cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronically tunable antenna pair and novel RF front-end architecture for software-defined radios

This paper proposes a novel RF front-end architecture for software-defined radios (SDRs) based on an electronically tunable antenna pair controlled by an antenna control unit (ACU) consisting of field effect transistor (FET) switches and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The fundamental gain-bandwidth limitations of electrically small antennas prevent a small antenna from having high efficiency and wide bandwidth simultaneously. In the age of miniaturization, especially in the wireless communication industries, a promising solution to this limitation is to introduce reconfigurable antennas that can be tuned electronically to different frequency bands with both high efficiency and narrow instantaneous bandwidth. This reconfigurable antenna technology not only simplifies current RF front-end architectures, but can be reprogrammed on demand to transmit and receive RF signals in any desired frequency band. This novel RF front-end architecture implemented by a reconfigurable antenna pair can help realize SDRs.
Glutathione, protein sulfhydryls and cysteine proteases in gastric mucosal injury and protection.

Glutathione is one of the endogenous protective chemicals, like prostaglandins, in the gastric mucosa. Depletion of these agents aggravate the chemical- or stress-induced gastric erosions and ulcers. However, gastroprotection can be achieved even in the presence of low mucosal concentration of glutathione and prostaglandins, indicating the presence of other protective chemicals (e.g. polyamines, growth factors, neurotransmitters, steroids) in the stomach. Protein sulfhydryls were also implicated in the mechanism of action of gastroprotective drugs. We recently tested the hypothesis that cysteine proteases might be a target of gastroprotective and antiulcer agents, and decided to look for the presence of proteases and protease inhibitors (PI) in the gastric mucosa and juice. Protease activity and PI were measured with general substrates hemoglobin, azocasein and albumin at optimal pH (2.0, 5.6, 7.4) of aspartic, cysteine and serine proteases. Homogenates of glandular stomach mucosa and gastric juice from fasted rats were incubated in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors and gastroprotective SH alkylators such as NEM or iodoacetate. PI was measured after acid and heat inactivation of endogenous proteinases and addition of pepsin, cysteine proteinase papain, or trypsin. Our results indicate that of the proteases found in the stomach 98% was pepsin at pH 2.0, and up to 56% or 24% was SH-sensitive at pH 5.6 or 7.4, respectively. Intragastric administration of SH alkylators such as NEM or iodoacetate exerted a dose- and time-dependent gastroprotection against chemically induced acute erosions and ulcers. Thus, in addition to glutathione, proteinases and their specific endogenous inhibitors may also be involved in gastric mucosal injury and protection.
Massive uniform manipulation: Controlling large populations of simple robots with a common input signal

Roboticists, biologists, and chemists are now producing large populations of simple robots, but controlling large populations of robots with limited capabilities is difficult, due to communication and onboard-computation constraints. Direct human control of large populations seems even more challenging. In this paper we investigate control of mobile robots that move in a 2D workspace using three different system models. We focus on a model that uses broadcast control inputs specified in the global reference frame. In an obstacle-free workspace this system model is uncontrollable because it has only two controllable degrees of freedom - all robots receive the same inputs and move uniformly. We prove that adding a single obstacle can make the system controllable, for any number of robots. We provide a position control algorithm, and demonstrate through extensive testing with human subjects that many manipulation tasks can be reliably completed, even by novice users, under this system model, with performance benefits compared to the alternate models. We compare the sensing, computation, communication, time, and bandwidth costs for all three system models. Results are validated with extensive simulations and hardware experiments using over 100 robots.
Allergy to Plant Seed Proteins

ABSTRACT Allergenicity is defined as the ability of proteins and other agents to sensitize genetically predisposed individuals to develop IgE antibodies, which bind to mast cells and basophils through the Fc portion of the IgE antibody. Upon subsequent exposures to the same protein, the proteins (allergens) bind to and cross-link cell bound IgE stimulating the release of mediators (histamine) that lead to an allergic reaction (Immediate Hypersensitivity). Seed proteins represent one important class of proteins that can induce a variety of allergic syndromes. Aerosolized particles released during pollination, harvest, transport and storage of grains and seed crops can cause inhalant allergy in susceptible individuals. Increased use of cereal grains, legumes and nuts in the diet has been suggested to contribute to the rise in the prevalence of food allergies. Plant biotechnology affords unique opportunities to identify individual components of seeds or seed products that may cause allergies and to remove or...
The role of spirituality and Africana womanism in the self-management of chronic conditions among older African Americans

Background: Many older African Americans perceive “spirituality” as an important resource in helping with the self-management process of their chronic conditions. Research designs congruent with theoretical frameworks of African Americans are important. However, many researchers remain unfamiliar with Africana womanist thought or are unsure as to how this framework can be used to inform specific aspects of self-management practices. Methods: The purpose of this exploratory study is to explain an Africana womanist epistemologic framework that can undergird the development of self-management intervention designs aimed at assisting older African Americans. Data from a sample of 46 African Americans were collected from semi-structured interviews and examined via thematic analysis. Results: Concepts of Africana womanism epistemology, which can be interwoven throughout self-management strategies, include: 1) the importance of spirituality and 2) the ethic of personal responsibility. Conclusions: Health care and public health professionals can assist in the co-creation of programs that focus on spirituality and the collective personal responsibility of health promotion practices.
Concerted Proton−Electron Transfer: Effect of Hydroxylic Additives on the Reduction of Benzophenone, 4-Cyanobenzophenone, and 4,4′-Dicyanobenzophenone

The electrochemical reduction of the title compounds proceeds in two steps in N,N-dimethylformamide. The first step is a one-electron reduction to form the anion radical of the benzophenone, a reac...
Telementoring of laparoscopic procedures: initial clinical experience.

Background: To assess the feasibility of telementoring, a clinical telepresence system was developed. Methods: Telementoring was attempted in 14 advanced and 9 basic urologic laparoscopic procedures. The remote surgeon located in a control room (>1,000 feet from operating room) supervised an inexperienced surgeon. Mentoring was accomplished with real-time video images, two-way audio communication, a robotic arm used to control the videoendoscope, and a telestrator. The patient outcome, complications, and operative time were assessed and compared to patients undergoing matched procedures in which the experienced surgeon was working side by side with the primary surgeon. Results: The overall telementoring success rate was 95.6% (22/23 cases) with no increase in complications. Telementoring of a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy failed secondary to improper positioning of the robotic arm. Operative times compared between telementored and traditionally mentored procedures were not statistically different for basic procedures but were longer for advanced cases. Conclusions: Telementoring of laparoscopic procedures is safe and feasible. Further clinical studies are needed prior to implementing telementoring in surgical training.
The behavior of the acetylcholinesterase cells of the anterior pituitary gland of artificially photostimulated female white-crowned sparrows.

In Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii complete testicular development is induced in captive males subjected to long daily photoperiods. In identically treated females ovarian development is only partial. This partial development of the ovary, and the subsequent premature regression thereof, correlate with changes in activity of the “acetylcholinesterase cells” of the pars distalis. This adds to the evidence that these cells are gonadotropes.
Development and Survival of Japanese Beetle Larvae on Carrot and Other Foods

Third-stage larvae of the Japanese beetle, Popillia juponica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), were collected in the field at Rutherfordton, N. C, held in storage at 7°C for about 20 days, and then exposed to raw carrot, grass sprouts, skim milk, wheat germ, soybean protein, or brewer's yeast in a soil medium of Michigan peat and sassafras sandy loam soil (2:1 by volume) at 30°C. After 30 days, the weight gains of larvae fed a 1% concentration of skim milk (in grams per 100 grams of soil), 1% wheat germ, or 13% carrot were not significantly different from the standard (2% grass seed). Concentrations of soybean protein, skim milk, or wheat germ of less than 0.1% and brewer‗s yeast at concentrations of 0.01–1.0% did not increase the weight of the larvae beyond the increase of larvae held without food. Adult emergence from larvae fed grass sprouts, carrot, or 1% wheat germ were 15, 12, and 3%, respectively. No larvae exposed to the other foods emerged as adults.
Neurogenesis is enhanced by stroke in multiple new stem cell niches along the ventricular system at sites of high BBB permeability

Previous studies have established the subventricular (SVZ) and subgranular (SGZ) zones as sites of neurogenesis in the adult forebrain (Doetsch et al., 1999a; Doetsch, 2003a). Work from our laboratory further indicated that midline structures known as circumventricular organs (CVOs) also serve as adult neural stem cell (NSC) niches (Bennett et al., 2009, 2010). In the quiescent rat brain, NSC proliferation remains low in all of these sites. Therefore, we recently examined whether ischemic stroke injury (MCAO) or sustained intraventricular infusion of the mitogen bFGF could trigger an up-regulation in NSC proliferation, inducing neurogenesis and gliogenesis. Our data show that both stroke and bFGF induce a dramatic and long-lasting (14day) rise in the proliferation (BrdU+) of nestin+Sox2+GFAP+ NSCs capable of differentiating into Olig2+ glial progenitors, GFAP+nestin-astrocyte progenitors and Dcx+ neurons in the SVZ and CVOs. Moreover, because of the upsurge in NSC number, it was possible to detect for the first time several novel stem cell niches along the third (3V) and fourth (4V) ventricles. Importantly, a common feature of all brain niches was a rich vasculature with a blood-brain-barrier (BBB) that was highly permeable to systemically injected sodium fluorescein. These data indicate that stem cell niches are more extensive than once believed and exist at multiple sites along the entire ventricular system, consistent with the potential for widespread neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the adult brain, particularly after injury. We further suggest that because of their leaky BBB, stem cell niches are well-positioned to respond to systemic injury-related cues which may be important for stem-cell mediated brain repair.
Rapid remodeling of retinal arbors in the tectum with and without blockade of synaptic transmission

Dynamic rearrangements of axon terminal arbors may be critical for establishing appropriate connections in the developing nervous system. Here, the changes in complex retinal axon arbors in the tecta of live Xenopus larvae were followed during the formation of the topographic retinotectal projection. Three-dimensional reconstructions of terminal arbors made with a confocal microscope at hourly intervals revealed rapid remodeling of arbor extensions. Shorter branches were extended and retracted very rapidly, suggesting that they probe the environment for the optimal sites to form stable branches. About 27% of longer branches were present throughout the entire observation period and may be sites of stabilized synaptic contacts. Treatment of the animals to block postsynaptic activity resulted in increased rates of arbor rearrangements, which may coincide with decreased synapse stability. These studies reveal the dynamic behavior of nerve arbors and provide estimates for the lifetimes of retinotectal branches.
International Trends in Long-Term Care Policy for the Elderly

The specific contexts of such policies include many aspects such as demographic characteristics, socio-cultural factors, governmental organization and political circumstances. These factors create existential limits to choices to some extent that are termed “path dependency” or “sunken costs.” Such path dependency shapes the trajectory of emerging health policies. Nevertheless, in many respects, long-term care policies in industrial/post industrial countries face similar problems arising from the aging of populations, biomedical and medical technological advances, as well as relatively limited “options” in seeking to deal with specific issues.Recently, international trends in long-term care policy have been the focus of two significant reports and somewhat earlier in a collection of essays focused on social care for the elderly in 6 European countries. In some respects the most well formulated of these studies in terms of a comparative approach to the study of social care for the elderly is the earlier st...
Overexpression of TTF-1 and PAX-8 restores thyroglobulin gene promoter activity in ARO and WRO cell lines.

Abstract Background: In anticipation of developing gene therapy against thyroid carcinoma we created an expression vector using the thyroglobulin (Tg) gene promoter. The inhibition of both Tg and thyroid-specific transcription factor (TTF-1 and PAX-8) gene expression, however, has been well documented in thyroid carcinomas. We therefore examined the effects of overexpression of TTF-1 and PAX-8 on Tg gene promoter activity in the human thyroid carcinoma cell lines, ARO (anaplastic) and WRO (follicular). Methods: ARO, WRO, and nonthyroid cells were transfected with an expression vector in which β-galactosidase (β-gal) is driven by the Tg gene promoter (β-gal). Tg, TTF-1, and PAX-8 gene expression were also examined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: ARO and WRO exhibited decreased gene expression of Tg, TTF-1, and PAX-8. Transfection with TG-—gal alone exhibited minimal β-gal expression, whereas cotransfection with TTF-1 and PAX-8 resulted in markedly increased expression. There was no evidence of β-gal expression with or without TTF-1 and PAX-8 in nonthyroid cells. Conclusions: Weak Tg gene promoter activity in ARO and WRO is associated with decreased expression of transcription factors TTF-1 and PAX-8 but can be restored with their overexpression. This model may serve as a template on which to further develop cell-specific gene therapy against thyroid carcinoma. (Surgery 1998;124:1100-5.)
Time from sexually transmitted infection acquisition to pelvic inflammatory disease development: influence on the cost-effectiveness of different screening intervals.

Abstract Objective To prevent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), some experts recommend screening for sexually transmitted infection (STI) every 12 months, with more frequent screening suggested in higher-risk women. Nevertheless, the time from STI acquisition to PID development, possibly an important factor to consider in screening interval choice, is unknown and its influence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening is unclear. Methods Using a Markov model, we estimated PID cases averted and the incremental cost-effectiveness resulting from 6- or 12-month screening strategies for high-risk young women (6%/year infection risk, 2.8%/year PID risk with 12-month screening) while varying PID development time from 1 to 12 months after initial infection. Lower-risk women and alternative parameter values were examined in sensitivity analyses. Results Relative to 12-month screening, 6-month screening decreases PID cases from 6.0% (1 month development time)to 19.4% (12 months); the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained compared with the other strategies varies from $16,600 (12 months development time) to $31,800 (1 month) for high-risk women. In lower-risk women, every 6-month screening is more economically unfavorable, with greater costs per QALY gained at shorter PID development time. Conclusion From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, uncertainty about PID development time is not a significant factor in choosing a screening interval in high-risk women, but could be important in lower-risk groups. Significant increases in PID cases averted occur with more frequent screening when PID development time is lengthened, which may allow estimation of this interval through the use of more sophisticated modeling techniques.
HAH1 is a copper-binding protein with distinct amino acid residues mediating copper homeostasis and antioxidant defense

HAH1 is a 68-amino acid protein originally identified as a human homologue of Atx1p, a multi-copy suppressor of oxidative injury in sod1Δ yeast. Molecular modeling of HAH1 predicts a protein structure of two α-helices overlaying a four-stranded antiparallel β-sheet with a potential metal binding site involving two conserved cysteine residues. Consistent with this model, in vitro studies with recombinant HAH1 directly demonstrated binding of Cu(I), and site-directed mutagenesis identified these cysteine residues as copper ligands. Expression of wild type and mutant HAH1 in atx1Δ yeast revealed the essential role of these cysteine residues in copper trafficking to the secretory compartment in vivo, as expression of a Cys-12/Cys-15 double mutant abrogated copper incorporation into the multicopper oxidase Fet3p. In contrast, mutation of the highly conserved lysine residues in the carboxyl terminus of HAH1 had no effect on copper trafficking to the secretory pathway but eliminated the antioxidant function of HAH1 in sod1Δ yeast. Taken together, these data support the concept of a unique copper coordination environment in HAH1 that permits this protein to function as an intracellular copper chaperone mediating distinct biological processes in eucaryotic cells.
Nocardiosis causing pedal actinomycetoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Madura foot is rarely encountered in clinical practice in the United States, and a recent review of the biomedical literature revealed only 24 cases reported worldwide since 1981. In this report, we describe the case of a patient who presented with an advanced pedal Nocardia mycetoma. Although this condition is not unheard of, we felt that the rarity of the condition warranted reporting. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Association with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Orthopaedic Considerations

Background Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is the most common of several types of dysautonomia, characterized by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system manifesting with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance with or without associated orthostatic hypotension and excessive autonomic excitation. Given the numerous presenting musculoskeletal symptoms of POTS and its known associations with other clinical entities like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS constitutes an unusual treatment challenge of which the orthopaedic surgeon and other related healthcare providers should be aware.
Long lead-time streamflow forecasting of the North Platte River incorporating oceanic-atmospheric climate variability

Summary An evaluation of the influence of oceanic–atmospheric climate variability on streamflow in the upper North Platte River basin is presented. Through the application of Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) statistical methods, sea surface temperatures (SSTs), 500 mbar geopotential height ( Z 500 ) values and North Platte streamflow were evaluated over a historical period from 1948 to 2006. This resulted in the identification of new regions of highly correlated SSTs and Z 500 that may not be represented by existing index regions (Nino 3.4 — defined El Nino Southern Oscillation region, PDO – Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and AMO – Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation). A long lead-time approach was utilized such that a three month lead-time (seasonal average of monthly SSTs or Z 500 for October, November, and December) as well as a six month lead-time (seasonal average of monthly SSTs or Z 500 for July, August, and September) of previous year variability were used as predictors for the following year spring streamflow (seasonal monthly average of April, May, June, and July). Temporal expansion series from SVD were utilized as predictors in a non-parametric model to develop continuous exceedance probability forecasts. The results displayed good skill using SSTs for the six month lead-time forecast and excellent skill using Z 500 values for the three month lead-time forecast. The improved skill found over basic climatology forecasts will be useful to water managers when trying to predict and manage expected streamflow volumes several months in advance.
Fusing complementary images for pavement cracking measurements

Cracking is a major pavement distress that jeopardizes road serviceability and traffic safety. Automated pavement distress survey (APDS) systems have been developed using digital imaging technology to replace human surveys for more timely and accurate inspections. Most APDS systems require special lighting devices to illuminate pavements and prevent shadows of roadside objects that distort cracks in the image. Most artificial lighting devices are laser based, and are either hazardous to unprotected people or require dedicated power supplies on the vehicle. This study was aimed to develop a new imaging system that can scan pavement surface at highway speed and determine the level of severity of pavement cracking without using any artificial lighting. The new system consists of dual line-scan cameras that are installed side by side to scan the same pavement area as the vehicle moves. Cameras are controlled with different exposure settings so that both sunlit and shadowed areas can be visible in two separate images. The paired images contain complementary details useful for reconstructing an image in which the shadows are eliminated. This paper intends to present (1) the design of the dual line-scan camera system, (2) a new calibration method for line-scan cameras to rectify and register paired images, (3) a customized image-fusion algorithm that merges the multi-exposure images into one shadow-free image for crack detection, and (4) the results of the field tests on a selected road over a long period.
Acoustic chiasm V: Inhibition and excitation in the ipsilateral and contralateral projections of LSO

When this series of experiments was begun in 1984, the activity of each lateral superior olive (LSO) in the mammalian hindbrain was known to encode the hemifield of acoustic space containing a sound source. However, the almost random bilaterality of its ascending projections seemed to jumble that identification before reaching the midbrain. At the same time, electrophysiological studies of LSO and its efferent target in the inferior colliculus, along with the strictly contralateral deficits in sound localization resulting from unilateral lesions above the level of the superior olives, indicated that hemifield allegiance was largely maintained (though reversed) at the midbrain. Here we present seven lines of biochemical evidence, some combined with prior ablations, supporting the notion that the anatomical segregation of the ipsilateral and contralateral fibers ascending from the LSO is accompanied by a corresponding segregation of their neurotransmitters: most of the ascending ipsilateral projection is probably glycinergic and, hence, inhibitory in effect, while most of the contralateral projection is probably glutamatergic/aspartergic and, hence, excitatory in effect. Taken together, the inhibitory ipsilateral projections and the excitatory contralateral projections serve to amplify functional contralaterality at the higher levels of the auditory system. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bulk Separative Enrichment in Metallic or Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A postsynthesis method of separating metallic from semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and a method based on absorption spectroscopy for assay of the separation efficiency are described. The separation method relies on chemical discrimination in the charge-transfer complex formation between bromine and the metallic versus semiconducting nanotubes and takes advantage of the resulting density difference to effect a centrifugation-based separation. Calculations support the proposed separation mechanism.
What is wrong with intelligent design

ABSTRACT This article reviews two standard criticisms of creationism/intelligent design (ID): it is unfalsifiable, and it is refuted by the many imperfect adaptations found in nature. Problems with both criticisms are discussed. A conception of testability is described that avoids the defects in Karl Popper’s falsifiability criterion. Although ID comes in multiple forms, which call for different criticisms, it emerges that ID fails to constitute a serious alternative to evolutionary theory.
Regime change and debt default: the case of Russia, Austro-Hungary, and the Ottoman empire following World War One

Abstract We consider the effect of the three largest regime changes following World War One on the foreign debt repayments of the succeeding regimes. The Bolsheviks repudiated the Tsarist debt, both external and internal in early 1918, and could not borrow internationally until the 1970s. The Austro-Hungarian successor states, with the exception of Romania, remained on good terms with lenders, and quickly gained access to foreign capital. However, the Ottoman successor states entered into protracted negotiations before accepting responsibility for a share of the debt, which meant they faced a lengthy delay before being able to re-enter the international capital market. We analyze these events using a game theoretical model of incomplete information, whereby capital markets can not directly observe a government’s ‘type.’ We find that there were two main economic reasons why countries did not settle their debts after their regimes changed. Some countries, in particular Russia, did not value continued credit market access as highly as before, and second that international lenders will not trust a regime in default with a new loan.
Elucidation of the mechanism of selective inhibition of mammalian DNA polymerase alpha by 2-butylanilinopurines: development and characterization of 2-(p-n-butylanilino) adenine and its deoxyribonucleotides

2-(p-n-Butylanilino)adenine (BuAA), an homolog of the DNA polymerase alpha (pol alpha)-specific inhibitor, N2-(p-n-butylphenyl)guanine (BuPG), was transformed to its 2'-deoxyribonucleoside, BuAdA, and the corresponding 2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5'-phosphates, BuAdAMP, BuAdADP, and BuAdATP. All five forms of BuAA are highly selective inhibitors of mammalian pol alpha, and the action of each is subject to specific competitive antagonism by dATP. BuAdADP, and BuAdATP, like the corresponding forms of BuPG, are very potent pol alpha inhibitors, displaying apparent Ki's of less than 3 nanomolar on natural activated templates. BuAdATP, like BuPdGTP, also inhibits pol alpha-catalysed reactions directed by non-complementary, thymine-deficient templates, and it does so via a mechanism subject to specific antagonism by its natural homolog, dATP. The results of the BuAdATP-homopolymer experiments complement those of analogous experiments with BuPdGTP and the dCTP-specific pol alpha inhibitor, aphidicolin, and strengthen the suggestion that mammalian pol alpha contains dNDP and dNTP binding sites which can recognize specific bases without direction by templates.
Response of yellow poplar seedlings to intermittent fumigation

Abstract Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera L. seedlings were treated with either clean air, 0·1 ml litre−1 O3, 0·1 ml litre−1 O3 plus 0·2 ml litre−1 SO2, or 0·1 ml litre−1 O3 plus 0·2 ml litre−1 NO2 for one or two 12-h fumigation periods per week. Ten seedlings were harvested from each treatment every 4 weeks throughout the growing season and growth curves for height, leaf area, leaf dry weight, new growth dry weight, and total dry weight were constructed. Height, leaf area, leaf dry weight, new growth dry weight, and total dry weight differed by fumigation treatments. Relative growth rate and net assimilation rate of the yellow poplar seedlings were reduced by fumigation. Seedlings moved twice a week from the glasshouse to the fumigation chambers were significantly shorter than seedlings moved only once a week.
Interpreting the flock algorithm from a statistical perspective

We show that the algorithm in the program flock (Duchesne & Turgeon 2009) can be interpreted as an estimation procedure based on a model essentially identical to the structure (Pritchard et al. 2000) model with no admixture and without correlated allele frequency priors. Rather than using MCMC, the flock algorithm searches for the maximum a posteriori estimate of this structure model via a simulated annealing algorithm with a rapid cooling schedule (namely, the exponent on the objective function →∞). We demonstrate the similarities between the two programs in a two-step approach. First, to enable rapid batch processing of many simulated data sets, we modified the source code of structure to use the flock algorithm, producing the program flockture. With simulated data, we confirmed that results obtained with flock and flockture are very similar (though flockture is some 200 times faster). Second, we simulated multiple large data sets under varying levels of population differentiation for both microsatellite and SNP genotypes. We analysed them with flockture and structure and assessed each program on its ability to cluster individuals to their correct subpopulation. We show that flockture yields results similar to structure albeit with greater variability from run to run. flockture did perform better than structure when genotypes were composed of SNPs and differentiation was moderate (FST= 0.022–0.032). When differentiation was low, structure outperformed flockture for both marker types. On large data sets like those we simulated, it appears that flock's reliance on inference rules regarding its ‘plateau record’ is not helpful. Interpreting flock's algorithm as a special case of the model in structure should aid in understanding the program's output and behaviour.
Spaceborne SAR processing for wide-beam and large-squint-angle systems

At the present time, the strip mode aircraft Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) processing techniques are relatively more mature than the spaceborne SAR processing techniques. In airborne SAR, the exact formulation for the point target response has been made in both the time and frequency domain. Efficient and accurate wave domain processing techniques such as the chirp scaling algorithm, have thus far been optimized for airborne SAR systems. With regards to spaceborne SAR processing, the existing analysis and processing algorithms are only applicable to narrow beam systems where the phase function is well approximated by the second order polynomial. There were also no detailed studies to show the applicability and the performance of the chirp scaling algorithm when applied to the spaceborne SAR systems. This paper provides a proposed solution and the supporting analysis for extending spaceborne SAR processing techniques to cases having wide beam angles as well as large squint angles. Detailed discussion are made on how to adapt the chirp scaling algorithm to spaceborne SAR, the requirement in updating processing parameters, and the approach for flexible pixel location and higher phase fidelity.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Measurement of the Energy Loss of Germanium Atoms to Electrons in Germanium at Energies below 100 keV. II

The amount of energy lost in the production of hole-electron pairs by germanium atoms stopping in a germanium crystal has been measured at energies of 56.2 and 102.9 keV. Inelastic neutron scattering in a Ge(Li) gamma-ray detector was used to produce the 690-keV ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{72}$ state and the 596-keV ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{74}$ state. The lines corresponding to the de-excitation of these states were broadened by summing with the hole-electron pairs produced by the recoiling Ge atom. A particular recoil energy was selected by requiring a coincidence with the outgoing inelastically scattered neutron, which was detected by a stilbene recoil counter placed at either 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} or 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the incident neutron beam. The results of the present experiment confirm a previous investigation by Chasman, Jones, and Ristinen and do not agree with the published results of Sattler, Vook, and Palms.
Temperature dependence of grain boundary free energy and elastic constants

This work explores the suggestion that the temperature dependence of the grain boundary free energy can be estimated from the temperature dependence of the elastic constants. The temperature-dependent elastic constants and free energy of a symmetric Σ79 tilt boundary are computed for an embedded atom method model of Ni. The grain boundary free energy scales with the product of the shear modulus times the lattice constant for temperatures up to about 0.75 the melting temperature.
Histone deacetylases, acetoin utilization proteins and acetylpolyamine amidohydrolases are members of an ancient protein superfamily

Searches of several sequence databases reveal that human HD1, yeast HDA1, yeast RPD3 and other eukaryotic histone deacetylases share nine motifs with archaeal and eubacterial enzymes, including acetoin utilization protein (acuC) and acetylpolyamine amidohydrolase. Histone deacetylase and acetylpolyamine amidohydrolase also share profound functional similarities in that both: (i) recognize an acetylated aminoalkyl group; (ii) catalyze the removal of the acetyl group by cleaving an amide bond; (iii) increase the positive charge of the substrate. Stabilization of nucleosomal DNA-histone interaction brought about by the change in charge has been implicated as the underlying cause for histone deacetylase-mediated transcriptional repression. We speculate that the eukaryotic histone deacetylases originated from a prokaryotic enzyme similar to the acetylpolyamine amidohydrolases that relied on reversible acetylation and deacetylation of the aminoalkyl group of a DNA binding molecule to achieve a gene regulatory effect.
Real-time pedestrian detection with deformable part models

We describe a real-time pedestrian detection system intended for use in automotive applications. Our system demonstrates superior detection performance when compared to many state-of-the-art detectors and is able to run at a speed of 14 fps on an Intel Core i7 computer when applied to 640×480 images. Our approach uses an analysis of geometric constraints to efficiently search feature pyramids and increases detection accuracy by using a multiresolution representation of a pedestrian model to detect small pixel-sized pedestrians normally missed by a single representation approach. We have evaluated our system on the Caltech Pedestrian benchmark which is currently the largest publicly available pedestrian dataset at the time of this publication. Our system shows a detection rate of 61% with 1 false positive per image (FPPI) whereas recent other state-of-the-art detectors show a detection rate of 50% ∼ 61% under the ‘reasonable’ test scenario (explained later). Furthermore, we also demonstrate the practicality of our system by conducting a series of use case experiments on selected videos of Caltech dataset.
An Observation of Gender-Specific Teacher Behavior in the ESL Classroom.

For the most part, gender-differentiated teacher behavior in English as a Second Language classrooms in the United States has not been examined. Does the preference for male students demonstrated by both male and female teachers in American classrooms (Sadker et. al., 1992) also occur in ESL classrooms? If so, are ESL teachers aware they show such bias? To find out, the author observed and evaluated, both quantitatively and qualitatively, classroom interactions of four ESL teachers. The teachers, two males and two females, were white, American-born, and had finished graduate studies. All but one of the ESL teachers observed showed remarkable equality in their classroom interactions with the genders. The results are discussed, and future research directions proposed.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between body size and testicular cancer

Studies assessing the relationships of anthropometry and testicular germ-cell tumour (TGCT) have reported heterogeneous findings. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations between adult height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and testicular cancer. Search strategies were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science on 26 May 2009. Studies that met our inclusion criteria were included in meta-analytic models using STATA 11. A total of 3255 references were retrieved, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. Random effects meta-analysis found adult height (odds ratio (OR) per 5-cm increase 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.19, P<0.001) and weight (OR overweight vs normal 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.98, P=0.011) to be associated with TGCT. The meta-analysis of weight and TGCT produced a summary estimate, which indicated no association, although an analysis restricted studies to North American was suggestive of association (OR per 1-kg increase 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, P<0.001). This systematic review and meta-analysis has found evidence for a positive association of adult height and TGCT, and tentative evidence for an inverse association of BMI and TGCT.
Transpositional transgenesis with piggyBac

Transposons are mobile genetic elements that are capable of self-directed excision and subsequent reintegration within the host genome. Transposase such as piggyBac, Sleeping Beauty and Tol2 catalyze these reactions and have shown potential as tools for the stable integration of transgenes when used in the binary plasmid mode. Recent modifications to the transposase and/or the terminal repeats of the transposon have increased their integration efficiency and/or specificity. We recently described the development of a piggyBac transposase system, the helper independent, single construct self-inactivating plasmid called GENIE. Here we describe the structure, safety and function of these transpositional vectors and their use in animal transgenesis and cell transfection.
Discrepant Performance on Multiple-Choice And Short Answer Assessments and the Relation of Performance to General Scholastic Aptitude

We conducted correlational and performance discrepancy analyses on exam and achievement data taken from students in three psychology courses. Across courses, the same findings emerged. First, only a small fraction of students consistently performed more strongly on one type of assessment (e.g., multiple‐choice) than on another (e.g., short answer). Second, students’ multiple‐choice performance, above and beyond their short answer performance, accounted for variation in students’ standing on achievement measures unrelated to psychology (including high school class standing, American College Test score, and college grade point average). In contrast, students’ short answer performance, above and beyond their multiple‐choice performance, did not account for variation in students’ standing on those achievement measures. Our findings support the continued use of multiple‐choice items to assess student learning.
On a Class of Difference Equations with Strong Negative Feedback

We investigate the behavior of the positive solutions of a class of difference equations with strong negative feedback. In particular we show that the positive equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable.
Structure of the cerebral cortex of the humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Balaenopteridae)

Cetaceans diverged from terrestrial mammals between 50 and 60 million years ago and acquired, during their adaptation to a fully aquatic milieu, many derived features, including echolocation (in odontocetes), remarkable auditory and communicative abilities, as well as a complex social organization. Whereas brain structure has been documented in detail in some odontocetes, few reports exist on its organization in mysticetes. We studied the cerebral cortex of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in comparison to another balaenopterid, the fin whale, and representative odontocetes. We observed several differences between Megaptera and odontocetes, such as a highly clustered organization of layer II over the occipital and inferotemporal neocortex, whereas such pattern is restricted to the ventral insula in odontocetes. A striking observation in Megaptera was the presence in layer V of the anterior cingulate, anterior insular, and frontopolar cortices of large spindle cells, similar in morphology and distribution to those described in hominids, suggesting a case of parallel evolution. They were also observed in the fin whale and the largest odontocetes, but not in species with smaller brains or body size. The hippocampal formation, unremarkable in odontocetes, is further diminutive in Megaptera, contrasting with terrestrial mammals. As in odontocetes, clear cytoarchitectural patterns exist in the neocortex of Megaptera, making it possible to define many cortical domains. These observations demonstrate that Megaptera differs from Odontoceti in certain aspects of cortical cytoarchitecture and may provide a neuromorphologic basis for functional and behavioral differences between the suborders as well as a reflection of their divergent evolution.
Lack of impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease on an object-based negative priming task.

Sumamry.----12 nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease (M age=67.3) and 12 normal control participants were administered an object-based attention task that enabled examination of both negative and positive priming Unlike previous studies in which spatial-based attention tasks were used, results of the present study indicated that the patients displayed negative and positive priming not different from those shown by controls. These results suggest that certain object-based attentional processes may not lie impaired in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Chronic Pain Syndrome After Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has been shown to be less morbid than traditional open radical nephrectomy.1 Despite this advantage, information has been published regarding chronic pain syndromes after retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy.2 We report a chronic pain syndrome in 3 patients who elected retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy. CASE REPORTS Case 1. A 59-year-old male was diagnosed with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. The patient underwent right retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy. Final pathological evaluation identified pT1NxMo grade 2 margin negative, superficially invasive transitional cell carcinoma. Postoperatively, the patient noticed new constant burning pain in the ipsilateral flank. The pain was partly ameliorated by narcotic analgesics. Bone scan and computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated no evidence of metastatic or local disease. Gabapentin at 300 mg 3 times daily significantly improved the pain. Despite negative metastatic evaluations, the pain persists. Case 2. A 47-year-old male was diagnosed with a left renal mass. Bone scan showed no evidence of disease. However, CT of the chest revealed probable early metastatic disease. The patient elected retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy. The standard port configuration described previously was used with the exception of an additional caudad costovertebral angle 5 mm port to facilitate hilar dissection. 3 Final pathological evaluation demonstrate da3c mpT1NxM1 renal cell carcinoma. Postoperatively, the patient complained of new constant burning flank pain, which was partly ameliorated with narcotic analgesics. The pain persisted and 300 mg gabapentin 3 times daily was initiated. The pain abated by 4 months postoperatively such that daily gabapentin was no longer required. However, the patient had persistent minor discomfort at 12 months postoperatively. CT and bone scan demonstrated no evidence of extrapulmonary disease progression. Case 3. A 65-year-old female was diagnosed with a large left renal mass. Metastatic evaluation showed no evidence of disease. The patient elected retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy. Final pathological evaluation revealed a 13 cm pT3NoMo renal cell carcinoma with focal extension into hilar adipose tissue and renal vein with negative margins. Postoperatively, the patient complained of new constant burning left flank pain. Gabapentin 300 mg 3 times daily and 25 g fentanyl patch every 3 days were prescribed. The pain resolved by 3 months postoperatively, and the patient no longer requires medication. CT and bone scan have not identified evidence of local or metastatic progression.
Mosaic-based positioning and improved motion-estimation methods for automatic navigation of submersible vehicles

Knowledge of the camera trajectory, which may be determined from the motions between consecutive frames of a video clip, can be used to register images for constructing image mosaics. We discuss a mosaic-based positioning framework for building photo-mosaics and concurrently utilizing them for improved positioning. In this approach, the mosaic is directly exploited in bounding the accumulation of position errors as we integrate the incremental motions of the camera. It is also shown that two earlier closed-form solutions for the estimation of motion directly from spatio-temporal image gradients, as for most gradient-based techniques based on the application of linear(ized) image motion constraint equations, are corrupted with systematic biases. These can be reduced significantly by incorporating the higher-order terms. We propose recursive methods to solve the new nonlinear constraint equations, and investigate the performance of the new solutions in a number of experiments with synthetic and real data.
Power Supply Rejection for RF Amplifiers: Theory and Measurements

Supply noise is a significant problem in RF systems where it can mix with RF signals, degrading signal/noise ratios and potentially causing violation of spectral masks. This paper presents an analysis of the supply rejection properties of RF amplifiers. We extend a conventional Volterra-series formulation to treat multiport systems and use it to describe the mixing products between power supply noise and the RF carrier. It is shown that a multiport Volterra formulation can be used to treat weak nonlinearities in the system and that the nonsymmetric cross terms accurately predict low-order mixing phenomenon. We demonstrate the validity of our hand analysis through the design and fabrication of a power amplifier in 180-nm CMOS, operating between 900 MHz-2.4 GHz with a maximum output power of 15 dBm. Spectral regrowth of single-tone and EDGE modulation waveforms is shown to match within 1-3 dB across frequency and input signal power. Importantly, this analysis provides insight into the circuit-level mechanisms for susceptibility to power supply noise and can help designers improve the power supply rejection ratio robustness of system-on-chip wireless blocks and transmitter architectures.