cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Base station assisted neighbor discovery in device to device systems

Neighbor discovery is an essential prerequisite for any device-to-device (D2D) communication. Unlike ad-hoc networks, the base station (BS) in D2D networks may facilitate the neighbor discovery process. However, device-to-BS channel states or device locations are not enough to provide BS with information on the channel quality between the devices. Thus, due to the inherent uncertainty of link quality between devices, the BS-assisted neighbor discovery cannot be treated as typical scheduling problem. In this paper, we investigate the assisted directional neighbor discovery in D2D networks. We first formulate the scheduling problem as an integer optimization problem that captures the uncertainty. Then we propose a greedy based centralized scheduling to determine directional pilot transmission instances. We also propose a one-way randomized discovery, where we choose the directional transmission probabilities based on two techniques, an intuitive and an optimized methods. Finally, we provide simulation results that assess the performance the schemes.
Determining Tradeoffs Between Water Quality and Profitability in Agricultural Production: Implications for Nonpoint Source Pollution Policy

Agricultural nonpoint sources of water pollution have received increased attention over the past decade as routine monitoring has indicated the presence of contamination in both surface and ground waters. In Iowa (as well as other states), policy makers have debated the effectiveness of alternative policy mechanisms to control these agricultural pollution sources. In this study, we investigate both the water quality and farm profitability impacts of four policy options: regulation, taxation, intensive technical assistance including cost sharing, and research and education. Simulations of water quality and profitability impacts are run for a sample of farm fields in Iowa. Summarized results identify both the range of impacts from a particular policy and the tradeoffs between improvements in water quality and declines in farm profitability within and between policies. Results indicate that impacts differ across policy options and by location; however, improvements to both water quality and profitability can be achieved with some of these policies. These findings suggest that agricultural nonpoint source pollution policies can improve water quality without significant cost to farmers or statewide residents.
Alternate Adaptive Agent Architectures and Behavioral Consequences

The Learning Classifier System (LCS) and its descendant, XCS, are promising paradigms for adaptive agent construction. Whereas LCS allows classifier payoff predictions to guide system performance, XCS focuses on payoff-prediction accuracy instead, allowing it to evolve “optimal” classifier sets in particular applications requiring rational thought. We examine LCS/XCS performance in artificial situations with broad social/commercial parallels, created using the non-Markov Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD) game-playing scenario, where the setting is sometimes asymmetric and where irrationality sometimes pays. We systematically perturb a “conventional” IPD-playing LCS-based agent until it results in a full-fledged XCS-based agent, contrasting the simulated behavior of each LCS variant with the XCS agent in terms of a number of performance measures. Our intent is to examine the XCS paradigm to understand how it better copes with a given situation (if it does) than the LCS perturbations studied.
Clinical experience with a screening program for gestational diabetes

Abstract Screening for abnormal glucose in 2,077 pregnant women. Historical clinical risk factors gestational diabetes were present in 959 (group 1). The remaining 1,118 patients composed 2. A 50 gm oral glucose load and a 1-hour serum glucose determination with a threshold of 150 mg/dl used as a glucose challenge screening test (GCT). Patients wiht an abnormal GCT underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Group 1 patients underwent screening at the initial clinic visit or when the clinical risk factor first recognized, with repeat screening at 28 to 32 weeks if the initial testing was normal. Group 2 patients were screened at 28 to 32 weeks. In group 1,69 patients (7.2%)echibited GCT and 14(1.5%) demonstrated GTT. In group 2,68 patients (6.1%) exhibited an abnormal GCT and 16(1.4%) an abnormal GTT. These Incidences are not statistically different. The estimated costs per patient screened and per case gestational diabetes detected were $4.75 and $328.96, respectively Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 141:491, 1981.)
From Molecular Dynamics to Continuum Models

This paper discusses the problem of deriving macroscopic behavior from molecular models using analysis combined with MD simulations. The goal is twofold, to understand the large scale dynamics of many particle systems, and to construct a hierarchy of coarser scale models that can be used to accelerate MD simulations. Demonstration is given in terms of the self diffusion for a fluid modeled by a pairwise short range interaction potential. The classical equations describing the dynamics of the density for this problem is inaccurate for low density gases, for which a more general equation, which is derived here, holds.
Thermal Boundary Conductance Mapping at Metal-MoSe 2 Interface

Increasing power density in the microelectronic devices has led to thermal management concerns to ensure efficient, reliable, and long-term operation. As device dimensions continue to decrease, the interfaces of dissimilar materials (e.g., metal-semiconductor) may limit heat removal from the device active region. Improving the thermal transport across interfaces is a necessary consideration during the design process and necessitates accurate measurement of the thermal boundary conductance (TBC) and understanding of transport mechanisms. In addition, low-dimensional materials, such as 1D nanotubes and nanowires and 2D sheets, have attracted considerable interest because of their unique physical properties and small footprint. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been studied extensively for their electrical properties, including the metal-TMD electrical contact resistance, but the thermal properties have received much less attention. We measured and analyzed the TBC across Al-Ti-MoSe 2 -SiO 2 interface using time-domain thermoreflectance. The results are an order of magnitude larger than previously reported values at MoSe 2 -Au interfaces, but still near the low end for typical metal-semiconductor interfaces.
Dynamic 3-Dimensional Mapping of Isometric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Attachment Sites on the Tibia and Femur: Is Anatomic Also Isometric?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to (1) map the length changes of the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle (MWLFC) with respect to various points about the tibial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint to determine the area that demonstrates the least amount of length change through full range of motion and (2) to identify a range of flexion that would be favorable for graft tensioning. Methods Six fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were obtained from screened individuals with no prior history of arthritis, cancer, surgery, or any ligamentous knee injury. For each knee, 3-dimensional computed tomography point-cloud models were obtained in succession from 0° to 135°. A point grid was placed on the MWLFC and the tibia. Intra-articular length was calculated for each point on the femur to the tibia at all flexion angles and grouped to represent areas for bone tunnels. Normalized length changes were compared. Results Areas anterior/distal on the MWLFC increased with increasing flexion, and areas proximal/posterior decreased with increasing flexion. The area about the intersection of the lateral intercondylar ridge and the bifurcate ridge was most isometric throughout flexion as no significant change in ligament length was found throughout flexion. The normalized length changes from the central position of the tibia showed no significant difference compared with the anterior or posterior tibial position. Conclusions No area of the MWLFC is truly isometric through flexion. Femoral tunnel placement slightly anterior to the center of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles was most isometric. Minimal length change occurs between 10° and 40°, which reflects the range where graft tensioning was most often performed. The results of this study provide further support for an anatomic ACL reconstruction. Clinical Relevance The femoral tunnel location for ACL reconstruction with the least amount of length change through range of motion should encompass the direct fibers of the ACL.
Investigation of parent-of-origin effects induced by fenofibrate treatment on triglycerides levels.

Genome-wide association studies performed on triglycerides (TGs) have not accounted for epigenetic mechanisms that may partially explain trait heritability. Parent-of-origin (POO) effect association analyses using an agnostic approach or a candidate approach were performed for pretreatment TG levels, posttreatment TG levels, and pre- and posttreatment TG-level differences in the real GAW20 family data set. We detected 22 genetic variants with suggestive POO effects with at least 1 phenotype (P ≤ 10− 5). We evaluated the association of these 22 significant genetic variants showing POO effects with close DNA methylation probes associated with TGs. A total of 18 DNA methylation probes located in the vicinity of the 22 SNPs were associated with at least 1 phenotype and 6 SNP-probe pairs were associated with DNA methylation probes at the nominal level of P < 0.05, among which 1 pair presented evidence of POO effect. Our analyses identified a paternal effect of SNP rs301621 on the difference between pre- and posttreatment TG levels (P = 1.2 × 10− 5). This same SNP showed evidence for a maternal effect on methylation levels of a nearby probe (cg10206250; P = 0.01). Using a causal inference test we established that the observed POO effect of rs301621 was not mediated by DNA methylation at cg10206250. We performed POO effect association analyses of SNPs with TGs, as well as association analyses of SNPs with DNA methylation probes. These analyses, which were followed by a causal inference test, established that the paternal effect at the SNP rs301621 is induced by treatment and is not mediated by methylation level at cg10206250.
Vortex Identification and Analysis in Complex Flows

A new algorithm for identifying and characterizing vortices in complex flows is presented. The scheme uses both the vorticity and pressure fields. A skeleton line along the center of a vortex is produced by a two-step predictor-corrector scheme. The technique uses the vector field to move in the direction of the skeleton line and the scalar field to correct the location in the plane perpendicular to the skeleton line. Various options are available for determining a characteristic radius and circulation-. The details of the method and an example of its use in a complex flow field are discussed.
An Equipment-Free, Paper-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Visual Monitoring of Glucose Levels in Urine:

A novel electrochemical glucose sensor was created for a simple but semiquantitative visual screening of specific glucose concentrations in urine. This noninvasive glucose biosensor integrated a disposable, paper-based sensing strip and a simple amplifier circuit with a visual readout. The paper strip consisted of five enzyme-activated electrodes. Each electrode was connected to a specific indicator circuit that triggered a light-emitting diode (LED) when a predefined glucose concentration was reached. The device features (1) low-cost, disposable, paper-based glucose oxidase (GOx)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) sensing electrodes, (2) simple signal amplification, and (3) on-site, rapid, and visual detection. The sensor generated reliable, discrete visual responses to determine five glucose levels (1, 2, 3, 4, and higher than 4 mM) in urine in less than 2 min. This innovative approach will provide a simple but powerful glucose sensing paradigm for use in POC diagnostics.
Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infection Among Pediatric Oncology Patients.

Introduction:The diagnosis of pulmonary invasive fungal infection (IFI) in the pediatric oncology patient is challenging. Consensus criteria developed in 2008 state that bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) results cannot confirm this diagnosis. A video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy (VATS-biopsy) of lungs
From Taped Up to Mic’d Up: Experiences of Former Athletes and the Meaning of Athletic Identity in Sports Media Spaces:

When elite-level athletes transition out of their sport, they often experience feelings of loss and questions about their self-worth. It is not uncommon for former athletes to turn to sports media ...
Harold Cohen and AARON: Collaborations in the Last Six Years (2010–2016) of a Creative Life

This article documents Harold Cohen’s last phase of creativity from 2010 till his death in 2016, a period which witnessed an accelerated co-evolution of Cohen’s relationship with AARON, on the one ...
Smartrock transport in a mountain stream: bedload hysteresis and changing thresholds of motion

Bedload movement is fundamentally probabilistic. Our quantitative understanding of gravel transport is particularly limited when flow conditions just exceed thresholds of motion, in part because of...
Maximizing human effort for analyzing scientific images: A case study using digitized herbarium sheets

Premise Digitization and imaging of herbarium specimens provides essential historical phenotypic and phenological information about plants. However, the full use of these resources requires high-quality human annotations for downstream use. Here we provide guidance on the design and implementation of image annotation projects for botanical research. Methods and results We used a novel gold-standard data set to test the accuracy of human phenological annotations of herbarium specimen images in two settings: structured, in-person sessions and an online, community-science platform. We examined how different factors influenced annotation accuracy and found that botanical expertise, academic career level, and time spent on annotations had little effect on accuracy. Rather, key factors included traits and taxa being scored, the annotation setting, and the individual scorer. In-person annotations were significantly more accurate than online annotations, but both generated relatively high-quality outputs. Gathering multiple, independent annotations for each image improved overall accuracy. Conclusions Our results provide a best-practices basis for using human effort to annotate images of plants. We show that scalable community science mechanisms can produce high-quality data, but care must be taken to choose tractable taxa and phenophases and to provide informative training material.
Longitudinal Examination of COVID-19 Public Health Measures on Mental Health for Rural Patients With Serious Mental Illness.

Introduction There is emerging evidence to support that the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures may be associated with negative mental health sequelae. Rural populations in particular may fair worse because they share many unique characteristics that may put them at higher risk for adverse outcomes with the pandemic. Yet, rural populations may also be more resilient due to increased sense of community. Little is known about the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of a rural population pre- and post-pandemic, especially those with serious mental illness. Material and methods We conducted a longitudinal, mixed-methods study with assessments preceding the pandemic (between October 2019 and March 2020) and during the stay-at-home orders (between April 23, 2020, and May 4, 2020). Changes in hopelessness, suicidal ideation, connectedness, and treatment engagement were assessed using a repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman test. Results Among 17 eligible participants, 11 people were interviewed. Overall, there were no notable changes in any symptom scale in the first 3-5 months before the pandemic or during the stay-at-home orders. The few patients who reported worse symptoms were significantly older (mean age: 71.7 years, SD: 4.0). Most patients denied disruptions to treatment, and some perceived telepsychiatry as beneficial. Conclusions Rural patients with serious mental illness may be fairly resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic when they have access to treatment and supports. Longer-term outcomes are needed in rural patients with serious mental illness to better understand the impact of the pandemic on this population.
Sildenafil and celecoxib interact to kill breast cancer cells

x Introduction 1 Breast Cancer 1 Conventional Treatment 2 Hormone and Targeted Therapies 3 Sildenafil 5 Celecoxib 7 Apoptosis: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways 9 Autophagy 14 Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress 19 Materials and Methods 22 Materials 22 Methods 23 Cell Culture 23 Drug Treatments 23 Western Blot Analysis 23 Infection with Adenovirus 24
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Diagnosis of Exclusion

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is regarded as the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women; stigmata of hyperandrogenism and menstrual dysfunction, and chronicity of complaints are recognized as hallmarks of PCOS. Beyond the presenting complaints, PCOS has long-term health implications and should be regarded as a pre-morbid state. Early diagnosis of PCOS thus allows an opportunity of instituting preventive care strategies with the goal of reducing long-term risks such as of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. A number of clinical conditions can, however, mimic the clinical presentation of PCOS. This chapter underscores that diagnosis of PCOS remains one of exclusion, after systematic evaluation for a spectrum of disparate conditions, each of which entails a distinct management strategy very different from that utilized for managing PCOS. The authors herein present a succinct approach to the evaluation of a patient presenting with features of hyperandrogenism and menstrual dysfunction, as well as provide an overview of common conditions that may mimic PCOS.
Drugs for Treating Protozoan Infections

This chapter focuses on drugs used in the treatment of protozoan infections, highlighting its chemical structure and action mechanism. The most widespread protozoan infections caused by pathogenic protozoa are malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosoma, as well as trichomonas, amebiasis, giardia, and toxoplasmosis. All types of protozoa are single-cell organisms that can adapt to various conditions. They are much more versatile than bacteria. Prevention of protozoan diseases consists of controlling the spread of the disease, improving sanitarial-hygenic conditions of life, receiving vaccinations and treatment. Antimalarial drugs are designed to prevent or treat malaria. Antimalarial drugs currently used for treatment for prophylaxis are mefloquine, primaquine, chloroquine, pyrimethamine, amodiaquin, quinine/quinidine, chloroguanide. Amebiasis is an infection of the body by the protozoa Entamoeba histolytica, which most often affects the large intestine, although they can also affect the lungs, liver, brain, and other organs. There are many drugs used for treating amebiasis. However, not one of them can be considered completely effective because this microorganism is very resistant. A group of trypanosomic protozoan parasites of the family Leishmania cause a number of diseases known as leishmaniasis. Acriquin and monomicin are used for treating local skin leishmaniasis. Trypanosomiasis is transmitted by the tsetse fly that has been infected with Trypanosoma gambience and Trypanosoma rhodesience. It causes chronic sleepiness, headaches, impaired motor coordination, apathy, loss of intellect, and when not treated, death. The most widely used compound that is used for treating trypanosomiasis is pentamidine, nifutrifox, and suramine.
Parallel-Serial A/D Converter

This article has no abstract. Keywords: parallel-serial A/D converter; analog-to-digital converter
To VAT or not to VAT – A suggestion to help medical schemes and NHI implementation

“In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes,” said Benjamin Franklin. English is a strange language. Before the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT), we had never heard the word “vatable”. Even nowadays, we don’t use the word easily in casual conversation. It’s one of those new words that was thought up to use as an adjective, and it simply describes goods or services on which VAT must be paid.
Realized Volatility Options

We survey four approaches to pricing options on quadratic variation (“realized variance”) and on its square root (“realized volatility”). The first approach uses Fourier analysis to price realized volatility/variance options, assuming the availability of the characteristic function of realized variance; it leads to explicit formulas in, for instance, the Heston model and levy models. The second approach does not assume a model for the realized variance, but instead prices volatility/variance options in terms of European options, under an independence assumption. The third approach assumes the availability of volatility and/or variance swap quotes, and prices volatility/variance options in terms of the swaps. The fourth approach assumes only the continuity of the underlying returns process; it finds lower and upper bounds, as well as subreplicating and superreplicating hedges of variance options, by use of model-free strategies involving European options. Keywords: quadratic variation; realized volatility option; realized variance option; subreplication; superreplication; pricing; hedging; Skorokhod embedding
Environmental Synergism and Simulation in Resin Matrix Composites

Recent investigations have shown that absorbed moisture lowers glass transition of epoxy resin more than indicated by currently accepted models. The resulting glass transition value limits supersonic service conditions. This limitation results because exceeding glass transition causes the "thermal spike effect" and greatly reduces the strength of graphite-epoxy. These circumstances are reviewed and used to show the importance of realistically simulating airfield humidity and flight temperatures during testing. A new, economical approach is described for simulating realistic humidities for large structures.
Dual Banach spaces which contain an isometric copy of $L_1$

A Banach space contains asymptotically isometric copies of $\ell_1$ if and only if its dual space contains an isometric copy of $L_1$.
A Statistical Investigation of the Relationship Between Personal Attachment Style and Satisfaction with Evangelical Church Membership

The purpose of this study was to examine if parishioners’ relational attachment style influences their satisfaction with evangelical church membership. A sample of parishioners aged 18 and over completed the Relationship Questionnaire and the Congregation Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), along with an accompanying demographic profile. The research design employed a one-way analysis of variance to determine if securely attached persons reported greater satisfaction with their evangelical church participation than those who reported preoccupied, dismissing, or fearful attachment. This study furthered existing research, suggesting that attachment style influences how people measure congregational satisfaction. In this study, securely attached individuals reported greater satisfaction, as measured by the CSQ, with their evangelical church membership than those who were not securely attached.
An expanded growth model for grasses

Abstract A growth model is needed which will account for time of planting and stage of growth for annual grasses and for time of season and harvest interval for perennial grasses. A linear intrinsic growth function was assumed previously which described response of dry matter accumulation to harvest interval for a warm‐season perennial. Field data indicated that this model was appropriate for intervals up to about six weeks. Beyond this range yields peaked and then declined with increased interval. This article assumes a linear‐exponential intrinsic growth function which more accurately describes the data and removes the restriction on harvest interval. The model describes dependence of dry matter accumulation on time of season and harvest interval for a warm‐season perennial Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Mean time and standard deviation of the distribution are independent of harvest interval. The model also accounts for time of planting and time in the season for the warm‐season annual corn (Z...
Characterization of cAMP-dependent protein kinase from the pupal wing epidermis of Manduca sexta

Abstract Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK) activity in the wing epidermis of day zero pupae of Manduca sexta was characterized. The preferred exogenous substrates were histones, subfractions H1 and H2b, casein and protamine sulfate; histone H2a was only phosphorylated moderately, while free base protamine and bovine serum albumin were poor substrates for cAMP-PK. cAMP-PK activity required Mg2+ and was optimal in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+. Co2+ and Mn2+ did not substitute for Mg2+, and Ca2+ inhibited cAMP-PK activity. The effective concentration of cAMP for activation of the cAMP-PK was substantially lower than that of cGMP (EC50 1.3 × 10−8 and 1.2 × 10−6 M, respectively). The type II isozyme of cAMP-PK comprised approx. 75% of the total cytosolic wing cAMP-PK as determined by DEAE anion exchange chromatography. Photoaffinity labeling of the whole cell homogenate with 8-azido cAMP revealed the presence of only type II isozyme. The distribution of the cAMP-PK isozymes was also determined for whole cell homogenates of brain, prothoracic glands, hemolymph, trachea, nerve cord, fat body, muscle and midgut.
First-Principles Prediction of the Sequence-Dependent Stability of RNA Hairpin Loop

We develop a statistical mechanical model to predict the sequence-dependent folding stability from the sequence for simple RNA hairpin loops. We use a recently developed 3-vector virtual bond-based RNA folding model which enables rigorous computation of RNA chain entropy. Enumeration of all the possible arrangements of base pairs and the corresponding conformational entropies, through exhaustive self-avoiding random walks of the virtual bonds in a diamond lattice, gives the partition function and free energy for a given RNA sequence. The new model developed here has two unique advantages. First, the model is based on the complete conformational ensemble, including loop conformations that contain all the possible intra-loop base pairs and/or terminal mismatches. Therefore, intra-loop base pairs and mismatches are the results predicted from the model instead of known input information for the model. Second, the model gives accurate estimation for the dramatic entropic changes caused by the formation of the intra-loop base pairs and mismatches. Our first principles calculations for the chain entropy for each given set of base pairs, in combination with the empirical energy function provided from Turner rules, provide ab initio predictions for the sequence-dependent loop stability from RNA sequence. Tests against experimental data indicate that the theory can give improved predictions for the sequence-dependent RNA hairpin loop stability than the nearest-neighbor model.
Privatization of state-owned enterprises in mexico

The privatization of state-owned enterprises in Mexico, signifies a reversal of its long tradition of state-led economic development. Motivated by the financial crisis of the early 80's, Mexico has reduced the size and significance of its public sector through the process of privatization. The paper outlines the progress of the program since 1982 and discusses the impact of privatization and the lessons learned from the case studies of Mexicana Airlines, Aeromexico and Telmex. The concluding section evaluates the accomplishments and discusses the limitations of the Mexican privatization strategies.
Expression and functional roles of caspase-5 in inflammatory responses of human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose. To investigate the expression, activation, and functional involvement of caspase-5 in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells.
LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT CHROMIUM-BINDING SUBSTANCE AND BIOMIMETIC CR3O(O2CCH2CH3)6(H2O)3+ DO NOT CLEAVE DNA UNDER PHYSIOLOGICALLY-RELEVANT CONDITIONS

Abstract Chromium(III) tris(picolinate), Cr(pic)3, is currently a very popular nutritional supplement; however, at physiologically-relevant concentrations, it has recently been demonstrated to cleave DNA [J.K. Speetjens, R.A. Collins, J.B. Vincent, S.A. Woski, Chem. Res. Toxicol. 12 (1999) 483]. A number of other chromium-containing compounds have been proposed as substitutes for Cr(pic)3. Of particular interest are low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance (LMWCr) and [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)6(H2O)3]+ 1. The former compound has recently been identified as the biologically active form of chromium in mammals, activating the kinase activity of insulin receptor in the presence of insulin. Complex 1 is a functional biomimetic for LMWCr. Both compounds have been proposed as possible nutritional supplements and therapeutics for adult-onset diabetes. This work demonstrates that these complexes, unlike Cr(pic)3, are poor DNA-cleaving agents and may represent safer materials for human consumption.
Algebraic Characterizations of Graph Imbeddability in Surfaces and Pseudosurfaces

Given a finite connected graph G and specifications for a closed, connected pseudosurface, we characterize when G can be imbedded in a closed, connected pseudosurface with the given specifications. The specifications for the pseudosurface are: the number of face-connected components, the number of pinches, the number of crosscaps and handles, and the dimension of the first ℤ2 homology group. The characterizations are formulated in terms of the existence of a dual graph G* on the same set of edges as G which satisfies algebraic conditions inspired by homology groups and their intersection products.
Continuous RFID-enabled authentication and its privacy implications

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has gained a broad popularity in many application areas including supply chain management, retail shopping and access control. This paper explores the use of RFID at the workplace and its implications to employee privacy. In particular, we discuss the use of RFID for continuous authentication in a corporate environment. Continuous authentication provides the benefit of constant or highly periodic verification that the same authorized user accesses the computer system. In a case study presented here, employees use a knowledge- or biometric-based authentication scheme to gain initial entry to a computer system, while RFID is used subsequently to continuously verify the presence of a valid user. This paper studies the relationship between usability of such an authentication scheme and the degree of protection it provides. We also examine the balance between the increased security brought by adopting an RFID-enabled continuous authentication system and the impact that it could have on employee privacy as a result of increased tracking of many aspects of the users' activity.
Modulation and Measurement of Time-Energy Entangled Photons

We describe a proof-of-principle experiment demonstrating a Fourier technique for measuring the shape of biphoton wavepackets that vary rapidly as compared to the speed of available photon detectors. The technique uses synchronously driven telecommunication modulators.
Use of a flap of extraocular muscle and fat during subtotal exenteration to repair bony orbital defects.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a technique for the primary repair of bony defects between the orbit and adjacent structures during subtotal exenteration. DESIGN: Interventional case reports. METHODS: A flap composed of orbital fat supported by an extraocular muscle pedicle was used to fill a defect between the orbit and the nasal cavity in one case, and to buttress a fascia lata graft covering exposed dura mater in one case. RESULTS: The exenterated socket healed satisfactorily without fistula formation in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair of communications between the orbit and its surrounding cavities may prevent the development of postoperative fistulae or cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Subunit size and paracrystal structure of avian liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase

Abstract The subunit molecular weight of chicken liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase has been redetermined by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. In the presence of parotid trypsin inhibitor, the immunoprecipitate gave a single band corresponding to a molecular weight of 230,000, which was also found to contain bound biotin. From the biotin content of the protomer (1.0 prosthetic group per 480,000 daltons) it appears that it consists of two non identical subunits, both with molecular weights of approximately 230,000. Electron microscopy has been carried out on the active filamentous form of the enzyme and on paracrystals formed under high-salt conditions. These indicate that the filaments are readily distortable helical ribbons, with an approximate axial repeat of 1100 A, containing eight protomers. The paracrystals are made up of a staggered lateral packing of filaments.
Stable and unstable manifolds for the nonlinear wave equation with dissipation

On considere la stabilite pour des solutions solitons stationnaires du probleme de Cauchy sur R n , u tt +αu t −Δu+f(u)=0, u(x,0), u t (x,0) donnes
Abstract CT343: Phase II study of low-dose rate thoracic radiotherapy for treatment of intrathoracic relapsed or progressive small cell lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Purpose: Standard therapy for limited-stage (LS) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and extensive-stage (ES) SCLC with thoracic-only disease is a combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy, which is associated with high rates of grade ≥3 esophagitis. Low dose rate (LDR) radiotherapy may reduce normal tissues toxicity, without sacrificing tumor response. This phase II trial was conducted to assess the toxicity, local control, and survival using LDR radiotherapy to treat thoracic relapsed or progressive ES-SCLC. Methods: Eligible patients had ECOG performance status 0-2 with histologically confirmed ES-SCLC with relapse or progression predominantly in the chest after chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was delivered twice daily in 150cGy fractions to 4500cGy to an involved field. Dose rate was 5cGy per minute. Results: Seventeen ES-SCLC patients were enrolled at the National Cancer Institute. Fifteen evaluable patients were a median of 59 years at enrollment with relapsed or progressive thoracic disease following a median of 2 prior courses of chemotherapy (range 1-3). Four were treated concomitantly with radiotherapy to other sites of extrathoracic metastases. Radiotherapy was well tolerated with acute grade 1 esophagitis in 60% but no acute or late grade ≥2 toxicity. No clinical pneumonitis was reported. Evaluable patients had responsive thoracic disease (50% complete, 50% partial responses) with no local failures on post-radiotherapy imaging at 3 and 6 months. All patients survived a median of 13.9 months and mean of 30.4 months following ES-SCLC diagnosis and 3.3 months and 19.8 months following radiotherapy completion, with 1-year and 2-year survivals after radiotherapy of 27% and 20%, respectively. Conclusion: LDR radiotherapy for ES-SCLC was a well-tolerated salvage therapy for treatment failure after chemotherapy. Toxicity was significantly less than historical controls, and thoracic tumor response was not compromised with LDR techniques. This trial serves as the basis of a planned multi-center, prospective trial of consolidative or salvage LDR radiotherapy for ES-SCLC. Citation Format: Guy C. Jones, James B. Mitchell, Bruce E. Johnson, Kevin Camphausen, Eli Glatstein, Charles B. Simone. Phase II study of low-dose rate thoracic radiotherapy for treatment of intrathoracic relapsed or progressive small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr CT343. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-CT343
High temperature fatigue crack growth in a cobalt base superalloy

Abstract The rates of fatigue crack propagation of a cobalt base superalloy (HS 188) were measured at 75, 1112, 1400 and 1600°F as a function of the range of the stress intensity factor ΔK. Test frequencies were 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 Hz. At each elevated temperature there is a critical frequency below which the crack growth rate is oxidation and creep dependent, increasing with decreasing frequency. The mode of fracture changes from transgranular at high frequencies to intergranular at low frequencies.
Chronic Renal Neuroadrenergic Hypertension Is Associated With Increased Renal Norepinephrine Sensitivity and Volume Contraction

Individuals with essential hypertension have been characterized by increased renal sympathetic vascular tone with decreased plasma volume and normal cardiac output compared with normotensive individuals. We used a servo-controlled intrarenal infusion system to evaluate the hemodynamic, renal excretory, and plasma hormonal responses to 28-day, low-level elevations in the intrarenal adrenergic neurotransmitter norepinephrine. In uninephrectomized dogs (n=6), servo-controlled norepinephrine infusion increased mean arterial pressure from 95.6±3.1 to 115.7±4.9 mm Hg on day 1 without concomitant reductions in renal blood flow. Arterial hypertension was sustained and renal vascular resistance increased during the 28 days of servo-controlled norepinephrine infusion despite significant decreases in the daily dose of intrarenal norepinephrine (1.49±0.23 to 0.47±0.25 mg/d) necessary to maintain renal blood flow constant. Arterial pressure returned to control values with the cessation of servo-controlled norepinephrine, whereas renal blood flow and renal vascular resistance remained slightly decreased and increased, respectively. Cumulative sodium balance exhibited a net 177±37 mmol sodium loss over the 28 days of norepinephrine infusion, indicating that the hypertension did not result from sodium retention or expansion of extracellular fluid volume. Intrarenal norepinephrine did not change plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, or vasopressin concentrations. Atrial natriuretic factor, however, increased at 7 and 14 days of servo-controlled norepinephrine, and plasma renin activity increased on day 14 of norepinephrine infusion. We conclude that low-level elevation of intrarenal adrenergic neurotransmitter produces sustained arterial hypertension that is independent of expansion in extracellular fluid volume, increases in circulating catecholamines or plasma renin activity, or reductions in renal blood flow. This hypertension may be associated with increased renal vascular sensitivity to norepinephrine and/or other renal vasoactive factors.
Age-related parallel decline in beta-adrenergic receptors, adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activity in rat erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract The activities of three components of the cyclic AMP system were compared in erythrocyte ghost membranes prepared from the blood of rats at various ages from 1.5 to 15 months. The apparent number of β-adrenergic receptor sites, adenylate cyclase activity and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity all declined about 50% in the membranes from the older animals (>5 months) as compared to the 1.5 month ones. The soluble erythrocyte phosphodiesterase also declined with age, but the decline did not parallel that of the membrane-associated activity. In contrast, there was no age-related change in the number of β-adrenergic receptors in membranes from the brains of the same animals. In erythrocyte ghosts, both the ratio of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity to basal activity and the ratio of sodium fluoride-stimulated activity to basal were constant with age. Neither the dissociation constant for the β-adrenergic receptor nor the Michaelis constant for the phosphodiesterase changed as a function of age. Together with other data in the literature, these results suggest a close functional association of the components of the cyclic AMP system in the mature erythrocyte membrane, and support a physiological role for the cyclic AMP mediated β-adrenergic effects in the red blood cell.
Age at Arrival and Risk of Obesity Among US Immigrants

Although immigrants are a rapidly growing subgroup, little is known about overweight/obesity among the foreign-born in the United States, especially regarding the effect of age at arrival. This study determined whether overweight/obesity prevalence is associated with age at arrival of immigrants to the United States. We analyzed data on 6,421 adult immigrants from the New Immigrant Survey (NIS), a study that is nationally representative of adult immigrants with newly acquired legal permanent residence (LPR). Multiple regression analyses tested the effects of duration of residence and age at arrival on overweight/obesity, defined by BMI of > or = 25 kg/m(2), and self-reported dietary change score. We found the relationship between duration of residence and overweight/obesity prevalence varied by age at arrival (P or = 15 years were 11 times (95% confidence interval: 5.33, 22.56) more likely to be overweight/obese than immigrants 50 years of age. Higher self-reported dietary change is also associated with overweight/obesity. In conclusion, immigrants younger than 20 at arrival in the United States may be at higher risk of overweight/obesity with increasing duration of residence than those who arrive at later ages. Obesity prevention among young US immigrants should be a priority.
The agricultural revolution as environmental catastrophe: Implications for health and lifestyle in the Holocene

Abstract One of the most fundamental developments in the history of our species—and one having among the most profound impacts on landscapes and the people occupying them—was the domestication of plants and animals. In addition to altering landscapes around the globe from the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene, the shift from foraging to farming resulted in negative and multiple consequences for human health. Study of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts shows that the introduction of grains and other cultigens and the increase in their dietary focus resulted in a decline in health and alterations in activity and lifestyle. Although agriculture provided the economic basis for the rise of states and development of civilizations, the change in diet and acquisition of food resulted in a decline in quality of life for most human populations in the last 10,000 years.
Intramolecular Twisting Effects in Substituted Benzenes. II. Ground‐State Properties

The effects on ground‐state properties of twisting a substituent group about the substituent‐ring bond in substituted benzenes are discussed from the viewpoint of semiempirical MO theory. The ground‐state properties are discussed with reference to a parameter θ, which generally increases as the substituent is twisted. The substituent‐ring bond order varies approximately as cosθ, and the following vary approximately as cos2θ: the resonance energy, charge densities, ring C–C bond orders and the π‐electronic dipole moment. The θ dependence of the total dipole moment is discussed. Numerical applications to N,N‐dimethylaniline and related molecules are described, including a detailed treatment of the dipole moments of N,N‐dimethylaniline and some of its ortho‐substituted derivatives. A brief discussion of the valence state of the dimethylamino group is included.
Solubility and diffusivity of light gases in ethyl cellulose at elevated pressures Effects of ethoxy content

Abstract The solubility of He, O2, N2, CH4, and CO2 in ethyl cellulose (EC) membranes with ethoxy contents of 47.2, 47.9, and 49.6% was measured at 35.0°C and at pressures up to ca. 30 atm (3,040 kPa). Mean diffusion coefficients, D , for these gases in EC were obtained from the solubility measurements in conjunction with mean permeability coefficients determined in a previous study. The solubility coefficients, S, for the above-mentioned gases in EC increase in the gas order: S(He)⪡S(N2) D for He, O2, N2, and CH4 at low concentrations in EC increase in the order of decreasing ‘kinetic’ molecular diameters: D ( CH 4 ) D ( N 2 ) D ( O 2 ) D ( He ) . The values of D ( CO 2 ) are lower than those of D ( O 2 ) , even thrugh CO2 has a smaller ‘kinetic’ diameter than O2. The lower diffusivity of CO2 in EC could be due to specific interactions between polar groups in the polymer and the polar CO2 molecules. In general, the values of S and D for the five gases in EC tend to increase with increasing ethoxy content in the polymer, probably due to an increase in the polymer free volume. EC and cellulose acetate (CA) are compared as membrane materials for gas separations, with emphasis on the CO 2 CH 4 separation. EC has a higher gas permeability and a lower selectivity than CA because of its larger free volume and higher chain mobility.
Genotoxic Methylating Agents Modulate Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase Activity through MEK-Dependent, Glutathione-, and DNA Methylation-Independent Mechanisms in Lung Epithelial Cells

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a central role in transmitting stress-induced signals stimulated by genotoxic agents. The present study is the first to investigate the mechanisms by which genotoxic alkylating agents modulate MAPKs by directly measuring the effects of methylating agents on MAPK activity, DNA methylation, and intracellular glutathione levels. The effects of acetoxymethylmethylnitrosamine (AMMN), N-nitroso-N-methylurethane (NMUR), and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) on these parameters were compared in a fetal rat lung cell line model (MP48). These compounds were chosen because they methylate DNA via a methanediazonium intermediate and, therefore, should induce similar cellular methylation patterns, although they produce different side products upon decomposition. All three compounds stimulated the activation of the stress-activated MAPKs, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38. In contrast to what has been reported for other methylating agents, these compounds also stimulated the activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), a MAPK typically activated by mitogenic agents. O 6 -methylguanine (O 6 -mG) is widely considered to be the critical toxic lesion induced by methylating agents, including AMMN, NMUR, and MNU, which form DNA adducts through S N 1 reactions. O 6 -mG does not appear to be a key regulator of MAPK activity by these compounds, however. There is no direct relationship between the levels of O 6 -mG and the levels of MAPK activation, and formation of O 6 -mG does not appear to be sufficient to stimulate MAPK activation. The present studies also indicate that depletion of glutathione is not required or sufficient to stimulate MAPK activation by the methylating agents investigated here. The use of a pharmacological inhibitor indicates that these methylating agents activate ERK through a signaling pathway that requires the ERK kinase MEK. Altogether, these data indicate that genotoxic methylating agents activate MAPKs through mechanisms that are likely to involve the alkylation of cellular targets other than DNA.
Surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus: a microsurgical study.

The surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus were examined in 50 adult cadaveric cavernous sinuses using magnification of х3 to х40. The following approaches were examined: 1) the superior intradural approach directed through a frontotemporal craniotomy and the roof of the cavernous sinus: 2) the
Some medical aspects of the dental patient

Dentists and physicians should familiarize themselves with problems that require conjoint management. Such management will help to prevent cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic complications.