cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Facial Decomposition Method

This note presents a brute force approach to linearly constrained programming in non-convex optimization; our aim here is to illustrate a general methodology which can be applied to construct tailor-made algorithms in specific applications.
Optical OFDM for Downstream Transmission in Long-Reach PON

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) has gained great attention in the next generation Long-Reach Passive Optical Network (LR-PON) due to its high spectrum efficiency, flexible resource allocation and natural compatibility with Digital Signal Processing (DSP)-based implementation. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a 40Gbit/s direct-detection long reach OFDM-PON system for downstream transmission over 100km standard signal mode fiber (SSMF). By using a simple Least Square (LS) method for the channel estimation, our proposed system achieves high bit rate without the need for chromatic dispersion compensation.
Optic glioma warranting treatment in children

To describe cases of optic pathway glioma (OPG) warranting treatment in children. This is a retrospective review of pediatric patients treated for OPG. The clinical data and imaging studies were obtained from the medical records and radiology files of patients seen at the Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic at the University of Illinois, Chicago and the private office of the author (LMK). A total of seven cases with an age range of 3–48 months at presentation were reviewed. Three of the patients were also ultimately diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1. Presenting symptoms included proptosis, decreased vision, gaze deficit, and nystagmus. Four patients underwent biopsies that confirmed OPG. Six of the patients were treated with intravenous chemotherapy, with three patients requiring a second chemotherapy cycle. One patient was successfully treated with an en-bloc optic nerve excision. Two patients underwent unilateral enucleation owing to globe complications. Although benign tumours, OPG can behave very aggressively in young children. Both chemotherapy and en-bloc excision can be employed for treatment.
Self-assembled nanolayers of conjugated silane with π - π interlocking

The packing of electronic molecules into planar structures and an ensured π−π interaction within the plane are preferred for efficient organic transistors. Thin films of organic electronics are exemplar, but the widely adopted molecular design and associated fabrication lead to limited ordering in multistack construction motifs. Here we demonstrate self-assembled nanolayers of organic molecules having potential electronic utility using an amphiphilic silane as a building block. Unlike a cross-linked (tetrahedral) configuration found in conventional siloxane networks, a linear polymer chain is produced following silane polycondensation. As a result, hydrophobic branches plus a noncovalent π−π interlocking between the molecules promote planar packing and continuous stacking along the surface normal. In contrast to conventional π−π stacking or hydrogen bonding pathways in a fibrous construct, multistacked nanolayers with coexisting π−π and herringbone interlocking can provide unmatched properties and process...
69. Stress, coping, and inflammation in adolescents

Stress can upregulate inflammatory processes and increase disease risk, but differences in how individuals cope with stress might moderate this association. We investigated relationships between stress, coping, and inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP)) in a healthy sample of adolescents (n = 243). We hypothesized that adolescents reporting greater stress would exhibit higher CRP levels and that among individuals under high stress, approach-oriented coping (i.e., use of positive reappraisal, humor, engaging in demanding activities, and developing self-reliance) would be associated with lower CRP. In regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, and socioeconomic status, there were no significant associations between stress and CRP, but significant interactions between stress and coping emerged. For adolescents reporting more unpleasant stressful life events in the past 12 months, approach-oriented coping was inversely associated with CRP (beta = −.19, p < .05). Coping was significantly associated with CRP in the context of interpersonal stress, whether measured as stressful life events reflecting interpersonal conflict (e.g., arguments with parents or siblings, conflict between adults in the home, friendship ended) or frequency of arguments with others reported in daily diaries completed each evening for one week. Findings suggest that approach-oriented coping is associated with lower levels of inflammation, but only when adolescents are challenged by significant interpersonal stress.
Core convergence without monotone preferences and free disposal

Abstract We prove some core convergence theorems for finite economies without monotone preferences and free disposal of commodities. When these assumptions are relaxed, the relationship between the continuum and the large finite economies is lost. Extra conditions are needed, in general, to obtain convergence results.
Numerical modeling of the solar wind interaction with Venus

Abstract The large-scale (global) interaction of the atmosphere of Venus with the surrounding medium is numerically simulated in the framework of 3-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics. The simulations are performed for the case of the interplanetary magnetic field perpendicular to the solar wind flow. The model reproduces several features of the interaction predicted by earlier theories and observations. The solar wind interaction with Venus is characterized by the mass loading of the solar wind with heavy oxygen ions which are produced by the photoionization of neutrals in the extensive ionosphere. This mass loading slows down the solar wind and ultimately leads to the formation of a magnetic barrier and a magnetotail. The location of the bow shock is barely affected by different values of the magnetic field strength.
Cycling of inorganic and organic sulfur in peat from Big Run Bog, West Virginia

Total S concentration in the top 35 cm of Big Run Bog peat averaged 9.7 μmol·g — wet mass−1 (123 μmol·g dry mass−1). Of that total, an average of 80.8% was carbon bonded S, 10.4% was ester sulfate S, 4.5% was FeS2­S, 2.7% was FeS­S, 1.2% was elemental S, and 0.4% was SO4 2−­S. In peat collected in March 1986, injected with35S­SO4 2− and incubated at 4 °C, mean rates of dissimilatory sulfate reduction (formation of H2S + S0 + FeS + FeS2), carbon bonded S formation, and ester sulfate S formation averaged 3.22, 0.53, and 0.36 nmol·g wet mass−1·h−1, respectively. Measured rates of sulfide oxidation were comparable to rates of sulfate reduction. Although dissolved SO4 2− concentrations in Big Run Bog interstitial water (< 200 µM) are low enough to theoretically limit sulfate reducing bacteria, rates of sulfate reduction integrated throughout the top 30–35 cm of peat of 9 and 34 mmol·m−2·d−1 (at 4 °C are greater than or comparable to rates in coastal marine sediments. We suggest that sulfate reduction was supported by a rapid turnover of the dissolved SO4 2− pool (average turnover time of 1.1 days). Although over 90% of the total S in Big Run Bog peat was organic S, cycling of S was dominated by fluxes through the inorganic S pools.
Chloride Penetration Resistance of a Ternary Blend Lightweight Concrete Bridge Deck

In 2010, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) launched a bridge rehabilitation project to rerate all truss bridges with gusset plate connections due to the federal mandate after the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2005. One bridge that needed to be renovated was the Hurricane Bridge in Dekalb County, Tennessee. To provide a durable bridge deck and meet the latest highway loading specifications, TDOT used a Class L ternary (sand-lightweight ternary) mix instead of their standard Class D (normal weight nonternary) bridge deck mix. While placing a section of the deck, TDOT would cast cylinders to send to the University of Tennessee for rapid chloride penetration (RCP), surface resistivity (SR), and compressive strength testing. Previous RCP and SR testing of the TDOT Class D mix found that the mix provides poor to moderate chloride ion penetration resistance. Research reported herein supports the use of the TDOT Class L ternary mix as an alternative to the TDOT Class D mix in order to increase bridge deck durability. The results of the Class L ternary mix cylinder testing show a decrease in chloride ion penetration, an increase in surface resistivity, higher compressive strengths, and a higher correlation between SR and RCP than Class D cylinders.
Use of expiratory change in bladder pressure to assess expiratory muscle activity in patients with large respiratory excursions in central venous pressure.

Expiratory muscle activity may cause the end-expiratory central venous pressure (CVP) to greatly overestimate right atrial transmural pressure. We recorded CVP and expiratory change in intra-abdominal pressure (ΔIAP) in 39 patients who had a respiratory excursion in CVP from end-expiration to end-inspiration (CVPee–CVPei) ≥8 mmHg. Uncorrected CVP was measured at end-expiration, and corrected CVP was calculated as uncorrected CVP−ΔIAP. In 13 patients measurements were repeated during relaxed breathing. The CVPee–CVPei was 15.2 ± 6.3 mmHg (range 8–34 mmHg), and ΔIAP was 7.4 ± 6.0 mmHg (range 0–30 mmHg). Uncorrected CVP was 18.3 ± 6.1 mmHg, and corrected CVP was 10.9 ± 3.9 mmHg. There was a significant positive correlation between CVPee–CVPei and ΔIAP (r = 0.814). However, some patients with a large CVPee–CVPei had negligible ΔIAP. In a subset of 13 patients with active expiration who had a relaxed CVP tracing available for comparison, the difference between uncorrected CVP and relaxed CVP was much greater than the difference between corrected CVP and relaxed CVP (7.3 ± 3.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.7 mmHg, p < 0.001). Patients with large respiratory excursions in CVP often have significant expiratory muscle activity that will cause their CVP to overestimate transmural right atrial pressure. The magnitude of expiratory muscle activity can be assessed by measuring ΔIAP. Subtracting ΔIAP from the end-expiratory CVP usually provides a reasonable estimate of the CVP that would be obtained if exhalation were passive.
Being wrong with Clarke & Wright

Abstract I received a letter from the distinguished Editor of this special issue asking me to submit a general article addressing the topic of “OR and the Rude Intrusions of the Real World”. He made this request to me because of my being noted for my “no-nonsense, practical bent”. In the article which follows, we will discover that I have managed to become the sage, nestor-like, statesman of the profession that I presently am by having blown it, big time, in my earlier excursions into reality.
Erythocyte phosphate content in Huntington's disease ☆

Total phosphate was higher in erythrocytes of patients with Huntington's disease (HD) than in erythrocytes of age- and sex-matched normal adults. A more rapid rate of organic phosphate degradation was also noted in HD erythrocytes during metabolic depletion. These variations may be associated with alterations of membrane permeabilities of HD erythrocytes to inorganic phosphate and to cations.
Use of treated mine water for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) culture—a preliminary assessment

Treated waters from active and abandoned coal mines are a potentially valuable, though underutilized resource, which may be used to expand the aquaculture industry in West Virginia and other mid-Appalachian states. A preliminary investigation of the technical feasibility of using treated acid mine waters to rear rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was conducted. In the study, a regimen of water quality monitoring was initiated to fully characterize a treated mine water and allow for comparison with requirements for salmonid culture. To complement water quality studies, a bioassay consisting of fifty rainbow trout were grown in a net pen in the treated mine water; production-scale studies were not the focus of this initial work. Although aqueous phase concentrations of metals associated with acid mine drainage (AMD) (Fe, Al, Mn, Ca, Mn) often exceeded limits recommended for salmonid culture, the fish grew and exhibited no physiological signs of stress. The lack of anticipated water quality impacts on the fish was attributed to a combination of the effects of high ionic strength on the chemical activity of dissolved metal species and the formation of dissolved metal–ligand pairs in the treated mine waters. Thus, non ideal effects of high ionic strength and the coordination chemistry of treated mine waters must be considered when assessing the suitability of such waters for aquaculture, as many water resources otherwise considered too impaired for aquaculture use may be rendered viable.
Pre-dispensing of antivirals to high-risk individuals in an influenza pandemic.

Please cite this paper as: Goldstein et al. (2010) Pre-dispensing of antivirals to high-risk individuals in an influenza pandemic. Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses 4(2), 101-112. We consider the net benefits of pre-dispensing antivirals to high-risk individuals during an influenza pandemic, where the measure of the benefit is the number of severe outcomes (such as deaths or hospitalizations) prevented by antivirals in the whole population. One potential benefit of pre-dispensing is that individuals to whom antivirals have been pre-dispensed may be able to initiate treatment earlier than if they had to wait to obtain and fill a prescription, reducing their risk of progression to severe disease. If this benefit exceeds the side effects of misuse for the category of individuals to whom antivirals were pre-dispensed, and if antiviral supply exceeds overall population demand (which appears relevant for several countries including US in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic), pre-dispensing a quantity of antivirals not exceeding the difference between supply and demand is always beneficial. In this study, we consider the net benefits of pre-dispensing antivirals under various scenarios, including demand exceeding supply, and derive mathematical conditions under which antiviral pre-dispensing is advantageous on balance. For individuals whose relative risk of severe outcome is high enough, such as immunosuppressed individuals (particularly children) and possibly individuals with neurological disorders, pre-dispensing is always beneficial at a given level of antiviral stockpile with modest assumptions on the relative benefit of early treatment by a pre-dispensed course, regardless of the overall population demand for antivirals during the course of an epidemic. Making additional assumptions on either the overall population demand for antivirals (which appear relevant for the 2009 H1N1 pandemic) or on the relative benefit of pre-dispensing would make pre-dispensing net beneficial with inclusion of a larger number of persons such as pregnant women and morbidly obese adults.
Public-Private Technology Partnerships Promises and Pitfalls

The U.S. government has a long history of supporting private sector research and development (R & D). The economic justification for government R & D support is clear. Primarily because of knowledg...
The plasma klystron amplifier

Abstract A novel plasma klystron amplifier is presented in which current modulation of a relativistic electron beam is achieved by the unstable two-stream interaction between the electron beam and a plasma column. A model to describe current modulation is developed. Due to a relatively large growth rate of the instability, the required interaction length of the beam and plasma column is short for most applications. A full current modulation can be achieved in the plasma klystron amplifiers.
Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza A virus. Transfer of the twots-1 A 2ts lesions present in the Udorn/72-ts-1 A 2 donor virus to the influenza A/Alaska/6/77 (H 3 N 2) wild type virus

The Udorn/72-ts-1 A 2 temperature-sensitive influenza A virus has a 37° C shutoff temperature and ats mutation on the genes coding for the P1 and P3 proteins. Thists donor virus was produced with the expectation that the transfer of its twots genes would regularly and predictably attenuate each new variant of influenza A virus. It had previously been mated with the A/Victoria/75 (H 3 N 2) virus and five Vic/75-ts-1 A 2 recombinants were isolated that had bothts-1 A 2ts genes andin vitro andin vivo genetic and biological properties similar to their Udorn/72-ts-1 A 2 parent. The present study was designed to determine if the acquisition of the twots-1 A 2ts genes would also confer a specific level of attenuation on the influenza A/Alaska/6/77 (H 3 N 2) wild type virus.
Clamp Load Loss due to Fastener Elongation Beyond its Elastic Limit

The amount of clamp load due to an externally applied separating force is determined for a boiled assembly in which the fastener is elongated past its proportional limit, while the clamped joint remained within its elastic range. After the initial tightening of the fastener, the joint is subsequently subjected to a tensile separating force, which further increases the fastener tensile stress into the nonlinear range. Such separating force will simultaneously reduce the clamping force in the bolted joint. Upon the removal of the separating service load, the bolted joint system reaches a new equilibrium point between the fastener tension and the joint clamping force. At the new equilibrium point, the fastener tension is reduced from its value at initial assembly, due to the plastic elongation of the fastener. The reduction in fastener tension translates into a partial-yet permanent-loss of the clamping load that may lead to joint leakage, loosening, or fatigue failure. A nonlinear model is established in order to describe the fastener behavior past the proportional limit of its material, and to determine the clamp load loss due to the permanent set in the fastener after the separating force has been removed. Two fastener materials with significantly different rates of strain hardening are used for modeling the behavior of the bolted joint system. The effect of three nondimensional variables on the amount of clamp load loss is investigated. The first variable is the stiffness ratio of the joint and the fastener. The second is the ratio of initial fastener tension to the fastener elastic limit, and the third variable is the ratio of the separating force to the force that causes joint separation to start. Analytical results are presented for a range of stiffness ratios that simulates both soft and hard joint applications. Experimental verification of the analytical results is presented.
The economic importance of methyl bromide: Does the California strawberry industry qualify for a critical use exemption from the methyl bromide ban?

Methyl bromide has been applied to California strawberries for forty years. However, it will be banned in the United States and other developed countries in 2005. Critical use exemptions provide a mechanism that allows its continued use after this date for industries that do not have technically and economically feasible alternatives, and are consequently subject to significant market disruption. Integrating scientific and economic results from a multidisciplinary research project, we evaluate whether California strawberries are eligible for a critical use exemption.
Intracavity dispersion measurement in modelocked fibre laser

It has previously been shown that the minimum pulse width obtainable in modelocked fibre lasers depends primarily on the total cavity dispersion. The Letter compares measurements of the dispersion in figure eight lasers, taken directly by wavelength tuning and indirectly by the sideband spectrum. The dispersions of the different component fibres, including the gain fibre, are deduced from these in situ measurements.
High-pressure Effects on Oxide Glasses: III, Densification in Nonrigid State

Densification of silica glass was carried out at IS kb and 2000°C and of boron oxide glass at 20 kb and 900° C. The subsequent annealing of the densified glasses was examined at atmospheric pressure. The annealing behavior of glasses densified in the nonrigid condition is shown to be drastically different from that of the rigidly densified materials. The annealing kinetics are discussed in terms of two different processes of volume flow.
Metaphysical Beliefs and the Foundations of Modern Economics

[England's] thinkers are again beginning to see, what they had only temporarily forgotten, that a true Psychology is the indispensable scientific basis of Morals, of Politics, of the science and art of Education; that the difficulties of Metaphysics lie at the root of all science; that those difficulties can only be quieted by being resolved, and that until they are resolved, positively whenever possible, but at any rate negatively, we are never assured that any human knowledge, even physical, stands on solid foundation. John Stuart Mill No science can be more secure than the unconscious metaphysics which tacitly it presupposes. Alfred North Whitehead
A new component of the female sex pheromone of Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) and interaction with other pheromone components.

A fourth component, 3,11-dimethyi-2-heptacosanone, was identified as a cuticular contact sex pheromone of the female German cockroach,Blattella germanica. In behavioral assays, higher dosages of 3,11-dimethyl-2-heptacosanone were needed to elicit similar sexual responses in males to those elicited by the major pheromone component, 3,11-dimethyl-2-nonacosanone. A 15∶85 blend of the C27 and C29 methyl ketone homologs resulted in a dose-response curve intermediate between that of each of the components alone, indicating independence of activity of each component and lack of synergism. Moreover, the activity of 3,11-dimethyl-2-nonacosanone was not enhanced by female cuticular hydrocarbons. The relationship between sexual responses of males to females and to isolated female antennae, and the amount of cuticular pheromone on whole females was investigated. Cuticular sex pheromone found on females increased with the age of the female, as did the male response to whole females. However, a bimodal male response was elicited by isolated female antennae. Differences between behavioral and analytical assays of pheromone are discussed.
Intensive care for brain injury after cardiac arrest : Therapeutic hypothermia and related neuroprotective strategies

Neurologic injury is the predominant cause of poor functional outcome in patients who are resuscitated from cardiac arrest. The management of these patients in the ICU can be challenging because of the paucity of effective therapies and lack of readily available diagnostic and prognostic tools. After several decades of failed pharmacologic neuroprotection trials, recent and well-designed randomized trials showed that therapeutic hypothermia is an effective neuroprotective measure in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia has been recommended by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and has been incorporated in the American Heart Association CPR Guidelines. The American Academy of Neurology recently enhanced the delivery of care in survivors of cardiac arrest by providing evidence-based practice parameters on the prediction of poor outcome in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest, based on clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. This article discusses these advances and their potential impact on the care provided in the ICU.
Pressure swing membrane absorption process for shifted syngas separation: Modeling vs. experiments for pure ionic liquid

Abstract We have carried out studies for CO 2 removal from hot simulated pre-combustion shifted syngas by a pressure swing membrane absorption (PSMAB) process. In this cyclic separation process, a well-packed membrane module containing either hydrophobized porous ceramic tubules or hydrophobized polyether ether ketone (PEEK) porous hollow fibers was used to achieve non-dispersive gas absorption from a high-pressure feed gas into a stationary absorbent liquid on the module shell side during a certain part of the cycle followed by controlled desorption of the absorbed gases from the liquid in the rest of the cycle. Helium was used as a surrogate for H 2 . Separation of the feed mixture containing 40.67% CO 2 –He balance was done using pure ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([bmim][DCA]) as the liquid absorbent. A mathematical model was developed to predict the extent of separation of the feed gas mixture into two product streams, one He-rich and the other CO 2 -rich over a temperature range of 25–100 °C.
Abstract 5075: PI3K activation restores KrasG12D oncogenic ability in a mouse model of follicular thyroid cancer by directly opposing multiple Kras-initiated negative feedback signals

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Activating mutations of Ras family members and aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway are quite common in thyroid cancer originating from the follicular epithelium. We have recently shown in a relevant in vivo model that, contrary to many other cell types, Kras activation is unable to induce oncogenic transformation of the thyroid follicular cells. However, PI3K activation is able to potently cooperate with Kras oncogenic mutation, thus inducing aggressive and metastatic thyroid follicular carcinomas. We now show that one key event mediated by PI3K in this cross-talk is the inhibition of multiple Kras-initiated negative feedback signals shutting down MAPK signaling and the induction of proliferation. Through these mechanisms, PI3K signaling restores Kras-initiated MAPK activation, induction of proliferation, and oncogenic transformation. In particular, our data reveal that activation of p38α MAPK, as well as up-regulation of MKP2 and MKP3 phosphatases, play a pivotal role in mediating the growth-suppressive negative feedback initiated by Kras oncogenic activation. Activation of p38α MAPK acts by inducing cell cycle arrest and the establishment of cellular senescence, while MKP2 and MKP3 stunt ERK1/2 activation through direct dephosphorylation of these kinases. Strikingly, we have found that PI3K acts through Akt1 (but not Akt2) to potently suppress p38 phosphorylation and activation. Furthermore, PI3K activation results in the transcriptional repression of MKP2 and MKP3 promoters. Through these two molecular mechanisms, PI3K activation contributes to unleashing to its full extent Kras oncogenic ability. These data not only uncover novel oncogenic pathways controlled by PI3K signaling, but also further strengthen the rationale for the dual targeting of PI3K and MAPK pathways in thyroid cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5075.
Mechanism of transport modulation by an extracellular loop in an archaeal Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter (EAAT) homolog

Secondary transporters in the excitatory amino acid transporter family terminate glutamatergic synaptic transmission by catalyzing Na+-dependent removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft. Recent structural studies of the aspartate-specific archaeal homolog, GltPh, suggest that transport is achieved by a rigid body, piston-like movement of the transport domain, which houses the substrate-binding site, between the extracellular and cytoplasmic sides of the membrane. This transport domain is connected to an immobile scaffold by three loops, one of which, the 3–4 loop (3L4), undergoes substrate-sensitive conformational change. Proteolytic cleavage of the 3L4 was found to abolish transport activity indicating an essential function for this loop in the transport mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that despite the presence of fully cleaved 3L4, GltPh is still able to sample conformations relevant for transport. Optimized reconstitution conditions reveal that fully cleaved GltPh retains some transport activity. Analysis of the kinetics and temperature dependence of transport accompanied by direct measurements of substrate binding reveal that this decreased transport activity is not due to alteration of the substrate binding characteristics but is caused by the significantly reduced turnover rate. By measuring solute counterflow activity and cross-link formation rates, we demonstrate that cleaving 3L4 severely and specifically compromises one or more steps contributing to the movement of the substrate-loaded transport domain between the outward- and inward-facing conformational states, sparing the equivalent step(s) during the movement of the empty transport domain. These results reveal a hitherto unknown role for the 3L4 in modulating an essential step in the transport process.
On Being Observed

As I lagged behind to sign the code blue worksheet, the gray-haired cardiologist offered two suggestions that have always stuck with me: Remember that in-house ventricular fibrillation arrest has a...
Multiple predictor smoothing methods for sensitivity analysis

The use of multiple predictor smoothing methods in sampling-based sensitivity analyses of complex models is investigated. Specifically, sensitivity analysis procedures based on smoothing methods employing the stepwise application of the following nonparametric regression techniques are described: (i) locally weighted regression (LOESS), (ii) additive models (GAMs), (iii) projection pursuit regression (PP/spl I.bar/REG), and (iv) recursive partitioning regression (RP/spl I.bar/REG). The indicated procedures are illustrated with both simple test problems and results from a performance assessment for a radioactive waste disposal facility (i.e., the waste isolation pilot plant). As shown by the example illustrations, the use of smoothing procedures based on nonparametric regression techniques can yield more informative sensitivity analysis results than can be obtained with more traditional sensitivity analysis procedures based on linear regression, rank regression or response surface regression when nonlinear relationships between model inputs and model predictions are present.
Sample size matters: investigating the effect of sample size on a logistic regression susceptibility model for debris flows

Abstract. Predictive spatial modelling is an important task in natural hazard assessment and regionalisation of geomorphic processes or landforms. Logistic regression is a multivariate statistical approach frequently used in predictive modelling; it can be conducted stepwise in order to select from a number of candidate independent variables those that lead to the best model. In our case study on a debris flow susceptibility model, we investigate the sensitivity of model selection and quality to different sample sizes in light of the following problem: on the one hand, a sample has to be large enough to cover the variability of geofactors within the study area, and to yield stable and reproducible results; on the other hand, the sample must not be too large, because a large sample is likely to violate the assumption of independent observations due to spatial autocorrelation. Using stepwise model selection with 1000 random samples for a number of sample sizes between n = 50 and n = 5000, we investigate the inclusion and exclusion of geofactors and the diversity of the resulting models as a function of sample size; the multiplicity of different models is assessed using numerical indices borrowed from information theory and biodiversity research. Model diversity decreases with increasing sample size and reaches either a local minimum or a plateau; even larger sample sizes do not further reduce it, and they approach the upper limit of sample size given, in this study, by the autocorrelation range of the spatial data sets. In this way, an optimised sample size can be derived from an exploratory analysis. Model uncertainty due to sampling and model selection, and its predictive ability, are explored statistically and spatially through the example of 100 models estimated in one study area and validated in a neighbouring area: depending on the study area and on sample size, the predicted probabilities for debris flow release differed, on average, by 7 to 23 percentage points. In view of these results, we argue that researchers applying model selection should explore the behaviour of the model selection for different sample sizes, and that consensus models created from a number of random samples should be given preference over models relying on a single sample.
A Lower Bound for the Achievable Throughput in Large Random Wireless Networks Under Fixed Multipath Fading

We consider the problem of achievable per-node throughput in an extended distributed wireless network where the node locations are random and the channel attenuation between pairs of nodes exhibits independent random multipath fading. In [1] a clever protocol construction based on percolation theory was used to show that a per-node throughput of a constant times 1/√n bits per second is achievable with probability approaching one as the expected number of nodes in the network, n, becomes large (i.e. w.h.p.), for networks with random node locations under a deterministic channel gain modeling path-loss and absorption. We use a similar approach to extend the result to a more realistic channel gain model where the channel gains are random due to multipath effects. In particular, we show that a constant times 1/√n bps/node is also achievable, w.h.p., when the channel gains are random. The result applies to independent, frequency flat fading channel models where the tail probability exhibits an exponential decay (e.g., any mixture of line of sight and Rayleigh, Rice and Nakagami distributions).
Intramolecular versus intermolecular disulfide bonds in prion proteins.

Prion protein (PrP) is the major component of the partially protease-resistant aggregate that accumulates in mammals with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The two cysteines of the scrapie form, PrPSc, were found to be in their oxidized (i.e. disulfide) form (Turk, E., Teplow, D. B., Hood, L. E., and Prusiner, S. B. (1988)Eur. J. Biochem. 176, 21–30); however, uncertainty remains as to whether the disulfide bonds are intra- or intermolecular. It is demonstrated here that the monomers of PrPSc are not linked by intermolecular disulfide bonds. Furthermore, evidence is provided that PrPSc can induce the conversion of the oxidized, disulfide-intact form of the monomeric cellular prion protein to its protease-resistant form without the temporary breakage and subsequent re-formation of the disulfide bonds in cell-free reactions.
Cooperative OFDM for energy-efficient wireless sensor networks

This paper presents a new energy-efficient cooperative sensor network scheme. Cooperative nodes shift the carrier frequency of the source node, and the destination node receives the signal from the source node and the cooperative nodes as a standard orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) receiver. The maximal ratio combining (MRC) approach is applied to achieve full diversity with low complexity. The proposed scheme is scalable with respect to the number of nodes and is robust to time synchronization. A clustered network topology and cooperation protocol are proposed to realize multi-hop long haul signal transmission. The effect of the cluster scale is studied thoroughly to obtain the optimal size of clusters subject to the cooperation overhead. Simulation results show that the proposed cooperation scheme can consistently reduce the transmission power with the increase of cooperation scale. However, there is an optimal cluster scale where a good tradeoff between the diversity gain and cooperation cost can be established to minimize the total power consumption of the whole network.
A New Transceiver Architecture for the 60-GHz Band

A new ldquohalf-RFrdquo architecture incorporates a polyphase filter in the signal path to allow the use of a local oscillator frequency equal to half the input frequency. The receiver performs 90deg phase shift and two downconversion steps to produce quadrature baseband outputs. The transmitter upconverts the quadrature baseband signals in two steps, applies the results to a polyphase filter, and sums its outputs. Each path employs a dedicated 30-GHz oscillator and is fabricated in 90-nm CMOS technology. The receiver achieves a noise figure of 5.7-7.1 dB and gain/phase mismatch of 1.1 dB/2.1deg while consuming 36 mW. The transmitter produces a maximum output level of -7.2 dBm and an image rejection of 20 dB while drawing 78 mW.
Reusable design: A proposed approach to Public Health Informatics system design

Background Since it was first defined in 1995, Public Health Informatics (PHI) has become a recognized discipline, with a research agenda, defined domain-specific competencies and a specialized corpus of technical knowledge. Information systems form a cornerstone of PHI research and implementation, representing significant progress for the nascent field. However, PHI does not advocate or incorporate standard, domain-appropriate design methods for implementing public health information systems. Reusable design is generalized design advice that can be reused in a range of similar contexts. We propose that PHI create and reuse information design knowledge by taking a systems approach that incorporates design methods from the disciplines of Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design and other related disciplines.
Alterations in 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin-induced neuroendocrine responses after 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-induced denervation of serotonergic neurons.

In the present study, we examined denervation-induced changes in the sensitivity of hypothalamic postsynaptic serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor function with respect to changes in the dose-dependent elevation in plasma hormones [adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, prolactin, oxytocin, prolactin, renin and vasopressin] by the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). Rats received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of the serotonin neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) or vehicle (0.1% ascorbate in saline) 3 weeks before challenge with increasing doses of 8-OH-DPAT (0, 10, 50 or 200 micrograms/kg s.c.). The effectiveness of 5,7-DHT-induced destruction of serotonergic neurons was confirmed by a 93% reduction in [3H]paroxetine-labeled 5-HT uptake sites in the hypothalamus. No changes in basal levels of ACTH, corticosterone, oxytocin, prolactin, renin and vasopressin were observed in rats that received i.c.v. 5,7-DHT injections. The dose-response curves for 8-OH-DPAT-induced elevations of plasma corticosterone and prolactin levels were shifted to the left in rats treated with 5,7-DHT, whereas no significant difference in the ACTH dose-response curve was observed between rats treated with vehicle and rats treated with 5,7-DHT. In contrast, the maximal oxytocin response to 8-OH-DPAT was attenuated in rats treated with 5,7-DHT. A 5,7-DHT-induced decline in the synthesis of oxytocin could explain this phenomenon. Although 8-OH-DPAT did not increase plasma levels of renin or vasopressin in rats treated with vehicle, 8-OH-DPAT produced an elevation (75%) in plasma renin concentration but not in vasopressin levels in rats that received i.c.v. injections of 5,7-DHT. No change was observed in [3H]8-OH-DPAT labeled 5-HT1A receptors in the hypothalamus. In summary, denervation of hypothalamic serotonergic nerve terminals produces supersensitivity of some neuroendocrine responses to 8-OH-DPAT independent of changes in the density of hypothalamic 5-HT1A receptors.
A Secure Cryptographic Token Interface

Cryptographic keys must be protected from exposure. In real-world applications, they are often guarded by cryptographic tokens that employ sophisticated hardware-security measures. Several logical attacks on the key management operations of cryptographic tokens have been reported in the past, which allowed to expose keys merely by exploiting the token API in unexpected ways. This paper proposes a novel, provably secure, cryptographic token interface that supports multiple users, implements symmetric cryptosystems and public-key schemes, and provides operations for key generation, encryption, authentication, and key wrapping. The token interface allows only the most important operations found in real-world token APIs; while flexible to be of practical use, it is restricted enough so that it does not expose any key to a user without sufficient privileges. The security policy can be applied to the industry-standard PKCS #11 interface.
The relationship between intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Abstract Background Previous observations suggest that intraoperative blood transfusion (IBT) is a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes. IBT alters immune function and may predispose to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Methods Patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database were studied over a 5-year period. Logistic regression identified predictors of SIRS. Propensity matching was used to obtain a balanced set of patients with equivalent preoperative risks for IBT. Results Of 553,288 inpatients, 19,968 (3.6%) developed postoperative SIRS, and 40,378 (7.2%) received IBT. Mortality in patients with SIRS was 13-fold higher than in those without SIRS (13.5% vs 1.0%, P P P Conclusions There is a significant association between IBT and the development of SIRS. IBT may induce SIRS, and reductions in IBT may decrease the incidence of postoperative SIRS.
Premercapturic acid metabolites of bromobenzene derived via its 2,3- and 3,4-oxide metabolites.

1. A new premercapturic acid metabolite of bromobenzene was isolated from the urine of beta-naphthoflavone-induced rats; using 1H-n.m.r., FAB mass spectrometry and chemical degradation it was identified as S-(2-hydroxy-3-bromocyclohexa-3,5-dienyl)-N-acetylcysteine. 2. Two regioisomeric premercapturic acids apparently derived from bromobenzene-3,4-oxide were isolated as an inseparable 1:1 mixture from the urine of phenobarbital-induced rats and characterized by similar means. 3. Acid dehydration of bromobenzene 3,4- and 4,3-premercapturic acids (mixture) afforded only p-bromophenylmercapturic acid, whereas acid dehydration of 3,2-premercapturic acid gave both o- and m-bromophenylmercapturic acids. This implies a shift of sulphur in acid dehydration of the 3,4- and 3,2- but not the 4,3-premercapturic acids. 4. Base dehydration of the 3,4- and 4,3-premercapturic acid mixture gave a mixture of p- and m-bromophenylmercapturic acids, whereas base dehydration of the 3,2-premercapturic acid gave only m-bromophenylmercapturic acid. This indicates these premercapturic acids dehydrate by direct elimination without rearrangment. 5. The 3,2-premercapturic acid was detected only in the urine of BNF-induced animals, whereas the 3,4- and 4,3-premercapturic acids were detected in the urines of untreated as well as PB- and BNF-induced animals. 6. Together with earlier reports of the isolation of the 2,3-dihydrodiol, the isolation of the 3,2-premercapturic acid as a urinary metabolite of bromobenzene implies that bromobenzene-2,3-oxide is a discrete metabolite of bromobenzene and not merely a hypothetical intermediate.
Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition Radiosensitizes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers

Purpose Despite improvements in chemoradiation, local control remains a major clinical problem in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in tumor recurrence by promoting survival of tumorigenic precursors and through effects on tumor-associated stroma. Whether Hedgehog inhibition can affect radiation efficacy in vivo has not been reported. Methods and Materials We evaluated the effects of a targeted Hedgehog inhibitor (HhAntag) and radiation on clonogenic survival of human non-small cell lung cancer lines in vitro. Using an A549 cell line xenograft model, we examined tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression changes after concomitant HhAntag and radiation. In a transgenic mouse model of Kras G12D -induced and Twist1-induced lung adenocarcinoma, we assessed tumor response to radiation and HhAntag by serial micro-computed tomography (CT) scanning. Results In 4 human lung cancer lines in vitro, HhAntag showed little or no effect on radiosensitivity. By contrast, in both the human tumor xenograft and murine inducible transgenic models, HhAntag enhanced radiation efficacy and delayed tumor growth. By use of the human xenograft model to differentiate tumor and stromal effects, mouse stromal cells, but not human tumor cells, showed significant and consistent downregulation of Hedgehog pathway gene expression. This was associated with increased tumor cell apoptosis. Conclusions Targeted Hedgehog pathway inhibition can increase in vivo radiation efficacy in lung cancer preclinical models. This effect is associated with pathway suppression in tumor-associated stroma. These data support clinical testing of Hedgehog inhibitors as a component of multimodality therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Systematics and phytogeography of selected Eocene Okanagan Highlands plants

The diverse Early to Middle Eocene Okanagan Highlands floras of south central British Columbia and northeastern Washington reflect a time of rapid evolution and the early radiation of many dicot families that are currently significant elements of temperate floras. Recent studies of the Republic, Washington flora (Klondike Mountain Formation) and related Okanagan floras in British Columbia have documented both the earliest, and sometimes the only, known fossil occurrences of genera. Today many once more widespread taxa are restricted, particularly to Asian and (or) eastern North American refugia. Examples include members of the families Betulaceae (birch, hazelnut), Rosaceae (rose), Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel), and the endemic Asian family Trochodendraceae. Earliest occurrences are noted for Neviusia (Rosaceae), Trochodendron (Trochodendraceae), Corylus and Carpinus (both Betulaceae). The first unequivocal leaf records of Corylopsis and Fothergilla (both Hamamelidaceae), and two new Eocene species of the extinct fruit Palaeocarpinus (Betulaceae) are also recognized. Today, Trochodendron and Corylopsis are restricted to Asia, whereas Neviusia and Fothergilla , genera with close Asian relatives, occur only in North America. Corylus johnsonii from Republic is most similar to the extant Asian species C. heterophylla , C. wangii , and C. ferox . Neviusia leaves from One Mile Creek near Princeton, British Columbia are more similar to N. cliftonii , an endemic from Mount Shasta, California, than to N. alabamensis of southeastern North America. A better documentation of the Okanagan Highlands floras is essential to our understanding of the evolution of North American temperate floras and the nature of Asian – North American disjunct taxa.
Achieving Sum-Capacity of the MIMO BC with Large Transmit Array using One-Shot Scalable Feedback Protocol

We consider a MIMO broadcast channel (BC) with large M and K, where M is the number of transmit antennas and K is the number of single-antenna users; and propose a scalable feedback protocol that achieves the sum-capacity with limited feedback of channel state information (CSI). In our earlier work, we showed that if feedback time slots correspond to channel gains and not to users, the sum-capacity M log log K can be achieved with feedback resources growing only as M log K, unlike linearly as M K for conventional schemes. In this work, we show that feedback requirement can further be reduced by half or more, while still achieving the sum-capacity. A scalable feedback (SF) protocol using random beamforming (RBF) is proposed, which a) requires finite number of feedback slots upper bounded by a constant, b) is fully distributed, c) needs finite transmission energy during feedback and d) achieves the sum-capacity. Numerical results show that feedback load is substantially reduced as compared to conventional schemes, as well as our own previously proposed SF scheme.