cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decay of confined, two‐dimensional, spatially periodic arrays of vortices: A numerical investigation

The disarrangement of a perturbed lattice of vortices was studied numerically. The basic state is an exponentially decaying, exact solution of the Navier-Stokes equations. Square arrays of vortices with even numbers of vortex cells along each side were perturbed and their evolution was investigated. Whether the energy in the perturbation grows somewhat before it decays or decays monotonically depends on the initial strength of the vortices of the basic state, the extent of lateral confinement and the structure of the perturbation. The critical condition for temporally local instability, i.e. the critical amplitude of the basic state that must be exceeded to allow energy transfer from the basic state to the perturbation, is discussed. In the strongly confined case of a square lattice of four vortices the appearance of enchancement of global rotation is the result of energy transfer from the basic state to a temporally local unstable mode. Energy is transferred from the basic state to larger-scaled structures (inverse cascade) only if the scales of the larger structures are inherently contained in the initial structure of the perturbation. The initial structure of the double array of vortices is not maintained except for a very special form of perturbation. The facts that large scales decay more slowly than small scales and that, when non-linearities are sufficiently strong, energy is transferred from one scale to another explain the differences in the disarrangement process for different initial strengths of the vortices of the basic state. The stronger vortices, i.e. the vortices perturbed in a manner that increases their strength, tend to dominate the weaker vortices. The pairing and subsequent merging (or capture) of vortices of like sense into larger-scale vortices are described in terms of peaks in the evolution of the square root of the palinstrophy divided by the enstrophy.
Slow cooling and temperature-controlled protein crystallography

In cryocrystallography, rapid sample cooling is generally deemed essential to prevent solvent crystallization and associated sample damage. We show that by carefully and completely removing all external solvent, many protein crystals can be successfully cooled to T = 100 K at only 0.1 K/s without additional penetrating cryoprotectants. Slow cooling provides an alternative when flash cooling fails, and enables diffraction studies of protein structure and function at all temperatures between T = 300 K and T = 100 K.
Simultaneous presentation of kappa-restricted chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lambda light chain AL amyloidosis

We report on a 58-year-old man who presented with simultaneous kappa-restricted chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and a lambda-restricted plasma cell dyscrasia causing AL amyloidosis involving the kidney and GI tract. While monoclonal immunoglobulins occasionally produced by CLL has previously been implicated in AL amyloidosis, this is the first case of AL amyloidosis resulting from a distinct plasma cell dyscrasia that is not clonally related to the concurrent CLL. Appropriate treatment depended on detailed pathologic diagnosis of both disease processes.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Characterization of Ki4B-Ras in PSN-1 Cells Treated with the Prenyltransferase Inhibitor L-778,123

Cellular transformation by Ras oncoproteins requires the posttranslation modification of farnesylation in a reaction catalyzed by farnesyl protein transferase (FPTase). Thus, inhibitors of FPTase have been developed as potential anticancer agents. However, recent studies with selective inhibitors of FPTase have shown that Ki4B-Ras retains its ability to transform cells by undergoing alternative prenylation by the related geranylgeranyl protein transferase I (GGPTase-I) in human tumor cells. We have developed a high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry assay for the detection and quantitation of the different processing states of Ki4B-Ras isolated from PSN-1 cells (a human pancreatic cell line with an activating Gly12 to Arg mutation) treated with the prenyltransferase inhibitor, L-778,123. Recently tested in the clinic, L-778,123 is a potent inhibitor of FPTase (in vitro IC50 = 2 nM) with some activity against GGPTase-I (in vitro IC50 = 98 nM). We find primarily farnesylated-Ki4B-Ras in vehicle-treated PSN-1 cells, a mixture of farnesylated- and geranylgeranylated-Ki4B-Ras in cells treated with nanomolar concentrations of L-778,123, and a mixture of unprocessed, farnesylated, and geranylgeranylated-Ki4B-Ras in cells treated with micromolar concentrations of compound. Of importance, this technique does not require metabolic labeling and may be used as a pharmacodynamic assay for Ki4B-Ras processing in mouse models.
A note on permeability simulation of multifilament woven fabrics

Abstract A conventional approach for modeling permeability of multifilament fabrics is to consider their warps and wefts to be individual thick filament made of homogeneous porous media and solve the flow equations for such monofilament fabrics. In this work, for the first time, the full 3-D geometry of an idealized multifilament woven fabric, wherein the filaments are packed in hexagonal arrangement, is generated to compute its permeability and compare with the homogeneous anisotropic lumped model of Gebart (1992. Permeability of unidirectional reinforcements for RTM. Journal of Composite Materials 26(8), 1100–1133). While a relatively good agreement is obtained, our results indicate that Gebart's model slightly underestimate the permeability of multifilament fabrics even at high yarn's solid volume fractions.
Sociodemographic factors contribute to the depressive affect among African Americans with chronic kidney disease

Depression is common in end-stage renal disease and is associated with poor quality of life and higher mortality; however, little is known about depressive affect in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease. To measure this in a risk group burdened with hypertension and kidney disease, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of individuals at enrollment in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension Cohort Study. Depressive affect was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory II and quality of life by the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Beck Depression scores over 14 were deemed consistent with an increased depressive affect and linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with these scores. Among 628 subjects, 166 had scores over 14 but only 34 were prescribed antidepressants. The mean Beck Depression score of 11.0 varied with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from 10.7 (eGFR 50–60) to 16.0 (eGFR stage 5); however, there was no significant independent association between these. Unemployment, low income, and lower quality and satisfaction with life scale scores were independently and significantly associated with a higher Beck Depression score. Thus, our study shows that an increased depressive affect is highly prevalent in African Americans with chronic kidney disease, is infrequently treated with antidepressants, and is associated with poorer quality of life. Sociodemographic factors have especially strong associations with this increased depressive affect. Because this study was conducted in an African-American cohort, its findings may not be generalized to other ethnic groups.
A Note on parameter and standard error estimation in adaptive robust regression

This paper introduces practical methods of parameter and standard error estimation for adaptive robust regression where errors are assumed to be from a normal/independent family of distributions. In particular, generalized EM algorithms (GEM) are considered for the two cases of t and slash families of distributions. For the t family, a one step method is proposed to estimate the degree of freedom parameter. Use of empirical information is suggested for standard error estimation. It is shown that this choice leads to standard errors that can be obtained as a by-product of the GEM algorithm. The proposed methods, as discussed, can be implemented in most available nonlinear regression programs. Details of implementation in SAS NLIN are given using two specific examples.
Reaction and passivation of aluminum with C60

Abstract The interaction of C60 with aluminum was investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), photoluminescence and soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The interaction of C70 with aluminum was also probed with soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bonding of C60 and C70 to the aluminum surface is strong such that after multilayer desorption at 570 and 620 K, respectively, a monolayer coverage of the fullerene remains intact, as seen in the valence band spectra, on the surface to 700 K. Above surface temperatures of 700 K the continued presence of a C60 photoluminescence signal and the decline in the surface carbon concentration suggests that the C60 dissolves into the aluminum bulk. The chemical shift in the binding energy of the Al 2p electrons also indicates strong interaction between C60 and aluminum. Multilayer and monolayer coverages of C60 on aluminum passivated the surface such that exposures of 340 L of water at room temperature led to no oxidation of the surface. Multilayer coverages of C60 on aluminum were protective against oxidation at ambient conditions.
Variations in the Anisotropy and Affine Structure of Visual Space: A Geometry of Visibles with a Third Dimension

A meta-analysis and an experiment show that the degree of compression of the in-depth dimension of visual space relative to the frontal dimension increases quickly as a function of the distance between the stimulus and the observer at first, but the rate of change slows beyond 7 m from the observer, reaching an apparent asymptote of about 50 %. In addition, the compression of visual space is greater for monocular and reduced cue conditions. The pattern of compression of the in-depth dimension as a function of distance is similar to the ratio of in-depth to frontal visual angles of stimuli, but is not as extreme as this ratio would suggest, implying that observers are incapable of fully ignoring size information provided by cues to depth. Size and distance judgments may be described by an Affine transformation of physical space; however, the compression parameter in this model changes as a function of distance from the observer and other experimental conditions.
High dose interferon alpha monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal alanine aminotransferase level

High dose interferon alpha monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal alanine aminotransferase level
Methylation of the exon/intron region in the Ubi1 promoter complex correlates with transgene silencing in barley.

Methylation of plant promoters is often associated with transcriptional gene silencing, while methylation of the transcribed region is associated with post-transcriptional gene silencing. Promoter complexes that include the first untranslated exon and intron, such as maize ubiquitin1 and rice actin1, have been widely used in monocot transformation because they support higher levels of transient transgene expression than the core promoter does. However, persistent problems with transgene silencing driven by these promoter complexes brought up a troubling question: were higher initial levels of transgene expression at the expense of long-term expression stability? Here we report that methylation of an untranslated exon and intron in the promoter complex is correlated with transcriptional transgene silencing in barley. Two sibling sublines, designated T330 and T331, were identified in a homozygous T3 population from a single transgenic parental line. In the T6 generation, all progeny of one subline, T330, expressed ubiquitin-driven bar and uidA, but both transgenes were transcriptionally silenced in the other subline, T331. Although the structure of the transgene locus is complex, no differences in the physical structure or location of the locus were detected between the two sublines. Transcriptional transgene silencing in T331 correlated with two molecular events: methylation of the first untranslated exon and 5′ end of the intron of the promoter complex, and condensation of the chromatin in regions containing transgenes. Passage of the non-silenced subline through in vitro culture recreated the silenced phenotype of T331 and the molecular events leading to its silencing.
Parathyroid hormone and myocardial performance in dialysis patients.

Whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) has a clinically important effect on myocardial performance is unclear. Previous investigations of cardiac function before and after parathyroidectomy have failed to control for ionized calcium, other biochemical parameters, or heart rate and cardiovascular loading conditions. We performed load- and rate-independent measurements of myocardial contractility in seven stable hemodialysis patients before and after surgical parathyroidectomy under identical conditions of blood ionized calcium (Ca 2+ ), electrolytes, pH, Po 2 , and hematocrit. Midmolecule PTH decreased from 44 ± 8 to 2 ± 1 ng/mL. Aortic systolic and diastolic pressures, left ventricular chamber dimensions, end systolic wall stress, left ventricular contractility at a common level of afterload, and contractile reserve evaluated with dobutamine were similar before and after parathyroidectomy. Thus, PTH appears not to have a direct effect on myocardial contractile state in dialysis patients.
Sickle cell disease complicated by post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, cerebral hemorrhage and reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome.

A patient with homozygous hemoglobin SS disease presented with an intracerebral hemorrhage complicating reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), secondary to hypertension associated with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). Distinguishing potentially reversible causes of central nervous system events from primary cerebral infarction or hemorrhage in patients with sickle cell disease is important because the management and prognosis of these complications is very different. Similarly, because of the difference in prognosis between APSGN and other forms of sickle cell nephropathy, it is also important to differentiate these conditions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:864–866. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulatory and research issues related to cholinesterase inhibition

Assessing the neurotoxic potential of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides should be greatly facilitated by the knowledge that the mechanism of action of these insecticides is presumed to be the inhibition of cholinesterase, the enzyme which controls the levels of neurotransmitter, acetycholine. Although the inhibition of cholinesterase activity is the recognized mechanism of action, many questions remain regarding the use of cholinesterase inhibition data as a critical effect for establishing risk of cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides. Specifically, questions have arisen regarding whether blood cholinesterase inhibition correlates with inhibition in target tissues (e.g. brain or muscle) and whether cholinesterase inhibition in any tissue correlates with the adverse clinical and behavioral effects produced by exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides. Studies in our laboratory indicate that blood cholinesterase inhibition in both acute and subchronic dosing regimens correlates with inhibition in other tissues, if measurements are taken at the appropriate times. Moreover, there is evidence in the literature and from our laboratory that cholinesterase inhibition correlates with the emergence and severity of clinical signs of poisoning by cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides.
Cytochrome P450 expression in human keratinocytes: an aryl hydrocarbon receptor perspective.

Abstract The goal of this review is to stress the importance of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily that is expressed in human skin in the hope that it may stimulate further study in an intriguing topic that currently suffers from a relative dearth of information. Like the cells that line the respiratory and GI tracts [X. Ding, L.S. Kaminsky, Human extrahepatic cytochromes P450: function in xenobiotic metabolism and tissue-selective chemical toxicity in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 43 (2003) 149–173] , those present in human skin express a variety of CYPs that play important roles in xenobiotic, drug and steroid metabolism. In addition, a few CYPs, with potentially novel roles in metabolism and keratinocyte function, have recently been discovered that appear to be expressed in a keratinocyte-specific manner [L. Du, S.M. Hoffman, D.S. Keeney, Epidermal CYP2 family cytochromes P450, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 195 (2004) 278–287]. However, in preparing this review, it soon became apparent that in contrast to the progress made in understanding these events in the liver, relatively little is known in the human skin. Thus, while a number of tantalizing stories are beginning to emerge, they are far from complete. In this review, a brief synopsis of the structure of skin and methods of culturing keratinocytes will be presented. This will be followed by an overview of the various CYPs and their putative regulators that have been currently identified to be expressed in human keratinocytes. Then, a more detailed analysis of CYP regulation that involves the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway will be offered in the hope that it may serve as a paradigm for other CYP regulatory studies in the skin. Finally, several clinical implications that may arise due to altered regulation of CYPs will be considered.
The Cloning and Molecular Analysis of pawn-B in Paramecium tetraurelia

Pawn mutants of Paramecium tetraurelia lack a depolarization-activated Ca 2+ current and do not swim backward. Using the method of microinjection and sorting a genomic library, we have cloned a DNA fragment that complements pawn-B ( pwB / pwB ). The minimal complementing fragment is a 798-bp open reading frame (ORF) that restores the Ca 2+ current and the backward swimming when expressed. This ORF contains a 29-bp intron and is transcribed and translated. The translated product has two putative transmembrane domains but no clear matches in current databases. Mutations in the available pwB alleles were found within this ORF. The d4-95 and d4-96 alleles are single base substitutions, while d4-662 (previously pawn-D) harbors a 44-bp insertion that matches an internal eliminated sequence (IES) found in the wild-type germline DNA except for a single C-to-T transition. Northern hybridizations and RT-PCR indicate that d4-662 transcripts are rapidly degraded or not produced. A second 155-bp IES in the wild-type germline ORF excises at two alternative sites spanning three asparagine codons. The pwB ORF appears to be separated from a 5′ neighboring ORF by only 36 bp. The close proximity of the two ORFs and the location of the pwB protein as indicated by GFP-fusion constructs are discussed.
Modeling social groups in crowds using common ground theory

Social interaction and group coordination are important factors in the simulation of human crowd behavior. To date, few simulation methods have been informed by models of human group behavior from the social science studies. In this paper we advance a computational model informed by Common Ground (CG) Theory that both inherits the social realism provided by the CG model and is computationally tractable for a large number of groups and individuals. The task of navigation in a group is viewed as performing a joint activity among agents, which requires effective coordination among group members. Our model includes both macro and micro coordination, addressing the joint plans, and the actions for coordination respectively. These coordination activities and plans inform the high-level route and walking strategies of the agents. We demonstrate a series of studies to show the qualitative and quantitative differences in simulation results with and without incorporation of the CG model.
The Benefits of a Culturally Specific Intimate Partner Violence Intervention for African American Survivors

In light of evidence and theorization of culturally specific factors contributing to intimate partner violence (IPV) within African American relationships and the Eurocentric approach many mainstream agencies take to service delivery, researchers have indicated a need for culturally appropriate IPV interventions for African American survivors to adequately address the issue of IPV within this community. The purpose of the current study was to qualitatively investigate how helpful a culturally specific IPV program, which targets the African American community, has been to African American female survivors. Results suggest that this culturally specific agency is successfully meeting the needs of these survivors.
Results of bacteriological testing of germ-free laboratory animals:

SUMMARY Methods used to detect bacterial contaminants in germ-free laboratory animals are described. Contaminating organisms usually establish themselves permanently in the gastro-intestinal tract but in one instance a species of Corynebacterium was isolated from samples of faeces from a group of rats over a period of five days, after which it disappeared and could not be subsequently isolated. Attention is drawn to changes in management technique which resulted in a marked decrease in the occurrence of contamination. 79
The liquefaction cycle and the role of drainage in liquefaction

In this work the liquefaction cycle is introduced as a framework to describe the coupled processes that take place in fluid-saturated granular media that lead to lique- faction. The modular formulation of liquefaction makes it possible to test the various processes that contribute to liquefaction separately, and to assemble different for- mulations of the relevant physics into a numerical model for liquefaction. This view on liquefaction is used here to assess the role of drainage in liquefaction. We present a simple scale analysis of the role of drainage. A numeri- cal implementation of the liquefaction cycle shows, how- ever, that the scale analysis is deceptive for the case when strong spatial variations in the permeability inhibit fluid migration. As an illustration the numerical model is used to quantify the imprint of a low-permeability layer on the liquefaction behavior.
Butterfly Effect: An Augmented Reality Puzzle Game

Butterfly effect is a 3D puzzle game using augmented reality. The key motivation was to create a game that leverages the structure of the physical world during gameplay without requiring the computer to have a detailed model of the space. The butterflies are virtual, but the space the player navigates is physical. The player travels her environment, collecting the butterflies. For butterflies that are out of reach, the player can rotate the virtual world in 90 degree chunks about an arbitrary axis to bring them to an accessible location.
Effectiveness of heparin in preventing thrombin generation and thrombin activity in patients undergoing coronary intervention

Abstract Background Thrombus is important in the pathophysiology of several complications of angioplasty, including abrupt closure and restenosis. Levels of prothrombin fragment F1.2 and fibrinopeptide A reflect thrombin generation and activity. The effect of angioplasty on levels of these markers is unclear. Methods Patients undergoing either balloon angioplasty (n = 30) or directional atherectomy (n = 9) were treated with heparin to maintain an activated clotting time of >300 seconds. Levels of F1.2, fibrinopeptide A, and thrombin-antithrombin complex were measured in the coronary sinus and coronary artery before and after intervention. Angiograms were reviewed for lesion morphologic characteristics and dissection. Results There was no evidence for thrombin generation or increased thrombin activity after angioplasty regardless of lesion morphologic characteristics, dissection, type of intervention, or blood sampling site. In fact, coronary sinus concentrations of F1.2 decreased after intervention (median 0.31 nmol/L; 25th percentile 0.26 nmol/L, 75th percentile 0.37 nmol/L) before intervention to 0.23 nmol/L (25th percentile 0.19 nmol/L, 75th percentile 0.34 nmol/L) after intervention ( P =.002). Conclusions Angioplasty performed in the presence of adequate heparin inhibited thrombin even when there was complex lesion morphology or dissection. These data suggest that heparin provides satisfactory thrombin inhibition during routine angioplasty. (Am Heart J 1999;137:250-7.)
Copper(II) complexes of new unsymmetrical NSN thioether ligands

The reactions of 2-(mercaptoethyl)benzimidazole with 2-vinylpyridine and 2-picolyl chloride (in basic medium) yield the new unsymmetrical ligands 1-(2-benzimidazolyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-3-thiapentane (Biptp) and 1-(2-benzimidazolyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)-3-thiabutane (Biptb), respectively. Copper(II) complexes of these ligands with differing anions were prepared. Crystal structures are reported for [Cu(Biptp)](CF3SO3)2·2H2O and [Cu(Biptb)](CF3SO3)2·0.5(C7H8)·H2O, in which the Cu(II) ions exhibit distorted square-pyramidal geometries. Powder ESR spectra of the copper compounds are rhombic and the degree of rhombicity is related to the identity of the anions. Charge-transfer bands and intense absorption in the visible region are observed in the electronic spectra. Electrochemical studies indicate that one-electron reductions are involved, the reductions occurring at relatively high potentials. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Zirconium oxide crystal phase: The role of the pH and time to attain the final pH for precipitation of the hydrous oxide

Precipitated hydrous zirconium oxide can be calcined to produce either a monoclinic or tetragonal product. It has been observed that the time taken to attain the final pH of the solution in contact with the precipitate plays a dominant role in determining the crystal structure of the zirconium oxide after calcination at 500 °C. The dependence of crystal structure on the rate of precipitation is observed only in the pH range 7–11. Rapid precipitation in this pH range yields predominately monoclinic zirconia, whereas slow (8 h) precipitation produces the tetragonal phase. At pH of approximately 13.0, only the tetragonal phase is formed from both slowly and rapidly precipitated hydrous oxide. The present results, together with earlier results, show that both the pH of the supernatant liquid and the time taken to attain this pH play dominant roles in determining the crystal structure of zirconia that is formed after calcination of the hydrous oxide. The factors that determine the crystal phase are therefore imparted in a mechanism of precipitation that depends upon the pH, and it is inferred that it is the hydroxyl concentration that is the dominant factor.
Modeling the Dynamic Association of BMI and Mortality in the Framingham Heart Study

Purpose To examine and model the dynamic association of BMI and mortality in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). Methods BMI is transformed to facilitate modeling curvature associations. Logistic models are used to demonstrate whether different conclusions may be obtained for the same group of individuals under different settings created from FHS. Time-dependent covariates Cox models are used to model the association of BMI and mortality when the proportional hazards assumptions for Cox models are violated. Results Both the measurement time of BMI and the length of follow-up affect the conclusions obtained from logistic models, especially for men. Time-dependent covariates Cox models show that the association between BMI and mortality for men depends on the follow-up time, while that for women depends on the age of BMI measurement. Conclusion The association of BMI and mortality in FHS is a dynamic system that traditional analyses methods may lead to different conclusions for different study designs. This finding is consistent with the results of several other studies done from different perspectives, suggesting that the dynamic features demonstrated in FHS may apply to other populations. Advanced methods such as time-dependent covariates Cox models may be helpful for future analysis.
Genetics of obsessive–compulsive disorder: a research update

The genetic study of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has made significant gains in the past decade. However, etiological gene findings are still elusive. Epidemiological studies, including family and twin studies, strongly support a genetic component for OCD. In addition, complex segregation analyses suggest the presence of at least one major gene. The neurobiology of OCD also lends support to the notion that programmed CNS-based biological processes underlie OCD symptom expression, with mapping of brain circuits to fronto-subcortical circuits in a consistent manner. Genetic linkage studies of OCD, using families with multiple affected relatives, have generated several suggestive linkage peaks, regions that may harbor a gene or genes for OCD. However, the presence of multiple linkage peaks has added to the complexity of OCD genetics, suggesting that the exploration of gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions, in addition to the exploration of alternate phenotypes based on symptom expression, age at onset or comorbid conditions, may be key in locating etiologic genes. Finally, candidate gene studies, while promising, are not yet associated with linkage regions, except in the case of the glutamate transporter gene SLC1A1 in 9p24. While OCD appears to have a genetic component, additional innovative research is needed to unravel the genetic influences in the disorder.
Scalable Video-On-Demand Streaming in Mobile Wireless Hybrid Networks

Video-on-demand service in wireless networks is one important step to achieving the goal of providing video services anywhere anytime. Typically, carrier mobile networks are used to deliver videos wirelessly. Since every video stream comes from the base station, regardless of what bandwidth sharing techniques are being utilized, the media stream system is still limited by the network capacity of the base station. The key to overcome the scalability issue is to exploit resources available to mobile clients in a peer-to-peer setting. We observe that it is common to have a carrier mobile network and a mobile peer-to-peer network co-existing in a wireless environment. A feature of such hybrid environment is that the former offers high availability assurance, while the latter presents an opportunistic use of resources available at mobile clients. Our proposed videoon-demand technique, PatchPeer, leverages this network characteristic to allow the video-on-demand system to scale beyond the bandwidth capacity of the server. Mobile clients in PatchPeer are no longer passive receivers, but also active senders of video streams to other mobile clients. Our extensive performance study shows that PatchPeer can accept more clients than the current state-of-the-art technique, while maintaining the same Quality-of-Service to clients.
MDLn: A Motion Description Language for networked systems

In this paper we extend the definition of a motion description language (MDL) to networked systems. This new construction (MDLn) supports inter-agent specification rules as well as desired network topologies, enabling us to specify high-level control programs for group interactions. In particular, MDLn-strings specify multi-modal executions of the system through a concatenation of modes. Each mode in the MDLn-string is a triple, specifying a control law, interrupt conditions, and desired network dependencies. In addition to proposing MDLn as a specification language for networked systems, we also give an architecture in which MDLn strings can be effectively parsed and executed in multi-robot applications.
Information theoretic measures for power analysis [logic design]

This paper considers the problem of estimating the power consumption at logic and register-transfer levels of design from an information theoretical point of view. In particular, it is demonstrated that the average switching activity in the circuit can be calculated using either entropy or informational energy averages. For control circuits and random logic, the output entropy (informational energy) per bit is calculated as a function of the input entropy (informational energy) per bit and an implementation dependent information scaling factor. For data-path circuits, the output entropy (informational energy) is calculated from the input entropy (informational energy) using a compositional technique which has linear complexity in terms of the circuit size. Finally, from these input and output values, the entropy (informational energy) per circuit line is calculated and used as an estimate for the average switching activity. The proposed switching activity estimation technique does not require simulation and is thus extremely fast, yet produces sufficiently accurate estimates.
Low rate wireless personal area networks for public security

Low rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs) target low data rate, low power consumption and low cost wireless networking, and offer device level wireless connectivity. They are ideal for applications such as public security, battle field monitoring, inventory tracking, as well as home and office automation. IEEE 802.15.4 is the first standard designed for LR-WPANs. We developed an NS2 simulator based on IEEE 802.15.4 and conducted several sets of experiments to study various features of LR-WPANs, including: (1) star topology and peer-to-peer topology; (2) beacon enabled mode and non-beacon enabled mode; (3) association, tree formation and network auto-configuration; (4) orphaning and coordinator relocation; (5) direct, indirect and guaranteed time slot (GTS) data transmissions.
Numerical Solution of Steady-State Electromagnetic Scattering Problems Using the Time-Dependent Maxwell's Equations

A numerical method is described for the solution of the electromagnetic fields within an arbitrary dielectric scatterer of the order of one wavelength in diameter. The method treats the irradiation of the scatterer as an initial value problem. At t = 0, a plane-wave source of frequency f is assumed to be turned on. The diffraction of waves from this source is modeled by repeatedly solving a finite-difference analog of the time-dependent Maxwell's equations. Time stepping is continued until sinusoidual steady-state field values are observed at all points within the scatterer. The envelope of the standing wave is taken as the steady-state scattered field. As an example of this method, the computed results for a dielectric cylinder scatterer are presented. An error of less than /spl plusmn/10 percent in locating and evaluating the standing-wave peaks within the cylinder is achieved for a program execution time of 1 min. The extension of this method to the solution of the fields within three-dimensional dielectric scatterers is outlined.
A tutorial on discrete-event modeling with simulation graphs

This tutorial is an introduction to simulation graphs for simulation modeling. The simulation graph methodology is a paradigm that directly models the future event list underlying the discrete event approach to simulation modeling. Simulation graphs have a minimalist design (a single type of node, two types of edges with up to three options), making them the ideal tool for rapid construction and representation of simulation models.
A modified bit-map-assisted dynamic queue protocol for multiaccess wireless networks with finite buffers

A modified bit-map-assisted dynamic queue (BMDQ) protocol is presented for wireless slotted systems with multiple packet reception (MPR) capability and finite user-buffers. As in our BMDQ protocol (Xin Wang and Tugnait, J.K., Proc. Joint Intern. Conf. Wireless LANs & Home Networks and Networking, p.549-60, 2002), in the proposed protocol, the traffic in the channel is viewed as a flow of transmission periods (TP). Each TP has a bit-map (BM) slot at the beginning followed by a data transmission period (DP). In the BMDQ protocol the BM slot is reserved for user detection so that accurate knowledge of the active user set (AUS) can be acquired and in any given TP, each active user is allowed to transmit only one data packet. In the proposed modified BMDQ protocol, the active users are allowed to transmit all data packets in their finite buffer. An active user with more than one packet in its buffer is modeled as several different active pseudo-users. In the BM slot, each user transmits information about the number of data packets in its buffer. Then, according to the number of the active pseudo-users and the channel MPR capability, the protocol attempts to minimize the expected duration of the DP in the same way as the BMDQ protocol. Simulation comparison of the performance of the proposed modified BMDQ protocol with that of the original BMDQ protocol is presented.
Phase Transitions and Therrnoluminescence of a Plasma‐Sprayed Zinc Silicate Phosphor

A plasma-sprayed zinc silicate phosphor was heat-treated at ∼800°C informing gas; the major phase present was the metastable β phase, as revealed by bright yellow fluorescence under uv excitation. On heat treatment at ∼1000°C in air, a green, fluorescence developed as a result of the formation of the stable a phase. However, its thermo luminescence characteristics were different from those of the original P1 phosphor used for spraying
Developmental Action of Estrogen Receptor-α Feminizes the Growth Hormone-Stat5b Pathway and Expression of Cyp2a4 andCyp2d9 Genes in Mouse Liver

We have studied the roles of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and the Stat5b form of STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) in sex-specific expression of Cyp2a4 (steroid 15alpha-hydroxylase) and Cyp2d9 (steroid 16alpha-hydroxylase) genes using ERalpha-deficient mice. ERalpha deficiency resulted in the repression of the female-specific Cyp2a4 and expression of the male-specific Cyp2d9 genes, respectively in females. In ERalpha-deficient males, the Cyp2d9 gene continued to be expressed. Nuclear localization of Stat5b occurs in both sexes of ERalpha-deficient mice, although it is normally observed in only wild-type males. Nuclear localization of Stat5b correlates with the repression of Cyp2a4 and expression of Cyp2d9, respectively. Because Stat5b was not detectable in liver nuclear extracts prepared from hypophysectomized ERalpha-deficient females, the regulation by ERalpha appeared to be mediated through a pituitary hormone (i.e., growth hormone). Thus, ERalpha appears to play a key role in the mechanism that inhibits nuclear localization of Stat5b in female mice, leading to feminization of a ERalpha-GH-Stat5b pathway and Cyp expression. Defaulting to this ERalpha-dependent mechanism results in localization of Stat5b to nuclei, which masculinizes the expression of Cyp genes in male mice.
Inclusive Correlations in the Central Region

The subject of this talk is hadron correlations at very high energies. These correlations are discussed first from the point of view of the cluster picture. The cluster picture attempts to explain why the correlations are present in data by postulating a few simple properties for objects called clusters. Unfortunately, the clusters make no direct contact with known physical mechanisms. To attempt a remedy, the correlations are then discussed from a more fundamental viewpoint. We try to see how people have tried to describe the data as due to resonance production and decay. The dynamics is supposed to be that of Regge exchanges. A simple Mueller-Regge exercise is. described and shown to work qualitatively. The last topic considered is that of coherent interferences as a possible source of hadron correlations. It is argued that these interference phenomena are a natural consequence of resonance production. Based on available data, known resonances and their coherent interferences do not account for the observed correlations.
Reluctance to Resentence: Courts, Congress, and Collateral Review

In a series of recent decisions, the Supreme Court overturned a number of circuit court opinions and adopted a more narrow reading of certain federal recidivist sentencing enhancements. Although the decisions revealed that many federal prisoners were sentenced incorrectly and are serving sentences that are much longer than they should be, few of these prisoners have obtained relief in the lower courts on collateral review. Courts have generally dismissed the claims on procedural grounds, citing interests in finality. Indeed, courts often refuse to correct sentencing errors on collateral review, even when both the judge and the prosecutor acknowledge that the prisoner is serving additional years in prison based on a sentencing mistake. After a criminal judgment has become “final,” federal courts appear reluctant to resentence. Federal prisoners seeking collateral review of sentences are subject to the same — and in some cases stricter — procedural barriers to relief as those seeking the more drastic remedy of undoing their convictions. But sentencing errors should be easier to fix than conviction-based errors because arguments favoring finality are much weaker in the sentencing context. Correcting a sentence is vastly easier than retrying a case, and staleness of evidence is not a major concern at a resentencing because judges, unlike juries, can rely on previous findings. Outside the special context of capital cases, the important distinctions between collateral review of sentences and convictions have received little attention from courts or scholars. Given the backdrop of extensive litigation in the lower courts about correcting sentencing errors at the collateral review stage, and the possibility that the Supreme Court will need to resolve divergent circuit decisions in this area, now is an important moment to consider whether interests in finality should carry as much weight when a court reviews a sentence rather than a conviction in a collateral proceeding, and when the federal court is reviewing its own decision rather than the decision of a state court. Courts have been overstating the interests in finality of sentences. They should be correcting more sentencing mistakes on collateral review, at least where an intervening decision has narrowed the reach of a substantive sentencing provision.
Chronic heart failure: developments and perspectives.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and contemporary treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) while emphasizing the important role of the pharmacist. DATA SOURCES English-language articles from MEDLINE pertinent to CHF. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All relevant publications addressing CHF management were considered, including prospective comparative trials, epidemiological studies, guideline statements, review articles, and editorials. Particular focus occurred on the primary literature published after the release of noted guidelines. The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). DATA SYNTHESIS Heart failure is a common disorder, especially in the elderly. To determine appropriate pharmacotherapy, one must establish the type of dysfunction (systolic versus diastolic) as well as characterize the patient's disease state according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification system and from the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA), stage of diseases. Although most patients have systolic dysfunction ([ejection fraction] less than 40%), the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (a normal to elevated ejection fraction) is rising and it accounts for at least one-third of all cases. Six drugs/drug classes are contemporary treatments in systolic heart failure, depending on NYHA functional class: angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, angiotensin II receptor-blockers, and digoxin. Clinicians should be aware that studies demonstrate all these drugs/drug classes prolong survival in systolic heart failure, except diuretics and digoxin. Some patients with systolic dysfunction also may be candidates for the combination of hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate as well as nonpharmacological approaches with biventricular pacemakers and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Treatment of diastolic heart failure is less evidence-based, and speculative treatments focus on control of blood pressure, tachycardia, volume overload, and myocardial ischemia. CONCLUSIONS CHF treatment remains a therapeutic challenge. Pharmacists have an essential role in the care of these patients by avoiding drugs known to exacerbate the disease, promoting optimal pharmacotherapy, and ensuring compliance with prescribed drugs and dietary modifications.
Recapture of Released Apple Maggot Flies in Sticky-Board Traps

Marked adult Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) were released in an 8-tree abandoned orchard and were recaptured on baited traps. Of 3080 marked adults released, 71% were recaptured on yellow sticky-board traps and on traps that combined a red sphere and a yellow board. Of the 2188 flies recaptured, 67.3% were caught on the combination traps.
Planning and Public–Private Partnerships: Essential Links in Early Federal Housing Policy

Many historians document the divorce between housing reform and planning. Yet, key advocates for government-supported housing during the early twentieth century considered the two highly interconne...
Concordance between habitual sleep times and laboratory recording schedules.

The validity of laboratory-based studies of sleep depends, in part, upon good concordance between habitual sleep schedule and laboratory recording schedule. Without good concordance, error variance due to the circadian misplacement of sleep and to different amounts of time in bed is probable. In an assessment of scheduling concordance in 1,762 research patient nights over two time intervals, we observed good concordance ( or = 30 minutes) in 14.9-24.2% of bedtimes and waketimes, and missing data in 4.6-7.5% of times. Waketime differences were consistently in the direction of earlier laboratory than habitual waketimes, whereas differences in bedtime were about equally divided between earlier and later (laboratory vs. habitual). Subjects with schedule discordance averaged 19.5 minutes less time in bed during laboratory sessions as compared with their habitual sleep schedule, whereas subjects with schedule concordance averaged only 3.6 minutes less (p < 0.001). Our experience suggests that it may be more difficult to achieve higher rates of concordance among young adult and middle-aged subjects than among elders and that patient requests related to external constraints on scheduling were a frequent reason for discrepancy. We strongly recommend a policy of routinely including data on laboratory versus habitual sleep times in peer-reviewed publications.