cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The different forms of flowers – what have we learned since Darwin?

Darwin's book, The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species, has stimulated an extraordinary amount of original research since its publication in 1877. In his book, Darwin focused primarily on heterostylous reproductive systems in flowering plants, in which two or three reproductive morphs with reciprocal placement of anthers and stigmas occur in populations. These morphs are usually self-incompatible and cross-incompatible with individuals possessing the same reproductive morph. Many of the papers on heterostyly published since Forms of Flowers appeared have focused on the questions raised by Darwin about the evolution and function of heterostyly. Darwin's hypothesis that heterostyly promotes cross-pollination between different morphs has been largely substantiated, despite the difficulties in finding the ideal experimental system to address this question. Heterostyly is now known to occur in many more plant families than at the time Forms of Flowers was published and, as expected, the heterostylous syndrome is now defined more broadly than in Darwin's time. The origin of heterostyly remains an area of active research, with hypotheses stressing either the evolution of heteromorphic self-incompatibility as the first step in the evolution of this reproductive system or, alternatively, the evolution of the reciprocal features of floral morphology. Phylogenetic approaches, combined with studies on the physiological and molecular genetic basis of heterostyly, offer promise in helping to resolve questions about the origin of heterostyly. There is no doubt that heterostyly has evolved on multiple occasions and that self-incompatibility associated with heterostyly is unrelated to the more common multi-allelic self-incompatibility systems found in monomorphic species. Further progress in understanding conditions favouring evolution of heterostyly will depend on an increased understanding of the relation between the reciprocal morphological features of the breeding system and the nature of self-incompatibility. Almost a century and a half after the appearance of The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species, heterostyly remains an active area of research. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160, 249–261.
An exact formulation of inventory costs and optimal lot size in face of sudden obsolescence

Recently, approximate formulas for determining the relevant total costs and the optimal lot size in face of sudden obsolescence were proposed. In this paper, we provide an exact formulation of the relevant costs which, when minimized, give the true optimal lot size. The estimation errors of the approximate model are significant in some situations, and the use of our exact model is recommended.
Novel dedifferentiated liposarcoma xenograft models reveal PTEN down-regulation as a malignant signature and response to PI3K pathway inhibition.

Liposarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that exhibits poor survival and a high recurrence rate. Treatment is generally limited to surgery and radiation, which emphasizes the need for better understanding of this disease. Because very few in vivo and in vitro models can reproducibly recapitulate the human disease, we generated several xenograft models from surgically resected human dedifferentiated liposarcoma. All xenografts recapitulated morphological and gene expression characteristics of the patient tumors after continuous in vivo passages. Importantly, xenograftability was directly correlated with disease-specific survival of liposarcoma patients. Thus, the ability for the tumor of a patient to engraft may help identify those patients who will benefit from more aggressive treatment regimens. Gene expression analyses highlighted the association between xenograftability and a unique gene expression signature, including down-regulated PTEN tumor-suppressor gene expression and a progenitor-like phenotype. When treated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor rapamycin alone or in combination with the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, all xenografts responded with increased lipid content and a more differentiated gene expression profile. These human xenograft models may facilitate liposarcoma research and accelerate the generation of readily translatable preclinical data that could ultimately influence patient care.
Some observations on the reaction mechanism of cefoxitin and cephalothin with picrate

Abstract Researchers have not elucidated the mechanism through which picrate reacts with cefoxitin and cephalothin. These reactions are unusual in that each has two distinct reaction rates, one fast and the other slow. We determined the pseudo-first-order rate constants of the fast and slow reactions, as well as the reactions of picrate with two analogues, acetylglycine and azetidione. We calculated the order of reaction of picrate with cefoxitin by the mole fraction method. The stoichiometry of the cefoxitin-picrate complex is 1:2. Cefoxitin and cephalothin show fast reactions with picrate of 1.5 and 4.9 min−1, respectively, and slow reactions of 0.037 and 0.038 min−1, respectively. The analog for straight-chain acetamido groups, acetylglycine, has a rate of 1.4 min−1, whereas the analogue for the lactam ring, azetidione, has a slower rate of 0.79 min−1. We conclude that the fast reaction of picrate with cefoxitin and cephalothin occurs at the straight-chain acetamido group, and that another picrate molecule reacts at the lactam ring with a slower rate. Both reactions proceed by means of charge-transfer complexes between the carbonyl groups and picrate.
On the specificity of a cat behavior model for the study of hallucinogens

Abstract LSD is the prototype for a cat behavior model for the study of hallucinogens. The model's specificity was tested with the nonhallucinogen methysergide, a d-lysergic acid amide derivative structurally similar to LSD. The frequencies of occurrence of the model behaviors limb flicking, grooming, and head plus body shaking show statistically significant dose dependency after i.p. methysergide (62.5–1000 μg/kg), and the maximum frequencies of the methysergide-elicited behaviors occur between 1–3 h post-dose. Methysergide produces statistically significant tolerance to limb flicking and grooming 24 h following an acute dose, and there is statistically significant methysergide-LSD and LSD-methysergide cross tolerance to limb flicking at 24 h. In addition, pretreatment with methysergide 15 min before LSD or lisuride antagonizes their elicitation of model behaviors. The dose-response, time course, and tolerance results with methysergide are analogous to those observed after LSD, showing that methysergide has all of the key properties of the model's prototype and, therefore, that the cat behavior model is not specific for hallucinogens.
Layered sensing to enhance situational awareness

The technological advances of the information age have created both an opportunity and a challenge for military decision makers. At first glance the variety of data gathered by a multitude of traditional and non-traditional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors should allow decision makers to better understand their environment and the threat. However, a number of factors tend to mitigate this advantage. Incompatible data formats, bandwidth limitations, sensor persistence and revisit rates, and multi-level security are but a few of the technical challenges that preclude end users from being able to take full advantage of the sensor information. Further, as the amount of sensor data increases, real challenges emerge in identifying the most salient pieces of information, fusing that with other relevant sensor modalities, and rapidly moving this information in a presentation format that does not overwhelm the decision maker.
How advances in neural recording affect data analysis

Progress in neural recording techniques has allowed the number of simultaneously recorded neurons to double approximately every 7 years, mimicking Moore's law. Emerging data analysis techniques should consider both the computational costs and the potential for more accurate models associated with this exponential growth of the number of recorded neurons. Over the last five decades, progress in neural recording techniques has allowed the number of simultaneously recorded neurons to double approximately every 7 years, mimicking Moore's law. Such exponential growth motivates us to ask how data analysis techniques are affected by progressively larger numbers of recorded neurons. Traditionally, neurons are analyzed independently on the basis of their tuning to stimuli or movement. Although tuning curve approaches are unaffected by growing numbers of simultaneously recorded neurons, newly developed techniques that analyze interactions between neurons become more accurate and more complex as the number of recorded neurons increases. Emerging data analysis techniques should consider both the computational costs and the potential for more accurate models associated with this exponential growth of the number of recorded neurons.
Solution to the Transverse Phase Space Time Dependence Problem with LAMPF's High Intensity H+ Beam

The 750 keV H+ beam at LAMPF has a transverse phase space time dependent transient during the first 200 ps of each 750 ?s long macro-pulse. The time dependence is documented in an earlier report. Further studies indicate that the time dependence is due to space charge neutralization resulting from secondary emission of electrons produced by collisions of the H+ and H2+ beams on the transport walls. One of several possible solutions has been tested and has proven successful in eliminating the time dependence of the beam entering the linac.
The impact of brachytherapy on prostate cancer-specific mortality for definitive radiation therapy of high-grade prostate cancer: a population-based analysis.

Purpose This population-based analysis compared prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) in a cohort of patients with high-risk prostate cancer after nonsurgical treatment with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT), or combination (BT + EBRT). Methods and Materials We identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database patients diagnosed from 1988 through 2002 with T1–T3N0M0 prostate adenocarcinoma of poorly differentiated grade and treated with BT, EBRT, or BT + EBRT. During this time frame, the database defined high grade as prostate cancers with Gleason score 8–10, or Gleason grade 4–5 if the score was not recorded. This corresponds to a cohort primarily with high-risk prostate cancer, although some cases where only Gleason grade was recorded may have included intermediate-risk cancer. We used multivariate models to examine patient and tumor characteristics associated with the likelihood of treatment with each radiation modality and the effect of radiation modality on PCSM. Results There were 12,745 patients treated with EBRT (73.5%), BT (7.1%), or BT + EBRT (19.4%) included in the analysis. The median follow-up time for all patients was 6.4 years. The use of BT or BT + EBRT increased from 5.1% in 1988–1992 to 31.4% in 1998–2002. Significant predictors of use of BT or BT + EBRT were younger age, later year of diagnosis, urban residence, and earlier T-stage. On multivariate analysis, treatment with either BT (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.86) or BT + EBRT (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence ratio, 0.66–0.90) was associated with significant reduction in PCSM compared with EBRT alone. Conclusion In patients with high-grade prostate cancer, treatment with brachytherapy is associated with reduced PCSM compared with EBRT alone. Our results suggest that brachytherapy should be investigated as a component of definitive treatment strategies for patients with high-risk prostate cancer.
Observer-based schemes for adaptive nonlinear state-feedback control

We combine recently proposed adaptive nonlinear controllers with two types of observer-based identifiers. The controllers guarantee an input-to-state stability property with respect to θ˜ and θ˜ and the observer-based identifiers independently guarantee boundedness of θ˜. A stability enhancement in the observer is crucial in establishing stability properties.
Molecular Beacons for Sensitive Gene Detection in Living Cells

Real-time imaging of gene expression in living cells has the potential to significantly impact clinical and laboratory studies of cancer, including cancer diagnosis and analysis. Molecular beacons (MBs) provide a simple and promising tool for the detection of target mRNA as tumor markers due to their high signal-to-background ratio, and their improved specificity in detecting point mutations. However, the harsh intracellular environment does limit the sensitivity of MB-based gene detection. Specifically, MBs bound to target mRNAs cannot be distinguished from those degraded by nucleases, or opened due to non-specific interactions. To overcome this difficulty, we have developed a novel dual FRET molecular beacons approach in which a pair of molecular beacons, one with a donor fluorophore and a second with an acceptor fluorophore, hybridize to adjacent regions on the same target resulting in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The detection of a FRET signal leads to a substantially increased signal-to-background ratio compared with that in single molecular beacon assays and enables discrimination between fluorescence due to specific probe/target hybridization and a variety of false-positive events. We have performed systematic in-solution and cellular studies of dual FRET molecular beacon and demonstrated that this new approach allows for real-time imaging of gene expression in living cells.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
On the relation between rainfall and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for diverse vegetation types in East Africa

Abstract This study is an investigation of the relation between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and rainfall in East Africa. The temporal and spatial patterns of both variables and their inter-relationships are evaluated. The NDVI and rain-fall associations are analysed for ten vegetation formations of East Africa: four forest zones, two woodland zones, and four drier bush, thicket and grassland types. There is a strong similarity between temporal and spatial patterns of NDVI when annual rainfall is below about 1000 mm and monthly rainfall does not exceed ∼ 200 mm. In this range, NDVI is also a sensitive indicator of the inter-annual variability of rainfall. The overall relation between NDVI and rainfall is log-linear and the correlation between annually-integrated NDVI and the log of annual rainfall at 65 stations is 0–89. The best correlation on a monthly time scale is between the monthly composite NDVI and a three-month average of rainfall in the concurrent and two previous months. Co...
Quantitative comparison of background rejection, signal-to-noise ratio, and resolution in confocal and full-field laser scanning microscopes

Development of a laser scanning microscope for simultaneous three-dimensional imaging in both a full-field laser scanning mode (FLSM) and a confocal laser scanning mode (CLSM) permits the direct comparison of axial resolution and out-of-focus background rejection as a function of sample thickness for both FLSM and CLSM with varying detector aperture (pinhole) radii. The sample-dependent detector aperture radii that optimize the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in the CLSM are experimentally determined. The results verify earlier calculations [Appl. Opt. 33, 603 (1994)]. Using these results, we discuss the practical and theoretical limits on the S/N in the CLSM and compare them with those of a full-field epifluorescence microscope (FEM) that is enhanced by image deconvolution. The specimen volume over which the FLSM exhibits imaging properties that are equivalent to a FEM is calculated in the appendices.
Is positive expiratory pressure (PEEP) during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) useful in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Background: Variable effects of PEEP application during nocturnal NIV have been reported in neuromuscular subjects. However, no data are available for samples including only ALS patients. Aim: To evaluate nocturnal gas exchanges, sleep quality, patient-ventilator asynchronies and air leaks in stable ALS patients naive to ventilatory treatment during NIV application with or without PEEP in addition to inspiratory pressure support. Methods: Seventeen ALS patients, age 64.6±6.8 underwent two nocturnal polysomnographies during NIV with no PEEP (PEEP 0 ) or with 4 cm H 2 0 PEEP (PEEP 4 ), in random order. Results: No differences in nocturnal blood gases between nights were observed . With PEEP 0 , a longer N3 duration, fewer autotriggerings and air leaks were recorded Conclusion: In stable ALS patients, PEEP application did not improve nocturnal blood exchanges, and was associated with worse sleep and NIV quality.
Medium access control protocols with fast collision resolution: supporting real-time and data services in wireless LANs

Development of efficient medium access control (MAC) protocols which provide both high throughput performance for data traffic and good quality of service (QoS) support for real-time traffic is the current major focus in distributed contention-based MAC research. We propose an efficient contention algorithm for wireless local area networks, namely the fast collision resolution (FCR) algorithm. The MAC protocol with this new algorithm attempts to provide significantly high throughput performance for data services. To support QoS for real-time services, we incorporate the priority algorithm based on service differentiations with the FCR algorithm, and show that this prioritized FCR algorithm can simultaneously achieve high throughput and good QoS support for real-time and data services.
Adoption of the 16-month American Board of Radiology pathway to dual board certifications in nuclear radiology and/or nuclear medicine for diagnostic radiology residents.

Rationale and Objectives In 2010, the American Board of Radiology (ABR) approved a new 16-month nuclear subspecialty training pathway within a standard 48-month Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited diagnostic radiology (DR) residency available to institutions sponsoring ACGME-accredited nuclear radiology (NR) and/or nuclear medicine (NM) program(s). This accelerated pathway leads to eligibility for dual ABR certifications in DR and NR or in NM by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine (ABNM). The American College of Radiology, in conjunction with the ABR, aimed to understand adoption of this new pathway, barriers to implementation, preferences for subspecialty certification, and competing alternative combined DR/NR/NM training pathways. Materials and Methods During 2013–2014, there were 20 ACGME-accredited NR fellowship and 43 ACGME-accredited NM residency programs eligible to adopt this new 16-month pathway. They were surveyed by e-mail correspondence regarding implementation and barriers to implementation, board certification (ABR-NR and ABNM) preferences, and local alternative training pathways. Results With 100% of the surveys completed, a small cadre of qualifying DR programs (14, 22%) has adopted (9, 14%) or is seriously considering adopting (5, 8%) the 16-month ABR pathway. For most, implementation is problematic with numerous barriers in common. Five (8%) institutions are developing 60-month nontraditional models as alternative routes to ABR-DR/ABR-NR certifications and/or dual ABR/ABNM board certifications. Conclusions In spite of strategies to promote a shortened training pathway in NR/NM, traditional subspecialty fellowships outside the DR residency remain the dominant pathway leading to ABR subspecialty certification in NR and/or ABNM certification for diagnostic radiologists.
The influence of hydrogen on ion beam mixing of multilayer films

Previous qualitative studies of ion beam mixing of Ni–Ti and Fe–Ti multilayers at room temperature have shown the Ni–Ti samples to mix considerably faster than the Fe–Ti, in apparent contrast with theory. Furthermore, the Fe–Ti mixing was strongly inhibited by previous charging of the sample with hydrogen, whereas only a small effect was seen for Ni–Ti. We have quantified the mixing and extended the study to four more systems (Al–Ti. Co–Ti, Cu–Ti, and Pd–Ti) and lower temperatures. This allows some important conclusions to be drawn. Predictions based on a thermal spike model underestimate the larger room temperature mixing rates (Cu–Ti, Ni–Ti, and Pd–Ti), apparently because of contributions from a temperature dependent mechanism such as radiation enhanced diffusion. The lower mixing rates (Fe–Ti, Co–Ti, and Ni–Ti at ∼80 K) are overestimated by a factor of 2–3.5, possibly because of hydrogen contamination of the as-deposited samples. For the Al–Ti sample, the experimental mixing rate was in good agreement with predictions. Except for the Cu–Ti sample, results were seen to vary with heat of solution, rather than heat of mixing, suggesting significant contributions from the lower temperature after-spike regime. Hydrogen charging was found to reduce the Fe–Ti mixing rate by a factor of 7 at room temperature, whereas the Co–Ti and Ni–Ti rates were only reduced by a factor of 2, and the mixing of the Pd–Ti was influenced very little. Near liquid nitrogen temperature the Ni–Ti mixing rate was more strongly reduced (by a factor of 3–4). Our results suggest that the original hydrogen contamination in as-deposited samples may also cause significant reduction of mixing rates in some materials.
Discussion in Postsecondary Classrooms: A Review of the Literature

Spoken language is, arguably, the primary means by which teachers teach and students learn. Much of the literature on language in classrooms has focused on discussion that is seen as both a method ...
Intellectual Property and Fashion Design

"Intellectual Property and Fashion Design" is the first and most general of a series of three short works on the relationship between intellectual property and fashion design. The goal of this book chapter is to outline the history of the issue with particular reference to the status of fashion design protection in the United States. The second piece, a long-term work in progress, focuses on the cultural and historical reasons for the limited degree of intellectual property extended in the past to certain categories of human creativity, including fashion design. The third, "FIT: Fashion as Information Technology," (http://ssrn.com/abstract=1307735) turns to the question of why - despite shifting cultural attitudes and other conditions - some tension still exists between creators and consumers of fashion, how information theory can contribute to an explanation for that tension, and what role law can play in its resolution. In addition, I explore these questions in a book forthcoming from Yale University Press and a blog, Counterfeit Chic, available at http://www.CounterfeitChic.com.NOTE: Please excuse the appearance of the scan. It's a bit easier on the eyes (though not the environment) if printed.
Discrete event simulation to improve aircraft availability and maintainability

This paper presents a study of maintenance operations at the Daytona Beach, Florida campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Embry-Riddle is well-known for its large flight training programs. The Flight Training Department also maintains the school's aircraft on-site at the Daytona Beach campus. There, overall system availability at the operational level has been a chronic problem. The number of aircraft grounded for maintenance often reaches a quarter of the fleet. To study the situation, discrete-event simulation modeling was used to examine performance measures such as aircraft cycle times and mechanic labor utilization. Also examined was the impact of adding new aircraft to the fleet. As a result, a new working schedule for the allocation of mechanics to various shifts was proposed and accepted by management, resulting in reduced aircraft downtime and improved labor utilization.
Noninvasive Diagnosis of Cellular and Antibody-Mediated Rejection by Perforin and Granzyme B in Renal Allografts

A major milestone in transplantation would be the use of biomarkers to monitor rejection. We examined the association between perforin and granzyme-B gene expression detected in the peripheral blood of renal allograft recipients with cellular and antibody-mediated rejection. Furthermore, we judged the appropriateness of assigning negative rejection statuses to persons without a biopsy whose grafts were functioning well clinically. Of the 46 patients who completed the study, recipients with cellular rejection had higher perforin and granzyme-B levels compared with nonrejectors (p = 0.006). Interestingly, recipients with antibody-mediated rejection also had higher perforin and granzyme-B levels compared with nonrejectors (p = 0.04). Patients with high levels of granzyme B had a probability of rejecting that was 26.7 times greater than those patients with low levels of granzyme B. Perforin and granzyme B had sensitivities of 50% and specificities of 95% in predicting rejection (cutoff value = 140). Assigning negative rejection statuses to recipients without a biopsy whose grafts were functioning well did not have a major effect on the direction or significance of covariate values. This study suggests that perforin and granzyme-B gene expressions in peripheral blood are accurate in detecting both cellular and antibody-mediated rejection.
SEQUENTIAL ACTIVE ALTERATION OF RHYOLITIC VOLCANIC ROCK TO ENDELLITE AND A PRECURSOR PHASE OF IT AT A SPRING IN MICHOACAN, MEXICO

Sequential alteration of volcanic rock of rhyolitic composition to a precursor of endellite, and thence to tubular endellite, may be observed at a hot spring about 27 km north of Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacan, Mexico. Ojo Caliente de Laguna Larga (or Verde) yields H2S-SO2-containing water, temperature about 45~ pH 3.5-3-7, from multiple orifices in vesicular and slabby rock with which the water reacts. First-stage alteration of the rock consisted of permeation and dissolution, accompanied by deposi- tion of clay substance in vesicle walls. The clay substance, although "amorphous" to X-rays, yields a weak DTA of endellite, and kaolinite. It is interpreted as a precursor of endellite. Further reaction included continued filling of vesicles and spreading argitlation which coalesced between vesicles and other rock pores. Ultimately, the rock was completely "digested" to well-defined endellites. Strong desilication and depotassication of the rock is indicated by the dissolved substances in the spring water: Si 59-1 (equivalent to 127 SiOz) ug/ml: A1, 1.63; Fe, 0.65: Mg, 0.21: Ca, 178: Na, 0-73: K, 13"7. Despite high K +, predominantly high H + and AP + induce formation of endellite. The clay- water system accords well with stability diagrams. Allophane-endellite in Indiana and endellite at Stanford, Kentucky, are formed from cold, strongly acid, meteoric-water solutions high in Si and AI relative to kaolinite dissolved in water. Factors of genesis common to both hot- and cold-water endellite are cited, suggesting that they are premissively critical, but not necessarily restrictive, to the origin of endellite.
Liposome-Antigen-Nucleic Acid Complexes Protect Mice from Lethal Challenge with Western and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Viruses

Alphaviruses are mosquito-borne viruses that cause significant disease in animals and humans. Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), two New World alphaviruses, can cause fatal encephalitis, and EEEV is a select agent of concern in biodefense. However, we have no antiviral therapies against alphaviral disease, and current vaccine strategies target only a single alphavirus species. In an effort to develop new tools for a broader response to outbreaks, we designed and tested a novel alphavirus vaccine comprised of cationic lipid nucleic acid complexes (CLNCs) and the ectodomain of WEEV E1 protein (E1ecto). Interestingly, we found that the CLNC component, alone, had therapeutic efficacy, as it increased survival of CD-1 mice following lethal WEEV infection. Immunization with the CLNC-WEEV E1ecto mixture (lipid-antigen-nucleic acid complexes [LANACs]) using a prime-boost regimen provided 100% protection in mice challenged with WEEV subcutaneously, intranasally, or via mosquito. Mice immunized with LANACs mounted a strong humoral immune response but did not produce neutralizing antibodies. Passive transfer of serum from LANAC E1ecto-immunized mice to nonimmune CD-1 mice conferred protection against WEEV challenge, indicating that antibody is sufficient for protection. In addition, the LANAC E1ecto immunization protocol significantly increased survival of mice following intranasal or subcutaneous challenge with EEEV. In summary, our LANAC formulation has therapeutic potential and is an effective vaccine strategy that offers protection against two distinct species of alphavirus irrespective of the route of infection. We discuss plausible mechanisms as well the potential utility of our LANAC formulation as a pan-alphavirus vaccine.
Dielectric-Covered Ground Reflectors in GPS Multipath Reception—Theory and Measurement

Global Positioning System receivers sometimes operate under severe multipath conditions, including those which include a ground specularly reflected signal along with a direct signal. Here, such a case is discussed which involves a dielectric-covered flat ground reflector, with incident energy at 1.57542-GHz right-hand circularly polarized at elevation angles between 5deg and 50deg. The relative received powers produced by the sum of the specularly reflected and direct signals are computed from conventional theory and are measured for various thicknesses of dielectrics. Both theory and measurement show that the received powers produced by the sum of the specularly reflected and direct signals have the same behavior throughout a range of elevation angles. A snow case study shows potential for inferring snow depth by fitting the theory to the measurements.
Assessing programming language impact on development and maintenance: a study on c and c++

Billions of dollars are spent every year for building and maintaining software. To reduce these costs we must identify the key factors that lead to better software and more productive development. One such key factor, and the focus of our paper, is the choice of programming language. Existing studies that analyze the impact of choice of programming language suffer from several deficiencies with respect to methodology and the applications they consider. For example, they consider applications built by different teams in different languages, hence fail to control for developer competence, or they consider small-sized, infrequently-used, short-lived projects. We propose a novel methodology which controls for development process and developer competence, and quantifies how the choice of programming language impacts software quality and developer productivity. We conduct a study and statistical analysis on a set of long-lived, widely-used, open source projects - Firefox, Blender, VLC, and MySQL. The key novelties of our study are: (1) we only consider projects which have considerable portions of development in two languages, C and C++, and (2) a majority of developers in these projects contribute to both C and C++ code bases. We found that using C++ instead of C results in improved software quality and reduced maintenance effort, and that code bases are shifting from C to C++. Our methodology lays a solid foundation for future studies on comparative advantages of particular programming languages.
Fair sharing using dual service-level agreements to achieve open access in a passive optical network

The Passive Optical Network (PON) is an attractive solution for high-bandwidth access networks. In the context of a broadband access network, the term open access implies the ability of multiple service providers to share the deployed access network infrastructure to make services available to the end users. Multiple services may thereby be delivered over a shared access channel. Open access requires fairness in terms of throughput, delay, jitter, and other network parameters in the access channel among the sharing entities, namely service providers and end users. Since the traffic in an access network is very bursty, an access network may be frequently subjected to high loads for certain durations of time. Meeting the above fairness requirements under such conditions is therefore very challenging. In this study, we first motivate the problem of meeting fairness requirements simultaneously to both service providers and users, which are located at opposite ends of an access channel. We then investigate the importance of two different sets of Service-Level Agreements (SLAs), which we call Dual SLAs. After formulating a mathematical model, we propose an efficient scheduling algorithm to meet Dual SLAs which is based on the well-known concept of max-min fairness. We then demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm through simulations using a discrete-event-simulator-based PON set-up, which compares the fairness of the Dual-SLA scheduling algorithm with that of other traditional fair queuing algorithms such as Deficit Round Robin (DRR)
Experience, generations, and limits in machine learning

This paper extends traditional models of machine learning beyond their one-level structure by introducing previously obtained problem knowledge into the algorithm or automaton involved. Some authors studied more advanced than traditional models that utilize some kind of predetermined knowledge, having a two-level structure. However, even in this case, the model has not reflected the source and inherited properties of predetermined knowledge. In society, knowledge is often transmitted from previous generations. The aim of this paper is to construct and study algorithmic models of learning processes that utilize predetermined or prior knowledge. The models use recursive, subrecursive, and super-recursive algorithms. Predetermined knowledge includes: a text description, activity rules (e.g., for cognition), and specific structured personal or social memory. Algorithmic models represent these three forms as separate structured processing systems: automata with (1) advice; (2) structured program; and (3) structured memory. That yields three basic models for learning systems: polynomially bounded turing machines, Turing machines, and inductive Turing machines of the first order.
Efficient translocation and processing with Xenopus egg extracts of proteins synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate.

Abstract Cell-free translation/translocation systems are broadly applied to examine gene expression and characterize the structure–function relationship of gene products. We present the characterization of Xenopus egg extract (XEE) translocation and processing of proteins synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The XEE was prepared from eggs laid by adult female frogs that received serial injections of gonadotropins. The eggs were then dejellied in 2% l-cysteine–HCl and the cytoplasm extracted by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 15 min. The in vitro translocation and processing of XEE was examined with a cell-free translation system containing reticulocyte lysate, and appropriate messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid plasmids with RNA polymerase. Cell-free production of the following proteins were used to assess posttranslational modifications: Escherichia coli β-lactamase for signal sequence cleavage, Sarcomyces cerevisiae α-mating factor for translocation and N-linke...
Online optimization of storage ring nonlinear beam dynamics

We propose to optimize the nonlinear beam dynamics of existing and future storage rings with direct online optimization techniques. This approach may have crucial importance for the implementation of diffraction limited storage rings. In this paper considerations and algorithms for the online optimization approach are discussed. We have applied this approach to experimentally improve the dynamic aperture of the SPEAR3 storage ring with the robust conjugate direction search method and the particle swarm optimization method. The dynamic aperture was improved by more than 5 mm within a short period of time. Experimental setup and results are presented.
Cortical Interneurons and Their Origins

GABAergic interneurons regulate both the development and function of the cerebral cortex. Multiple studies have demonstrated that many cortical interneurons, possibly all of those in nonprimate mammals, originate in the subcortical telencephalon. Most of these derive from the medial ganglionic eminence, but based on varying degrees of evidence, other sources have been proposed, including the caudal and lateral ganglionic eminences, the septal region, and the cortex itself. Recent evidence also suggests that the spatial diversity of interneuron origins contributes to the remarkable diversity of their differentiated fate.
Day-to-day variability in voluntary wheel running among genetically differentiated lines of mice that vary in activity level.

This study examined the day-to-day variability in voluntary wheel-running behavior among three geneti- cally distinct lines of young male and female mice. Daily wheel revolutions were recorded at an age of 6-8 weeks in 10 males and 10 females from each of 3 lines: selectively bred line for high wheel running (Line 8), selectively bred for high wheel-running activity and Wxed for a Mendelian recessive allele that reduces hind-limb muscle mass by 50% (Line 3), non-selected control (Line 2). There were signiW- cant mean diVerences in revolutions/day among weeks (P = 0.003), but the eVect size was small (10%). SigniWcant main eVects for wheel running were also revealed for sex and line (P < 0.001). The grand mean § SD for the coeY- cient of variation (CV) of intra-individual wheel running was 23.0 § 10.8%. Although a signiWcant main eVect for the CV was found for week, the eVect size was low (7%) (age 6 weeks, 23.4 § 10.9%; age 7 weeks, 25.1 § 13.2%; age 8 weeks, 20.1 § 7.8%). The overall mean CV was similar between females (21.4 § 9.8%) and males (24.4 § 12.0%) and among lines (Line 2, 23.4 § 9.8%; Line 3, 20.4 § 7.6%; and Line 8, 25.0 § 14.4%). These Wndings are consistent with our previous work in young humans and lend further support for the hypothesis that biological mechanisms inXuence daily levels of physical activity.
Control of Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Secretion by N-Ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor and miR-33

Rationale:Several reports suggest that antisense oligonucleotides against miR-33 might reduce cardiovascular risk in patients by accelerating the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. However, conflicting reports exist about the impact of anti-miR-33 therapy on the levels of very low-density lipoprotein-triglycerides (VLDL-TAG). Objective:We test the hypothesis that miR-33 controls hepatic VLDL-TAG secretion. Methods and Results:Using therapeutic silencing of miR-33 and adenoviral overexpression of miR-33, we show that miR-33 limits hepatic secretion of VLDL-TAG by targeting N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), both in vivo and in primary hepatocytes. We identify conserved sequences in the 3′UTR of NSF as miR-33 responsive elements and show that Nsf is specifically recruited to the RNA-induced silencing complex following induction of miR-33. In pulse-chase experiments, either miR-33 overexpression or knock-down of Nsf lead to decreased secretion of apolipoproteins and TAG in primary hepatocytes, comp...
Treatment of the Nonconvulsive Epilepsies

Eliminating seizures should be the first goal of therapy for nonconvulsive epilepsies, but preventing seizures, i.e., guarding against head injuries and immunizing against agents that attack the nervous system, is the second goal. An accurate diagnosis of seizure type helps ensure that the appropriate medication for that particular form of epilepsy will be prescribed. Drug decisions should also be based on the risk: benefit ratio to the individual patient, and drug interactions should be considered when more than one drug is required. Frequent monitoring of drug serum levels is necessary in the case of multiple drug therapy or until seizures are controlled. Ethosuximide is considered the drug of choice in absence seizures, but valproic acid is equally effective. Although effective in controlling absence seizures, clonazepam is not favored in this indication because of a high incidence of side effects and the development of tolerance. Atonic seizures are generally refractory to treatment, but valproate, clonazepam, and occasionally carbamazepine represent the drugs of choice in management. Phenytoin continues to be a very popular drug for most types of seizures, but carbamazepine, used adjunctively until recently, is effective as monotherapy for the control of partial seizures, particularly those of the complex partial variety.
Symmetrical Fairness in Infrastructure Access in Multi-hop Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study the problem of providing fairness in multi-hop wireless infrastructure access. In such networks, it is well known that the use of current media access and transport protocols can result in severe unfairness and even starvation for flows originated from different numbers of hops away from a wired infrastructure point or gateway. In this paper, we study a different type of fairness that exists in such networks - flows initiated by nodes that are similar numbers of hops away from the gateway can experience significant unfairness, and such unfairness exists even for perfectly symmetrical node distribution and channel conditions. We denote such fairness as symmetrical fairness. We first provide a framework to characterize and measure symmetrical fairness. We then perform an extensive set of simulation experiments to quantify the causes of symmetrical unfairness. Finally, we develop and study a distributed routing algorithm that significantly improves the symmetrical fairness
Robust 3D visual tracking using particle filtering on the SE(3) group

In this paper, we present a 3D model-based object tracking approach using edge and keypoint features in a particle filtering framework. Edge points provide 1D information for pose estimation and it is natural to consider multiple hypotheses. Recently, particle filtering based approaches have been proposed to integrate multiple hypotheses and have shown good performance, but most of the work has made an assumption that an initial pose is given. To remove this assumption, we employ keypoint features for initialization of the filter. Given 2D-3D keypoint correspondences, we choose a set of minimum correspondences to calculate a set of possible pose hypotheses. Based on the inlier ratio of correspondences, the set of poses are drawn to initialize particles. For better performance, we employ an autoregressive state dynamics and apply it to a coordinate-invariant particle filter on the SE(3) group. Based on the number of effective particles calculated during tracking, the proposed system re-initializes particles when the tracked object goes out of sight or is occluded. The robustness and accuracy of our approach is demonstrated via comparative experiments.
A REEXAMINATION OF THE BIRDS IN THE CENTRAL MEXICAN CODICES

Eduard Seler’s 1909 analysis of the various birds and their associated symbolism in the Mexican codices is one of the most thorough undertakings of its kind; however, although numerous revelations have been made in the realm of codex research over the past century, no comprehensive attempt has been undergone to revise Seler’s initial identifications. The present study reviews the major bird species from Seler’s original essay. Seven codices from the Borgia and Aztec Groups are assessed, so as to compare species traits and symbolic representations between both regions. The study incorporates recent research on the central Mexican codices, symbolism, myths, and ethnohistoric accounts, in addition to discoveries made over the last century in the fields of ornithology and zooarchaeology, in order to revise the identifications made in Seler’s original work and to create a more comprehensive review of the roles each of these birds played in ancient Mexican mythology.
Normalization methods for analysis of microarray gene-expression data.

This paper investigates subset normalization to adjust for location biases (e.g., splotches) combined with global normalization for intensity biases (e.g., saturation). A data set from a toxicogenomic experiment using the same control and the same treated sample hybridized to six different microarrays is used to contrast the different normalization methods. Simple t-tests were used to compare two samples for dye effects and for treatment effects. The numbers of genes that reproducibly showed significant p-values for the unnormalized data and normalized data from different methods were evaluated for assessment of different normalization methods. The one-sample t-statistic of the ratio of red to green samples was used to test for dye effects using only control data. For treatment effects, in addition to the one-sample t-test of the ratio of the treated to control samples, the two-sample t-test for testing the difference between treated and control samples was also used to compare the two approaches. The met...
PT 2000: Nurturing the Profession

I am truly honored to present the 30th Mary McMillan Lecture, especially because I have the unique opportunity to reflect on the opportunities and challenges we face as a profession in the new millennium. As I prepared this lecture, I thought about what would motivate my listeners to action. As I thought about the methods I would use to get across my points, I reflected on the fact that, whenever therapists get together, they love to tell stories about patients. So here I will use stories from my own experience to highlight the content I wish to share. As I reflected on the needs of the profession in the new millennium, I also believed that we should look at the big picture of how to nurture the profession as a whole. I recalled a line from a recent novel by Rushdie, “The only people who see the whole picture … are the ones who step out of the frame,”1 so I hope to frame each issue with my stories in a way that helps you to look first at research, then at education, and finally at practice with a broad perspective. As I do so, I will note the many resources developed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to assist us in meeting the challenges we face, because I believe that, as never before, we have documents and activities that provide us with much of what we need to guide our professional development into the next century. Let me begin with my first story. This story is about a cheesemaker's daughter growing up outside a small town in Wisconsin. She attended a rural school with 8 grades in one room. The teacher created a small library—books stored in orange crates, and pillows to lounge on—and the little girl …
What will it take? The need for large-scale trials.

To the Editor: With regard to Dr Jette's Editor's Note entitled “The Peril of Inadequate Evidence” (April 2005 issue); I would suggest that his remarks extend well beyond the “75% rule” and inpatient rehabilitation settings. In general, all areas of physical therapist practice and rehabilitation are under-researched. I agree that the steps taken by the Foundation for Physical Therapy (FPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) are giant leaps forward in addressing the problem. APTA has very clearly articulated the Clinical Research Agenda (CRA) that was built from a grassroots effort, and the profession's major funding arm has unequivocally prioritized those questions posed in the CRA. Dr Jette speaks of the “need to redouble our efforts to secure funding at all levels for a new generation of clinical …