cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Fe(IV)-oxo intermediates in stoichiometric and catalytic oxidations mediated by iron pyridine-azamacrocycles.

An iron(II) complex with a pyridine-containing 14-membered macrocyclic (PyMAC) ligand L1 (L1 = 2,7,12-trimethyl-3,7,11,17-tetra-azabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene), 1, was prepared and characterized. Complex 1 contains low-spin iron(II) in a pseudo-octahedral geometry as determined by X-ray crystallography. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (298 K, Evans method) and Mossbauer spectroscopy (90 K, δ = 0.50(2) mm/s, ΔEQ = 0.78(2) mm/s) confirmed that the low-spin configuration of Fe(II) is retained in liquid and frozen acetonitrile solutions. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a reversible one-electron oxidation/reduction of the iron center in 1, with E1/2(FeIII/FeII) = 0.49 V vs Fc+/Fc, a value very similar to the half-wave potentials of related macrocyclic complexes. Complex 1 catalyzed the epoxidation of cyclooctene and other olefins with H2O2. Low-temperature stopped-flow kinetic studies demonstrated the formation of an iron(IV)-oxo intermediate in the reaction of 1 with H2O2 and concomitant part...
Diagnosis of CF despite normal or borderline sweat chloride

Research over the last 20 years has identified the CF gene and its product, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), has defined the physiologic functions of CFTR as a chloride channel and regulator of other channels including the sodium channel, and has identified numerous CFTR gene mutations in patients with cystic fibrosis. In addition, this research has provided additional diagnostic tests, including CFTR gene mutation analysis and evaluation of CFTR function using nasal potential difference testing. While these diagnostic tests have expanded our ability to diagnose cystic fibrosis in patients with borderline sweat chloride values, inappropriate use and/or interpretation of these studies can lead to the incorrect conclusion that a particular patient does (or does not) have cystic fibrosis. The results of these studies must be considered with other clinical information and diagnostic studies to determine if a patient fulfills the diagnostic criteria for cystic fibrosis. Advances in our understanding of the spectrum of CFTR gene mutations and CFTR physiologic function have changed our approach to diagnosing cystic fibrosis. In the past, the presence of clinical features of cystic fibrosis or a family history prompted sweat chloride testing; and, the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made if two or more sweat chloride determinations were elevated (greater than 60mmol/L). Rarely, a patient with prominent clinical features of cystic fibrosis but borderline or normal sweat chloride values was identified and may have been labelled as “CF variant”. Extensive evaluations of several patients with clinical features of CF
Coalescence of liquid droplets in two-component–two-phase systems: Part I. Effect of physical properties on the rate of coalescence

Experimental coalescence time and time distribution studies of the coalescence of a single droplet at a plane interface are presented for four two-component–two-phase systems. The results have been analyzed by dimensional analysis and statistical analysis, and a correlation of coalescence time and coalescence time distribution with the physical properties of the system is proposed.
Stereoselective Formal [3 + 3] Cycloaddition Approach to cis-1-Azadecalins and Synthesis of (−)-4a,8a-diepi-Pumiliotoxin C. Evidence for the First Highly Stereoselective 6π-Electron Electrocyclic Ring Closures of 1-Azatrienes

Evidence is described here to support that a highly stereoselective 6π-electron electrocyclic ring closure of 1-azatrienes is a key step in formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition or annulation reactions of chiral vinylogous amides with α,β-unsaturated iminium salts. This would represent the first highly stereoselective 6π-electron electrocyclic ring closure of 1-azatrienes. We have also unambiguously demonstrated that these specific ring closures are reversible, leading to the major diastereomer that is also thermodynamically more stable, and that a rotation preference likely also plays a role. A synthetic application is illustrated here to stereoselectively transform the resulting dihydropyridines to cis-1-azadecalins with unique anti relative stereochemistry at C2 and C2a, leading to synthesis of epi isomers of (−)-pumiliotoxin C.
Ultraviolet circular dichroism of polyproline and oriented collagen

The ultraviolet absorption, linear dichroism, circular dichroism, and oriented circular dichroism of collagen are reported and the spectra are resolved into a self-consistent set of bands in accord with exciton theory. The parallel band at 200 nm has 40% of the π π* intensity; the perpendicular band is placed at 189 nm yielding a splitting of 2700 cm−1. The circular dichroism is resolved into two Gaussians at λ∥ and λτ (rotational strengths +14 × 10−40 and −32 × 10−40 esu2. cm2) plus a large non-Gaussian (“helix”) band with ampplitude −25,000° at 201 nm. These data appear to be in reasonably good accord with recent calculations. Measurements of the absorption, linear dichroism and circular dichroism of polyproline I and II are also reported and are resolved into their component bands. Polyproline I is in good accord with exciton theory, whereas polyproline II remains unsatisfactory.
Gratitudes and Latitudes in M.B.A. Attitudes: Customer Orientation and the Business Week Poll

A re-examination of the data on customer satisfaction with business schools reported byBusiness Week addresses questions concerning the manner in which student evaluations and recruiter assessment are weighted to determine results for the graduate and corporate polls, as well as how the latter two scores are combined to obtain the overall ranking. Further, as a measure of student satisfaction, the graduate poll holds considerable interest in its own right. Accordingly, an explanatory model based on various objective and quasi-objective measures is developed to account for the student evaluations. It is argued that — after taking account of the available predictors — the errors in this model (unexplained variance or residual terms) represent graduate gratitudes bestowed upon the various schools. It appears that these measures of student appreciation vary with certain geographical characteristics. In other words, the gratitudes expressed in MBA attitudes depend in part on variations in geographic populations, longitudes, and latitudes.
Order Selection for Non-Stationary AR Models by Predictive Least-Squares

We present a new criterion for selecting the order of a non-stationary AR model. It is based on the predictive least-squares principles and is implemented in a computational efficient way by predictive lattice filters. We prove the consistency of the criterion.
Pressure Drop in Flexible Ducts

Abstract In many ventilation system design requirements, a hood of one kind or another is required to be movable. This requirement calls for the use of flexible ducts. Although the availability of flexible ducts presents no problems, the designers have had to depend on rather scanty data in the estimation of pressure drop for air flow through flexible ducts. In general, data availability are limited to manufacturers' data sheets, and the information presented is not uniform. Experiments using two makes of flexible ducts and various sizes suggest a uniform method of pressure loss estimation for flexible ducts. The experimental results and the resulting equations suggest a direct and relatively simple estimation process.
Effects of neutering on bodyweight, metabolic rate and glucose tolerance of domestic cats

Few controlled studies have been made of the possible mechanisms and physiological consequences of weight gain after cats have been neutered. In this study, six male and six female cats were gonadectomised and compared with five entire male and six entire female cats, before they were neutered and one and three months later. The neutered males gained significantly more weight (mean [SEM] per cent) than the entire males (30.2 [5.2] v 11.8 [2.3]) and the entire females gained 40.0 (7.3) v 16.1 (3.3) per cent, (P < 0.05). The castrated males gained more weight as fat than the sexually intact males (22.0 [3.3] v 8.8 [4.5] per cent, P < 0.05). There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in daily food intake after neutering. Spayed females underwent a significant decrease in fasting metabolic rate (83.7 [5.5] v 67.2 [2.3] kcal/kg bodyweight0.75/day P < 0.05). Gonadectomy had minimal effects on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, the resting or fasting metabolic rates in males, or on indices of glucose tolerance.
A Roadmap for Cognitive Engineering in Systems Engineering

We are concerned with three challenges in the design of military Command and Control (C2) systems, namely: the demand for “smaller” organizations, the demand for “better” coordination (human-system, human-human and system-system) and the demand for “faster” execution. Driven by these demands, we performed a survey of Cognitive Engineering techniques with an eye towards how they can improve Systems Engineering efforts. This paper outlines our three challenges (smaller, better, faster) and reviews three successful applications by other Cognitive/Systems engineers faced with similar challenges. The applications employ Computational Cognitive Modeling (to address a demand for smaller), Cognitive Work Analysis (to address a demand for better) and Goal-Directed Task Analysis (to address a demand for faster). These three successes provide a practical roadmap for using Cognitive Engineering methods to address Systems Engineering problems in C2 as well as other domains.
Edge-localized-modes in tokamaksa)

Edge-localized-modes (ELMs) are a ubiquitous feature of H-mode in tokamaks. When gradients in the H-mode transport barrier grow to exceed the MHD stability limit the ELM instability grows explosively, rapidly transporting energy and particles onto open field lines and material surfaces. Though ELMs provide additional particle and impurity transport through the H-mode transport barrier, enabling steady operation, the resulting heat flux transients to plasma facing surfaces project to large amplitude in future low collisionality burning plasma tokamaks. Measurements of the ELM heat flux deposition onto material surfaces in the divertor and main chamber indicate significant broadening compared to inter-ELM heat flux, with a timescale for energy deposition that is consistent with sonic ion flow and numerical simulation. Comprehensive ELM simulation is highlighting the important physics processes of ELM transport including parallel transport due to magnetic reconnection and turbulence resulting from collapse of the H-mode transport barrier. Encouraging prospects for ELM control and/or suppression in future tokamaks include intrinsic modes of ELM free operation, ELM triggering with frequent small pellet injection and the application of 3D magnetic fields.
An Explicit Solution for Generalized Ridge Regression

The general form of ridge regression proposed by Hoerl and Kennard is examined in the context of the iterative procedure they suggest for obtaining optimal estimators. It is shown that a non-iterative, closed form solution is available for this procedure. The solution is found to depend upon certain convergence/divergence conditions which relate to the ordinary least) squares estimators. Numerical examples are given.
Strategy, core competence, and HR involvement as determinants of HR effectiveness and refinery performance

This study examines the impact of strategy, core competence, and involvement of HR executives in strategic decision making on the refinery managers' evaluation of the effectiveness of HR and on refinery performance among 86 U.S. petrochemical refineries. Survey results indicated that higher involvement of HR in organizational strategy was strongly related to perceptions of HR effectiveness, and that the relationship was strongest to the extent that refineries pursued a product innovation strategy and viewed skilled employees as their core competence. HR involvement was unrelated to refinery performance but was actually negatively related when refineries emphasized efficient production as their core competence. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Natural Stepwise Breaking of Gauge and Discrete Symmetries

We ask if it is possible for spontaneous symmetry breakdown to occur stepwise. The presence of massless non-Goldstone bosons in the tree approximation is necessary both for the continuous case (gauge hierarchies involving "pseudophotons") and for the discrete case, but it is not sufficient. Our findings on additional constraints are presented in the form of theorems. The first (concerning pseudophotons) depends only on the validity of perturbative expansions and on the Goldstone theorem. The other two require that all massless non-Goldstone bosons in the tree approximation arise from a vacuum symmetry.
Aralia frodiniana lAraliaceaerc a New Species from Indonesia

A new species of Aralia from Sulawesi, Indonesia, A. frodiniana J. Wen, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Aralia sect. Dimorphanthus and is similar to A. montana from Java and Sumatra of Indonesia in its short or subsessile petiolules, and the narrowly triangular, dark brownish and glabrous inflorescence bracts with ciliate margins. Aralia frodiniana is distinguished from A. montana by its densely pubescent inflorescence, more pubescent leaves, and thinner leaflets. It differs from A. ferox from Java and Sumatra in its pubescent (vs. glabrescent) leaflets, and densely pubescent (vs. glabrous) inflorescence.
A Modified Box Trap Design for Sampling Emigrating Salmonid Smolts from Small Streams

Abstract A box trap was constructed and used to collect juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in Spooner Creek, Erie County, New York, during the spring of 2000 and 2001. The trap was designed for use in streams with short waterfalls. It was utilized for approximately 70 d each spring and trapped 552 and 1,702 steelhead juveniles in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Approximately 5–75 steelhead per night were collected with negligible mortality, and streams were effectively sampled in discharges below 35 ft3/s. Trap efficiencies averaged 51% and 63% in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Problems were encountered during high-water periods, as high water caused the trap to become submerged and useless once the windows were plugged with forest litter. However, these episodes were rare. The modified box trap design presented here proved effective in a variety of conditions and should provide fisheries scientists an effective tool for sampling juveniles in smaller streams.
A prospective random comparison of halothane and morphine for open-heart anesthesia: one year's experience.

In 128 consecutive operations, a prospective, randomized comparison of morphine and halothane as primary agents for cardiac valvular repair and/or replacement was made. During induction, average systolic and mean blood pressures were lower (9 torr and 6 torr, respectively) with halothane than with morphine. However, the incidences of serious hypotension with the two agents were similar. Six of 61 patients with halothane and seven of 67 patients with morphine reached systolic blood pressures of 70 torr or less before incision. Intraoperative hypertension was more frequent and more severe with morphine, necessitating frequent use of supplementary chlorpromazine. Cardiac output data suggest that the higher average blood pressure seen with morphine was related to increased peripheral vascular resistance rather than increased cardiac output. There appeared to be hemodynamic differences between the agents, but neither mortality rates nor durations of hospital stay or postoperative stay in the intensive care unit demonstrated a clear–cut advantage of either morphine or halothane for anesthesia during cardiac–valve operations.
Towards an ecologically-based society: a Rawlsian perspective

Abstract This paper evaluates several contemporary environmental issues using the standard of John Rawls' theory of justice. Rawls has systematically criticized the kind of utilitarian thought that has dominated recent discussions about natural resources and the environment. Some environmental analysis of late has made use of Rawls' ideas by focusing on a single aspect of Rawls' philosophy — the ‘difference principle’ governing treatment of the disadvantaged — to the exclusion of other important Rawlsian principles. Selected strands of Rawls' thought of particular relevance to environmental concerns are reviewed and assessed here, particularly the concepts of time preference, public goods, and social savings, as well as the difference principle. These ideas are then employed as yardsticks to assess contemporary environmental concerns in three areas: (1) water use in the sub-humid American West, (2) U.S. federal timber policy, and (3) energy and the international economy. It is concluded that although Rawls clarifies a number of difficult issues, his ethical framework needs to incorporate explicit concern for the biophysical basis of society. It is suggested that a next step is the recognition that each generation needs to transmit to the following generation a healthy, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing natural world.
Medicaid at 30: New Challenges for the Nation's Health Safety Net

Since its enactment in 1965, Medicaid has been on the front lines in meeting the health needs of our nation's most vulnerable populations. It has evolved from the companion legislation to Medicare that provided health financing to states for coverage of their welfare population, to a program that now finances health and long-term care services for one in eight Americans. In its 30 years, Medicaid has enabled millions of low-income Americans to gain access to needed health services, helping to close the gaps in care between the poor and nonpoor, ease financial burdens, and provide a safety net for the most needy Americans. 1 Today, Medicaid's role as a health insurer and safety net for vulnerable Americans is visible throughout the health care system. Medicaid finances care for one in four American children, pays for one third of the nation's births, assists 60% of people living in poverty, pays for
Sorption and solubility of 12 soft denture liners

The long-term stability of a soft denture liner depends to a large extent on the sorption and solubility of the liner. Because sorption and solubility are accompanied by a volumetric change, bacterial infestation, hardening, and color change, it is a physical property of importance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the sorption and solubility of 12 soft denture liners (Verno-Soft, Super Soft, ProTech, Soft-Pak, Flexor, Novus, Molloplast-B, Durosoft, Justi Soft, Velvesoft, VinaSoft and Prolastic). They include nine copolymers, two silicones and one polyphosphazene fluoroelastomer. The sorption and solubility test was performed as outlined in American Dental Association (ADA) specification 12 for denture base polymers. Five specimens of each material were tested and data were collected at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Sorption data varied from 0.2 to 5.6 mg/cm2 at 1 week; 0.3 to 12.5 mg/cm2 at 1 month; 0.1 to 22.0 mg/cm2 at 3 months; 0.1 to 13.6 mg/cm2 at 6 months; and 0.1 to 35.7 mg/cm2 at 12 months. Solubility data varied from 0.0 to 0.4 mg/cm2 at 1 week; 0.1 to 0.8 mg/cm2 at 1 month; +0.1 to 1.2 mg/cm2 at 3 months; 0.0 to 1.9 mg/cm2 at 6 months; and +0.2 to 2.3 mg/cm2 at 1 year. A statistical analysis of the data by two-way ANOVA and calculated Tukey intervals showed significant differences between materials at all time intervals. The results of this study have clinical implications because the sorption and solubility may affect the long-term life expectancy of the soft denture liner.
Computerized Tomography in the Evaluation of the Soft Tissue Component of Bony Lesions of the Pelvis

Three cases are presented in which lesions of the bony pelvis with extraosseous soft tissue components are evaluated using computerized tomography. In each instance, computerized tomography provided precise anatomic localization of bony lesions and clearly depicted the extent of associated extraosseous masses. In all cases, the clarity of anatomic detail obtained suggests that computerized tomography represents an important new methodology for evaluation of the soft tissue component of bony lesions of the pelvis.
Membrane recycling occurs during asymmetric tip growth and cell plate formation in Fucus distichus zygotes

Zygotes of the brown algaFucus distichus undergo a series of intracellular changes resulting in the establishment of a polar growth axis prior to the first embryonic cell division. In order to examine the dynamics of membrane recycling which occur in the zygote during polar growth of the rhizoid, we probed living Fucus zygotes with the vital stain FM4-64, N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(6-(4-(diethylammo)phenyl)hexatrienyl)pyridinium dibromide. In newly fertilized, spherical zygotes, FM4-64 staining is symmetric and predominantly in the perinuclear region which is rich in endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and vacuolar membranes. As rhizoid or tip growth is initiated, this population of stained membranes becomes asymmetrically redistributed, concentrating at the rhizoid tip and extending centrally to the perinuclear region. This asymmetric localization is maintained in the zygote throughout polar growth of the rhizoid and during karyokinesis. Subsequently, FM4-64 staining also begins to accumulate in a central location between the daughter nuclei. As cytokinesis proceeds, this region of stain expands laterally from this central location, perpendicular to the plane of polar rhizoid outgrowth. The staining pattern thus delineates the formation of a cell plate, similar spatially to the accumulation of nascent plate membranes of higher plants. Treatment of Fucus zygotes with brefeldin-A inhibits both asymmetric growth of the rhizoid and formation of a new cell plate. These data suggest that inF. distichus FM4-64 is labeling a Golgi-derived membrane fraction that appears to be recycling between the site of tip growth, perinuclear region, and new cell plate.
Growth of ZSM-5 films on alumina and other surfaces

Growth of ZSM-5 films on porous α-Al2O3 and other substrates was studied with the main focus on the effect of the substrate on surface gel formation and zeolitization. The films formed on the substrate and the powders that settled at the bottom of the autoclave were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adsorption of Ar and iso-butane was used to estimate the crystalline fraction of the product formed on and in the pores of the substrate. The presence of alumina substrates accelerated bulk zeolitization for certain solution compositions. Aluminum added to the solution had dual effects, to induce gel layer formation on the substrate surface and to retard zeolitization of that layer as well as retard zeolitization in the bulk of the solution.
Epidemiology and Molecular Mechanisms Tying Obesity, Diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome With Cancer

It is well recognized that the world is witnessing an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have shown that both obesity and T2D are associated with an increased risk for developing many of the common epithelial cancers as well as an increased risk of cancer-related mortality. There are many factors that are commonly associated with obesity, T2D, and the metabolic syndrome; these include lifestyle factors such as diet and physical inactivity and biological factors such as abdominal obesity, increased inflammation, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and altered hormone and adipokine levels. Human, animal, and in vitro cell studies have examined the potential contribution of many of these factors to the development and growth of multiple cancers. In this review, we will present the epidemiological evidence for this association and then discuss the multiple factors that may play a role in the increased cancer risk and mortality in individuals with obesity, T2D, and the metabolic syndrome. ### Obesity and cancer The World Health Organization classifies weight in adults based on BMI, and many studies examine the link between obesity and cancer using BMI as a measure of obesity. The Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS II) examined the risk of cancer mortality in obese men and women in the U.S. They reported that obesity is associated with a significant increase in mortality from multiple cancers, including esophageal, colorectal, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, breast, endometrial, cervical, ovarian, renal, brain, kidney, and prostate cancer; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; and multiple myeloma (1). A subsequent meta-analysis of 221 datasets revealed an increased incidence of many similar tumors associated with increased BMI, as well as thyroid cancer in both men and women and malignant melanoma in men (2). It has been estimated that overall overweight and obesity cause ~20% of all cancer cases (3). The highest association is between obesity and endometrial …
Establishment of denitrification capacity in soil: effects of carbon, nitrate and moisture.

The effects of moisture, NO3−1 concentration and C addition on changes in denitrification capacity and total microbial biomass in a clay loam soil were investigated. Denitrification capacity was evaluated with an anaerobic slurry technique. Total microbial biomass was measured by CHC13 fumigation and by extraction of microbial ATP. The results indicate that denitrification capacity and total microbial biomass were increased only by the C addition; differences in NO3−1 concentration and moisture had no effect in this agricultural soil. The increase in denitrification capacity could be attributed solely to microbial growth, since the ratio of denitrification capacity to total microbial biomass remained constant and the increased respiration from the C amendment did not increase anaerobiosis. The results also show that denitrifiers compete as effectively for added C as do other heterotrophs.
AD SCHEMA INCONGRUITY AS ELICITOR OF ETHNIC SELF-AWARENESS AND DIFFERENTIAL ADVERTISING RESPONSE

It is proposed that targeting strategies that are incongruent with existing advertising schemata due to unusual use of identity cues can increase the salience of particular self-identifications and influence consumer response to advertising targeting specific audiences. In an experiment, Hispanic and Anglo consumers were exposed to one of two versions of a Hispanic-targeted advertisement. The two versions were identical except that the first version featured an English-language voice-over (congruent with existing advertising schemata) whereas the second version featured a Spanish-language voice-over with English subtitles (incongruent with existing advertising schemata). Experimental participants were more likely to spontaneously report their ethnicity in self-descriptions (a measure of ethnic self-awareness) if they were exposed to the schema-incongruent ad than if they were exposed to the schema-congruent ad. Ad schema congruity also moderated the impact of target market membership on consumer attitudes...
Study Of Solution Processed Cu(In,Ga)S2 By Post-Deposition Treatments

In this study, we have investigated various approaches to improve CIGS solar cells after thin film deposition. CIGS devices have been fabricated by a hydrazine solution based process. Post-deposition treatments by sulfurization were studied with focuses on the change of material structures and physical properties. Sulfurization has shown to increase grain size and band gap of the absorber layers at higher temperatures. This property change has shown a direct impact on open circuit voltage of the solar cell devices. Through these post-deposition processes, improved quality of CIGS materials can be obtained and the associated solar cell devices show better performance.
Effects of sialic acid and sialoglycoconjugates on cytosolic phospholipases A2 from bovine brain

Two forms of Ca(2+)-independent cytosolic phospholipases A2 were separated by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. N-Acetylneuraminic acid, gangliosides, and sialoglycoproteins inhibited both phospholipases A2 in a concentration dependent manner, but colominic acid, poly(2,8-N-acetylneuraminic acid), had no effect on enzymic activities. Interactions between phospholipases A2 and sialoglycoconjugates may be involved in the translocation of phospholipases A2 from cytosol to plasma membrane during receptor stimulation.
Postmodernism and Knowledge Development in Nursing

Postmodernism as a concept and periodizing point between centuries has been defined as both the beginning and the end of modernity. This article explores some of the dimensions of this moment and movement between centuries and the implications of the postmodern condition on the nursing profession. Amidst the health care reform angst of deconstructing and reconstructing, challenges and opportunities await nursing's evolution into its own postmodern paradigm. Manifestations of such a postmodern paradigm are already reflected in the epistemological shifts of nursing science and knowledge development. Challenges posed for nursing science by this disorientingly free-floating era are brought to light--away from the reaction worldview, past the reciprocal and into the transformative-simultaneous, whereby nursing can emerge within its own unique postmodern discipline.
A stochastic model for optimizing physical carrier sensing and spatial reuse in wireless ad hoc networks

The choice of physical carrier sensing (PCS) threshold is key to the trade-off between the amount of spatial reuse and probability of packet collisions in a wireless ad hoc network. In this paper, we present a new analytical approach for optimizing the PCS threshold as measured by probability of packet collisions and the aggregate one-hop throughput. Our model simultaneously incorporates the impact of PCS threshold and the backoff mechanism via a suitable Markov chain model for saturation (i.e. all nodes always have a packet to send in their queues). Elaborate OPNET simulation results show the effectiveness of the analytical model
The controlled homogeneous organic solution polymerization of new hydrophilic cationic exo‐7‐oxanorbornenes via ROMP with RuCl2(PCy3)2CHPh in a novel 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol/methylenechloride solvent mixture

The authors detail herein the synthesis and controlled polymerization of a series of new permanently cationic ammonium exo-7-oxanorbornene derivatives via ROMP, with the first generation Grubbs' catalyst RuCl2(PCy3)2CHPh, in a novel solvent mixture composed of 1:1 vol/vol 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE)/methylene chloride. It is demonstrated that this cosolvent mixture is a convenient reaction medium facilitating the polymerization of hydrophilic substrates by hydrophobic initiators under homogeneous conditions. Homopolymerizations and copolymerizations proceed yielding materials with controlled molecular masses, and narrow molecular mass distributions. It is also demonstrated that this protocol is not limited to the use of TFE as a cosolvent and that additional halogenated alcohols, such as 2,2,2-trichloroethanol and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol are also effective cosolvents for the controlled polymerization of such cationic substrates. Finally, it is demonstrated that the TFE/methylene chloride mixture has no apparent detrimental effect on Grubbs' catalyst. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2113–2128, 2007
Multilevel secure transaction processing

Since 1990, transaction processing in multilevel secure database management systems (DBMSs) has been receiving a great deal of attention from the security community. Transaction processing in these systems requires modification of conventional scheduling algorithms and commit protocols. These modifications are necessary because preserving the usual transaction properties when transactions are executing at different security levels often conflicts with the enforcement of the security policy. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of efficient, secure algorithms for the major types of secure DBMS architectures: kernelized, replicated, and distributed. An additional problem that arises uniquely in multilevel secure DBMSs is that of secure, correct execution when data at multiple security levels must be written within one transaction. Significant progress has been made in a number of these areas, and a few of the techniques have been incorporated into commercial trusted DBMS products. However, there are many open problems remain to be explored. This paper reviews the achievements to date in transaction processing for multilevel secure DBMSs. The paper provides an overview of transaction processing needs and solutions in conventional DBMSs as background, explains the constraints introduced by multilevel security, and then describes the results of research in multilevel secure transaction processing. Research results and limitations in concurrency control, multilevel transaction management, and secure commit protocols are summarized. Finally, important new areas are identified for secure transaction processing research.
Passive tool dynamics rendering for nonlinear bilateral teleoperated manipulators

In a previous paper (see ibid., p. 3278-83), a control law renders a 2n-degree of freedom (DOF) nonlinear teleoperator (consisting of n-DOF master and slave robots) as a n-DOF common passive mechanical tool which has the usual robotic dynamics. In this paper, we develop a control methodology to endow the resulting n-DOF common passive mechanical tool with useful passive tool dynamics which incorporates inertia scaling, guidance/avoidance system while preserving energetic passivity of the closed-loop system. A fictitious energy storage is used to scale the apparent inertia of the teleoperator. The passive velocity field control for a velocity field tracking and artificial potential function are utilized for guidance/avoidance system. Thus, with the control law proposed previously, the control law renders the 2n-DOF teleoperator as a n-DOF common passive mechanical tool which has programmable apparent inertia and moves under the effects of velocity/potential field tailored to task objectives and obstacles in the workspace.
Extrapair paternity and local synchrony in the black-throated blue warbler

We examined genetic parentage in a population of Black-throated Blue War- biers (Dendroica caerulescens) in New Hampshire during 1995 and 1996. Although parentage patterns have not been examined in this socially monogamous species, behavioral obser- vations have suggested that extrapair fertilizations (EPFs) occur. Using multilocus DNA fin- gerprinting, we determined parentage of 125 offspring in 38 broods. EPFs were present in 17 broods (44.7%) and included 34 offspring (27.2%) over both years. We found no evidence of intraspecific brood parasitism, because all offspring had high band-sharing scores with their social mothers. Frequencies of EPFs did not differ significantly between years (although only two years were examined). There was also no significant effect of time of season, age of social parents, population levels of breeding synchrony, or breeding density upon fre- quency or presence of EPFs within broods. In contrast, the occurrence of EPFs was strongly and positively associated with breeding synchrony among neighboring females; nests in ar- eas of high local synchrony were more likely to contain extrapair young. Univariate logistic regression indicated that the level of local synchrony accounted for 22% of the variance in probability of EPE These results suggest that the temporal and spatial concentration of fertile females are important in influencing the prevalence of EPFs. Received 4 May 1998, accepted 4 January 1999. MATE FIDELITY is not universal in socially monogamous breeding systems, as demon- strated by extrapair fertilizations (EPFs) that result when a female copulates with a male with whom she is not socially paired. In recent years, many genetic studies of passerines have shown EPFs to be prevalent in some species but absent in others (Westneat and Webster 1994, Webster and Westneat 1998). High variability in EPF rates across species creates the need for an assessment of the factors affecting EPF rates within species (Petrie and Kempenaers 1998). Breeding density is thought to be one factor contributing to variation in EPF rates among species. High breeding density potentially in- creases interactions between the sexes, which may in turn influence mating behaviors and re- suit in an increase in EPFs (Westneat and Sher- man 1997). However, considering density alone neglects the status of females with respect to their ability to be fertilized; proximity of indi- viduals should be examined in conjunction with the fertility status of females (i.e. breeding synchrony) in the area. Breeding synchrony at the population level has been examined sepa-
Lipid peroxidation is an early event in the brain in amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Multiple studies demonstrate that the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) contains extensive oxidative damage. Most of these studies used advanced-stage AD patients raising the question of whether oxidative damage is a late effect of neurodegeneration or precedes and contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Here we describe F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoP) and F4-neuroprostane (F4-NP) levels in longitudinally followed, well documented autopsied normal control subjects and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and late-stage AD. Gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization/mass spectrometry was used to determine F2-IsoP and F4-NP levels. Significant increases in F2-IsoP levels were found in frontal, parietal and occipital lobes in MCI and late AD compared to controls but no significant differences were present between MCI and late AD. A significant increase in F4-NPs was present in parietal and occipital lobes in MCI compared to controls and a significant increase was present in these regions and hippocampus in late AD compared to controls. The only difference betwen MCI and late AD was significantly increased F4-NP in hippocampus in late AD. Our data indicate that lipid peroxidation is present in the brain of MCI patients and suggest that oxidative damage may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Ann Neurol 2005;58:730–735
Herpes Simplex Virus Capsids Are Transported in Neuronal Axons without an Envelope Containing the Viral Glycoproteins

Electron micrographic studies of neuronal axons have produced contradictory conclusions on how alphaherpesviruses are transported from neuron cell bodies to axon termini. Some reports have described unenveloped capsids transported on axonal microtubules with separate transport of viral glycoproteins within membrane vesicles. Others have observed enveloped virions in proximal and distal axons. We characterized transport of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in human and rat neurons by staining permeabilized neurons with capsid- and glycoprotein-specific antibodies. Deconvolution microscopy was used to view 200-nm sections of axons. HSV glycoproteins were very rarely associated with capsids (3 to 5%) and vice versa. Instances of glycoprotein/capsid overlap frequently involved nonconcentric puncta and regions of axons with dense viral protein concentrations. Similarly, HSV capsids expressing a VP26-green fluorescent protein fusion protein (VP26/GFP) did not stain with antiglycoprotein antibodies. Live-cell imaging experiments with VP26/GFP-labeled capsids demonstrated that capsids moved in a saltatory fashion, and very few stalled for more than 1 to 2 min. To determine if capsids could be transported down axons without glycoproteins, neurons were treated with brefeldin A (BFA). However, BFA blocked both capsid and glycoprotein transport. Glycoproteins were transported into and down axons normally when neurons were infected with an HSV mutant that produces immature capsids that are retained in the nucleus. We concluded that HSV capsids are transported in axons without an envelope containing viral glycoproteins, with glycoproteins transported separately and assembling with capsids at axon termini.
Duty Cycle Analysis to Drive Intelligent Actuator Development

The field of intelligent actuators has been emerging for mechanical systems (aircraft, robots, manufacturing systems, more electric vehicles, human rehabilitation systems, etc.) as the dual of the computer chip for electronic systems. The level of intelligence necessary will be driven by the increasing performance demands for these ever more complex and nonlinear mechanical systems. These demands are best illustrated by actual duty cycles such as that presented here for aircraft control surface actuators. A representative duty cycle is analyzed using four basic methods/objectives that can be applied both in the development of new design requirements and the support of subsequent operational decision making software to maximize performance, provide for fault tolerance, and for condition-based maintenance. Both thermal and durability analyses are conducted yielding results which a prospective designer can use to support design decisions for a wide range of applications including power-by-wire (PBW) aircraft actuators.
Novel Kernels and Kernel PCA for Pattern Recognition

Kernel methods are a mathematical tool that provides a generally higher dimensional representation of given data set in feature space for feature recognition and image analysis problems. Typically, the kernel trick is thought of as a method for converting a linear classification learning algorithm into non-linear one, by mapping the original observations into a higher-dimensional non-linear space so that linear classification in the new space is equivalent to non-linear classification in the original space. Moreover, optimal kernels can be designed to capture the natural variation present in the data. In this paper we present the performance results of fifteen novel kernel functions and their respective performance for kernel principal component analysis on five select databases. Empirical results show that our kernels perform as well and better than existing kernels on these databases.
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and colored fractional anisotropy (FA) mapping of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus interna (GPi)

Introduction The subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus internus (GPi) are the most common surgical targets for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. We studied directionally colored fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequences to better target these anatomical regions.
Impact of freezing time and balloon size on the thermodynamics and isolation efficacy during pulmonary vein isolation using the second generation cryoballoon.

Background— The differences in ablation characteristics of freezing time and balloon size using second generation cryoballoon are still unknown. Methods and Results— Twenty-six dogs underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Balloon and tissue temperatures (left atrial–PV junction, phrenic nerve, and internal esophagus) were monitored. The ablation duration was randomized to either 3 or 4 minutes, which did not show significant differences in temperature profiles, PV isolation success rate, complications, or histological changes. Twenty dogs underwent cryoablation using 28-mm cryoballoon, 6 dogs were done using the 23-mm cryoballoon. Positioning of the 23-mm cryoballoon was more distal in the PV, which resulted in better PV occlusion. Temperature profiles showed lower temperatures in the 23-mm cryoballoon than in the 28-mm cryoballoon (inner balloon, median [range]: −51.5 [−66.0 to −31.0] versus −43.0 [−64.0 to −26.0]°C, P <0.001; balloon surface: −43.0 [−60.0 to −15.8] versus −6.5 [−46.2 to 28.9]°C, P <0.001; left atrial–PV junction: −6.7 [−20.0 to 21.4] versus 15.8 [−14.4 to 35.1]°C, P <0.001), and trended toward a higher PV isolation success rate in the 23-mm cryoballoon. Histologically, deeper extensions of ablative lesions into the PV were seen with 23-mm cryoballoon, and larger ablative lesions were seen in the left atrial antrum using 28-mm cryoballoon. Conclusions— The efficacy of 3-minute ablation was not significantly different from 4-minute ablation in dogs. The 23-mm cryoballoon had a greater cooling effect than the 28-mm cryoballoon for small PVs, but showed narrower ablative lesions in the left atrial antrum.
New Standards and Enhanced Utility for Family Health History Information in the Electronic Health Record: An Update from the American Health Information Community's Family Health History Multi-Stakeholder Workgroup

Family health history is a complex, multifaceted tool for assessing disease risk that can offer insight into the interplay between inherited and social factors relevant to patient care. Family health history tools in electronic health records can enable the user to collect, represent, and interpret structured data that properly supports clinical decisions. If these data can be made interoperable, important health information can be shared with minimal duplication of effort among entities involved in the continuum of patient care. This paper reviews the efforts by the American Health Information Community's Family Health History Multi-Stakeholder Workgroup to create a core data set for family health history information and to determine requirements to promote incorporation of such information in electronic health records. The Workgroup is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Personalized Health Care Initiative.
Behavior of Steel Plate Shear Walls with In-Span Plastic Hinges

Research was conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of steel plate shear walls with in-span plastic hinges. Results show that the development of in-span plastic hinges has detrimental impacts on the behavior of the structure through inducing: (1) significant vertical and residual deformations on the HBEs (i.e. shakedown phenomenon); (2) only partial yielding of the infill plates; (3) lower global plastic strength compared to the values predicted by code equations; and (4) total HBE rotations greater than 0.03 radians after the structure was pushed cyclically up to a maximum lateral drift of 3%. Nonlinear time history analyses also demonstrated that the severity of the ground excitations accentuated the shakedown phenomenon.
Testosterone therapy and cancer risk.

Objective To determine if testosterone therapy (TT) status modifies a man's risk of cancer. Patients and Methods The Urology clinic hormone database was queried for all men with a serum testosterone level and charts examined to determine TT status. Patient records were linked to the Texas Cancer Registry to determine the incidence of cancer. Men accrued time at risk from the date of initiating TT or the first office visit for men not on TT. Standardised incidence rates and time to event analysis were performed. Results In all, 247 men were on TT and 211 did not use testosterone. In all, 47 men developed cancer, 27 (12.8%) were not on TT and 20 (8.1%) on TT. There was no significant difference in the risk of cancer incidence based on TT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–1.9; P = 1.8). There was no difference in prostate cancer risk based on TT status (HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.54–2.50). Conclusion There was no change in cancer risk overall, or prostate cancer risk specifically, for men aged >40 years using long-term TT.