cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Figure of merit for macrouniformity based on image quality ruler evaluation and machine learning framework

Assessment of macro-uniformity is a capability that is important for the development and manufacture of printer products. Our goal is to develop a metric that will predict macro-uniformity, as judged by human subjects, by scanning and analyzing printed pages. We consider two different machine learning frameworks for the metric: linear regression and the support vector machine. We have implemented the image quality ruler, based on the recommendations of the INCITS W1.1 macro-uniformity team. Using 12 subjects at Purdue University and 20 subjects at Lexmark, evenly balanced with respect to gender, we conducted subjective evaluations with a set of 35 uniform b/w prints from seven different printers with five levels of tint coverage. Our results suggest that the image quality ruler method provides a reliable means to assess macro-uniformity. We then defined and implemented separate features to measure graininess, mottle, large area variation, jitter, and large-scale non-uniformity. The algorithms that we used are largely based on ISO image quality standards. Finally, we used these features computed for a set of test pages and the subjects' image quality ruler assessments of these pages to train the two different predictors - one based on linear regression and the other based on the support vector machine (SVM). Using five-fold cross-validation, we confirmed the efficacy of our predictor.
HG ion thruster component testing

Electron bombardment thrusters, under development to provide both auxiliary and primary propulsion functions for a large variety of space missions are tested. Thruster design verification which requires life tests of durations of the order of the time anticipated in space applications, are discussed. The life time and reliability of an electron bombardment thruster is dependent upon the performance of several critical components including cathodes, vaporizers, and isolators. The performances of the cathode, vaporizer, and propellant isolaters during fatigue analyses are examined.
Interaction of host-coded and virus-coded polypeptides in RNA phage replication

The enzymes responsible for replication of the RNA of the single-stranded RNA bacteriophages contain, in addition to one phage-coded polypeptide, three host-coded polypeptides taken from the protein biosynthetic machinery: ribosomal protein S1 and the elongation factors Tu and Ts. While S1 performs a function in RNA replication derived from its protein synthetic function, mRNA binding, the reactions catalysed by the elongation factors in protein synthesis are apparently dispensible for RNA replication. In the replicase, these polypeptides, acting as the EF-Tu$\cdot $Ts complex, play a fundamental structural role. Replacement of the endogenous EF-Tu with mutant EF-Tu, itself stable, causes the RNA replicase to become unstable. The possibility that EF-Tu$\cdot $Ts is solely a structural protein in the RNA replicase is suggested by experiments showing that a variety of modifications of the elongation factors can be tolerated without loss of RNA synthetic capacity. In fact, EF-Tu$\cdot $Ts from distantly related bacterial species can substitute for E. coli EF-Tu$\cdot $Ts in RNA replicase. Evidence is presented that the high in vitro template specificity of Q$\beta $ replicase may be accomplished through modulation of the level of GTP required for initiation of transcription. Different natural and synthetic RNAs require quite different GTP concentrations. Mn$^{2+}$ ions, which extend the range of templates transcribed by Q$\beta $ replicase, lower the requirement for GTP. High ionic strength, which alters the conformation of Q$\beta $ replicase such that template specificity is increased, raises the GTP requirement. An additional host coded protein required for in vitro Q$\beta $ RNA replication, host factor (HF), interacts specifically with Q$\beta $ RNA. This polypeptide acts by allowing Q$\beta $ replicase to initiate RNA synthesis with Q$\beta $ RNA at reduced GTP concentration.
Selective charge injection induced microstructural modifications in hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon: A current-sensing atomic force microscopy study

Hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) films prepared by RF sputtering were studied by current sensing atomic force microscope (CSAFM) using conductive cantilevers. The tip of CSAFM was used to inject charges into the selective areas of the film at positive and negative 10 V bias. The changes in the topography and electrical conductivity of these regions were measured using contact-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) and CSAFM. Significant changes in the surface topography and electrical conductivity were observed with charge injection. The average height of the charge injected area increased over non-injected surface, and the increase in the surface height was proportional to imaging duration. Topographical features at smaller scale, such as heights of individual grains, decreased with imaging. The changes in the topographical features are independent of bias polarity. The charge injection resulted in a large drop in local electrical conductivity, with over 95 % decrease in injected current after 36 minutes of injection. It is speculated that high energy (10 eV) charge injection resulted in breaking of local chemical bonds, increasing local free volume and creating additional mid-gap defect states. The changes in topography and electrical conductivity are attributed to these changes respectively.
Energy levels of 36K

Abstract The 36 Ar( 3 He, t) 36 K reaction has been observed at 22.17 MeV, and a Q value of −12.93 ± 0.04 MeV. deduced. Excited states in 36 K were seen at 0.800, 1.115, 1.59, 1.67, 189, 2.27, 2.41, 2.56, 2.85 and 3.35 MeV. A comparison is made with levels in 36 Cl.
Discovery of a new class of histone deacetylase inhibitors with a novel zinc binding group

Small molecules featuring a hydroxamic acid or a benzamide zinc binding group (ZBG) are the most thoroughly studied histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. However, concerns about the pharmacokinetic liabilities of the hydroxamic acid moiety and potential metabolic toxicity of the aniline portion of benzamide HDAC inhibitors have stimulated research efforts aimed at discovering alternative ZBGs. Here we report the 2-(oxazol-2-yl)phenol moiety as a novel ZBG that can be used to produce compounds that are potent HDAC inhibitors. A series of analogues with this novel ZBG have been synthesized, and these analogues exhibit selective inhibition against HDAC1 as well as the class IIb HDACs (HDAC6 and HDAC10). Compound 10 possesses an IC50 value of 7.5 μM in the MV-4-11 leukemia cell line, and induces a comparable amount of acetylated histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and p21Waf1/CIP1 as 0.5 μM of SAHA. Modeling of compound 10 in the active site of HDAC2 demonstrates that the 2-(oxazol-2-yl)phenol moiety has a zinc-binding pattern similar to benzamide HDAC inhibitors.
The interaction of β-cyclodextrin with nucleic acid monomer units

Abstract β-Cyclodextrin is examined as a potentially useful probe of nucleic acid structure. From circular dichroism (CD) data the binding constant and the enthalpy and entropy of binding to 5′-AMP are determined. The CD spectrum of the bound complex is calculated. The binding to 5′-dAMP, 3′,5′-cyclic AMP, adenosine and adenine is also examined. No evidence is seen for the involvement of hydrophobic forces. CD data for 5′-UMP, and 5′-CMP in 0.01 M β-cyclodextrin show that the binding is not as specific as previously reported.
The spectral-transmissive properties of some of the tektites

Abstract Data are given on the spectral ultraviolet, visible and infrared transmittances of australites, bediasites, rizalites, moldavites, and Georgia tektites, and of Libyan desert glass in relation to that of fused silica and a number of commercial glasses having a high iron or high silica content. Their absorption characteristics, resulting from the incorporated iron oxides, carbon dioxide and water, offer an opportunity for additional investigations relating to exact temperature, atmospheric and other conditions connected with their formation and history. The Libyan desert glass in having excessive absorption at 2800 millimicrons does not seem to fit into the general scheme with the true tektites.
Production operations and the use of nonfinite verbs by children with specific language impairment.

Recent evidence from structural priming studies suggests that children with specific language impairment (SLI) are more likely to produce verb morphemes such as auxiliary is when their previous sentence contained an auxiliary than when it did not. The same paradigm was employed in the present study to determine whether failures to include auxiliary is might be due to prior use of nonfinite sentences (e.g., The mouse eating the cheese). Preschoolers with SLI and a group of younger normally developing children were more likely to produce auxiliary is to describe target pictures when the preceding sentence contained auxiliary are than when it contained past tense. Use of is in the target sentence was least likely when the preceding sentence was nonfinite. The implications of these findings for current accounts of SLI and current models of sentence production are discussed.
Adaptive optics correction of a laser beam propagating underwater

The use of Adaptive Optics (AO) to correct for aberrations in a wavefront of propagating light has become customary for Astronomical applications and is now expanding to many other areas going from medical imaging to industrial applications. However, the propagation of light underwater has remained out of the main stream AO community for a variety of reasons, not least the shear difficulty of the situation. Our group has become a program that attempts to define under which circumstances such a correction could be envisioned. We take advantage of the NRL laboratory facility in Stennis, MS, where a large Plexiglas tank of water is equipped with heating and cooling plates that allow for a well measured thermal gradient that in turn generates different degrees of turbulence that can distort a propagating laser beam. In this paper we report on the preliminary findings of this ongoing program. The paper will describe the facility and the AO test-bed, the measurements made and some of the preliminary result.
The use of sodium hydride as a reducing agent in nitrogen-containing solvents I. The reduction of chlorosilanes in Hexaalkylphosphoric triamides and tetraalkylureas☆

Abstract A variety of chlorosilanes were reduced to the corresponding silicon hydrides with sodium hydride in hexamethylphosphoric triamide (HMPT), tetramethylurea (TMU) and related solvents. In HMPT and TMU, the reductions proceeded rapidly at room temperature under nitrogen in good yield. No side reactions were noted for the simple alkyl-and arylchlorosilanes except for some inhibition periods if air was present and a little reduction of TMU to tetramethylmethylenediamine. Allyldimethyl-and vinyldimethylchlorosilanes were reduced normally in TMU, but in HMPT olefin isomerization and vinyl polymerization occured. These side reactions were shown to be due to the presence of sodium in the sodium hydride. The sodium may be leached out with HMPT, and the resulting sodium hydride gave improved yields for the reduction of tetramethyldichlorodisiloxane. Other solvents either gave no chlorosilane reduction or were too reactive in side reactions. These included dioxane, tetramethylethylenediamine, dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide. Pyridine, however, appeared to be a suitable solvent although the rate of chlorosilane reduction was slow compared to HMPT and TMU.
Applying a team effectiveness framework to the performance of student case teams

This study predicted the performance of 107 student case teams from ten sections of a management class by using a measure of team structure and four measures of team process. Satisfaction with the team was significantly and positively related to team structure and three of the process variables. In contrast, although team structure and team spirit were significantly and positively related to grade (on the case project), social support was significantly but negatively related to grade. This article compares student teams and work teams and discusses implications for organizational training and management education.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with five-membered rings: Modeling of experimental X-ray and neutron-diffraction structures

Several of the readily available theoretical programs are evaluated as tools for modeling the structures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with five-membered rings (CPAHs). The experimentally determined bond lengths and angles are compared to calculated values. Experimental bond lengths are also compared to Pauling and Huckel molecular orbital (HMO) bond orders. Previously published experimental X-ray and neutron-diffraction structures of acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluoranthene, cyclopent[o,p,q,r]benz[c]phenanthrene, and corannulene are modeled by the programs MMX, AM1, MNDO, and PM3, and previously reported STO-3G and 6-31G * data are also evaluated. In general, the error differences between the experimental and calculated results for all of the semiempirical programs were small. However, PM3 performed slightly better than AM1 and MMX, while MNDO generated structures which exhibited the largest deviation from experiment. Although the standard deviations for all programs are shown to be of comparable magnitude, a particular bond length or bond angle in any given theoretical calculation can exhibit significant error from the experimental data. The scatter in the bond order data computed from Huckel molecular orbital theory and valence bond theory is contrary to results obtained with alternant systems. It appears that these approaches are less successful at modeling accurately the nonalternant hydrocarbon systems described in this paper.
Situational influences on mentally retarded and nonretarded children's production of directives

This study investigated the influence of the communicative situation on the directives produced by retarded children and nonretarded kindergartners. The two groups were matched on nonverbal MA and on the linguistic maturity of their spontaneous speech. All children could produce the linguistic forms appropriate for the experimental task. In the experimental task, directives were elicited in role-playing situations which differed on three dimensions: addressee age, cause of the directive, and purpose of the directive. As measured by directive politeness, the retarded and nonretarded children were influenced similarly by the situational manipulations. However, they relied on different linguistic forms to convey directives. Many children had a preferred form. Within and between group differences in form preferences were observed.
Axonal polarity in Drosophila wings with mutant cuticular polarity patterns

In Drosophila melanogaster certain mutations alter the polarity of trichomes and bristles, cuticular structures secreted by the epithelial cells of the adult fly. Since sensory neurons arise from epithelial cell precursors, and sensory axons grow along the inner faces of epithelial cells, we have studied the developing wings of these mutants to see whether the change in epithelial cell polarity has an influence on the direction of axon outgrowth. The nerve patterns formed in the mutants prickled, inturned, and frizzled, however, were largely normal, indicating that in these cases the polarity of the cuticular structures produced by the epithelial cells is altered without any effect on the polarity of the associated axons.
Hypothyroidism in children with medulloblastoma: A comparison of 3600 and 2340 cGY craniospinal radiotherapy

Abstract Purpose: To determine if low-dose craniospinal irradiation (2340 cGy) with chemotherapy is associated with a lower incidence of hypothyroidism compared to standard dose (3600 cGy) with or without chemotherapy in children with medulloblastoma. Patients and Methods: Between 1980 and 1999, 32 patients ≤20 years old survived after craniospinal irradiation with or without chemotherapy. Twenty patients received 3600 cGy craniospinal irradiation (CSI), whereas 12 had 2340 cGy CSI; all patients received a posterior fossa boost to a total dose 5040–5580 cGy. The median ages at the time of CSI for those receiving 2340 cGy and 3600 cGy were 7.2 and 10.2 years, respectively. Chemotherapy (CT) was employed in 22 children. All children who received 2340 cGy had CT consisting of vincristine, CCNU, and either cisplatin or cyclophosphamide. Ten of 20 (50%) patients receiving 3600 cGy had CT; the most common regimen was vincristine, CCNU, and prednisone. Serum-free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were measured in all children at variable times after radiotherapy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone responses to i.v. thyrotrophin-releasing hormone were assessed in those suspected of having central hypothyroidism. Median follow-up for children receiving 2340 cGy was 5 years (range: 2–11.2 years), whereas for those receiving 3600 cGy, follow-up was 12.5 years (range: 2.4–20 years). Results: Eighteen patients (56%) developed hypothyroidism at a median time after radiotherapy of 41 months (range: 10 months to 18 years). Primary hypothyroidism was more common than central hypothyroidism (38% and 19%). All 7 children 10 years had hypothyroidism ( p p Conclusions: Current treatment regimens consisting of chemotherapy and 2340 cGy craniospinal irradiation followed by a posterior fossa boost for medulloblastoma do not show a reduction of hypothyroidism. Young age and use of chemotherapy were associated with a higher incidence of hypothyroidism.
Fabrication and performance of a one-to-one erect imaging microlens array for fax

FABRICATION AND PERFORMANCE OF A ONE-TO-ONE ERECT IMAGINGMICROLENS ARRAY FOR FAXR. H. Bellman, N. F. Borrelli, L. G. Mann and J. M. QuintalCorning Incorporated, Corning N.Y. 14831ABSTRACTNicrolens arrays which image a full size document onto aphotoreceptor for copying or transmitting purposes are currentlyof much interest. In particular those arrays which have totalconjugate distances less than 10mm are important because of thecompactness they afford in the contact image sensor (CIS) unitdesign.In this paper the fabrication of such atone_to_one arrayutilizing the photosensitive glass based SMILEmprocess isdescribed. The performance of the array in terms of contrast vs.spatial frequency for a facsimile document reader application istested in a commercial CIS unit. The overall measured performanceis examined in terms of the process parameters involved in thelens fabrication. Advantages and disadvantages of the microlensarray relative to other methods are considered.
Micropatterned surfaces for controlling cell adhesion and rolling under flow

Cell adhesion and rolling on the vascular wall is critical to both inflammation and thrombosis. In this study we demonstrate the feasibility of using microfluidic patterning for controlling cell adhesion and rolling under physiological flow conditions. By controlling the width of the lines (50–1000 μm) and the spacing between them (50–100 μm) we were able to fabricate surfaces with well-defined patterns of adhesion molecules. We demonstrate the versatility of this technique by patterning surfaces with 3 different adhesion molecules (P-selectin, E-selectin, and von Willebrand Factor) and controlling the adhesion and rolling of three different cell types (neutrophils, Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, and platelets). By varying the concentration of the incubating solution we could control the surface ligand density and hence the cell rolling velocity. Finally by patterning surfaces with both P-selectin and von Willebrand Factor we could control the rolling of both leukocytes and platelets simultaneously. The technique described in this paper provides and effective and inexpensive way to fabricate patterned surfaces for use in cell rolling assays under physiologic flow conditions.
Are Water Permeability Measurements Sufficient to Characterize in Vitro Cultured Human Skin Surrogates

AbstractWe have found previously that human neonatal foreskin keratinocyte air/liquid (A/L) cultures developed normal-appearing epidermis, and that water flux was only two to three times higher than that found with intact human skin. To understand further the barrier properties of these A/L cultures, we have analyzed the composition and the gross conformational structures of the cultured stratum corneum (SC) lipids, and compared them with those of human SC. Electron microscopic examination demonstrated that cultured SC has high intracellular lipid content, but that it lacks both the basic unit repetition (e.g., broad/narrow/broad/broad/narrow/ broad pattern of electronlucent bands) normally found in human SC intercellular lipids and the covalently bound lipid envelope. These results indicate that the cultures are hyperproliferative, with characteristics similar to those found in SC obtained from patients with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, or from animals whose diets lack essential fatty acids. In additi...
Climatic variations on Mars: 1. Astronomical theory of insolation

Description of variations in the solar insolation on Mars that result from oscillations of the orbital eccentricity and the obliquity of the planet. Changes in the eccentricity and obliquity are produced by gravitation perturbations from the sun and the other planets, and a detailed account of the time evolution of these quantities is given. Particular attention is paid to the obliquity oscillations, which exert a strong influence on the climate of Mars. Changes in the earth's obliquity are also calculated, and its behavior is contrasted with that of Mars. Although the eccentricity produces important north-south seasonal asymmetries, a change in the obliquity causes a strong latitudinal redistribution of the solar insolation. Especially noteworthy is the fact that the yearly insolation at the poles of Mars varies by over 100% between the extremes of the obliquity range.
StageNet: A Reconfigurable Fabric for Constructing Dependable CMPs

CMOS scaling has long been a source of dramatic performance gains. However, semiconductor feature size reduction has resulted in increasing levels of operating temperatures and current densities. Given that most wearout mechanisms are highly dependent on these parameters, significantly higher failure rates are projected for future technology generations. Consequently, fault tolerance, which has traditionally been a subject of interest for high-end server markets, is now getting emphasis in the mainstream computing systems space. The popular solution for this has been the use of redundancy at a coarse granularity, such as dual/triple modular redundancy. In this work, we challenge the practice of coarse-granularity redundancy by identifying its inability to scale to high failure rate scenarios and investigating the advantages of finer-grained configurations. To this end, this paper presents and evaluates a highly reconfigurable CMP architecture, named as StageNet (SN), that is designed with reliability as its first-class design criteria. SN relies on a reconfigurable network of replicated processor pipeline stages to maximize the useful lifetime of a chip, gracefully degrading performance toward the end of life. Our results show that the proposed SN architecture can perform 40 percent more cumulative work compared to a traditional CMP over 12 years of its lifetime.
Return-to-Sport and Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Basketball Association Players.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a significant injury in National Basketball Association (NBA) players.Hypotheses:NBA players undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) have high rates of return to sport (RTS), with RTS the season following surgery, no difference in performance between pre- and postsurgery, and no difference in RTS rate or performance between cases (ACLR) and controls (no ACL tear).Study Design:Case-control.Methods:NBA players undergoing ACLR were evaluated. Matched controls for age, body mass index (BMI), position, and NBA experience were selected during the same years as those undergoing ACLR. RTS and performance were compared between cases and controls. Paired-sample Student t tests, chi-square, and linear regression analyses were performed for comparison of within- and between-group variables.Results:Fifty-eight NBA players underwent ACLR while in the NBA. Mean player age was 25.7 ± 3.5 years. Forty percent of ACL tears occurred in the fourth quarter. Fifty players (86...
Multiscale modeling of cellular systems in biology

Abstract Here we review eight different multiscale modeling efforts dealing with cellular systems in biology. The first two models focus on collagen based tissue, one dealing with the biomechanical properties of the tissue and the other focusing on how the dermis is remodeled in scar tissue formation. The next two models deal with first avascular tumor growth and then the role of the vasculature in tumor growth. We then consider two models which use the Immersed Boundary method to model tissue properties and cell–cell adhesion. Finally we conclude with two models with treatments of the Cellular Potts Model. The first models somitogenisis in the chick and the second links the Cellular Potts Model with the Keller–Segel model.
A New Interpretation of the Mechanism of Ankle Fracture

Background: Researchers have found it difficult to recreate a Lauge-Hansen supination-external rotation-type ankle fracture in experimental settings. We hypothesized that a pronation-external rotation mechanism could cause both distal, short oblique and high fibular fractures and that the fracture type would be affected by associated, laterally directed forces applied to the foot. Methlods: Twenty-three cadaver ankles were subjected to fracture loading that replicated the Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation mechanism with or without applying an external lateral force. In Phase I, an axial load was applied to fifteen specimens mounted on a materials testing machine. Each foot was rotated externally to failure. In Phase II, eight specimens were tested according to the Phase-I protocol, but external forces were applied laterally at the foot to increase the abduction moment at the ankle. Load and position versus time curves were recorded and were correlated with video image data to establish the sequence of failure of specific anatomic structures. Results: Eight specimens tested in Phase I sustained an oblique fracture of the distal end of the fibula with both medial and posterior injuries that occurred after the fibular fracture. Increasing the external lateral force and hence the abduction moment within the ankle (Phase II) resulted in three of eight specimens sustaining a high fibular fracture with a reversed fracture line (anterosuperior to posteroinferior) and/or a comminuted high fibular fracture. The distribution of traditional pronation-external rotation-type fractures differed significantly between Phase I and Phase II (p = 0.032). Conclusions: This study generated counterexamples to the Lauge-Hansen classification system by showing that a short oblique fracture of the distal end of the fibula can occur with the foot in the pronated position. Furthermore, a high fibular fracture was recreated by increasing the abduction moment at the ankle. Clinical Relevance: The pattern of ankle fracture is related directly to the applied loads, including specifically the combination of the external rotational moment and the abduction moment. The results of the current study could provide the basis for a more straightforward classification of ankle fractures based on applied loads.
Finger counting: an alternative method for estimating pediatric weights☆

Abstract Objectives We compared the accuracy of a conceptually simple pediatric weight estimation technique, the finger counting method, with other commonly used methods. Methods We prospectively collected cross-sectional data on a convenience sample of 207 children aged 1 to 9 presenting to our pediatric emergency department. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to compare the finger counting method to the Broselow tape method, parental estimate, the Luscombe formula, and the advanced pediatric life support (APLS) formula. Proportions within 10% and 20% of measured weight were compared. Results Mean difference and range of agreement in kilograms for Bland-Altman plots were as follows: −1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], −2.3 to −1.3) and 15.4 (95% CI, 13.6-17.2) for the finger counting method; −1.4 (95% CI, −2.0 to −0.9) and 15.8 (95% CI, 13.9-17.6) for the Broselow method; −0.02 (95% CI, −0.53 to 0.49) and 14.8 (95% CI, 13-16.6) for parental estimate; 0.2 (95% CI, −0.33 to 0.72) and 15.3 (95% CI, 13.5-17.2) for the Luscombe formula; and −3.8 (95% CI, −4.4 to −3.2) and 17.2 (95% CI, 15.2-19.2) for the APLS formula. The finger counting method estimated weights within 10% in 59% of children (95% CI, 52%-65%) and within 20% in 87% of children (95% CI, 81%-91%). Proportions within 10% were similar for all methods, except the APLS method, which was lower. Conclusions The finger counting method is an acceptable alternative to the Broselow method for weight estimation in children aged 1 to 9 years. It outperforms the traditional APLS method but underestimates weights compared with parental estimate and the Luscombe formula.
CdSSe Nanocrystals with Induced Chemical Composition Gradients

Semiconductor nanocrystals of CdSSe exhibiting chemical composition gradients are synthesized via a facile, one-pot synthesis. Varying degrees of gradation are observed as growth temperatures are manipulated to alter rates of reactivity for anionic precursors. Stoichiometries, with growth time and change in temperature, are determined using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy to demonstrate chemical composition gradients. Sizes and structures of compositionally graded CdSSe nanocrystals are determined using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques, respectively. We employ absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques to elucidate the corresponding optical properties. Nanocrystals with chemical composition gradients demonstrating enhanced luminescence efficiency could be the key to improved nanocrystal optical performance.
Radical nephrectomy performed by open, laparoscopy with or without hand-assistance or robotic methods by the same surgeon produces comparable perioperative results

PURPOSE: Radical nephrectomy can be performed using open or laparoscopic (with or without hand assistance) methods, and most recently using the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System. We evaluated the perioperative outcomes using a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing radical nephrectomy by one of the above 4 methods performed by the same surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant clinical information on 57 consecutive patients undergoing radical nephrectomy from September 2000 until July 2004 by a single surgeon was entered in a Microsoft Access DatabaseTM and queried. Following appropriate statistical analysis, p values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Of 57 patients, the open, robotic, laparoscopy with or without hand assistance radical nephrectomy were performed in 18, 6, 21, and 12 patients, respectively. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), incidence of malignancy, specimen and tumor size, tumor stage, Fuhrman grade, hospital stay, change in postoperative creatinine, drop in hemoglobin, and perioperative complications were not significantly different between the methods. While the estimated median blood loss, postoperative narcotic use for pain control, and hospital stay were significantly higher in the open surgery method (p < 0.05), the median operative time was significantly shorter compared to the robotic method (p = 0.02). Operating room costs were significantly higher in the robotic and laparoscopic groups; however, there was no significant difference in total hospital costs between the 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that radical nephrectomy can be safely performed either by open, robotic, or laparoscopic with or without hand assistance methods without significant difference in perioperative complication rates. A larger cohort and longer follow up are needed to validate our findings and establish oncological outcomes.
The NEI/NCBI dbGAP database: genotypes and haplotypes that may specifically predispose to risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

To examine if the significantly associated SNPs derived from the genome wide allelic association study on the AREDS cohort at the NEI (dbGAP) specifically confer risk for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We ascertained 134 unrelated patients with AMD who had one sibling with an AREDS classification 1 or less and was past the age at which the affected sibling was diagnosed (268 subjects). Genotyping was performed by both direct sequencing and Sequenom iPLEX system technology. Single SNP analyses were conducted with McNemar's Test (both 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 tests) and likelihood ratio tests (LRT). Conditional logistic regression was used to determine significant gene-gene interactions. LRT was used to determine the best fit for each genotypic model tested (additive, dominant or recessive). Before release of individual data, p-value information was obtained directly from the AREDS dbGAP website. Of the 35 variants with P < 10-6 examined, 23 significantly modified risk of neovascular AMD. Many variants located in tandem on 1q32-q22 including those in CFH, CFHR4, CFHR2, CFHR5, F13B, ASPM and ZBTB were significantly associated with AMD risk. Of these variants, single SNP analysis revealed that CFH rs572515 was the most significantly associated with AMD risk (P < 10-6). Haplotype analysis supported our findings of single SNP association, demonstrating that the most significant haplotype, GATAGTTCTC, spanning CFH, CFHR4, and CFHR2 was associated with the greatest risk of developing neovascular AMD (P < 10-6). Other than variants on 1q32-q22, only two SNPs, rs9288410 (MAP2) on 2q34-q35 and rs2014307 (PLEKHA1/HTRA1) on 10q26 were significantly associated with AMD status (P = .03 and P < 10-6 respectively). After controlling for smoking history, gender and age, the most significant gene-gene interaction appears to be between rs10801575 (CFH) and rs2014307 (PLEKHA1/HTRA1) (P < 10-11). The best genotypic fit for rs10801575 and rs2014307 was an additive model based on LRT. After applying a Bonferonni correction, no other significant interactions were identified between any other SNPs. This is the first replication study on the NEI dbGAP SNPs, demonstrating that alleles on 1q, 2q and 10q may predispose an individual to AMD.
Can infants make transitive inferences

Abstract Researchers have long been interested in the emergence of transitive reasoning abilities (e.g., if A > B and B > C, then A > C). Preschool-aged children are found to make transitive inferences. Additionally, nonhuman animals demonstrate parallel abilities, pointing to evolutionary roots of transitive reasoning. The present research examines whether 16-month-old infants can make transitive inferences about other people’s preferences. If an agent prefers object-A over B (A > B) and B over C (B > C), infants seem to reason that she also prefers A over C (A > C) (Experiment 1). Experiment 2 provides indirect evidence that a one-directional linear ordering of the three items (A > B > C) may have helped infants to succeed in the task. These and control results present the first piece of evidence that precursors of transitive reasoning cognitive abilities exist in infancy.
Biomarkers of Fat and Fatty Acid Intake

Unlike other macronutrients such as protein, the amounts and types of fat in the human diet vary tremendously across cultures and over time have changed significantly within Westernized countries. Studies of the effect that fat sources, fat amounts and changes in fat intake have on human disease are extremely difficult to conduct with traditional dietary assessment methods for a number of reasons. These include the hidden nature of many fats, the variation in fatty acids contained in foods and feed and the sensitivity of individuals to questions about fat intake in their diets. For these reasons biomarkers of fat intake are particularly desirable. Fat and fat-soluble substances have the advantages over other nutrients of a long half-life and readily accessible storage depots (in the absence of starvation, undernutrition or eating disorders). Technological advances in quantitative measurements of individual fatty acids, with the help of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS)((3)) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), made possible the study of specific isomers of minor fatty acids from small tissue samples. Technological advances also opened the gateways to the study of fats that represent less than 1% of the total fat profiles, such as decosahexanoic acid (DHA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Biological advances enhanced our appreciation of the differences between fats of differing chain lengths within a family, including the saturated fats. Challenges remain, such as assessing total fat intake, discriminating the contribution of endogenously produced fats, determining how to evaluate the importance of relative versus absolute contributions of fat and accounting for the factors that influence deposition and mobilization of individual fats within and between individuals. Factors that can influence deposition and mobilization include genetic variation, disease status, lifestyle differences (i.e., alcohol consumption and smoking), circulating apolipoprotein levels and the hormonal milieu of the individual and the source tissue.
Plasma renin activity and insulin resistance in African American and white children: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Recent studies have suggested that the renin-angiotensin system is a feature of the insulin resistance syndrome. However, whether such a relationship occurs in childhood and in both African Americans and whites is not clear. We examined this issue in a sample of 264 African American and white children aged 7 to 16 years who participated in a cross-sectional survey of the Bogalusa Heart Study (n = 3524). Children were selected using a stratified random sampling procedure based on race-, age-, and sex-specific percentiles of diastolic blood pressure. Whites had higher plasma renin activity than African Americans (7.1 ± 3.6 ng/mL/h v 5.3 ± 3.5 ng/mL/h, P < .01). Renin activity correlated with blood pressure (BP) (r = 0.21, P < .05) and insulin resistance index defined by post-glucose 1-h insulin × 1-h glucose (r = 0.19, P < .05) only in white children. Other components of insulin resistance syndrome (percent body fat, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) showed no relation to renin in both races using univariate analyses. The distribution of insulin resistance index and renin activity among children with elevated BP (above 90th percentile) showed that the percentage of children with both high insulin resistance index and renin values was significantly greater in whites than in African Americans (45.6% v 23.3%, P < .05). A multivariate factor analysis of risk variables of insulin resistance syndrome resulted in clusters of BP/adiposity (factor 1), lipids/adiposity (factor 2), and insulin resistance/renin/adiposity (factor 3) in white children, with adiposity linking the three factors. However, a different pattern emerged in African American children for factor 2 and factor 3, and renin was not part of the cluster in any of the three factors. These observations suggest that renin may be a component of insulin resistance syndrome detectable in early life only in whites.
Wavelet noise removal from baseband digital signals in bandlimited channels

This paper investigates the application of wavelet noise removal techniques to digital baseband signals. Non-linear filtering in the wavelet domain is used to improve the performance of the standard time domain correlation process for these signals. The proposed wavelet-based receiver computes the normalized cross correlation between the filtered wavelet coefficients of the received signal and wavelet coefficients that correspond to the known transmitted digital signals. Simulations are conducted comparing the wavelet receiver to the classical matched receiver.
Projected climate change effects on Rocky Mountain and Great Plains birds: generalities of biodiversity consequences

Climate change effects on biodiversity are already manifested, and yet no predictive knowledge characterizes the likely nature of these effects. Previous studies suggested an influence of topography on these effects, a possibility tested herein. Bird species with distributions restricted to montane (26 species) and Great Plains (19 species) regions of central and western North America were modeled, and climate change effects on their distributions compared: in general, plains species were more heavily influenced by climate change, with drastic area reductions (mode 35% of distributional area lost under assumption of no dispersal) and dramatic spatial movements (0–400 km shift of range centroid under assumption of no dispersal) of appropriate habitats. These results suggest an important generality regarding climate change effects on biodiversity, and provide useful guidelines for conservation planning.
Dissociative Changes in the Bmax and KD of Dopamine D2/D3 Receptors with Aging Observed in Functional Subdivisions of the Striatum: A Revisit with an Improved Data Analysis Method

Separate measurements of Bmax, the density of available receptors, and KD, the equilibrium dissociation constant in the human brain, with PET have contributed to our understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially with respect to the dopamine D2/D3 receptor system. However, existing methods have limited applications to the whole striatum, putamen, or caudate nucleus. Improved methods are required to examine Bmax and KD in detailed functional striatal subdivisions that are becoming widely used. Methods: In response, a new method (bolus-plus-infusion transformation [BPIT]) was developed. After completion of a validation study for 11C-raclopride scans involving 81 subjects, age-associated changes in Bmax and KD were examined in 47 healthy subjects ranging in age from 18 to 77 y. Results: The BPIT method was consistent with established reference tissue methods regarding regional binding potential. BPIT yielded time-consistent estimates of Bmax and KD when scan and infusion lengths were set equal in the analysis. In addition, BPIT was shown to be robust against PET measurement errors when compared with a widely accepted transient equilibrium method. Altogether, BPIT was supported as a method for regional binding potential, Bmax, and KD. We demonstrated age-associated declines in Bmax in all 5 functional striatal subdivisions with BPIT when corrected for multiple comparisons. These age-related effects were not consistently attainable with the transient equilibrium method. Irrespective to methods, KD remained unchanged with age. Conclusion: The BPIT approach may be useful for understanding dopamine receptor abnormalities in neuropsychiatric disorders by enabling separate measurements of Bmax and KD in functional striatal subdivisions.
Biological and simulated neuronal networks show similar competence on a visual tracking task

Biological neuronal networks can be embodied in closed-loop robotic systems, with electromechanical hardware providing the neurons with the ability to interact with a real environment. Due to the difficulties of maintaining biological networks, it is useful to have a simulation environment in which pilot experiments can be run and new software can be tested. A simulator for cultured mouse neurons is described, and used to simulate neurons in a closed-loop robotic system. The results are compared to results from a similar experiment using biological neurons.
A compound virtual fixture for dexterous space teleoperation

In order to guarantee the operational safety in complex space environment, a compound virtual fixture is designed for dexterity space teleoperation in on-orbit tasks. It is consisted of a tube-type virtual fixture and a velocity-based virtual fixture. The virtual tube provides a safe route for the manipulated object to move through fluently. Compared with previous path planning method, the method proposed in this paper improves the operational flexibility and efficiency in long distance towards the target. Velocity-based virtual fixture offers vision and force feedback signals to the operator in the approaching process towards the target. The prediction ability of velocity-based virtual fixture reduces the influence of operate errors caused by the communication delay in teleoperation circuit, improving the teleoperation dynamics performance. Multiple simulations are conducted under CHAI 3D simulation platform to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Social support, trans community connectedness, and mental health symptoms among transgender and gender nonconforming adults.

For those identifying as transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC), the support of others can be instrumental in mitigating the challenges associated with cross-gender transition and identification. Social support and connectedness to the TGNC community can positively impact psychological well-being, facilitate resilience, and buffer against external stigmatization, prejudice, and discrimination (Frost & Meyer, 2012; Hendricks & Testa, 2012). The present study seeks to improve understanding of relationships among general social support (GSS), trans community connectedness (TCC), depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. The inclusion of 2 forms of social support allows for greater examination of the differential impact of perceived general support (i.e., from both cisgender and TGNC friends and family members) and TGNC-specific social support (i.e., feeling connected to other TGNC people). To honor the diversity within the TGNC community, the impact of social support was examined among TGNC participants differentiated by gender identity, ethnicity, and living environment. As part of the Internet-based Trans Health Survey, standardized measures of depression, generalized anxiety, and social support were administered to 865 TGNC adults. For both trans male spectrum (TMS) and trans female spectrum (TFS) participants, general social support was significantly negatively associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the negative correlation between trans community connectedness and mental health symptoms was significant only for TFS participants. Variations in perceived TCC among ethnicity and living environment groups--distinguished by gender identity--are also explored. Finally, targets for future minority stress and social support research with the TGNC population are discussed. Language: en