cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulence and noise suppression of a high-speed jet by water injection

An experimental investigation has been carried out on a supersonic jet of air issuing from an M =1.44 convergingx2013;diverging rectangular nozzle of aspect ratio 4. Particle13; image velocimetry measurements of the flow field along with near-field acoustic measurements were made. The effect of injection of a small amount of water (x223C;5% of the mass flow rate of the jet) into the shear layer of the jet, on the unsteady flow structure and sound generation were examined. The presence of water droplets in the jet modified the turbulence structure significantly, resulting in axial and normal r.m.s.velocity reductions of about 10% and 30%, respectively, as compared to that of a13; normal jet. An even larger effect is found on the peak values of the turbulent shear stress with a reduction of up to 40%. The near-field noise levels (OASPL) were found13; to reduce by about 2x2013;6 dB depending on the location of the injection and the water mass flow rate. Far-field acoustic measurements carried out on a heated M =0.9 (jet13; exit velocity=525msx2212;1) jet show significant (6 dB) reductions in the OASPL with moderate amounts of water injection (17% of the mass flow rate of the jet) suggesting13; that the technique is viable at realistic engine operating conditions.
Essai: Dislocating (Instrumental) Organizational Time

In this essay I explore the role of time in proximal and distal approaches to organizational analysis. I argue that an instrumental and linear view of time may undermine efforts to describe organizations as partial and contingent pro cesses. Therefore, I supplement instrumental time with a discontinuous and non-teleological account, using A. Giddens' and N. Luhmann's systems frame works to illustrate my argument. Both theorists explain how systems extend present conditions through communication technologies that shrink time and space and, concomitantly, that facilitate reflexive control over future condi tions. However, I argue that the systems framework may overstate organiza tional control by instrumentalizing time in the extension and reproduction of formal organizational structures. I then use the idea of temporal dislocation to signify how 'otherness' subverts systemic presence and thus offers a way of studying those ('untimely' aspects of organizational life that are typically mar ginalized in organ...
RABL DISTRIBUTION OF INTERPHASE AND PROPHASE TELOMERES IN ALLIUM CEPA NOT ALTERED BY COLCHICINE AND/OR ULTRACENTRIFUGATION'

Neither colchicine nor ultracentrifugation, singly or in sequence, significantly alters the normal Rabl distribution of interphase or prophase telomeres in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. The position of telomeres was determined by C-banding, which stains A. cepa chromosomes only at the telomeres. Centrifugation displaces mitotic figures toward one side of the cell, but otherwise their mitotic configurations are little changed. These light microscope results are interpreted to show that a) interphase and prophase telomeres are attached strongly to some component of the nuclear envelope; b) a colchicinesensitive component apparently does not attach interphase and prophase telomeres to the nuclear envelope; and c) chromosomes at all stages of the cell cycle are attached to some structure, nuclear envelope, and/or spindle fibers.
Mortality after Hospitalization with Mild, Moderate, and Severe Hyponatremia

Abstract Background Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized individuals. Methods To investigate the association between serum sodium concentration and mortality, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 98,411 adults hospitalized between 2000 and 2003 at 2 teaching hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts. The main outcome measures were in-hospital, 1-year, and 5-year mortality. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare outcomes in patients with varying degrees of hyponatremia against those with normal serum sodium concentration. Results Hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration P P Conclusion Hyponatremia, even when mild, is associated with increased mortality.
Efficacy of Fluon Conditioning for Capturing Cerambycid Beetles in Different Trap Designs and Persistence on Panel Traps Over Time

ABSTRACT Fluon PTFE is a fluoropolymer dispersion applied as a surface conditioner to cross-vane panel traps to enhance trap efficiency for cerambycid beetles. We describe the results of three experiments to further optimize cerambycid traps of different designs and to test the effect of Fluon over time. We tested Fluon with Lindgren funnel and panel traps fitted with either wet or dry collection cups on catches of cerambycid beetles and how the effect of Fluon on panel traps persisted. Fluon-treated funnel traps with wet collection cups captured ≈6× more beetles than the untreated funnel traps with wet collection cups. Untreated funnel traps with dry collection cups did not capture any beetles; however, Fluon-treated funnel traps with dry collection cups captured an average of four beetles per trap. Fluon-treated panel traps with wet collection cups captured ≈9× more beetles than untreated panel traps with wet collection cups. Fluon-treated panel traps with dry collection cups captured ≈11× more beetles ...
Distributivity in Łℵ 0 and Other Sentential Logics

Certain distributivity results for Lukasiewicz's infinite-valued logic La0 are proved axiomatically (for the first time) with the help of the automated reasoning program OTTER. In addition, i>nondistributivity results are established for a wide variety of positive substructural logics by the use of logical matrices discovered with the automated model-finding programs MACE and MAGIC.
Technology-Based Self-Care Methods of Improving Antiretroviral Adherence: A Systematic Review

Background As HIV infection has shifted to a chronic condition, self-care practices have emerged as an important topic for HIV-positive individuals in maintaining an optimal level of health. Self-care refers to activities that patients undertake to maintain and improve health, such as strategies to achieve and maintain high levels of antiretroviral adherence. Methodology/Principal Findings Technology-based methods are increasingly used to enhance antiretroviral adherence; therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature to examine technology-based self-care methods that HIV-positive individuals utilize to improve adherence. Seven electronic databases were searched from 1/1/1980 through 12/31/2010. We included quantitative and qualitative studies. Among quantitative studies, the primary outcomes included ARV adherence, viral load, and CD4+ cell count and secondary outcomes consisted of quality of life, adverse effects, and feasibility/acceptability data. For qualitative/descriptive studies, interview themes, reports of use, and perceptions of use were summarized. Thirty-six publications were included (24 quantitative and 12 qualitative/descriptive). Studies with exclusive utilization of medication reminder devices demonstrated less evidence of enhancing adherence in comparison to multi-component methods. Conclusions/Significance This systematic review offers support for self-care technology-based approaches that may result in improved antiretroviral adherence. There was a clear pattern of results that favored individually-tailored, multi-function technologies, which allowed for periodic communication with health care providers rather than sole reliance on electronic reminder devices.
Distance Learning Classrooms: A Critique

In an atmosphere of shrinking state funds for edu cation and the glistening power of information technology, the administrators of educational institutions, especially higher education, are investing heavily in the construction and increased use of distance learning classrooms. Yet, in this rush to be both economi cally streamlined and technologically advanced, few policy makers are inquiring into the educational bene fits actually proffered to the end users, that is, teachers and students. This article advances such an inquiry by revealing how the equipment in such facilities explic itly or implicitly embodies, and thereby determines, pedagogical choices. Such "hardwired" pedagogy may enhance the type and amount of data flow, but it effectively restricts the options for teaching and learn ing on the part of both the teacher and the student. Furthermore, virtual classrooms functionally transfer parametric control of classroom interaction from the participants to the equipment and therefore to the technici...
Safety of large doses of vitamin D in theprevention and treatment of rickets in infancy

I T WAS shown experimentally in 1928 that rickets in the rat could be prevented and treated with single massive doses of vitamin D, one thousand times the daily effective dose. ~ It was not until some years later, however, when purer preparations of vitamin D became available that it was possible to use larger than normal amounts of vitamin D clinically without producing toxic effects. Large doses of vitamin D may now be safely given to infants for prolonged periods of time if deemed necessary, or single massive doses of vitamin D may be administered which may be repeated on occasional intervals. The idea that large doses of vitamin D, without regard for other contributing factors, may be expected to cause calcification of the Mood vessels and soft tissues has become firmly entrenched in the medical mind as the result of two series of events. First, in about 1929 following the use of old viganto], a proprietary preparation of irradiated ergosterol, numerous clinical and experimental reports came out of Germany that this form of vitamin D was highly toxic and even fatal in larger doses. The exact doses used in terms of vitamin D units is not known, because this and similar preparations about this time differed not only in the potency of the irradiation product, but also in the concentration of vitamin D per cubic centimeter of the vehicle. 2 Subsequently, as the result of the work of Holtz and Schreiber (1930), GSttche and Kellner (1931), Windaus, Luttringhaus, and Bussc (1932), and Setz (1932), 3 it became known that the toxic and antirachitic effects of different irradiated ergosterol solutions did not run parallel and that the irradiation of ergosterol for short periods of time resulted chiefly in the production of tachysterol and ca]cifero], v whereas overirradiation produced toxisterol (Substance 248) and suprasterols, lacking in antirachitic action but strongly toxic.
Central server model for multiprogrammed computer systems with different classes of jobs

A computer system can usually be interpreted as a closed network with two different types of servers. It is then possible to convert the network into a single server system with state-dependent arrivals. This paper investigates the stationary behavior of a single server queuew ith different classes of jobs. It is assumed that the input process has state-dependent exponential inter-arrival times and preemptions at the server are not allowed. The exact solution is obtained by finding the relationship between the time average probability distribution and the departure average probability distribution. The latter can be derived based upon an imbedded Markov Chain.
Improved formulas for calculating cyclotron orbit properties

Abstract Using improved techniques, analytical formulas are derived for calculating the orbit period, the radial tune, and the vertical tune as a function of energy for a given magnetic field. As examples, these formulas are applied to fields from two different machines: the three-sector K1200 superconducting cyclotron at this laboratory, and the six-sector 500 MeV cyclotron at the TRIUMF laboratory. A comparison of the results with those from a standard orbit integration program shows that the analytical formulas are, on the average, highly accurate for the orbit period, quite accurate for the radial tune, but only moderately accurate for the vertical tune. Moreover, differences between the theoretical and orbit code results are found to exhibit relatively large fluctuations which are produced by small irregularities in the measured field data.
LACK OF DEFENSE OR PHLOROTANNIN INDUCTION BY UV RADIATION OR MESOGRAZERS IN DESMARESTIA ANCEPS AND D. MENZIESII (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

Phlorotannins are polyphenoloic metabolites occurring only in the Phaeophyceae that have numerous putative primary roles (e.g. cell-wall construction and storage) as well as secondary metabolic roles, which include herbivore feeding deterrence and protection from UV radiation. The proposed role of phlorotannins in the defense against UV radiation is of particular importance in the Antarctic due to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer in that area. Several studies of brown algae have found evidence of an induction response (the production of defensive metabolites, including phlorotannins) after grazing by various mesograzers, after simulated grazing/wounding, and after exposure to increases in UV radiation. This study aimed to determine if phlorotannin production or other defenses in two dominant, endemic Antarctic species (Desmarestia menziesii Montagne and Desmarestia anceps J. Agardh) could be induced by an increase in exposure to UV radiation or by natural and artificial grazing. An in situ experiment failed to detect any effect of UV radiation on phlorotannin concentrations in either species or on subsequent palatability in feeding bioassays. A laboratory-based experiment did not detect any effect of mesoherbivore grazing or simulated grazing (wounding) on palatability or the concentration of phlorotannins in D. menziesii. Instead, phlorotannin concentrations increased in all treatments in both experiments, consistent with an increase in overall resource availability due to an increase in available PAR compared with the in situ irradiance at the algal collection sites.
The pros and cons of the 'PACM' proposal: point

On p. 5 of this issue, ACM Publications Board co-chairs Joseph A. Konstan and Jack W. Davidson introduce a proposal that would interweave conference and journal publishing. Here, computer scientists Kathryn S. McKinley and David S. Rosenblum argue for and against the proposal.
Hypolipidemic activity of boronated nucleosides and nucleotides in rodents

Base-boronated nucleoside and phosphate-boronated nucleotides were potent hypolipidemic agents in rodents, lowering both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Rat VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels were generally reduced and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly elevated after 14 days dosing at 8 mg/kg/day. Tissue cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid levels were reduced by selected derivatives. Increased fecal excretion of lipids did not appear to be a mechanism by which these derivatives lowered serum lipids in rodents. Rather, the agents suppressed appetite and reduced the activities of rate-limiting enzymes for de novo lipid synthesis, specifically cytoplasmic acetyl CoA synthetase, squalene synthetase, and phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase with IC50 values of approximately 10(-5) m.
Post-formulation peptide drug loading of nanostructures for metered control of NF-κB signaling.

The NF-κB signaling pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we report the first strategy to achieve NF-κB inhibition with a peptide inhibitor loaded into perfluorocarbon nanoparticles with the use of a simple post-formulation mixing approach that utilizes an amphipathic cationic fusion peptide linker strategy for cargo insertion. A stable peptide-nanoparticle complex is formed (dissociation constant ~0.14 μM) and metered inhibition of both NF-κB signaling and downstream gene expression (ICAM-1) is demonstrated in leukemia/lymphoma cells. This post-formulation cargo loading strategy enables the use of a generic synthetic or biologic lipidic nanostructure for drug conjugation that permits flexible specification of types and doses of peptides and/or other materials as diagnostic or therapeutic agents for metered incorporation and cellular delivery.
INTERMEDIATE MESON CONTRIBUTIONS TO HYPERON DECAYS

Dispersion relations have been used to estimate the contributions to $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ and $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ hyperon decays from one- and two-meson intermediate states for both even and odd $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ relative parity. The results indicate that these contributions will have a negligible effect on the electron modes and give perhaps a 10% correction to the rates for the muon modes; the lepton decay modes are apparently dominated by the $V$ and $A$ form factors at zero momentum transfer which appears as substraction constants in the calculations. For even $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ parity the two-meson contributions to the pion mode amplitudes are roughly 20% of the experimental values. The contributions to the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-decay amplitudes are essentially unchanged when one assumes odd $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ parity, but the contributions to the $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ amplitudes are reduced to about 6% of the experimental values.
Isotope effects in collision-activated dissociations of simple ions

Abstract Collision-activated dissociations of diatomic and triatomic ions show isotope effects that depend on a simple function of the masses but not on instrumental parameters such as accelerating voltage or detector slit width. Results for diatomic and triatomic species are in excellent agreement with a collisional interaction theory.
Jupiter's atmosphere: Observations and interpretation of the microwave spectrum near 1.25-cm wavelength

Measurements of Jupiter's disk-temperature spectrum in the 20- to 24-GHz (1.5 cm less than lambda less than 1.25 cm) region are reported. These data are combined with previously published data to produce a uniformly calibrated thermal spectrum of Jupiter in the wavelength interval 0.85 to 2.1 cm. Model studies are carried out to determine optimum pressure-temperature profiles for an assumed radiative-convective temperature structure. It is found that the temperature at the 1-bar total effective pressure level is between 140 and 165 K, with a most probable value of 153 K, provided that NH3 is uniformly saturated in the clouds on a global scale. We show that the temperature profile for the microwave model is approximately 20 K cooler than the profiles derived from infrared data. An explanation of this discrepancy is discussed in terms of a model which invokes different NH3 distributions in the belts and zones.
Expression of the DNA repair gene XRCC1 in baboon tissues

Abstract XRCC1 is a DNA repair gene involved in rejoining DNA strand-breaks. We used baboon as an animal model to determine the levels of XRCC1 gene expression in different tisues. Baboons were selected because they are evolutionarily closely related to humans. A single 2.2 kb transcript was detected in all tissues tested by northern blot analysis, with variations in levels of expression among tissues. The expression levels of XRCC1 were measured by quantitative RNase protection assays. XRCC1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in testis than those other tissues. A mean value of 24.6 × 10 5 XRCC1 transcripts per μg DNA was found in testis, while 10.5 × 10 5 in ovary, 9.8 × 10 5 in brain, 8.5 × 10 5 in liver, 6.8 × 10 5 in kidney, 6.5 × 10 5 in heart, 6.4 × 10 5 in lymph nodes, 6.0 × 10 5 in lung and 4.9 × 10 5 in spleen were found.
Probing Wilson loops in AdS/QCD

We use AdS/QCD to analyze the quark and gluon scalar and pseudoscalar condensates around static color sources described by a circular Wilson loop. We also derive the static dipole-dipole interactions between rectangular Wilson loops in AdS/QCD and discuss their relevance for static string interactions in QCD at strong coupling.
Rapid detailed characterization of concrete shielding blocks utilizing internal natural radionuclides for calibration

Following many years of productive work, the SuperHILAC and Bevalac accelerators at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory were closed, leaving thousands of concrete shielding blocks available for reuse or disposal. The process history of these blocks as shielding precludes free release pending radiological characterization. This paper presents a method for the rapid characterization of gamma-ray-emitting radioisotopes in large samples of earth-like materials: concrete shielding blocks in this case. Active regions are identified with a sensitive radiation-survey instrument and then examined in detail with a high-efficiency lead-shielded Ge spectrometer. Naturally-occurring gamma-ray emissions from the decays of uranium, thorium, and potassium are used to calibrate the spectrometer. A simple relationship exists between the observed counting rate in a characteristic gamma ray and the activity in the block. This method, taking only tens of minutes per sample at the nano-Curie/gram sensitivity level, replaces much of the expensive coring and laboratory analysis methods needed otherwise.
Continuous Improvement Efforts Often Dictate Organizational Change: What are the Mechanisms for Change?

Organizational changes that occur to gain the objectives of continuous improvement are highly visible endeavors. However, there is little guidance regarding the specific change mechanisms to follow. There appears to be conflicting concepts of how to bring about change and how to utilize the existing organizational structure in the change processes. In an attempt to find a synthesis of the various concepts, each is explored with its recommended solution. The premise of this synthesis is that the organization in its present form must be thoroughly understood and the skills that have evolved are the primary mechanisms for any changes.
α-Heterosubstituted phosphonate carbanions IX: diethyl 1-phenyl-1-trimethylsiloxymethane phosphonate as an acyl anion equivalent; A novel method for the preparation of α-hydroxyketones.

Abstract Diethyl 1-phenyl-1-trimethylsiloxymethane phosphonate carbanion was found to react as an effective acyl anion equivalent in the preparation of α-hydroxy ketones from aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and ketones. A 1,4-oxygen-oxygen silicon migration was also observed.
Comparative methods with sampling error and within-species variation: contrasts revisited and revised.

Abstract: Comparative methods analyses have usually assumed that the species phenotypes are the true means for those species. In most analyses, the actual values used are means of samples of modest size. The covariances of contrasts then involve both the covariance of evolutionary changes and a fraction of the within‐species phenotypic covariance, the fraction depending on the sample size for that species. Ives et al. have shown how to analyze data in this case when the within‐species phenotypic covariances are known. The present model allows them to be unknown and to be estimated from the data. A multivariate normal statistical model is used for multiple characters in samples of finite size from species related by a known phylogeny, under the usual Brownian motion model of change and with equal within‐species phenotypic covariances. Contrasts in each character can be obtained both between individuals within a species and between species. Each contrast can be taken for all of the characters. These sets of...
Treatment of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Have We Been Pursuing the Wrong Paradigm?

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF) is the clinical syndrome of heart failure associated with normal or near-normal systolic function. Because inhibition of the adrenergic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems has been so effective in the treatment of systolic heart failure, these same therapies have been the subject of recent clinical trials of HF-PEF. In this review, we examine the current evidence about treatment of HF-PEF, with particular emphasis on reviewing the literature for large-scale randomized clinical studies. The lack of significant benefit with neurohormonal antagonism in HF-PEF suggests that this condition might not involve neurohormonal activation as a critical pathophysiologic mechanism. Perhaps heart failure as we traditionally think of it is the wrong paradigm to pursue as we try to understand this condition of volume overload known as HF-PEF.
Ratiometric biosensors that measure mitochondrial redox state and ATP in living yeast cells.

Mitochondria have roles in many cellular processes, from energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis to control of cellular lifespan and programmed cell death. These processes affect and are affected by the redox status of and ATP production by mitochondria. Here, we describe the use of two ratiometric, genetically encoded biosensors that can detect mitochondrial redox state and ATP levels at subcellular resolution in living yeast cells. Mitochondrial redox state is measured using redox-sensitive Green Fluorescent Protein (roGFP) that is targeted to the mitochondrial matrix. Mito-roGFP contains cysteines at positions 147 and 204 of GFP, which undergo reversible and environment-dependent oxidation and reduction, which in turn alter the excitation spectrum of the protein. MitGO-ATeam is a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe in which the e subunit of the FoF1-ATP synthase is sandwiched between FRET donor and acceptor fluorescent proteins. Binding of ATP to the e subunit results in conformation changes in the protein that bring the FRET donor and acceptor in close proximity and allow for fluorescence resonance energy transfer from the donor to acceptor.
Venlafaxine in the treatment of depressive and vasomotor symptoms in women with perimenopausal depression

Perimenopause is often marked by vasomotor symptoms and dysphoria. Antidepressant studies have demonstrated decreased frequency and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors and menopausal women. We hypothesized that venlafaxine would relieve both depressive and vasomotor symptoms in depressed perimenopausal women. Sixteen women fulfilling clinical criteria for climacteric phase and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria for a depressive episode were enrolled in an open-label 8-week trial of extended-release venlafaxine. Depressive and climacteric symptoms were monitored using the Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression (Ham-D) and Anxiety (Ham-A), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS). Serum follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol concentrations were monitored. Significant decreases in Ham-D and Ham-A scores and the GCS psychiatric subscale were seen after 2 weeks of treatment. In an intention-to-treat analysis, 81% of the subjects demonstrated a therapeutic antidepressant response (>50% decline in Ham-D score) and 75% achieved clinical remission (Ham-D score < or =7) after 8 weeks of venlafaxine therapy (75-225 mg/day). Total GCS scores declined 60%, and GCS vasomotor subscores decreased among those with vasomotor symptoms at baseline. These data suggest that venlafaxine treatment improves overall well-being, reduces depressive symptoms, and may diminish baseline vasomotor symptoms in depressed perimenopausal women. Further studies are warranted to investigate the utility of venlafaxine in perimenopausal depression.
Impaired fatty acid oxidation in muscle of aging rats perfused under basal conditions

The purpose of the present study was to examine the utilization of fatty acids (FA) and muscle substrates by skeletal muscle in young, middle-aged, and old adult rats under conditions of euglycemia...
A comparative clinical assessment of combination chemotherapy in the management of advanced gastric carcinoma

This report summarizes the results of a randomized multi-institutional clinical trial in advanced gastric carcinoma comparing four combination chemotherapy regimens: 5-FU, Adriamycin + mitomycin C (FAMi); 5-FU, Adriamycin + methyl-CCNU (FAMe); 5-FU, ICRF-159 + methyl-CCNU (FIMe); and 5-FU + methyl-CCNU (FMe). One-hundred-eighty-one evaluable patients received chemotherapy. These objective tumor response rates were observed among the 59 patients with measurable indicator lesions: FAMi, 3/12 (25%); FAMe, 3/10 (30%); FIMe, 4/19 (21%); FMe, 1/18 (6%). The survival distributions for the four treatment groups were significantly different (P < 0.05), with these median survivals observed (in weeks from the onset of chemotherapy): FAMi, 29.6; FAMe, 34.4; FMe, 22.9; FIMe, 17.4. Two nontreatment variables were found to be significantly associated with survival when analyzed using the Cox covariate model: pretreatment performance status (P < 0.0001), and presence or absence of measurable metastatic disease (P < 0.001). After adjustments for the effects of these and other clinical variables, two treatment regimens were found to be associated with improved survival: FAMi therapy (P < 0.01), and FAMe therapy (P = 0.07). Toxicity was, in general, moderate and consisted primarily of gastrointestinal side effects and myelosuppression. We conclude that the FAMi and FAMe regimens are superior to the FIMe and FMe regimens in the management of advanced gastric cancer.
Learning Polynomials with Neural Networks

We study the effectiveness of learning low degree polynomials using neural networks by the gradient descent method. While neural networks have been shown to have great expressive power, and gradient descent has been widely used in practice for learning neural networks, few theoretical guarantees are known for such methods. In particular, it is well known that gradient descent can get stuck at local minima, even for simple classes of target functions. In this paper, we present several positive theoretical results to support the effectiveness of neural networks. We focus on twolayer neural networks where the bottom layer is a set of non-linear hidden nodes, and the top layer node is a linear function, similar to Barron (1993). First we show that for a randomly initialized neural network with sufficiently many hidden units, the generic gradient descent algorithm learns any low degree polynomial, assuming we initialize the weights randomly. Secondly, we show that if we use complex-valued weights (the target function can still be real), then under suitable conditions, there are no "robust local minima": the neural network can always escape a local minimum by performing a random perturbation. This property does not hold for real-valued weights. Thirdly, we discuss whether sparse polynomials can be learned with small neural networks, with the size dependent on the sparsity of the target function.
Preparation of chameleon coatings for space and ambient environments

Tribological coatings of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Au, diamond like carbon (DLC) and MoS2 were synthesized using magnetron assisted pulsed laser deposition. The coatings were synthesized in four-component and three-component combinations that included YSZ/Au/DLC/MoS2, YSZ/Au/MoS2, and YSZ/Au/DLC. A range of coating compositions was studied to explore coating optimization for low friction in varying environments (dry, humid and high temperature). For four-component YSZ/Au/DLC/MoS2 coatings, the optimal compositions for friction adaptation between dry nitrogen and humid air included relatively high concentrations of the soft phase, Au (N20 at.%), and low amounts of the hard phases, DLC and YSZ. Ex situ Raman spectroscopy analysis indicates that friction adaptation involves a combination of both lubricating species, MoS2 and carbon, where transitions of DLC to graphitic-carbon and amorphous MoS2 to its hexagonal phase occur after cycling between both room temperature humid air and dry nitrogen. In large carbon concentrations (N30 at.%), the DLC component was found to be detrimental for friction in dry nitrogen and humid air, but promoted a longer coating wear life at 500 °C. The three-component coating of YSZ/Au/MoS2 performed well in both dry nitrogen and humid air, suggesting a synergism between Au and MoS2, where carbon was not necessary for lubrication in humid air. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Certain optimal correspondences between plane curves, I: Manifolds of shapes and bimorphisms

. In previous joint work, a theory introduced earlier by Tagare was developed for establishing certain kinds of correspondences, termed bimorphisms, between simple closed regular plane curves of differentiability class at least C 2 . A class of objective functionals was introduced on the space of bimorphisms between two fixed curves C 1 and C 2 , and it was proposed that one define a "best non-rigid match" between C 1 and C 2 by minimizing such a functional. In this paper we prove several theorems concerning the nature of the shape-space of plane curves and of spaces of bimorphisms as infinite-dimensional manifolds. In particular, for 2 ≤ j < ∞, the space of parametrized bimorphisms is a differentiable Banach manifold, but the space of unparametrized bimorphisms is not. Only for C°° curves is the space of bimorphisms an infinite-dimensional manifold, and then only a Frechet manifold, not a Banach manifold. This paper lays the groundwork for a companion paper in which we use the Nash Inverse Function Theorem and our results on C°° curves and bimorphisms to show that if Γ is strongly convex, if C 1 and C 2 are C°° curves whose shapes are not too dissimilar (C j -close for a certain finite j) and if neither curve is a perfect circle, then the minimum of a regularized objective functional exists and is locally unique.
Generalization. Proof of the Existence of Ethically Non-Measurable Situations

In previous chapters we construct a theory of ethical interaction of two individuals. The question arises: can this theory be generalized to the cases of interaction of three, four, or any finite number of individuals?
Diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess by abdominal plain-film radiography.

A 57-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and intravenous drug abuse presented to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain of three months duration that had worsened in the week prior to presentation. Review of systems was significant for back pain, nausea, and fever. The patient’s physical examination demonstrated a diffusely tender abdomen in addition to bilateral costo-vertebral angle tenderness, bilateral lower extremity weakness, and decreased rectal tone. An acute abdominal series was ordered to evaluate for bowel perforation (Figure). After review of this radiograph, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine was ordered to confirm the suspected diagnosis of epidural abscess (Figure). The patient was transferred to the operating room for successful thoracic hemi-laminectomy and discharged home on post-op day seven. Figure Magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic spine. Upright abdominal image demonstrating (A) paraspinal soft tissue density at the T10–T11 level worrisome for the possibility of paraspinal abscess, (B) poor visualization of the T10–T11 disc ... The incidence of spinal epidural abscess has been estimated to account for 0.2–2.0 per 10,000 admissions, although recent studies report that the incidence is rising owing to increased rates of intravenous drug abuse and spinal surgical instrumentation.1,2 While the utility of plain film radiography is limited in the initial evaluation of suspected epidural abscess, abnormalities suggesting the presence of the disease in the form of end plate erosions or findings suggestive of osteomyelitis should not be ignored as these findings may be present in up to 89% of cases.3–5 In contrast, MRI with gadolinium contrast has a reported sensitivity of 91% with an associated specificity of 100%, rendering it the imaging modality of choice.5–7 Timely diagnosis of this relatively rare condition is paramount as the associated mortality of 5–16% is significant.8,9
Phased array ghost elimination

Parallel imaging may be applied to cancel ghosts caused by a variety of distortion mechanisms, including distortions such as off-resonance or local flow, which are space variant. Phased array combining coefficients may be calculated that null ghost artifacts at known locations based on a constrained optimization, which optimizes SNR subject to the nulling constraint. The resultant phased array ghost elimination (PAGE) technique is similar to the method known as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) used for accelerated imaging; however, in this formulation is applied to full field-of-view (FOV) images. The phased array method for ghost elimination may result in greater flexibility in designing acquisition strategies. For example, in multi-shot EPI applications ghosts are typically mitigated by the use of an interleaved phase encode acquisition order. An alternative strategy is to use a sequential, non-interleaved phase encode order and cancel the resultant ghosts using PAGE parallel imaging. Cancellation of ghosts by means of phased array processing makes sequential, non-interleaved phase encode acquisition order practical, and permits a reduction in repetition time, TR, by eliminating the need for echo-shifting. Sequential, non-interleaved phase encode order has benefits of reduced distortion due to off-resonance, in-plane flow and EPI delay misalignment. Furthermore, the use of EPI with PAGE has inherent fat-water separation and has been used to provide off-resonance correction using a technique referred to as lipid elimination with an echo-shifting N/2-ghost acquisition (LEENA), and may further generalized using the multi-point Dixon method. Other applications of PAGE include cancelling ghosts which arise due to amplitude or phase variation during the approach to steady state. Parallel imaging requires estimates of the complex coil sensitivities. In vivo estimates may be derived by temporally varying the phase encode ordering to obtain a full k-space dataset in a scheme similar to the autocalibrating TSENSE method. This scheme is a generalization of the UNFOLD method used for removing aliasing in undersampled acquisitions. The more general scheme may be used to modulate each EPI ghost image to a separate temporal frequency as described in this paper.
Bayesian restoration of millimeter wave imagery

The adoption of new imaging modalities offers new challenges for the modelling of image formation and image restoration. Millimeter wave imaging, a totally passive method for imaging at microwave frequencies, requires statistical models that are different from normal visible optical assumptions. We examine some of the relevant issues and derive a non-linear Bayes estimate of the object, given a passive millimeter wave image. >
Identification of essential amino acids within the proposed CuA binding site in subunit II of Cytochrome c oxidase

To explore the nature of proposed ligands to the CuA center in cytochrome c oxidase, site-directed mutagenesis has been initiated in subunit II of the enzyme. Mutations were introduced into the mitochondrial gene from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by high velocity microprojectile bombardment. A variety of single amino acid substitutions at each of the proposed cysteine and histidine ligands (His-161, Cys-196, Cys-200, and His-204 in the bovine numbering scheme), as well as at the conserved Met-207, all result in yeast which fails to grow on ethanol/glycerol medium. Similarly, all possible paired exchange Cys,His and Cys,Met mutants show the same phenotype. Furthermore, protein stability is severely reduced as evidenced by both the absence of an absorbance maximum at 600 nm in the spectra of mutant cells and the underaccumulation of subunit II, as observed by immunolabeling of mitochondrial extracts. In the same area of the protein, a variety of amino acid substitutions at one of the carboxylates previously implicated in binding cytochrome c, Glu-198, allow (reduced) growth on ethanol/glycerol medium, with normal intracellular levels of protein. These results suggest that a precise folding environment of the CuA site within subunit II is essential for assembly or stable accumulation of cytochrome c oxidase in yeast.
New Surgical Technique for Sphincter Urinary Control System Using Upper Transverse Scrotal Incision

Purpose: Traditional implantation of the AMS Sphincter 800 Urinary Control System (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, Minnesota) requires 2 incisions. The cuff is placed via a perineal incision, and the pressure regulating balloon and pump are placed through a separate suprapubic incision. We describe a novel implantation of all the artificial urinary sphincter components using a single upper scrotal incision. The scrotal incision allows excellent access to the proximal bulbar urethra and retropubic and subdartos spaces, and leaves the bulbocavernosus muscle intact.Materials and Methods: A total of 37 patients have undergone artificial urinary sphincter implantation using the new operative technique for revisions or reimplantations of a sphincter previously removed for infection/erosion (12) or as an initial procedure (25). In 9 of the 25 patients and 2 of the 12 dual implantation of a 3-piece penile prosthesis through the same incision was performed.Results: All patients are using the devices. Of the ...
BMP-14 gene therapy increases tendon tensile strength in a rat model of Achilles tendon injury.

To The Editor: We read with interest the article “BMP-14 Gene Therapy Increases Tendon Tensile Strength in a Rat Model of Achilles Tendon Injury” (2007;89:1315-20), by Bolt et al. The article appears to be important in demonstrating the feasibility of this new technique, but we question some aspects of the study. We reported on a very similar experiment two years ago1, but, surprisingly, it was not cited in the article. In our study, we found some different results. As reported in 1992 and …
Criteria for Designing Bearing-Type Bolted Joints

The current (1965) criteria for proportioning bearing-type bolted joints are reviewed. The concepts of balanced design are examined and existing test results of bolted A7 and A440 steel connections fastened with A325 bolts are analyzed and compared with theoretical results. The examination of the currently used design concept showed that: (1) The concept of balanced design leads to inconsistent allowable bolt stresses for different plate materials; (2) the high-strength bolt behaves similarly under shear in a compact joint regardless of the type of connected material; and (3) the balanced design concept has no meaning in long joints because the bolts unbutton before the plate material can attain its full strength. A more logical design philosophy is suggested and possible design guides are outlined. The criterion is based on the shear strength of the bolt in various steel joints and is applicable to both the A325 and A490 high-strength bolts.
Rectangular Electroanesthesia Currents and the Primary Visual Pathways

The application of rectangular electroanesthesia (EA) currents from the nasion to the inion of monkeys produces unresponsiveness sufficient for surgical intervention (1,2). A marked suppression of evoked potentials in the auditory (3), sensory (4) and visual (5) cortex was found to be coincident with the unresponsive state. Evoked potentials recorded at the thalamic level were affected to a lesser extent. The results of electronmicroscopy studies of biopsies of cortical tissue taken before, during and after the application of EA currents show that these currents produce a reversible change in the distribution of the number of synaptic vesicles per ending in the vicinity of the presynaptic membrane (6). However, the mechanisms underlying the production of unresponsiveness are not yet known. Knowledge of these mechanisms may prove to be beneficial for the efficacious clinical application of electroanesthesia.
Video tooning

We describe a system for transforming an input video into a highly abstracted, spatio-temporally coherent cartoon animation with a range of styles. To achieve this, we treat video as a space-time volume of image data. We have developed an anisotropic kernel mean shift technique to segment the video data into contiguous volumes. These provide a simple cartoon style in themselves, but more importantly provide the capability to semi-automatically rotoscope semantically meaningful regions.In our system, the user simply outlines objects on keyframes. A mean shift guided interpolation algorithm is then employed to create three dimensional semantic regions by interpolation between the keyframes, while maintaining smooth trajectories along the time dimension. These regions provide the basis for creating smooth two dimensional edge sheets and stroke sheets embedded within the spatio-temporal video volume. The regions, edge sheets, and stroke sheets are rendered by slicing them at particular times. A variety of styles of rendering are shown. The temporal coherence provided by the smoothed semantic regions and sheets results in a temporally consistent non-photorealistic appearance.
The rise of Chinese military medicine: opportunity for mercy ship, not gunboat, diplomacy.

ABSTRACTRecent exchanges between the United States and China at the presidential and cabinet level have emphasized the need for an enhanced military-to-military relationship to further mutual understanding and promote cooperation. This article explores the historic context of military medical relations between the two nations as well as the rationale and opportunities for increased interaction through medical diplomacy. Specific areas for potential collaboration are discussed with recommendations for future action.
Risk of Injury According to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Comorbid Mental Illness, and Medication Therapy.

Introduction: We identify the risk of selected types of injuries among patients with ADHD or ADHD and comorbid mental illness. We also assess whether selected medications used by patients with ADHD increase the risk of comorbid mental illness or influence the association between ADHD and injury. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was conducted using medical claims data from the Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA). ADHD diagnosis, injury, medication, and demographic data were extracted from claims files during 2001–2013. Rate ratios were adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year. Results: Patients with ADHD were 7.9 (95% CI 7.6–8.2) times more likely to have psychosis, 5.5 (3.9–7.8) times more likely to have alcohol- or drug-induced psychosis, and 6.0 (5.9–6.2) times more likely to have neurotic or personality disorder. Therapy with amphetamine was positively associated with neurotic or personality disorder (rate ratio=1.08, 1.02–1.15); methylphenidate was negatively associated with neurotic or personality disorder (0.90, 0.84–0.97); and atomoxetine was positively associated with psychosis (1.33, 1.21–1.46), alcohol- or drug-induced psychosis (2.38, 1.04–5.43), and neurotic or personality disorder (2.38, 1.04–5.43). ADHD was associated with an increased risk of injury, with ADHD and comorbid mental illness having a stronger increased risk of injury. Psychostimulants ameliorated the increased risk of injury for patients with ADHD. Conclusion: Patients with ADHD have an increased risk of injury, significantly more so for those with ADHD and comorbid mental illness. Psychostimulants can lower the risk of injury among patients with ADHD.