cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotics of Multivariate Sequences, part I. Smooth points of the singular variety

Given a multivariate generating function F, we determine asymptotics for the coefficients. Our approach is to use Cauchy's integral formula near singular points of F, resulting in a tractable oscillating integral. This paper treats the case where the singular point of F is a smooth point of a surface of poles. Companion papers will treat singular points of F where the local geometry is more complicated, and for which other methods of analysis are not known.
Neonatal Negative Emotionality and the Child Behavior Checklist-Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP) in middle childhood.

Objective: Determine whether an association exists between neonatal negative emotionality and childhood emotional dysregulation.Background: The Child Behaviour Checklist-Dysregulation Profile (CBCL...
Novel Multicore PCB and Substrate Solutions for Ultra Broadband Dual Polarized Antennas for 5G Millimeter Wave Covering 28GHz & 39GHz Range

5G millimeter wave (mmWave) communications that enables Gbps data channels often require broadband operation with dual polarization in multi frequency ranges (27-30, and 37-40GHz). Additionally, access points and base stations need large high gain antenna arrays and consistent radiation patterns across operation frequencies for ease of beam scanning control. Many stacked patch antennas were proposed as the solution. However, broadband patch antennas require thick substrate and multiple layers. For high volume production in standard substrate technology with acceptable yield, such solution targeting the consumer market has not been attempted previously. In this work, we present a novel multicore packaging approach to realize a unique and cost effective solution based on standard PCB/ Substrate technology. We demonstrate this with a complete mmWave RF module board with dimensions of 30mm x 50mm x 1.5mm. It consists of a large area dual polarization dual frequency (28GHz and 39GHz) stacked patch antenna array of 4x8 elements and fully integrated Systems-In-Package (SIPs) along with all the thermal and mechanical functions. This solution achieves a very high cross polarization discrimination ratio (>25dB), which is critical in the MIMO operation of the dual polarization network. The work includes measurements to validate the design and the packaging concept suitable for low cost mmWave 5G CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) and base station applications.
Pitfalls to Avoid in Treatment

Over the past 15 years a valuable series of studies has focused on the extent of and the reasons for nonadherence to treatment regimens for chronic conditions. These investigations have been extremely revealing. Even for moderate to severe chronic diseases (including allergic complaints), more than half of all patients fail to stick with the course of treatment prescribed by their physicians. Complete or partial nonadherence to what the doctor orders is the rule rather than the exception in patient behavior.
Echocardiographic valuation of left ventricular diastolic function and the dynamic observation of ultrastructure and argyrophilic fiber in dabetic rats

Objective To explore the relationship between left ventricular diastolic function and the dynamic changes of myocardial ultrastructure and argyrophilic fiber in diabetic rats on the different periods of lesions(week 4,12 and 24).Methods The diabetes mellitus(DM)in healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin(STZ,Sigma)into intraperitoneal at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight.The left ventricular diastolic function was measured by Color Doppler Flow Imaging-Pulsed Wave(CDFIPW)and Doppler Tissue Imaging(DTI)echocardiography.Heart tissue at the apex was obtained rapidly for transmission electron microscope study.Argyrophilic staining was used in the study of argyrophilic fiber volume fraction(APFVF)in heart interstitial tissue.Results Diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle was detected in STZinduced diabetic rats by CDFI-PW(E/A ＜ 1)at week 4,and progressed gradually.Pseudonormal filling (E/A ＞ 1)was found in diabetic rats at week 24,which could be identified by DTI(Ea/Aa ＜ 1).Diastolic function of normal rats was not impaired(E/A ＞ 1 and Ea/Aa ＞ 1).Transmission electron microscopy revealed a spectrum of subcellular remodeling in myocardium which was characterized by myofibril content decrease,disorganization,mitochondrial degeneration,sarcoplasmic reticulum,structural disorder.Compared with the control group,APFVF in myocardium was increased significantly in diabetic rats(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The diastolic dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats correlates with damage of ultrastructure and increase of myocardial argyrophilic fiber. Key words: Echocardiography; Diabetic rat; Myocardial disease; Left ventricular diastolic function; Ultrastructure; Argyrophilic fiber
Acoustoelectric Non-Reciprocity in Lithium Niobate-on-Silicon Delay Lines

Lamb wave delay lines with acoustoelectri-cally-induced non-reciprocity are demonstrated in suspended lithium niobate-on-silicon waveguides for the first time. An electric current is fed through the silicon layer in the same axis as the piezoelectrically-transduced acoustic waves which are attenuated or amplified depending on the direction of the energy exchange with drifting electrons (i.e. acoustoelectric (AE) effect). Therefore, the insertion loss (IL) and non-reciprocity of the delay line is adjustable by controlling the current bias which varies the electron drift velocity and the subsequent momentum transfer. Proof-of-concept delay lines in the range of 600 MHz to 700 MHz are demonstrated with a fractional bandwidth as high as 2.8% and AE gain as high as 5.6 dB resulting in ~20 dB of non-reciprocity. These non-reciprocal components could offer a monolithic and dynamically-tunable solution to the numerous issues that arise from the increasing congestion and interferences in the telecommunication spectrum and suggests the possibility of developing fully-switchable low-IL delay lines through design/fabrication optimizations.
Police Response Models for Handling Encounters with People Suffering from Mental Illnesses: a Survey of Police Chiefs

To effectively respond to scenes involving people with mental illnesses (PWMI), many police departments in the United States have implemented police response models (PRMs) that improve officer training on mental illness and/or solicit cooperation with mental healthcare providers. No existing study has focused on examining police chiefs’ attitudes toward the effectiveness of PRMs. To help fill this gap in the literature, the current study analyzed survey data (N = 190) collected from police chiefs working in Pennsylvania to estimate the extent of favorability toward PRMs and to examine if the predictors of favorability toward PRMs vary across types of PRMs (i.e., CIT, co-response models, and other models with reduced training hours). Findings revealed that police chiefs showed favorable attitudes toward the CIT and co-response models, and their perceptions of these models were associated with the adoption of a PRM in their agencies. Further, results from multivariate analyses indicated that there are some differences in the factors that predict chiefs’ favorability toward the CIT and co-response models compared to other models with reduced training hours (OMRTH). Potential policy implications and directions for future research in light of these findings are discussed within.
Best Practices in Tax Rulings Transparency

Tax rulings reflect agreement by a tax administration to a particular tax treatment of a planned transaction. They provide certainty to taxpayers and the government, lowering costs on both sides. Such rulings are therefore used by many countries. Yet, secrecy that is followed by leaks and criticism is a recurring aspect of these rulings. Perhaps most well known in this regard is the 2014 LuxLeaks scandal. LuxLeaks revealed numerous tax rulings issued by the European country of Luxembourg containing what the press sometimes termed “sweetheart deals” between the Luxembourg tax authority and multinational companies. The United States has also experienced embarrassing revelations in the tax rulings context, such as during the period before it began disclosing anonymized versions of letter rulings. LuxLeaks helped trigger legal changes that require tax authorities, including those of European countries and the United States (U.S.), to automatically share information about cross-border advance rulings with other countries’ tax authorities. But Luxembourg’s tax rulings otherwise remain confidential. The U.S. is in a similar position with respect to a type of tax ruling, the Advance Pricing Agreement (APAs): it exchanges information about APAs with other countries but otherwise does not disclose them. Tax rulings provide important legal consequences for affected taxpayers. Lack of rulings transparency has a variety of costs. This Article (1) develops an original typology of the costs, (2) catalogues the levels of possible disclosure, connecting each level with the risks it would address; and (3) examines the possible downsides of tax ruling transparency. The Article concludes that, despite government resistance, best practices call for public disclosure of anonymized tax rulings—both letter rulings and APAs—heavily redacted, if necessary.
Fast Algorithms for Signal Processing

Efficient signal processing algorithms are important for embedded and power-limited applications since, by reducing the number of computations, power consumption can be reduced significantly. Similarly, efficient algorithms are also critical to very large scale applications such as video processing and four-dimensional medical imaging. This self-contained guide, the only one of its kind, enables engineers to find the optimum fast algorithm for a specific application. It presents a broad range of computationally-efficient algorithms, describes their structure and implementation, and compares their relative strengths for given problems. All the necessary background mathematics is included and theorems are rigorously proved, so all the information needed to learn and apply the techniques is provided in one convenient guide. With this practical reference, researchers and practitioners in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, and computer science can reduce power dissipation for low-end applications of signal processing, and extend the reach of high-end applications.
Improving Water Quality and Sanitation Through Growth and Aid: The Case of Africa

Poor water quality in the region is also a result of untreated waste water, such as industrial and domestic waste, entering water sources. The combination of dangerous waste and naturally existing chemicals in the bed rock allow for disease and contamination to spread. Water, therefore, has an extremely high level of toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and biological contaminants. It is difficult for African countries to implement water management programs because many African governments do not establish water quality monitoring programs. Data on water pollution in present day is also as a result very limited, as are analytic laboratories where water quality can be studied. Without a structured framework for water governance, it has become apparent that African governments are finding it hard to manage their own water sources efficiently. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol21/iss1/14
MICROWEAR ANALYSIS OF BIPOLAR TOOLS FROM THE CRESCENT BAY HUNT CLUB SITE (47JE904)

Previous microwear analysis of a sample of artifacts from the Crescent Bay Hunt Club site has demonstrated that, in general, morphofunctional typology has limited value for the assessment of tool function at that site. The site is a small Oneota village (ad 1200–1400) near Lake Koshkonong in southeastern Wisconsin. Multiple data sets indicate a year round occupation, a subsistence regimen of maize agriculture and exploitation of a wide variety of plants, large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and shellfish. Mortuary data indicate significant levels of interpersonal violence. This analysis is an attempt to determine if lithic manufacturing techniques are correlated with tool use at the site. The analysis incorporates low power and high power microscopy of morphofunctionally defined bipolar cores and/or pieces esquillees, as well as triangular arrow points. These tools were made using both bipolar and free hand knapping techniques; the analysis was designed to determine if a bipolar manufacturing o...
Fast Simulation of SystemC Synthesizable Subset

Co-design and co-verification of complex SoC requires a virtual platform, which in an ideal case has the single source codes with hardware blocks included. An effective way to do that is using the SystemC language together with high level synthesis technology. Execution of the virtual platform requires simulation of SystemC parts, which is quite time-consuming. We present an approach to accelerate SystemC simulation that is based on reducing a number of SystemC process context switches. This approach is implemented in the FastSim component that contains a few SystemC-inherited classes. Use of Fast Sim requires small changes in the design, and no changes in the SystemC kernel. We have evaluated Fast Sim on an industrial SoC with a number of hardware accelerators and CPU cores. For this project, Fast Sim provides x450 simulation performance boost.
A genetic algorithm as a learning method based on geometric representations

A number of different methods combining the use of neural networks and genetic algorithms have been described [1]. This paper discusses an approach for training neural networks based on the geometric representation of the network. In doing so, the genetic algorithm becomes applicable as a common training method for a number of machine learning algorithms that can be similarly represented. The experiments described here were specifically derived to construct claim regions for Fuzzy ARTMAP Neural Networks [2],[3].
The analysis of computer backup service: economics, optimal capacity, and resource allocation

This dissertation develops four analytical models that provide useful results to help business managers make better decisions regarding computer systems recovery. First, the dissertation examines a computer backup service system where subscribers to a computer backup service can receive computing service replacement from a central facility, termed the hot site, owned by a service provider. It provides a guideline for business managers on whether it is cost effective to obtain the computer backup service. It also derives a formula describing the relationship of various parameters in an optimal service contract that maximizes the expected total revenues for the supplier. Second, this dissertation finds the optimal capacity of the computer backup center to minimize the total cost to the firm, where the total cost consists of the total capacity cost of the computer backup center and the total opportunity cost of lost computing time. Third, it analyzes the allocation of computing resources within a firm where there exists information asymmetry and incentive incompatibility problems. The findings enable the headquarters to design an optimal allocation scheme such that the revelation principle will prevail. A general methodology is also presented for numerically deriving the optimal repair strategy for the computer. Last, but not the least, this dissertation addresses internal pricing and optimal backup capacity issues for computer systems subject to failures. The findings show that the optimal long-run backup capacity should equal the firm's optimal long-run original capacity for all forms of demand functions; the firm should charge users the total marginal costs of all available computing capacities, including the cost of the backup facility; and it is imperative to obtain backup capacity for an environment where user's delay cost is high and the computer system is unreliable.
The role of GABAergic inhibition in processing of interaural time difference in the owl's auditory system

The barn owl uses interaural time differences (ITDs) to localize the azimuthal position of sound. ITDs are processed by an anatomically distinct pathway in the brainstem. Neuronal selectivity for ITD is generated in the nucleus laminaris (NL) and conveyed to both the anterior portion of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VLVa) and the central (ICc) and external (ICx) nuclei of the inferior colliculus. With tonal stimuli, neurons in all regions are found to respond maximally not only to the real ITD, but also to ITDs that differ by integer multiples of the tonal period. This phenomenon, phase ambiguity, does not occur when ICx neurons are stimulated with noise. The main aim of this study was to determine the role of GABAergic inhibition in the processing of ITDs. Selectivity for ITD is similar in the NL and VLVa and improves in the ICc and ICx. Iontophoresis of bicuculline methiodide (BMI), a selective GABAA antagonist, decreased the ITD selectivity of ICc and ICx neurons, but did not affect that of VLVa neurons. Responses of VLVa and ICc neurons to unfavorable ITDs were below the monaural response levels. BMI raised both binaural responses to unfavorable ITDs and monaural responses, though the former remained smaller than the latter. During BMI application, ICx neurons showed phase ambiguity to noise stimuli and no longer responded to a unique ITD. BMI increased the response magnitude and changed the temporal discharge patterns in the VLVa, ICc, and ICx. Iontophoretically applied GABA exerted effects opposite to those of BMI, and the effects could be antagonized with simultaneous application of BMI. These results suggest that GABAergic inhibition (1) sharpens ITD selectivity in the ICc and ICx, (2) contributes to the elimination of phase ambiguity in the ICx, and (3) controls response magnitude and temporal characteristics in the VLVa, ICc, and ICx. Through these actions, GABAergic inhibition shapes the horizontal dimension of the auditory receptive fields.
Building temperature distributed control via explicit MPC and “Trim and Respond” methods

We study the distributed control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in buildings. We present and compare two control design techniques. In the first part, a one-step distributed model predictive controller (DMPC) is introduced. We compute the explicit state-feedback solution and show how to implement it on existing networked buildings control platforms. In the second part, we discuss a control logic currently used in the buildings industry called “Trim and Respond”. We show that “Trim and Respond” controllers can be seen as a special class of one-step DMPC algorithms. We conclude the paper with a simulation study which shows the DMPC control design and its equivalence with “Trim and Respond” heuristics.
Symbolic Algorithms for Infinite-State Games

A procedure for the analysis of state spaces is called symbolic if it manipulates not individual states, but sets of states that are represented by constraints. Such a procedure can be used for the analysis of infinite state spaces, provided termination is guaranteed. We present symbolic procedures, and corresponding termination criteria, for the solution of infinite-state games, which occur in the control and modular verification of infinite-state systems. To characterize the termination of symbolic procedures for solving infinite-state games, we classify these game structures into four increasingly restrictive categories: 1. Class 1 consists of infinite-state structures for which all safety and reachability games can be solved. 2. Class 2 consists of infinite-state structures for which all ω-regular games can be solved. 3. Class 3 consists of infinite-state structures for which all nested positive boolean combinations of ω-regular games can be solved. 4. Class 4 consists of infinite-state structures for which all nested boolean combinations of ω-regular games can be solved. We give a structural characterization for each class, using equivalence relations on the state spaces of games which range from game versions of trace equivalence to a game version of bisimilarity. We provide infinite-state examples for all four classes of games from control problems for hybrid systems. We conclude by presenting symbolic algorithms for the synthesis of winning strategies ("controller synthesis") for infinite-state games with arbitrary u-regular objectives, and prove termination over all class-2 structures. This settles, in particular, the symbolic controller synthesis problem for rectangular hybrid systems.
Botulinum A exotoxin in cosmetic dermatology

Botulinum A exotoxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is now being used by cosmetically oriented specialists for treatment of a large variety of movement associated wrinkles on the face and neck. This form of temporary chemical denervation compliments the cosmetic practitioner's armamentarium alongside resurfacing and tissue augmentation. Additionally, the use of Botulinum toxin to block sympathetic innervation of eccrine sweat glands is proving a valuable treatment of hyperhidrosis of the axillae, palms and soles.
Does amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram background pattern correlate with cerebral injury in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy?

Aims To determine the correlation between amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) background pattern and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to examine whether the correlation changes with therapeutic hypothermia. Methods We included 38 term-born infants with HIE of whom 17 were cooled. All were continuously monitored with aEEG. Background pattern was scored at the beginning and the end of the recording. Cerebral MRI was obtained on median day 5 (2–11 days). Abnormalities were classified using a predefined scoring system for basal ganglia, watershed and overall injury, and then grouped into mild-moderate and severe. Results Abnormal aEEG background pattern correlated with more severe cerebral injury on MRI in the non-cooled infants (P < 0.01). In addition, cooled infants had less severe cerebral injury than non-cooled infants, in particular on T2-weighted images (watershed P = 0.04 and total injury score = 0.07). Conclusions Abnormal aEEG background pattern is predictive of abnormal MRI, but therapeutic hypothermia seems to reduce this association. Thus, when cooling is applied in a clinical setting, the predictive value of aEEG may be limited.
The immortal strand hypothesis: how could it work?

The “immortal strand” hypothesis was proposed by John Cairns as a strategy for stem cells to avoid retaining mutations introduced during DNA replication (Cairns, 1975). The hypothesis holds that when stem cells undergo asymmetric cell division, one daughter (the self-renewing stem cell) selectively retains the older template DNA strand from each chromosome. Recent successes in detecting nonrandom sister chromatid segregation in various types of stem cells have rekindled interest in the hypothesis.
Physical Content of the Exact Kohn-Sham Orbital Energies: Band Gaps and Derivative Discontinuities

The local-density approximation for the exchange-correlation potential understimates the fundamental band gaps of semiconductors and insulators by about 40%. It is argued here that underestimation of the gap width is also to be expected from the unknown exact potential of Kohn-Sham density-functional theory, because of derivative discontinuities of the exchange-correlation energy. The need for an energy-dependent potential in band theory is emphasized. The center of the gap, however, is predicted exactly by the Kohn-Sham band structure.
Effect of latent heat of freezing on crustal generation at low spreading rates

Lithospheric structure changes at low spreading rates (<40 mm a−1), such that steady state molten rock cannot exist above the normal Moho depth of ∼6 km. Dredge statistics of recovered lithologies indicate that the percentage of basalt is significantly decreased compared to faster ridges and that the mode of crust generation is variable. One important effect on lithospheric structure is the latent heat released when basaltic magma freezes within the mantle, instead of being transported all the way to the surface. Using thermal models, we show that freezing of melt at mantle depths buffers temperature due to the latent heat of crystallization. Two quasi-stable seafloor-spreading patterns are imposed on the model: (1) upwelling of magma along a narrow axial zone and (2) pure shear extension over a broad zone. The variability in crustal structure predicted by these models explains variability observed in dredge lithology statistics at eight slow to ultraslow spreading ridge segments. For example, the Gakkel Eastern Volcanic Zone and Sparsely Magmatic Zone are both spreading at 12 mm a−1, but the former is composed of 7% peridotite, whereas the latter is 46% peridotite. This difference can be explained by a change from a narrow axis regime with ∼2 km thick crust to a wide axis regime with a crust-mantle mix. Overall, dredge statistics and thermal models suggest that some, but not all, latent heat of ascending magmas is released at mantle depths and that various ridge axial morphologies can occur.
Development of an empirical model for subgrain growth in Al-0.6Fe alloy, aluminium, copper and nickel during recovery

Subgrain growth taking place during the recovery period of a static annealing process has been studied in Al-0.6Fe alloy, pure aluminium, nickel and copper. The kinetics of subgrain growth has been investigated at eight different temperatures for each of these materials. The slope of the curves in the graphs between the square of the subgrain diameter, D2, and annealing time, t, at different temperatures do not agree with the calculated values from the existing models. Thus an equation has been developed to relate the experimental values of the slopes of such curves to various temperatures in each case. The fit between the experimentally observed and theoretically calculated slopes from the proposed model appears to be quite good for Al-0.6Fe alloy and pure aluminium. However, the fit is poor for nickel and copper even though the differences between the two values based on the calculation from existing theories have been minimized.
Oxidative Stress and Lung Function

It has been suggested that lung function can be altered by both free radical and oxidant exposure, while antioxidant vitamin intake is positively related to lung function. However, the information on the relation of blood levels of oxidants and antioxidants to lung function is sparse. The present cross-sectional study, conducted from September 1995 to May 1996, analyzes the association between lung function measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) with 1) levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma (p-TBARS) and in low and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterolNLDL cholesterol-TBARS) as indicators of lipid peroxidation and 2) compounds with antioxidant activity, erythrocytic glutathione, plasma glutathione peroxidase, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and serum bilirubin, which may protect against lipid peroxidation. The analysis was carried out in 132 nonsmoking subjects aged 37-73 years who were randomly selected from the residents of Erie and Niagara counties, New York. FEV 1 in percent of the predicted value (FEV 1 %) was negatively and statistical significantly associated with p-TBARS (r = -0.19). A negative association with borderline statistical significance was observed between FEV 1 % with low density lipoprotein cholesterol/very low density lipoprotein cholesterol-TBARS (r = -0.16) and glutathione (r = -0.16), while FEV 1 % was positively related to serum bilirubin (r = 0.15). Participants in the lowest quartile of FEV 1 % showed significantly higher levels of p-TBARS (p = 0.02) and lower levels of bilirubin (p = 0.04) than did those in the highest quartile. Our results suggest that increased lipid peroxidation is associated with pulmonary airway narrowing in the general population.
Idiopathic infantile hyperplastic and hypertrophic cardiomegaly (congenital cardiac hypertrophy)

Abstract The cause of “congenital idiopathic hypertrophy” of the infantile heart remains an enigma in those cases in which all factors known to produce cardiac hypertrophy have been ruled out. 1 The two mechanisms of idiopathic enlargement which have been suggested are hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Among the studies supporting the thesis of hypertrophy are those of Dammin and Moore, 2 who demonstrated in their case an increase in the width and total number of fibers without a concomitant increase in the total number of nuclei. The protagonist of hyperplasia as a cause of cardiac enlargement is MacMahon, 3 who observed many mitotic figures in the myocardium of a 6-month-old infant whose heart was twice normal weight. The purpose of this article is to present further evidence that idiopathic cardiac enlargement in infants may be the result of myocardial hyperplasia as well as of hypertrophy. In the hypertrophied adult heart, Karsner, Saphir, and Todd 4 demonstrated that, while the myocytes and nuclei are not increased in number, the individual fibers are enlarged. Thus, for a given unit of tissue there is a decrease in the number of nuclei because of the increased volume of sarcoplasm, the total number of nuclei in the heart remaining essentially unchanged. Dammin and Moore concluded from a study of their single case of infantile idiopathic myocardial enlargement and a control that, while the total number of nuclei in the heart remains constant, the number and width of the fibers are increased. They felt that their case should be regarded as one of cardiac hypertrophy. Inherent in the previously mentioned criteria for myocardial hypertrophy is a definition of hyperplasia, namely, the demonstration of a significant increase in the total number of myocytes within a given heart.
Update on gene therapy for hereditary hematological disorders

The past 3 years have been characterized by a number of impressive advances as well as setbacks in gene therapy for genetic disease. Children with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (SCID-X1) have shown almost complete reconstitution of their immune system after receiving retrovirally transduced autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, two of 11 treated patients subsequently developed a leukemia-like disease probablydue to the undesired activation of an oncogene. Gene transfer to HSCs resulted in substantial correction of immune function and multi-lineage engraftment in two patients with adenosine deaminase (ADA)-SCID. Several Phase I clinical trials for treatment of hemophilia A and B have been initiated or completed. Partial correction of hemophilia A, albeit transient, has been reported by ex vivo gene transfer to autologous fibroblasts. Intramuscular injection of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to patients with severe hemophilia B resulted in evidence of Factor IX gene transfer to skeletal muscle and a separate trial based on hepatic infusion of AAV vector is ongoing. Sustained therapeutic levels of coagulation factor expression have been achieved in preclinical models using retroviral, lentiviral, AAV and high capacity adenoviral vectors. Efficient lentiviral gene transfer to HSC in murine models of beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease demonstrated sustained phenotypic correction.
Production of Prenuclear Minitubers of Potato with Peat-Based Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculum

Prenuclear minitubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) are the source material used to produce field-grown seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are in turn planted by commercial growers to produce potatoes for fresh packing and processing. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) have been demonstrated to increase yield in low-input systems. This study was conducted to determine whether and how a commercial AM inoculum influences prenuclear minituber production under high-input commercial conditions. A peat-based medium containing the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradix was tested in a commercial minituber greenhouse production facility. This medium increased yields of the most valuable sizes of prenuclear minitubers by 84%, and increased total prenuclear minituber yield by 49% when compared with conventional peat-vermiculite media under commercial growing conditions. Potato plants grown in this mycorrhizal medium had more uniform stolon development, as well as stolons 39% longer than plants grown in the conventional medium. These yield increases and morphological changes occur in the presence of very low levels of mycorrhizal colonization, and there was no evidence of the enhanced plant P nutrition generally associated with mycorrhizal symbiosis. These effects may indicate the presence of a hormonally mediated plant response to the mycorrhizae that results in more uniform stolon growth and an increase in tuber initiation.
James M. Early on solid state: The theoretical ideals come ever closer

Digital techniques reign supreme in solid-state technology. Integrated-circuit chips use digital pulse-code modulation to make possible new levels of performance in electronic equipment, switching power supplies use pulse-width modulation to save power and cut power loss, and image sensors use pulse-amplitude modulation to convert variable light patterns into a stream of pulses.
Chlorine degradation of polyether‐based polyurethane

The tensile properties of polyether-based polyurethane (PU) filaments decrease with increasing chlorine concentrations as well as with treatment times. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results show the formation of quinoid, azo, and aldehyde groups in the chlorine-treated PU, and increased hydrogen bonding between the COC in the soft segment and the NH in the hard segments. A breakdown mechanism involving chain cleavages along the ether linkages in the soft segments as well as at the urethane linkages of the hard–soft segment interfaces is proposed. Chlorine-treated PU showed increased solubility in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The molecular weight data of the THF-soluble portion of treated PU also support the proposed locations of chain scissions. The increased soft segment Tg and Tm with increasing chlorine concentrations are results of increased phase-mixing and hydrogen bonding. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3263–3273, 1997
Scission and Healing in a Spinning Elastomeric Cylinder at Elevated Temperature

When an elastomeric material is subject to sufficiently high temperature, macromolecular network junctions can undergo time-dependent scission and re-crosslinking (healing). The material system then consists of molecular networks with different reference states. A constitutive framework, based on the experimental work of Tobolsky, is used to determine the evolution of deformation of a solid rubber cylinder spinning at constant angular velocity at an elevated temperature. Responses based on underlying neo-Hookean, Mooney-Rivlin, and Arruda-Boyce models, were solved numerically and compared. Different amounts of healing were studied for each case. For neo-Hookean molecular networks, there may be a critical finite time when the radius grows infinitely fast and the cylinder "blows up." This time depends on the angular velocity and the rate of re-cross linking. In addition, no solution was possible for angular velocities above a critical value, even without the effects of scission. Such anomalous behavior does not occur for Mooney-Rivlin or Arruda-Boyce network response. ©2002 ASME
Discordance Between Coronary Angiography and Intracoronary Ultrasound

A 57-year-old woman presented with typical angina. Thallium stress testing showed anteroapical reversible ischemia. Coronary angiography demonstrated only a mild stenosis (open black arrow) of the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). She was treated medically and did not improve. Intravascular ultrasound examination was used to further evaluate this ambiguous coronary stenosis. Angiogram …
Symmetrical Ketones from Aldehyde Trimethylsilyl Enol Ethers on Storage: A Cautionary Note

Abstract The widespread use of trialkylsilyl enol ethers has dramatically increased the utility of enolate anion chemistry.1 These enol ethers are readily prepared, reactive, and in many instances are stable enough to be commercially available. We have been using trimethylsilyl enol ethers as aldehyde enolate precursors and wish to report some observations regarding storage of these 1-alkyl-2-trimethylsilyloxyethenes. We have noted that after 2–3 months in sealed glass ampuoles these trimethylsilyl enol ethers contained significant amounts of symmetrical ketones.
On Grasia's criterion for uniform convergence of Fourier series

Garsia's discovery that functions in the periodic Besov space λ( p -1 , p , 1), with 1 p p -1 , p , 1). Further, it leads to a very simple proof of the embedding theorem for these spaces, which extends (though less simply) to λ(α, p, q )
Assessment of spatial normalization of whole‐brain magnetic resonance images in children

Commonly used frameworks for spatial normalization of brain imaging data (e.g., Talairach-space) are based on one or more adult brains. As pediatric brains are different in size and shape from adult brains and continue to develop through childhood, we aimed to assess the influence of age on various spatial normalization parameters. One hundred forty-eight healthy children aged 5–18 years were included in this study. The linear scaling parameters and the deformations from the non-linear spatial normalization to both a standard adult and a custom pediatric template were analyzed within SPM99. The effect of using a brain mask on the linear and of using different levels of constraint on the non-linear spatial normalization was assessed. Of the linear scaling factors, only the X-dimension (left–right) showed a significant age-correlation when based on brain tissue, whereas the overall scaling was not correlated with age. When based on the whole head, a very strong age-effect can be found in all dimensions. Non-linear deformations also show localized correlations with age, most pronounced in parietal and frontal areas. The total amount of volume change is significantly lower when using a pediatric template. It is also substantially influenced by the degree of regularization that is exerted on the spatial normalization parameters. Our results suggest that in the cortical areas showing a strong correlation of deformation with age, caution should be used in assigning imaging results in children to a specific morphological structure. Also, to minimize the amount of deformation during non-linear spatial normalization, a pediatric template should be used. Further implications of our findings on developmental neuroimaging studies are discussed. Hum. Brain Mapping 17:48–60, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Discretionary salt and compliance with reduced sodium diet.

Abstract The present study was designed to quantify dietary sodium sources and to monitor compliance with a diet reduced in sodium by proscriptions in table salt alone (group 1) or all discretionary salt (group 2). Individuals receiving no dietary intervention served as controls (group 3). Following a 3-week baseline period, diets were prescribed for 23 weeks, during which intake was measured by multiple 7-day diet records, weight salt shakers and 24h-urinary collections. Sensory tests were administered to track shifts in salt preference. The principle findings were that 1) discretionary salt contributed little (
Characterization, dissolution and bioavailability in rats of ibuprofen-β-cyclodextrin complex system

Abstract Phase solubility studies revealed a 12-fold increase in the solubility of ibuprofen and the formation of an insoluble microcrystalline complex in the presence of high concentration of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The complex system formed had a stoichiometric ratio of 2:3 (ibuprofen:β-CD) which reflected contributions from several complexes precipitating in the system. More evidence of complex formation was obtained from the analysis of UV, IR, DSC and X-ray diffraction studies. The dissolution rate of the ibuprofen was significantly enhanced by complexation. After 20 min the % of drug released was 5 and 95 for the drug powder and the complex, respectively. Increased solubility, decreased crystallinity and improved wettability probably accounted for the observed enhancement in the dissolution rate. Bioavailability studies in rats showed the extent of absorption to be the same for the free and complexed ibuprofen. However, the time to reach peak plasma concentration for the complexed ibuprofen was 2.5-fold faster than the drug alone. Results of this report indicate that β-cyclodextrin could be a useful additive to solid ibuprofen formulations as it may result in a more rapid and uniform release of the drug.
Universal Darwinism and evolutionary social science

Save for Anthropologists, few social scientists have been among the participants in the discussions about the appropriate structure of a ‘Universal Darwinism’. Yet evolutionary theorizing about cultural, social, and economic phenomena has a long tradition, going back well before Darwin. And over the past quarter century significant literatures have grown up concerned with the processes of change operating on science, technology, business organization and practice, and economic change more broadly, that are explicitly evolutionary in theoretical orientation. In each of these fields of study, the broad proposition put forth by Darwin that change proceeds through a process involving variation, systematic selection, renewed variation... has proved both persuasive and powerful. On the other hand, the evolutionary processes involved in these areas differ in essential ways from those we now know are operative in the evolution of biological species. The objective of this essay is to highlight those differences, which a ‘Universal Darwinism’ needs to encompass, if it is to be broad enough to be a theory that is applicable to the evolution of human cultures as well as evolution in biology.
Error propagation for the Hough transform

Abstract In this paper, a statistically efficient Hough transform (HT) technique with improved performance in accuracy and robustness is described. The proposed technique analytically computes the uncertainty of each feature point based on image noise, the procedure used for estimating edge orientation, and the specific parametric representation scheme of a line. Using the estimated uncertainty of each feature point, a Bayesian probabilistic scheme is introduced to compute the contribution of each feature point to the accumulator. A performance evaluation of our technique reveals its improved performance, especially for noisy images.
A linear time algorithm to recognize circular permutation graphs

An undirected graph G is a circular permutation graph if it can be represented by the following intersection model: Each vertex of G corresponds to a chord in the annular region between two concentric circles, and two vertices are adjacent in G if and only if their corresponding chords intersect each other exactly once. Circular permutation graphs are a generalization of permutation graphs. Rotem and Urrutia introduced and characterized this class of graphs and their characterization yields an O(n 2.376 ) algorithm for recognizing circular permutation graphs. Gardner gave an O(n 2 ) recognition algorithm. We provide an alternate characterization and show that an O(m + n) recognition algorithm can be derived from the new characterization. Our algorithm also constructs the intersection model when the input graph is a circular permutation graph (CPG).
Interventional cardiology: delivered with a fork.

e O o s m b p c c r nterventional cardiology is generally regarded as life-saving treatment involving coronary angioplasty and stents. These high-technology theraies are typically perceived as the most otent treatments available to fight heart isease. This article is intended to demontrate that the power of these highly rearded interventional cardiology procedures ales in comparison to a far cheaper, more ffective (and tastier) approach using simle dietary interventions. The role of the editerranean-style diet will be highighted. Angioplasty and stent procedures are ramatic treatments commonly believed o be life saving. But, just how powerful re these interventions? It may come as a urprise to many that, outside the setting f an acute myocardial infarction or unstale angina, there is absolutely no data to how that these procedures prevent heart ttacks or save lives. Apart from use in hese settings, interventional procedures an more correctly be considered palliaive—useful for symptom control of adanced disease. Obviously, the optimal oal is to prevent disease from ever proressing to this point. When it comes to prevention, a great eal of attention is focused on cholesterol nd treatment with statins. Clearly, statin herapy, when used in high-risk individuls, has been proven to reduce the risk of eart disease and save lives. These benefits ave been demonstrated in multiple studes involving tens of thousands of patients. owever, statin therapy is expensive and as been shown to reduce the risk of cornary events by no more than 30% to 0%, leaving considerable risk still on the able. Although mechanical procedures and tatins play important roles, are there any ther potentially more potent intervenions available to prevent heart disease? he answer is, resoundingly, yes! Another pproach has proven to prevent more han twice as many coronary events as hown in the best statin trials. This stratt
A Study of the Hazards of Impulse Currents [includes discussion]

Correlation of research from scientific laboratories in Europe and America, together with accident records obtained from several nations, permits tentative criteria for the hazard from short shocks and impulse discharges. The hazard from short shocks, those obtainable from both power frequency circuits and apparatus capable of producing impulses, is believed primarily to exist because of the energy contained in the discharge; the crest of the initial current, quantity in the pulse, and shock duration being related quantities of secondary importance. Formulas for reducing the electric shock hazard to the proposed criteria for safety are derived for both surge discharges and impulses of an oscillatory nature. Applications of the formulas are illustrated with examples. It is anticipated that this study may be of value in establishing the hazard from industrial equipment capable of producing impulses, or in reducing the hazard; in evaluating the effectiveness of lightning grounds; and in other similar applications.
The enzymic formation of O-acetylhomoserine in Bacillus subtilis and its regulation by methionine and S-adenosylmethione

Abstract Cell-free extracts of Bacillus subtilis catalyze the formation of O-acetylhomoserine from acetyl-CoA and L-homoserine, while a corresponding reaction with succinyl-CoA is not observed. The formation of O-acetylhomoserine is subject to multivalent feedback inhibition by L-methionine and S-adenosylmethionine, implicating it as a step in methionine biosynthesis. Thus, in Bacilli the biosynthesis of both lysine and methionine appears to involve acetylated intermediates, in contrast to Escherichia coli where the corresponding succinylated derivatives are used.