cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental Evaluation of a System for Broadband UV-Vis Optical Property Measurement in Layered Tissue

A fiberoptic system was constructed for optical property measurement of two-layer tissue at 350-630 nm. Evaluation with phantoms indicates that although accurate results can be generated, measurement error varies with superficial layer thickness.
Time-Accurate Multibody Dynamics Model for Toroidal Traction Drives

A time-accurate multibody dynamics model for predicting the transient response of toroidal traction drives is presented. The model can be used to predict the system’s transient response due to variations in the input speed, variations in the output load, and changing the speed ratio. The model supports half and full-toroidal configurations, multiple transmitters and multiple cavities. The multibody system representing the toroidal drive is modeled using rigid bodies, revolute joints and rotational actuators. A penalty model is used to impose the joint/contact constraints. The contact model detects contact between discrete points on the surface of the transmitter and an analytical surface representation of the input and output shafts’ toroidal surfaces. A recursive bounding sphere contact search algorithm is used to allow fast contact detection. An elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication model is used for the tangential contact traction forces between the transmitter and the toroid. The governing equations of motion are solved along with joint/constraint equations using a time-accurate explicit solution procedure. The model is partially validated by comparing to previously published steady-state models. The model can help improve the design of toroidal continuous-variable transmission systems including increasing the torque capacity and durability.© 2011 ASME
A million-dollar proof

To Joe Gallian.. Happy 65 tb birthday./ I came up with the main theorem of this p a p e r dur ing the s u m m e r of 1992 whi le I was an underg radua te s tudent at Joe Gal l ian 's REU at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Until recently, I ne i ther sha red it with a n y o n e nor fully app rec ia ted its value. But n o w Fermat 's Last T h e o r e m has a proof , and it seems the Poincare Conjecture does too, and with ever more a t tent ion d i rec ted toward problems l ike these, I thought I 'd bet ter get this in print. Here is the theorem:
Generalized independent families and dense sets of Box-Product spaces

A generalization of independent families on a set S is introduced, based on which various topologies on S can be defined. In fact, the set S with any such topology is homeomorphic to a dense subset of the corresponding box product space (Theorem 2.2). From these results, a general version of the Hewitt-Marczewski-Pondiczery theorem for box product spaces can be established. For any uncountable regular cardinal θ, the existence of maximal generalized independent families with some simple conditions, and hence the existence of irresolvable dense subsets of θ-box product spaces of discrete spaces of small sizes, implies the consistency of the existence of measurable cardinal (Theorem 4.5).
Hummingbird isolegs in an experimental system

Optimal foraging theory was first looked upon as a tool to study the evolution of niches in community ecology. Isoleg theory is being developed to reestablish it as such a tool. Isoleg theories are maps of isolegs in a graph whose axes are population densities. There are two kinds of isolegs: some are lines of equal optimal behavior in the graph; others mark threshold combinations of densities past which sudden shifts in behavior should occur. A technique for determining whether isolegs exist is described and applied to hummingbird data. These data were collected experimentally in the field expressly to test one isoleg model. All three species of hummingbird exhibited at least one of the sudden-shift type of isoleg. Their behaviors map onto the density graph in the predicted portions of the graph with only one exception. The data also support the prediction that behavior in the field is disjunct, i.e. subject to substantial, abrupt, discontinuous changes produced by very small continuous changes in a control variable. Some evidence for continuous control was also found, but it is ambiguous. Theory predicts that the two forms of control should be found together in some optimal systems.
The Effect of Newspaper Coverage and Political Pressure on Wildfire Suppression Costs

Controlling wildfire suppression expenditures has become a major public policy concern in the United States. However, most policy remedies have focused on the biophysical determinants of suppression costs: fuel loads and weather, for example. We show that two non-biophysical variables—newspaper coverage and political pressure—have a significant effect on wildfire suppression costs. Hausman tests showed that newspaper coverage and fire size were endogenous, so regression models were estimated using two-stage least squares. We suggest a number of non-biophysical policy remedies that may be able to reduce wildfire suppression expenditures more cost-effectively than traditional biophysical remedies such as fuel management.
Measurements of upward turbulent ozone fluxes above a subalpine spruce‐fir forest

High rural concentrations of ozone (O 3 ) are thought to be either stratospheric in origin, advected from upwind urban sources, or photochemically generated locally as a result of natural trace gas emissions. Ozone is known to be transported vertically downward from the above-canopy atmospheric surface layer and destroyed within stomata or on other biological and mineral surfaces. However, here we report winter-time eddy correlation measurements of vertical O 3 flux above a subalpine canopy of Picea engelmannii and Abies lasiocarpa in the Snowy Range Mountains of Wyoming that indicate anomalous upward O 3 fluxes. Upward fluxes of 0.5 μg m -2 s -1 (11 kg km -2 day -1 ) were routinely measured during the 1991-92 winter season. Decreasing O 3 concentration from several hours to several days that relate to increasing positive O 3 flux magnitudes and visa versa, suggest O 3 may be temporarily stored in the snow base.
Room Temperature Phase-Selective Synthesis of Metastable Lead Chromium Oxides

The salt metathesis reaction between lead(II) salts and potassium chromate in methanolic solution, mediated by the formation of a soluble complex of potassium chromate with a cyclic polyether, affords orthorhombic PbCrO4 rather than the monoclinic modification formed in aqueous solution. When the aqueous metathesis reaction is carried out in the presence of tertiary amines, a lead oxide-rich phase, PbO•PbCrO4 (Pb2CrO5), is selectively formed.
MPTP-Induced Pallidal Lesions in Rhesus Monkeys

Abstract Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain are the primary neuronal population affected by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity, which produces the pathological and behavioral features of Parkinson's disease in nonhuman primates and man. We have identified another injury site in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans in 13 of 37 rhesus monkeys taken 10–12 months after administration of this neurotoxin via the right carotid artery. Focal lesions, ranging in volume from 6.75 to 60 mm 3 in the rostral globus pallidus region, were seen on the right side of the brain in these 13 animals in addition to the midbrain effects. While no significant differences were seen between globus pallidus lesioned and nonlesioned animals in the severity of MPTP-induced parkinsonian symptoms, the response to levodopa was muted in pallidal-lesioned animals. To confirm the role of neurotoxicity in producing the lesions, brain scans from an additional 12 monkeys were evaluated during the acute period following exposure to either MPTP ( n = 6) or saline ( n = 6). Focal lesions in the rostral globus pallidus were seen as early as 2–4 h following a carotid artery infusion in two of six MPTP recipients, but no evidence of injury was seen in saline recipients. The globus pallidus includes important components of the neural circuitry regulating motor functions. The present results indicate that in addition to midbrain dopamine neurons, a focal region of the rostral globus pallidus is selectively vulnerable to MPTP toxicity.
Spatial price discrimination and mergers with convex production costs

We examine duopolists that have convex production costs and locate under spatial price discrimination in anticipation of a merger. We show that the merger frequently results in locations that reduce social cost. This contrasts with the well-known result that with linear production costs the merger distorts locations to increase social cost. While mergers in our model can generate location asymmetry and so higher production costs, the locations frequently reduce transport cost sufficiently that the sum of transport and production costs is reduced.
Trends in Quality-Adjusted Life-Years Lost Contributed by Smoking and Obesity

Background Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) use preference-based measurements of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) to provide an assessment of the overall burden of disease using a single number. Purpose This study estimated QALYs lost contributed by smoking and obesity for U.S. adults from 1993 to 2008. Methods Population HRQOL data were from the 1993–2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The QALYs lost contributed by a risk factor is the sum of QALYs lost due to morbidity in the current year and future QALYs lost in expected life-years due to premature deaths (mortality). Premature deaths were estimated from the National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files and mortality statistics. Results From 1993 to 2008, the proportion of smokers among U.S. adults declined 18.5% whereas the proportion of obese people increased 85%. The smoking-related QALYs lost were relatively stable at 0.0438 QALYs lost per population. In 1993 the QALYs lost were much smaller for obesity compared to smoking, with obesity contributing about 0.0204 QALYs lost. However, as a result of the increasing prevalence of obesity, the contribution of obesity-related QALYs lost increased consistently and had increased by 127% in 2008 when obesity resulted in 0.0464 QALYs lost, slightly more than smoking did. Smoking had a bigger impact on mortality than morbidity, whereas obesity had a bigger impact on morbidity than mortality. Conclusions This study estimated the overall burden of smoking and obesity over time and results indicate that because of the marked increase in the proportion of obese people, obesity has become an equal, if not greater, contributor to the burden of disease than smoking. Such data are essential in setting targets for reducing modifiable health risks and eliminating health disparities.
Nontransplant surgical interventions in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Background: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a family of rare childhood diseases that was universally fatal until the development of liver transplant. In the last 20 years, the use of nontransplant surgery to treat PFIC has become the standard of care. There are various surgical techniques that have been performed. There are no reviews evaluating the outcome of these operations. Methods: A systematic search of the literature for articles evaluating the outcome of nontransplant surgical interventions in PFIC patients was performed. Data from these studies was abstracted and summarized. Results: No trials have been performed addressing nontransplant surgical interventions in PFIC patients. We analyzed 11 case series and case reports. Generally, patients had successful outcomes (81%) with cessation of progression of disease and resolution of symptoms. Treatment failures were often associated with more advanced disease. Discussion: There is no evidence to demonstrate a superiority of one type of nontransplant surgical intervention in PFIC patients. We propose the development of a registry and standardization of outcomes measurements to allow improved comparison of results.
Realism, Hard Positivism, and Conceptual Analysis

The American Legal Realists, as I read them, are tacit legal positivists: they presuppose views about the criteria of legality that have affinities with positivist accounts of law in the sense that they employ primarily pedigree tests of legal validity. Ever since Ronald Dworkin's well-known critique of H.L.A. Hart's positivism a generation ago, however, it has been hotly contested whether there is anything about positivism as a legal theory that requires that tests of legal validity be pedigree tests. So-called Soft or Inclusive versions of positivism are willing to relax the restrictions on the content of a Rule of Recognition to admit non-pedigree criteria of legal validity; Hard or Exclusive versons of positivism deny that such a move is compatible with the central commitments of positivism. Hard Positivism, of which Joseph Raz has been the leading proponent, thus competes with various Soft Positivisms, defended by, among others, Coleman, Lyons, Soper, Waluchow, and now, explicitly, Hart himself in the “Postscript.” If the Realists are positivists, as I claim, then it cannot be the case that Soft Positivism is a genuinely positivistic doctrine. But there is more at stake here than just labels. Realist arguments for the indeterminacy of law—arguments central to the whole Realist enterprise—depend crucially on their tacit Hard Positivism. If, in fact, positivism has a more relaxed view of the criteria of legality than Hard Positivism supposes, then Realist arguments depend on unsound tacit premises about legal validity. What is at stake, then, is not whether Realists should be called (tacit) “Positivists” or merely (tacit) “Hard Positivists,” but whether their underlying view of the criteria of legality is sound. It can only be so if the best arguments favor Hard Positivism.
Synthesis of platinum single-crystal nanoparticles in water vapor

Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles have broad application in automobile pollution control, sensors, and fuel cells. Single-crystal platinum particles over the range of nano- to micron-meters were synthesized at the Pt/SiC interface in high pressure water vapor at 1200 °C. These particles exhibited a cube–octahedral shape with predominant (111) facets. Formation of the Pt particles is likely due to water vapor-facilitated oxidation of the platinum silicide, resulting from the interaction between SiC and Pt. Well-aligned Pt single-crystal particles with sizes of tens to hundreds nanometers were obtained on the surface of arc-melted Pt2Si after exposure in flowing water vapor (90 cm/min) at 1200 °C for 5 min. The potential applications of this finding are discussed.
Metabolic syndrome and incident peripheral artery disease – the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Abstract Objective We evaluated whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased incidence of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) in community dwelling people free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline. We assessed whether higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers may mediate the association of MetS with incident PAD. Methods MetS was defined at baseline as the presence of three or more of the following components: elevated waist circumference, triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg or taking blood pressure medication, and fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL and Results Among 4817 participants without PAD at baseline, 1382 (29%) had MetS. Adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, baseline ABI, and other confounders, 23/1382 (1.7%) people with MetS developed PAD vs. 30/3435 (0.87%) people without MetS (risk ratio = 1.78 [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.04 to 2.82], P = 0.031). Adjusting for C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, or interleukin-6 did not attenuate this association. Conclusion People free of clinical cardiovascular disease with MetS are at increased risk for PAD. Our findings suggest that this association is not mediated by inflammation.
Sensitivity of soil methane fluxes to reduced precipitation in boreal forest soils

In order to better predict soil sinks of methane, we need to examine soil methane flux patterns and responses to altered soil moisture regimes. Estimates of the global atmospheric CH4 budget must also account for fluxes in the vast boreal region. We measured methane fluxes into the soil surface, methane concentrations, water content, and temperature in the soil profile in two interior Alaskan forests, over two growing seasons. At each site, a 0.10 ha rain-shelter limited summer precipitation from entering the soil. Limiting summer precipitation at the upland site generally increased that site’s soil uptake of methane. Average rates of soil methane uptake among upland plots ranged from 0.10 to 0.95 mg m ˇ2 day ˇ1 . At the floodplain site, limiting precipitation decreased the soil methane uptake of that site, and the rates here ranged fromˇ0.02 to 0.57 mg m ˇ2 day ˇ1 . Using soil profile methane concentrations, we calculated CH4 fluxes using Fick’s Law. Our inability to precisely measure the concentration gradient across the soil surface resulted in calculated flux estimates that more likely represent fluxes within the soil profile. Methane sources and sinks in the soil profile also confounded the comparison of measured and calculated fluxes. 7 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Noncontact Evanescent Microwave Magnetic Dipole Probe Imaging of Ferromagnets

We describe a 2-GHz evanescent microwave magnetic dipole probe and its applications in imaging high-frequency electromagnetic properties of metallic magnetic samples. The probe offers the advantages of low cost and ease of implementation. It consists of a small inductive metallic loop fed by a microstripline resonator that is scanned over ferromagnetic samples. In contrast to the electric dipole probe reported previously, the magnetic dipole probe has higher input admittance, making it more suitable for quantitative imaging of high-conductivity metallic samples. When calibrated with a Gauss probe, the magnetic dipole probe was insensitive to electric field while it detected the magnetic field above the magnetized ferromagnetic sample with 1% accuracy and 0.06% resolution at 2 GHz. Using a simplified circuit model of the resonator, we were able to interpret the probe's output and predict the magnitude of the reflected wave and relate it to the magnetic properties of the samples under investigation.
CtBP is required for proper development of peripheral nervous system in Drosophila

C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) is an evolutionarily and functionally conserved transcriptional corepressor known to integrate diverse signals to regulate transcription. Drosophila CtBP (dCtBP) regulates tissue specification and segmentation during early embryogenesis. Here, we investigated the roles of dCtBP during development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Our study includes a detailed quantitative analysis of how altered dCtBP activity affects the formation of adult mechanosensory bristles. We found that dCtBP loss-of-function resulted in a series of phenotypes with the most prevalent being supernumerary bristles. These dCtBP phenotypes are more complex than those caused by Hairless, a known dCtBP-interacting factor that regulates bristle formation. The emergence of additional bristles correlated with the appearance of extra sensory organ precursor (SOP) cells in earlier stages, suggesting that dCtBP may directly or indirectly inhibit SOP cell fates. We also found that development of a subset of bristles was regulated by dCtBP associated with U-shaped through the PxDLS dCtBP-interacting motif. Furthermore, the double bristle with sockets phenotype induced by dCtBP mutations suggests the involvement of this corepressor in additional molecular pathways independent of both Hairless and U-shaped. We therefore propose that dCtBP is part of a gene circuitry that controls the patterning and differentiation of the fly PNS via multiple mechanisms.
Design and Optimization of Free Piston Expander for Energy Harvesting

There is a growing opportunity and need for research that investigates alternate power sources. One such source is low temperature waste heat, or energy cast off to the environment as part of some larger process. Through the capture and use of this abundant energy source for power production, it is possible to enhance the overall operating efficiency of the larger system. This presents significant potential for sustainability increase and energy savings. One potential system that can operate from these sources is a low temperature, small-scale steam expander. Investigations of one such device called a Free Piston Expander (FPE) are presented in this work.In final form, the FPE will be a MEMS based device capable of operation as part of a complete low temperature steam system. In this present study, a millimeter scale device is constructed and tested to yield insight into critical operational parameters for future microfabricated designs. Construction of this testbed device is via concentric copper tubing, allowing an effective baseline study of these determining parameters.Parameters studied include device cross sectional area and shape as well as operational pressure. Once consistent parameters are determined, three separate variations of circular FPE design are further tested. These FPEs are designed to either constrain piston rotation or allow for rotational freedom during operation. Testing is performed on these devices for consistency in piston motion. Piston motion is characterized based on a single expansion and reaction of the piston.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Diabetes Medications and Heart Failure Recognizing the Risk

The diabetes pandemic is currently among the most challenging noncommunicable disease threats to public health. It is estimated that 382 million people worldwide have diabetes mellitus, and the majority will likely die of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure, with a 5-fold increased risk of heart failure in women with diabetes mellitus and a 2.4-fold increased risk in men.1–3 In patients with diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of heart failure is between 10% and 22%, 4 times higher than that of the general population.2 The degree of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus has been demonstrated to be associated with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and new-onset heart failure.1,4 It has been a widely held belief that lowering hemoglobin A1c levels with glucose-lowering medications in patients with diabetes mellitus would result in clinical benefits, including a reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Lowering of the hemoglobin A1c levels by glucose-lowering medications in patients with diabetes mellitus has been used as a surrogate measure of their benefit, including the potential to reduce cardiovascular risk, by clinicians, guideline writing groups, and regulators.5 Article see p 1579 There is, however, little evidence from randomized, clinical trials of substantial cardiovascular risk reduction with improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Trials of individual glucose-lowering medications and trials comparing more intensive and standard glucose-lowering strategies, including the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD), Veterans Administration Diabetes Trial (VADT), and Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease (ADVANCE) trials, have, despite their large sample sizes and follow-up for up to 5 years, demonstrated no or very modest reductions in cardiovascular events.5–9 After the publication of a meta-analysis suggesting that …
Phase I/II study of treatment of stage IV breast cancer with OKT3 x trastuzumab-armed activated T cells.

Rationale Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is incurable with use of standard treatment modalities, with a median survival of 1-2 years after recurrence.1,2 Standard treatment regimens and high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (HDC-SCT) have reached dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and are not curative for stage IV breast cancer. Therefore, nontoxic immunologic strategies are needed to improve overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and quality of life of patients with stage IV disease. In an earlier phase II study, 23 women with stage IIIB/IV breast cancer were treated with HDC-SCT (n = 20) or dose-dense therapy (n = 3) followed by immunotherapy consisting of multiple infusions of anti-CD3 activated T cells (ATCs), lowdose interleukin (IL)–2, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).3 The OS rate was 70% and PFS was 50% at 30 months in the group that either received HDC-SCT or dose-dense therapy followed by immunotherapy, whereas 21 women in a historical control group treated with HDC-SCT without immunotherapy had an OS of 50% and a PFS of 15% (P = 0.09). These data suggest that specific targeting of ATCs would enhance an antitumor effect. One strategy is to arm ATCs with a bispecific antibody (BiAb) with specificity directed at CD3 (T-cell receptor) and HER2/neu, which redirects the nonspecific non–major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–restricted cytotoxicity exhibited by ATCs to target HER2-expressing tumors. We hypothesized that the targeting of ex vivo expanded T cells with anti-CD3 × anti-HER2/neu (ie, HER2BiAb) may thwart tumor escape, increase the frequency of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and immunize the patient against autologous breast cancer antigens. This article addresses the following preclinical questions Submitted: Mar 3, 2003; Revised: Apr 17, 2003; Accepted: Apr 15 , 2003 Address for correspondence: Lawrence G. Lum, MD, Roger Williams Hospital, North Campus, Room G01, 825 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908 Fax: 401-456-2398; e-mail: llum@rwmc.org 1Immunotherapy and Blood and Stem Cell Transplantation Programs, Adele R. Decof Cancer Center 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Adele R. Decof Cancer Center, Roger Williams Medical Center 3Department of Pathology 4Department of Research Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 5Boston University School of Medicine, MA Phase I/II Study of Treatment of Stage IV Breast Cancer with OKT3 x Trastuzumab–Armed Activated T Cells
A global comparison between nuclear and cytosolic transcriptomes reveals differential compartmentalization of alternative transcript isoforms

Transcriptome analyses have typically disregarded nucleocytoplasmic differences. This approach has ignored some post-transcriptional regulations and their effect on the ultimate protein expression levels. Despite a longstanding interest in the differences between the nuclear and cytosolic transcriptomes, it is only recently that data have become available to study such differences and their associated features on a genome-wide scale. Here, we compared the nuclear and cytosolic transcriptomes of HepG2 and HeLa cells. HepG2 and HeLa cells vary significantly in the differential compartmentalization of their transcript isoforms, indicating that nucleocytoplasmic compartmentalization is a cell-specific characteristic. The differential compartmentalization is manifested at the transcript isoform level instead of the gene level because alternative isoforms of one gene can display different nucleocytoplasmic distributions. The isoforms enriched in the cytosol tend to have more introns and longer introns in their pre-mRNAs. They have more functional RNA folds and unique exons in the 3' regions. These isoforms are more conserved than the isoforms enriched in the nucleus. Surprisingly, the presence of microRNAs does not have a significant impact on the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of their target isoforms. In contrast, nonsense-mediated decay is significantly more associated with the isoforms enriched in the nucleus than those enriched in the cytosol.
The challenge of archiving and preserving remotely sensed data

Few would question the need to archive the scientific and technical (S&T) data generated by researchers. At a minimum, the data are needed for change analysis. Likewise, most people would value efforts to ensure the preservation of the archived S&T data. Future generations will use analysis techniques not even considered today. Until recently, archiving and preserving these data were usually accomplished within existing infrastructures and budgets. As the volume of archived data increases, however, organizations charged with archiving S&T data will be increasingly challenged (U.S. General Accounting Office, 2002). The U.S. Geological Survey has had experience in this area and has developed strategies to deal with the mountain of land remote sensing data currently being managed and the tidal wave of expected new data. The Agency has dealt with archiving issues, such as selection criteria, purging, advisory panels, and data access, and has met with preservation challenges involving photographic and digital media. That experience has allowed the USGS to develop management approaches, which this paper outlines.
Risk factors of coronary heart disease — Their genesis and pediatric implications

Abstract The presently known risk factors are assessed as examples of epidemiologic proof. The studies that led to their identification are briefly reviewed. The basis for uncertainty in recommending preventive measures to young persons is examined along with the factors that bespeak the need for prevention. This paper attempts to provide a rational basis upon which specific therapy can be based. It does not present a therapeutic regimen for general prescription or adoption.
Recursive adaptive beamforming for wireless CDMA

The increasing demand for mobile communication services without corresponding increases in RF spectrum allocation requires new techniques to improve spectrum utilization. Spatial processing using antenna arrays at the base-station has been proposed to reduce co-channel interference and reduce fading of the desired signal, leading to an increase in system capacity. The use of base station antenna, arrays in wireless CDMA is studied. A recursive, fast, and numerically stable algorithm estimating the array response vector and the optimum beamforming weights is derived. Our approach uses a space-time processing approach for estimating-the array response vector, and hence the optimum beamforming weights. Simulation results are also presented.
Social Status of Learning Disabled Children

Though learning disabilities initially concern performance in academic subjects, the ramifications of the disability extend into other spheres of the child's life. The Journal has published reports of children's social interactions and their ability to interpret social cues (see Bryan, October 1977 and this issue). This article examines the peer relationships of learning disability children with respect not only to their academic ability but also to their physical appearance and athletic ability. Studies of this type should help practitioners understand the potentially difficult social environment in which the learning disabled child functions. — G.M.S.One hundred seventy-seven fifth- and sixth-grade children, including 22 who were learning disabled, responded to a sociometric survey. They also indicated the smartest, best-looking, and most athletic individuals in their class. Learning disabled children were found to be less popular, in general primarily because none were extremely popular; however, they ...
Environmental Effects on Outdoor Social Behavior in a Low‐Income Urban Neighborhood: A Naturalistic Investigation1

Outdoor behavior was measured and compared using a behavioral mapping procedure across three contrasting environments in a low-income urban neighborhood. The environments were an old ghetto neighborhood of low-rise tenement houses, a traditional high-rise housing project, and an innovative high-rise housing project, where a creative outdoor design had been added to encourage outdoor use. As predicted, the old neighborhood and the innovative project showed higher levels of outdoor socializing than did the traditional project. Unexpectedly, the old neighborhood showed the highest level of task-oriented activity relative to recreation and leisure. Several propositions concerning the relationship between behavior and urban environment are considered, and a number of implications for urban design are advanced.
The Fractal Nature of the Development of the Self

This paper provides a discussion of the life cycle using a framework constructed from ideas in chaos theory. Building upon psychodynamic ideas from Freud, Jung, and Erikson, the integration of the Self is discussed from the viewpoint of Analytical Psychology. It is proposed that throughout our lives we encounter crisis points that fractionate the ego and necessitate use of more complex and adaptive psychic structures to contain or handle the seemingly disparate qualities that arise. We may say that eventually one aspires to realize Analytical Psychology's goal of integrating the superior and the inferior functions of the psyche into a cohesive Self. Jung seemed to state that the Self could never be attained, but it is argued in this paper that a form of transitory self may be realized periodically during the course of the life cycle.
Ceramide Signaling and Metabolism in Pathophysiological States of the Lung

Following the discovery of ceramide as the central signaling and metabolic relay among sphingolipids, studies of its involvement in lung health and pathophysiology have exponentially increased. In this review, we highlight key studies in the context of recent progress in metabolomics and translational research methodologies. Evidence points toward an important role for the ceramide/sphingosine-1-phosphate rheostat in maintaining lung cell survival, vascular barrier function, and proper host response to airway microbial infections. Sphingosine kinase 1 has emerged as an important determinant of sphingosine-1-phosphate lung levels, which, when aberrantly high, contribute to lung fibrosis, maladaptive vascular remodeling, and allergic asthma. New sphingolipid metabolites have been discovered as potential biomarkers of several lung diseases. Although multiple acute and chronic lung pathological conditions involve perturbations in sphingolipid signaling and metabolism, there are specific patterns, unique sphin...
Lipid in invasive cancer of the breast.

Intracytoplasmic lipid was demonstrated with oil red O in apparently viable tumor cells of 65 of 87 consecutive examples of invasive mammary cancer. In almost a third of these it was assessed as being moderate (2+) or marked (3+). Statistical analyses revealed a significantly greater likelihood that tumors with moderate or marked lipid also would have squamous metaplasia, low nuclear (most anaplastic) and high histologic (most malignant) grades, and slight, loose stroma. Although the samples were regarded as small, there also was the suggestion that these degrees of lipid were associated with short-term treatment failure. Except for the occasional focus of tumor cells with optically clear cytoplasm in a few of the lipid-containing cancers, features of so-called “lipid-rich” mammary cancer were lacking. Indeed, all of the tumors had characteristics of well-recognized histopathologic types of mammary cancer. It is concluded that some of the purported characteristics of the so-called “lipid-rich” cancer, particularly its more aggressive clinical behavior, are related to its lipid content per se rather than any other one feature or constellation of features. A similar view is expressed regarding the so-called “clear cell” cancers of the breast, which may or may not be synonymous with lipid-rich cancer. The degree of intracytoplasmic lipid in cancers of the breast appears to represent an important and useful histopathologic discriminant.
T2*-weighted MRI technique for visualization of RF ablation lesions

Background LGE-MRI is widely used to assess cardiac RF ablation lesions. However, LGE-MRI requires contrast injection and the appearance, dimensions and visibility of lesions in LGE-MRI noticeably change with time after ablation and time after contrast injection. Recently proposed non-contrast T1-weighted (T1w) technique is only applicable to visualize acute ( 3 days) RF ablations.
Molecular identification of Rickettsia typhi and R. felis in co-infected Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).

Rickettsia typhi and R. felis, 2 closely related rickettsial species, often have been identified in cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) from the same geographical location. However, no fleas have been found to be naturally infected concurrently with both rickettsial species. To examine whether one rickettsial species can develop simultaneously with another species in the same flea host, cat fleas, naturally infected with R. felis, were allowed to feed on blood containing R. typhi (Ethiopian strain, 10(7) PFU/ml). Experimental controls consisted of uninfected cat fleas, fleas infected with only R. typhi; and fleas naturally infected with only R. felis. After 9 d at 28 degrees C, the fleas were examined by PCR amplification and subsequent restriction digest analysis and dot blot hybridization of PCR products. Results from these studies demonstrated that R. felis and R. typhi are capable of co-existing in the same flea host. Subsequent isolation of R. typhi from dually infected fleas by tissue culture indicated that R. typhi was viable and capable of being maintained in fleas naturally infected with R. felis. As more studies confirm the presence of R. felis and R. typhi in domestic pets and peridomestic vertebrates in urban areas, the ability of the individual cat fleas, which live on these animals, to support both rickettsial species could be an epidemiologically important consideration.
Non-destructive analysis of DU content in the NIF hohlraums

The advantage of using depleted uranium (DU) hohlraums in high-yield deuterium-tritium (DT) shots at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is addressed by Doppner, et al., in great detail [1]. This DU based hohlraum incorporates a thin layer of DU, ~7 μm thick, on the inner surface along with a thin layer of a gold coating, ~0.7 μm thick, while the outer layer is ~22 μm thick gold. A thickness measurement of the DU layer can be performed using an optical microscope where the total DU weight can be computed provided a uniform DU layer. However, the uniformity of the thickness is not constant throughout the hohlraum since CAD drawing calculations of the DU weight do not agree with the computed values from optical measurements [2]. Therefore, a non-destructive method for quantifying the DU content in hohlraums has been established by utilizing gamma-ray spectroscopy. The details of this method, along with results from several hohlraums, are presented in this report.
Characterization of superabsorbent poly(sodium-acrylate acrylamide) hydrogels and influence of chemical structure on internally cured mortar

Internal curing of mortar through superabsorbent polymer hydrogels is explored as a solution to self-desiccation. Four different hydrogels of poly(sodium-acrylate acrylamide) are synthesized and the impact of chemical composition on mortar is assessed with relative humidity and autogenous shrinkage testing. The hydrogels are characterized with swelling tests in different salt solutions and compression tests. Chemical composition affected both swelling kinetics and gel network size. Mortar containing these hydrogels had increased relative humidity and markedly reduced autogenous shrinkage. Additionally, the chemical structure of the hydrogels was found to significantly impact the mortar’s shrinkage. Hydrogels that quickly released most of their absorbed fluid were able to better reduce autogenous shrinkage compared to hydrogels that retained fluid for longer periods (>4 h), although this performance was highly sensitive to total water content. The release of absorbed water in hydrogels is most likely a function of both Laplace pressure of emptying voids and chemically-linked osmotic pressure developing from an ion concentration gradient between the hydrogels and cement pore solution. If the osmotic pressure is strong enough, the hydrogels can disperse most of the absorbed water before the depercolation of capillary porosity occurs, allowing the water to permeate the bulk of the mortar microstructure and most effectively reduce self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage.
Factors Influencing Communication with Doctors via the Internet: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2014 HINTS Survey

Based on Street's (2003) ecological framework of communication in medical encounters, this study examined personal, interpersonal, and media factors that could influence patients' use of the Internet to communicate with doctors. Results from data analysis of responses from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey showed that patient activation and ease of Internet access were two positive predictors of online doctor-patient communication. In addition, patients' trust in doctors positively moderated the relationships between patient activation and online doctor-patient communication, and between perceived health status and online doctor-patient communication. Finally, the quality of patients' past experiences communicating with doctors had a positive moderation effect on the association between health information seeking behavior and online doctor-patient communication. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Insulation resistance, absorption and their measurement

In most direct current measurements no distinction is made between conduction current and absorption current. Actually, what is commonly called insulation resistance is calculated on the basis of total current which may be almost wholly absorption current.
Optical Flow Fundamentals

In this chapter we cover concepts that appear repeatedly in algorithms in the remainder of this book. Most of the topics are native to 2-frame optical flow methods but are also relevant to multi-frame flow and trajectories. In 2-frame methods the relative motion is computed from a reference frame to a target frame. The target does not have to be the next frame after the reference frame, indeed, it could precede the reference frame.
Abstract WP317: Reducing Hospital-acquired Pneumonia Rate in Stroke Patients

Objective: To reduce the hospital-acquired pneumonia rate in stroke patients. Background: The hospital-acquired pneumonia rate for stroke patients at our institution was 6.2% in 2014. This is the 39th percentile for the Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the University HealthSystem Consortium. Our goal was to achieve top decile performance by reducing our hospital-acquired pneumonia rate for stroke patients to 3.0%. Methods: A multidisciplinary team was assembled with representation from administration, coding, nursing, resident physicians, and attending physicians from stroke, neurocritical care and infectious disease. The team analyzed benchmarking data and decided to use chart review to validate the data. The team decided to use the CDC’s definition and clinical criteria for hospital-acquired pneumonia. Further chart review was performed to find information on swallow evaluations, incentive spirometer use, oral care, and head of bed elevation. A coding manager reviewed the documentation and the coding decision for each patient. After results were presented, the team decided on a course of action. Results: Review of stroke patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia showed 44% of the patients coded with pneumonia did not meet the clinical definition on physician review. When reviewed by a coding manager, all coding was found to be correct based on the documentation in the chart. To solve this documentation problem, attending physicians discharging stroke patients were informed of these results about unclear pneumonia documentation and were asked to clarify documentation if the diagnosis was not appropriate. After this change, the hospital acquired pneumonia rate in stroke patients fell from 6.2% prior to the changes from April 2014 to March 2015 to 1.9% after the changes were implemented from April to June 2015. Conclusion: Our facility was able to reduce the rate of hospital-acquired pneumonia in stroke patients from 6.2% to 1.2% through a multidisciplinary approach to achieve more accurate documentation and coding. The widespread over-documentation showed it is clinically difficult to make a diagnosis of pneumonia in this population. Therefore, the rate of hospital-acquired pneumonia is not a valid measure of quality of care.
Biological variability of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity in healthy individuals.

Abstract Objectives Measuring lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) activity can aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of coronary heart disease. However, the biological variation of Lp-PLA 2 activity and corresponding reference change value (RCV) is unknown which limits interpretation of results. In this study we aim to define the intra- and inter-individual variability of Lp-PLA 2 activity in a healthy reference population. Methods A total of 24 healthy individuals (22–47 years of age) were prospectively collected at several time points: daily for five days (after overnight fast), daily for three days (while non-fasting), weekly for four weeks (after overnight fast), and monthly for 6 months (after overnight fast). Intra-individual and inter-individual variability was determined. The index of individuality (IoI) and reference change value (RCV) were calculated for each time period. Results Variability in Lp-PLA 2 activity was not different in fasting versus non-fasting states and also did not change in daily versus monthly testing. The RCV for monthly Lp-PLA 2 activity was found to be 17%. More than 90% of the variability was attributable to between person differences while analytic variability comprised Conclusions In a healthy population, Lp-PLA 2 activity displays low analytical and within-person variability and higher inter-individual variability. The change required to differentiate a true change in patient status was determined to be 17% for monthly measurements. The between individual variability and corresponding RCV for the activity assay are lower than previously reported results for the Lp-PLA 2 mass assay.
INTERLEUKINS | IL-13

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a cytokine of T-helper-2 cells that is an important mediator of allergic inflammation and disease. In addition to effects on immune cells that are similar to those of the closely related cytokine IL-4, IL-13 is more importantly implicated as a central mediator of the physiologic changes induced by allergic inflammation in many tissues. IL-13 induces its effects through a multisubunit receptor that includes the α-chain of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα), which is also part of the IL-4 receptor, and at least one of two known IL-13-specific binding chains. Most of the biological effects of IL-13, like those of IL-4, are linked to a single transcription factor − signal transducer and activator of transcription 6. Depending on the organ involved, IL-13 plays either beneficial or deleterious roles in immunity. IL-13 is required for the expulsion of a variety of parasites from the gut. Conversely, IL-13 mediates granulomatous disease, which causes dysfunction of many organs in the setting of allergic inflammation, and may suppress beneficial immune functions of macrophages. In the lung, IL-13 coordinates the recruitment of allergic inflammatory cells, induces airway obstruction through direct effects on target airway cells, and is associated with airway fibrosis. In addition to its proinflammatory role, IL-13 also induces matrix metalloproteinases of the airway that promote resolution of allergic inflammation.