cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sub-Proteomic fractionation, iTRAQ, and OFFGEL-LC-MS/MS approaches to cardiac proteomics

Using an in solution based approach with a sub-proteomic fraction enriched in cardiac sarcomeric proteins; we identified protein abundance in ischemic and non-ischemic regions of rat hearts stressed by acute myocardial ischemia by ligating the left-anterior descending coronary artery in vivo for 1h without reperfusion. Sub-cellular fractionation permitted more in depth analysis of the proteome by reducing the sample complexity. A series of differential centrifugations produced nuclear, mitochondrial, cytoplasmic, microsomal, and sarcomeric enriched fractions of ischemic and non-ischemic tissues. The sarcomeric enriched fractions were labeled with isobaric tags for relative quantitation (iTRAQ), and then fractionated with an Agilent 3100 OFFGEL fractionator. The OFFGEL fractions were run on a Dionex U-3000 nano LC coupled to a ThermoFinnigan LTQ running in PQD (pulsed Q dissociation) mode. The peptides were analyzed using two search engines MASCOT (MatrixScience), and MassMatrix with false discovery rate of <5%. Compared to no fractionation prior to LC-MS/MS, fractionation with OFFGEL improved the identification of proteins approximately four-fold. We found that approximately 22 unique proteins in the sarcomeric enriched fraction had changed at least 20%. Our workflow provides an approach for discovery of unique biomarkers or changes in the protein profile of tissue in disorders of the heart.
Integration method for 3D model reconstruction

Three-dimensional (3D) object reconstruction from range images plays an important role in many research and application fields, including computer vision, reverse engineering, computer graphics, and CAD/CAM. Since data integration is a fundamental step in object reconstruction, a great number of research efforts have been made on that. In this paper, a novel integration algorithm is presented. Firstly, the input data (registered data) which contains overlapping data is represented by kd-tree structure. Then, three theorems are provided together with the usage of nearest neighbor searching to identify and eliminate the overlapping data. The method manipulates the registered data directly without preprocessing work, therefore, provides an efficient and straightforward way to remove the redundant data. This is different from the traditional methods which need to mesh the input data or build an implicit surface function before integration. To reduce the data size and obtain a reasonable density distribution, a reliable resampling method called ball travel based resampling is also developed. The experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
The six C's of modern airline competition

This paper discusses a wide variety of forms which modern-day airline competition is taking — The six C's, including competition, coopetition, codesharing, coordination, cooperation, and anti-trust immunised relationships (collusion) — and makes some observations about what this requires of us and some of the requirements it will impose upon our revenue management systems. In particular, they create the need for better ways to share data, to optimise across multi-carrier networks, and to understand the economic implications of these relationships.
Quantitative determination of α-tocopherol on thin layers of silica gel

Abstract α-Tocopherol in the range of 1–10 μg may be directly quantified on thin layers of silica gel containing fluorescent indicator. Following chromatography, the plate is heated at 110°C for 18 hr so that α-tocopherol is quantitatively converted to its oxidized products. The chromatogram is scanned at 270 nm. These products absorb this excitation radiation so that reduced fluorescence correlates with α-tocopherol content. The technique takes advantage of the facile oxidation of α-tocopherol and eliminates the steps of sample transfer, chromophore development, and quantification normally employed. This direct, sensitive method is suitable for biological samples and yields 99% recovery.
Consolidations of scale and scope in urban transit

Abstract We study the cost-effectiveness of forming large multi-modal transit organizations by estimating a quadratic multi-product frontier cost function on a U.S. sample, 1984–1986. Several policy applications, including a pilot study of San Francisco Bay Area proposals are presented. Product-specific economies exist for all modes except motor-bus; the extent of economies of scope depends crucially on post-consolidation systemic wages. In the Bay Area, a merger of the seven major providers into a single regional transit agency raises costs.
Difficulties of dealing with large image cubes

Image cubes are three-dimensional image datasets, in which the third dimension, typically spectral, is of the same order of magnitude as the line and sample dimensions. Image cubes are more difficult to manipulate than 2-dimensional images, both because of their increased data volume, and because of the significant additional information they contain. Conventional image processing system often do not deal gracefully with images with a significant third dimension. Preprocessing to reduce data volume, concentrate on regions of interest, and accommodate existing systems occupies a considerable amount of effort in image cube analysis. With the exception of software and hardware for image display, current trends in the computing industry are optimistic for the future effective utilization of image cube datasets that will be available in the EOS era.
K0 and noetherian group rings

Abstract The authors use K -theoretic methods to prove that if F is a field of char 0 and G is a torsion free polycyclic-by-finite-group then F [ G ] is a domain.
Discovery and SAR of 6-substituted-4-anilinoquinazolines as non-competitive antagonists of mGlu5

A high-throughput cell-based screen identified a series of 6-substituted-4-anilinoquinazolines as non-competitive antagonists of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu 5 ). This Letter describes the SAR of this series and the profile of selected compounds in selectivity and radioligand binding assays.
Large-NF solution of the quark-Higgs sector of the supersymmetric standard model.

We solve a model of a Higgs supermultiplet coupled to a quark (or a lepton) supermultiplet in the large-{ital N}{sub {ital F}} limit including the effects of soft supersymmetry-breaking terms. We find that the model needs to be defined with a cutoff and we obtain the spectrum of the model in the region where the masses of the particles remain below the cutoff scale of the model. The model corresponds to the quark-Higgs (or lepton-Higgs) sector of the supersymmetric versions of the standard model when the quantum corrections due to only the Yukawa-Higgs couplings are considered.
Ranking of Direct Trust, Confidence, and Reputation in an Abstract System with Unreliable Components

Trust is an important aspect in human societies. It enables cooperation and provides means to estimate potential cooperation partners. Several works have addressed how the concept of trust can be transferred to computer systems. In this paper, we present an approach to calculate trust, including direct trust, confidence, and reputation, in a network consisting of agents with changing behavior. Our metrics are highly configurable for an adaption to a wide variety of systems and situations, especially Organic Computing Systems can benefit from trust by integrating it in their algorithms implementing self-organizational behavior. We evaluate the effect of direct trust and confidence together with reputation (DTCR) in comparison with using only direct trust (DT) or direct trust with confidence (DTC). Because these metrics can be configured with many parameters leading to an immense number of possible configurations we apply a heuristic optimization algorithm to find very good setups showing the highest benefits. For this evaluation, an abstract scenario is developed and applied, it consists of unreliable components from different classes of defined mean behavior. This general scenario could model many possible industrial settings out of which a few are introduced, too. Our evaluations show that reputation and direct trust are best used together with a fluent transition between them defined by the confidence. In all cases, reputation works as a corrective when direct trust information is not optimal and potentially misleading. This leads to very good results with very limited variance, particularly we show that a small number of interactions are sufficient to obtain the best results.
Comparison between aqueous-phase and gas-phase exposure protocols for determining the mutagenic potential of nitrogen dioxide and the gas fraction of welding fumes

Nitrogen dioxide and the gas fraction of welding fumes, a complex gas mixture which contains high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, were tested for mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium tester strains, TA1535 and TA1538. A comparison between 2 exposure protocols, aqueous phase and gas phase, was made to evaluate the sensitivity of each in measuring the mutagenic potential of the gases. In the aqueous-phase exposure, a suspension of cells in an isotonic salt solution was exposed by bubbling the gas through the culture. In the gas-phase exposure, the plated cells were exposed to the gas in a chamber. For both gases tested, the gas-phase exposure resulted in a higher reversion frequency than the aqueous-phase exposure. Furthermore, we found that nitrogen dioxide accounted for only a fraction of the mutagenicity observed for the gas fraction of welding fumes.
A superscalar processor for a medium-grain reconfigurable hardware

In this paper a novel modular superscalar execution core is presented for a medium grain reconfigurable hardware. The processor can be configured for varying path widths, reservation station depths, and reorder buffer sizes with minimal redesign effort. An analysis comparing the superscalar core with a five-stage execution core shows that a speedup of 2.073 can easily be achieved while increasing area by only 29%.
Transformational Leadership Practices of Nurse Leaders in Professional Nursing Associations

Objective This study describes the transformational leadership (TL) practices of nurse leaders in professional nursing associations (PNAs). Background Professional nursing associations are vehicles to provide educational opportunities for nurses as well as leadership opportunities for members. Little has been published about the leadership practices of PNA members. Method E-mail surveys of 448 nurse leaders in PNAs were conducted in 2013 using the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). Results The top 2 TL practices of these nurse leaders were enabling others to act and encouraging the heart. Respondents with more leadership training reported higher TL practices. Conclusion This is the 1st study to describe TL practices of nurse leaders in PNAs. Results of this study show that nurse leaders of PNAs emulate practices of TL. Transformational leaders can mobilize and direct association members in reaching shared values, objectives, and outcomes. Understanding TL practices of nurse leaders in PNAs are important to the future of nursing in order to enable nurses to lead change and advance health through these organizations.
Demythologizing or Dehumanizing? A Response to Settlage and the Ideals of Open Inquiry

I read with intrigue and appreciation John Settlage’s recent editorial piece (Settlage 2007) in this journal regarding the notion of mythology and its pertinence to the ideals of open inquiry. Much...
High-κ dielectrics for advanced carbon- nanotube transistors and logic gates

The integration of materials having a high dielectric constant (high-kappa) into carbon-nanotube transistors promises to push the performance limit for molecular electronics. Here, high-kappa (approximately 25) zirconium oxide thin-films (approximately 8 nm) are formed on top of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes by atomic-layer deposition and used as gate dielectrics for nanotube field-effect transistors. The p-type transistors exhibit subthreshold swings of S approximately 70 mV per decade, approaching the room-temperature theoretical limit for field-effect transistors. Key transistor performance parameters, transconductance and carrier mobility reach 6,000 S x m(-1) (12 microS per tube) and 3,000 cm2 x V(-1) x s(-1) respectively. N-type field-effect transistors obtained by annealing the devices in hydrogen exhibit S approximately 90 mV per decade. High voltage gains of up to 60 are obtained for complementary nanotube-based inverters. The atomic-layer deposition process affords gate insulators with high capacitance while being chemically benign to nanotubes, a key to the integration of advanced dielectrics into molecular electronics.
A numerical study of granular shear flows of rod-like particles using the discrete element method

The effect of particle aspect ratio and surface geometry on granular flows is assessed by performing numerical simulations of rod-like particles in simple shear flows using the discrete element method (DEM). The effect of particle surface geometry is explored by adopting two types of particles: glued-spheres particles and true cylindrical particles. The particle aspect ratio varies from one to six. Compared to frictionless spherical particles, smaller stresses are obtained for the glued-spheres and cylindrical particle systems in dilute and moderately dense flows due to the loss of translational energy, which is partially converted to rotational energy, for the non-spherical particles. For dilute granular flows of non-spherical particles, stresses are primarily affected by the particle aspect ratio rather than the surface geometry. As the particle aspect ratio increases, the effective particle projected area in the plane perpendicular to the flow direction increases, so that the probability of the occurrence of the particle collisions increases, leading to a reduction in particle velocity fluctuation and therefore a decrease in the stresses. Hence, a simple modification is made to the kinetic theory for granular flows to describe the stress tensors for dilute flows of non-spherical particles by incorporating a normalized effective particle projected area to account for the effect of particle collision probability. For dense granular flows, the stresses depend on both the particle aspect ratio and the surface geometry. Sharp stress increases at high solid volume fractions are observed for the glued-spheres particles with large aspect ratios due to the bumpy surfaces, which impede the flow. However, smaller stresses are obtained for the true cylindrical particles with large aspect ratios at high solid volume fractions. This trend is attributed to the combined effects of the smooth particle surfaces and the particle alignments such that the major/long axes of particles are aligned in the flow direction. In addition, the apparent friction coefficient, defined as the ratio of shear to normal stresses, is found to decrease as the particle aspect ratio increases and/or the particle surface becomes smoother at high solid volume fractions.
School size and effectiveness: Policy implications

For the first 75 years of this century, the only “good” schools were considered to be large. Today the buzz word is small. Educators who still promote the idea of biggest, largest, or strongest are living in the post-sputnik era, when for national pride we had to be number one. Today small is related to school effectiveness, community and school identity, and individual fullfillment and participation. Big corresponds with school inefficiency, institutional bureaucracy, and personal loneliness.
LUNGWORMS IN COYOTES ON THE GREAT PLAINS

A total of 395 coyotes (Canis latrans) was examined in the field for lungworms (Filaroides osleri and Capillaria aerophila) with 60 trachea and bronchial trees returned to the laboratory for detailed examination. Coyote carcasses were obtained from eight central states (Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, and three regions of Kansas). Cysts of F. osleri were present in the trachea or first division of bronchi of 68 (17%) of the coyotes examined. C. aerophila infections were identified during field examinations, primarily by the excess mucus in the bronchi, in 151 (38%) coyotes. Nearly 6% of the coyotes examined were infected with both lungworm species. A total of 195 (49%) coyotes had at least one species of lungworm. Filaroides was less frequent in Iowa and Kansas; Capillaria infections were present in at least 30% of the coyotes examined at all stations.
Confucius and the Analects: New Essays

Confucius is one of the most influential figures-as historical individual and as symbol-in world history; and the Analects, the sayings attributed to Confucius and his disciples, is a classic of world literature. Nonetheless, how to understand both figure and text is constantly under dispute. Surprisingly, this volume is the first and only anthology on these topics in English. Here, contributors apply a variety of different methodologies (including philosophical, philological, and religious) and address a number of important topics, from Confucius and Western "virtue ethics" to Confucius' attitude toward women to the historical composition of the text of the Analects. Scholars will appreciate the rigor of these essays, while students and beginners will find them accessible and engaging.
Long-range planning in a politicized environment

Abstract The environment of the American corporation is becoming politicized by a variety of trends in the specific sense that social, political and legal developments are assuming greater strategic importance relative to market competition. As a result, long-range planning at the level of enterprise strategy is increasingly important. This paper examines two major illustrations of such politicization in the context of commercial law (the Westinghouse uranium crisis) and environmental regulation (Consolidated Edison's Storm King Mountain project). The paper concludes with a brief investigation of the implications of such politicization for long-range planning procedures.
Antinuclear antibodies with nucleosome-restricted specificity for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents

Circulating antinuclear autoantibodies (ANAs) are well known to accompany various pathological conditions and can be artificially induced by immunization. Research and clinical data permit us to hypothesize a definite connection between cancer and ANAs. Based on the available data, my group’s research suggested that exogenous ANAs may be used as anticancer therapeutics. Among these ANAs, nucleosome-specific ANAs may be particularly useful. Advances in cancer immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies re-emphasized the role of humoral immunity in neoplasia control. The development of a universal antibody targeting diverse cancers is of clear importance. We showed that certain natural ANAs recognize the surface of numerous tumor cells but not normal cells via cell surface-bound nucleosomes originating from the apoptotically dying neighboring tumor cells, mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of tumor cells in vitro and inhibit the development of murine tumor in syngeneic mice. A single monoclonal a...
STM and Cluster Calculation Study of Segregated B on Si(001) Surface

The atomic configuration of B atoms on the Si(001)-2×1 surface which are segregated on the top surface is investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) whose data are further analyzed by comparison with a cluster model calculation with a local density approximation method. Unoccupied state STM images show characteristic paired protrusions which are located on both sides of the Si dimer rows in a symmetrical manner. They can be observed only at a higher sample bias (>1.4 V) and are enhanced at ~2.0 V, which is further confirmed quantitatively by STS measurements. The cluster calculation shows that a model where a B atom is bridging two neighboring Si dimers in the same dimer row can reproduce the STM and STS observations.
Retention of trace elements in leaves as a result of aerial deposition from fly ash

Abstract Coal fly ash was applied periodically (9 applications in 5 months) to leaves of three tree species in the field and leaf samples were analyzed 8 months after the first application to determine if any of the trace metals from the fly ash had been retained in the leaves. A similar experiment was conducted with bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Improved Tendergreen) in a glasshouse and plants were analyzed after 22 days exposure. All plants were washed in 0.1N HC1 and deionized water before analysis. Tree leaves retained some Fe, Al, Ti, Sr and Ba and small amounts of some of the other trace elements but not consistently. The bush bean leaves retained Fe, Al, Ti, Ba but not Sr. Element retention was related to concentration in the fly ash and could be the result of surface contamination. Silicon, however, which has high concentrations in fly ash was not elevated in leaves. The pronounced marker trace elements in fly ash, Ba and Sr, were not strongly transferred to leaves. There was no evidence o...
Nonorthogonality corrections in the method of correlated basis functions

A set of normalized linearly independent basis functions φ1, φ2, …, φj, … generates matrix representatives H and N of the Hamiltonian operator and the identity. An orthonormal basis φ1, φ2, …, φj, … generated by a Lowdin transformation is characterized by the distance in Hilbert space between φj and φj. The choice of positive definite N12 minimizes these distances and maximizes the diagonal elements of N12. Again for positive definite N12 and a finite basis, 1 ⩽ j ⩽ p, the analysis yields a general theorem on Trace N−n2 (⩾ p for all positive and negative integral values of n except n = −1 and ⩽ p for n = −1). Sufficient conditions are determined which permit the application of the binomial theorem to the evaluation of the transform of H. Approximate formulas for the energy eigenvalues through third order in nondiagonal matrix elements are presented in a compact form containing characteristic nonorthogonality corrections depending on the exterior or interior location of the matrix element in the perturbation formulas.
Distribution of ventilation and perfusion: a teaching model.

Abstract Models can be used as teaching tools to study complex phenomena. This model uses simplifications of blood gas subroutines to provide fast execution of the effect of the distribution of ventilation and blood flow in the lung on arterial blood gases. Assumptions are made that introduce only small errors but that avoid the use of iterations which would slow down execution. The use of Turbo-Pascal as the programming language allows for not only speed in development and execution but also portability to a variety of computers including CP M systems and IBM-PCs.
Anticipated and unanticipated disturbances: The dynamics of the exchange rate and the current account

Abstract The pattern of correlation between the exchange rate and the current account is investigated in the context of an econometric portfolio-balance model with rational expectations. While exchange-rate appreciation (depreciation) is positively correlated with current account surpluses (deficits) in response to unanticipated disturbances, there can be either positive or negative correlation in response to anticipated disturbances. Using maximum likelihood methods, the model is estimated and the response to anticipated disturbances is simulated using data from the current flexible exchange-rate period. The exchange rate and the current account are found to be positively correlated in response to anticipated disturbances for Japan and the United States, and negatively correlated for Germany and the United Kingdom.
Rotations by π/7

Piecewise rotations are natural generalizations of interval exchange maps. They appear naturally in the theory of digital filters, Hamiltonian systems and polygonal dual billiards. We construct a rational piecewise rotation system with three atoms for which the return time to one of the atoms is unbounded. We show that the return map gives rise to a self-similar structure of induced atoms. The constructions are based on the angle of rotation π/7. Moreover, we construct a continuous class of examples with an infinite number of periodic cells. These periodic cells alternate between two atoms and they form a self-similar structure. Our investigation here may be viewed as generalizations of results obtained by Boshernitzan and Caroll, as well as Adler, Kitchens and Tresser, Kahng, Lowenstein and others. The main tools in the investigation are algebraic computations in a cyclotomic field determined by fourteenth roots of unity.
CoreGenesis: erasing core boundaries for robust and configurable performance

Single-thread performance, power efficiency and reliability are critical design challenges of future multicore systems. Although point solutions have been proposed to address these issues, a more fundamental change to the fabric of multicore systems is necessary to seamlessly combat these challenges. Towards this end, this paper proposes CoreGenesis, a dynamically adaptive multiprocessor fabric that blurs out individual core boundaries, and encourages resource sharing across cores for performance, reliability and customized processing. Further, as a manifestation of this vision, the paper provides details of a unified performance-reliability solution that can assemble variable-width processors from a network of (potentially broken) pipeline stage-level resources.
Frequency and fate of microRNA editing in human brain

ABSTRACTPrimary transcripts of certain microRNA (miRNA)genes (pri-miRNAs) are subject to RNA editing thatconverts adenosine to inosine (A!I RNA editing).However, the frequency of the pri-miRNA editingand the fate of edited pri-miRNAs remain largely tobe determined. Examination of already knownpri-miRNA editing sites indicated that adenosineresidues of the UAG triplet sequence might beedited more frequently. In the present study, there-fore, we conducted a large-scale survey of humanpri-miRNAs containing the UAG triplet sequence. Bydirect sequencing of RT–PCR products correspond-ing to pri-miRNAs, we examined 209 pri-miRNAsand identified 43 UAG and also 43 non-UAG editingsites in 47 pri-miRNAs, which were highly edited inhuman brain. In vitro miRNA processing assay usingrecombinant Drosha-DGCR8 and Dicer-TRBP (thehuman immuno deficiency virus transactivatingresponse RNA-binding protein) complexes revealedthat a majority of pri-miRNA editing is likely to inter-fere with the miRNA processing steps. In addition,four new edited miRNAs with altered seedsequences were identified by targeted cloning andsequencing of the miRNAs that would be processedfrom edited pri-miRNAs. Our studies predict that~16% of human pri-miRNAs are subject to A!I edit-ing and, thus, miRNA editing could have a largeimpact on the miRNA-mediated gene silencing.INTRODUCTIONOne type of RNA editing involves the conversion of aden-osine residues into inosine (A!I RNA editing) speciﬁcallyin double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) through the action ofADAR (adensosine deaminase acting on RNA) (1–3). Theinosine residue converted from adenosine in RNA isdetected as an A!G change of the cDNA sequence.The translation machinery reads inosine as guanosine,leading to alterations of codons. Three separate ADARgenefamilymembers (ADAR1–3) areknown in mammals.Both ADAR1 and ADAR2 are detected in many tissues,whereas ADAR3 is expressed only in brain (4–10).Involvement of both ADAR1 and ADAR2 in site-selectiveRNA editing has been demonstrated by in vitro editingexperiments as well as by analysis of editing site selectionchanges in ADAR1 null and ADAR2 null mutant mice(7,11–15). When it occurs within the protein-codingsequence, A!I RNA editing results in the synthesis ofproteins not directly encoded by the genome, as demon-strated with the glutamate receptors (GluR), the serotoninreceptor 2C (5-HT
Optimization of the squid giant axon leak conductance for repetitive firing

Recent work [1] indicates that the leak conductance (GL) in the squid giant axon is optimal for the action potential firing frequency. Assuming a chloride leak current, the measured GL of approximately 0.3 mS/cm2 is very close to the theoretical optimal value that minimizes the absolute refractory period, or equivalently, that maximizes the highest frequency at which action potentials can be generated. These results were obtained by simulating brief, sharp current injections at one end of a Hodgkin-Huxley axon model, consistent with the standard experimental technique for measuring refractory periods. However, it is known [2] that constant current inputs to one end of a spatially axon can also evoke repetitive firing over a relatively narrow range of input strength. We have therefore investigated the optimality of GL for constant input currents (IDC). We find that the repetitive firing frequency is indeed maximized near biological values of GL for lower values of IDC (Figure ​(Figure1).1). However, at higher values of IDC, the frequency-optimal GL goes to 0, and the firing frequency itself is even higher. Thus, solely from the point of view of maximizing repetitive firing frequency under constant current input, the combination of a high input current strength and little to no leak conductance would seem best. However, when one takes temperature into account, it suggests why evolution has not chosen this strategy. The ocean temperatures which a cold-blooded squid encounters can vary by as much as 10 degrees Celsius over a few months [3]. The repetitive firing of the axon therefore must be able to function over such a range. As shown in Figure ​Figure2,2, the range of GL-IDC parameter space over which repetitive firing can occur shrinks dramatically with increasing temperature. Since the value of GL is presumably unchangeable, the configuration which best preserves the ability of the axon to repetitively fire over the largest range of temperature favors GL values near the biological value. Figure 1 Repetitive firing frequency as function of leak conductance for a specific input current strength. Figure 2 Solid curves: boundaries in GL-IDC phase space outside of which repetitive firing is not possible under constant current input. Dashed curves: optimal GL values for each IDC
Autologous fibroblasts for treatment of facial rhytids and dermal depressions. A pilot study.

ObjectiveTo assess effectiveness of intradermal injections of autologous fibroblasts for the treatment of facial rhytids and dermal depressions. DesignSix-month prospective pilot study. Photographs...
Using Bayesian inference for the design of FIR filters with signed power-of-two coefficients

The design approach presented in this paper applies Bayesian inference to the design of finite impulse response (FIR) filters with signed power-of-two (SPoT) coefficients. Given a desired frequency magnitude response specified by upper and lower bounds in decibels, Bayesian parameter estimation and model selection are adapted to produce a distribution of potential designs, all of which perform at or close to the specified standard. In the process, having incorporated prior information such as the maximum acceptable number of SPoT terms and filter length, and the practical design requirement to use the fewest bits possible, the total number of bits, filter taps and SPoT terms, and the filter length required in a design are automatically determined. The produced design candidates have design complexity appropriate to the design specifications and requirements, as designs with higher design complexity than required are rendered less probable by the embedded Ockham's razor. This innate ability is a prominent advantage that the newly developed framework possesses over many optimization based techniques as it leads to designs that require fewer SPoT terms and filter taps. Most importantly, it avoids the intricacy, arduousness and rigorousness involved in devising an appropriate scheme for balancing design performance against design complexity.
Multisource video on-demand streaming in wireless mesh networks

We study the multisource video on-demand (VoD) application in multichannel multiradio wireless mesh networks. When a user initiates a new video request, the application can stream the video not only from the media servers, but also from the peers that have buffered the video. The multipath multisource video on-demand streaming has been applied in wired networks with great success. However, it remains a challenging task in wireless networks due to wireless interference. In this paper, we first focus on the problem of finding the maximum number of high-quality and independent paths from the user to the servers or peers for each VoD request by considering the effect of wireless interference. We formulate it as a constrained maximum independent paths problem and propose two efficient heuristic path discovery algorithms. Based on the multiple paths discovered, we further propose a joint routing and rate allocation algorithm, which minimizes the network congestion caused by the new VoD session. The algorithm is aware of the optimization for both existing and potential VoD sessions in the wireless mesh network. We evaluate our algorithms with real video traces. Simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm not only improves the average video streaming performance over all the coexisting VoD sessions in the network, but also increases the network's capacity of satisfying more subsequent VoD requests.
SELECTIVE REMOVAL OF ORGANIC SULFUR FROM COAL BY PERCHLOROETHYLENE EXTRACTION

ABSTRACT Desulfurization of coal involves the removal of both the inorganic and organic forms of sulfur. Several physical methods are available for the removal of inorganic sulfur which is normally represented by pyritic and sulfatic sulfur. Removal of organic sulfur requires the use of chemical cleaning methods. This paper presents the results of an organic sulfur removal technique which employs an organic solvent. This desulfurization technique is selective enough to reject organic sulfur without significantly reducing the calorific value of the treated coal. The sulfur containing organic species in the liquid product from the desulfurization procedure have been completely characterized using GC/MS techniques. These results provide further insights into the nature of the sulfur forms in the parent coal as well as the metamorphism of sulfur species in the coal, and the selective nature of the desulfurization process.
Solid-state vibrational laser-KBr:CN(-).

Laser oscillation at 2054 cm(-1) has been observed from a vibrational transition of the CN(-) molecule doped into KBr host crystals. At sufficiently large CN(-) concentrations, population inversion between the nu = 2 and nu= 1 vibrational levels is created by optical pumping of the 0 ? 1 transition followed by an efficient vibrational-energy exchange process.
Perceived support to stay quit: what happens after delivery?

Objective To assess whether perceived changes in postpartum support were associated with postpartum return to smoking.
The use of lasers in hemangiomas.

Vast experience with hemangiomas has allowed us to categorize those that could be treated with the CO2 or argon laser. Certain types will be contraindicated for laser surgery as they are very difficult to remove with present techniques.
Self-diffusion in concentrated polystyrene solutions measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching

Abstract A polystyrene polymer of narrow molecular weight distribution was carboxylated, then reduced, and finally esterified with NBD-aminohexanoic acid [6-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-aminohexanoic acid]. The self-diffusion of the NBD-labelled polystyrene polymer in concentrated solutions of the unlabelled polystyrene polymer was measured by the method of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching over a concentration range from 0.017 g/ml to 0.41 g/ml at room temperature. In the semi-dilute region, the concentration dependence of diffusion coefficient was found to be in agreement with the predictions of scaling concepts.
Agglomeration during the Drying of Fine Silica Powders, Part II: The Role of Particle Solubility

The effect of particle solubility and the dissolution rate on agglomeration was studied by drying silica and titania particles from aqueous slurries with pH values in the range of 2–12. The agglomerate strength and strength distribution were measured by a calibrated ultrasonic force, and the strength increased as the solubility and dissolution rate increased. Two silica powders of different particle size (60 nm and 500 nm) were studied, and smaller-sized particles formed stronger agglomerates. The drying rate of the powders was varied by using spray drying and tray drying, and slower drying was shown to lead to higher agglomerate strength. The agglomerate strength of titania powder (insoluble in water) was independent of pH, whereas the agglomerate strength of silica was dependent on pH. It was concluded that the solubility and dissolution rate are important parameters that govern the strength of agglomerates.
Unusual high redox potential ferredoxins and soluble cytochromes from the moderately halophilic purple phototrophic bacterium Rhodospirillum salinarum

Abstract Two soluble cytochromes and two high redox potential ferredoxins (HiPIP) were purified from extracts of the halophilic non-sulfur purple phototrophic bacterium Rhodospirillum salinarum. All four proteins are highly acidic, as are those from other halophilic phototrophs. Cytochrome c′ is otherwise like those of other species. Cytochrome c-551 has a low redox potential (−143 mV), and appears to be monomeric (12 kDa). We did not find a protein similar to the cytochrome c2 in most species of non-sulfur purple bacteria. The two HiPIP isozymes in R. salinarum differ in native molecular weight (iso-1, 10000 and iso-2, 45000), although iso-2 HiPIP may be a tetramer (subunit size 11 kDa). The redox potential of Iso-1 HiPIP is 265 mV, but iso-2 HiPIP is labile to ferricyanide and other oxidants tested, thus the redox potential was not measured. This is to our knowledge the first report of either an aggregated or a labile HiPIP. Abundant membrane bound c-type cytochromes were observed in R. salinarum by difference spectroscopy. About one-half of the heme (alpha peak maximum 553 nm) could be reduced by ascorbate, whereas the remainder of the heme was reduced by dithionite (552 nm maximum). These observations suggest the presence in R. salinarum of a tetraheme reaction center cytochrome which overshadows the cytochrome bc1 complex.
Pigmentary Degeneration of the Retina in the Hallervorden-Spatz Syndrome

Dizygotic twins developed a progressive neurologic disorder at age 6 months. When examined at age 7 1/2 years each had spastic quadriparesis and dystonia. Neither had ever spoken a complete sentence. The fundi showed bone spicule formation, a conspicuous choroidal circulation, and a striking accumulation of yellowish-white globular masses of varying sizes and shapes. Because our patients developed both the pigmentary degeneration and clinical signs of Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome at a much younger age than patients without retinopathy, we believe this case demonstrated a distinct nosologic entity.
Optimizing Remote File Access for Parallel and Distributed Network Applications

This paper presents a paradigm for remote file access called Smart File Objects (SFOs). The SFO is a realization of the ELFS (Extensible File Systems) concept of files as typed objects, but it is applied to wide-area networks (J. Karpovich et al., in “Proceedings of the 9th OOPLSA,” 1994). The SFO is an object-oriented application- specific file access paradigm designed to address the bottleneck imposed by high latency, low bandwidth, unpredictable, and unreliable networks such as the current Internet. Newly emerging network applications such as multimedia, metacomputing, and collaboratories will have different sensitivities to these network “features.” These applications will require a more flexible file access mechanism than what is provided by conventional distributed file systems. The SFO uses application and network information to adaptively prefetch and cache needed data in parallel with the execution of the application to mitigate the impact of the network. Preliminary results indicate that the SFO can provide substantial performance gains for network applications.
Clinicopathologic Study of the Effect of Radial Tears and Loop Fixation on Intraocular Lens Decentration

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of loop fixation and anterior capsular tears on intraocular lens (IOL) decentration. Methods: A retrospective measurement of IOL decentration was performed on 144 human eyes with posterior chamber (PC) IOLs obtained after death. Results: Decentration in eyes with asymmetrical bag-sulcus fixation (mean ± standard deviation, 0.64 ± 0.39 mm) was significantly higher than eyes with symmetrical fixation. In the presence of radial tears, symmetrically fixated IOLs in either the capsular bag or the ciliary sulcus decentered to a similar degree, 0.35 ± 0.25 mm and 0.4 ± 0.26 mm, respectively. The least decentration was observed with capsular fixation and no radial tears (0.18 ± 0.09 mm). This was significantly less decentration than with any other form of fixation in the presence of radial tears. Conclusion: This study shows that capsular fixation with no radial tears, as can be achieved by using the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, is associated with the least decentration.
The First Stalin Mass Operation (1927)

This article based on new archival documents introduces a new episode of mass operations, which took place in June and July of 1927 and was directed against the broad group of “anti-Soviet” forces. It preceded many practices of mass terror of the 1930s with judicial and extra-legal mechanisms. The goal of this article is to explain motivations, justifications, and mechanisms of this repressive campaign and to put this episode in the wider context of Soviet terror. Facing the combination of a perceived danger of war and real internal social hostility expressed in broad defeatism, both threatening the perpetuation of their governmental powers, authorities resorted to repressions. The 1927 episode highlights the factor of a perceived threat of war as a crucial motivating element in Soviet repressive tactics.
Perceived needs and emotional responses to brands: A dual-process view

Much of the early literature on branding takes a primarily cognitive approach to brand management. Recently though, emotional research has been incorporated into branding studies. Fusing these two streams of thought, contemporary inquiry suggests that effective branding results from the creation of both a cognitive and an emotive bond (that is, a dual-process approach) between the brand and the consumer. As such, we investigate, across three studies, the relationship between cognitively driven perceived needs and affective responses on brand attitude and purchase intentions. Specifically, for Study 1, we explore the effects of need for achievement and positive affect on iPhone brand attitude and purchase intent. Study 2 tests a similar model in a computer operating system context. Study 3 extends this model by incorporating need for cognition as an antecedent of brand attitude and purchase intent for Android-based phones. The data support the posited models, while revealing that for both Studies 2 and 3, brand attitude serves as a mediator between need for achievement and purchase intent. Implications for brand management and directions for future research are offered.
Assessment of the tricuspid valve: a comparison of four transesophageal echocardiographic windows.

Abstract Objective : Tricuspid valve annular dilation is associated with persistent tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare assessment of the tricuspid valve annulus from 4 different echocardiographic windows. Design : Prospective study. Setting : Single tertiary care hospital. Patients : Twenty patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including right atriotomy. Methods : Measurements of the tricuspid valve annular diameter during ventricular diastole (TVADd) and of TR jet dimensions, obtained from 3 different transesophageal and 1 transgastric echocardiographic window, were compared with each other and with that measured by the surgeon during cardiopulmonary bypass. Data were compared using correlation statistics, bias analysis, and analysis of variance for repeated measures. Results : TVAD measured by the surgeon both agreed and correlated best with TVADd measured from the transgastric right ventricular inflow/outflow window (r = 0.98; mean bias 0.04 cm). The proximal TR jet widths and TR jet lengths were larger when measured from midesophageal 4-chamber and midesophageal right ventricular inflow/outflow windows compared with other windows (p Conclusion : TVADd was more accurately measured from transgastric windows, whereas the measurements of the TR jet were greater from esophageal windows. These data support imaging from multiple windows to obtain a more comprehensive assessment of the tricuspid valve anatomy and function.
History and recent advances in coronavirus discovery

Human coronaviruses, first characterized in the 1960s, are responsible for a substantial proportion of upper respiratory tract infections in children. Since 2003, at least 5 new human coronaviruses have been identified, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which caused significant morbidity and mortality. NL63, representing a group of newly identified group I coronaviruses that includes NL and the New Haven coronavirus, has been identified worldwide. These viruses are associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract disease and are likely common human pathogens. The global distribution of a newly identified group II coronavirus, HKU1, has not yet been established. Coronavirology has advanced significantly in the past few years. The SARS epidemic put the animal coronaviruses in the spotlight. The background and history relative to this important and expanding research area are reviewed here.
Spectroscopic studies of new model compounds for poly[N,N-bis(phenoxyphenyl)pyromellitimide]

New model compounds for poly[N,N′-bis(phenoxyphenyl)pyromellitimide] have been synthesized in order to investigate the formation of imine bonds which are proposed to form during the curing process and lead to crosslinking in the bulk polymer. Raman studies show that terminal amines can react with imide carbonyls during curing to form CN bonds. The Raman band due to CN appears at 1656 cm−1 and the band due to CO closest to the imine bond is observed at 1742 cm−1. These results are in agreement with previously published results on vapor deposited polyimide films.
Three-dimensional thermo-fluid electrochemical modeling of planar SOFC stacks

A simulation tool for modeling planar solid oxide fuel cells is demonstrated. The tool combines the versatility of a commercial computational fluid dynamics simulation code with a validated electrochemistry calculation method. Its function is to predict the flow and distribution of anode and cathode gases, temperature and current distributions, and fuel utilization. A three-dimensional model geometry, including internal manifolds, was created to simulate a generic, cross-flow stack design. Similar three-dimensional geometries were created for simulation of co-flow, and counterflow stack designs. Cyclic boundary conditions were imposed at the top and bottom of the model domains, while the lateral walls were assumed adiabatic. The three cases show that, for a given average cell temperature, similar fuel utilizations can result irrespective of the flow configuration. Temperature distributions however, which largely determine thermal stresses during operation, are dependent on the chosen design geometry/flow configuration. The co-flow case had the most uniform temperature distribution and the smallest thermal gradients, thus offers thermo-structural advantages over the other flow cases.