cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase-encoded fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation

A novel phase-encoded fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator (JTC) (pFJTC) technique is proposed that employs phase encoding and nonlinear Fourier plane apodization to optimize correlation performance. For input scenes involving multiple identical targets, existing JTCs require multistep on-line processing to eliminate the false alarms and other artifacts. The proposed pFJTC eliminates the possibility of false target detection by eradicating the false correlation peaks and alleviates the effects of noise and other artifacts; in just one step, thus ensuring higher processing speed. The phase-encoding operation and the Fourier plane apodization have no detrimental effect on the processing speed. This technique ensures better utilization of the space- bandwidth product by using separate input and reference planes and by yielding only one peak per target instead of a pair of peaks produced by alternative JTCs. An all-optical implementation for the pFJTC technique is proposed and computer simulation results are presented.
Interviewing as social interaction

This paper, based on the premise that the interview is a unique form of social interaction and, as such, deserves greater attention, addresses the interactional dynamics of the interview by weaving experience into analysis, as well as reviewing relevant literature. Four types of interviewing situations are distinguished, with the focus of discussion on two of these types (survey-interviewing and professional-interviewing), specifically in regard to varying interactional effects. The author concentrates on the focused or indepth interview, organizing the discussion around the sequence of events which contribute to the construction of the focused interviewing situation, drawing examples from her interviewing experience. The aim is to emphasize the differences between the indepth and other types of interviewing methods.
Time course of ethanol's effects on brain prostaglandins in LS and SS mice.

Abstract Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors antagonize behavioral responses to alcohols. Recent work has shown that ethanol increases brain prostaglandin (PG) levels. The study reported here examined the tine course for ethanol-stimulated brain PGE and PGF production in Long Sleep and Short Sleep mice, animals bred selectively for high vs. low acute response to ethanol. Increases in brain PGE levels correlated highly with the absorption phase but only partially with the elimination phase of ethanol. PGF levels correlated significantly with blood ethanol levels across the entire three hour period. These results, plus sex and genotype interactions, provide further evidence to support the hypothesis that ethanol produces its intoxicating effects to a significant degree through a prostaglandin mediated mechanism.
A National Survey of Medical Student Suicides

Because there is no current information on medical student suicides, the authors surveyed US medical schools about deaths by suicide of medical students from June 2006 to July 2011. In spring through summer of 2012, the authors sent electronic surveys to the 133 accredited US allopathic medical schools at the time, excluding Puerto Rican schools. The 15-item survey included questions about deaths by suicide and deaths by means other than suicide. In the case of a reported suicide, the survey obtained information regarding demographic characteristics and method of suicide. The 90 responding schools (response rate 69 %) reported a total of six suicides (four males, two females; five Caucasians, one Asian) from July 2006 to June 2011. Two deaths by suicide occurred in first year, two in second year, and two in third year. Two of the suicides occurred by gunshot, two by hanging, one by overdose, and for one, the cause of death was unknown. Three of the six students left a suicide note. Although the number and rate of suicides among medical students may be lower than a prior survey that was conducted more than 15 years ago, these data affirm the importance of suicide prevention programs for medical students.
High-throughput cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition screening via cassette probe-dosing strategy. I. Development of direct injection/on-line guard cartridge extraction/tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous detection of CYP probe substrates and their metabolites.

A highly efficient direct injection/on-line guard cartridge extraction/tandem mass spectrometry (DI-GCE/MS/MS) method utilizing electrospray polarity switching was developed for the simultaneous detection of probe substrates and marker metabolites of seven human hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes: CYP1A2, 2A6, 3A4, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 2E1. Microsomal incubations were terminated with formic acid, centrifuged, and the resulting supernatants were injected for analysis by DI-GCE/MS/MS. This method employed an extremely short C18 cartridge (4 mm in length) which allowed rapid cleanup of sample matrices while retaining the analytes an appropriate time (2.0–2.2 min). From 1.5 to 2.7 min the effluent was directed to the mass spectrometer for detection otherwise diverted to waste. As a result of the efficient on-line extraction, matrix (e.g., salts and proteins) suppression was minimized. In addition, no visible source contamination was observed and system performance (chromatographic and mass spectrometric) did not significantly deteriorate after 500 consecutive injections. Electrospray polarity switching was strategically executed on a Micromass Quattro II mass spectrometer by establishing dummy ion transitions to protect the analytes from the interference of the overwhelming noise which was unavoidable for the first transition scanned following each polarity switch. This unique strategy led to the simultaneous detection of seven CYP probe substrates and seven corresponding marker metabolites (12 by positive mode and 2 by negative mode). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Species Richness on Resident and Target Species Components in a Prairie Restoration

The ecological role of biodiversity in achieving successful restoration has been little explored in restoration ecology. We tested the prediction that we are more likely to create persistent, species-rich plant communities by increasing the number of species sown, and, to some degree, by varying functional group representation, in experimental prairie plantings. There were 12 treatments consisting of 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-species mixtures of native perennials representing four functional groups (C4 grasses, C3 grasses, nitrogen-fixing species, and late-flowering composites) that predominate within Central Plains tallgrass prairies. In 2000, species were seeded into square plots (6 × 6 m), with five replicates per treatment, on former agricultural land. Annually, we measured total species richness and evenness, target species richness and cover, and richness and cover of resident species (i.e., those emerging from the seed bank). Both target species richness and rate of establishment of target communities were highest in the most species-rich mixtures, but there was no additional benefit for treatments that contained more than eight species. Richness of resident species did not vary with target species richness; however, cover by resident species was lower in the higher target species treatments. Our results, indicating that establishment of species-rich prairie mimics can be enhanced by starting with larger numbers of species at the outset, have implications for grassland restoration in which community biodiversity creation and maintenance are key goals.
Kinetic inductance of Josephson-junction arrays: Dynamic and equilibrium calculations.

The low-frequency inverse kinetic inductance ${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ of an overdamped junction array at temperature T=0 is shown to equal that of an equivalent impedance network. The ijth bond of the network has an inverse inductance (2${\mathit{eE}}_{\mathit{i}\mathit{j}}$/\ensuremath{\Elzxh})cos(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{i}}^{0}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{j}}^{0}$-${\mathit{A}}_{\mathit{i}\mathit{j}}$), where ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{i}\mathit{j}}$ is the Josephson coupling energy of the ijth bond, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{i}}^{0}$ is the ground-state phase of the grain i, and ${\mathit{A}}_{\mathit{i}\mathit{j}}$ is the usual magnetic phase factor. Using this theorem, we calculate ${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for square lattices as large as 180\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}180. The calculated ${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ agrees well with the T=0 limit of the helicity modulus \ensuremath{\gamma} calculated by conventional Monte Carlo techniques. In triangular arrays, the Monte Carlo calculation of \ensuremath{\gamma} yields a series of peaks at frustrations f=1/2(1-1/N), where N is an integer \ensuremath{\ge}2, consistent with experiments.
HierarchicalTopics: Visually Exploring Large Text Collections Using Topic Hierarchies

Analyzing large textual collections has become increasingly challenging given the size of the data available and the rate that more data is being generated. Topic-based text summarization methods coupled with interactive visualizations have presented promising approaches to address the challenge of analyzing large text corpora. As the text corpora and vocabulary grow larger, more topics need to be generated in order to capture the meaningful latent themes and nuances in the corpora. However, it is difficult for most of current topic-based visualizations to represent large number of topics without being cluttered or illegible. To facilitate the representation and navigation of a large number of topics, we propose a visual analytics system - HierarchicalTopic (HT). HT integrates a computational algorithm, Topic Rose Tree, with an interactive visual interface. The Topic Rose Tree constructs a topic hierarchy based on a list of topics. The interactive visual interface is designed to present the topic content as well as temporal evolution of topics in a hierarchical fashion. User interactions are provided for users to make changes to the topic hierarchy based on their mental model of the topic space. To qualitatively evaluate HT, we present a case study that showcases how HierarchicalTopics aid expert users in making sense of a large number of topics and discovering interesting patterns of topic groups. We have also conducted a user study to quantitatively evaluate the effect of hierarchical topic structure. The study results reveal that the HT leads to faster identification of large number of relevant topics. We have also solicited user feedback during the experiments and incorporated some suggestions into the current version of HierarchicalTopics.
High-speed large-area pixels compatible with 200 Hz frame rates

Honeywell has developed a high-speed infrared emitter pixel and implemented the design on two 512 X 512 scene projector array designs. This pixel is a faster version of the original Gen-III Gossamer pixel implemented on previous 512 X 512 arrays. The new pixel has a 10% - 90% rise time under 4 milliseconds, enabling a dramatic increase in scene projection frame rates over currently available arrays. Full array frame rates of 200 Hz are not practical and subarrays can be driven up to 400 Hz. In spite of the increased speed, the array still maintains high brightness using the same CMOS electronics. This design and other array developments will be described.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tumor necrosis factor-α modulates glutamate transport in the CNS and is a critical determinant of outcome from viral encephalomyelitis

Neuroadapted Sindbis virus (NSV) is a neuronotropic virus that causes a fulminant encephalomyelitis in susceptible mice due to death of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. We and others have found that uninfected motor neurons die in response to NSV infection, at least in part due to disrupted astrocytic glutamate transport, resulting in excitotoxic motor neuron death. Here, we examined the mechanisms of astrocyte dysregulation associated with NSV infection. Treatment of organotypic slice cultures with NSV results in viral replication, cell death, altered astrocyte morphology, and the downregulation of the astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1. We have found that TNF-α can mediate GLT-1 downregulation. Furthermore, TNF-α deficient mice infected with NSV exhibit neither GLT-1 downregulation nor neuronal death of brainstem and cervical spinal cord motor neurons and have markedly reduced mortality. These findings have implications for disease intervention and therapeutic development for the prevention of CNS damage associated with inflammatory responses.
Synthesis of high purity hydroxyapatite nanopowder via sol–gel combustion process

A polymeric sol-gel combustion method has been used to synthesize nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) powder from calcium nitrate and triethyl phosphate with the addition of NH(4)OH. The sol-gel combustion process generates phase-pure nanocrystalline HA powder, as characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sintering of the HA powder compact at 1200 degrees C for 2 h leads to a 93% theoretical dense ceramic body. This method offers an easy route for the preparation of phase-pure nanocrystalline HA powder.
Na+/K+ Pump Ion Binding Site Interactions Regulate the Proton Leak Pathway

The Na+/K+ pump (NKA) is a membrane bound transporter located in animal cells which transports three Na+ ions out for two K+ ions into the cell for every one ATP molecule hydrolyzed. Two out-of-three ion-binding sites within the protein reciprocally bind two K+ or two Na+ ions (shared sites), while the remaining site exclusively binds Na+. Without these two ions present the NKA passively transports H+, likely through the Na-exclusive site. In order to understand the proton transport mechanism voltage-clamp was used to study the effect of tetrapropylammonium (TPA) and Beryllium Fluoride (BeFx) on inward proton current (IH) transport by NKA expressed in Xenopus oocytes. TPA (a shared site blocker) had a dual effect on IH; between pH 7.6-6.0 TPA partially inhibited IH, and at pH 5.0 (where an inhibitory effect on the steady state IH is present), TPA partially activated IH. When the phosphate analogue BeFx was injected into oocytes, stabilizing an externally open conformation of the ion binding sites, K+ still inhibited inward current at pH 7.6. At pH 5.0 K+ activated IH resembling the effect of TPA on fully functional NKA. These results illustrate the complex interaction between the occupancy of shared sites and proton permeation. Blocking access at the shared sites with TPA activated IH by relieving the inhibition normally observed at high [H+]. Partial inhibition by TPA at pH 5.0 may reflect incomplete block of H+ access or a reduced rate of the conformational changes needed for H+ translocation. After BeFx inhibition NKA was still capable of interacting with K+. The mixed occupancy of K+ and H+ at low pH activated the leak, likely relieving the H+ inhibition due to K+ occlusion. Supported by NIH GM 061583 to CG and NSF MCB-1243842 to PA.
The effects of discontinuation of aluminum exposure on aluminum–induced osteomalacia

The effects of discontinuation of aluminum exposure on aluminum–induced osteomalacia. Studies in patients on dialysis have shown that aluminum (Al) accumulation in bone plays a major role in the pathogenesis of osteomalacia. It has been suggested that deferoxamine (DFO) may be beneficial in the treatment of aluminum–induced osteomalacia. The present studies were performed in four groups of uremic rats to determine if DFO and/or discontinuation of Al administration have an effect on bone histomorphometry and blood chemistries. The groups were: 1) uremic control 2) aluminum (0.75 to 1.0 mg/rat i.p., five times a week for twelve weeks): 3) aluminum + DFO, after twelve weeks Al was discontinued and the rats received DFO (75 mg/rat two times a week for nine weeks); 4) aluminum + time, after twelve weeks Al was discontinued and the rats were sacrificed after nine weeks. High levels of Al in serum and bone and low levels of PTH were seen in rats receiving Al. Bone histology revealed Al at the mineralization front, abnormal tetracycline uptake, and an increase in osteoid. DFO treatment did not significantly change the level of Al in bone, however both DFO treatment and discontinuation of Al reversed towards normal the above described lesions. In conclusion, these studies suggest that DFO and/or discontinuation of Al administration to rats with approximately 30% of renal function greatly improve aluminum–induced osteomalacia.
Sensing behavior of magnetorheological elastomers

A magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is comprised of ferromagnetic particles aligned in a polymer medium by exposure to a magnetic field. The structures of the magnetic particles within elastomers are very sensitive to the external stimulus of either mechanical force or magnetic field, which result in multiresponse behaviors in a MRE. In this study, the sensing properties of MREs are investigated through experimentally characterizing the electrical properties of MRE materials and their interfaces with external stimulus (magnetic field or stress/strain). A phenomenological model is proposed to understand the impedance response of MREs under mechanical loads and magnetic fields. Results show that MRE samples exhibit significant changes in measured values of impedance and resistance in response to compressive deformation, as well as the applied magnetic field.
Synthesis and characterization of some new coordination polymers for third-order nonlinear optical applications

ABSTRACT Our preliminary results on the synthesis and characterization of a new family of coordination polymers incorporating 8-hydroxyquinoline is described. The new polymers have the following structural features: a metal center, a chromophore, anda flexible spacer group with variable length. These structural features allow us to have an appreciable degree of control overvarious physical properties ofthese materials. We report on three different types ofpolymers: polyethers, polyesters, andpolyamides. The chromophores in these polymers were incorporated in the backbone and in one case as a side chain ofpolyesters.Keywords: metal containing polymers, third order NLO, coordination polymerization, 8-hydroxyquinoline, A1Q3,electroluminescent materials. 1. INTRODUCTION Metal-containing or coordination polymers are increasingly becoming the subject ofrenewed scientific attention.' Since theearly 1960's, one could find some early reports on this class ofmaterials. 2 These earlier reports however, were mainlydirected at the potential application ofbis bidentate ligands capable offormation ofsuch polymers in analytical chemistry.The resulting polymers were poorly characterized, since they were not the target of such studies. When coordination takesplace between a metal ion and an organic ligand, the properties of both are changed in a variety of ways. In most cases theorganic ligand is stabilized towards hydrolysis, chemical reagents and toward high temperatures as well. For example, it wasshown that the hydrolysis of a Schiffbase is much more rapid than that of its metal One main disadvantage ofusing liquid crystalline materials containing a Schiffbase linkage, is the fact that the CN bond is readily hydrolyzed. Thistype of enhanced stability (upon metal complexation) could fmd use in the field ofliquid crystalline materials containing thisfunctionality by preparing a stabilized Schiffbase functional group. We describe herein our efforts to use such anticipatedenhanced stability in the preparation of a new class of metal containing, or coordination polymers. The ligand of choice isthe well-known chelating ligand 8-hydroxyquinoline shown in Figure 1.
A debate on language and tool support for design patterns

Design patterns have earned a place in the developer's arsenal of tools and techniques for software development. They have proved so useful, in fact, that some have called for their promotion to programming language features. In turn this has rekindled the age-old debate over the mechanism that belong in programming languages versus those that are better served by tools. The debate comes full circle when one contemplates code generation and methodological tool support for patterns. The authors compare and contrast programming languages, tools, and patterns to assess their relative merits and to clarify their roles in the development process.
Primitive streak formation in mice is preceded by localized activation of Brachyury and Wnt3.

Abstract The prevalent model for the generation of axial polarity in mouse embryos proposes that a radial to a linear transition in the expression of primitive streak markers precedes the formation of the primitive streak on one side of the epiblast. This model contrasts with the models of mesoderm formation in other vertebrates as it suggests that the primitive streak is initially established in a radial pattern rather than a localized region of the epiblast. Here, we examine the proposed correlation between the expression of Brachyury and Wnt3, two genes reported as expressed radially in the proximal epiblast, with the movements of proximal anterior epiblast cells at stages leading to the formation of the primitive streak. Our results reveal that neither Brachyury nor Wnt3 forms a ring of expression in the proximal epiblast as previously thought. In embryos dissected between 5.5 and 6.5 dpc, Brachyury is first expressed in the distal extra-embryonic ectoderm and subsequently on one side of the epiblast. Wnt3 expression is evident first in the posterior visceral endoderm of 5.5 dpc embryos and later in the posterior epiblast. Lineage analysis shows that the movements of the proximal epiblast do not restrict Brachyury expression to the posterior epiblast. Our data suggest a model whereby the localized expression of these genes in the posterior epiblast, and hence the formation of the primitive streak, is the result of local cell–cell interactions in the future posterior portion of the egg cylinder rather than regionalization of a radial pattern of expression in proximal epiblast cells.
Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Growth Hormone Deficient Adults

Objective: To demonstrate if growth hormone [GH] deficiency is associated with fibromyalgia [FMS].Methods: The prevalence of FMS was evaluated in 19 adults with GH deficiency who were randomized to either GH or placebo replacement.Results: Of the nine patients on GH, one patient fulfilled criteria for FMS compared to four out of 10 patients on placebo.Conclusion: Growth hormone deficiency may be associated with FMS.
Dosimetry and radiobiology of negative pions and heavy ions

The depth dose distribution of pion beams has not been found superior to protons. Pion radiation quality at the plateau region is comparable to conventional low-LET radiations, and radiobiology results also indicate RBE values close to unity. In the pion stopping region, the radiation quality increases considerably. Radiobiology data for negative pions at the Bragg peak position clearly indicate the increase in RBE and the reduction in OER. Even at the Bragg peak position, compared to fast neutrons, the average LET of negative pions is lower. Pion radiobiology data have indicated lower RBE values and higher OER values compared to fast neutrons. The radiation quality of fast neutrons is in between that of carbon and neon ions at the peak region and that of neon ions at the plateau is lower than for fast neutrons. The mean LET value for helium ions, even at the distal end of the peak, is lower than for fast neutrons. Dose localization of heavy ions has been found to decrease slowly with increasing charge of the heavy ion. The intercellular contact that protects cells after exposure to low-LET radiations is not detected after exposure to heavy ions. Single and fractionated doses of heavy ionsmore » produce dose-response curves for heavy ions having reduced shoulders but similar slopes when compared to gamma rays. Fractionated treatments of heavy ions produce an enhanced effect in the peak region compared to the plateau region and could lead to a substantial gain in therapeutic ratio. The OER for protons was similar to that for x rays. The OER values for negative pions, helium ions, and carbon ions were larger, for neon ions similar, and for argon ions smaller when compared to fast neutrons.Negative pions, helium ions, and carbon ions may be very effective clinically because the radiation quality of these beams is similar to that of the mixed scheme of neutrons and x rays. (ERB)« less
Role of silicon carbide particles in fatigue crack growth in SiC-particulate-reinforced aluminum alloy composites

Abstract A study has been made of the mechanistic role of silicon carbide (SiC) particles during fatigue crack propagation in powder metallurgy AlZnMgCu metal matrix composites reinforced with 20 vol.% SiC particulates (SiC p ), with varying sizes of reinforcement phase. Crack growth and accompanying crack tip shielding (principally by crack deflection, closure and bridging) are examined in peak-aged alloys over a wide spectrum of growth rates from 10 −12 to 10 −4 m cycle −1 and are compared with corresponding behavior in the unreinforced matrix alloy. Crack growth resistance in the composites is found to be both superior and inferior to that of the unreinforced alloy, depending on how the SiC and SiC-matrix interface fracture. At low stress intensity ranges ΔK, the predominant fracture of carbides close to the crack tip results in low levels of crack closure and rapid growth kinetics for fine SiC p distributions, whereas for coarse SiC p distributions the rougher fracture surface promotes crack closure from asperity wedging and improved crack growth resistance. With increasing ΔK, the fracture of large carbides farther ahead of the crack tip leads to the development of non-uniform crack fronts, thereby promoting crack bridging via uncracked ligaments and a small improvement in crack growth resistance. At high ΔK levels approaching K Ic , growth rates are faster in the composites owing to their low toughness. On the basis of these results, the overall fatigue crack growth performance of the SiC p Al composites compared with that of the traditional monolithic aluminum alloys is briefly discussed.
Partial characterization and inactivation of membrane-bound phosphofructokinase from Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Abstract In Tetrahymena pyriformis , 6-phosphofructokinase (ATP: d -fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11) is membrane-bound. Enzyme activity is solubilized by treatment of membranes with Triton X-100 or by high ionic strength in the presence of a chelator. The solubilized enzyme has an approximate molecular weight of 300 000. Both the membrane-bound enzyme and the solubilized enzyme exhibit maximum activity over a wide pH range. At low pH, the membrane-bound form of the enzyme is irreversibly inactivated, whereas the solubilized enzyme is not. The membrane-bound enzyme is inactivated by incubation with Mg 2+ , ATP, fluoride and a soluble factor that is heat labile, nondialysable, (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 precipitable and sensitive to trypsin. The solubilized enzyme is not inactivated under similar conditions.
On the sum of two sets in a group

Abstract Sums C = A + B of two finite sets in a (generally non-abelian) group are considered. The following two theorems are proved. 1. ∣C∣ ≥ ∣A∣ + 1 2 ∣B∣ unless C + (−B + B) = C; 2. There is a subset S of C and a subgroup H such that ∣S∣ ≥ ∣A∣ + ∣B∣ − ∣H∣, and either H + S = S or S + H = S.
Discrete time representation of the formula for calculating DALYs.

The global burden of disease (GBD) was measured using a new indicator called disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The formula to calculate DALYs is based on the idea of time being a continuous variable, which is not consistent with the way economic and health data are collected and reported, and is also different from the concept of time used in the vast majority of policy analyses. Use of this formula gives rise to a time-aggregation bias in the estimates of GBD. Based on discrete time representation and the key principles outlined in the GBD study, a new formula for estimating DALYs is derived in this paper. The properties of the two formulae are compared and contrasted and the implications of using the new formula are discussed. The results show that there is an appreciable difference in percentage terms (14.06%) between the burden of cataract in Sub-Saharan Africa in 1990 calculated using the new and the old formulae. The global burden of diseases and injuries as previously reported in the GDB study may, therefore, be underestimated and the relative positions of some diseases and injuries, and hence the relative priorities of related interventions, may shift if the more appropriate, discrete-time formula is used. The difference is greatest for diseases of short duration (e.g. infectious diseases). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active Matrix Completion

Recovering a matrix from a sampling of its entries is a problem of rapidly growing interest and has been studied under the name of matrix completion. It occurs in many areas of engineering and applied science. In most machine learning and data mining applications, it is possible to leverage the expertise of human oracles to improve the performance of the system. It is therefore natural to extend this idea of "human-in-the-loop" to the matrix completion problem. However, considering the enormity of data in the modern era, manually completing all the entries in a matrix will be an expensive process in terms of time, labor and human expertise, human oracles can only provide selective supervision to guide the solution process. Thus, appropriately identifying a subset of missing entries (for manual annotation) in an incomplete matrix is of paramount practical importance, this can potentially lead to better reconstructions of the incomplete matrix with minimal human effort. In this paper, we propose novel algorithms to address this issue. Since the query locations are actively selected by the algorithms, we refer to these methods as active matrix completion algorithms. The proposed techniques are generic and the same frameworks can be used in a wide variety of applications including recommendation systems, transductive / multi-label active learning, active learning in regression and active feature acquisition among others. Our extensive empirical analysis on several challenging real-world datasets certify the merit and versatility of the proposed frameworks in efficiently exploiting human intelligence in data mining / machine learning applications.
The School Adjustment of Rural Adolescents with and Without Disabilities: Variable and Person-Centered Approaches

This study examined the school adjustment of adolescents with disabilities and their nondisabled peers in a national sample of rural high school students. The total sample consisted of 7,376 students: 6,704 nondisabled students, 70 students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), 512 students with learning disabilities (LD), and 90 students identified as English language learners (ELL). Teacher ratings on the Interpersonal Competence Scale-Teacher (ICS-T) were used to assess students’ adjustment on seven factors: academic, affiliative, aggressive, internalizing, popular, Olympian, and shy. Cluster analyses were used to identify distinct configurations of competence and risk separately for boys and girls. Differences between educational classifications were identified for the ICS-T factors and for the interpersonal competence configurations. Students with EBD were overrepresented in Multi-risk configurations (aggressive high-risk profiles), students with LD were overrepresented in both the Multi-risk and Disengaged (non-aggressive high-risk profiles) configurations, and students identified as ELL were overrepresented in Disengaged configurations.
Leveraging Rural Energy Investment for Parasitic Disease Control: Schistosome Ova Inactivation and Energy Co-Benefits of Anaerobic Digesters in Rural China

Cooking and heating remain the most energy intensive activities among the world's poor, and thus improved access to clean energies for these tasks has been highlighted as a key requirement of attaining the major objectives of the UN Millennium Development Goals. A move towards clean energy technologies such as biogas systems (which produce methane from human and animal waste) has the potential to provide immediate benefits for the control of neglected tropical diseases. Here, an assessment of the parasitic disease and energy benefits of biogas systems in Sichuan Province, China, is presented, highlighting how the public health sector can leverage the proliferation of rural energy projects for infectious disease control. Methodology/Findings: First, the effectiveness of biogas systems at inactivating and removing ova of the human parasite Schistosoma japonicum is experimentally evaluated. Second, the impact of biogas infrastructure on energy use and environmental quality as reported by surveyed village populations is assessed, as is the community acceptance of the technology. No viable eggs were recovered in the effluent collected weekly from biogas systems for two months following seeding with infected stool. Less than 1% of ova were recovered viable from a series of nylon bags seeded with ova, a 2-log removal attributable to biochemical inactivation. More than 90% of Ascaris lumbricoides ova (used as a proxy for S. japonicum ova) counted at the influent of two biogas systems were removed in the systems when adjusted for system residence time, an approximate 1-log removal attributable to sedimentation. Combined, these inactivation/removal processes underscore the promise of biogas infrastructure for reducing parasite contamination resulting from nightsoil use. When interviewed an average of 4 years after construction, villagers attributed large changes in fuel usage to the installation of biogas systems. Household coal usage decreased by 68%, wood by 74%, and crop waste by 6%. With reported energy savings valued at roughly 600 CNY per year, 2–3 years were required to recoup the capital costs of biogas systems. In villages without subsidies, no new biogas systems were implemented. Conclusions: Sustainable strategies that integrate rural energy needs and sanitation offer tremendous promise for long-term control of parasitic diseases, while simultaneously reducing energy costs and improving quality of life. Government policies can enhance the financial viability of such strategies by introducing fiscal incentives for joint sanitation/sustainable energy projects, along with their associated public outreach and education programs.
Direct Myocardial Effects of OPC-18790 in Human Heart Failure: Beneficial Effects on Contractile and Diastolic Function Demonstrated by Intracoronary Infusion With Pressure–Volume Analysis

Abstract Objectives. We sought to determine the precise myocardial effects of OPC-18790 as demonstrated by intracoronary administration. Background. Although previous studies have determined the cardiovascular effects of a novel intravenous inotrope, OPC-18790, the observed benefits on contractile and diastolic function may have been confounded by the marked changes in peripheral loading associated with this drug when given intravenously. Methods. Eight heart failure patients received intracoronary OPC-18790 at 31.25 μg/min for 20 min, and then at 62.5 μg/min for another 20 min. Hemodynamic variables and pressure–volume indexes using the conductance catheter method were determined at baseline and then after the two doses. Results. There were no significant effects on heart rate, cardiac output or loading conditions, including afterload as determined by systemic vascular resistance and arterial elastance (Ea) and preload as determined by end-diastolic volume (EDV). There were significant increases in end-systolic elastance (Ees) from 0.74 ± 0.11 to 0.90 ± 0.16 mm Hg/ml at 31.25 μg/min and to 1.37 ± 0.33 mm Hg/ml at 62.5 μg/min (p Conclusions. Intracoronary administration of OPC-18790 demonstrates that the direct myocardial effects of this agent include a modest increase in inotropy and improvement in diastolic function, both of which occur without increases in heart rate, indicating that this agent may be beneficial for the intravenous treatment of congestive heart failure.
Positive neurologic phenomena with initiation of dalfampridine for multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Objective Review cases of positive neurologic phenomena initiated or worsened with dalfampridine in patients with multiple sclerosis. Background Oral, extended release dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine or 4-AP) is a potassium-channel blocker approved for the treatment of gait impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). The enhanced conduction along demyelinated axons promoted by dalfampridine could potentially lead to development of positive neurologic phenomena. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients who were started on dalfampridine for activation of positive sensory or motor symptoms. Results Four of 76 patients (5.3%) developed positive sensory symptoms within one month of starting dalfampridine; one additional patient had new-onset seizure. Cessation of dalfampridine was insufficient to resolve symptoms in two patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia. Conclusions Initiation of dalfampridine may be associated with initiation or recurrence of positive sensory symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The increased axonal conduction from potassium channel blockade may contribute to this exacerbation of positive sensory phenomena.
Noble gas evidence for two fluids in the Baca (Valles Caldera) geothermal reservoir

Noble gas elemental and isotopic abundances were measured in steam from four wells in the Baca geothermal reservoir located in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico. The 40Ar36Ar ratio and noble gas elemental abundances relative to 36Ar are all strongly correlated with 1/36Ar, the inverse of the argon content. Ratios of (α,n)-produced 21Ne∗ and radiogenic 40Ar∗ to total 4He (dominantly radiogenic) are nearly constant at 2.1 × 10−8 and 0.20, respectively. The 3He4He ratio covers a restricted range of 3.9 to 4.8 times atmospheric. The high 3He content of the gas indicates the presence of a helium component ultimately derived from the mantle. Kr and Xe isotopic compositions are close to atmospheric; excess 129Xe∗ is <0.25% of the total 129Xe. The high degree of linear correlation among the various noble gas results strongly suggests that the Baca reservoir contains two distinct fluids that are produced in varying proportions from individual wells. The noble gases in fluid A (~2900 mg/1 C1) are air-like, but with lighter gases and isotopes preferentially enriched. The fluid A 36Ar content is low, only 13% that of 10°C air-saturated water (ASW). The second fluid, B (~ 1700 mg/1 C1), is the dominant carrier of the radiogenic and mantle-derived gases. The heavier non-radiogenic gases are preferentially enriched in fluid B, and its 36Ar content is very low, only 5–7% ASW. The source of the noble gases in fluid A is tentatively ascribed to leaching of the relatively young (<1.4 m.y.) volcanic Bandelier Tuff. The radiogenic gases and mantle-derived helium in fluid B suggest a deeper source, possibly including gases escaping from a magma.
Data compressive paradigm for multispectral sensing using tunable DWELL mid-infrared detectors

While quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) infrared photodetectors have the feature that their spectral responses can be shifted continuously by varying the applied bias, the width of the spectral response at any applied bias is not sufficiently narrow for use in multispectral sensing without the aid of spectral filters. To achieve higher spectral resolutions without using physical spectral filters, algorithms have been developed for post-processing the DWELL's bias-dependent photocurrents resulting from probing an object of interest repeatedly over a wide range of applied biases. At the heart of these algorithms is the ability to approximate an arbitrary spectral filter, which we desire the DWELL-algorithm combination to mimic, by forming a weighted superposition of the DWELL's non-orthogonal spectral responses over a range of applied biases. However, these algorithms assume availability of abundant DWELL data over a large number of applied biases (>30), leading to large overall acquisition times in proportion with the number of biases. This paper reports a new multispectral sensing algorithm to substantially compress the number of necessary bias values subject to a prescribed performance level across multiple sensing applications. The algorithm identifies a minimal set of biases to be used in sensing only the relevant spectral information for remote-sensing applications of interest. Experimental results on target spectrometry and classification demonstrate a reduction in the number of required biases by a factor of 7 (e.g., from 30 to 4). The tradeoff between performance and bias compression is thoroughly investigated.
Doping dependent evolution of infrared spectra in underdoped YBa2Cu3Oy in terms of two-component optical conductivity

Abstract In access to optical spectroscopy of heavily underdoped detwinned YBa 2 Cu 3 O y (YBCO) crystals, we re-examine the doping dependent evolution of infrared spectra in the CuO 2 plane of underdoped YBCO in terms of two-component optical conductivity. The extended Drude model analysis is applied to the two-component conductivity, and the results are compared with experimental data in the pseudogap state. We demonstrate that a model consisting of a Drude and Lorentz oscillator components reproduces characteristics of infrared spectra in underdoped YBCO.
White matter injury after cerebral ischemia in ovine fetuses

The effects of cerebral ischemia on white matter changes in ovine fetuses were examined after exposure to bilateral carotid artery occlusion. Fetal sheep were exposed to 30 min of ischemia followed by 48 (I/R-48, n = 8) or 72 (I/R-72, n = 10) h of reperfusion or control sham treatment (control, n = 4). Serial coronal sections stained with Luxol fast blue/hematoxylin and eosin were scored for white matter, cerebral cortical, and hippocampal lesions. All areas received graded pathologic scores of 0 to 5, reflecting the degree of injury where 0 = 0%, 1 = 1% to 25%, 2 = 26% to 50%, 3 = 51% to 75%, 4 = 76% to 95%, and 5 = 96% to 100% of the area damaged. Dual-label immunofluorescence using antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were used to characterize white matter lesions. Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) was measured in the frontal cortex by ELISA. Results of the pathologic scores showed that the white matter of the I/R-72 (2.74 ± 0.53, mean ± SEM) was more (p < 0.05) damaged when compared with the control (0.80 ± 0.33) group. Cortical lesions were greater (p < 0.05) in the I/R-48 (2.12 ± 0.35) than the control (0.93 ± 0.09) group. White matter lesions were characterized by reactive GFAP-positive astrocytes and a loss of MBP in oligodendrocytes. The ratio of MBP to GFAP decreased (p < 0.05) as a function of ischemia, indicative of a proportionally greater loss of MBP than GFAP. FGF-2 concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the I/R-72 than the control group and there was a direct correlation between the pathologic scores (PS) and FGF-2 concentrations (FGF-2 = e(1.6 PS-0.90) + 743, n = 17, r = 0.73, p < 0.001). We conclude that carotid artery occlusion results in quantifiable white matter lesions that are associated with a loss of MBP from myelin, and that FGF-2, a purported mediator of recovery from brain injury in adult subjects, increases in concentration in proportion to the severity of brain damage in the fetus.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MINIMUM READING COMPREHENSION OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS AS DEFINED BY A DE FACTO STANDARD

This study contrasts minimum reading comprehension of prospective teachers and average readability of required undergraduate textbooks. The Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) test represents student test scores and textbook readability measurements on the same scale. Over 2,274 teacher education program applicants at 21 institutions in one state participated. A representative sample of 237 books used in these schools was selected. Since the mean DRP test score for students (79.6) was much higher than the mean DRP readability for books (69.9), any difficulties in understanding the average text by the average student cannot be due to basic deficiencies in reading comprehension. However, 20% of the applicants scored below the average DRP value for all books and 33% below the average for the more difficult books. Minimum reading ability varied with plans for teaching at different grade levels and academic areas and with level of commitment to the teaching profession.
Parentage analysis in Chamaelirium luteum (L.) Gray (Liliaceae): why do some males have higher reproductive contributions?

Much of the contemporary study of adaptation in natural populations involves the regression of some component of fitness, usually survivorship or viability, on one or more characters of interest. It is difficult to apply this approach to measures of paternal reproduction, however, because paternity is typically estimated indirectly from genetic markers, rather than being measured directly from progeny counts. Here, we present maximum likelihood methods for modelling relative male reproductive success as a log-linear function of one or more potentially predictive features, as well as providing a framework for the assessment of pairwise (male:female) effects, as they affect male reproductive performance. We also provide nonparametric statistical tests for alternative models. Using this formulation, we examine the impact of inflorescence morphology on male reproductive success in Chamaelirium luteum L., and we also assess the importance of intermate distances between males and particular females. While male reproductive success and male inflorescence morphology are both quite variable, reproductive morphology does not appear to predict male reproductive success in this study. Intermate distance is an extremely effective predictor of pairwise success, however; but averaged over females, there is almost no net effect for different males.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4α transactivation of cytochrome P450 (Cyp) 2d40 promoter is enhanced during pregnancy in mice

We have recently reported that transactivation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 promoter by hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4α is enhanced during pregnancy, and this is triggered in part by altered expression of small heterodimer partner (SHP) and Kruppel-like factor 9 (KLF9). The objective of this study is to determine whether this is conserved for mouse endogenous Cyp2d gene(s). Among the eight Cyp2d homologs of mouse we examined, only Cyp2d40 expression was found induced (by 6-fold) at term pregnancy as compared to pre-pregnancy level. In mice where hepatic Hnf4α was knocked-down, the pregnancy-mediated increase in Cyp2d40 expression was abrogated. Results from transient transfection, promoter reporter assays, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that HNF4α transactivates Cyp2d40 promoter via direct binding to −117/−105 of the gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed a 2.3-fold increase in HNF4α recruitment to Cyp2d40 promoter during pregnancy. Results from mice treated with an SHP inducer (i.e., GW4064) and HepG2 cells co-transfected with KLF9 suggest that neither SHP nor KLF9 is involved in the increased HNF4α transactivation of Cyp2d40 promoter during pregnancy. Together, our results indicate that while the underlying molecular mechanism is different from that for CYP2D6, Cyp2d40 is induced during pregnancy through enhanced transactivation by HNF4α.