cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Layer separability of wireless networks

A general wireless networking problem is formulated to jointly optimize end-to-end user rates, routes, link capacities, transmitted power, frequency and power allocation across subcarriers and fading states. It is proved that wireless networking problems in the presence of fading, while non-convex, have zero Lagrangian duality gap. A consequence of this result is the optimality of separating the problem in (the conventional) layers.
Defect structures and nonstoichiometry in lanthanum hexa-aluminate

Abstract A number of defect structures and nonstoichiometries possible in lanthanum hexa-aluminate (LHA) have been investigated, by using computer-based atomistic simulation techniques. It has been possible to discriminate energetically between alternative models. Our calculations suggest that LHA will not form an ideal β-alumina-type stoichiometric phase LaAl 11 O 18 , but most likely a magnetoplumbite (MP)-type nonstoichiometric phase La 0·83 Al 11.83 O 19 , which is essentially identical to the “vacancy model” phase proposed by Iyi et al.. ( J. Solid State Chem. , 1984, 54 , 70, 123). Our calculations also reveal that the defect complex in this phase is composed of a vacancy pair (V La and V Al ) on the mirror plane, and a pair of Al Frenkel-like defects formed doubly (rather than singly) above and below the center of the vacancy pair. It is suggested that a nonstoichiometric phase LaAl 11.67 O 19 , which has also an MP-type structure with aluminum vacancies, may coexist with the most likely phase, especially when the Al/La ratio of the system is about 13 to 14. It is revealed that, in this nonstoichiometric phase, the aluminum vacancies prefer the central spinel block 2a sites to other sites. It is also quite possible to form solid solutions between these two MP-type LHA phases. Our calculation results indicate that the ‘O La ’ defect may be improbable in LHA system. It is also revealed that there is a great possibility of existence of metastable phases; it is seen, however, that β-type or β/MP-mixed-type structured phases are less stable than MP-type phases.
Power Control Game in Multi-Terminal Covert Timing Channels

We present a game theoretic power control of overlay/overt communications to maximize the goodput (effective throughput of error-free bits) of multi-terminal covert timing channels. Most approaches in the literature on covert timing channels discuss capacities of the timing channels but do not study how the overlay communication can be controlled to maximize the goodput of covert timing channels. We study the factors of the overlay communication that affect the goodput of each timing channel in a multi-terminal covert timing network. We show that the goodput of the covert timing channel can be enhanced by increasing the rate of overlay transmission and by game theoretic power control of overlay communication. We finally extend the game theoretic power control to maximize the goodput of each covert timing channel in a multi-terminal covert timing network by maximizing the asymptotic spectral efficiency of the overlay communication.
Application issues of active power filters

In this article, common nonlinear loads have been characterized into two types of harmonic sources, current-source type of harmonic source and voltage-source type of harmonic source. Compensation characteristics of both parallel active filters and series active filters have been discussed analytically and experimentally for these two types of harmonic sources. The corresponding required operation conditions, features, application issues, and adaptive harmonic sources of both filters have been presented. The fact that the traditional active filter, the parallel active filter, is not a panacea to harmonic compensation, and that one cannot use it blindly, has been clearly addressed. The parallel active filter will increase harmonic current and may cause overcurrent of the load when the load is a harmonic voltage source. Instead, it has been verified that the series active filter is better suited for compensation of a harmonic voltage source such as a diode rectifier with smoothing DC capacitor. The conclusions of this article also imply that when a parallel active filter is installed in a power system network such as at a point of common coupling, the network impedance and main harmonic sources downstream from the installation point should be investigated in order to get good performance and to minimize influence to the loads downstream. In some cases, a combined system of parallel active filter and series active filter may be necessary by utilizing the harmonic isolation function of the series active filters. No doubt active filters are superior to passive filters if used in their niche applications.
A multilevel developmental contextual approach to substance use and addiction

Emerging technological advances in genetics and neuroscience have spawned innovative or elaborated conceptual models in the field of addiction science, as well as contributed to the mushrooming of new knowledge. By addictions, reference is made to chronic, often relapsing disorders typified by obsession, compulsion or physical or psychological dependence. In this article it is proposed that a multilevel developmental contextual approach to substance use and addictions provides a useful framework for integrating existing studies across disciplines and serving as a generative guide to intriguing novel research questions. The multilevel developmental contextual approach emphasizes multiple-factor influences on substance use and addiction, the conjoint influence of variables from different levels of analysis (for example, genetic, biochemical, physiological, cognitive, social, neighborhood, societal), and dynamic, probabilistic behavior-outcome relations (that is, the occurrence as well as the nature of expression of substance problems and addiction depend on a range of emerging, interactive factors that may vary across individuals and over time). The approach is illustrated with a long-term prospective study of predictors of binge drinking from adolescence to young adulthood and a description of the role of brain processes and mechanisms involved in the development and expression of alcohol use during adolescence.
The Tenet architecture for tiered sensor networks

Most sensor network research and software design has been guided by an architectural principle that permits multinode data fusion on small-form-factor, resource-poor nodes, or motes. While we were among the earliest promoters of this approach, through experience we found that this principle leads to fragile and unmanageable systems and explore an alternative. The Tenet architecture is motivated by the observation that future large-scale sensor network deployments will be tiered, consisting of motes in the lower tier and masters, relatively unconstrained 32-bit platform nodes, in the upper tier. Tenet constrains multinode fusion to the master tier while allowing motes to process locally-generated sensor data. This simplifies application development and allows mote-tier software to be reused. Applications running on masters task motes by composing task descriptions from a novel tasklet library. Our Tenet implementation also contains a robust and scalable networking subsystem for disseminating tasks and reliably delivering responses. We show that a Tenet pursuit-evasion application exhibits performance comparable to a mote-native implementation while being considerably more compact. We also present two real-world deployments of Tenet system: a structural vibration monitoring application at Vincent Thomas Bridge and an imaging-based habitat monitoring application at James Reserve, and show that tiered architecture scales network capacity and allows reliable delivery of high rate data.1
Molecular beam mass spectrometry applied to determining the kinetics of reactions in flames II. A critique of rate coefficient determinations

The microstructure of low-pressure methane-oxygen-argon flames was investigated using modulated molecular beam-mass spectrometry. Profiles of radical and stable species concentration, temperature, and area expansion ratio were used to calculate rate coefficients as a function of temperature for certain elementary reactions occurring in flames, namely, H + O/sub 2/ ..-->.. OH + O, H + CH/sub 4/ ..-->.. CH/sub 3/ + H/sub 2/, CO + OH ..-->.. CO/sub 2/ + H, CH/sub 3/ + O ..-->.. H/sub 2/CO + H, and H + CF/sub 3/Br ..-->.. HBr + CF/sub 3/. The profiles were modified (computationally) to simulate the effect of various perturbations and errors possible in sampling and analysis, and the effect on the rate coefficients is discussed. Detailed consideration is given to data reduction techniques, temperature profile-composition profile alignment, and the possible temperature dependence of mass spectral fragmentation. The rate coefficients are not dramatically sensitive to the imposed perturbations, although the results depend upon the nature of the reaction in question. Rate coefficients determined for high activation energy reactions and for reactions singularly responsible for the chemical behavior of a given stable species are in agreement with values determined by other techniques. Flame structure studies in which all significant radicalmore » and stable species are measured by a single technique are judged to be viable sources of high-temperature rate data for elementary reactions, where such reactions have been identified.« less
Comparison of polysaccharide synthesis between preimplantation stage mouse embryos and F9 embryonal carcinoma cells

Polysaccharide synthesis was compared between preimplantation stage mouse embryos and F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. When cells were labelled with [3H]fucose, elution profiles of the pronase digest from a Sephacryl S-200 column were similar for the two cell types and both had characteristic large polysaccharides of the same size (Mr 20-500K), although embryos contained less large polysaccharide than F9 cells, and embryonic polysaccharides were less acidic, suggesting poor sialosylation. A significant proportion of [3H]mannose was incorporated into complex-type glycopeptides in F9 cells, whereas in the case of embryonic cells most glycopeptides remained as high mannose-type. The most striking difference was observed when cells were labelled with galactose. In the case of embryonic cells, 90% of the radioactivity was incorporated into glycogen, whereas only 0.1% of the incorporated galactose occurred in this molecule in F9 cells. These observations indicate that carbohydrate metabolism of morula-stage embryos is very different from that of F9 cells.
Fate of trace elements during alteration of uraninite in a hydrothermal vein-type U-deposit from Marshall Pass, Colorado, USA

Alteration of uraninite from a hydrothermal vein-type U-deposit in Marshall Pass, Colorado, has been examined by electron microprobe analysis in order to investigate the release and migration of trace elements W, As, Mo, Zr, Pb, Ba, Ce, Y, Ca, Ti, P, Th, Fe, Si, Al, during alteration, under both reducing and oxidizing conditions. The release of trace elements from uraninite is used to establish constraints on the release of fission product elements from the UO2 in spent nuclear fuels. Uraninite occurs with two different textures: (1) colloform uraninite and (2) fine-grained uraninite. The colloform uraninite contains 1.04-1.75 wt% of WO3, 0.16-1.70 wt% of As2O3, 0.06-0.88 wt% of MoO3; whereas, the fine-grained uraninite retains 2.25-4.93 wt% of WO3, up to 5.76 wt% of MoO3, and 0.26-0.60 wt% of As2O3. The near constant concentration of incompatible W in the colloform uraninite suggests W-incorporation into the uraninite structure or homogeneous distribution of W-rich nano-domains. Incorporation of W and Mo into the uraninite and subsequent precipitation of uranyl phases bearing these elements are critically important to understanding the release and migration of Cs during the corrosion of spent nuclear fuel, as there is a strong affinity of Cs with W and Mo. Zoning in the colloform texture is attributed to variation in the amount of impurities in uraninite. For unaltered zones, the calculated amount of oxygen ranges from 2.08 to 2.32 [apfu, (atom per formula unit)] and defines the stoichiometry as UO2+x and U4O9; whereas, for the altered zones of the colloform texture, the oxygen content is 2.37-2.48 [apfu], which is probably due to the inclusion of secondary uranyl phases, mainly schoepite. The supergene alteration resulted in precipitation of secondary uranyl minerals at the expense of uraninite. Four stages of colloform uraninite alteration are proposed: (i) formation of an oxidized layer at the rim, (ii) corrosion of the oxidized layer, (iii) precipitation of U6+-phases with well-defined cleavage, and (iv) fracture of the uraninite surface along the cleavage planes of the U6+-phases.
Approximation with Impulse Trains

The impulse train obtained by sampling an analog signal is studied directly. It is shown to represent the signal in a weak sense and to converge to the signal as the sampling interval converges to 0. The convergence is in the sense of Sobolev spaces and in the sense of another Hilbert space for which the shifted “delta functions” are orthogonal.
Human papillomavirus types and cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions that recur after cold-knife conization

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyze the HPV types and histological margins of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) treated by cold-knife conization and to correlate this with recurrent disease. Of 203 cone biopsies done for SILs primarily because the entire lesion could not be visualized at colposcopy, follow-up information was available for 85 cases. Of these 85 cases, biopsy-proven recurrences were documented for 10 (12%) women. In the SILs which recurred after conization, the lesion was noted on the surgical margin in 710 (70%) cases. In contrast, SILs that did not recur after cold-knife conization were detected on the surgical margin in only 12% of cases. In 7 of the recurrences, the HPV type detected in the pretreatment SIL was the same as that detected in the SIL that occurred after conization. In the other 3 recurrences, one of either the primary or recurrent SILs was HPV positive and the other corresponding lesion HPV negative. It is concluded that detection of a SIL on the surgical margin is a marker for recurrent disease and that recurrences are often associated with the same HPV type as that noted in the pretreatment SIL.
The 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-2-Sila-3,5-Heptanedione Route to the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Copper for Gigascale Interconnect Applications

A new class of copper(II) precursors containing silylated β-diketonate ligands has been developed for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of copper for applications in ultralarge scale integration interconnect schemes, including conformal seed layer for gigascale Cu integration and ultrathin Cu lines with enhanced conductivity characteristics. Cu(tmshd)2 (tmshdH = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-2-sila-3,5-heptanedione) has been studied as a representative compound and is appreciably more volatile than nonsilylated compounds such as Cu(tmhd)2 or Cu(tmod)2 (tmhdH = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione; tmodH = 2,2,7-trimethyl- 3,5- octanedione). The CVD process employs Cu(tmshd)2 as the metalorganic precursor and hydrogen as the reducing and carrier gas. These films were deposited using a custom made, cold wall, stainless steel CVD. Copper films were produced at a substrate temperature of 250 – 320 °C, hydrogen flow rates of 20 - 100 sccm, deposition pressure of 0.2 - 1 Torr, and a source temperature of 120 – 135 °C. The films were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cross section scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, four-point resistivity probe, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and Auger electron spectroscopy.
Intermolecular coupling in nanometric domains of light-harvesting dendrimer films studied by photoluminescence near-field scanning optical microscopy (PL NSOM)

Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) has been used to investigate the photophysical characteristics of first- to fourth-generation (G1 to G4) light-harvesting dendrimer thin films containing coumarin-343 and coumarin-2 as the core and peripheral chromophores, respectively. Thin film photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibit a significant red shift in the lower generations (G1, G2, and G3) as compared to their respective solution PL spectra, implying the formation of excimers. Spatially resolved PL NSOM images exhibit pronounced nanoscopic domains in G1, which become more homogeneous in higher generations due to site-isolation of the core chromophore. G4 exhibits complete site-isolation for these light-harvesting dendrimer films.
Synthesis of chiral phosphorus mustards derived from serine

Abstract The synthesis and biological evaluation of chiral, diastereomeric phosphorus mustards derived from natural and unnatural serine are reported herein.
Making do with less: Some surprises along the language death proficiency continuum

Over a number of years there exist the processes of reduction in a dialect of Scottish Gaelic approaching extinction in the extreme northeast of the Highland mainland, East Sutherland Gaelic (ESG). For the most part the processes dealt with have appeared, and been presented, as changes in the structure of ESG apparent in the speech of different age groups in a population divisible into a proficiency continuum. This chapter takes the proficiency continuum and the reductions and losses across its range as well-established, and discusses the two extremes of that continuum in different terms: the fully fluent speakers in terms of the occasional gaps and failings which appeared in their Gaelic, and the semi-speakers in terms of the sometimes surprising strengths or compensatory mechanisms which made their Gaelic more serviceable than its structural integrity (or lack thereof) might have seemed to warrant.Keywords: death proficiency continuum; East Sutherland Gaelic (ESG); fully fluent speakers; Scottish Gaelic; semi-speakers
Multidentate Poly(ethylene glycol) Ligands Provide Colloidal Stability to Semiconductor and Metallic Nanocrystals in Extreme Conditions

We present the design and synthesis of a new set of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based ligands appended with multidentate anchoring groups and test their ability to provide colloidal stability to semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in extreme buffer conditions. The ligands are made of a PEG segment appended with two thioctic acid (TA) or two dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) anchoring groups, bis(TA)-PEG-OCH3 or bis(DHLA)-PEG-OCH3. The synthesis utilizes Michael addition to create a branch point at the end of a PEG chain combined with carbodiimide-coupling to attach two TA groups per PEG chain. Dispersions of CdSe−ZnS core−shell QDs and AuNPs with remarkable long-term colloidal stability at pHs ranging from 1.1 to 13.9 and in the presence of 2 M NaCl have been prepared and tested using these ligands. AuNPs with strong resistance to competition from dithiothreitol (as high as 1.5 M) have also been prepared. This opens up possibilities for using them as stable probes in a variety of bio-r...
Combined PET/CT for detecting recurrent ovarian cancer limited to retroperitoneal lymph nodes.

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the utility of combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detecting recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer limited to retroperitoneal adenopathy. Methods. Fourteen patients (median age = 53 years) with rising serum CA125 levels, and negative or equivocal conventional CT imaging ≥ 6 months after primary therapy were retrospectively identified as having recurrent disease limited to retroperitoneal lymph nodes by combined PET/CT and underwent surgical reassessment of targeted nodal basins. Fisher's Exact Test was used to measure the ability of PET/CT to predict isolated retroperitoneal nodal disease. Results. The median increase in serum CA125 from baseline nadir was 14 U/ml (range = 2–76 U/ml). There were 29 target nodes in 15 nodal basins identified with increased metabolic uptake on combined PET/CT. Eleven patients (78.6%) had recurrent ovarian cancer in retroperitoneal lymph nodes targeted by PET/CT. Of 143 nodes retrieved, 59 contained recurrent ovarian cancer (median nodal diameter = 2.5 cm, range = 0.8–5.2 cm). For all target nodal basins, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy for recurrent ovarian cancer in dissected lymph nodes were: 40.7% (24/59), 94.0% (79/84), 82.8% (24/29), 69.3% (79/114), and 72.0% (103/143) ( P Conclusion. Combined PET/CT demonstrates high positive predictive value in identifying recurrent ovarian cancer in retroperitoneal lymph nodes when conventional CT findings are negative or equivocal. The high incidence of occult disease within the target nodal basins suggests that regional lymphadenectomy may be necessary for complete secondary cytoreduction of recurrent disease.
Site amplification, attenuation, and scattering from noise correlation amplitudes across a dense array in Long Beach, CA

For accurate seismic hazard evaluation, both the spatial and frequency-dependent variabilities in the amplitudes of earthquake ground motions are needed. While this information is rarely fully available due to the paucity of relevant seismic data, dense arrays like the 5200-geophone array in Long Beach, California provide the opportunity to study this amplitude variability. Here we show that ambient noise correlation amplitudes from the Long Beach array can be used to directly determine frequency-dependent site amplification factors. We analyze Rayleigh-wavefield amplitude gradients from ambient noise correlations that are processed so that relative amplitudes satisfy the wave equation and are therefore meaningful. Ultimately, we construct maps of site amplification across Long Beach at frequencies of 0.67, 1.0, and 2.0 Hz. These maps correlate well with local structure, notably the Newport-Inglewood Fault and also to known velocity structure. Through this process, we also obtain constraints on average attenuation structure and local scattering.
Influence of coronary collateral vessels on myocardial infarct size in humans. Results of phase I thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) trial. The TIMI Investigators.

BACKGROUNDThe influence of coronary collateral vessels on infarct size in humans remains controversial, partly because no previous study has examined the impact of collaterals present at the onset of acute myocardial infarction on infarct size.METHODS AND RESULTSThe present study used the data base of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Phase I trial to correlate the presence or absence of angiographically documented collaterals in the initial hours of myocardial infarct evolution with the size of the infarct as assessed by serial measurements of serum creatine kinase (CK). To avoid the confounding effects of reperfusion on enzymatic estimates of infarct size, this report is limited to those 125 patients who failed to recanalize at 90 minutes after administration of tissue plasminogen activator or streptokinase. Patients with angiographically documented collaterals (group A, n = 51) had significantly lower values of peak serum CK than patients without collaterals (group B, n = 74) (1,877 +/- ...
Premedication with the opioid analgesic butorphanol raises the threshold for ischemic preconditioning in dogs

Elucidation of the subcellular mechanism of myocardial ischemic preconditioning should be facilitated by precise knowledge of the biology of the cardioprotective response. Any proposed molecular mechanism for preconditioning must be initiated during the required ischemic stress period. The studies reported in this paper were under-taken to determine whether the infarct-limiting effect of four 5-min episodes of ischemia interspersed by reperfusion can be achieved by a single 5-min episode. Adult openchest mongrel dogs, premedicated with the analgesic butorphanol, and anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, underwent occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 3 h. Treated dogs were preconditioned with one, two or four cycles of 5-min occlusion followed by reperfusion. Additional dogs, not premedicated with butorphanol, were either untreated (not preconditioned) or preconditioned with one cycle of ischemia. Infarcts were identified using triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) macrochemistry and infarct size (as % of area-at-risk, AAR) was measured and analyzed (using analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]) with respect to coronary collateral blood flow (measured using radio active microspheres). Four 5-min cycles of preconditioning ischemia markedly limited infarct size. Two cycles were as effective as four. In contrast, infarct size was not different from control infarct size after a single episode of preconditioning ischemia. However, when pentobarbital anesthesia was used without premedication with butorphanol, a single 5-min ischemic stress did induce cardioprotection. Thus, the ischemic stress required for myocardial preconditioning in dogs is dependent on the anesthetic and premedication protocol employed. A single 5-min stimulus is effective in dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital. Premedication with the opioid analgesic, butorphanol, increases the threshold for induction of cardioprotection.
Development of Redox Sensors for Environmental Applications Based on Immobilized Redox Indicators

Two redox indicators, thionine and phenosafranine, were successfully immobilized on an affinity chromatography gel and were shown to retain their redox activity. The formal potentials (versus the standard hydrogen electrode) near pH 7 were determined to be 52 mV for immobilized thionine and −286 mV for immobilized phenosafranine. It was demonstrated that the immobilized indicators can be packed in a flow cell and monitored spectrophotometrically to determine their speciation. The absorption spectra and electrochemical behavior of the indicators were only slightly affected by immobilization on the gel. For both indicators, immobilization caused the formal potential to decrease (15−20 mV) and the absorption spectrum to shift to higher wavelengths (20−40 nm) with respect to the free (unbound) indicators. These immobilized redox indicators couple with some redox-active species [Cr(VI), O2, and Fe(II)] that are important in environmental samples.
Effect of intracerebral norepinephrine depletion on outcome from severe forebrain ischemia in the rat

Manipulations of plasma catecholamine concentrations influence outcome from ischemic brain insults. It has been suggested that these effects are mediated by influences on brain catecholamine concentrations. This study examined whether major changes in brain norepinephrine concentrations can alter outcome from severe forebrain ischemia. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 50 mg/kg i. p. N-(chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4) or were left untreated (control). One week later, these rats were subjected to either 7 or 8 min of normothermic forebrain ischemia (bilateral carotid occlusion and MABP=30 mmHg) and allowed to recover for 4 days. Histologic damage was then evaluated. In other control and DSP-4-treated animals, hippocampal microdialysate norepinephrine concentrations were measured before, during and after 8 min of forebrain ischemia. Norepinephrine concentrations were also determined in brain homogenates from non-ischemic DSP-treated and control rats. A 95% depletion of norepinephrine was observed in brain homogenates from non-ischemic DSP-4-treated rats compared with control. During ischemia, microdialysate norepinephrine concentrations increased in control but not in DSP-4-treated rats (P=0.002). For plasma, intra-ischemic epinephrine concentrations increased 8-10-fold and returned to baseline values post-ischemia with no differences between groups. Plasma norepinephrine values remained unchanged in both groups. Histologic damage resulting from either 7 or 8 min of ischemia in hippocampal structures, caudoputamen, and neocortex was similar between DSP-4-treated and control groups. This study could not identify any effect of major changes in brain norepinephrine concentrations on ischemic brain damage. These data indicate that peripheral catecholamine effects on near-complete forebrain ischemic outcome are unlikely to be mediated by effects on central catecholamine concentrations.
Diversity in Mainstream Newspapers from the Standpoint of Journalists of Color

This article analyzes newspaper diversity from the viewpoint of journalists identified with communities of color. In interviews at 4 large-circulation newspapers serving communities of color, the authors found a pattern of recurring critical issues facing the journalists in their efforts to diversify the news. The journalists interviewed here suggest that diversity (a) cannot be achieved until racist traditions and patterns in their newspapers' coverage are addressed, (b) must be seen as being a critical and important news value, (c) is only truly achieved when persons of color occupy critical positions of power at the newspaper, and (d) is also a function of the journalists of color ability to represent their communities to the newspapers and to represent their newspapers to the communities.
Anatomical landmarks in revision sinus surgery and advanced nasal polyposis

Endoscopic sinus surgery has been shown to be safe and effective when used appropriately for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. However, in cases of revision surgery or advanced sinonasal polyposis or both, the usual anatomical landmarks that guide the endoscopic sinus surgeon can be distorted or obstructed from view, making dissection difficult and potentially dangerous if the surgeon does not have a method and understanding of the anatomy to navigate their way safely through the sinonasal cavity. In this article, we describe several consistent landmarks for orienting the surgeon during challenging cases. The use of these landmarks will aid the surgeon in safely navigating through the sinonasal cavity.
Tunable Photocurrent Spectrum in Well-Oriented Zinc Oxide Nanorod Arrays with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Well-oriented ZnO nanorod arrays were successfully prepared using a seed growth method based on catalyst-free hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy...
Management of Seizure Disorders: Selected Aspects. Part II.

This article discusses the management of seizure disorders, stressing selected aspects including (1) the pharmacology of drugs used in the control of seizures, especially the usefulness of measuring concentrations of anticonvulsants in blood in guiding therapy; (2) the treatment of prolonged seizures, particularly status epilepticus, in infants and children; (3) the use of the ketogenic diet as an adjunct in the therapy of epilepsy; and (4) the place of surgical treatment in the control of seizures resistant to medical management.
Structure-Based Design of a Macrocyclic Inhibitor for Peptide Deformylase

A macrocyclic, peptidomimetic inhibitor of peptide deformylase was designed by covalently cross-linking the P1' and P3' side chains. The macrocycle, which contains an N-formylhydroxylamine side chain as the metal-chelating group, was synthesized from a diene precursor via olefin metathesis using Grubbs's catalyst. The cyclic inhibitor showed potent inhibitory activity toward Escherichia coli deformylase (K(I) = 0.67 nM) and antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC = 0.7-12 microg/mL).
Applications of dense media radiative transfer theory for passive microwave remote sensing of foam covered ocean

The effect of the foam covered ocean surface on the passive microwave remote sensing measurements is studied based on the electromagnetic scattering theory. In formulating an electromagnetic scattering model, the authors treat the foam as densely packed sticky air bubbles coated with thin seawater coating. The layer of foam covers the ocean surface that has air bubbles. They then use dense media radiative transfer (DMRT) theory with quasi-crystalline approximation (QCA) for densely distributed sticky moderate size particles to calculate the brightness temperatures of the foam-covered ocean surface. Results are illustrated for 19 GHz and 37 GHz and for both vertical and horizontal polarizations as a function of foam microstructure properties and foam layer thickness. Comparisons are also made with experimental measurements.
Dead Bodies and Living Guns: The United Red Army and Its Deadly Pursuit of Revolution, 1971–1972

The radical organization, the United Red Army, gained an iconic status in Japan in the early 1970s when it held hostages in a mountain lodge, Asama-sansō. Its defeat by the police force announced the end of New Left movements in Japan for many sympathizers. While state authority stood as the immediate obstacle to the United Red Army's revolutionary program, its members viewed the force of consumer society, which permeated contemporary Japanese society, as the ultimate enemy of class struggle. The United Red Army valorized violence as a means to transcend the new socio-economic conditions, plotting to strike back from its mountain hideouts. The failure of its revolutionary program proved the formidable power of consumer society in 1970s Japan.
New Onset Lumbar Radicular Pain After Implantation of an Intrathecal Drug Delivery System: Imaging Catheter Migration

Background and Objectives Implanted delivery systems for intrathecal drug administration have become more commonplace in the management of refractory cancer and nonmalignant pain. Complications may be related to drug side effects or to technical problems possibly involving the pump and/or catheter. The occurrence of postimplantation, new onset, lumbar radicular pain warrants careful clinical and radiographic examination. We suggest a paradigm for imaging of potential intervertebral foraminal catheter migration. Case Report New onset, intractable, lumbar radicular pain occurred 3 months after implantation of a one-piece catheter into the lumbar cistern. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed no granuloma but rather a contrast-enhancing lesion at the right L4-L5 intervertebral foramen. Subsequent computed tomography revealed migration of the catheter into the intervertebral foramen. Surgical repositioning of the catheter resulted in resolution of the symptoms. Conclusion Patients with implanted drug delivery systems with positioning of the catheter tip into the lumbar cistern may develop new onset lumbar radicular pain as a result of catheter migration into an intervertebral foramen. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is suggested as the initial imaging study to survey the spine and to evaluate for granuloma formation. Reimaging with computed tomography is essential to follow the course of the catheter and to delineate distal catheter tip location. It is suggested that positioning of the distal catheter tip at a location midway between the superior and inferior articular surfaces of the facet joint may minimize this complication.
Beyond the Single-Atom Response in Absorption Line Shapes: Probing a Dense, Laser-Dressed Helium Gas with Attosecond Pulse Trains

We investigate the absorption line shapes of laser-dressed atoms beyond the single-atom response, by using extreme ultraviolet (XUV) attosecond pulse trains to probe an optically thick helium target under the influence of a strong infrared (IR) field. We study the interplay between the IR-induced phase shift of the microscopic time-dependent dipole moment and the resonant-propagation-induced reshaping of the macroscopic XUV pulse. Our experimental and theoretical results show that as the optical depth increases, this interplay leads initially to a broadening of the IR-modified line shape, and subsequently, to the appearance of new, narrow features in the absorption line.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction: Epidemiology and treatment in the aging man

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are common urologic problems that are seen in the aging male population. Until recently, aging itself was considered the common link between ED and LUTS. However, recent studies have shown that the links between these two disease processes are much more complex and are possibly inter-related with a common mechanism. This newly recognized independent relationship between ED and LUTS has the potential to have a profound impact on the way we diagnose and treat these common urologic disorders.
Toward Separation and Purification of Olefins Using Dithiolene Complexes: An Electrochemical Approach

The complex Ni[S2C2(CF3)2]2reacts with light olefins, including ethylene and propylene, selectively and reversibly. The reaction is not poisoned by hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide, acetylene, or hydrogen sulfide, which are commonly present in olefin streams, presumably because olefin binding occurs through the sulfur ligand rather than the metal center. The reversible reaction of olefins with Ni[S2C2(CN)2]2 n ( n = 0, −1, −2) can be controlled electrochemically, where the oxidation state–dependent binding and release of olefins are fast on the electrochemical time scale. The observed tolerance to poisons and controllable electrochemical reactivity present an alternative approach to the separation of olefins from complex streams.
An Overview of Signal-Based Damage Detection Methods

Deterioration of structures due to aging, cumulative crack growth or excessive response significantly affects the performance and safety of structures during their service life. Recently, signal-based methods have received many attentions for structural health monitoring and damage detection. These methods examine changes in the features derived directly from the measured time histories or their corresponding spectra through proper signal processing methods and algorithms to detect damage. Based on different signal processing techniques for feature extraction, these methods are classified into time-domain methods, frequency-domain methods, and time-frequency (or time-scale)-domain methods. As an enhancement for feature extraction, selection and classification, pattern recognition techniques are deeply integrated into signal-based damage detection. This paper provided an overview of these methods based on two aspects: (1) feature extraction and selection, and (2) pattern recognition. Signal-based methods are particularly more effective for structures with complicated nonlinear behavior and the incomplete, incoherent, and noise-contaminated measurements of structural response.
Precision of Various Formulas for the Standard Deviation in IBM 360 Fortran

In order to compare the relative precision of four formulas for calculating the standard deviation through using one of the IBM 360/ 370 family of computers and a program written in FORTRAN, various sets of test scores were employed. Each set consisted of approximately 5000 scores. Two of the formulas were in raw score form; one formula was the definitional deviation score formula; and the fourth was a modification of the latter. All four formulas are algebraically equivalent. The modified deviation score formula in every instance yielded the most nearly exact results. The raw score formula for the standard deviation that is most often used in computer programs often yielded the results with greatest error. Implications for the computation of other statistics are discussed, and recommendations are offered.
Evaluation of seven Lycopersicon species for resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)

One hundred eighty-eight accessions of Lycopersicon cheesmanii, L. chilense, L. chmielewskii, L. hirsutum, L. parviflorum, L. pennellii, and L. peruvianum were screened for resistance to three isolates of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). All plants in an accession were initially screened for resistance to TSWV using isolate 85–9 from Arkansas. Visual symptoms were used to cull obviously infected plants, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify uninfected plants. Cuttings were taken from uninfected plants in the first screening and the resulting plants were inoculated with isolates Glox and T-2 from Texas and Hawaii, respectively. No resistance was identified in L. cheesmanii, L. chmielewskii, L. hirsutum, L. parviflorum, and L. pennellii. However, 33 of 63 L. chilense accession produced 91 of 1268 plants that were uninfected with isolate 85–9 and 20 accessions that produced 40 of 257 plants that were not infected with any of the isolates. After screening with isolate 85–9 9 of 12 L. peruvianum accessions tested had 38 plants uninfected and 8 accessions had 25 plants that were not infected with any of the isolates.
Effects of centrally administered pentazocine and ethylketocyclazocine on thermoregulation in the cat.

The mechanisms for the biphasic response of unrestrained cats to centrally administered pentazocine were examined by injecting 1 mg pentazocine into the third cerebral ventricle at various ambient temperatures (Tas). The initial phase was hyperthermia at Ta = 34°C, but at Ta = 22°C hypothermia, which was enhanced at Ta = 0°C, developed. The second phase was an increase in body temperature that occurred at all three Tas. No evidence was seen of compensatory thermoregulatory effector activity during development of either phase. The first phase can be attributed to general depression of thermoregulation whereas the second phase was likely due to an increase in the level about which body temperature was regulated. Ethylketocyclazocine (250–1000 μg) caused a very similar, dose-related change in temperature, neither phase of which, as reported previously for pentazocine, was reduced by a large dose of naloxone. Thus both agonists appear to act on the same receptors to alter thermoregulation in the cat. These receptors are distinct from the naloxone-sensitive receptors stimulated by morphine.
Is Ureteroscopy First Line Treatment for Pediatric Stone Disease

Purpose: We report our current outcomes for ureteroscopic management of pediatric stone disease.Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of all ureteroscopic procedures for kidney or ureteral calculi performed between 2001 and 2005. Stone location and size, preoperative and postoperative stenting, intraoperative dilation, use of ureteral access sheath, stone-free rates and complications were noted.Results: A total of 100 patients (58% female, mean age 13.2 years) underwent 115 procedures. Stones were located in the renal pelvis in 6% of patients, upper pole in 10%, mid ureter in 11%, lower pole in 17%, proximal ureter in 19% and distal ureter in 37%. Mean stone size was 8.3 mm (median 7.0), with a mean of 1.5 stones per patient. Preoperative stenting was used in 54% of patients, and a stent was placed postoperatively in 76%. Ureteral coaxial dilators and ureteral access sheaths were used in 70% and 24% of patients, respectively. There were no major intraoperative complications, althoug...
Collisional quenching of HgBr(B2∑+12)

Abstract Rate coefficients for the quenching of HgBr(B2∑+ 1 2 ) by HgBr2, H2, CO2, CO, O2, N2, Xe, and Br2 are reported. HgBr(B2∑+ 1 2 ) is formed by the photolysis of HgBr2 with the output from an ArF laser. The rate coefficients are determined by monitoring the time resolved B2∑+ 1 2 → X2∑+ 1 2 emission as quenching species are added. Radiative lifetimes at particular emission frequencies are also reported, and quenching mechanisms are discussed.
Intracardiac myxoma in siblings.

Some diseases have a tendency to occur in families. This documents for the first time the familial occurrence of cardiac myxomas in brothers. It seems appropriate to rule out a cardiac tumor in a patient with heart disease and unexplained or complicated symptoms, especially if there is a family history of tumor of the heart.
Is all fat the same? The role of fat in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The problem of obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Sixty-five percent of US adults are said to be overweight (body mass index, >25 kg/m2).1 Globally, the overweight population is estimated to be 1 billion people.2 This epidemic has led to a resurgence of interest in adipose tissue metabolism, physiology, and pathophysiology. The adipocyte is no longer understood merely as a repository of fat but rather is a dynamic, metabolically active factory that produces metabolic substrates, hormones, cytokines, and adipokines that exert their actions locally, systemically, and even centrally at the hypothalamus to regulate overall energy homeostasis. Increasingly, we understand that obesity is not only a problem of too much fat, per se, but also a much more far-reaching dysregulation of metabolism that affects adipose tissue and other organs, such as the liver, muscle, and pancreas.
D-wave superconductivity: the lifetime problem

Abstract A problem is posed, for theories which identify the symmetry of the order parameter in the copper oxide superconductors as d-wave, by the fact that (a) the inelastic quasiparticle lifetime in the normal state is anomalously short, and (b) superconductivity appears to be surprinsingly robust against by nonmagnetic impurities. Both these considerations are often taken as evidence against the d-wave identification; here I examine possible loopholes in the argument related to (a).
Explicit rigid and similarity image registration

Most of the suggested image registration methods are based on the optimization of an objective function. Drawbacks of this approach are the problem of local minima and the need to initialize the transformation close to the true solution. This paper presents a method for N-dimensional rigid and similarity image registration that is not optimization-based and consequently it doesn't involve local minima and initialization. Instead of obtaining the transformation parameters implicitly through an iterative optimization process, they are obtained explicitly. The proposed method has advantages over existing explicit methods. The explicit expressions for transformation parameters involve image integrals and no image derivatives, which makes the method robust to noise. It is shown that the method has a few desired properties including symmetry and transitivity, and that it is invariant to initial alignment of the images. The method has been tested on simulated and real brain 2D and 3D MR image pairs and the achieved average registration error was one voxel.
The ectosymbiont crab Dissodactylus mellitae–sand dollar Mellita isometra relationship

Abstract The presence of the ectosymbiont Dissodactylus mellitae on Mellita isometra was studied at Tybee Island in Georgia. The number of crabs found on sand dollars, stage of maturity, sex, numbers of eggs, and size of eggs produced by crabs were noted. The test diameter of sand dollars, and the number and diameter of eggs produced were also noted. Infestation rates of crabs on sand dollars varied over time. The maximum number of crabs found on a sand dollar was 10. The three types of population dispersion, random, uniform, and clumped, were observed for crabs on sand dollars throughout the sampling period. Clumped or gregarious settling was observed when juvenile crabs were abundant, uniform and random distribution when mature crabs were abundant. Female crabs were significantly larger than male crabs, with carapace width of the largest mature female crab being 4.6 mm and the largest male 3.1 mm. Crabs produced between 80 and 300 eggs from 0.188 to 0.291 mm in diameter. Bigger crabs produced significantly more eggs than smaller crabs. Sand dollar sizes were 50–110 mm, with a mode between 60 and 70 mm. The effect of crab burden on egg production in the sand dollar was time-dependent. The presence of crabs on sand dollars correlated with total egg production of sand dollars in May, the peak of the spawning season, with sand dollars carrying one or two crabs having a lower egg production than those without crabs. Overall, variation in egg size was attributed to variation among females followed by variation between seasons and crab burden.