cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure Ulcer Treatment Strategies: A Systematic Comparative Effectiveness Review

Background Pressure ulcers affect as many as 3 million Americans and are major sources of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Purpose To summarize evidence comparing the effectiveness and safety of treatment strategies for adults with pressure ulcers. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Health Technology Assessment Database for English- or foreign-language studies; reference lists; gray literature; and individual product packets from manufacturers (January 1985 to October 2012). Study selection Randomized trials and comparative observational studies of treatments for pressure ulcers in adults and noncomparative intervention series (n > 50) for surgical interventions and evaluation of harms. Data extraction Data were extracted and evaluated for accuracy of the extraction, quality of included studies, and strength of evidence. Data synthesis 174 studies met inclusion criteria and 92 evaluated complete wound healing. In comparison with standard care, placebo, or sham interventions, moderate-strength evidence showed that air-fluidized beds (5 studies [n = 908]; high consistency), protein-containing nutritional supplements (12 studies [n = 562]; high consistency), radiant heat dressings (4 studies [n = 160]; moderate consistency), and electrical stimulation (9 studies [n = 397]; moderate consistency) improved healing of pressure ulcers. Low-strength evidence showed that alternating-pressure surfaces, hydrocolloid dressings, platelet-derived growth factor, and light therapy improved healing of pressure ulcers. The evidence about harms was limited. Limitation Applicability of results is limited by study quality, heterogeneity in methods and outcomes, and inadequate duration to assess complete wound healing. Conclusion Moderate-strength evidence shows that healing of pressure ulcers in adults is improved with the use of air-fluidized beds, protein supplementation, radiant heat dressings, and electrical stimulation.
Scoring system to determine need for balloon atrial septostomy for restrictive interatrial communication in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Abstract Background Restrictive interatrial communication (IAC) causes morbidity and mortality in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome awaiting cardiac transplantation. We sought to create a scoring system, based on echocardiographic and clinical findings, to serve as a guide for determining the need for balloon atrial septostomy (BAS). Methods We retrospectively reviewed echocardiograms of 44 infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Infants were studied from the time of admission to the final end-point of transplantation, Norwood procedure, or death. Seventeen infants underwent BAS for clinical indications of oxygen saturation max ), and IAC diameter throughout the clinical course. We assigned higher IAC scores to smaller IAC diameter, greater V max through the IAC, and lower oxygen saturation value. The minimum score was 3, and the maximum score was 9. Results Only 10% of infants with a score p = 0.04). Conclusions The IAC scoring system can serve as a reliable clinical guide for identifying infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who are likely to require BAS for relief of critically restrictive IAC while awaiting cardiac transplantation.
353 STUDIES OF THE QUALITY OF BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS: THE MUSCATINE STUDY

To study blood pressure (BP) changes during maturation in children it was necessary to monitor the performance of those taking BP's. The Muscatine study, using standard mercury manometers, has measured 8910 children. These have been repeated at two year intervals since 1970, and 2652 children have been measured 3 or 4 times. A training and evaluation program has been maintained for 5 observers. Periodic evaluation consisted of (1) simultaneous recording of BP's from movie film or video tapes, (2) repeated blind measurement of a sample of children, (3) remeasuring by the same observer of a random sample from each day's screening, (4) comparing the distributions of BP values obtained for each observer and (5) monitoring digit preference for each observer. Films yielded an optimistic estimate of reproducibility (r=0.99 for systolic BP and r=0.88 for diastolic BP). Repeated blind measurements on a sample of children yielded lower estimates (r=0.80 for SBP and r=0.43 for DBP). Rescreening a random sample from each day yielded the most accurate estimate of reproducibility (r=0.92 for SBP and r=0.83 for DBP). On examining the distribution of BP's taken by each observer, only small biases were noted. While all observers were instructed to measure to the closest 2 mm of Hg, digit preference for zero's and four's was evident. Continued monitoring of observer performance showed highly reproducible and consistent results, thus allowing the study of blood pressures with time.
Outcomes of a 1-day nonmyeloablative salvage regimen for patients with primary graft failure after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Primary graft failure after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is a life-threatening complication. A shortened conditioning regimen may reduce the risk of infection and increase the chance of survival. Here, we report the outcome of 11 patients with hematologic diseases (median age, 44; range, 25-67 years, seven males) who received a 1-day reduced-intensity preparative regimen given as a re-transplantation for primary graft failure. The salvage regimen consisted of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, alemtuzumab and TBI, all administered 1 day before re-transplantation. All patients received T-cell replete PBSCs from the same or a different haploidentical donor (n=10) or from the same matched sibling donor (n=1). Neutrophil counts promptly increased to >500/μL for 10 of the 11 patients at a median of 13 days. Of these, none developed grade III/IV acute GVHD. At present, 8 of the 11 patients are alive with a median follow-up of 11.2 months from re-transplantation and 5 of the 8 are in remission. In conclusion, this series suggests that our 1-day preparative regimen is feasible, leads to successful engraftment in a high proportion of patients, and is appropriate for patients requiring immediate re-transplantation after primary graft failure following reduced-intensity transplantation.
Extensions of algorithmic senstivity calculations nonlinear programming using barrier and penalty functions

We provide a theoretical basis for approximating the sensitivity of a perturbed solution and the local optimalvalue function, using information generated by a sequential unconstrained minimization technique in the normal course of solving a mathematical program. We show that various algorithmic sensitivity results can be obtained without other assumptions than those needed for the corresponding nonalgorithmic results. Our results extend the algorithmic calculation of sensitivity information introduced by Fiacco, utilizing the logarithmic barrier function and quadratic penalty function
Selected papers from the 16th international conference on the history of cartography: Maps, war, and commerce: Business correspondence with the London map Firm of Thomas Jefferys and William Faden

Abstract Eighty‐nine business letters from European map sellers to the London firm of Thomas Jefferys and William Faden are preserved in the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan. Dating from the decade 1773–1783, the letters reveal through the invoices, accounts payable, bills of lading, and orders many detailed aspects of the map trade in the eighteenth century at the time of the War of American Independence. Special attention is drawn to the exchange of maps between England and France during this period of war.
Arrhythmogenic potential of activated fibroblasts

Many cardiovascular disorders including ischemic heart disease and heart failure are associated with extensive fibrosis. A critical event in the development of cardiac fibrosis is the transformation of fibroblasts into an active fibroblast phenotype or myofibroblast. Fibroblasts isolated from healthy hearts and grown under standard tissue culture conditions start expressing the myofibroblast marker α-SMA 24-48 hours after isolation. These cells have been referred to as myofibroblasts. However, there is evidence indicating in vitro phenotypic changes due to culture conditions do not fully replicate the in vivo activation process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of activated fibroblasts to alter conduction velocity (CV) and contribute to an arrhythmogenic substrate. Cardiac fibroblasts isolated from ventricles of healthy (Fb) and infarcted (MI-Fb) hearts 7 days after LAD ligation were plated on top of confluent neonatal rat myocyte monolayers and optically mapped 16-20 hours later. Homocellular myocyte monolayers (Myo) were used as controls. Fb significantly decreased (17.0±0.5 cm/s; p=0.01) and MI-Fb increased (22.0±0.6 cm/s; p=0.02) average CV compared to Myo (19.7±0.7 cm/s). In addition, CV was significantly faster in MI-Fb compared to Fb (p=2.0E-8). Action potential duration (APD50) was significantly reduced in MI-Fb (85.7±3.2 ms) compared to Myo (109.2±4.6 ms; p=2.0E-4) and Fb (97.7±3.7 ms; p=0.02). Proliferation assays confirmed these changes were not due to differences in the rate of cellular division between Fb and MI-Fb. Cx40 and Cx43 mRNA detected by qRT-PCR were significantly upregulated in MI-Fb compared to Fb. Cx45 mRNA levels were not different between the groups. These data demonstrate significant electrophysiological differences between fibroblasts isolated from healthy and infarcted hearts that could contribute to the greater incidence of arrhythmias observed in fibrotic hearts. These findings may lead to the development of new anti-arrhythmic therapeutic approaches targeting the fibroblast activation process.
The unfolded protein response in human corneal endothelial cells following hypothermic storage: implications of a novel stress pathway

Human corneal endothelial cells (HCEC) have become increasingly important for a range of eye disease treatment therapies. Accordingly, a more detailed understanding of the processing and preservation associated stresses experienced by corneal cells might contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes. To this end, the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway was investigated as a potential mediator of corneal cell death in response to hypothermic storage. Once preservation-induced failure had begun in HCECs stored at 4°C, it was noted that necrosis accounted for the majority of cell death but with significant apoptotic involvement, peaking at several hours post-storage (4-8h). Western blot analysis demonstrated changes associated with apoptotic activation (caspase 9, caspase 3, and PARP cleavage). Further, the activation of the UPR pathway was observed through increased and sustained levels of ER folding and chaperone proteins (Bip, PDI, and ERO1-Lα) in samples experiencing significant cell death. Modulation of the UPR pathway using the specific inhibitor, salubrinal, resulted in a 2-fold increase in cell survival in samples experiencing profound cold-induced failure. Furthermore, this increased cell survival was associated with increased membrane integrity, cell attachment, and decreased necrotic cell death populations. Conversely, addition of the UPR inducer, tunicamycin, during cold exposure resulted in a significant decrease in HCEC survival during the recovery period. These data implicate for the first time that this novel cell stress pathway may be activated in HCEC as a result of the complex stresses associated with hypothermic exposure. The data suggest that the targeted control of the UPR pathway during both processing and preservation protocols may improve cell survival and function of HCEC thus improving the clinical utility of these cells as well as whole human corneas.
Robespierre: High priest of the Jacobins

During the turbulence of the French Revolution, a small foppish provincial lawyer arose to preach a rhetoric of virtue designed to legitimize Jacobin rule. Assuming a Christlike ethos, Maximilien Robespierre inspired a cult that met weekly to read his speeches and sing hymns of praise. The Festival of the Supreme Being marked the climax of Robespierre's reign of virtue.
On the ''Exporting'' of Morality: Its Relation to Political Conservatism and Epistemic Motivation

A new phenomenon, moral exporting (ME), is introduced to capture active attempts to promote certain views of morality to others. It was hypothesized that political conservatives would be more likely to exhibit ME, due in part to strong epistemic concerns for certainty that may become attached to the moral domain. Related items from the 1988 and 2006 General Social Surveys were analyzed, and new scales were developed to better assess ME and specific moral-related epistemic concerns (moral absolutism). In a second study, these scales were administered to a large college student sample along with measures of political ideology and need for closure (NFC). Results generally showed that political conservatism was strongly related to the new ME factor. Further analysis determined that both moral absolutism (MA) and NFC accounted for significant portions of this relationship, but that the specific epistemic construct (MA) was a more proximal mediator. Discussion centers on further distinguishing ME and MA from related constructs, as well as on future research and applications.
Emergent computation in microtubule model networks

The cytoskeleton, a class of protein polymers including microtubules (MTs), intelligently organizes the interiors of living cells. Interconnected microtubules have been modeled as adaptive networks in which emergent computation occurs. The model comprises parallel networks of MTs variably interconnected by filamentous proteins by means of MT-associated protein 2 (MAP/sub 2/). MAP/sub 2/ can also mediate input into MT from other MTs, by cyclic AMP and/or calcium from membrane events. Optimized MT-MAP/sub 2/ networks form computationally efficient connection topologies, with feedback among topology, internal automata dynamics and automata rules in an MT structural model. Thus MT network models exhibit learning and other emergent effects. >
Dermal Fillers and Combinations of Fillers for Facial Rejuvenation

Until recently, the use of dermal fillers was limited in the United States by the small number of products approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The products now approved for use in the United States have opened up the range of possibilities for combinations of products that are synergistic in their effects. Combinations of products may be discussed in temporal or anatomic relationships. Temporal combinations refer to the use of different fillers at different times, whereas anatomic combinations refer to the use of different fillers in different parts of the face. Before discussing how the various fillers may be used in combination, it is worthwhile to consider their use in isolation. Soft-tissue augmentation products under consideration in the present article include the hyaluronic acids (HA), poly L lactic acid (PLLA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CAHA), porcine collagen, and silicone.
Synthesis of (2-[11C]methoxy)rotenone, a marker of mitochondrial complex I activity

Recent studies suggest that defects in the function of the complexes of the electron transport chain might be involved in the pathology of neurological diseases such as mitochondrial encephalopathies, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease. Rotenone is a potent reversible competitive inhibitor of complex I (NADH-CoQ reductase). To study the possible involvement of complex I in such diseases, we synthesized (2-[11C]methoxy)rotenone by [11C]alkylation of 2-O-desmethyl rotenone methyl enol ether followed by hydrolysis of the enol ether to the ketone using aqueous trifluoroacetic acid. (2-[11C]Methoxy)rotenone was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography (silica gel) and was obtained in 7-10% yields decay corrected to end of bombardment in synthesis times typically shorter than 48 min. Radiochemical purities were over 95% and specific activities averaged 1000 Ci/mmol at end of synthesis.
The Influence of Catalytic Surfaces on the Barriers to Elementary Surface Reaction Steps

The transition states to elementary reaction steps on surfaces have received little attention because of the lack of experimental probes of their structure and properties. This lack of understanding of the transition states for surface reactions places severe constraints on our ability to predict the kinetics of catalytic reactions and other surface chemical processes. The use of substituent effects has provided one approach to probe the nature of transition states and a means for determining whether such transition states can be considered to occur early or late in the reaction coordinate. This has been applied to several well-defined elementary surface reactions. As examples, the transition state for ‚-hydride elimination in adsorbed alkyl and alkoxy groups is believed to occur late in the reaction coordinate while the transition state for dehalogenation reactions on surfaces is believed to occur early in the reaction coordinate. Combining this knowledge with a comprehensive review of the barriers to these reactions on a wide variety of surfaces has suggested a simple proposition for considering the effects of surfaces on the barriers to elementary reactions. The barriers to elementary reaction steps with late transition states are expected to be sensitive to the nature of the surface while the barriers to reactions with early transition states are expected to be relatively insensitive to the nature of the surface. This proposition is illustrated by first considering the trivial examples of molecular adsorption and desorption on surfaces and then by discussion of surface activated ‚-hydride elimination and dehalogenation reactions.
Modeling shock initiation and detonation divergence tests on TATB-based explosives

The Pantex shock initation gap test, the Pantex corner turning test for detonation divergence, and recent short shock pulse shock initiation experiments using embedded gauges on TATB-based solid high explosives are calculated in the two-dimensional hydrodynamic computer code DYNA2D using the published ignition and growth reactive flow model for LX-17. The calculations demonstrate that the Pantex gap test, like all gap tests for shock initiation, produces a complex two-dimensional flow field involving a curved leading shock front and rarefaction waves form the rear and from the edge of the explosive being tested. The predicted brass gap thickness of 2.375 ± 0.125 mm for LX-17 agrees closely with the measured critical gap thickness of 2.23 mm for 50% detonation. Excellent calculational agreement is also obtained with measured rates of detonation wave divergence for LX-17 in the Pantex corner turning test. The reaction rates for TATB-based explosives are varied to demonstrate the extreme sensitivity of this test to changes in explosive properties. Recent embedded particle velocity gauge experiments using various thickness flying plates of magnesium impacting PBX-9502 are accurately calculated using the standard LX-17 reaction rates.
Electronic Networks, Enhanced State Surveillance and the Ironies of Control

The article begins by mapping the worldwide surge of state network surveillance initiatives that has occurred over the last decade or so. Invariably, the rationale for these initiatives include the claim that they will curb crime and/or terrorism. Focusing on the US context, it is argued that the proliferation of state network surveillance initiatives has resulted in a substantial increase in state surveillance power. Dated legal concepts have been applied without discrimination to contemporary electronic networks. The upshot is that increasingly sensitive ‘traffic data’ can be accessed easily by law enforcement. This enhanced network surveillance capacity has failed to deter drug trafficking and money laundering— intertwined crimes that have been of high priority to US state officials. In fact, not only have these initiatives failed to curb these crimes, they have contributed to their escalation. It is argued that a similar dynamic may be at work in the US state’s ‘war on terrorism’. Policy implications of the analysis are briefly discussed.
Humane On-Farm Killing of Spent Hens

Abstract The expansion in supplies of spent heavy fowl and the increasing use of broiler meat in further processed food products have reduced the market for spent laying hens to the point that these birds frequently have no value. If spent hens cannot be sold through traditional channels, egg producers must seek alternative ways to dispose of old flocks. A fowl removal program must first address the problems of where and how the spent hens should be killed. Without a centralized site for slaughter, the most suitable place to kill spent hens is on the farm itself. The work reported herein has been dedicated to the development of a cost-effective and humane method for on-farm killing of spent hens. A mobile MAK (modified atmosphere killing) unit was built consisting of a 21 ft. 3 closed cart with spring-loaded doors through which hens can be placed inside. A carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinder is mounted on the unit so CO2 can be dispensed into the interior as needed to stun and kill hens. The prototype MAK unit has proven to be effective in on-farm trials, with about 30,000 hens having been killed in it thus far. The efficiency of the unit should make it possible to recover the cost of the CO2 used to kill the hens.
Outcomes From an Oral Feeding Protocol Implemented in the NICU

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of 2 different oral feeding protocols. The old protocol advanced oral feedings based on established feeding times, whereas the new evidenced-based protocol advanced oral feedings using infant cues. This retrospective study, conducted by reviewing the charts of premature infants born less than or at 34 weeks' gestation, documented the differences between the 2 oral feeding protocols. The medical records were reviewed for 200 premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's Hospital of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois. The main outcome variables this study compared were when infants started oral feedings, time to achieve 50% and 100% feedings orally, weight at time of oral feeding, day of life, and postmenstrual age. The percentage of feedings when oral stimulation was ordered, frequency of feeding therapy consultations, length of stay, weight at the time of discharge, and postmenstrual age at the time of discharge were als...
PHENOTYPIC DIVERSITY INFLUENCES ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING IN AN OAK SANDHILLS COMMUNITY

Given the drastic decline in biodiversity at all levels, it is imperative that we consider the potential effects of diversity within single species on ecosystem functioning. However, empirical data describing the relationship between intraspecific diversity and ecosystem functioning are lacking. We present field data demonstrating that the litter phenotype of individual trees affects carbon and nitrogen fluxes during decomposition, and that single-phenotype treatments differ in ecosystem processes from a phenotypic mix. Since nutrient dynamics are related to the chemistry of the litter, we then used the strength of the relationship between genetic distance and litter chemistry to infer the existence of genotypic effects on ecosystem functioning. In combination, our results provide the first evidence that losses in intraspecific diversity can affect the ecosystem processes of carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Fluorescent photochromic fulgides

2-Indolylfulgides with different substituents were synthesized using the Sobbe condensation. All of these new fulgides show excellent photochromic behavior, and in addition, for the first time, the colored form of these fulgides has the unusual property of emitting rather strong fluorescence at room temperature when exposed to visible light.
Predicting Protein Function by Frequent Functional Association Pattern Mining in Protein Interaction Networks

Predicting protein function from protein interaction networks has been challenging because of the complexity of functional relationships among proteins. Most previous function prediction methods depend on the neighborhood of or the connected paths to known proteins. However, their accuracy has been limited due to the functional inconsistency of interacting proteins. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for function prediction by identifying frequent patterns of functional associations in a protein interaction network. A set of functions that a protein performs is assigned into the corresponding node as a label. A functional association pattern is then represented as a labeled subgraph. Our frequent labeled subgraph mining algorithm efficiently searches the functional association patterns that occur frequently in the network. It iteratively increases the size of frequent patterns by one node at a time by selective joining, and simplifies the network by a priori pruning. Using the yeast protein interaction network, our algorithm found more than 1400 frequent functional association patterns. The function prediction is performed by matching the subgraph, including the unknown protein, with the frequent patterns analogous to it. By leave-one-out cross validation, we show that our approach has better performance than previous link-based methods in terms of prediction accuracy. The frequent functional association patterns generated in this study might become the foundations of advanced analysis for functional behaviors of proteins in a system level.
Hierarchies, Reciprocal Matrices, and Ratio Scales!

We are interested in the problem of finding a scale which reflects the relative intensity of a property shared by n objects. The objects may be n stones and the properties may be their weights. What is needed is a theory that would enable us to conduct measurement which produces not only known results but is useful and amenable to generalization to the social and behavioral fields. The first problem we have to face is how to assign numbers to all manifestations of a given property in any of the objects so that ratios give a faithful reflection of variation in this property from object to object.
Micro-fluidic passive cavity interferometer based biosensor

A microfluidic passive cavity interferometer based biosensor was developed in this work. Polystyrene microspheres were used to test the device performance. Measured transmission spectra of single microspheres were compared to the modeled results.
Assortment Optimization under the Multinomial Logit Model with Random Choice Parameters

We consider assortment optimization problems under the multinomial logit model, where the parameters of the choice model are random. The randomness in the choice model parameters is motivated by the fact that there are multiple customer segments, each with different preferences for the products, and the segment of each customer is unknown to the firm when the customer makes a purchase. This choice model is also called the mixture-of-logits model. The goal of the firm is to choose an assortment of products to offer that maximizes the expected revenue per customer, across all customer segments. We establish that the problem is NP complete even when there are just two customer segments. Motivated by this complexity result, we focus on assortments consisting of products with the highest revenues, which we refer to as revenue-ordered assortments. We identify specially structured cases of the problem where revenue-ordered assortments are optimal. When the randomness in the choice model parameters does not follow a special structure, we derive tight approximation guarantees for revenue-ordered assortments. We extend our model to the multi-period capacity allocation problem, and prove that, when restricted to the revenue-ordered assortments, the mixture-of-logits model possesses the nesting-by-fare-order property. This result implies that revenue-ordered assortments can be incorporated into existing revenue management systems through nested protection levels. Numerical experiments show that revenue-ordered assortments perform remarkably well, generally yielding profits that are within a fraction of a percent of the optimal.
Temperature‐regulated mRNA accumulation and stabilization for fatty acid desaturase genes in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002

Cyanobacteria acclimate to low-temperature conditions by desaturating their membrane lipids. The desB (omega 3 desaturase) and desC (delta 9 desaturase) genes of Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002 were cloned and characterized, and the expression of the desA (delta 12 desaturase), desB and desC genes was studied as a function of temperature. The steady-state mRNA abundance for the desA gene was threefold higher in cells grown at 22 degrees C than in cells grown at 38 degrees C. desB transcripts were not detected at 38 degrees C, but were abundant in cells grown at 22 degrees C. Levels of desC mRNA were similar at both growth temperatures. The mRNA levels of each desaturase gene increased within 15 min of a temperature shift-down to 22 degrees C, and mRNA levels recovered within 15 min after a shift-up to 38 degrees C. The cold-induced accumulation of transcripts from the desA and desB genes was suppressed by the addition of chloramphenicol, but the transient elevation of the desC transcript levels at 22 degrees C was not affected by chloramphenicol. The half-lives of the desA and desB mRNAs were significantly longer in cells grown at 22 degrees C than in cells grown at 38 degrees C, but the desC mRNA had a similar half-life at both temperatures. These studies reveal three patterns of temperature regulation for the desaturase genes, whose expression is tightly controlled by a combination of mRNA synthesis and stabilization. These studies demonstrate that elevation of desaturase mRNA levels is not the rate-limiting event during the low-temperature acclimation of cyanobacteria.
Adaptive feedback compression for MIMO networks

MIMO beamforming technology can scale wireless data rate proportionally with the number of antennas. However, the overhead induced by receivers' CSI (channel state information) feedback scales at a higher rate. In this paper, we address this fundamental tradeoff with Adaptive Feedback Compression (AFC). AFC quantizes or compresses CSI from 3 dimensions --- time, frequency and numerical values, and adapts the intensity of compression according to channel profile. This simple principle faces many practical challenges, e.g., a huge search space for adaption, estimation or prediction of the impact of compression on network throughput, and the coupling of different users in multi-user MIMO networks. AFC meets these challenges using a novel cross-layer adaptation metric, a metric extracted from 802.11 packet preambles, and uses it to guide the selection of compression intensity, so as to balance the tradeoff between overhead reduction and capacity loss (due to compression). We have implemented AFC on a software radio testbed. Our experiments show that AFC can outperform alternative approaches in a variety of radio environments.
High reliability InGaP/GaAs HBT

Excellent long term reliability InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are demonstrated. There were no device failures (T=10000 h) in a sample lot of ten devices (L=6.4 /spl mu/m /spl times/20 /spl mu/m) under moderate current densities and high-temperature testing (J/sub c/=25 kA/cm/sup 2/, V/sub ce/=2.0 V, Junction Temp =264/spl deg/C). The dc current gain for large area devices (L=75 /spl mu/m /spl times/75 /spl mu/m) at 1 kA/cm/sup 2/ at a base sheet resistance of 240 ohms/sq (4/spl times/10/sup 19/ cm/sup -3/@700 /spl Aring/) was over 100. The dc current gain before reliability testing (L=6.4 /spl mu/m /spl times/10 /spl mu/m) at 0.8 kA/cm/sup 2/ was 62. The dc current gain (0.8 kA/cm/sup 2/) decreased to 57 after 10000 h of reliability testing. The devices showed an f/sub T/=61 GHz and f/sub max/=103 GHz. The reliability results are the highest ever achieved for InGaP/GaAs HBT and these results indicate the great potential of InGaP/GaAs HBT for numerous low- and high-frequency microwave circuit applications. The reliability improvements are probably due to the initial low base current at low current densities which result from the low surface recombination of InGaP and the high valence band discontinuity between InGaP and GaAs.
Influences of Dietary Vitamin E and Selenium on the Oxidant Defense System of the Chick

The effects of dietary vitamin E and selenium on the oxidant defense system (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase) were investigated in the chick. Two-week-old chicks were reared using a vitamin E-free, low-selenium, semipurified basal diet alone or supplemental with vitamin E (100 IU/kg) and/or selenium (.10 ppm). Whereas vitamin E sustained chick growth, survival, and protection from exudative diathesis (ED), it did not significantly affect the enzymatic components of the oxidant defense system. Dietary selenium promoted chick growth and protection against ED in the absence of vitamin E and sustained glutathione peroxidase activity in several tissues. The latter effect was associated with decreases in reduced glutathione concentrations observed in liver and blood. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were increased in liver and brain in selenium deficiency. Glutathione reductase activities in liver, kidney, lung, and brain were not affected by diet.
An analysis of the maximum likelihood estimator for localization problems

We study the behavior of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for localization via triangulation, under Gaussian noise. Likelihood maximization is a non-convex problem, with possibly multiple solutions. In this paper we present an algorithm for solving this non-convex problem, which under some reasonable assumptions, is guaranteed to produce the exact ML estimate. A nice feature of our algorithm is that it is readily amenable to analysis: we give (a) a characterization of a domain in which, if the algorithm is started with an initial estimate within that domain, a standard steepest descent method is guaranteed to converge to a global minimum; (b) the distribution of the estimate; and (c) a measure of sensitivity to noise of the estimate. Many numerical examples and plots are included to illustrate these concepts
Imaging decreased brain docosahexaenoic acid metabolism and signaling in iPLA2β (VIA)-deficient mice

Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A(2)β (iPLA(2)β) selectively hydrolyzes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) in vitro from phospholipid. Mutations in the PLA2G6 gene encoding this enzyme occur in patients with idiopathic neurodegeneration plus brain iron accumulation and dystonia-parkinsonism without iron accumulation, whereas mice lacking PLA2G6 show neurological dysfunction and neuropathology after 13 months. We hypothesized that brain DHA metabolism and signaling would be reduced in 4-month-old iPLA(2)β-deficient mice without overt neuropathology. Saline or the cholinergic muscarinic M(1,3,5) receptor agonist arecoline (30 mg/kg) was administered to unanesthetized iPLA(2)β(-/-), iPLA(2)β(+/-), and iPLA(2)β(+/+) mice, and [1-(14)C]DHA was infused intravenously. DHA incorporation coefficients k* and rates J(in), representing DHA metabolism, were determined using quantitative autoradiography in 81 brain regions. iPLA(2)β(-/-) or iPLA(2)β(+/-) compared with iPLA(2)β(+/+) mice showed widespread and significant baseline reductions in k* and J(in) for DHA. Arecoline increased both parameters in brain regions of iPLA(2)β(+/+) mice but quantitatively less so in iPLA(2)β(-/-) and iPLA(2)β(+/-) mice. Consistent with iPLA(2)β's reported ability to selectively hydrolyze DHA from phospholipid in vitro, iPLA(2)β deficiency reduces brain DHA metabolism and signaling in vivo at baseline and following M(1,3,5) receptor activation. Positron emission tomography might be used to image disturbed brain DHA metabolism in patients with PLA2G6 mutations.
Space-time energy spreading transform based MIMO technique with iterative signal detection

We use a space-time energy spreading transform (ST-EST) for iterative signal detection in multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) wireless systems. Theoretical and simulation results demonstrate that when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is above a threshold, the performance of the system is very close to that of the genie-aided (interference-free) receiver.
Bioprotection of facilities

The anthrax attacks of 2001 energized research directed toward reducing health consequences from airborne contaminants by augmenting current heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Even during peacetime, interest will continue in improving HVAC components to reduce biocontaminants associated with sick building syndrome. Current HVAC design uses numerical simulation methods of ordinary differential equations to predict approximate performance. The authors show that state-space Laplace Transform calculations actually solve the underlying differential equations and yield algebraic expressions that provide new insight. To sharpen the arguments in favor of this methodology, attention is restricted to improving existing HVAC systems to increase protection from an external release of hazardous particulates. By nearly eliminating the need for dynamical simulation, the resulting methods can be applied to far more complex HVAC designs with little additional computational effort. The new methods red...
Segmentation: Clustering and Classification

In this chapter, we tackle a canonical marketing research problem: finding, assessing, and predicting customer segments. In previous chapters we’ve seen how to assess relationships in the data (Chap. 4), compare groups (Chap. 5), and assess complex multivariate models (Chap. 10). In a real segmentation project, one would use those methods to ensure that data has appropriate multivariate structure, and then begin segmentation analysis.
Large-Area Microphone Array for Audio Source Separation Based on a Hybrid Architecture Exploiting Thin-Film Electronics and CMOS

We present a system for reconstructing-independent voice commands from two simultaneous speakers, based on an array of spatially distributed microphones. It adopts a hybrid architecture, combining large-area electronics (LAE), which enables a physically expansive array ( ${>} 1\text{ m}$ width), and a CMOS IC, which provides superior transistors for readout and signal processing. The array enables us to: 1) select microphones closest to the speakers to receive the highest SNR signal; 2) use multiple spatially diverse microphones to enhance robustness to variations due to microphones and sound propagation in a practical room. Each channel consists of a thin-film transducer formed from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a piezopolymer, and a localized amplifier composed of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Each channel is sequentially sampled by a TFT scanning circuit, to reduce the number of interfaces between the large-area electronics (LAE) and CMOS IC. A reconstruction algorithm is proposed, which exploits the measured transfer function between each speaker and microphone, to separate two simultaneous speakers. The algorithm overcomes 1) sampling-rate limitations of the scanning circuits and 2) sensitivities to microphone placement and directionality. An entire system with eight channels is demonstrated, acquiring and reconstructing two simultaneous audio signals at 2 m distance from the array achieving a signal-to-interferer (SIR) ratio improvement of ${\sim} 12\text{ dB}$ .
Tape Recorders in Consumer Research

How can tape recorders be used successfully in consumer interviewing? The author shows the advantages and limitations.
Total Synthesis of Sedum Alkaloids via Catalyst Controlled aza-Cope Rearrangement and Hydroformylation with Formaldehyde

The catalytic asymmetric aminoallylation of chiral aldehydes is developed as a new method for the catalyst controlled synthesis of syn- and anti-1,3-aminoalcohols. This methodology is highlighted in the synthesis of the sedum alkaloids (+)-sedridine and (+)-allosedridine both of which have their final carbon incorporated during closure of the piperidine ring via a hydroformylation with formaldehyde.
Pediatric Endocrine Emergencies

Much of this information is derived from the previous chapters but is summarized in this format. It is much preferable to read the indicated chapter, which covers the issues in detail.
Food Web Structure and Its Controls II

The previous chapter highlighted the influence of consumers on their food resources, and defined some consequences of such top-down controls. Here, we discuss how resources might influence producers and consumers, effects that can cascade upwards through food webs. We first review selected cases of bottom-up control, then look at evidence of interaction of top-down and bottom-up controls. We end the chapter by examining how both top-down and bottom-up controls are increasingly subject to external forcing by climate-driven change and human activities.
Movement: Search, Navigation, Migration, and Dispersal

The study of animal movements in the environment is a journey in itself, starting with the integration of simple sensory inputs and basic movements. For many animals, the ability to discover and orient to food, shelter, and mates is all that is needed for evolutionary success. Kineses, or undirected movements, and taxes, or directed movements, provide the basic mechanisms by which many animals find their appropriate habitats. The discovery of the direction or location of resources is often the key to navigate to those resources. Search behavior typically begins with undirected or looping movements and, as cues are gained from the environment, shifts to goal-directed movements. Sensory systems, such as stereoptic vision, are required for goal-oriented movements. For some animals, navigational needs extend far beyond these abilities. Navigation sometimes relies primarily on genetically sourced information, the product of generations of evolutionary trial and error. In other cases, learning plays a larger part in navigation, giving the animal the flexibility to accommodate its current location and to exploit information obtained from other population members. Path integration and compasses are often used in homing. Finding home requires using sophisticated mechanisms such as path integration, landmarks, and snapshot memory.
Design consideration of high power GaN inverter

With the rapid development of wide bandgap power transistor technology, the latest gallium-nitride based power transistors are able to be used as the main switches in the high power (≥10 kW) conversion systems. In order to achieve the desired high efficiency and higher power density successfully, the entire GaN based power conversion system needs to take multiple considerations into the design stage. In this paper, a three-phase inverter is used as the example to explain those considerations in detail, including the critical component selection, the system physical layout, the cooling system design, the protection functions design and the EMI control. Based on the proposed design methodology, a 10 kW GaN-based three phase inverter is developed with 98.8% peak efficiency with 0.7 liter box volume.
Optimization of Thorium Utilization in Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor (FHR)

Preliminary neutronics analysis of thorium utilization in Fluoride salt-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR) has been carried out using a similar reactor model and fuel composition as the one researched in UC Berkeley. Compared with uranium-based fuels, thorium-based fuel (i.e., Th2/U3) shows a deeper burnup but a lower conversion ratio (CR) and a smaller temperature coefficient of reactivity (TCR). To improve the TCR, the weight ratio of the fissile material (U-233) and the fertile nuclide (Th-232) and the geometry of the TRISO and/or pebble are investigated. The higher the proportion of Th-232 in the Th2/U3 fuel, the higher the CR and TCR can be obtained. On the other hand, a harder spectrum is also contributive to the improvement of the TCR through the geometry optimization of TRISO and/or pebble. These two optimization approaches can be conducted to balance the burnup, TCR, and CR to realize efficient and safe utilization of thorium in FHR.
DOS FORJADORES DE LAS CIENCIAS SOCIALES EN EL PERÚ: SUS PUBLICACIONES Y CONFRONTACIONES

En este articulo se analiza las causas y confrontaciones entre Julio C. Tello y Luis E. Valcarcel en los primeros anos de la arqueologia institucionalizada del Peru. En el proceso se estudia las diversas fuentes, medios y conexiones politicas usadas por estos investigadores con el afan de ejercer sus carreras pero al mismo tiempo su interes por fomentar el desarrollo de las Ciencias Sociales en el Peru.
Blueberry Supplementation Influences the Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats.

Background Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to obesity-associated chronic inflammation. Microbiota manipulation may therefore affect obesity-related comorbidities. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may alter the gut microbiota. Objective We hypothesized that blueberry supplementation would alter the gut microbiota, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve insulin resistance in high-fat (HF)-diet-fed rats. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats (260-270 g; n = 8/group) were fed low-fat (LF; 10% fat), HF (45% fat), or HF with 10% by weight blueberry powder (HF_BB) diets for 8 wk. LF rats were fed ad libitum, whereas HF and HF_BB rats were pair-fed with diets matched for fiber and sugar contents. Glucose tolerance, microbiota composition (16S ribosomal RNA sequencing), intestinal integrity [villus height, gene expression of mucin 2 (Muc2) and β-defensin 2 (Defb2)], and inflammation (gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines) were assessed. Results Blueberry altered microbiota composition with an increase in Gammaproteobacteria abundance (P < 0.001) compared with LF and HF rats. HF feeding led to an ∼15% decrease in ileal villus height compared with LF rats (P < 0.05), which was restored by blueberry supplementation. Ileal gene expression of Muc2 was ∼150% higher in HF_BB rats compared with HF rats (P < 0.05), with expression in the LF group not being different from that in either the HF or HF_BB groups. Tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfa) and interleukin 1β (Il1b) gene expression in visceral fat was increased by HF feeding when compared with the LF group (by 300% and 500%, respectively; P < 0.05) and normalized by blueberry supplementation. Finally, blueberry improved markers of insulin sensitivity. Hepatic insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) phosphorylation at serine 307:IRS1 ratio was ∼35% higher in HF rats compared with LF rats (P < 0.05) and HF_BB rats. Conclusion In HF-diet-fed male rats, blueberry supplementation led to compositional changes in the gut microbiota associated with improvements in systemic inflammation and insulin signaling.
Implications of high EVI1 expression in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent clonal myeloid disorders with a broad spectrum of clinical course, response to therapy, and overall prognosis. Various prognostic scales exist to risk ...