that have stood the test of time to ground our results. To address any potential lack of readability with machine-generated patches, we propose a system wherein such patches are augmented with synthesized, human-readable documentation that summarizes their effects and context. Our results show that machine-generated patches are slightly less maintainable than human-written ones, but that trend reverses when machine patches are augmented with our synthesized documentation. Finally, we examine the relationship between code features (such as the ratio of variable uses to assignments) with participants' abilities to complete the study tasks and thus explain a portion of the broad concept of patch quality.
Binding energy of large icosahedral and cuboctahedral Lennard-Jones clusters

It is widely believed that the lowest energy configurations for small rare gas clusters have icosahedral symmetry. This contrasts with the bulk crystal structures which have cuboctahedral fcc symmetry. It is of interest to understand the transition between this finite and bulk behavior. To model this transition in rare gas clusters we have undertaken optimization studies within the Lennard-Jones pair potential model. Using a combination of Monte Carlo and Partan Search optimization methods, the lowest energy relaxed structures of Lennard-Jones clusters having icosahedral and cuboctahedral symmetry were found. Studies were performed for complete shell clusters ranging in size from one shell having 13 atoms to 14 shells having 10,179 atoms. It was found that the icosahedral structures are lower in energy than the cuboctahedral structures for cluster sizes having 13 shells or fewer. Additional studies were performed using the more accurate Aziz-Chen [HFD-C] pair potential parameterized for argon. The conclusions appear to be relatively insensitive to the form of the potential.