cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-parametric dominant point detection

Abstract A new method for detecting dominant points is presented. It does not require any input parameter, and the dominant points obtained by this method remain relatively the same even when the object curve is scaled or rotated. In this method, for each boundary point, a support region is assigned to the point based on its local properties. Each point is then smoothed by a Gaussian filter with a width proportional to its determined support region. A significance measure for each point is then computed. Dominant points are finally obtained through nonmaximum suppression. Unlike other dominant point detection algorithms which are sensitive to scaling and rotation of the object curve, the new method will overcome this difficulty. Furthermore, it is robust in the presence of noise. The proposed new method is compared to the Teh-Chin algorithm (see C. Teh and R. T. Chin, IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 11 , 859–872 (1989)) in terms of the computational complexity, the approximation errors and the number of detected dominant points of an object curve.
Effect of cold collisions on spin coherence and resonance shifts in a magnetically trapped ultracold gas

We have performed precision microwave spectroscopy on ultracold ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ confined in a magnetic trap, both above and below the Bose-condensation transition. The cold collision frequency shifts for both normal and condensed clouds were measured, which allowed the intrastate and interstate density correlations (characterized by sometimes controversial ``factors of 2'') to be determined. Additionally, temporal coherence of the normal cloud was studied, and the importance of mean-field and velocity-changing collisions in preserving coherence is discussed.
Intelligent Testing With Wechsler’s Fourth Editions: Perspectives on the Weiss et al. Studies and the Eight Commentaries

The two featured articles and eight commentaries on the WISC-IV (Wechsler, 2003) and WAIS-IV (Wechsler, 2008) in this special issue of Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment are of exceptional quality. As a collective, this special issue greatly advances the field of cognitive assessment by intelligently synthesizing the best of methodology (confirmatory factor analysis) with the best of theory (Cattell–Horn–Carroll). The Weiss et al. articles represent sophisticated approaches to test validation and interpretation and the commentaries deal with applications, extensions, and limitations of the findings. This “response to the respondents” focuses on Wechsler’s approach to assessment, historical antecedents of factor analysis (especially the contributions of Jacob Cohen in the 1950s), and the “intelligent testing” model of test interpretation.
Assessment of the life stress-depression relationship: The use of social support as a moderator variable

Two hundred and fifty-two undergraduates completed a modified version of the Life Experience Survey (LES), the Beck Depression Inventory (Revised), and a measure of social support. Correlations between negative and total life changes on the LES and the Beck were significant for individuals with high social support (r=.36 and .29), but these correlations were significantly higher for individuals with low social support (r=.67 and .66). In addition, positive LES scores were significantly correlated with the Beck for individuals with low social support (r=.37), and individuals with low social support had higher mean scores on the Beck,F(1,250)=20.72,p<.0001. These findings were interpreted as supporting the theory of Holmes and Rahe and Sarason and Johnson that aversive life changes are related to depression, and provide evidence for the view the positive life changes can also be stressful. These data also support the concept of individual differences in vulnerability to stress and the role of social support in this vulnerability. The use of social support as a moderator variable appears to enhance correlations between the LES and depression to the level of clinical utility.
Ultrathin high-K metal oxides on silicon: processing, characterization and integration issues

An overview of our recent work on ultrathin ( , 100 A) films of metal oxides deposited on silicon for advanced gate dielectrics applications will be presented. Data on ultrathin Al O , ZrO , HfO , and Y O will be shown to illustrate the 23 2 2 2 3 complex processing, integration and device-related issues for high dielectric constant ('high-K') materials. Both physical and electrical properties, as well as the effects of pre- and post-deposition treatments will be discussed. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Comparison of gene expression markers during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis in pine

The relative expression of developmentally regulated genes was analyzed during zygotic embryo development in Pinus taeda and somatic embryo development/maturation in P. taeda and Pinus oocarpa. The following four embryo samples were studied: zygotic pro-embryos and somatic embryogenic suspensor masses; round/globular, early cotyledonary, and late cotyledonary. The relative transcript levels of six genes of interest: legumin-/vicilin-like, group 4 late embryogenesis abundant, homeodomain-leucine zipper I, 26S proteasome regulatory subunit S2, and clavata-like, associated with different aspects of embryo development, were analyzed by real-time PCR. In both pine species, the relative transcript levels for legumin-/vicilin-like storage proteins and the late embryogenesis abundant protein accumulated gradually through somatic embryo maturation, in contrast to zygotic embryos, where transcripts increased significantly to their highest levels at the late cotyledonary stage. The homeodomain-leucine zipper I relative transcript accumulation pattern differed between somatic and zygotic embryos. This difference was attributed to differences in cell-type compositions between the embryogenic suspensor masses and pro-embryos. Additionally, in P. oocarpa, the transcript levels of homeodomain-leucine zipper I remained high after the transfer of somatic embryos to maturation conditions, but declined during maturation in P. taeda. The highest 26S proteasome regulatory subunit S2 relative transcript levels in P. taeda were in round/globular somatic and zygotic embryos and in embryogenic suspensor masses and round/globular P. oocarpa somatic embryos. Finally, the relative transcripts levels for the clavata-like gene were more predominant in round/globular, early cotyledonary, and embryogenic suspensor masses in P. taeda and P. oocarpa, respectively. Somatic embryos exhibited relative gene expression patterns similar to their zygotic counterparts, although some differences were noted between zygotic and somatic embryos, as well as between the different pine somatic embryo systems.
Salient features in mammograms using Gabor filters and clustering

We present a method for locating salient features in mammograms. The perceptual importance or salience of image pixels can be studied using a statistical measure of pixel-based features. The “outliers” or greatest values for this measure can be regarded as salient because in an imaging sense, the outliers tend to contribute to the local feature contrast. Our method finds important image features first by spatially decomposing the image using a process that models the human vision system. Salience maps then are created using the Mahalanobis distance, and a scalar visibility metric then is analyzed. Six mammographers each read three mammograms. Each mammogram had two views. During screening, eye position data were recorded. A K-means algorithm then was applied to identify fixation clusters. Following decomposition, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) then was performed to examine the effects of observer experience, spatial frequency, and discrimination using the maximum value of the visibility metric. This pilot study shows statistically significant differences in true positive and true negative features, and in both the features and filters used to discriminate true negative results between expert and resident observers. This type of analysis can be useful for finding fixation tendencies that result from the available spatial features during mammogram screening.
Effects of in vivo perforant path kindling on O-Mg2+-induced CA1 burst activity in rat hippocampal slices

Abstract Previous studies have reported persistent alterations in the electrophysiological characteristics of the CA1 region of the hippocampus after kindling. The present study examined the effects of perforant path kindling on O-Mg 2+ -induced epileptiform bursting in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices. The duration of evoked bursting was significantly longer in slices taken from kindled animals as compared to those taken from implanted, non-stimulated controls. No significant differences were found in spontaneous burst frequency between slices taken from kindled and control animals. These data suggest that perforant path kindling causes a persistent increase in hyperexcitability in the CA1 region of the hippocampus leading to a facilitation of evoked burst activity, perhaps through an enhancement in NMDA-related excitatory neurotransmission.
Granule Sizes and U.S.P. Starch

Several samples of Corn Starch supplied by four commercial companies were investigated for compliance with the United States Pharmacopeia XVIII specifications for granule size. Non were found to possess granules which exceeded the upper limit of 35 microns specified by the monograph. Two methods of analysis for measuring the granule sizes are described: 1) a ”Variables Sampling Plan for Normally Distributed Lots with Single Specification Limit and with Specified Acceptable Quality Level (AQL), Lot Tolerance Percent Defective Level (LTPD), a and β″; and 2) a ”Single-Sample Fraction-Defective Plan (AQL, LTPD, α and β Specified)„. It is suggested that manufacturers consider the use of a Single-Sample Fraction-Defective Plan (AQL, LTPD, α and β Specified) in particular for certifying lots which are to be labelled U.S.P. Starch.
Absent aldosterone response to metoclopramide in patients with high spinal cord transection: evidence that metoclopramide stimulates aldosterone secretion through central pathways.

Abstract This study evaluates dopaminergic regulation of aldosterone secretion in 6 patients with high spinal cord transections. Administration of the dopamine antogonist metoclopramide resulted in a marked rise in plasma aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone levels in 12 normal individuals, but no change in plasma levels of these zona glomerulosa corticosteroid products in spinal cord patients. Spinal cord transected patients also did not have the rise in plasma renin activity that was observed in normals following metoclopramide administration. Basal levels of aldosterone, 18 hydroxycorticosterone, corticosterone and renin activity as well as the aldosterone responses to graded dose infusion of adrenocorticotropin were similar in the spinal cord patients and the normals. These data suggest that dopaminergic regulation of adrenal zona glomerulosa corticosteroid and renal renin secretion is absent in patients with high spinal cord transections, suggesting that intact neural pathways from the central nervous system are necessary for metoclopramide stimulation of aldosterone and renin secretion in men. Since basal plasma aldosterone levels were normal in spinal cord transected patients, it appears that the absence of dopaminergic control does not result in elevated secretion.
Accuracy of visual assessment of the cervix compared to digital examination

DIGITAL EXAMINATION LEONARDO PEREIRA, REBECCA GOULD, JACQUELYN PELHAM, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philadelphia, PA Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philadelphia, PA OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine the accuracy of visual assessment of the cervix (VIS) compared to digital cervical examination (DIG). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of 100 patients presenting to Labor and Delivery from April to June 2003. Patients requiring both a sterile speculum exam (SSE) andDIG examination were eligible. Exclusion criteria were preterm rupturedmembranes (PPROM) or other contraindication to DIG examination. VIS assessment was made and recorded during SSE. Following SSE, the same physician performed DIG examination. Variables measured included cervical dilation (DIL), effacement (EFF), position (POS), and station of fetal presenting part (STA). A modified Bishop score (BIS) was calculated. Correlation between VIS assessment and DIG examination was measured using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (COR). Type I error was set at 0.05 (twosided). RESULTS:Mean gestational age (GA) at examwas 32.4 weeks (w) (range 1741). 84% of patients had intact membranes; 55% were multiparous. VIS assessment correlated with DIG examination for all parameters measured. This correlation remained significant after controlling for DIL, parity, GA < 34 w, and ruptured membranes (SROM) in term patients with 2 exceptions: EFF in patients < 34 w GA (N = 46, COR .284, P .056), and STA in SROM patients (N = 7, COR .722, P .067). CONCLUSION: Visual assessment correlates with digital examination of the cervix. This correlation remains significant in preterm patients with intact membranes and patients with term SROM and may be applicable to patients with PPROM.
The effect of prior exposure on sodium uptake in tadpoles exposed to low pH water

Bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana) were pre-exposed (7d) to 5 different solutions which varied in ionic composition and pH. Unidirectional sodium influx was then measured over a range of sodium concentrations (50–2000 μM) and at 2 pH's (4.0 and 5.8). Tadpoles pre-treated in either distilled water or pH 4.0 soft water exhibited higher sodium influx than animals pre-treated in pH 5.8 soft water. Pre-exposure to solutions high in calcium or sodium reduced sodium influx. Tadpoles pre-treated in pH 4.0 soft water exhibited an increasedV max for sodium transport, whileK m was unchanged relative to tadpoles pre-treated in pH 5.8 soft water. In contrast,K m was increased andV max was unchanged in tadpoles pre-exposed to high concentrations of calcium or sodium. Within each pre-exposure treatment, influx was inhibited in pH 4.0 test water relative to pH 5.8 test water. However, the magnitude of inhibition was lessened with increasing external concentrations of sodium.
Management of the radial forearm free flap donor site with the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system.

Introduction: The radial forearm free flap is a popular reconstructive flap in modern head and neck surgery. Poor wound healing at the forearm donor site is common and frequently results in tendon exposure. The Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) system (Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX) is a topical negative pressure dressing that has been shown to improve skin graft viability when used as a bolster dressing. In this study, we investigated the use of the VAC system in the management of the radial forearm free flap donor site. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all subjects who underwent a radial forearm free flap reconstruction in which the VAC system was used as a bolster dressing at the donor site from January 1, 2003, through March 31, 2005. Results: Thirty-four consecutive subjects were included in the study. Exposed tendon did not occur in 14 (0%) subjects in which the VAC bolster was used for a minimum of 6 days. Eleven of the 20 subjects (55%) who used the VAC bolster for 5 days demonstrated small amounts of tendon exposure (<2 cm) on follow-up clinic examination. The minimum follow up for all subjects was 4 months. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the VAC system is a feasible alternative to conventional bolster dressing in the management of the radial forearm free flap skin-grafted donor site. Based on this study, when used for a minimum of 6 days, the VAC bolster dressing eliminated tendon exposure at the forearm donor site.
The Effects of Quality Control on Decreasing Error Propagation in the LandScan USA Population Distribution Model: A Case Study of Philadelphia County

Landscan USA is a high resolution dasymetric model incorporating multiple ancillary variables to distribute populations. LandScan USA is a valuable tool in determining the population at risk during emergency response situations. However, a critical evaluation is necessary to produce user confidence regarding model accuracy through the verification and validation of model outputs. Unfortunately, dynamic models, such as population distribution, are often not validated due to the difficulty of having multiple input datasets and lack of validated data. A validated dataset allows analysis of model accuracy, as well as quantifying the benefits and costs of improving input datasets compared to find a balance for producing the best model. This paper examines inaccuracies present within the input variables of two national school datasets incorporated in the model. Schools were chosen since a validated school dataset exists for Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Quality control efforts utilized throughout the LandScan USA process are quantified to determine the degree of quality control necessary to have a statistically significant effect on model output. Typical LandScan USA quality control resulted in 43% of school enrollment values changed, compared to 89% for the validated dataset. Normal quality control methods resulted in 36% of schools being spatially relocated compared tomore » 87% for the validated dataset. However, the costs of increasing quality control from normal to the validated dataset equated to a 600% increase in manual labor time for statistically insignificant improvements in LandScan USA daytime. This study enabled validation verification of not only the quality control process for LandScan USA, but also provides confidence in model output and use for policy issues, planning and emergency situations.« less
A Review of the Effects of Social Interaction On Vocal Learning in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus Erithacus)

Studies on vocal learning must examine not only what is learned but also how the form of input affects the learning process. Research on learning suggests that input is acquired most readily if it is 'natural'-what psychologists term referential, contextually applicable, and socially interactive. Specifically, researchers have shown that what is learned, when it is learned, and how the learned material is used can be affected by the extent and form of the social interaction between tutor and pupil. Studies on humans and some oscine songbirds provide specific examples. My studies on African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) demonstrate that social interaction is important for vocal learning even in a mimetic species. Preliminary data show that in the early stages of learning Grey parrots will not acquire an allospecific code from exposure to video or audio input but will readily learn from human tutors. The extent of learning from human tutors is demonstrated by the accomplishments of the parrot Alex, who uses an allospecific code, English speech, to request, refuse, identify, categorize, and quantify over 100 different objects, and to process numerous different questions in order to make judgements about quantity, the similarity and difference of attributes, or the relative size of objects.
Photosensitization with a chlorin-thiobarbiturate conjugate.

— The photobiologic properties of a chlorin-thiobarbiturate conjugate were examined. In addition to the characteristic 670 nm chlorin absorbance, the conjugate exhibited new absorbance bands at 517 and 743 nm, but these were not a part of the fluorescence emission spectra, nor was fluorescence observed at wavelengths >670 nm. The action spectrum indicated that the long-wavelength absorbance of the conjugate was not involved in phototoxicity in cell culture, and that only irradiation at wavelengths associated with the chlorin moiety yielded a cytotoxic effect. In vivo cytotoxicity elicited by 745 nm irradiation is attributed to thermal effects.
Novel High-Throughput In Vitro Model for Identifying Hemodynamic-Induced Inflammatory Mediators of Cerebral Aneurysm Formation

Cerebral aneurysms are thought to develop at locations of hemodynamic shear stress, via an inflammatory process. The molecular mechanism that links shear stress to inflammation, however, is not completely understood. Progress in studying this disease is limited by a lack of a suitable in vitro model. To address this, we designed novel in vitro parallel-plate flow chamber models of a straight artery, a bifurcation, and a bifurcation aneurysm. We compared endothelial cell phenotypes across the 3 different models and among microenvironments within each flow model by cytokine array, ELISA, and relative immunofluorescence. Human aneurysms express interleukin-8 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), whereas normal arteries do not. The bifurcation aneurysm model showed significantly higher interleukin-8 and CXCL1 levels than both the straight artery and bifurcation models. Within the bifurcation and bifurcation aneurysm models, endothelial cells near the bifurcation or within the aneurysm sac microenvironments have significantly higher expression of CXCL1, and interleukin-8 and CXCL1, respectively, than at the straight proximal segment or the limbs of the bifurcation. Murine aneurysms express CXCL1, and it is the primary ELR+ CXC chemokine expressed, whereas normal arteries do not. CXCL1 antibody blockade results in significantly fewer murine aneurysms (13.3 versus 66.7%; P=0.0078), decreased neutrophil infiltration, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression than an immunoglobulin G control. We successfully designed and validated a novel hemodynamic model of cerebral aneurysms in vitro. We also show that shear stress-induced CXCL1 plays a critical role in cerebral aneurysm formation.
Preliminary Flight Tests of a Hinge-Less Roll Control Effecter

Introduction T HERE has been a growing research effort to achieve effective hinge-less flight control, spurred on by advances in fluidic control. For purposes of stealth, reduced vehicle weight, increased robustness and damage tolerance as well as compactness, hinge-less methodology is extremely attractive. Hinge-less control can be implemented through either continuous or oscillatory flow manipulation. Continuous manipulation can be achieved using blowing. Past research efforts have shown jet flaps1,2 and circulation control3,4 to be effective at augmenting lift and varying pitching moment. A recent study has shown that a highly deflected (normal to the surface) jet flap can match the performance of a Gurney flap using moderate jet momentum coefficients.5 However, continuous blowing invariably requires drawing air off the engine’s compressor or using shaft power to drive a compressor. Ducting is also required to route the air through its ejection path. Consequently, weight and thrust penalties can be incurred. It would be advantageous to the designer to have the flexibility to employ a modular air-injection system that can be placed locally where control is required. The system can be configured to function as a jet flap or used for augmenting existing control effecters (forming a blown flap). Such a system would have the advantage of not requiring pneumatic lines and can be employed in flight vehicles where a pneumatic source is not present (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles). In this Note we detail the design and implementation of a self-contained modular blower system. Blower design details are elucidated, as are verification of the blower’s effectiveness as a roll control device through flight testing.
Gaps in receipt of regular eye examinations among medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes or chronic eye diseases.

Objective To examine a wide range of factors associated with regular eye examination receipt among elderly individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetes mellitus (DM). Design Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims linked to survey data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants The sample consisted of 2151 Medicare beneficiaries who responded to the HRS. Methods Medicare beneficiaries with ≥1 of the 3 study diagnoses were identified by diagnosis codes and merged with survey information. The same individuals were followed for 5 years divided into four 15-month periods. Predictors of the number of periods with an eye examination evaluated were beneficiary demographic characteristics, income, health, cognitive and physical function, health behaviors, subjective beliefs about longevity, the length of the individual's financial planning horizon, supplemental health insurance coverage, eye disease diagnoses, and low vision/blindness at baseline. We performed logit analysis of the number of 15-month periods in which beneficiaries received an eye examination. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure was the number of 15-month periods with an eye examination. Results One third of beneficiaries with the study's chronic diseases saw an eye care provider in all 4 follow-up periods despite having Medicare. One quarter only obtained an eye examination at most during 1 of the four 15-month follow-up periods. Among the 3 groups of patients studied, utilization was particularly low for persons with diagnosed DM and no eye complications. Age, marriage, education, and a higher score on the Charlson index were associated with more periods with an eye examination. Male gender, being limited in instrumental activities of daily living at baseline, distance to the nearest ophthalmologist, and low cognitive function were associated with a reduction in frequency of eye examinations. Conclusions Rates of eye examinations for elderly persons with DM or frequently occurring eye diseases, especially for DM, remain far below recommended levels in a nationally representative sample of persons with health insurance coverage. Several factors, including limited physical and cognitive function and greater distance to an ophthalmologist, but not health insurance coverage, account for variation in regular use.
Reduced-Order Models for MEMS Applications

We review the development of reduced-order models for MEMS devices. Based on their implementation procedures, we classify these reduced-order models into two broad categories: node and domain methods. Node methods use lower-order approximations of the system matrices found by evaluating the system equations at each node in the discretization mesh. Domain-based methods rely on modal analysis and the Galerkin method to rewrite the system equations in terms of domain-wide modes (eigenfunctions). We summarize the major contributions in the field and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each implementation. We then present reduced-order models for microbeams and rectangular and circular microplates. Finally, we present reduced-order approaches to model squeeze-film and thermoelastic damping in MEMS and present analytical expressions for the damping coefficients. We validate these models by comparing their results with available theoretical and experimental results.
Bayesian belief network models for species assessments: An example with the Pacific walrus

In 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned to list the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Research into stressors that may be negatively affecting walruses is incomplete. We developed a Bayesian belief network model structured around the ESA 5-factor analysis during a workshop attended by walrus and ESA experts to 1) elicit expert opinion on important stressors and their effects, 2) develop the model, and 3) develop and analyze plausible future scenarios. The listing factors and associated stressors were organized as sub-models, capturing the cumulative effects of the factors through model output, which was the probability of negative, neutral, or positive effects. We found that in a time-constrained workshop, the graphical display of Bayesian belief networks allowed for rapid development, assessment, and revision of model structure and parameters. We modeled up to 3 scenarios (most likely-, worst-, and best-case) for each of 4 time periods (recent past, contemporary, mid-century, and late-century). Model output for the recent past (reference condition) was consistent with observations and provided a baseline for comparison of the outcomes of other periods and scenarios; stressor effects became increasingly negative with time. However, scenario analyses indicated that mitigation of relatively few stressors could reduce the cumulative effects of the listing factors. Uncertainty in model output was lowest for the past but differed by only 7% among the other time periods. We used 4 types of sensitivity analyses to identify explanatory variables that had the greatest influence on model outcomes. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
CONSTRUCTING MULTIDIMENSIONAL SPANNER GRAPHS

Given a connected graph G=(V,E) with positive edge weights, define the distance dG(u,v) between vertices u and v to be the length of a shortest path from u to v in G. A spanning subgraph G' of G is said to be a t-spanner for G if, for every pair of vertices u and v, dG'(u,v)≤t·dG(u,v). Consider a complete graph G whose vertex set is a set of n points in and whose edge weights are given by the Lp distance between respective points. Given input parameter ∊, 0<∊≤1, we show how to construct a (1+∊)-spanner for G containing edges in time. We apply this spanner to the construction of approximate minimum spanning trees.
Deductive synthesis of numerical simulation programs from networks of algebraic and ordinary differential equations

Computational science and engineering design can benefit from software tools that facilitate construction of programs for simulating physical systems. Our research adapts the methodology of deductive program synthesis to the problem of synthesizing numerical simulation codes. We have focused on simulators that can be represented as second-order functional programs composed of numerical integration and root-extraction routines. Synthesis of second-order programs appears to present a problem for deductive systems that operate in first order logic. We present a recursive synthesis algorithm that overcomes this difficulty for a class of program synthesis problems. Our system has successfully constructed numerical simulators for computational design of jet-engine nozzles and sailing yachts, among others.
Ethnic Differences in Physical Activity and Inactivity Patterns and Overweight Status

GORDON-LARSEN, PENNY, LINDA S. ADAIR, AND BARRY M. POPKIN. Ethnic differences in physical activity and inactivity patterns and overweight status. Obes Res. 2002;10:141–149. Objective: To examine the relationship between physical activity and inactivity patterns and overweight in U.S. adolescents using baseline and 1-year change in activity and inactivity data. Research Methods and Procedures: Nationally representative data from 12,759 participants (6997 non-Hispanic whites, 2676 non-Hispanic blacks, 2185 Hispanics, and 901 Asians) in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1995 and 1996). Data on moderate to vigorous and low-intensity physical activity, TV/video viewing, and video game/computer use were obtained from questionnaires. Multivariate models assessed the association of overweight (body mass index 95th percentile Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics 2000 curves) with initial (and 1-year change) activity and inactivity levels, controlling for age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, urban residence, cigarette smoking, and region of residence. Results: Overweight prevalence was positively associated with high level TV/video viewing among white boys (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [1.08 to 2.14]) and girls (OR 2.45 [1.51 to 3.97]). The odds of overweight decreased with high levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity among white boys (OR 0.81 [0.76 to 0.87]), non-Hispanic black boys (OR 0.86 [0.76 to 0.98]) and girls (OR 0.88 [0.78 to 0.99]), and Hispanic boys (OR 0.90 [0.83 to 0.97]) and girls (OR 0.91 [0.84 to 0.99]). Discussion: Predicted probabilities generated from the logistic regression models, which examined the experimental effects of altering hours of TV/video viewing and bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity, show lower overweight among adolescents who watched less TV per week combined with frequent moderate to vigorous physical activity than those who watched more TV per week combined with fewer bouts of weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity. Predicted probabilities suggest important sex and ethnic differences in these associations.
A theoretical framework for interaction measure and sensitivity analysis in cross-layer design

Cross-layer design has become one of the most effective and efficient methods to provide Quality of Service (QoS) over various communication networks, especially over wireless multimedia networks. However, current research on cross-layer design has been carried out in various piecemeal approaches, and lacks a methodological foundation to gain in-depth understanding of complex cross-layer behaviors such as multiscale temporal-spatial behavior, leading to a design paradox and/or unmanageable design problems. In this article, we propose a theoretical framework for quantitative interaction measures, which is further extended to sensitivity analysis by quantifying the contribution made by each design variable and by the interactions among them on the design objective. Thus, the proposed framework can significantly enhance our capability for cross-layer behavior characterization and provide design insights for future design. Furthermore, a case study on cross-layer optimized wireless multimedia communications has been adopted to illustrate major cross-layer design trade-offs and validate the proposed framework. Both analytical and experimental results show the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed framework.
ADAPTIVE NEURAL CONTROL FOR MACE II

The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE) is being reflown as MACE II. Its express purpose is to gain on-orbit experience with a variety of adaptive controllers. Over a 9 month period the University of Michigan team has developed a number of neural network based adaptive approaches and taken these approaches from concept to flight software. The control schemes considered, and for which ground test results are presented, are: 1) a baseline classical design, 2) a fast, online, neural identification plus deadbeat control approach and 3) a neural, Hebbian Learning based ‘classical optimizer’ approach. The Hebbian algorithm also includes a Stability Margin Evaluator (SME) that ensures no closed loop unstable controllers are implemented. The classical designs compare well to more complicated, fixed gain designs from the original MACE flight. The online neural identification performs extremely well (ID to noise floor in 60 ms), but non-minimum phase zeros prevent deadbeat control implementation. Finally, the Hebbian Learning algorithm increased the performance of its initializing controller significantly in only 3 minutes without an instability by evaluating and selectively testing some 700 controller gain sets.
All-Boron Aromatic Clusters as Potential New Inorganic Ligands and Building Blocks in Chemistry

Abstract Small boron clusters as individual species in the gas phase are reviewed. While the family of known boron compounds is rich and diverse, a large body of hitherto unknown chemistry of boron has been recently identified. Free boron clusters have been recently characterized using photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, which have established the planar or quasi-planar shapes of small boron clusters for the first time. This has surprised the scientific community, as the chemistry of boron has been diversely featured by three-dimensional structures. The planarity of the species has been further elucidated on the basis of multiple aromaticity, multiple antiaromaticity, and conflicting aromaticity. Although mostly observed in the gas phase, pure boron clusters are promising molecules for coordination chemistry as potential new ligands and for materials science as new building blocks. The use of pure boron species as novel ligands has commenced, suggesting many new chemistries are ahead of us.
Wireless Scheduling Algorithms with O(1) Overhead for M-Hop Interference Model

We develop a family of distributed wireless scheduling algorithms that requires only O(1) complexity for M-hop interference model, for any finite M. The recent technology advances and heterogeneity in wireless networks lead to various interference patterns. Thus, a scheduling algorithm geared into a specific interference model (typically one-hop or two-hop in literature) may be limited in its applicability. In this paper, we tackle this problem, and develop a family of scheduling algorithms (which guarantees throughput and delay performance) for M-hop interference models. To achieve such a goal, we use the concept of vertex augmentation, and for a given M, the family of parameterized algorithms are proposed and the tradeoffs among throughput, complexity, and delay are studied.
The loss of radiographic enhancement in primary renal cell carcinoma tumors following multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase therapy is an additional indicator of response.

OBJECTIVES To characterize radiographic intratumoral contrast enhancement in the primary tumor of patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with either sorafenib or sunitinib, and to compare the relationship between primary tumor response and loss of enhancement. Use of the antiangiogenic multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors sorafenib and sunitinib in renal cell carcinoma often results in stabilization of tumor size based on measurement of external tumor diameter; however, internal tumor changes in enhancement have been occasionally noted. METHODS Thirty patients who received sunitinib or sorafenib therapy were evaluated for primary tumor response with contrast-enhanced computed tomography images before and after at least 1 cycle of treatment. Evaluation of intratumoral contrast enhancement was quantified using a workstation that allowed for three-dimensional renderings of the kidney and measurement of density in Hounsfield units (HU). The relationship between loss of intratumoral enhancement and other outcome variables was examined. RESULTS A loss of enhancement within the primary tumor, following therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, was positively associated with primary tumor response (P = .0053). Additionally, the degree of post-treatment tumor enhancement was positively associated with tumor response to tyrosine kinase inhibition (P = .045). CONCLUSIONS Intratumoral changes in computed tomography enhancement after receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition correlate with primary tumor response, and may be a useful adjunct to the standard response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST criteria) in assessing response to therapy. Prospective studies evaluating antiangiogenic agents should explore intratumoral changes in contrast enhancement as part of response criteria, and examine the effect of intratumoral changes on survival-based outcomes.
Annotated Check List of the Pyraloidea Lepidoptera of America North of Mexico

An annotated check list of Pyraloidea of North America north of Mexico is presented, including 861 Crambidae and 681 Pyralidae with 1542 total species. It includes all new species described, tropical species with new records in the United States, and species introduced from Europe and Asia since 1983. The Notes section provides the seminal citations, data and/or commentary to all changes since 1983 for easy and future reference. In addition, this list proposes seven new generic combinations, the transfer of a phycitine species, Salebria nigricans (Hulst), to Epipaschiinae and its syn. n. with Pococera fuscolotella (Ragonot), and three new records for the United States. Purposefully, no new taxa are described here, but we found a gradual increase of 10% in the number of species described since 1983. Finally, we also include a list of thirteen species not included or removed from the MONA list. Many higher-level changes have occurred since 1983 and the classification is updated to reflect research over the last 30 years, including exclusion of Thyrididae and Hyblaeidae from the superfamily and recognition of Crambidae and Pyralidae as separate families. The list includes multiple changes to subfamilies based on morphology such as the synonymization of the Dichogamini with the Glaphyriinae, but also incorporating recent molecular phylogenetic results such as the synonymization of the Evergestinae with the Glaphyriinae.
Genome-Scale Metabolic Reconstruction and Hypothesis Testing in the Methanogenic Archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A

Methanosarcina acetivorans strain C2A is a marine methanogenic archaeon notable for its substrate utilization, genetic tractability, and novel energy conservation mechanisms. To help probe the phenotypic implications of this organism's unique metabolism, we have constructed and manually curated a genome-scale metabolic model of M. acetivorans, iMB745, which accounts for 745 of the 4,540 predicted protein-coding genes (16%) in the M. acetivorans genome. The reconstruction effort has identified key knowledge gaps and differences in peripheral and central metabolism between methanogenic species. Using flux balance analysis, the model quantitatively predicts wild-type phenotypes and is 96% accurate in knockout lethality predictions compared to currently available experimental data. The model was used to probe the mechanisms and energetics of by-product formation and growth on carbon monoxide, as well as the nature of the reaction catalyzed by the soluble heterodisulfide reductase HdrABC in M. acetivorans. The genome-scale model provides quantitative and qualitative hypotheses that can be used to help iteratively guide additional experiments to further the state of knowledge about methanogenesis.
Integrated acoustooptic circuits and applications

The recent development of titanium-indiffusion proton-exchange (TIPE) microlenses and lens arrays has made possible the construction of a variety of single- and multichannel integrated acoustooptic (AO) and acoustooptic-electrooptic (EO) circuits in LiNbO/sub 3/ channel-planar waveguides 0.1*1.0*2.0 cm/sup 3/ in size. These hybrid AO and AO-EO circuits can be fabricated through compatible and well-established technologies. The most recent realization of ion-milled microlenses and lens arrays together with the recent development of gigahertz AO Bragg modulators and EO Bragg modulator arrays have also paved the way for construction of similar but monolithic AO and AO-EO GaAs/GaAlAs waveguides of comparable size. Both types of integrated AO and AO-EO circuits suggest versatile applications in communications signal processing, and computing. Efficient and simultaneous excitation of the channel waveguide array using an ion-milled planar microlens array has facilitated the demonstration of some of these applications. >
Sequential Element Design With Built-In Soft Error Resilience

This paper presents a built-in soft error resilience (BISER) technique for correcting radiation-induced soft errors in latches and flip-flops. The presented error-correcting latch and flip-flop designs are power efficient, introduce minimal speed penalty, and employ reuse of on-chip scan design-for-testability and design-for-debug resources to minimize area overheads. Circuit simulations using a sub-90-nm technology show that the presented designs achieve more than a 20-fold reduction in cell-level soft error rate (SER). Fault injection experiments conducted on a microprocessor model further demonstrate that chip-level SER improvement is tunable by selective placement of the presented error-correcting designs. When coupled with error correction code to protect in-pipeline memories, the BISER flip-flop design improves chip-level SER by 10 times over an unprotected pipeline with the flip-flops contributing an extra 7-10.5% in power. When only soft errors in flips-flops are considered, the BISER technique improves chip-level SER by 10 times with an increased power of 10.3%. The error correction mechanism is configurable (i.e., can be turned on or off) which enables the use of the presented techniques for designs that can target multiple applications with a wide range of reliability requirements
Recording electrocardiograms using 3-limb lead cables instead of the standard 4: a modification to minimize incorrect electrode placements

The similarity between and the number of limb lead cables play an important role in the frequency of incorrect connection of limb electrodes. Hence, a modified electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition procedure is proposed in this brief communication, whereby the left-leg (LL) and right-leg (RL) electrode cables are combined into 1 cable, referred to as combined LL/RL cable. The electrode wires in the combined LL/RL cable are connected to 2 electrodes placed on both sides of the LL. The combined LL/RL cable is unique enough (being thicker) not to be mistaken with the upper limb electrode cables. The proposed modification will not in any way influence the ECG waveforms or amplitudes, and it can be expected to substantially reduce incorrect limb electrode placements.
Managerial efficiency and survivability in professional team sports

Students of organizational sociology tend to believe that managerial efficiency has less to do with individual talent than with the environment in which firms operate. Economists and fans know that this is not true in sports. Measures of managerial efficiency are constructed for baseball, basketball and football coaches. Survival analysis is utilized to measure coaching tenure probabilities in these sports and coaching tenure is shown to be related to managerial efficiency.
Htr2a Gene and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in the Cerebral Cortex Studied Using Genetically Modified Mice

Serotonin receptors of the 5-HT2A subtype are robustly expressed in the cerebral cortex where they have been implicated in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of mental disorders and the actions of hallucinogens. Much less is known, however, about the specific cell types expressing 5-HT2A receptors in cortex. In the current study we use immunohistochemical and electrophysiological approaches in genetically modified mice to address the expression of the Htr2a gene and 5-HT2A receptors in cortex. We first use an EGFP expressing BAC transgenic mice and identify three main Htr2A gene expressing neuronal populations in cortex. The largest of these cell populations corresponds to layer V pyramidal cells of the anterior cortex, followed by GABAergic interneurons of the middle layers, and nonpyramidal cells of the subplate/Layer VIb. We then use 5-HT2A receptor knockout mice to identify an antibody capable of localizing 5-HT2A receptors in brain and use it to map these receptors. We find strong laminar expression of 5-HT2A receptors in cortex, especially along a diffuse band overlaying layer Va. This band exhibits a strong anteroposterior gradient that closely matches the localization of Htr2A expressing pyramidal cells of layer V. Finally we use electrophysiological and immunohistochemical approaches to show that most, but not all, GABAergic interneurons of the middle layers are parvalbumin expressing Fast-spiking interneurons and that these cells are depolarized and excited by serotonin, most likely through the activation of 5-HT2A receptors. These results clarify and extend our understanding of the cellular distribution of 5-HT2A receptors in the cerebral cortex.