cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooperative spectrum sensing with Slepian-Wolf coded cooperations

A new Slepian-Wolf coded cooperation scheme is proposed for a cognitive radio network with two secondary users (SUs) performing cooperative spectrum sensing through a fusion center (FC). The SUs sense the spectrum by measuring the energy statistics of the received signals. The measured energy statistics are quantized with a Lloyd-Max quantizer at the SUs and forwarded to the FC, which then performs soft combining over the quantized information. This is different from most previous works that forward hard decisions based on local sensing results at the SUs. Due to the wireless nature of the channel, signals transmitted by one SU to the FC will also be observed by the other SU, which can cooperate with the transmitting SU by relaying the observed signals to the FC. In recognition of the strong correlation between the signals observed at the FC and the relay SU, a new asymmetric Slepian-Wolf code is employed at the relay SU to reduce the amount of cooperation information, thus to improve the cooperation efficiency. In addition, we propose to unequally allocate energy among the coded bits to compensate the energy loss due to the redundancy introduced by the coded cooperation, and this yields better performance compared to conventional equal energy coding schemes. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed cooperative spectrum sensing scheme operating in practical fading channels can achieve a performance that is almost identical to the ideal case with soft combining performed over unquantized energy statistics transmitted through distortion-free channels.
Late complications involving the ascending aorta after cardiac surgery: Recognition and management

Pseudoaneurysms and dissecting aneurysms of the ascending aorta after cardiac surgery are uncommon but important complications. Pseudoaneurysms, which result from extravasation of blood into the mediastinum, most commonly occur at the site of aortotomy or aortic cannulation. Infection may play an important role. Dissecting aneurysms after cardiac surgery usually occur at the site of aortic incision or cross clamping, especially in atherosclerotic aortas. Both conditions may be clinically silent but more frequently are seen with significant symptoms. Noninvasive techniques including CT scan, MRI, and echocardiography are very useful in the diagnosis of both complications, with contrast aortography remaining the definitive method. Surgical repair is necessary for dissecting aneurysms and for enlarging and symptomatic pseudoaneurysms, with improving morbidity and mortality.
An approach to heterobifunctional poly(ethyleneglycol) bioconjugates

A family of differentially substituted poly(ethyleneglycol) building blocks has been assembled from commercially available material. Their utility is demonstrated by formation of amino acid conjugates, image contrast agents, gold nanoparticles, and functional antibody conjugates. Application in the cellular trafficking of antitumoral agent conjugates is expected.
Theory of surface atom mean square displacements in chromium

Abstract The temperature dependence of the mean square displacements for atoms on the (100) and (110) surfaces of chromium has been studied theoretically using the harmonic approximation. Calculations were carried out for crystals with periodic boundary conditions in two directions and free boundary conditions in the third direction using a Born-van Karman model with central interactions up to third nearest neighbors and non-central angular stiffness interaction between nearest and next nearest neighbors. The values of the force constants were chosen to give good fits to the elastic constants and to the bulk phonon dispersion curves in the three major directions [100], [110] and [111]. The ratio of the mean-square displacements at a surface to that in the bulk was calculated as a function of temperature for both the (100) and (110) surfaces. The theoretical, results are compared with the available experimental data from low-energy electron diffraction.
Ligand-independent Activation of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) Beta Signaling Pathways by Heteromeric Cytoplasmic Domains of TGF-beta Receptors

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) transduces signals through two related serine/threonine kinase receptors, the type I and type II receptors, which have the ability to interact with each other. In the heteromeric complex, the type II receptor is the primary determinant of ligand binding and phosphorylates the cytoplasmic domain of the type I receptor. Using a chimeric receptor strategy, we and others have shown previously that a functional TGF-β receptor complex requires heteromerization of both extracellular and intracellular domains of type I and type II receptors. In the current study, we show that overexpression of two receptors carrying a heteromeric combination of cytoplasmic domains resulted in ligand-independent responses, further supporting the functional requirement of the two heterologous cytoplasmic domains in TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, coexpression of only the cytoplasmic domains of both the type I and II receptors or tethering the type II to the type I cytoplasmic domain activated TGF-β responses in a ligand-independent manner. In cotransfected COS-1 cells, both cytoplasmic domains are associated with each other. Our results indicate that the cytoplasmic domains of the type I and type II TGF-β receptors physically and functionally interact with each other in the heteromeric complex.
Asian ethnicity as a predictor of response in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with gefitinib on an expanded access program.

Abstract Background The primary objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the potential role of East Asian ethnicity or origin in predicting response to gefitinib in advanced-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods A chart review was done of all patients treated with gefitinib at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on the Expanded Access Program. Results There were 223 patients with advanced-stage NSCLC who were enrolled. Of these, 182 received ≥ 1 dose, and 160 were evaluable for response. The partial response rate was 8.8%, and the stable disease rate was 26.3%. Median time to progression was 2.5 months, and median survival was 6.8 months. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 35.3% and 12.4%, respectively. Partial responses were seen in 7 of 12 patients (58.3%) of East Asian origin compared with 7 of 131 patients who were white (5.3%). This difference was statistically significant when controlling for histology, smoking status, hemoglobin, and diarrhea. Never smoking and diarrhea were also independent predictors of response. Conclusion For the first time, in a multivariate analysis, we observed a positive relationship between East Asian origin and response to gefitinib. These findings might help determine which patients will likely benefit from gefitinib.
Evidence for a novel mechanism of microbial cellulose degradation

There are two well studied mechanisms that are used by cellulolytic microorganisms to degrade the cellulose present in plant cell walls and a third less well studied oxidative mechanism used by brown rot fungi. The well studied mechanisms use cellulases to hydrolyze the β-1,4 linkages present in cellulose, however the way in which cellulases are presented to the environment are quite different for each mechanism. Most aerobic microorganisms secrete a set of cellulases outside the cell (free cellulase mechanism) while most anaerobic microorganisms produce large multi enzyme complexes on their outer surface (cellulosomal mechanism). Their genomic sequences suggest that the aerobic bacterium, Cytophaga hutchinsonii and the anaerobic bacterium, Fibrobacter succinogenes, do not use either of these mechanisms for degrading cellulose, as these organisms only code for normal endocellulases not for processive cellulases like exocellulases and processive endocellulases which are used in both of the well studied mechanisms.
Maternally transmitted factors modify development and malignancy of teratomas in mice.

Maternal effects on the genome of the developing embryo have been well documented for amphibians1,2. The existence of a similar maternal effect transmitted by the cytoplasm of the mammalian ovum has also been postulated3 but the evidence for this remains controversial and only one system, which demonstrates these maternal effects on development in the mouse, has been reported4,5. Mouse embryos (7-day-old) transplanted under the kidney capsule of adult isogeneic recipients give rise to either benign or malignant teratocarcinomas6, the yield of malignant tumours being high in some inbred strains but low in others7. In teratocarcinoma(TC)-permissive strains, such as C3H/He (C3H), or BALB/c, 50–70% of all embryo-derived tumours are malignant7, compared with only 10% in TC non-permissive strains, such as C57BL/6. This genetic non-permissiveness is not absolute and we have shown that the outcome of embryonic transplantations depends on both the embryo and the adult recipient of the graft6. We now present evidence that in reciprocal F1 hybrids, TC permissiveness is determined by maternally transmitted factors. As these matroclinous differences were evident during early stages of embryonic development when the embryo had only briefly been in contact with the uterus, we believe that the differences are due to cytoplasmic factors transmitted in the ovum rather than metabolic maternal uterine effects.
Short-range ordering and freezing in a randomly mixed ferroelectric-antiferroelectric crystal

X-ray measurements on single-crystals of Rb_(1−x)(NH_4)_xH_2PO_4 trace the development of a glasslike state. The absence of macroscopic crystal-symmetry change during freezing is confirmed, while diffuse scattering reveals the growth of very-short-range order. The latter coincides with a compressibility anomaly seen in Brillouin scattering and with dielectric effects suggesting freezing. The system is in many ways analogous to spin-glasses.
Hybrid parametric case-based approach to object recognition using Bayes decision theory

We consider the problem of recognition of rigid, manufactured objects, each from a predefined set of possible object classes, from their images. We describe a parametric statistical approach to this problem that is a hybrid between statistical modeling using Bayes decision theory with a generative model of images and a case-based approach. Our method is a variant of the Gibbs sampling method, commonly used to compute posterior probabilities in complex statistical models, but unlike standard Gibbs sampling methods, our method is based directly on analysis of a library of previously analyzed images. We also propose a simple gradient descent method to optimize the parameters of the models to maximize effective object recognition.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
S-wave π-production in nucleon-nucleon collisions: Finite-mass corrections

Abstract The finite-mass corrections to previously obtained zero-mass, threshold, π-production cross-sections in NN -collisions are presented. The corrections in question amount to about 8% for the unbound production process (e.g., p + p → π + + n + p ) in I = 1 states, which is all that is discussed. The technique employed is a combination of the use of spurions and the Fubini-Furlan mass-dispersion method.
Cerebrospinal fluid fistula after transtemporal skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to outline our methods for the prevention and management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after transtemporal skull base surgery.METHODS: A total of 589 patients underwent a variety of transtemporal surgical approaches for the extirpation of skull base tumors at our institution from July 1988 to October 1999. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify the tumor histology, size, and location as well as the surgical approach, defect reconstruction technique, and the incidence of postoperative CSF leak.RESULTS: The risk of CSF fistulae was greatest in utilizing the restrosigmoid approach (8%) and least in those who underwent a translabyrinthine approach (4%). Tumor size had no bearing on the incidence of the CSF leak and the overall incidence of meningitis was 1.0%.CONCLUSION: The proper surgical technique will minimize the risk of CSF leak after transtemporal skull base surgery. Immediate management of CSF fistulae helped prevent meningitis in t...
Appearance of immune complex glomerulonephritis following the onset of type I diabetes mellitus in a child

Renal disease is a frequent late complication of type I diabetes mellitus, occurring almost entirely in adult patients. Typical diabetic nephropathy is characterized by proteinuria, and by the histological lesions of mesangial expansion and basement membrane thickening. We report an interesting case of a 3-year-old boy who developed immune complex glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome 2 months after the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Identification of nitrogenous organic species in Titan aerosols analogs: Implication for prebiotic chemistry on Titan and early Earth

Abstract Titan has a significant atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen and methane with a significant organic haze component. Its nitrogen-rich atmosphere, abundant organics, and liquid surface make this moon of interest as a prebiotic laboratory at the planetary scale and one of the best targets for studying prebiotic planetary organic chemistry. In our previous work, we have investigated the chemical composition of Titan aerosol analogs (tholins) and identified a variety of nitrogenous organic molecules. Here we continue our structural investigation and identify four important prebiotic molecules in Titan tholins using NMR, GC–MS and standard sample comparison, including aminoacetonitrile, succinonitrile, acetoguanamine and adenine. On the basis of their structural characteristics, we suggest their formation pathways via simple precursors including methanimine (CH 2 NH), HCN, NH 3 , CH 3 CN and C 2 H 2 in laboratory N 2 CH 4 plasma or potentially in Titan’s atmosphere. Among these molecules, aminoacetonitrile is a potential precursor of amino acids and peptides, while adenine is a necessary ingredient for DNA and RNA. The identification of these molecules in Titan’s organic aerosol analogs increases our knowledge of Titan’s organic chemistry and its prebiotic implications.
Constructing Simple Wetland Sampling Devices

Wetland soils and sediments are commonly monitored for nutrient or contaminant cycling. Oftentimes, sample collection and subsequent transport to the laboratory proves to be difficult. We detail the construction and use of three inexpensive devices for sampling and transporting sediment and solution in wetlands: dialysis cells (peepers) for solution measurements, a piston coring device for sediment sampling, and a portable vacuum-chamber sample transporter. Peepers were fabricated using either 5- or 20-mL filter tubes placed at 2- or 5-cm intervals into slotted polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes. On the basis of a laboratory investigation, trace elements reached a steady state in our peepers within 10 d. The piston coring device was constructed from 1.9-cm diam. PVC tubing and was used to remove intact sediment ( 20-cm) cores. The transporter was constructed from 25-cm diam. PVC pipe and was designed to carry field-collected materials back to the laboratory while minimizing sample alteration caused by exposure to O 2 . Our results indicate that four purges at 0.05 MPa, followed by filling with N resulted in negligible O 2 levels in this transporter.
Arnold diffusion, ergodicity and intermittency in a coupled standard mapping

Abstract Numerical studies are performed on a model for high dimensional hamiltonian systems to investigate the Arnold diffusion. We present estimates of the diffusion rate as a function of coupling, the structure of a stochastic layer, calculations of Lyapunov exponents, and some characteristics aspects of a stochastic orbit.
Rotating and Semi-Stationary Multi-Beamline Architecture Study for Cardiac CT Imaging *

Over the past decade, there has been abundant research on future cardiac CT architectures and corresponding reconstruction algorithms. Multiple cardiac CT concepts have been published, including third-generation single-source CT with wide-cone coverage, dual-source CT, and electron-beam CT, etc. In this paper, we apply a Radon space analysis method to two multi-beamline architectures: triple-source CT and semi-stationary ring-source CT. In our studies, we have considered more than thirty cardiac CT architectures and triple-source CT was identified as a promising solution, offering approximately a three-fold advantage in temporal resolution, which can significantly reduce motion artifacts due to the moving heart and lungs. In this work, we describe a triple-source CT architecture with all three beamlines (i.e. source-detector pairs) limited to the cardiac field of view in order to eliminate the radiation dose outside the cardiac region. We also demonstrate the capability of performing full field of view imaging when desired, by shifting the detectors. Ring-source dual-rotating-detector CT is another architecture of interest, which offers the opportunity to provide high temporal resolution using a full-ring stationary source. With this semi-stationary architecture, we found that the azimuthal blur effect can be greater than in a fully-rotating CT system. We therefore propose novel scanning modes to reduce the azimuthal blur in ring-source rotating detector CT. Radon space analysis method proves to be a useful method in CT system architecture study.
Point of care testing in a large urban academic medical center: Evolving test menu and clinical applications

Abstract Introduction There have been many reports describing individual POCT technologies but there are no recent studies describing the organizational scope and impact of a POCT program. Methods Our menu of POCT tests has increased to 26 and the test volume to 664,287 tests/year equivalent to 14.5% of the volume of the central core laboratory. POCT is performed in nearly all inpatient units and in a variety of outpatient settings. Results Cumulatively 84.6% of the test volume and most testing sites can be accounted for by 4 traditional tests (bedside glucose testing, fecal occult blood, dipstick urinalysis and activated clotting time). Most POCT tests are not performed because of a true medical necessity but rather to improve the efficiency of clinical operations. Conclusion We are experiencing a significant increase in requests for new POCT tests. Unlike established high volume conventional POC tests, these new requests originate from specialized services seeking to improve the efficiency of clinical operations.
Research Notes. Getting More Than You Pay For: Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Pay-For-Performance Plans

Economic control frameworks such as agency theory start with the assumption that employee and employer interests naturally diverge, whereas alternative control frameworks imply that employee and employer interests are often aligned. Integrating these literatures, we hypothesized that value alignment moderates the impact of pay for performance on extrarole behaviors. Our study of employees in the utility industry supported this hypothesis. Pay for performance had a negative impact on extrarole behaviors for employees low in value alignment but not for employees high in value alignment.
Properties of triglyceride-rich and cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in the remnant-like particle fraction of human blood plasma

An immunoassay procedure that quantifies remnant-like particle (RLP) cholesterol in human blood plasma has shown considerable promise as a clinically applicable risk marker for atherosclerotic disease. The lipoproteins included in this assay include not only certain TG-rich lipoproteins [all particles containing apolipoprotein B-48 (apoB-48) and a fraction of those containing apoB-100] but also a very small proportion of plasma cholesterol-rich lipoproteins. The TG-rich lipoprotein component of RLP has been partially characterized, but relatively little is known about the component cholesterol-rich lipoproteins. We have further characterized the properties of the TG-rich component that is included in RLP in which about 25% of the particles contain apoB-48 and the remainder apoB-100. We show that the cholesterol-rich component is comprised mainly of beta-migrating LDLs that contain predominantly apoB-100. ApoE found in the LDL fraction of RLP resides on pre-beta lipoproteins that lack apoA-I as well as apoB. The TG-rich component of RLP is responsible for increased RLP-cholesterol concentrations associated with hypertriglyceridemia. By contrast, the cholesterol-rich component is a major contributor to plasma RLP-cholesterol in individuals with low plasma TG. Our results suggest that particle heterogeneity in the RLP fraction is likely to affect the ability of RLP-cholesterol concentration to predict atherosclerotic risk. RLP-cholesterol concentrations in individuals with low plasma TG may not have the same clinical significance as they do in those with hypertriglyceridemia.
Comprehensive genetic analysis of the platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PLA2G7) gene and cardiovascular disease in case–control and family datasets

Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PLA2G7) is a potent pro- and anti-inflammatory molecule that has been implicated in multiple inflammatory disease processes, including cardiovascular disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the genetic effects of PLA2G7 on coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in two large, independent datasets with CAD. Using a haplotype tagging (ht) approach, 19 ht single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in CATHGEN case-control samples (cases = 806 and controls = 267) and in the GENECARD Family Study (n = 1101 families, 2954 individuals). Single SNP analysis using logistic regression revealed nine SNPs with significant association in all CATHGEN subjects (P = 0.0004-0.02). CATHGEN cases were further stratified into subgroups based on age of CAD onset (AOO) and severity of disease; 599 young affecteds (YA, AOO 56). Significant genetic effects were observed in both OA and YA (P = 0.0001-0.02). The GENECARD probands demonstrated results similar to those seen in the YA CATHGEN cases (P = 0.002-0.05). Of the 19 SNPs genotyped, 3 SNPs result in non-synonymous coding changes (I198T, A379V and R92H). Two of the coding SNPs, R92H and A379V, constitute two of the most significantly associated SNPs, even after Bonferroni correction and appear to represent independent associations (r 2 = 0.09). Multiple additional polymorphisms in low linkage disequilibrium with these coding SNPs were also strongly associated. In summary, PLA2G7 represents an important, potentially functional candidate in the pathophysiology of CAD based on replicated associations using two independent datasets and multiple statistical approaches. Further functional studies involving a combination of risk alleles are warranted.
The influence of oxygen-17 enriched oxygen-donor ligands on the electronic spin relaxation behaviour of paramagnetic metal ions

Continuous wave microwave power saturation of high-spin paramagnetic metalloprotein complexes of Co2+ and Fe3+ showed that the value of the saturation parameter P 1/2 is influenced by the coordination of oxygen-17 enriched water to the metal ion. No change was observed for H2 18O or 2H2O. Pulse saturation and recovery of paramagnetic high-spin Fe3+ heme proteins identified a fast relaxation component sensitive to isotopic oxygen-17 composition that was assigned to the process of spectral diffusion. It is shown that the change in relaxation time for spectral diffusion can alter the (apparent) spin-lattice relaxation to account for the observed changes in continuous wave microwave power saturation experiments. These changes are shown to correlate with alterations in the extent of covalency between the metal ion and oxygen-donor ligand. The experimental results provide a basis for use of continuous wave microwave saturation to identify the presence of oxygen-donor ligands within the inner coordination shell ...
Inducible amp C β-lactamase producing gram-negative bacilli from blood stream infections: Frequency, antimicrobial susceptibility, and molecular epidemiology in a national surveillance program (SCOPE)

A surveillance study of nosocomial blood stream infections [Surveillance and Control of Pathogens of Epidemiologic Importance (SCOPE)] was conducted during a 14-month period in 1995 to 1996 in approximately 50 American medical centers. Among the 4725 blood stream infections, the etiologic agent was Enterobacter spp. in 230, Citrobacter freundii in 24, and Serratia marcescens in 65. The vast majority of these isolates (89%) had been sent to the University of Iowa including 198 Enterobacter spp. (46 Enterobacter aerogenes, 141 Enterobacter cloacae, 11 other Enterobacter spp.), 23 C. freundii, and 62 S. marcescens. Because these species are capable of producing Amp C beta-lactamase, we examined their susceptibility to 12 broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. The frequency of resistance to ceftazidime and the molecular epidemiology of ceftazidime-resistant strains was also examined. Among the Enterobacter spp. and C. freundii isolates, resistance to third generation cephalosporins (ceftazidime, ceftriaxone) and broad-spectrum semisynthetic penicillins (piperacillin), with or without an enzyme inhibitor (piperacillin/tazobactam), was high, e.g., 35 to 50%. The S. marcescens isolates were quite susceptible to all agents tested. Both imipenem and cefepime were active against virtually all isolates tested including 84 stably derepressed Amp C-producing ceftazidime-resistant strains of Enterobacter spp. and C. freundii. The overall rank order of activity for the six best agents against these Amp C-producing strains was: imipenem (100% susceptible) > amikacin = cefepime (98.6%) > ciprofloxacin = gentamicin = ofloxacin (93.6 to 94.0%). Molecular typing studies of ceftazidime-resistant E. cloacae using an automated ribotyping system, as well as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, indicated that although clonal spread of a single strain occurred in some of the medical centers, most of the episodes of bacteremia were caused by patient-unique strains. Control of these resistant organisms will require attention to microbiologic recognition of phenotypes, to infection control practices, and to limiting the overuse of certain extended spectrum beta-lactams.
Effect of lifetime alcohol consumption on the histological severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background & Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined based on recent alcohol consumption; however, remote or lifetime alcohol consumption is not taken into account. It is not known whether lifetime alcohol consumption contributes to the severity of disease in patients with NAFLD. To determine the effect of lifetime alcohol consumption on the histological severity in patients with NAFLD. Patients & Methods Adults >18 years of age with presumed NAFLD and alcohol consumption <40 g/week were enrolled. Lifetime alcohol consumption was determined using a questionnaire. Patients with a history of long-term alcohol abuse or dependence were excluded. A liver biopsy was reviewed by a single pathologist in a blinded fashion. Demographic, clinical and histological findings were compared in those who had regular alcohol consumption and those who did not. Results A total of 77 patients had fatty liver on biopsy. Fifty-two patients had a history of regular alcohol consumption. The median lifetime cumulative alcohol intake was 24 gram-years. On multivariable analysis, increasing age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14) was associated with severe liver disease, whereas alcohol consumption of ≥24 gram-years was associated with less severe disease (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07–0.97, P = 0.04). Patients who continued to consume alcohol or had been abstinent for ≤1 year had less severe disease. Conclusion Some degree of regular alcohol consumption over the course of a lifetime compared to minimal intake appears to have a protective effect on the histological severity of liver disease among patients with strictly defined NAFLD.
Fracture through a congenital carpal coalition

Carpal coalition, sometimes referred to as carpal fusion, is a rare entity that occurs as an isolated defect or in conjunction with other congenital abnormalities. Multiple carpal coalitions and coalitions to the radius or ulna are rare without other anomalies. The most common coalition is the lunotriquetral, followed in incidence by capitohamate coalitions, with the others being much more uncommon. The incidence of the most common coalition is about 0.1% in white Americans, but is as high as 9.5% in Nigerian Hausa women.‘.’ Carpal coalitions are usually asymptomatic. There are no functional motion deficits with a coalition. Range of motion, as measured by Dean and Jones,3 showed an increase in radial deviation in children with carpal coalitions. Recently, there have been reports of symptomatic pisiform-hamate coalitions, as well as symptomatic, incomplete coalitions. Fractures of carpal coalitions are exceedingly rare, having only been reported in patients with lunotriquetral coalitions.2.4.5 Gross et a1.,6 in 1989, refuted the existence of fractures in Cockshott’s’ atraumatic patients in his 1963 study, suggesting that they were actually incomplete coalitions. There are no reports of fractures through other types of carpal coalitions. This study reports a case of a fracture through a trapezoid-capitate congenital coalition, and the successful treatment with a thumb spica cast.
Mid-infrared semiconductor lasers with GaInSb/InAs type-II superlattices

We demonstrate midwave infrared (MID-IR) diode lasers that span most of the 3 - 4 micrometers range. Laser active regions are multiple quantum well (MQW) structures with GaInSb/InAs, type-II, broken gap superlattices for the wells and GaInAsSb for the barriers. The superlattice constituents and dimensions were tailored to reduce losses from auger recombination. AlSb/InAs superlattices are used for both n-type and p-type laser cladding regions.
Draft Genome Sequences of Paenibacillus alvei A6-6i and TS-15.

ABSTRACT Here, we report draft genomes of Paenibacillus alvei strains A6-6i and TS-15, which were isolated, respectively, from plant material and soil in the Virginia Eastern Shore (VES) tomato growing area. An array of genes related to antimicrobial biosynthetic pathways have been identified with whole-genome analyses of these strains.
Evaluation of chopped switchgrass and chopped bermudagrass as litter materials over multiple heavy broiler flocks1

Abstract Chopped switchgrass (SG) and chopped bermudagrass (BG) were evaluated as alternatives to pine shavings (PS) for broiler litter over 3 flocks. Twenty-four pens were filled with the 3 litter types. Live performance parameters included mortality, BW, BW gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion. Mortality was not different for litter type or flock. All other live variables were different (P
Monolithic supply modulated RF power amplifier and DC-DC power converter IC

Mobile communication systems require highly efficient, linear, and integrated power amplifiers. This paper reports the results of a monolithic envelope following system implemented in a 0.18 /spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS process technology. The monolithic envelope following system consists of a synchronous buck DC-DC converter, which is integrated with and provides the power supply for a 900 MHz power amplifier while tracking the envelope of the RF input signal.
Toxicity of an overproduced foreign gene product in Escherichia coli and its use in plasmid vectors for the selection of transcription terminators.

Abstract A rat insulin gene which was fused to Escherichia coli signals for the initiation of translation could not be retained when expressed from the strong rrnB ribosomal RNA promoters or an induced trp/lac (= tac) hybrid promoter. When the latter promoter was repressed by transformation into a lac-repressor-overproducing strain, the insulin gene fragment could be retained. Upon induction of the promoter with isopropyl-β-D-galactosidase the growth rate of the cells was reduced, and in most cases the cells subsequently lysed. Deletion of the translational initiation signals, changing the reading frame, or insertion of an efficient transcription terminator between the promoter and the rat insulin gene each permitted retention of the fragment. The first two observations indicate that overproduction of the specific polypeptide, and not of the RNA, is detrimental to the cell. The third finding has been exploited for the testing and selection of transcription terminators. The rpoC terminator, which is located distal to the rpIJL/rpoBC operon, has been shown to terminate transcripts from the rmB promoters. It was also shown that the putative rmB terminators, T1 and T1, each function separately in vivo.
Comparison of thermal features associated with 2 phacoemulsification machines.

Purpose To determine the thermal characteristics of the Legacy Advantec and Sovereign WhiteStar phacoemulsification machines during different clinically relevant scenarios. Setting In vitro study. Methods In water, temperature was recorded continuously on the sleeve in an artificial chamber, and the increase in temperature over baseline after 60 seconds of ultrasound was determined. This was done for continuous ultrasound, 50 ms on and 50 ms off (pulse), 6 ms on and 12 ms off (WhiteStar; Sovereign only) with aspiration blocked and not blocked, and with 100 g and 200 g weights suspended from the sleeve. Results Comparing temperature increase per 20% machine power increments, Sovereign ran hotter than Legacy Advantec for continuous ultrasound (2.31×) and pulse (2.23×). Blocking aspiration increased temperature over the unblocked state. Pulsing decreased temperature by 51% (Legacy Advantec, pulse), 52% (Sovereign, pulse), and 64% (WhiteStar). Weights had much more effect on the Legacy Advantec: 3.5 times more going from baseline to 100 g weights and 3.2 times more going from 100 to 200 g weights. For all these comparisons, the P value was less than 0.0001. Conclusions The machines behaved fundamentally differently, with the Legacy Advantec controlling stroke length and Sovereign controlling a fixed power at any setting. Therefore, workload had a much bigger impact on Legacy Advantec thermal characteristics. Pulsing decreased heat produced directly related to the duty cycle. The most dangerous incision burn scenario is with continuous ultrasound, aspiration blocked, and a heavy workload.
Adaptive suppression of narrowband digital interferers from spread spectrum signals

Code-division multiple-access (CDMA) implemented with direct-sequence spread-spectrum signaling is among the most promising multiplexing technologies for cellular telecommunications services. We consider the application of the minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE) multiuser detection technique to the problem of suppressing the digital narrowband interference (NBI) from spread spectrum signals. The MMSE multiuser detector can be implemented using a blind adaptive method, which is ideally suited for use in the NBI suppression framework. This application requires the treatment of a single narrowband digital signal as a group of related, virtual spread-spectrum signals with very simple spreading codes. This model gives a special structure to the matrices appearing in the optimization problem implied by the MMSE criterion, and this structure is exploited to develop and analyze a practical adaptive algorithm. The major contribution of this paper beyond the previous work in the field of NBI suppression is the development of this adaptive algorithm that can exploit the advantages of multiuser detection in suppressing narrowband digital interference from spread-spectrum networks.
Statistical location detection with sensor networks

The paper develops a systematic framework for designing a stochastic location detection system with associated performance guarantees using a wireless sensor network. To detect the location of a mobile sensor, the system relies on RF-characteristics of the signal transmitted by the mobile sensor, as it is received by stationary sensors (clusterheads). Location detection is posed as a hypothesis testing problem over a discretized space. Large deviations results enable the characterization of the probability of error leading to a placement problem that maximizes an information-theoretic distance (Chernoff distance) among all pairs of probability distributions of observations conditional on the sensor locations. The placement problem is shown to be NP-hard and is formulated as a linear integer programming problem; yet, large instances can be solved efficiently by leveraging special-purpose algorithms from the theory of discrete facility location. The resultant optimal placement is shown to provide asymptotic guarantees on the probability of error in location detection under quite general conditions by minimizing an upper bound of the error-exponent. Numerical results show that the proposed framework is computationally feasible and the resultant clusterhead placement performs near-optimal even with a small number of observation samples in a simulation environment.
A fast numerical method for evaluation of Calderón commutators

We describe a methodology for fast evaluation of multilinear operators that are generated by a rapidly computable nonlinear operator. We illustrate this idea by developing a simple numerical algorithm for the fast evaluation of Calderon commutators of all orders, C n f(x) = p.v. ∫ -∞ ∞ (A(x) - A(y))n/(x-y)n+1 f(y)dy, n = 1,2,.... The method is based on a representation of the commutators as derivatives of a one parameter family of real-valued versions of Cauchy integrals. We include numerical experiments for the first two commutators. Additionally, we consider the Dirichlet problem for the Laplacian in the unbounded region above the graph of a function. We demonstrate that Calderon commutators appear as building blocks of the functional coefficients of a perturbative solution for this problem.
Higher Education Economic Impact Studies: Accurate Measures Of Economic Impact?

Many public institutions of higher education conduct/contract economic impact studies regularly. The accuracy of the economic impact is frequently suspect, since institutions frequently use economic impact as a means to demonstrate their contribution to the local economy in order to justify and increase tax dollars received. Economic impact studies are also used as marketing tools promoting the value of the service being provided to the local community. Hence, the question arises, is it possible for higher education economic impact studies to accurately reflect the dollar value contributed to the economy? Or particularly in the era of tightening budgets due to shrinking state tax revenue, will these types of studies be overstated in order to justify tax dollars received? As Beck and Elliot (1995) have stated, a major criticism of in-house studies is the overstatement of the dollar impact by the institution. Consequently, the strength and credibility of the study may lie in the methodology used to conduct impact studies. With sound methodology, the results may become less suspect. However, there are a variety of differing methodologies used, from the very complicated involving input-output analysis and econometric modeling to the streamlined which involve calculating expenditures and the use of economic multipliers. This paper discusses methodology issues surrounding economic impact studies in higher education. The issues of the long-run versus short-run approach, geographic versus service area, calculation of expenditures, choice of economic multipliers and the labor multiplier, etc., will be discussed. The impact study conducted by the author will be used as a case study to demonstrate methodology used in a recent economic impact study and to discuss the importance of methodology in the area of college/university impact studies.
The Chinese Judiciary under the Japanese Occupation: Criminal and Civil Justice in Jiangsu, 1938–45

AbstractSitting at the intersection of Chinese legal-judicial history and the history of wartime occupation and collaboration, this study examines how Chinese judiciary functioned in Jiangsu under the Japanese occupation during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It finds that judicial institutions and procedures established prior to 1937 were carried forward, and the judicial system operated, and Chinese legal culture manifested itself, in a fashion similar to those in the prewar period. It argues that Chinese life under the occupation had multiple dimensions, and multiple shades in each dimension, including but not limited to: tremendous sufferings from the war destruction and the Japanese atrocities; actions of resistance and collaboration; and a majority of the population trying to survive and go about their lives as normally as possible. In the end, the continuity in the judicial field resulted from the interactive dynamics of the long-term effect of the judicial reform and the near-term impact of the Japa...
Thermostatics in Financial Economics

At a recent MaxEnt conference, the Bayesian econometrician Arnold Zellner noted that “much more empirical and theoretical work needs to be done to get a ‘maximum entropy, thermodynamic model’ that performs well in explaining and predicting the behavior of economic systems”. This paper reports modest progress toward such a model in financial economics. Arbitrage-free financial models imply the existence of risk-neutral probability measures, which are used in the prediction of asset prices. This paper uses MaxEnt to select a risk-neutral probability measure, and develops a few applications of it. In this way, the connection between Jaynes’ formulation of statistical mechanics and important problems in financial economics are made clear.
Abstract 3563: Ischemic Stroke with Early AM Onset is More Severe but Less Frequent

Background: Diurnal fluctuations in clotting factors, occurrence of thrombosis, and stroke have been reported. We sought to evaluate the distribution of stroke occurrence and differences in stroke characteristics and outcomes in a biracial population. Methods: Patients presenting to our center with acute ischemic stroke of known symptom onset were identified by retrospective chart review. Patients were grouped into one of four onset periods: 00:01-06:00, 06:01-12:00, 12:01-18:00, and 18:01-00:00. We compared demographics, baseline stroke severity, blood pressure and glucose levels, IV tPA treatment rates, stroke etiology, complications, and early clinical outcomes. Results: The 244 patients with a known time of onset were included in analyses; the distribution of stroke onset and comparison of other collected variables are demonstrated in the figure and table, respectively. Stroke onset 00:01-06:00 was less frequent, but associated with significantly higher median NIHSS score (p=0.005). Patients with stroke onset 00:01-06:00 were more often African-American, had atherothrombotic mechanisms (large artery or small artery infarctions), received IV tPA, and had reduced frequency of good mRS, though statistical significance was not achieved. Time interval of stroke onset was not an independent predictor of death, good outcome (mRS 0-2), or favorable discharge disposition (home or inpatient rehabilitation). Discussion: The most severe ischemic strokes occurred in early AM hours, but were less common than stroke onset during other time intervals. A larger sample is required to determine why ischemic stroke is more severe with early AM onset, if blacks are more susceptible to early AM stroke, and if early AM stroke is less responsive to tPA.
Comparison of ablation defect on MR imaging with computer simulation estimated treatment zone following irreversible electroporation of patient prostate.

To determine whether patient specific numerical simulations of irreversible electroporation (IRE) of the prostate correlates with the treatment effect seen on follow-up MR imaging. Computer models were created using intra-operative US images, post-treatment follow-up MR images and clinical data from six patients receiving IRE. Isoelectric contours drawn using simulation results were compared with MR imaging to estimate the energy threshold separating treated and untreated tissue. Simulation estimates of injury to the neurovascular bundle and rectum were compared with clinical follow-up and patient reported outcomes. At the electric field strength of 700 V/cm, simulation estimated electric field distribution was not different from the ablation defect seen on follow-up MR imaging (p = 0.43). Simulation predicted cross sectional area of treatment (mean 532.33 ± 142.32 mm2) corresponded well with the treatment zone seen on MR imaging (mean 540.16 ± 237.13 mm2). Simulation results did not suggest injury to the rectum or neurovascular bundle, matching clinical follow-up at 3 months. Computer simulation estimated zone of irreversible electroporation in the prostate at 700 V/cm was comparable to measurements made on follow-up MR imaging. Numerical simulation may aid treatment planning for irreversible electroporation of the prostate in patients.
Using semantic similarity in ontology alignment

Many approaches to measure the similarity between concepts that exist in two different ontologies are used in the matchers of ontology alignment systems. These matchers belong to various categories depending on the context of the similarity measurement, such as lexical, structural, or extensional matchers. Although OA systems have used various forms of similarity measures along with some background knowledge sources, not many have incorporated the use of semantic similarity measures. This paper first reviews the use of semantic similarity in current OA systems, presents a unique application of such measures to assess the semantic alignment quality (SAQ) of OA systems and reports on the results of a study done using SAQ measures on the OAEI 2010 results from the anatomy track
A three-dimensional culture system recapitulates placental syncytiotrophoblast development and microbial resistance

In eutherians, the placenta acts as a barrier and conduit at the maternal-fetal interface. Syncytiotrophoblasts, the multinucleated cells that cover the placental villous tree surfaces of the human placenta, are directly bathed in maternal blood and are formed by the fusion of progenitor cytotrophoblasts that underlie them. Despite their crucial role in fetal protection, many of the events that govern trophoblast fusion and protection from microbial infection are unknown. We describe a three-dimensional (3D)–based culture model using human JEG-3 trophoblast cells that develop syncytiotrophoblast phenotypes when cocultured with human microvascular endothelial cells. JEG-3 cells cultured in this system exhibit enhanced fusogenic activity and morphological and secretory activities strikingly similar to those of primary human syncytiotrophoblasts. RNASeq analyses extend the observed functional similarities to the transcriptome, where we observed significant overlap between syncytiotrophoblast-specific genes and 3D JEG-3 cultures. Furthermore, JEG-3 cells cultured in 3D are resistant to infection by viruses and Toxoplasma gondii, which mimics the high resistance of syncytiotrophoblasts to microbial infections in vivo. Given that this system is genetically manipulatable, it provides a new platform to dissect the mechanisms involved in syncytiotrophoblast development and microbial resistance.