cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Auction-Based Resource Leasing Mechanism for Under-Utilized Spectrum: Invited Paper

Spectrum auction has been considered a promising solution to release the under-utilized spectrum from primary spectrum licensee to potential secondary users. In this paper, we introduce an auction-based resource allocation scheme between a spectrum broker and base stations (BS)s that belong to a wireless service provider (WSP). Each BS submits the proportion of resources it wishes to lease from each auctioned spectrum band based on its true demand and the auctioneer's offered price. The spectrum broker leases the resource blocks (RB)s of its under-utilized spectrum bands to the WSP base stations using an iterative resource allocation algorithm. The proposed algorithm is based on a fair spectrum auction. The spectrum broker who manages the under-utilized spectrum resources plays the role of an auctioneer. First, we establish utility functions for the auctioneer and each participating BS. Then we maximize these utilities in iterations in order to achieve optimal price and allocated resources. Furthermore, we introduce a cheat-prevent auction mechanism based on ascending-bid auction to prevent greedy BSs from cheating activities to obtain lower prices for the auctioned resources. Finally we present simulation results on the performance of the proposed resource leasing mechanism.
On the minimum oxygen requirements for oxy-combustion of single particles of torrefied biomass

Abstract A fundamental investigation was conducted on the combustion characteristics of pulverized torrefied biomass particles both in air and in simulated oxy-combustion gases, containing oxygen and carbon dioxide. Power generation by oxy-combustion of renewable biomass, coupled with carbon-dioxide capture and utilization or sequestration, can contribute to a reduction of the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. This is because renewable biomass absorbs carbon dioxide during its growth, but this method will potentially release almost none to the atmosphere. The goal of this research is to determine the minimum oxygen mole fraction in the furnace input gases, which still induces single particle combustion characteristics that are similar to those encountered in air. Torrefied biomass types were herbaceous, waste crop, and woody. Entire luminous combustion profiles of single particles, burning in a drop-tube furnace, were recorded pyrometrically and cinematographically from ignition to extinction. Combustion took place in two phases: volatiles evolved and burned in spherical envelope flames and, upon extinction of these flames, the residual chars ignited and burned. Replacing the air background gas with 21%O2/79%CO2 prolonged the ignition delay and the burnout time of biomass particles and reduced their temperature. To the contrary, further increasing the oxygen mole fraction in CO2 to 30% caused opposite trends. For each biomass type, the oxygen fraction in CO2 that would produce combustion temperature and time parameters most similar to those of air combustion was projected to be between those two oxygen concentrations (21–30%), and this was verified experimentally. An empirical correlation was formulated to make initial estimates of oxy-combustion concentrations needed for each fuel based on their physical and chemical properties. Reduction of the amount of oxygen in oxy-combustion is important to curtail the energy penalty inflicted by the operation of the air separation unit.
The Narrative Chronology of Tatian's Diatessaron

The Synoptics narrate a single Passover during Jesus’ ministry, whereas John's Gospel spans three Passovers. The Diatessaron harmonised the Four Gospels, but previous scholarship has misapprehended Tatian's chronology of Jesus’ ministry. The Diatessaron included all the Johannine festivals, but Tatian rearranged the order of events. Distinctively resolving a significant disagreement between John and the Synoptics, Tatian innovated a narrative sequence wherein Jesus’ temple disruption occurs at the second of three Passovers.
Multiphysics phase-field modeling of quasi-static cracking in urania ceramic nuclear fuel

Abstract This work presents phase-field modeling of quasi-static cracking in urania (UO2) ceramic nuclear fuel under neutron radiation at high temperatures. Considering the tightly coupled multi-physics processes within the fuel during reactor power operation, a diffusion model including Fickian and Soret effects is used to describe the oxygen hyper-stoichiometry (x in UO2+x), and the temperature field is given by a thermal model involving non-uniform fission-generated heat source and heat flow across fuel pellet, pellet-cladding gap and cladding to the outside heat sink. Both temperature and irradiation effects are taken into account for the basic thermo-mechanical properties and irradiation behaviors of the nuclear fuel. Especially, the acceleration of fuel thermal creep by oxygen hyper-stoichiometry is included. The fracture due to the above physical processes is approximated by a scalar phase-field variable based upon a cohesive phase-field fracture method. A granite fracture experiment is simulated to validate the thermo-fracture coupling approach. For the first time, the diffusion-thermo-mechanical-fracture coupling model is applied to UO2 fuel pellet cracking during reactor startup, power ramp and reactor shutdown. UO2 creep is found to play an important role on the fuel pellet fragmentation. The developed capability supports interpretation of experimental data and can guide material design of ceramic nuclear fuels.
Uncommon Liver Tumors

Uncommon liver tumors do not have specific imaging features, but MRI is still the best imaging modality for the detection and characterization of these uncommon tumors compared to other imaging modalities including CT and US. Due to nonspecific MRI features of these tumors in a significant number of patients, histopathologic diagnosis is usually required for definitive diagnosis. However, some distinctive imaging features could still be detected on MRI in this group of uncommon liver tumors. MRI features of uncommon liver tumors will be reviewed in this chapter, particularly emphasizing distinctive features.
Modulation of the M. tuberculosis cell envelope between replicating and non-replicating persistent bacteria

The success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a human pathogen depends on the bacterium's ability to persist in a quiescent form in oxygen and nutrient-poor host environments. In vitro studies have demonstrated that these restricting environments induce a shift from bacterial replication to non-replicating persistence (NRP). Entry into NRP involves changes in bacterial metabolism and remodeling of the cell envelope. Findings consistent with the phenotypes observed in vitro have been observed in patient and animal model samples. This review focuses on the cell envelope differences seen between replicating and NRP M. tuberculosis and summarizes the ways in which serine/threonine protein kinases (STPKs) may mediate this process.
Functional, Durable, and Scalable Origami-Inspired Springs

Origami has recently emerged as a platform for building functional engineering systems with versatile characteristics that targeted niche applications. One widely utilized origami-based structure is known as the Kresling origami spring (KOS), which inspired, among many other things, the design of vibration isolators, fluidic muscles, and mechanical bit memory switches. Previous demonstrations of such concepts were carried out using paper-based KOSs, which are suitable for conceptual illustrations but not for implementation in a real environment. In addition to the very low durability resulting from the high plastic deformations at the paper folds; lack of repeatability, and high variation of performance among similar samples are also inevitable. To circumvent these issues, this paper presents a novel approach for the design of a non-paper based KOS, which mimics the qualitative behavior of the paper-based KOS without compromising on durability, repeatability, and functionality. In the new design, each fundamental triangle in the paper-based KOS is replaced by an inner central rigid core and an outer flexible rubber-like frame, which are fabricated out of different visco-elastic materials using advanced 3-D printing technologies. The quasi-static behavior of the fabricated springs was assessed under both compressive and tensile loads. It is shown that KOSs with linear, softening, hardening, mono- and bi-stable restoring force behavior can be fabricated using the proposed design by simple changes to the geometric design parameters, further pointing to the vast range of potential applications of such springs.
Coda: What Is Future Tripping?

As I alluded to throughout this book, much of it was written and/or revised in 2020 (bioarchaeology teaches us to contextualize). The concepts introduced in each chapter, I have come to realize, provide useful perspectives for thinking about the past and present states of the world. There is an unanticipated relationality.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxins

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that grows in diverse environments, including soil, water, and numerous sites of human infection. P. aeruginosa is a nosocomial pathogen for patients with preexisting lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or who undergo medical procedures that interfere with the normal innate barrier defenses, such as mechanical ventilation or surgery. P. aeruginosa utilizes exotoxin A and four type III secreted effectors as major virulence factors. This chapter discusses the structural, molecular, and functional properties of these toxins with respect to P. aeruginosa pathogenesis and as candidates for vaccine development toward the control of infection.
The Elements of Advanced Mathematics

BASIC LOGIC Principles of Logic Truth "And" and "Or" "Not" "If-Then" Contrapositive, Converse, and "Iff" Quantifiers Truth and Provability Exercises METHODS OF PROOF What is a Proof? Direct Proof Proof by Contradiction Proof by Induction Other Methods of Proof SET THEORY Undefinable Terms Elements of Set Theory Venn Diagrams Further ideas in Elementary Set Theory Indexing and Extended Set Operations Exercises RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS Relations Order Relations Functions Combining Functions Cantor's Notion of Cardinality Exercises AXIOMS OF SET THEORY, PARADOXES, AND RIGOR Axioms of Set Theory The Axiom of Choice Independence and Consistency Set Theory and Arithmetic Exercises NUMBER SYSTEMS Preliminary Remarks The Natural Number System The Integers The Rational Numbers The Real Number System The Non-Standard Real Number System The Complex Numbers The Quaternions, The Cayley Numbers, and Beyond MORE ON THE REAL NUMBER SYSTEM Introduction Sequences Open Sets and Closed Sets Compact Sets The Cantor Set Exercises EXAMPLES OF AXIOMATIC THEORIES Introductory Remarks Group Theory Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry Exercises SOLUTIONS TO SELECTED EXERCISES BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
Analysis of measurement data from sporting event Web sites

With the growing popularity of Web applications, there is a considerable increase in the importance of managing Web sites to deliver high levels of performance and scalability to accommodate future growth and evolution. One of the key issues in this regard concerns a better understanding of the traffic patterns at multiple levels, such as the levels of requests, pages and sessions. This paper presents a detailed analysis of measurement data from various sources pertaining to a specific multi-tiered, geographically distributed architecture that has been used to host the Web sites for a number of recent, popular sporting events. Our analysis of the request-level and page-level patterns demonstrate differences among the Web sites depending upon the type of event and the breadth of interests of the user community. Some of these patterns are consistent with commercial Web sites, while others are significantly different These results further illustrate geographical differences in the request-level and page-level patterns. Our analysis also investigates in detail session-level characteristics. This includes an analysis of the session durations, the think time distributions, the dependence structure of the session arrival process, and the page views comprising each session.
Global simulation of magnetospheric space weather effects of the Bastille Day storm

We present results from a global simulation of the interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere for the Bastille Day geomagnetic storm and compare the results with data. We find that during this event the magnetosphere becomes extremely compressed and eroded, causing 3 geosynchronous GOES satellites to enter the magnetosheath for an extended time period. At its extreme, the magnetopause moves at local noon as close as 4.9 R E to Earth which is interpreted as the consequence of the combined action of enhanced dynamic pressure and strong dayside reconnection due to the strong southward interplanetary magnetic field component B z, which at one time reaches a value of −60 nT. The lobes bulge sunward and shield the dayside reconnection region, thereby limiting the reconnection rate and thus the cross polar cap potential. Modeled ground magnetic perturbations are compared with data from 37 sub-auroral, auroral, and polar cap magnetometer stations. While the model can not yet predict the perturbations and fluctuations at individual ground stations, its predictions of the fluctuation spectrum in the 0–3 mHz range for the sub-auroral and high-latitude regions are remarkably good. However, at auroral latitudes (63° to 70° magnetic latitude) the predicted fluctuations are slightly too high.
Suffering among Older Adults

Suffering is a pervasive part of the human condition. From social, cultural, and medical perspectives, human suffering is often hidden under an assortment of other defined experiences, for example, colonization, marginalization, stigmatization, or illness symptomatology such as physical, mental, or chronic pain. As such, a focused examination of the condition of human suffering as a distinct entity has often been lacking. However, work in several disciplines within recent years has brought a specific focus to suffering as an object of study. As part of this effort, research has also centered on the experience of suffering in later life. Suffering can be defined as immersion in a profoundly difficult or troubling event or episode. Of critical significance to an understanding of suffering – and what makes it different from many negative experiences – is that suffering often provides a challenge to personal identity and threatens a stable sense of who one is in the world. Six negative factors relating to suffering may each form the basis of a more profound level of existential suffering. Some research on suffering in later life has focused on the relationship of suffering to both personal meaning and the experience of control. Keywords: age; culture; depression; life course sociology; life satisfaction
A (pentafluoroethyl)(trifluoromethyl)carbene complex of iridium and reductive activation of its sp3 α, β, and γ carbon–fluorine bonds to give perfluoro-2-butyne, perfluoro-1,2,3-butatriene and perfluoro-1-irida-2-methyl-2-cyclobutene) complexes

The (pentafluoroethyl)(trifluoromethyl)carbene complex Cp*Ir(CO)[C(CF3)(C2F5)] was synthesized by the reductive activation of the α-C–F bond in the perfluoro-sec-butyl-iridium complex Cp*Ir(CO)[CF(CF3)(C2F5)](I) with Na/Pb alloy. This compound exists as two geometric isomers in solution; the structure of one isomer has been determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study and contains two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Further reduction of this carbene complex with Na/Pb alloy afforded the perfluoro-2-butyne iridium complex Cp*Ir(CO)(η2-CF3CCCF3) by an overall 2-electron reduction and elimination of two β-fluorides. When magnesium graphite was utilized as the reducing agent for the further reduction, Cp*Ir(CO)(η2-CF3CCCF3) was produced as a minor product and the major product was the perfluoroiridacyclobutene complex Cp*Ir(CO)(η2,4-CF3CCFCF2) resulting from a γ-C–F bond activation. Direct reduction of the precursor Cp*Ir(CO)[CF(CF3)(C2F5)](I) with magnesium graphite generated the tetrafluorobutatriene iridium complex Cp*Ir(CO)(η2,3-CF2CCCF2) along with the perfluoro-2-butyne complex and perfluoroiridacyclobutene complexes in a ratio of 1 : 2 : 6. These reductive inner-sphere pathways to unsaturated fluorocarbon ligands illustrate that carbon–fluorine bond activation can take place at α-, β- and γ-carbons but that selectivity in these heterogeneous reductions is difficult to control, with a variety of fluoride eliminations possible for complex perfluoroalkyl ligands. Density Functional Theory (DFT/B3LYP-D3/LACV3P**++) is used to explore the relative energetics of products and intermediates in these reactions.
Application of a broadly tunable SG-DBR QCL for multi-species trace gas spectroscopy

Feasibility of using a mid-Infrared tunable sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflectors quantum cascade laser for high resolution multicomponent trace gas spectroscopy is demonstrated. By controlling the driving currents to the front and back sections of the laser, we were able to tune a pulsed 4.55 µm laser over a frequency range a of 30 cm−1 with high resolution, accuracy and repeatability. The laser was applied to absorption spectroscopy of ambient and reduced pressure (150 Torr) air in a 205 meters multi-pass Herriott cell, and by using standard LSQ fitting to a spectral database of these trace gases (HITRAN), the concentrations of nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor were retrieved.
The Certification of Evaluators: Highlights from a Report Submitted to the Board of Directors of the American Evaluation Association

In 1997, the Board of Directors of the American Evaluation Association received a report from a Task Force that examined the potential of certifying evaluators. Key topics in the report are summarized here. These include: a clarification of relevant terms, a review of the status of evaluation as a profession, and a discussion of how other professions certify their practitioners. Future options are discussed. One option, that of maintaining the status quo (i.e., no action in regard to certification), was seen by the Task Force as having serious, long-term consequences for evaluation. A preliminary look is taken at the advantages and disadvantages of developing a process to certify evaluators.
DANTE slice selection for solid-state NMR imaging

Abstract A homonuclear dipolar-decoupled version of the DANTE selective-excitation sequence is described and shown to be useful for slice selection in solid-state NMR imaging experiments. The sequence incorporates multiple-pulse coherent averaging to reduce the homonuclear dipolar linewidth of the solid-state NMR resonances of abundant spins in conjunction with the second averaging of time-independent linear Iz interactions. The second averaging avoids distortions due to both chemical shifts and susceptibility shifts. For spatial selectivity, the magnetic field gradient is applied as short (about four micro-seconds) pulses intercalated into selected windows of the multiple-pulse sequence such that the gradient interference of the homonuclear dipolar-decoupling efficiency is small. An example of a selected 0.65 mm 1H slice from a 9 mm cylinder of ferrocene is shown.
Journals of our plague years

And the Waters Turned to Blood by Rodney Barker Simon & Schuster: 1997. Pp. 334. $24 Deadly Feasts: Tracking the Secrets of a Terrifying New Plague by Richard Rhodes Simon & Schuster: 1997. Pp. 250. $24, £14.99
Effects of radiation on gold diffusion in silicon

A systematic study is made of different possible types of enhanced diffusion of gold in silicon. In contradiction to several published results the experimental results show that illumination with light from 1 kW tungsten lamp and 250 W infrared lamp as well as irradiations with 15, 100 keV, and 1.5 MeV electrons do not have any significant effect on diffusion of gold in silicon at temperatures from 30 to 200 °C. These negative results do not exclude the existence of effects of radiation by means of producing defect, recoil, or ionization on diffusion of gold in silicon, but establish an upper limit on the effect. It is also found that lattice defects introduced by high temperature diffusion or by heat treatment in air can make gold penetrate into silicon at low temperatures (200 to 400 °C). Es werden verschiedene Arten erhohter Diffusion von Gold in Silizium systematisch untersucht. Im Gegensatz zu mehreren veroffentlichten Ergebnissen zeigen die Experimente, das Bestrahlung mit Licht einer 1 kW-Wolframlampe oder einer 250 W-Infrarotlampe, ebenso wie mit Elektronen einer Energie von 15, 100 keV oder 1,5 MeV keinen wesentlichen Einflus auf die Diffusion von Gold in Silizium bei Temperaturen von 30 bis 200 °C hat. Diese negativen Ergebnisse schliesen nicht aus, das die Bestrahlung (uber Gitterfehlererzeugung, Atomstos oder Ionisierung) einen Einflus auf die Diffusion von Gold in Silizium haben kann, geben aber eine obere Schranke fur diesen Einflus an. Es wird auch gefunden, das Gitterfehler, die durch Diffusion bei hohen Temperaturen oder durch Warmebehandlung in Luft erzeugt werden, ein Eindringen von Gold in Silizium bei tiefen Temperaturen (200 bis 400 °C) ermoglichen.
Spouses' Sociodemographic Characteristics and Contraceptive Use in Kinshasa, Zaire

This paper examines the impact of spouses’ education, fertility desires, and marital characteristics on contraceptive use in Kinshasa, Zaire. The results reveal that, while family planning services focus their activities exclusively on women, husbands’ education and fertility desire are very important in explaining the use of birth control in marriage. This male role is crucial in understanding fertility patterns in Africa, where the major familial decisions are made by the husband.
Use of donor aorta for arterial reconstruction in paediatric liver and multivisceral transplantation

Background: Arterial reconstruction remains the most important technical issue in paediatric transplantation. The arteries of paediatric donors as well as recipients are small and friable. The aim of this study was to assess the use of the donor aorta as a conduit for arterial reconstruction in paediatric liver and multivisceral transplantation. Methods: Between June 1994 and January 2002, 284 paediatric transplants, including 197 cadaveric liver and multivisceral transplants, were performed in children at this centre. Of these, 41 (20·8 per cent), including nine cadaveric liver transplants and 32 multivisceral transplants, were revascularized by donor aortic reconstruction. Patient demographics, types of donor arterial reconstruction, technical complications and incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis were reviewed. Results: None of the 41 donor aortic reconstructions used in revascularization of paediatric liver and multivisceral transplants thrombosed. There were no bleeding complications and no pseudoaneurysms developed. Conclusion: Arterial reconstruction using donor aorta is a useful option with a low incidence of thrombosis in paediatric transplantation. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐component laser doppler velocimeter studies of submerged jets of dilute polymer solutions

Axisymmetric submerged jets of dilute solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyacrylamide of high molecular weight were studied using a two-component laser Doppler velocimeter. At from 40–60 jet diameters from the source the small eddies are suppressed in the solutions studied. The behavior of the large eddies depends upon the elastic nature of the solution.
Hippocampal calcium dysregulation at the nexus of diabetes and brain aging

Abstract Recently it has become clear that conditions of insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes, are linked with moderate cognitive impairment in normal aging and elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease. It appears that a common feature of these conditions is impaired insulin signaling, affecting the brain as well as peripheral target tissues. A number of studies have documented that insulin directly affects brain processes and that reduced insulin signaling results in impaired learning and memory. Several studies have also shown that diabetes induces Ca2+ dysregulation in neurons. Because brain aging is associated with substantial Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, it has been proposed that impaired insulin signaling exacerbates or accelerates aging-related Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. However, there have been few studies examining insulin interactions with Ca2+ regulation in aging animals. We have been testing predictions of the Ca2+ dysregulation/diabetes/brain aging hypothesis and have found that insulin and insulin-sensitizers (thiazolidinediones) target several hippocampal Ca2+-related processes affected by aging. The drugs appear able to reduce the age-dependent increase in Ca2+ transients and the Ca2+ -sensitive afterhyperpolarization. Thus, while additional testing is needed, the results to date are consistent with the view that strategies that enhance insulin signaling can counteract the effect of aging on Ca2+ dysregulation.
Fabrication and Characterization of Micromachined Piezoelectric T-Beam Actuators

This paper presents a monolithically fabricated microelectromechanical piezoelectric cantilever beam with a T-shaped cross section capable of in-plane and out-of-plane displacements and sensing. High-aspect-ratio T-beams are achieved by direct micromachining of bulk lead zirconate titanate (PZT-4) via reactive ion etching of 65- μm-deep features. Electrodes deposited on the top and bottom web and flange regions of the T-shaped structure allow in-plane and out-of-plane motion actuation and sensing. The T-beam structures were tested for in-plane and out-of-plane tip displacements, out-of-plane blocking force, and impedance response. These results are explained using analytical models that predict static deflection, blocking force, and resonance frequency. Nine prototype micromachined T-beams are fabricated that achieve up to 129 μm of out-of-plane displacement, 11.6 μm of in-plane displacement, and 700 μN of out-of-plane blocking force.
Non fermi liquid behavior in strongly correlated f-electron materials

Evidence for non Fermi liquid (NFL) behavior in y1−x UxPd3 and related systems is reviewed and discussed within the context of possible microscopic mechanisms. Low temperature electrical resistivity, specific heat, and magnetic susceptibility measurements on the Th1−xUxPd2Al3 system reveal unconventional Kondo behavior with NFL low temperature characteristics. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on UCu3.5Pd1.5, which has previously been shown to exhibit NFL behavior, are presented. Some systematics of the NFL low temperature behavior observed in several f-electron materials include a linear temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity ϱ ∼ 1−aT with either positive or negative coefficient a, a logarithmically diverging specific heat C/T ∼−lnT, and T1/2 asymptotic behavior of the magnetic susceptibility χ ∼ 1 − T1/2.
Canopy characteristics and growth rates of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir at long-established forest edges

Trees respond to edge-to-interior microclimate differences in fragmented forests. To better understand tree physiological responses to fragmentation, we measured ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. & C. Laws) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) leaf area, crown ratios, sapwood area, basal area (BA) growth rates, and BA growth efficiency at 23 long-established (>50 year) forest edges in northern Idaho. Trees located at forest edges had more leaf area, deeper crowns, higher BA growth rates, and more sapwood area at breast height than interior trees. Ponderosa pine had significantly higher BA growth efficiency at forest edges than interiors, but Douglas-fir BA growth efficiency did not differ, which may relate to differences in photosynthetic capacity and drought and shade tolerance. Edge orientation affected BA growth efficiency, with higher values at northeast-facing edges for both species. Edge effects were significant even after accounting for variation in stand density, whic...
Neural network-based adaptive event-triggered control of affine nonlinear discrete time systems with unknown internal dynamics

In this paper, the design of a neural network (NN) based adaptive model-based event-triggered control of an uncertain single input single output (SISO) nonlinear discrete time system in affine form is presented. The controller uses an adaptive estimator consisting of a single-layer NN not only to approximate the internal dynamics of an affine nonlinear discrete-time system but also to provide an estimate of the state vector during inter event interval. The NN weights of the adaptive NN estimator are tuned in a aperiodic manner at the event trigger instants unlike periodic updates in standard adaptive neural network (NN) control. A dead zone operator is used to reset the event trigger error to zero as long as the system states continue to remain in a bounded region due to NN reconstruction errors. Lyapunov method is used to derive the event trigger condition, prove uniform ultimate boundedness (UUB) of the NN weight estimation error and system states.
Transcatheter Repair of Recurrent Postinfarct Ventricular Septal Defects

Surgical repair of recurrent postmyocardial infarction septal defect is associated with a high mortality rate. We present 2 patients whose recurrent defects were closed percutaneously using an Amplatzer device.
Rectal microbicide development.

The last few years have seen important progress in demonstrating the efficacy of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, vaginal microbicides, and treatment as prevention as effective strategies for reducing the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection. There has also been significant progress in the development of rectal microbicides. Preclinical non-human primate studies have demonstrated that antiretroviral microbicides can provide significant protection from rectal challenge with SIV or SHIV. Recent Phase 1 rectal microbicide studies have characterized the safety, acceptability, compartmental pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of both UC781 and tenofovir gels. The tenofovir gel formulation used in vaginal studies was not well tolerated in the rectum and newer rectal-specific formulations have been developed and evaluated in Phase 1 studies. The PK/PD data generated in these Phase 1 studies may reduce the risk of advancing ineffective candidate rectal microbicides into late stage development. Tenofovir gel is currently poised to move into Phase 2 evaluation and it is possible that a Phase 2B/3 effectiveness study with this product could be initiated in the next 2–3 years.
MINORITY CONCENTRATION, DISADVANTAGE, AND INEQUALITY IN THE NONMETROPOLITAN UNITED STATES

The implications of the residential concentration of minority populations are issues of vital concern in the United States. Much of the previous minority concentration literature has focused on African-American residents of metropolitan communities. This article expands on this literature by exploring a variety of minority groups in nonmetropolitan communities. It was found that the minority residents of communities with large minority populations were in worse socioeconomic conditions than the minority residents of predominately white communities. Further, for most socioeconomic variables, it was found that as minority concentration increased, white residents tended to do better. In addition, the extent of racial inequality between minority and white residents was greater in communities with larger minority populations. Implications of the above findings are discussed.
Characterization of Single-Stranded DNA Binding Proteins in Rat Glial-Enriched Nuclei

Single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) are those proteins which preferentially bind single-stranded DNA as opposed to double-stranded DNA and are known to be involved in recombination, amplification, and repair of DNA. To characterize single-stranded DNA binding proteins of glial cells and to examine their potential involvement in induction of neurogenic tumors in rats, nuclei were isolated from target glia and non-target liver of carcinogenically sensitive Sprague-Dawley (SD) and resistant Berlin-Druckrey-IV (BD-IV) rats of various ages and rapidly proliferating glioma cells. Nuclei were fractionated into chromatin, a preribosomal RNA protein complex, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex (hnRNP), and nucleoplasm. SSBs were isolated, quantitated, and characterized by electrophoresis. A comparison of the contents of SSBs relative to RNA and their electrophoretic profiles between chromatin and hnRNP revealed that SSBs of liver chromatin were mainly associated with RNA. However, it was found that glial chromatin, particularly that of juvenile rats, was enriched with a heterogeneous series of SSBs which were not found in liver chromatin and presumably associated with chromosomal DNA. Some of these SSBs were enriched in glial chromatin of sensitive SD rats compared with that of resistant BD-IV rats. High mobility group proteins (HMG) 1 and 2 constituted major SSB components in the nucleoplasm and a greater amount of these HMGs were found in juvenile glia, compared to adult glia and juvenile and adult liver. Fractionation of glial SSBs and determination of their biological functions may contribute to the further understanding of the role these proteins may play in the processes of carcinogenesis.
Production and stabilization of cellulases fromTrichoderma reesei

Production of exoglucanase and endoglucanase in batch culture ofT. reesei QM 9414 was growth-associated both in lactose and leached beet pulp media. Endoglucanase remained stable whilst the organism was in the stationary phase but exoglucanase activityy decreased sharply at the onset of the stationary phase. Addition of the protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) towards the end of growth produced complete protection toward protease inactivation, exoglucanase being stabilized even in prolonged stationary phase. The stability of exoglucanase in the presence or absence of mycelium, with and without PMSF addition, showed that endogenous cell-free and cell-associated proteases weree responsible for exoglucanase inactivation in the stationary phase. Inactivation of exoglucanase depended on the physiological stage of the cultures, the enzyme remaining stable as long as the culture was in an active growth phase.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ITEM PARAMETERS AND ITEM FIT STATISTICS

Dodeen (2004) studied the correlation between the item parameters of the three-parameter logistic model and two item fit statistics, and found some linear relationships (e.g., a positive correlation between item discrimination parameters and item fit statistics) that have the potential for influencing the work of practitioners who employ item response theory. This paper examines the same type of linear relationships as studied in Dodeen. However, this paper adds to the literature by employing item fit statistics not considered in Dodeen, which have been recently suggested and whose Type I error rates have been demonstrated to be generally close to the nominal level. Detailed simulations show that if one uses certain of the recently suggested item fit statistics, there is no need to worry about any linear relationships between the item parameters and item fit statistics.
Regulatory volume decrease by cultured non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

Cells (ODM C1-2/SV40) derived from human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells were studied by electronic cell sizing. The time course of the cell volume (vc) was monitored after suspending cells in paired experimental and control, isosmotic and hyposmotic solutions of identical ioniccomposition. Following anisosmotic cell swelling, the cells displayed the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) previously described. The RVD primarily reflects loss of cell KCl since: (1) the K+-channel blockers quinidine and Ba2+ both inhibit the RVD; and (2) replacement of external Cl− with gluconate or addition of the Cl− channel blocker NPPB also inhibits the RVD. Bicarbonate has previously been reported to speed the RVD. This action likely reflects pH dependence of the channels since: (1) increasing the external pH speeds the RVD, whether or not HCO3− is present; and (2) DIDS (a blocker of Cl− channels and of Cl−/HCO 3− exchange) is an effective inhibitor of the RVD, even after blocking Cl−/HCO3− exchange by removing external HCO3−. The RVD could also be inhibited by reducing the availability of Ca 2+, either by omitting Ca2+ from the external medium or by blocking mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ with TMB-8. Furthermore, the RVD was slowed and incomplete in the presence of the calcium/calmodulin blocker trifluoperazine. We conclude that anisosmotic swelling triggers a series of events, mediated at least in part by calcium/calmodulin, leading to the extrusion of KCl through parallel K+ and Cl− channels.
The role of solvent transport in cryo-annealing of macromolecular crystals.

Macromolecular crystals are usually cooled to ∼100 K for X-ray diffraction experiments in order to diminish lattice damage arising from the ionizing radiation. Such cooling often produces lattice disorder, but this disorder can sometimes be substantially reduced by cycling the crystal between low and higher temperatures (called annealing). Here, two related aspects of cryocooling and annealing are investigated using crystals of β-galactosidase and thermolysin. Firstly, as has been reported with other systems, there is an optimal cryoprotectant concentration above and below which diffraction is poor, with high mosaicity, diffuse scatter and low signal to noise. Measurements of the bulk density of the respective cryosolvents are consistent with the idea that at the optimal cryoprotectant concentration the contraction of the bulk solvent on cooling largely compensates for the contraction of the macromolecular lattice. Secondly, by controlling the relative humidity of the gas that contacts the crystal during the high (room) temperature phase, it is found that water is either imported into or exported out of the crystals during the melting phase of annealing. This water transport appears to change the concentration of the cryoprotectant solution and in so doing alters its thermal contraction. Thus, annealing appears to be involved, at least in part, in the tuning of the thermal contraction of the bulk solvent to best compensate for lattice contraction. Furthermore, it is found that if the cryoprotectant concentration is initially too high then annealing is more successful than if the concentration is initially too low. This result suggests that the search for optimal cryoprotectant conditions may be facilitated by equilibration of the crystal to relatively high cryoprotectant concentration followed by annealing.
Adenovirus type-2 infection of human keratinocytes: Viral expression dependent upon the state of cellular maturation

Abstract We have demonstrated that adenovirus type-2 (AD-2) will productively infect cultured human keratinocytes, an ectodermally derived cell. During infection cytopathic effects are observed in suprabasal cells while most basal cells appear to be free of virus. Experiments with cultures of basal cells alone and with cells infected in suspension indicate that this lack of response of the basal cells is not a result of resistance to infection. Apparently the productive response is blocked in basal keratinocytes, but after some unknown maturational events ensue fully permissive and mature infectious particles are produced. Immunofluorescence analysis suggests that blockage of viral expression in the basal cells occurs prior to T-antigen synthesis. These results imply that expression of Ad-2 is dependent upon the state of cellular differentiation in keratinocytes. This system should prove to be a valuable tool in the study of differentiation as well as the nature of latent infection.
Colloidal dispersions of silica as supports for insoluble metalloporphyrins that catalyze the reduction of dioxygen

The advantages that can be realized by immobilizing electrocatalysts on electrode surfaces have become well recognized [l]. However, among the disadvantages of confining catalysts to electrode surfaces are the greater difficulties that are often encountered in establishing reaction orders and mechanisms because of inevitable uncertainties about both the effective surface concentrations of catalysts and their actual composition in cases where participation in the catalytic mechanisms by functional groups present on the surface may be involved. Such difficulties have been encountered in previous studies of the electrocatalysis of the reduction of dioxygen by metalloporphyrins attached to the surfaces of graphite or glassy carbon electrodes [2]. With these problems in mind, we have been exploring various possibilities for conducting studies of the catalysis of electron transfer reactions by immobilized metalloporphyrins under conditions where their surface concentrations are well-defined and the variety of available surface functional groups is smaller and better characterized than is true for graphite and glassy carbon surfaces. We have found that stable colloidal suspensions of inert supports such as silica or clays provide an effective means for dispersing insoluble catalysts such as metalloporphyrins in aqueous media where the kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions which they catalyze can be examined by conventional kinetic techniques. In this preliminary account we present the first results obtained on the reductions of dioxygen as catalyzed by cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) and a cofacial
Bacterial volatile discovery using solid phase microextraction and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Abstract Bacteria produce unique volatile mixtures that could be used to identify infectious agents to the species, and possibly the strain level. However, due to the immense variety of human pathogens, and the close relatedness of some of these bacteria, the robust identification of the bacterium based on its volatile metabolome is likely to require a large number of volatile compounds for each species. We applied comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS) to the identification of the headspace volatiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 grown for 24 h in lysogeny broth. This is the first reported use of GC × GC–TOFMS for the characterization of bacterial headspace volatiles. The analytical purity that is afforded by this chromatographic method facilitated the identification of 28 new P. aeruginosa-derived volatiles, nearly doubling the list of volatiles for this species.
General criterion for rating heat-exchanger performance

combined parameter, equation (16); specific heat at constant pressure; friction factor; mass velocity ; specific enthalpy ; average heat-transfer coefficient; duty parameter, equation (13); mass flow rate; Reynolds number; number ofentropy production units; = N, due to friction pressure drop AP; = N, due to heat transfer across a finite AT; Stanton number; number of heat-transfer units [5] ; wetted parameter; pressure ; heat-transfer rate per unit length; hydraulic radius ; dimensionless ratio of heat-transfer coefficient to pumping power; specific entropy; rate of entropy production [W/K] ; absolute temperature; passage axial coordinate.
Immunotherapy: Shifting the Balance of Cell-Mediated Immunity and Suppression in Human Prostate Cancer

Active immunotherapy is dependent on the ability of the immune system to recognize and respond to tumors. Despite overwhelming evidence to support a cell-mediated immune response to prostate cancer, it is insufficient to eradicate the disease. This is likely due to a high level of suppression at the tumor site from a variety of sources, including immunosuppressive cells. Immune cells entering the tumor microenvironment may be inhibited directly by the tumor, stromal cells or other immune cells that have been induced to adopt a suppressive phenotype. The resurgence of interest in immunotherapy following the approval of sipuleucel-T and ipilimumab by the Food and Drug Administration has brought about new strategies for overcoming tumor-mediated suppression and bolstering anti-tumor responses. Improved understanding of the immune response to prostate cancer can lead to new combination therapies, such as the use of vaccine with small molecule and checkpoint inhibitors or other immunotherapies.
Results of the Treat Angina With Aggrastat and Determine the Cost of Therapy With an Invasive or Conservative Strategy (TACTICS-TIMI 18) Trial: A Comparison of Invasive Versus Conservative Strategy in Patients With Unstable Angina and Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background : In the treatment of patients with unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), debate exists as to whether an early invasive vs. a conservative strategy is optimal therapy. Methods: In the international TACTICS-TIMI 18 trial, 2220 patients with UA/NSTEMI who had either electrocardiographic changes, …
Comparison of Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities in Arabidopsis thaliana Mutants for Systemic Acquired Resistance

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible systemic plant defense against a broad spectrum of plant pathogens, with the potential to secrete antimicrobial compounds into the soil. However, its impact on rhizosphere bacteria is not known. In this study, we examined fingerprints of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to determine the effect of SAR on bacterial community structure and diversity. We compared Arabidopsis mutants that are constitutive and non-inducible for SAR and verified SAR activation by measuring pathogenesis-related protein activity via a β-glucoronidase (GUS) reporter construct driven by the β-1-3 glucanase promoter. We used terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of MspI- and HaeIII-digested 16S rDNA to estimate bacterial rhizosphere community diversity, with Lactobacillus sp. added as internal controls. T-RFLP analysis showed a clear rhizosphere effect on community structure, and diversity analysis of both rhizosphere and bulk soil operational taxonomic units (as defined by terminal restriction fragments) using richness, Shannon–Weiner, and Simpson’s diversity indices and evenness confirmed that the presence of Arabidopsis roots significantly altered bacterial communities. This effect of altered soil microbial community structure by plants was also seen upon multivariate cluster analysis of the terminal restriction fragments. We also found visible differences in the rhizosphere community fingerprints of different Arabidopsis SAR mutants; however, there was no clear decrease of rhizosphere diversity because of constitutive SAR expression. Our study suggests that SAR can alter rhizosphere bacterial communities, opening the door to further understanding and application of inducible plant defense as a driving force in structuring soil bacterial assemblages.
On the relation between vacancy formation energy and young's modulus

Abstract A relation between vacancy formation energy and Young's modulus, proposed by Mukherjee, is examined by considering a general interatomic potential of the form U ( r ) = − af ( r / r 0 ) + bg (( r / r 0 ). The vacancy formation energy E V is shown to be correlated with Young's modulus Y by the relation E V = kV 0 Y /(1 − 2 v ).