cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chondroitin 4-sulfate stimulates regeneration of goldfish retinal axons.

Our previous studies demonstrated that optic nerve regeneration in the goldfish is accompanied by significantly enhanced axonal transport of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), with a particularly large increase in the transport of chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S). We have further shown that inhibition of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis and transport with β-xyloside impedes axonal outgrowth from regenerating retinal explants. These results suggest a role for PGs that contain C4S in the regeneration process. To begin to address the possible functions of C4S GAGs during regeneration of goldfish retinal axons, we evaluated the effect of exogenous C4S on axonal outgrowth from regenerating retina, explanted 7–14 days after optic nerve crush. Our results indicate that exogenous C4S added to the culture medium potentiates axonal outgrowth on both polylysine-and LN-containing substrata. At low C4S concentrations, this potentiation is more marked on substrata containing both polylysine and LN than on polylysine alone. These results obtainedin vitrosuggest that soluble C4S, whether arising after axonal transport and externalization or after release from nonneuronal cells, is a positive modulator of regenerative axonal outgrowthin vivo.
Microscale Heat Conduction in Dielectric Thin Films

Heat conduction in dielectric thin films is a critical issue in the design of electronic devices and packages. Depending on the material properties, there exists a range of film thickness where the Fourier law, used for macroscale heat conduction, cannot be applied. In this microscale regime, heat transport by lattice vibrations or phonons can be analyzed as a radiative transfer problem. Based on Boltzmann transport theory, an equation of phonon radiative transfer (EPRT) is developed. In the acoustically thick limit, ξ L >>1, or the macroscale regime, where the film thickness is much larger than the phonon-scattering mean free path, the EPRT reduces to the Fourier law
Hierarchical control for hybrid wind systems

Hybrid wind systems couple wind turbines with storage and/or other generation technologies to maximize wind energy production while meeting operational requirements in terms of frequency control, regulation, load following, and scheduling. To increase fuel savings and emission reductions, a hierarchical control structure is proposed in this paper that combines supervisory control and component local control. In supervisory control, unit commitment and power dispatch are optimized and communicated to component local controllers. Frequency/voltage droop (P/Q droop) functions are developed for battery banks and diesel units to regulate system frequency and voltage. PSCAD simulation results indicate that the proposed hierarchical control strategy enables high wind penetration without compromising system performance.
Atomic data and spectral line intensities for the nitrogen isoelectronic sequence (Ar XII through Kr XXX)

The electron impact collision strengths and the spontaneous radiative decay rates are presented for the following ions of the Ne isoelectronic sequence: Si V, Ar IX, Ti XIII, Fe XVII, Ge XXIII and Kr XXVII. Data are given for the 27 levels that belong to four different configurations (2s22p6, 2s22p53s, 2s22p53p, and 2s22p53d). By use of the atomic data calculations of the above-mentioned ions, the atomic data for all the ions with 14 ⩽ Z ⩽ 36 have been interpolated. Energy levels and level populations are presented for all the even-Z ions with 14 ⩽ Z ⩽ 36 (Si V, S VII, Ar IX, Ca XI, Ti XIII, Cr XV, Fe XVII, Ni XIX, Zn XXI, Ge XXIII, Se XXV, and Kr XXVII). The level populations are given for the three electron densities 1013, 1014, and 1015 cm−3. Spectral line intensities are also presented for all transitions with intensities within two orders of magnitude of the most intense line in each ion.
An examination of the relationship between ethical behavior, espoused ethical values and financial performance in the U.s. Defense industry: 1988–1992

This paper tests the ethics-is-good-for-profits as well as the ethics-and-profits-are-joint-outcomes-of-good-management hypotheses in the context of the U.S. defense industry in the 1988–1992 period. Both ethical behaviors (defined and measured as the number and dollar cost of convictions for violations of civil and criminal law as well as reimbursement obligations arising under environmental statutes) and espoused ethical values (in the form of membership in the Defense Industry Initiative and average level of PAC contributions) are compared with measures of profitability for the defense-oriented business segments of sixty-two major U.S. defense contractors. From 1988 to 1992, the U.S. Defense Department gave these contractors an average of 65% of all prime contract awards over $25,000 to business firms for work in the U.S.
Isolated severe traumatic brain injuries sustained during combat operations: demographics, mortality outcomes, and lessons to be learned from contrasts to civilian counterparts.

BACKGROUND: : Severe traumatic brain injuries occurring in the context of modern military conflict are entities about which little has been reported. We reviewed the epidemiology of these injuries from the Joint Trauma Theater Registry (JTTR), contrasting these results with civilian counterparts from the National Trauma Databank (NTDB). METHODS: : Isolated severe brain injuries (defined as head abbreviated injury scale [AIS] ≥3 and no other body region AIS >2) were queried from the JTTR over a period from 2003 to 2007. The demographics and outcomes of these injuries were reviewed. These results were then contrasted to findings of similar patients, age 18 years to 55 years, over the same period from the NTDB using propensity score matching derived from age, gender, systolic blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, and AIS. RESULTS: : JTTR review identified 604 patients meeting study criteria, with a mean age of 25.7 years. Glasgow Coma Scale was ≤8 in 27.8%, and 98.0% were men. Hypotension at presentation was noted in 5.5%. Blast (61.9%) and gunshot wound (19.5%) mechanisms accounted for the majority of combat injuries. Intracranial pressure monitoring was used in 15.2%, and 27.0% underwent some form of operative cranial decompression, lobectomy, or debridement. When compared with matched civilian NTDB counterparts, JTTR patients were significantly more likely to undergo intracranial pressure monitoring (13.8% vs. 1.7%; p Language: en
Models of oxidative stress in the biology of aging

There is considerable evidence that oxidative stress is mechanistically linked to some aspects of aging and age-related disease but the extent to which it is causal to all aging pathology and to a limited lifespan remains a highly contentious issue. Model systems, from cell-based systems to rodents, have been utilized and it is probable that each has a part to play in solving the aging/oxidative stress problem. Consideration is given to the utility of invertebrate models for drug discovery.
Electron spectroscopy in coincidence with protons from the (t,p) reaction☆

Abstract An electron spectrometer has been operated in coincidence with a thin annular Si(Au) proton detector to obtain conversion-electron spectra associated with the (t,p) reaction. Electrons are transported from the target to a Si(Li) detector through a solenoidal magnetic field in a two-loop baffle arrangement. Proton detection efficiencies of up to 14% were obtained with a 98 Mo target by optimizing the forward-angle position of the Si(Au) detector.
Decoupled feedforward control for an air-conditioning and refrigeration system

Multiple control objectives must be met in order to satisfy the system capacity and efficiency requirements of air-conditioning and refrigeration (A/C & R) systems. Moreover, in the HVAC industry, it is generally preferred to tune multiple single-input-single-output (SISO) control loops rather than a single multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) control loop. This paper demonstrates that a SISO decentralized control design, presented in [1], can be enhanced with feedforward control on select control channels to improve the response to reference signals and reduce the effect of system coupling. A feedforward controller is combined with a PI feedback controller to improve the reference tracking performance of average evaporator temperature while reducing the coupling effect of changes in other input channels. Both simulation and experimental results are presented.
Effect of thiols on micronucleus frequency in γ-irradiated mammalian cells

Abstract The effects of the thiols cysteamine, WR-1065, and WR-255591 on radiation-induced micronucleus (MN) frequency and cell killing were compared in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. MN were measured using the cytochalasin B assay of Fenech and Morley (1985), which minimizes the effect of cytokinetic perturbations on MN expression. The dose-response curves for MN induction were curvilinear both for control cells at doses between 1.5 and 4.5 Gy and for thiol-treated cells at doses between 3 and 9 Gy. Protection against MN induction by each thiol was independent of radiation dose. Furthermore, there was a close correlation between the degree of modification of MN induction and cell survival by each thiol, i.e., the MN frequency closely predicted the survival level regardless of the presence or absence of the thiols. A similar predictive relationship has also been reported by us for cell survival and DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction in this cell line following treatment with these same thiols. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that, for DNA-repair-proficient mammalian cells treated with radiomodifying agents that do not alter DNA-repair processes, MN and DSB induction are predictive of the level of radiation lethality and of each other.
A framework for content-based retrieval of EEG with applications to neuroscience and beyond

This paper introduces a prototype framework for content-based EEG retrieval (CBER). Like content-based image retrieval, the proposed framework retrieves EEG segments similar to the query EEG segment in a large database. Such retrieval of EEG can be used to assist data mining of brain signals by allowing researchers to understand the association between brain patterns, responses, and the environment. Retrieval might also be used to enhance the accuracy of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems by providing related samples for training. We present key components of CBER and explain how to handle the distinctive characteristics of EEG. To demonstrate the feasibility of the framework, we implemented a simple EEG database of about 37,000 samples from more than 100 subjects. We ran two retrieval scenarios with a set of EEG features and evaluation metrics. The results of finding similar subjects clearly demonstrate the potential of CBER in many EEG applications.
Zirconocenium cation catalysis of propene polymerization

rac-Ethylenebis(1-η5-indenyl)dimethylzirconium (1) was reacted with triphenylcarbenium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (2) to produce in situ the rac-ethylenebis(indenyl)methylzirconium cation (3). This aluminium-free catalyst showed propene polymerization activity (A) and stereoselectivity which both increase with the decrease of polymerization temperature (Tp). At very low Tp, 3 behaved as a “single-site” catalyst. An efficient way to produce such cation is to react ansa-zirconocene dichloride with 2 in the presence of TEA (=triethylaluminium). A superior cationic catalyst was obtained from rac-dimethylsilylenebis(1-η5-indenyl)dichlorozirconium, 2, and TEA, which polymerizes propene at −20°C(−55°C) with activity of 2×109 (3×108) g polypropene per (mol Zr η mol C3H6 η h) to polypropenes which are 93.8% (99.4%) isotactic with melting temperature Tm = 152.6°C (159.9°C) and viscosity-average molecular weight Mv = 1.4×105 (2.2×105). The addition of methylaluminoxane lowers the A of the cationic catalyst especially at low Tp. Rigorously speaking, the cation derived from 1 or 3 behaves as a “single site” catalyst only at very low Tp. The use of TEA significantly and unexpectedly enhances the efficiency of the zirconocenium catalyst system.
Sentido y ciencia de la inmunización infantil: ¿es posible que podamos obtener más con menos?*

Recently, the threat of biological terrorism with the variola virus and a global influenza pandemic due to the limited supply of vaccines has prompted several research studies evaluating fractionated dose vaccination programs and promising results on immunogenicity have been obtained. This strategy is not new, having been applied to vaccines for less sensational diseases which, nevertheless, cause substantial mortality. The present article reviews essential knowledge on vaccination as pertaining to current immunization strategies in children. Unexplored strategies to reduce the costs of vaccine provision and the possibility of saving more lives with currently available resources are also discussed.
Transvaginal scanning of the endometrium

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) can accurately depict the anteroposterior, width, and long axis of the endometrium. This article describes and illustrates normal and abnormal endometria as depicted by TVS.
The role of peri-operative chemotherapy for resectable colorectal liver metastasis: what does the evidence support?

With improved patient selection, better surgical techniques, and more effective cytotoxic chemotherapy agents, 5-year survival following curative intent surgery of colorectal metastasis now approaches 45–60%.1–4 While there have been significant advances in prolonging overall survival of patients with colorectal liver metastasis, many patients still develop recurrent disease. De Jong et al.5 reported a contemporary experience in which the 5-year disease-free survival was only 30% following curative intent surgery for colorectal liver metastasis, with 60% of patients developing extrahepatic disease at 5 years. Tomlinson et al.6 noted that approximately one third of actual 5-year survivors succumb to cancer-related death. Noting that the chance of “cure” after hepatectomy was roughly a one-in-six chance, the authors estimated a “maximal cure” rate of only about 25% for patients undergoing surgical resection of colorectal liver metastasis. Given the persistent high recurrence rates and the overall poor “true” long-term survival following surgical resection of colorectal liver metastasis, there has been great interest in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resectable colorectal liver metastasis. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis has recently been reviewed by Power and Kemeny.7 For both pedagogical and practical purposes, “peri-operative” chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastasis can be divided into three different treatment “strategies;” neoadjuvant, peri-operative, and adjuvant. We herein review each one of these peri-operative chemotherapy treatment strategies for resectable colorectal liver metastasis.
n-supercyclic operators

We show that there are linear operators on Hilbert space that have n- dimensional subspaces with dense orbit, but no (n 1)-dimensional subspaces with dense orbit. This leads to a new class of operators, called the n-supercyclic operators. We show that many cohyponormal operators are n-supercyclic. Furthermore, we prove that for an n-supercyclic operator, there aren circles centered at the origin such that every component of the spectrum must intersect one of these circles.
Biological activity of several 9-nonglycosidic-substituted natural cytokinins

A series of 9-substituted derivatives of four common naturally occurring cytokinins was tested for growth response in the soybean callus assay. The 9-substituents, 2-carboxyethyl (-C2CO2H), 2-carbo-t-butoxyethyl (-C2CO2 tBu), and 2-nitriloethyl (-C2CN), all reduced the biological activity of the parent compound. The order of activities was, in general,-C2CO2H > -C2CO2 tBu > -C2CN and followed the unsubstituted cytokinin response pattern of E-zeatin (E-Z) > Z-zeatin (Z-Z) > ≅ (R,S)-dihydrozeatin [(diH)Z] >N-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1H-purin-6-amine (iP). The nature of the dose-response curves indicate that the activities of the derivatives are a function of their affinities to a common receptor site and that their steric and polar properties determine that affinity.
Cough reflex sensitivity in cigarette smokers.

Study objectives: To evaluate cough reflex sensitivity in a population of young, healthy, male cigarette smokers. Design: Cross-sectional comparison. Setting: Academic medical center. Participants: Twenty healthy, male current-smokers (mean [ SEM] age, 32.2 1.2 years). Measurements: Subjects underwent baseline spirometry followed by capsaicin cough challenge testing, which involved the inhalation of capsaicin in ascending, doubling concentrations until the concentrations inducing two or more coughs (C2) and those inducing five or more coughs (C5) were reached. The data were compared to those from a group of 50 healthy, male nonsmokers who had undergone identical cough challenge testing. Results: The two groups did not differ in terms of age or baseline pulmonary function. Cough sensitivity was significantly diminished in the current-smokers compared to control subjects. The mean ( SEM) log C2 values in smokers and nonsmokers were 1.26 0.13 and 0.81 0.08, respectively (p 0.004). The mean log C5 values in smokers and nonsmokers were 2.03 0.10 and 1.20 0.08, respectively (p < 0.000001). Conclusions: Cough reflex sensitivity is significantly diminished in young, healthy, male currentsmokers compared to a similar population of nonsmokers. The mechanism of cough suppression in smokers remains speculative but may involve long-term tobacco smoke-induced desensitization of the cough receptors within the airway epithelium. (CHEST 2003; 123:685– 688)
Religious Regulation and the Muslim Democracy Gap

This article argues that high levels of government regulation of religion help to explain the “democracy gap” in majority Muslim countries. Controlling for previously hypothesized determinants of democracy, it finds that as levels of regulation increase, levels of democracy decline. Examination of specific types of religious regulation in Muslim-majority countries uncovers a pattern of repression of religious expression that may be used to mobilize citizens politically. These regulations are targeted more often at Muslims who seek independence from state-controlled religion or who wish to challenge authoritarian governments, rather than at non-Muslim minorities or at religious worship more generally. Thus, authoritarian and semi-authoritarian regimes in Muslim-majority states successfully use policies toward religion to restrict political competition and inhibit democratic transition.
Thermomechanical Formation of Nanoscale Polymer Indents With a Heated Silicon Tip

In thermomechanical data storage, a heated atomic force microscope cantilever tip is in contact with and scans over a polymer film. Heating in the cantilever and cantilever tip induces local deformation of the polymer near the tip, with indents as small as 22 nm. This paper reports a simple modeling approach for predicting heat and mass transfer in the cantilever tip and polymer with the goal of predicting indent formation conditions. The model accounts for subcontinuum conduction in the cantilever tip and for the time- and temperature-dependent mechanical properties of the polymer. Simulations predict steady state and transient indent formation, and the results compare well with data. For loading forces 30-200 nN and a tip radius of 20 nm, a cantilever temperature of 200°C is required to form an indent at steady state. For heating pulses as short as 5 μs, the cantilever temperature required for bit formation is as high as 500 °C. By quantifying the conditions required for indent formation, this work may improve the operation of heated probes for thermomechanical data storage.
Population genetic diversity influences colonization success

Much thought has been given to the individual-level traits that may make a species a successful colonizer. However, these traits have proven to be weak predictors of colonization success. Here, we test whether population-level characteristics, specifically genetic diversity and population density, can influence colonization ability on a short-term ecological timescale, independent of longer-term effects on adaptive potential. Within experimentally manipulated populations of the weedy herb Arabidopsis thaliana, we found that increased genetic diversity increased colonization success measured as population-level seedling emergence rates, biomass production, flowering duration, and reproduction. Additive and non-additive effects contributed to these responses, suggesting that both individual genotypes (sampling effect) and positive interactions among genotypes (complementarity) contributed to increased colonization success. In contrast, manipulation of plant density had no effect on colonization success. The heightened ability of relatively genetically rich populations to colonize novel habitats, if a general phenomenon, may have important implications for predicting and controlling biological invasions.
A Meta-Analysis Examining the Relationship Among Dietary Factors, Dry Matter Intake, and Milk and Milk Protein Yield in Dairy Cows

This meta-analysis was undertaken to determine the impact of dietary components on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), and milk protein yield (MPY) in Holstein dairy cows. Diets (n = 846) from 256 feeding trials published in Volumes 73 through 83 of the Journal of Dairy Science were evaluated for nutrient composition using 2 diet evaluation models: CPM Dairy (a computer program based on the principles of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) and NRC (2001). Data were analyzed with and without the effect of stage of lactation as a dummy variable (<100 d in milk or ≥100 d in milk). A mixed model regression analysis was used to completely investigate the potential relationships among composition variables and DMI, MY, and MPY. Protein and carbohydrate fractions were the main components within the DMI models, and DMI played a dominant role in estimating MY and MPY. Inclusion of stage of lactation substantially improved the MY models but did not affect model fits or residual structure for DMI and MPY.
Drug delivery in multiple indication (multipurpose) prevention technologies: systems to prevent HIV-1 transmission and unintended pregnancies or HSV-2 transmission.

Introduction: The development of multiple indication (multipurpose) prevention technologies (MIPTs) is driven by overlapping relationships in the area of female reproductive health. Areas covered: In this review, the basis for MIPTs is detailed. The current state of the field for the use of drug delivery in novel MIPTs is covered. Of particular interest is the application of intravaginal rings (IVRs) for the delivery of two drugs simultaneously, to prevent one STI and pregnancy, or two STIs. IVRs are currently available commercially for contraception and have been developed for release of microbicides to prevent sexual transmission of HIV-1. Novel IVRs capable of releasing relatively large amounts of drugs such as tenofovir are discussed, along with those that contain independent delivery elements, such as pods, that can be used to release drugs at independent rates. The vaginal administration of macromolecules (antibodies and vaccines) is also reviewed in the context of MIPTs. Expert opinion: The field o...
Moisture Transport Mechanisms during the Drying of Granular Porous Media

The theoretical foundations of heat, mass and momentum transport in granular porous media are reviewed, and the process of drying a layer of wet sand with warm, dry air is considered. The gas-phase momentum transport problem is examined from the point of view of the species momentum equation, and the analysis supports prior approximations of the momentum transport process. The liquid-phase moisture transport process is then re-examined in the light of past theoretical and experimental studies, and we conclude that the traditional concepts of relative permeability and capillary pressure saturation relations must be modified in order to obtain agreement between theory and experiment.
Mining market data: a network approach

We consider a network representation of the stock market data referred to as the market graph, which is constructed by calculating cross-correlations between pairs of stocks based on the opening prices data over a certain period of time. We study the evolution of the structural properties of the market graph over time and draw conclusions regarding the dynamics of the stock market development based on the interpretation of the obtained results.
An active noise control algorithm with gain and power constraints on the adaptive filter

This article develops a new adaptive filter algorithm intended for use in active noise control systems where it is required to place gain or power constraints on the filter output to prevent overdriving the transducer, or to maintain a specified system power budget. When the frequency-domain version of the least-mean-square algorithm is used for the adaptive filter, this limiting can be done directly in the frequency domain, allowing the adaptive filter response to be reduced in frequency regions of constraint violation, with minimal effect at other frequencies. We present the development of a new adaptive filter algorithm that uses a penalty function formulation to place multiple constraints on the filter directly in the frequency domain. The new algorithm performs better than existing ones in terms of improved convergence rate and frequency-selective limiting.
Three-dimensional modelling of the DC glow discharge using the second order fluid model

This paper presents the development of a three dimensional second order fluid model, used to properly describe a DC glow discharge, maintained by secondary emission at cathode, at low pressure, by using Cartesian geometry. The transport description of the charged species uses the corresponding first three moments of Boltzmann equation, coupled in a self-consistent way with Poisson equation. Some assumptions are required in order to simplify the numerical procedure. Thus, all transport equations are treated in the same manner, using classical drift-diffusion expression for fluxes. We used in this work, the Tchebychev distribution for the longitudinal positions, which gives dense grids near the electrodes in order to accurately resolve the sheaths and to speed up the computing time. Streszczenie. W artykule zaprezentowano trojwymiarowy model opisujący DC wyladowanie jarzeniowe otrzymywane przez emisje katodowa przyt niskim ciśnieniu. Do opisu wykorzystano rownanie Boltzmanna sprzezone z rownaniami Poissona. (Trojwymiarowe modelowanie wyladowania jarzeniowego DC przy uzyciu modelu cieczy drugiego rzedu)
Afferent Regulation of Chicken Auditory Brainstem Neurons: Rapid Changes in Phosphorylation of Elongation Factor 2

The relationships between protein synthesis and neuronal survival are poorly understood. In chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM), significant alterations in overall protein synthesis precede neuronal death induced by deprivation of excitatory afferent activity. Previously we demonstrated an initial reduction in the overall rate of protein synthesis in all deprived NM neurons, followed by quick recovery (starting at 6h) in some, but not all, neurons. Neurons with recovered protein synthesis ultimately survive while others become “ghost” cells (no detectable Nissl substance) at 12–24h and die within 48h. To explore the mechanisms underlying this differential influence of afferent input on protein synthesis and cell survival, the current study investigates the involvement of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (eEF2), the phosphorylation of which reduces overall protein synthesis. Using immunocytochemistry for either total or phosphorylated eEF2 (p-eEF2), we find significant reductions in the level of phosphorylated, but not total, eEF2 in NM neurons as early as 0.5h to 1h following cochlea removal. Unexpectedly, neurons with low levels of p-eEF2 show reduced protein synthesis at 6h indicated by a marker for active ribosomes. At 12h, all “ghost” cells exhibited little or no p-eEF2 staining although not every neuron with a comparable low level of p-eEF2 was a “ghost” cell. These observations demonstrate that a reduced level of p-eEF2 is not responsible for immediate responses (including reduced overall protein synthesis) of a neuron to compromised afferent input, but may impair the neuron’s ability to initiate recovery signaling for survival and make the neuron more vulnerable to death.
A View of Automated Proof Checking and Proving

Different techniques of automated formal reasoning are described and their performance and requirements on the human user are evaluated. The main trade-off is between autonomy and flexibility in conducting proofs. Examples of the use of techniques and existing systems are given, but not attempt of an exhaustive overview is made. The goal is to provide the reader with an idea of what to look for when selecting an approach for his/her application.
Adapt with Apps

The use of tablet technology when teaching students with disabilities is a rapidly growing trend. With hundreds of apps available, there are many opportunities for meeting the learning needs of students with disabilities in physical education. This article describes how to find the right apps and successfully implement them in adapted physical education.
Division of labor increases with colony size in the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus

Size has profound consequences for the structure and function of biological systems, across levels of organization from cells to social groups. As tightly integrated units that vary greatly in size, eusocial insect colonies, in particular, are expected to exhibit social scaling relations. To address the question of how social organization scales with colony size, we quantified task performance in variably sized colonies of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus. We found a positive scaling relationship between colony size and division of labor in 2 different contexts. First, individual workers were more specialized in older, larger colonies. Second, division of labor increased with colony size, independently of colony age. Moreover, the proportional allocation of workers to tasks shifted during colony ontogeny—older, larger colonies performed relatively less brood care—but did not vary with colony size among same-aged colonies. There were no colony-size effects on per capita activity or the distribution of activity across workers. Size-related changes in task performance were correlated with changes in the rate of encounter between nest mates. These results highlight the importance of colony size for the organization of work in insect societies and raise broader questions about the role of size in sociobiology. Key words: biological scaling, encounter rate, group size, social insects, task allocation, task specialization. [Behav Ecol]
On the outage probability of optimum combining and maximal ratio combining schemes in an interference-limited Rice fading channel

In this letter, we study the performance of optimum combining (OC) and maximal ratio combining (MRC) diversity schemes in wireless digital communication systems with Rice fading and cochannel interference. New simplified closed-form expressions are derived for the probability density function (pdf) as well as the outage probability for OC and MRC when the desired signal has a line of sight and the interferers are assumed to be scattered and further away from the receiver. It is assumed that the interferers have equal powers and their number (L) is larger than the diversity order (M), i.e., L>M.
Detection of Coronary Artery Stenosis Using 40-Channel Computed Tomography With Multisegment Reconstruction

Coronary angiographic studies performed with 16-channel multidetector computer tomographic scanners have demonstrated accurate detection of coronary vessel stenosis but are limited by a significant number of nonevaluable segments. To date, only single-center experience with multidetector computer tomography has been reported. We performed a prospective, blinded study at 2 institutions to determine the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of coronary angiography using 40-channel multidetector computer tomography with multisegment reconstruction for the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Multidetector computer tomographic studies were performed in 85 patients who were referred for invasive coronary angiography with clinically suspected CAD. Datasets were analyzed by blinded, independent review. Of 1,145 segments that were suitable for analysis as determined by angiography, 1,045 (91.3%) were evaluable on multidetector computer tomography. Segment-based sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for detecting ≥50% luminal stenoses were 86%, 97%, 75%, and 97%, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for the detection of ≥50% angiographic stenosis by multidetector computer tomography was 0.94. In a patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for detecting subjects with ≥1 segment with ≥50% stenosis were 98%, 93%, 94% and 93%, respectively. In conclusion, coronary angiography using 40-channel multidetector computer tomography with multisegment reconstruction accurately detects coronary segments and patients with obstructive CAD, with a small number of nonevaluable cases.
Single-chip wavelength conversion using a photocurrent-driven EAM integrated with a widely tunable sampled-grating DBR laser

Tunable photocurrent-driven wavelength converters using widely tunable sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector lasers, electroabsorption modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, and an optically preamplified receiver have been fabricated and tested. Dynamic wavelength conversion has been achieved over 40 nm with optical bandwidths up to 10 GHz.
A Nonparametric Procedure for Comparing the Areas Under Correlated LROC Curves

In contrast to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) assessment paradigm, localization ROC (LROC) analysis provides a means to jointly assess the accuracy of localization and detection in an observer study. In a typical multireader, multicase (MRMC) evaluation, the data sets are paired so that correlations arise in observer performance both between readers and across the imaging conditions (e.g., reconstruction methods or scanning parameters) being compared. Therefore, MRMC evaluations motivate the need for a statistical methodology to compare correlated LROC curves. In this paper, we suggest a nonparametric strategy for this purpose. Specifically, we find that seminal work of Sen on U-statistics can be applied to estimate the covariance matrix for a vector of LROC area estimates. The resulting covariance estimator is the LROC analog of the covariance estimator given by DeLong for ROC analysis. Once the covariance matrix is estimated, it can be used to construct confidence intervals and/or confidence regions for purposes of comparing observer performance across imaging conditions. In addition, given the results of a small-scale pilot study, the covariance estimator may be used to estimate the number of images and observers needed to achieve a desired confidence interval size in a full-scale observer study. The utility of our methodology is illustrated with a human-observer LROC evaluation of three image reconstruction strategies for fan-beam X-ray computed tomography.
Does Optimal Corporate Board Size Exist? An Empirical Analysis

We find that the most common board size for US publicly-traded firms ranges from eight to eleven directors. Over time, small boards (seven or fewer directors), tend to increase their size, but large boards (12 or more directors), tend to shrink their size. This result suggests a significant mean reversion trend in board size over time. We conclude that firms may be motivated by more than just value maximization and resource dependency when selecting board size in practice. It may be the trade-off of the costs and benefits of various board sizes that motivate board size selection.
A Bayesian Approach to Assess the Performance of Lightning Detection Systems

AbstractHistorically, researchers explore the effectiveness of one lightning detection system with respect to another system; that is, the probability that system A detects a discharge given that system B detected the same discharge is estimated. Since no system detects all lightning, a more rigorous comparison should include the reverse process—that is, the probability that system B detects a discharge given that system A detected it. Further, the comparison should use the fundamental physical process detected by each system. Of particular interest is the comparison of ground-based radio frequency detectors with space-based optical detectors. Understanding these relationships is critical as the availability and use of lightning data, both ground based and space based, increases. As an example, this study uses Bayesian techniques to compare the effectiveness of the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN), a ground-based wideband network, and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), a space-based optical...
Enhancing Fracture and Wear Resistance of Dentures/Overdentures Utilizing Digital Technology: A Case Series Report

Since it was first introduced into the dental world, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has improved dramatically in regards to both data acquisition and fabrication abilities. CAD/CAM is capable of providing well-fitting intra- and extraoral prostheses when sound guidelines are followed. As CAD/CAM technology encompasses both surgical and prosthetic dental applications as well as fixed and removable aspects, it could improve the average quality of dental prostheses compared with the results obtained by conventional manufacturing methods. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction into the methods in which this technology may be used to enhance the wear and fracture resistance of dentures and overdentures. This article will also showcase two clinical reports in which CAD/CAM technology has been implemented.
Objected-Oriented Metacomputing with Exertions

This chapter investigates service-oriented computing in the context of objected-oriented distributed platforms. A platform consists of virtual compute resources, a programming environment allowing for the development of distributed applications, and an operating system to run user programs and to make solving complex user problems easier. Service protocol-oriented architectures are contrasted with service object-oriented architectures (SOOA), and then a metacompute grid based on an SOOA is described and analyzed. A new object-oriented network programming methodology is presented in this chapter. It uses the intuitive metacomputing semantics and the new Triple Command design pattern. The pattern defines how service objects communicate by sending one another a form of service messages called exertions that encapsulate the triplet: data, operations, and control strategy.
How Information Snowballs: Exploring the Role of Exposure in Online Rumor Propagation

In this paper we highlight three distinct approaches to studying rumor dynamics-volume, exposure, and content production. Expanding upon prior work, which has focused on rumor volume, we argue that considering the size of the exposed population is a vital component of understanding rumoring. Additionally, by combining all three approaches we discover subtle features of rumoring behavior that would have been missed by applying each approach in isolation. Using a case study of rumoring on Twitter during a hostage crisis in Sydney, Australia, we apply a mixed-methods framework to explore rumoring and its consequences through these three lenses, focusing on the added dimension of exposure in particular. Our approach demonstrates the importance of considering both rumor content and the people engaging with rumor content to arrive at a more holistic understanding of communication dynamics. These results have implications for emergency responders and official use of social media during crisis management.
Helical Resonator Plasma Oxidation of Amorphous and Polycrystalline Silicon for Flat Panel Displays

A low temperature process for the oxidation of amorphous and polycrystalline silicon was studied using a helical resonator plasma source. Constant current anodization of amorphous silicon was performed at 350°C and 30 mtorr in an oxygen plasma. Oxidation rate data were analyzed by both parabolic and power law expressions: parabolic rate coefficient B = 23.45 nm2/min and power law rate coefficients a = 0.3807 and C* = 7.3 nm/minα. Oxidation at substrate floating conditions yielded thin oxides; the growth rate saturated after 20 mins, at a thickness of about 10 nm. For TFT fabrication, a two layer oxide was used. The first layer was grown by plasma oxidation to a thickness of about 10 nm to ensure a good interface, and the second layer deposited by PECVD to the final thickness of 35 nm. Electrical properties of control oxides grown on c-Si at the same conditions were promising, with a fixed oxide charge of 1.98 × 1011 charges/cm2 and a mean breakdown field of 5.3 MV/cm after post metallization anneal The TFTs had an average effective electron mobility of 31.1 V/cm2 and an average threshold voltage of 4.6 V.
Assessing Stakeholder Perceptions of Workplace Accommodations Barriers: Results From a Policy Research Instrument

This article presents the findings from research to identify key barriers and opportunities in the provision of workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities in the United States. Using ...
Density Functional Theory-Computed Mechanisms of Ethylene and Diethyl Ether Formation from Ethanol on γ-Al2O3(100)

Multiple potential active sites on the surface of γ-Al2O3 have led to debate about the role of Lewis and/or Bronsted acidity in reactions of ethanol, while mechanistic insights into competitive production of ethylene and diethyl ether are scarce. In this study, elementary adsorption and reaction mechanisms for ethanol dehydration and etherification are studied on the γ-Al2O3(100) surface using density functional theory calculations. The O atom of adsorbed ethanol interacts strongly with surface Al (Lewis acid) sites, while adsorption is weak on Bronsted (surface H) and surface O sites. Water, a byproduct of both ethylene and diethyl ether formation, competes with ethanol for adsorption sites. Multiple pathways for ethylene formation from ethanol are explored, and a concerted Lewis-catalyzed elimination (E2) mechanism is found to be the energetically preferred pathway, with a barrier of Ea = 37 kcal/mol at the most stable site. Diethyl ether formation mechanisms presented for the first time on γ-Al2O3 indi...
Comparison of effects of large doses of various activated sterols on serum calcium.

SummaryThe effects of vitamins D2, D3, and of Ertron and A.T.10 on serum calcium have been compared. Crystalline vitamin D2 and Ertron are statistically indistinguishable in their effects. Vitamin D3 produces a more prolonged hypercalcemia than does vitamin D2. On the basis of responses to the above preparations, A.T.10 produces an effect far greater than would be predicted from its antirachitic value.
Anti - N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antibody Encephalitis: A Case Series of Pediatric Patients (IN10-1.003)

Objective: In this series we describe five cases of children with Anti-NMDA Receptor Antibody Encephalitis that were treated in our institutions. Background Anti N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antibody Encephalitis is a recently described synaptic autoimmune disorder that is more common in young women with teratomas of the ovary, but also reported in men and children with or without associated tumors. Since its recognition, several cases have been reported in the literature but few of them describe this entity in children. Design/Methods: This is a multi-center, retrospective, observational study. We reviewed medical records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Anti-NMDA-Receptor Antibody Encephalitis that were cared for in two tertiary centers in Phoenix, AZ. Results: There were 2 male and 3 female patients. All were Hispanic. Ages ranged from 8 to 17 years with a mean of 13.2 years. Interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 1 to 16 weeks. They all had psychiatric symptoms, encephalopathy, hypoventilation or autonomic instability, dyskinesias and seizures. All were found to have the antibody confirmed by ELISA testing and were treated with immunomodulating therapy. All but one showed slow, gradual improvement. Conclusions: The characteristic clinical presentation of Anti-NMDA Receptor Antibody Encephalitis in children is similar to what has been reported in the adult literature. This potentially fatal entity should be considered when managing children who present with psychiatric symptoms, movement disorders and/or refractory seizures. We underscore the importance of investigating the possibility of ovarian teratomas or other neoplasms, given the potential for effective treatment if identified. Disclosure: Dr. Borrero-Mejias has nothing to disclose.
Detecting Malicious Temporal Alterations of ECG Signals in Body Sensor Networks

Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor is one of the most commonly available and medically important sensors in a Body Sensor Network (BSN). Compromise of the ECG sensor can have severe consequences for the user as it monitors the user’s cardiac process. In this paper, we propose an approach called SIgnal Feature-correlation-based Testing (SIFT) which is used to detect temporal alteration of ECG sensors in a BSN. The novelty of SIFT lies in the fact that it does not require redundant ECG sensors nor the subject’s historical ECG data to detect the temporal alteration. SIFT works by leveraging multiple physiological signals based on the same underlying physiological process (e.g., cardiac process) – arterial blood pressure and respiration. Analysis of our case study demonstrates promising results with \(\sim \)98% accuracy in detecting even subtle alterations in the temporal properties of an ECG signal.
Representation of Human Behaviour in Fire

This chapter addresses the information available to current practitioners regarding how people typically behave during an evacuation, the tools used to represent this performance and how these tools might be properly implemented. The focus is on individual evacuee performance—what we know about it and how it might be represented. This chapter is then intended to encourage practitioners to ask questions of their assumptions and of the models deployed in order to produce credible and robust solutions.
Spectrum-Energy Efficiency Optimization for Downlink LTE-A for Heterogeneous Networks

Heterogeneous networks have been pointed out to be one of the key network architectures that help increase system capacity and reduce power consumption for efficient communications. Although conceivably, high operational efficiency brings a high profit for mobile service providers, it is noteworthy that the potential for maximizing the profit has not been explored for the heterogeneous environment. This paper investigates profitability for network operators with the spectrum-energy efficiency metric on the downlink of LTE Advanced communication systems. We pursue optimal policies by employing the techniques of cell size zooming, user migration, and sleep mode in the deployment of different base station types. The problem is formulated as a quasiconvex optimization problem and it is transformed into an equivalent form of the MILP problem; the former is solved with a bisection algorithm and the latter is approached by an off-the-shelf software package. Since the formulated optimization problem is NP hard, a sub-optimal approach with a lower computational complexity is also proposed. Numerical analysis through case studies are presented to evaluate the efficiency improvements, and demonstrate the performance of the near-optimal solution.