cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sufficient conditions for optimality of Analog to Digital Converters

In this paper we prove optimality of a class of Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs), which can be viewed as generalized Delta-Sigma Modulators (DSMs), with respect to a performance measure that can be characterized as the worst-case average intensity of the signal representation error. An analytic expression for the ADC performance is given. Furthermore, our result proves separation of quantization and control for this class of ADCs subject to some technical conditions.
PGE2-independent immunosuppressive activity of horse trophoblast tissue

It has been proposed that PGE2 is an important immunosuppressant acting at the fetal-maternal interface during pregnancy. We have previously shown that horse conceptus-conditioned medium suppresses lymphocyte proliferation. This experiment was designed to determine if horse conceptus-derived immunosuppressive activity could be attributed to PGE2 production by the trophoblast tissue. Trophoblast tissue from 21-day-old conceptuses was cut into equal sections and cultured in the presence or absence of the prostaglandin inhibitor, indomethacin. Following culture, immunosuppressive activity and the concentration of PGE2 were determined for each sample of both horse-trophoblast conditioned medium (HTCM) and indomethacin-treated HTCM (I-HTCM). Suppressive activity was identified in lymphocyte proliferation assays via reduced [3H]thymidine uptake by pokeweed mitogen stimulated horse lymphocytes. A radioimmunoassay was used to quantify PGE2. While PGE2 production was greatly reduced in cultures containing indomethacin, trophoblast-derived immunosuppressive activity was not affected. These data indicate that PGE2 is not the primary immunosuppressant produced by horse trophoblast tissue.
Colored noise modelling in the reliability evaluation of electric power systems

Abstract This paper proposes a security measure to study the vulnerability of the dynamics of a large system to random variations of transmission line parameters. A Kron reduction is implemented to model the nonlinear dynamics of a multibus power system, driven by small-magnitude broad-spectrum disturbances of transmission lines. These disturbances are modelled by colored noise, which would cover a wide range of intensities and bandwidths for a variety of flow fluctuations. The amount of transferred power depends on governing conditions in power systems and on the system load distribution, which has a stochastic characteristics. The overall Markovian nature of the system model would utilize a singular perturbation approach to determine the mean first passage time (MFPT) of a dynamic power system from its region of attraction.
Sulfur Dioxide Inhibition of Anthocyanin Degradation by Phenolasea

SUMMARY The degradation of cyanidin 3-gentiobioside by mushroom phenolase in a model system containing catechol is inhibited by SO2. In a citrate phosphate buffer, pH 6.5, with 2.8 × 10−5M catechol and 3.3 mg commercial enzyme per 100 ml reaction mixture, 8 ppm of SO2 completely checked the anthocyanin degradation. In tart cherry juice, under similar conditions but with no catechol added, 30 ppm SO2 were required for a practically complete inhibition. At lower pH the inhibition is accomplished by smaller SO2 concentrations.
Explaining Government Contraction: a Demand-Side Model for Education in the States:

IT IS RARE that a major governmental function contracts in size. Indeed, supply-side theories of governmental size suggest that growth is an inevitable result of various government processes, e.g., bureacratic expansionism (Niskanen 1971; Borcherding 1971), interest group interaction (Downs 1957; Lewis-Beck and Rice 1985), productivity lags in the public sector (Baumol 1967), fiscal illusion (Wagner 1976; Cameron 1978), and the cumulative unintentional consequences of past government activities (Davis, Dempster, and Wildavsky 1974). Yet educational spending of American state and local governments has declined over the last decade in relation to the national economy. Educational spending as a percent of total personal income in the United States rose from 3 percent in 1952 to its peak of 7 percent in 1976, and has since leveled off at about 5.6 percent through 1984 (see Figure 1). This pat-
Use of Precast Concrete Walls for Blast Protection of Steel Stud Construction

This research study examines the use of a precast concrete panel system for blast protection of facilities with exterior light gauge metal stud walls. The structural retrofit is designed for the specific case where internal operation of the facility cannot be interrupted. To meet this design requirement, a series of precast concrete panels are installed exterior to the building envelope with connections to the foundation at ground level and to the steel building frame at upper floor levels. To validate the retrofit concept, two explosive detonations representing relatively low and high blast threat levels are examined. An exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) clad stud wall and a precast concrete protected stud wall are examined under each demand level. The measured responses of both systems are compared with each other and with basic dynamic predictive models. In addition, a finite element study of the connection is conducted to estimate support demands for the blast retrofit. The research resu...
EFFECTS OF UNPAIRED PRE-ACQUISITION EXPOSURE OF CS AND UCS ON CLASSICAL CONDITIONING OF THE NICTITATING MEMBRANE RESPONSE OF THE ALBINO RABBIT

Szmnza7y.-The effccts of the presentation, prior to acquisition training of (1) "no stimulation," t 2) CS alone trials, (3) UCS alone trials, and (4) CS-UCS unpaired trials were investigated in conditioning and extinction of the nictitating membrane response. The principal findings were: (a) significantly higher blink rates in adaptation for the groups receiving the UCS, (b) no differences among groups In acquisition, (c) greater resistance to extinction by groups receiving the CS in adaptation, as evidenced by significant differences in spontaneous recovery, anc (d) a significant over-all increase in UCR magnitude in adaptation and acquisition. The purpose of this experimenc was to compare four procedures during adaptation prior to conditioning, consiscing of: "no stimulation," UCS alone presencations, CS alone prcsencacions, and CS and UCS unpaired presencacions. The effects of exposure to the CS prior to conditioning were investigated in goats and sheep by Lubow and Moore (1959), who obtained condicioning significantly slower than ir the group not pre-exposed. Grant, Hake, Riopelle, and Kostlan (1951), wich a similar design in human eyelid condicioning, failed to obtain acquisition differences, bur did find greater resistance to extinction in the group pre-exposed to the CS. The effects of pre-exposure co the UCS in human eyelid condicioning have been investigated by Macdonald (1946) and Taylor ( 1956). Both found significantly lower levels of condicioning following pre-exposure to the UCS. Thus, the effeccs of pre-acquisition exposure to the CS alone and che UCS alone have been investigated, but not within the same experirnenc, while the effeccs of pre-exposure to unpaired presentations of CS and UCS have not jeen invesrigacecl at all.
Exploring the proline-dependent conformational change in the multifunctional PutA flavoprotein by tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy.

The multifunctional PutA flavoprotein regulates proline utilization in Escherichia coli by switching from a cytosolic DNA-binding protein to a membrane-bound enzyme with proline dehydrogenase (PROD...
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise responses in normoxia and hypoxia

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise in hypoxia (H) and normoxia (N). A 4-week IMT program was implemented with 12 healthy subjects using an inspiratory muscle trainer set at either 15% (C; n = 5) or 50% (IMT; n = 7) maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax). Two treadmill tests (85% V ˙ O 2 max ) to exhaustion and measures of diaphragm thickness (Tdi) and function were completed before and after training in H and N. Significant increases of 8–12% and 24.5 ± 3.1% in Tdi and PImax, respectively, were seen in the IMT group. Time to exhaustion remained unchanged in all conditions. Inspiratory muscle fatigue (↓PImax) following exercise was reduced ∼10% (P V ˙ O 2 by 8–12%, cardiac output by 14 ± 2%, ventilation by 25 ± 3%; and increased arterial oxygen saturation by 4 ± 1% and lung diffusing capacity by 22 ± 3%. Ratings of perceived exertion and dyspnea were also significantly reduced. These data suggest that IMT significantly improves structural and functional physiologic measures in hypoxic exercise.
Cytomorphology of cystic parathyroid lesions: Report of four cases evaluated preoperatively by fine-needle aspiration

Cystic parathyroid lesions (CPL) account for 1–5% of neck cysts. They are seldom palpable; however, they may present as neck swellings that are mistaken both clinically and cytologically for thyroid nodules and subsequently referred for evaluation by fine-needle aspiration. We present 4 cases of histologically confirmed CPL (one simple cyst, one hyperplasia, and two adenomas), 2 of which were misdiagnosed as adenomatoid thyroid nodules by fine-needle aspiration. Aspirated fluid from one patient was clear and colorless, a classic finding for parathyroid cysts, and contained high levels of C-terminal/midmolecule parathyroid hormone (CMPH). Fluids obtained from the remaining 3 patients were bloody to brown, resembling thyroid cyst fluid. In only 1 of the 3 patients, the fluid was analyzed and contained high levels of CMPH. Though cytologic features of parathyroid epithelium overlap with those of thyroid epithelium, distinguishing features such as unusual cytoplasmic vacuolization and granularity, and the absence of colloid, should raise suspicions of a parathyroid lesion. Fluid from CPL may not possess the classic appearance; however, identification of the subtler cytologic features with knowledge of relevant clinical data should prompt analysis of cyst fluid for CMPH, thus confirming the diagnosis and avoiding inappropriate therapy. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;15:306–311. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sunlight exposure does not influence ICU survival

The biological influence of light on human physiology (for example, circadian rhythms, cortisol and melatonin) has long been recognized. Recent interest has been directed to understanding the ramifications of light on immune function, particularly in the context of patient care. Although light and seasonal variations have been shown to modulate leucocyte count and lymphocytes B and T activity and proliferation in mammals, little is understood about these interactions in the course of illness. Thus, we hypothesized that sunlight is directly associated with improved outcome in critically ill patients.
Melting Reactions of Soda‐Lime‐Silicate Glasses Containing Sodium Sulfate

Various Na2SO4-Na2CO3-CaCO3-SiO2 combinations were studied by differential thermal analysis to elucidute the role of Na2SO4 in soda-lime-silica glassmelting reactions. It was found that Na2SO4 encourages the formation of wollastonite at 850° to 900°C. The solid-state reaction of Na2Ca(CO3)2 occurs very readily at temperatures in the vicinity of 400°C. The Na2Ca(CO3)2 must therefore be considered a major constituent in glass batches containing both soda ash and limestone.
Platelet‐activating factor receptor‐deficient mice are protected from experimental sleep apnea‐induced learning deficits

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep, a hallmark of sleep apnea, is associated with neurobehavioral impairments, regional neurodegeneration and increased oxidative stress and inflammation in rodents. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an important mediator of both normal neural plasticity and brain injury. We report that mice deficient in the cell surface receptor for PAF (PAFR-/-), a bioactive mediator of oxidative stress and inflammation, are protected from the spatial reference learning deficits associated with IH. Furthermore, PAFR-/- exhibit attenuated elevations in inflammatory signaling (cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities), degradation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and apoptosis observed in wild-type littermates (PAFR+/+) exposed to IH. Collectively, these findings indicate that inflammatory signaling and neurobehavioral impairments induced by IH are mediated through PAF receptors.
GOVERNMENT PARTISANSHIP, LABOR ORGANIZATION, AND MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE

Governments of the Left and Right have distinct partisan economic policies and objectives that they would prefer to pursue. Their propensity to do so, however, is constrained by their desire for reelection. We argue that the ability of governments to further their partisan interests and preside over reelectable macroeconomic outcomes simultaneously is dependent on the organization of the domestic economy, particularly the labor movement. We hypothesize that there are two different paths to desirable macroeconomic performance. In countries with densely and centrally organized labor movements, leftist governments can promote economic growth and reduce inflation and unemployment. Conversely, in countries with weak labor movements, rightist governments can pursue their partisan-preferred macroeconomic strategies and achieve similarly beneficial macroeconomic outcomes. Performance will be poorer in other cases. These hypotheses are supported by analysis of pooled annual time series data for 16 advanced industrial democracies between 1967 and 1984.
Protein separation by potential barrier chromatography

Potential barrier chromatography (PBC) is a liquid chromatographic method in which the adsorption and desorption of proteins are controlled by modifications of repulsive double-layer and attractive van der Waals interactions between the proteins and the adsorbent through changes in mobile phase composition. In this review PBC is compared and contrasted to the more traditional chromatographic methods, namely, ion exchange, gel permeation, hydrophobic interaction, and affinity chromatography. The physical forces that underlie PBC (as well as the other methods) are discussed in terms of their effects on chromatographic behavior. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the use and simplicity of the method.
CORRELATION EFFECTS IN TWO- AND THREE-ELECTRON SYSTEMS

Correlation effects in the lithium isoelectronic series ${(1s)}^{2}2s^{2}S$ have been studied by computing the expectation values of a number of one- and two-electron operators. Calculations were performed using both Hartree-Fock and configuration interaction wave functions. The operators considered are $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{{r}_{i}}^{N}$ ($N=\ensuremath{-}2, \ensuremath{-}1, 2, 4$), ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{3}({\mathrm{r}}_{i})$, ${{p}_{i}}^{2}$, $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{igj}^{}{\ensuremath{\delta}}^{3}({\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{ij}})$, $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{igj}^{}({\mathrm{r}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{r}}_{j})$, and $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{igj}^{}({\mathrm{p}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{p}}_{j})$. Computations were performed for $Z=3, 4, 5, \mathrm{and} 8$. For comparison purposes the same expectation values were computed from configuration interaction wave functions of comparable accuracy for the two-electron systems ${(1s)}^{2}^{1}S$ with $Z=2, 3, 4, 5, \mathrm{and} 8$. The results of the two-electron computations show reasonable agreement with more accurate computations and with empirical estimates. For the three-electron systems the main conclusions are: (a) Correlation has little effect on the one-electron expectation values, (b) the expectation values of $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{igj}^{}({\mathrm{r}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{r}}_{j})$ and $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{igj}^{}({\mathrm{p}}_{i}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{p}}_{j})$ are proportionately larger for three- than for two-electron systems, and (c) the configuration interaction approach probably gives poor estimates of the expectation value of $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{igj}^{}{\ensuremath{\delta}}^{3}({\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{ij}})$ even though this value appears to converge as the number of terms in the wave function is increased.
Towards a solid state detector response function for AXAF calibration

As part of the extensive ground testing of the AXAF, x-ray detectors of standard design were used as secondary absolute calibrators. In order to realize the overall facility calibration goal, these detectors need to be calibrated in turn on a primary x-ray standard. This exercise consists of accurately determining the detectors' response to monochromatic x-rays of different energies. Our data were obtained on various beamlines at the BESSY synchrotron storage ring, which is a very accurately calibrated standard x-ray source. Here we report progress in understanding the response function of the solid-state devices (SSDs). The response is modeled using JMKmod in the XSPEC package, and includes effects of pileup, incomplete charge collection, fluorescent escape, and other secondary processes. Knowledge of the SSD response function will permit precise removal of SSD detector effects form AXAF calibration data, and therefore allow accurate calibration of the AXAF system's effective area and other performance parameters.
Framing Persuasive Appeals: Episodic and Thematic Framing, Emotional Response, and Policy Opinion

Those seeking to frame political issues to their advantage recognize the power of emotional appeals. Yet the study of framing has focused mainly on the cognitive effects of framing rather than on its emotional effects. This study presents the results of two experiments designed to explore the effect of episodic and thematic framing on emotional response and policy opinion. Participants were randomly assigned to read a column arguing against mandatory minimum sentencing that employed either a thematic or one of two episodic frames featuring a woman who received a harsh sentence under the policy. Episodic framing was more emotionally engaging. Furthermore, the specific emotions elicited by the episodic frame—sympathy and pity for the woman featured in the column—were associated with increased opposition to mandatory minimum sentencing. Yet the thematic frame was actually more persuasive once this indirect effect of frame on emotional response was taken into account. The results are consistent with the conclusion that framing effects on policy opinion operate through both affective and cognitive channels. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.
Comparison of biomechanical properties of alloderm and enduragen as static facial sling biomaterials.

Background: Static slings are one of the most commonly used surgical rehabilitation methods in the management of chronic facial paralysis. Acellular human cadaveric dermis (Alloderm; Life Cell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) is used for this purpose; however, it has variable stretching properties that may necessitate additional “tuning-up” procedure(s). Acellular porcine dermis (Enduragen; Tissue Sciences Laboratories, plc., Aldershot, U.K.) was recently introduced as a biologic implant and it is compositionally similar to Alloderm. However, no data currently exist regarding its biomechanical properties and potential use as an alternative implant to Alloderm in static facial sling procedures. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of Alloderm and Enduragen for static facial sling procedures in the management of the paralytic face. Study Design: This study consisted of an in vitro prospective study in an academic medical research setting. Methods: Same size and thickness Alloderm and Enduragen samples were tested with MTS 858 Bionix materials test system for load-to-failure, displacement under increasing and constant stress, and stiffness. Results: Enduragen showed significantly less elongation under increasing stress and at the beginning of constant stress. Load-to-failure and stiffness were significantly higher in Alloderm; however, both biomaterials have adequate stiffness and load-to-failure for a static facial sling procedure. Conclusions: Enduragen may serve as another potential static facial sling material, because it stretches significantly less than Alloderm under stress. Clinical experience is needed with Enduragen to determine its potential use as a static facial sling material.
Identification and characterization of chondrogenic progenitor cells in the fascia of postnatal skeletal muscle

Intramuscular injection of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) has been shown to induce ectopic bone formation. A chondrogenic phase is typically observed in this process, which suggests that there may exist a chondrogenic subpopulation of cells residing in skeletal muscle. Two prospective cell populations were isolated from rat skeletal muscle: fascia-derived cells (FDCs), extracted from gluteus maximus muscle fascia (epimysium) and muscle-derived cells (MDCs) isolated from the muscle body. Both populations were investigated for their cell surface marker profiles (flowcytometry analysis), proliferation rates as well as their myogenic and chondrogenic potentials. The majority of FDCs expressed mesenchymal stromal cell markers but not endothelial cell markers. FDCs underwent chondrogenic differentiation after BMP4 treatment in vitro, but not myogenic differentiation. Although MDCs showed chondrogenic potential, they expressed the myogenic cell marker desmin and readily underwent myogenic differentiation in vitro; however, the chondrogenic potential of the MDCs is confounded by the presence of FDC-like cells residing in the muscle perimysium and endomysium. To clarify the role of the muscle-derived myogenic cells in chondrogenesis, mixed pellets with varying ratios of FDCs and L6 myoblasts were formed and studied for chondrogenic potential. Our results indicated that the chondrogenic potential of the mixed pellets decreased with the increased ratio of myogenic cells to FDCs supporting the role of FDCs in chondrogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that non-myogenic cells residing in the fascia of skeletal muscle have a strong chondrogenic potential and may represent a novel donor cell source for cartilage regeneration and repair.
Glucocorticoid stimulation of glutamine synthetase production in cultured rat glioma cells.

: A sensitive radioisotopic assay has been used to examine the kinetic properties and regulation of biosynthesis of glutamine synthetase in C-6 glioma cultures. The Km values for glutamate, MgATP, and ammonium ion were 5mM, 14 mM, and 0.042 mM, respectively, when measured at the pH optimum of 7.2. There was an absolute requirement for a divalent metal ion, with 15 mM- Mg2+ being the preferred ion at pH 7.2. Activity was completely inhibited after 30 min with 8 mM-L-methionhe sulfoximine. The addition of 1 μM-cortisol to C-6 cultures caused a two to threefold increase in glutamine synthetase specific activity over a 96-h period, while dexamethasone at the same concentration elevated the level some 7-10-fold. This was specific for glucocorticoids, as other steroid hormones or catecholamines did not significantly affect glutamine synthetase specific activity. Cycloheximide (30 μM) or actinomycin D (0.01 μg/ml) blocked the hormone response. The continued presence of hormone was required in order to maintain an elevated enzyme level. The results suggest that glucocorticoids act to induce glutamine synthetase by stimulating new enzyme synthesis.
Privatization and Accountability

Privatization has become a dominant feature of twenty-first century governance, creating concerns about diminished accountability and oversight. However, to properly evaluate such concerns or respond to them, we must distinguish between two different forms of accountability: accountability as after-the-fact redress and accountability as managerial oversight. Moreover, each of these forms of accountability may be pursued through a variety of mechanisms or processes, including not only criminal or civil lawsuits but also reform of the contracts that are the engine of privatization; increased public participation in the design, award, and monitoring of contracts; and changes to the organizational structure or institutional culture of contractor firms. Accordingly, this review lays out a taxonomy for analyzing privatization so that we can more comprehensively evaluate both the impact of privatization and the efficacy of possible responses. In addition, the review highlights recent privatization trends in the ...
Thermodynamic limits to the conversion of blackbody radiation by quantum systems

Using general thermodynamic arguments, we analyze the conversion of the energy contained in the radiation from a blackbody to useful work by a quantum system. We show that the energy available for conversion is bounded above by the change in free energy in the incident and reradiated radiation fields and that this free energy change depends upon the temperature of the receiving device. Universal efficiency curves giving the ultimate thermodynamic conversion efficiency of the quantum system are presented in terms of the blackbody temperature and the temperature and threshold energy of the quantum system. Application of these results is made to a variety of systems including biological photosynthetic, photovoltaic, and photoelectrochemical systems.
The association of impaired myocardial perfusion and monocytosis with late recovery of left ventricular function following primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Mariani et al .1 add to a growing body of the literature associating elevated white blood cell counts to adverse outcomes in the setting of ST-elevation MI (STEMI). For the first time, the authors highlight the association of elevated monocytes counts particularly with late left ventricular (LV) functional recovery following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI. A wealth of data has accumulated relating elevated white blood cell counts to a host of adverse outcomes in the setting of acute coronary syndromes including, death, congestive heart failure, and shock.2–4 Elevations of the white blood cell count have also been associated with impairments in other surrogate/angiographic outcomes including poorer TIMI myocardial perfusion grades and slower corrected TIMI frame counts.2–4 Demographic characteristics associated with elevated white blood cell counts include prior MI, smoking, and older age.2–4 Although the association of elevated neutrophils with impaired myocardial perfusion and adverse clinical outcomes has been reported in the past,3 the study of Mariani et al .1 highlights the importance … *Corresponding author: TIMI Data Coordinating Center, 350 Longwood Avenue, First Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel: +1 617 525 6884; fax: +1 888 249 5261. E-mail address : mgibson{at}timi.org
There are infinitely many Perrin pseudoprimes

Abstract This paper proves the existence of infinitely many Perrin pseudoprimes, as conjectured by Adams and Shanks in 1982. The theorem proven covers a general class of pseudoprimes based on recurrence sequences. The result uses ingredients of the proof of the infinitude of Carmichael numbers, along with zero-density estimates for Hecke L-functions.
Lung abscesses following corticosteroid therapy for central nervous system metastases

Although the occurrence of lung abscesses has decreased among the general population since the advent of antibiotics, a specific subgroup of cancer patients has demonstrated a propensity for this complication. Four patients with lung cancer, receiving corticosteroid therapy for brain metastases, developed large lung abscesses. These patients represent 12% of the 33 patients with central nervous system metastases seen in this institution over the period of one year. Physicians should be alert to this possible complication of corticosteroid therapy in patients with lung cancer.
Characterization of a Campylobacter jejuni VirK Protein Homolog as a Novel Virulence Determinant

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of food-borne illness in the United States. Despite significant recent advances, its mechanisms of pathogenesis are poorly understood. A unique feature of this pathogen is that, with some exceptions, it lacks homologs of known virulence factors from other pathogens. Through a genetic screen, we have identified a C. jejuni homolog of the VirK family of virulence factors, which is essential for antimicrobial peptide resistance and mouse virulence.
A Centimeter-Based Length–Weight Relationship for Channel Catfish Fingerlings Grown under Commercial Conditions in Mississippi

Abstract A length-weight relationship was developed for channel catfish fingerlings (Ictalurus punctatus), 5–24 cm total length, grown under commercial conditions in Mississippi. A total of 2,535 fish were sampled from ponds stocked with 30,000-33,000 fish/ha. Predicted weight from total length in centimeters is based on the equation: log e (weight, g) = –2.377201249 + 0.629764601 cm – 0.02225206 cm2 + 0.000353920 cm3 (r 2 = 0.9789). The “standard” inch-based length–weight equation used for commercial sale of channel catfish fingerlings compares well to the centimeter-based relationship given here.
Decomposition and factorization of sequential finite state machines

Algorithms are proposed for decomposing a finite-state machine into smaller interacting machines so as to optimize area and performance of the eventual logic implementation. Cascade decomposition algorithms, which decompose a given machine into independent and dependent components, have been proposed in the past. The authors propose a more powerful form of decomposition where both components of the decomposed machine interact with each other. Experimental results indicate that this decomposition technique for state machine decomposition is superior to cascade decomposition techniques. It is the premise of this study that optimal state assignment corresponds to finding an optimal multiple general decomposition of a finite-state machine. State assignment techniques that target two-level and multilevel implementations based on state machine factorization algorithms followed by state assignment algorithms are presented. It is rigorously proved that one-hot encoding a nontrivially factored machine is guaranteed to produce a better result than one-hot encoding the original machine for the two-level case. >
New routing algorithms to balance traffic load

We study the load balancing aspect of routing algorithms in wireless ad hoc networks. We define a statistical measure called local coefficient of variance (lcv) to study the smoothness of the load distribution in the network. The importance of keeping lcv as low as possible in designing load balanced routing algorithms is demonstrated. We analyze how number of nodes, transmission range, network area and different routing algorithms can affect this metric. We introduce a class of algorithms called elliptic routing that reduce the maximum load of nodes in the network by avoiding the highly loaded network center at the same time as keeping the lcv of the load distribution low. Experimental results show that our algorithms outperform other existing algorithms in reducing the maximum load of the network. We also give a technique to reduce the lcv of the load distribution, and hence decrease the maximum load of the nodes in the network further. This technique can be combined with any location-based routing algorithm. We evaluate the performance gain obtained by this technique via simulations.
Sound and Fury: When Opposition to Facilitated Communication Functions as Hate Speech

Keywords facilitated communication, hate speech, freedom of expression, human rights, civil rights, oppression Abstract The focus of this paper is the political aspects of the controversy over the use of FC as a communication tool and the ways in which anti-FC rhetoric oppresses FC users. In the face of studies that have validated the authorship of FC users, and given the growing number of former FC users who now type independently, continued anti-FC expression functions as hate speech when it calls into question, without substantiation, the intellectual competence of FC users, thereby undermining their opportunity to exercise their right to freedom of expression.
Chemical and biological characterization of the lipopolysaccharide of the oral pathogen Wolinella recta ATCC 33238.

To investigate the potential pathogenic mechanisms of the oral periodontopathogen Wolinella recta ATCC 33238, we have isolated its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and determined the chemical composition and selected in vitro biological activities of the molecule. Sodium desoxycholate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the W. recta LPS to be an atypical smooth LPS with short O-antigenic side chains. Chemically the LPS consisted of 47.2% lipid A, 19.6% polysaccharide, 9.0% heptose, 8.5% hexosamine, 3.2% phosphate, and 0.6% 2-keto-3-deoxyoctanoate. The major fatty acids were hexadecanoic acid (25.0%), 3-OH tetradecanoic acid (23.8%), tetradecanoic acid (15.4%), 3-OH hexadecanoic acid (11.6%), and octadecenoic acid (10.9%). Rhamnose constituted 87.8% of the carbohydrates generally associated with the O antigen, with smaller amounts of glucose (5.5%), mannose (4.9%), and an unidentified sugar (1.9%). CD-1 and C3H/HeN macrophages (M phi) exposed to 1 microgram of W. recta LPS per ml released 6.0 and 10.5 ng of prostaglandin E per ml of supernatant, representing 625% and 1,306% of prostaglandin E release by the control (without LPS). Maximum prostaglandin E release occurred in CD-1 M phi exposed to 100 micrograms of LPS per ml and was equivalent to 1,542% of release by the control. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) activities in CD-1 and C3H/HeN M phi exposed to 1 micrograms of LPS per ml were 257% and 1,941% of activities in the control, respectively. Maximum IL-1 release in CD-1 M phi occurred in response to 50 micrograms of LPS per ml and represented a 927% increase over release in the control, while 100 micrograms LPS per ml stimulated maximum IL-1 release in C3H/HeN M phi that was greater than 5,000% of release by the control. Images
The Number of Sick Persons in a Cohort

Planning for future health needs of older adults requires a better understanding of the trajectories of health and sickness with age. The authors calculated the number of sick persons over time in a “research” cohort of older adults followed for up to 14 years, and also in a synthetic birth cohort. In the research cohort, the authors calculated the actual number of persons in each health state over time, using eight different definitions of “sick.” For the birth cohort, the authors estimated the number of sick persons each year after birth. The number of sick persons in the research cohort was approximately constant for 14 years, for all definitions of “sick.” The number sick in the birth cohort was approximately constant from ages 55 to 80 and then declined. The relative excess of sick persons in later life is caused by a decline in the number of healthy persons rather than an increase in the number who are sick. The number of sick current Medicare enrollees may be approximately constant for 14 years. Th...
Post-wildfire erosion response in two geologic terrains in the western USA

Abstract Volumes of eroded sediment after wildfires vary substantially throughout different geologic terrains across the western United States. These volumes are difficult to compare because they represent the response to rainstorms and runoff with different characteristics. However, by measuring the erosion response as the erodibility efficiency of water to detach and transport sediment on hillslopes and in channels, the erosion response from different geologic terrains can be compared. Specifically, the erodibility efficiency is the percentage of the total available stream power expended to detach, remobilize, or transport a mass of sediment. Erodibility efficiencies were calculated for the (i) initial detachment, and for the (ii) remobilization and transport of sediment on the hillslopes and in the channels after wildfire in two different geological terrains. The initial detachment efficiencies for the main channel and tributary channel in the granitic terrain were 10 ± 9% and 5 ± 4% and were similar to those for the volcanic terrain, which were 5 ± 5% and 1 ± 1%. No initial detachment efficiency could be measured for the hillslopes in the granitic terrain because hillslope measurements were started after the first major rainstorm. The initial detachment efficiency in the volcanic terrain was 1.3 ± 0.41%. The average remobilization and transport efficiencies associated with flash floods in the channels also were similar in the granitic (0.18 ± 0.57%) and volcanic (0.11 ± 0.41%) terrains. On the hillslope the remobilization and transport efficiency was greater in the volcanic terrain (2.4%) than in the granitic terrain (0.65%). However, this may reflect the reduced sediment availability after the first major rainstorm (30-min maximum rainfall intensity ∼ 90 mm h − 1 ) in the granitic terrain, while easily erodible fine colluvium remained on the hillslope after the first rainstorm (30-min maximum rainfall intensity = 7.2 mm h − 1 ) in the volcanic terrain. The erosion response in channels and on hillslopes of the granitic and volcanic terrains was similar when compared using erodibility efficiencies.
Synthesis of brightly PEGylated luminescent magnetic upconversion nanophosphors for deep tissue and dual MRI imaging

A method is developed to fabricate monodispersed biocompatible Yb/Er or Yb/Tm doped β-NaGdF4 upconversion phosphors using polyelectrolytes to prevent irreversible particle aggregation during conversion of the precursor, Gd2 O(CO3 )2.H2 O:Yb/Er or Yb/Tm, to β-NaGdF4 :Yb/Er or Yb/Tm. The polyelectrolyte on the outer surface of nanophosphors also provided an amine tag for PEGylation. This method is also employed to fabricate PEGylated magnetic upconversion phosphors with Fe3 O4 as the core and β-NaGdF4 as a shell. These magnetic upconversion nanophosphors have relatively high saturation magnetization (7.0 emu g(-1) ) and magnetic susceptibility (1.7 × 10(-2) emu g(-1) Oe(-1) ), providing them with large magnetophoretic mobilities. The magnetic properties for separation and controlled release in flow, their optical properties for cell labeling, deep tissue imaging, and their T1 - and T2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxivities are studied. The magnetic upconversion phosphors display both strong magnetophoresis, dual MRI imaging (r1 = 2.9 mM(-1) s(-1) , r2 = 204 mM(-1) s(-1) ), and bright luminescence under 1 cm chicken breast tissue.
Lack of a clinically significant impact of race on morbidity and mortality in abdominal surgery: an analysis of 186,466 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Abstract Background Poorer surgical outcomes in black compared with white patients have been reported, but it remains unclear if race independently predicts worse outcomes. We investigated if blacks have poorer outcomes than whites following abdominal surgery at quality-seeking hospitals. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, patients who were black or white and underwent common abdominal surgery procedures were identified. A total of 19,326 (10%) blacks and 167,140 (90%) whites undergoing abdominal surgery were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v20. Results Thirty-day mortality for blacks compared with whites was not statistically significant for any procedures reviewed (all P > .05). Thirty-day morbidity for blacks was slightly higher in appendectomy (P Conclusion Black compared with white patients did not have increased mortality following abdominal surgery but had minor, clinically insignificant, increased morbidity in appendectomy, small bowel resection, and partial colectomy.
Rapid induction of mRNAs for liver regeneration factor and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes by hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor

Liver regeneration factor belongs to the leucine-zipper family of transcription factors. It was originally cloned and characterized through differential screening of a regenerating rat liver cDNA library. The mRNA for liver regeneration factor-1 is barely detectable in normal rat liver but is dramatically induced after two-thirds hepatectomy, with a peak 1 to 3 hr after surgery. The nature of the signaling molecule(s) for this rapid induction is not known. It has been suggested that the liver regeneration factor-1 protein product, through complex interactions with other transcription factors such as c-Jun and Jun-B, controls expression of genes that are required during the G1 phase of hepatic growth. Hepatocyte growth factor has been shown to be the most potent mitogen for hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor rapidly (within 30 min) increase after loss of hepatic parenchyma induced by partial hepatectomy or carbon tetrachloride treatment. It has been postulated that hepatocyte growth factor plays a crucial role in stimulating the hepatocyte to enter the cell cycle. In this communication, we report that addition of pure hepatocyte growth factor to primary cultures of rat hepatocytes in the absence of serum and insulin results in rapid and transient induction of liver regeneration factor-1 mRNA (more than 20-fold) with a peak of expression 1 hr after treatment. The levels of jun-B and c-fos mRNAs, which are also known to be induced during the early hours of liver regeneration, were also increased after treatment of isolated hepatocytes with hepatocyte growth factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Uncertainty and sediment quality assessments: I. Confidence limits for the triad

The Sediment Quality Triad is an approach that has been used in the assessment of anthropogenic degradation of three complementary components of sediment quality sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity, and in situ effects on the benthic biota Triad plots represent one way to summarize the relative impact for each of these components through the display of “ratio-to-reference” (RTR) values on three axes Although environmental managers can readily interpret the patterns on Triad plots, the conventional presentation has no provisions for the display of confidence limits on the RTR indexes An investigation was conducted that employed simulation techniques to determine the effect of the RTR process on the interpretation of Triad plots constructed for single samples and a method for placing confidence limits on the Triad axes The simulations were based on empirical data sets from benthic biological surveys taken in two regions in the port of Hampton Roads, Virginia, which represented “reference” and “impacted” groups for the “in situ effects” component of the Triad The process of making ratios produced highly non-normal (skewed to the left) distributions of RTR values that were not amenable to the development of confidence limits by conventional statistical techniques Furthermore, the RTR approach produced high probabilities of “Type II” errors for at least one of the indexes (species richness) when applied to single samples taken from reference and impacted populations shown a priori to be very significantly different from each other “Bootstrap” simulation techniques produced confidence limits based on data that were “unit deviate standardized” (UDS approach) or standardized to the mean of the reference data (“ratio-to reference mean,” or RTRM, approach) The UDS approach provides equal weight to all variables, whereas the RTRM approach allows a variable displaying a great degree of difference between reference and test data sets to have a more dominating influence on the Triad assessment
Role of land cover and hydrology in determining nutrients in mid-continent reservoirs: implications for nutrient criteria and management

Jones, J.R., M.F. Knowlton and D.V. Obrecht. 2008. Role of land cover and hydrology in determining nutrients in mid-continent reservoirs: implications for nutrient criteria and management. Lake Reserv. Manage. 24:1−9. Effects of nutrient input, hydraulic flushing rate and depth on reservoir nutrients were examined in the mid-continent landscape of the Ozark Highlands and Plains in Missouri and Plains of southern Iowa. Regionally the clear southto-north increase in reservoir nutrients, amounting to a 4-fold increase in median total phosphorus (TP) and 3-fold increase in median total nitrogen (TN), showed a strong cross-system pattern with cropland cover (a surrogate for nonpoint-source nutrient loss from agricultural watersheds) but not with an index of hydraulic flushing rate. Cropland accounted for variation in TP in the Ozarks (51%) and TN in all 3 regions (Ozarks 58%, Plains 41%, Iowa 27%). Flushing accounted for variation in TP in the Missouri Plains (49%) and Iowa (29%). Our models suggest large-scale nutrient reduction will require massive changes in land cover to reduce nutrient input. In the Missouri Plains, for example, reducing cropland from 60% to 30% reduces TP and TN by only about 20% when other factors are held constant. Hydrology places added limits on reducing reservoir nutrients; consistent with theory, TP values in Missouri Plains reservoirs effectively double between flushing rates of 0.25 and 2 at any given cropland value. Dramatic nutrient reduction in these reservoirs is unlikely, and the influential role of hydraulic flushing adds additional management challenges for compliance with regional nutrient criteria. The analyses suggest hydrology must be considered when setting nutrient criteria, and it would be unreasonable to establish criteria based on water bodies with long retention time and apply them to rapidly flushed lakes.
How life changes itself: the Read-Write (RW) genome.

Abstract The genome has traditionally been treated as a Read-Only Memory (ROM) subject to change by copying errors and accidents. In this review, I propose that we need to change that perspective and understand the genome as an intricately formatted Read–Write (RW) data storage system constantly subject to cellular modifications and inscriptions. Cells operate under changing conditions and are continually modifying themselves by genome inscriptions. These inscriptions occur over three distinct time-scales (cell reproduction, multicellular development and evolutionary change) and involve a variety of different processes at each time scale (forming nucleoprotein complexes, epigenetic formatting and changes in DNA sequence structure). Research dating back to the 1930s has shown that genetic change is the result of cell-mediated processes, not simply accidents or damage to the DNA. This cell-active view of genome change applies to all scales of DNA sequence variation, from point mutations to large-scale genome rearrangements and whole genome duplications (WGDs). This conceptual change to active cell inscriptions controlling RW genome functions has profound implications for all areas of the life sciences.