cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOME METACOMPUTING EXPERIENCES FOR SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS

We demonstrate good metacomputing efficiency and portability for three typical large-scale parallel applications; one molecular dynamics code and two electromagnetics codes. The codes were developed for distributed memory parallel platforms using Fortran77 or Fortran90 with MPI. The performance measurements were made for a testbed of two IBM SPs connected through the vBNS. No change of the application codes were required for correct execution of the codes on the testbed using the Globus Toolkit for the required metacomputing services. However, we observe that for good performance, it may be necessary for MPI codes to make use of overlapped computation and communication. For such MPI codes, a communications library designed for hierarchical or clustered communication can yield very good metacomputing efficiencies when high-performance networks, such as the vBNS or the Abilene networks, such as the vBNS or the Abilene networks, are used for platform connectivity. We demonstrate this by inserting a thin layer between the MPI application and the MPI libraries, providing some clustering of communications between platforms.
Adsorption and decomposition of triethylsilane on Si(1 0 0)

Abstract The adsorption and decomposition of triethylsilane (TES) on Si(1 0 0) were studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD), high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), electron stimulated desorption (ESD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TPD and HREELS data indicate that carbon is thermally removed from the TES-dosed Si(1 0 0) surface via a β-hydride elimination process. At high exposures, TPD data shows the presence of physisorbed TES on the surface. These species are characterized by desorption of TES fragments at 160 K. Non-thermal decomposition of TES was studied at 100 K by irradiating the surface with 600 eV electrons. ESD of mass 27 strongly suggests that a β-hydride elimination process is a channel for non-thermal desorption of ethylene. TPD data indicated that electron irradiation of physisorbed TES species resulted in decomposition of the parent molecule and deposition of methyl groups on the surface that desorbed thermally at about 900 K. Without electron irradiation, mass 15 was not detected in the TPD spectra, indicating that the production of methyl groups in the TPD spectra was a direct result of electron irradiation. XPS data also showed that following electron irradiation of TES adsorbed on Si(1 0 0), carbon was deposited on the surface and could not be removed thermally.
Validities of the Female Form of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank Occupational Therapy, Laboratory Technology, and Nursing Keys,

(1967). Validities of the Female Form of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank Occupational Therapy, Laboratory Technology, and Nursing Keys, The Journal of Experimental Education: Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 53-57.
Recursive sparse recovery in large but correlated noise

In this work, we focus on the problem of recursively recovering a time sequence of sparse signals, with time-varying sparsity patterns, from highly undersampled measurements corrupted by very large but correlated noise. It is assumed that the noise is correlated enough to have an approximately low rank covariance matrix that is either constant, or changes slowly, with time. We show how our recently introduced Recursive Projected CS (ReProCS) and modified-ReProCS ideas can be used to solve this problem very effectively. To the best of our knowledge, except for the recent work of dense error correction via l 1 minimization, which can handle another kind of large but “structured” noise (the noise needs to be sparse), none of the other works in sparse recovery have studied the case of any other kind of large noise.
Body mass index and bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary intervention: Does bivalirudin make a difference?

Background The association between obesity and bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not well defined. We investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on PCI-related bleeding, and whether bivalirudin, compared to heparin, used as PCI anticoagulant modifies this relationship. Methods From 2000 to 2009, 16,783 patients who underwent PCI were grouped according to 6 BMI groups: underweight ( 2 ), "normal" weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 ), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m 2 ), class I (30-34.9 kg/m 2 ), class II (35-39.9 kg/m 2 ), and class III obesity (≥40 kg/m 2 ). Bivalirudin was used in 11,433 patients and heparin in 5,350. In-hospital major bleeding (hematocrit drop ≥15% or gastrointestinal bleeding) and need for transfusion rates were collected. Results The incidence of major bleeding varied significantly throughout the BMI spectrum (5.6% vs 2.5% vs 1.9% vs 1.6% vs 2.1% vs 1.9%, respectively, from underweight to class III obese patients, P P Conclusion The better outcome for bleeding seen in patients in the middle of the BMI spectrum suggests the existence of a "bleeding obesity paradox," which persists after adjustment by confounding factors and exists irrespective of the anticoagulant used.
Obscurantism in ancient Hellenistic rhetoric

Rhetoricians have historically been compelled to consider the pragmatic role of intentional obsurity in human communication. This essay examines the highly cohesive directions for obscurantist style in the works of three Hellenistic critics: Demetrius Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Longinus. Aristides’ encomium To Rome is analyzed briefly to illustrate rhetorical practice which parallels the ancient obscurantist theories.
Reionization and the Cosmic Microwave Background in an Open Universe

If the universe was reionized at high reshift (z greater than or approximately equal to 30) or never recombined, then photon-electron scattering can erase fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background at scales less than or approximately equal to 1 deg. Peculiar motion at the surface of last scattering will then have given rise to new anisotropy at the 1 min level through the Vishniac effect. Here the observed fluctuations in galaxy counts are extrapolated to high redshifts using linear theory, and the expected anisotropy is computed. The predicted level of anisotropies is a function of Omega(sub 0) and the ratio of the density in ionized baryons to the critical density and is shown to depend strongly on the large- and small-scale power. It is not possible to make general statements about the viability of all reionized models based on current observations, but it is possible to rule out specific models for structure formation, particularly those with high baryonic content or small-scale power. The induced fluctuations are shown to scale with cosmological parameters and optical depth.
Low Noise Figure Efficient Wavelength Exchange in an Optical Fibre

We show that wavelength exchange can theoretically provide 100% conversion efficiency, with 0 dB noise figure (NF). We have demonstrated 99% internal conversion efficiency with 0.06dB NF, and 90% external conversion efficiency, with 2.1dB NF.
Cytomegalovirus reactivation in critically ill immunocompetent hosts: A decade of progress and remaining challenges

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an undisputed pathogen in humans with severe immune compromise, which has historically been thought to carry little consequence in immunocompetent hosts. During the past decade, however, accumulating data suggest that significant numbers of immunocompetent humans reactivate HCMV during critical illness, and that these reactivation episodes are associated with worsened outcomes. Because most people are infected with this ubiquitous virus by adulthood, confirming pathogenicity has now become a clinical priority. In this article, we will review the incidence and implications of reactivation, the relevant immune responses and reactivation triggers relevant to the immunocompetent host. We will summarize the progress made during the past ten years, outline the work ongoing in this field, and identify the major gaps remaining in our emerging understanding of this phenomenon.
Graphic Organizers or Graphic Overviews? Presentation Order Effects with Computer-Based Text

It has long been assumed that graphic organizers (GOs) should be presented to students following text as an organizer, rather than preceding text as an overview. Robinson et al. (Educational Technology Research & Development, 51(4), 25–41, 2003) challenged this assumption by finding support for GOs as an overview. The present study further examined this issue by having 111 undergraduates view three GOs before (overview) or after (organizer) reading or listening to a narration of a 3,400-word text, followed by measures of retention and transfer. Students who received GOs as organizers transferred knowledge better than those who received GOs as overviews. Whether GOs should also be used as overviews, as prescribed by Robinson et al., is unclear and in need of further investigation.
A Double-Tilt Small Angle Neutron Scattering Experiment on Deformed Poly Mer Systems

A double rotation goniometer has been mounted in the neutron beam in order to characterize the molecular deformation in polymers subjected to various strain conditions. The results provide a direct verification of the fiber symmetry in solid state coextruded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polypropylene (PP) homopolymers. In the case of the shear banding phenomenon, we have been able to test the validity of the simple shear assumption; it also provides a direct estimate of the finite shear strain involved in the process. As a last illustration of the method, we also consider the biaxial deformation of PP and PMMA squeezed under various temperature and strain-rate conditions.
Non-oral contraception

Oral contraceptives are not appropriate for all women and their efficacy is hindered by many factors, including adverse effects and patient compliance. In the past, the oral route was the most popular method for contraception. Today, the routes and methods of contraception are varied, ranging from hormonal and non-hormonal options to surgical procedures and over-the-counter products. Increased efficacy of all forms can be obtained through patient education; thus, the primary care physician should be knowledgeable on all available methods.
Regulation of Gic2 Localization and Function by Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate during the Establishment of Cell Polarity in Budding Yeast

Establishment of cell polarity is important for a wide range of biological processes, from asymmetric cell growth in budding yeast to neurite formation in neurons. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the small GTPase Cdc42 controls polarized actin organization and exocytosis toward the bud. Gic2, a Cdc42 effector, is targeted to the bud tip and plays an important role in early bud formation. The GTP-bound Cdc42 interacts with Gic2 through the Cdc42/Rac interactive binding domain located at the N terminus of Gic2 and activates Gic2 during bud emergence. Here we identify a polybasic region in Gic2 adjacent to the Cdc42/Rac interactive binding domain that directly interacts with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in the plasma membrane. We demonstrate that this interaction is necessary for the polarized localization of Gic2 to the bud tip and is important for the function of Gic2 in cell polarization. We propose that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and Cdc42 act in concert to regulate polarized localization and function of Gic2 during polarized cell growth in the budding yeast.
Bound conformations for ligands of G-protein coupled receptors

The conformation of the C-terminus of the α-subunit of transducin, the G-protein of vision, has been determined by transfer NOE when bound to activated (MII) rhodopsin. One hundred three new NOE constraints are apparent when light is shown on a mixture of rhodopsin bilayers and the undecapeptide. Analogs of the α-peptide with covalent constraints were designed restricting the bound conformation; they stabilize MII thus supporting the deduced structure. The NMR structure of a complex of the intracellular loops of rhodopsin facilitates docking of the α-peptide and also shows proximity of residues known by mutational analysis to interact to generate the activated rhodopsin-transducin interface. This constrains the location of transmembrane helices in the structure of activated rhodopsin. Methods for the prediction of affinity have been used to estimate the relative binding constants of peptide analogs with the loop complex and show strong correlation with experimental data. Various models of the rhodopsin-transmembrane helical segments have been computationally fused with distance geometry to determine the overall model which best fits the experimental data on the rhodopsin-transducin interface.
Energy expenditure of female adolescents.

Because of the difficulty in obtaining accurate dietary intake information on children and adolescents, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that energy requirements in children and adolescents are best established by estimate of energy expenditure in free-living individuals. To define the energy requirements of healthy female adolescents, we used the doubly labeled water method to estimate the total energy expenditure (TEE) of nine female Caucasian adolescents (mean age +/− SD 13.2 +/− 1.8 years; range 10.3-16 years).We collected a baseline plasma and saliva sample from each subject after she received by mouth 125 mg of 18O and 100 mg of 2H2O/kg body weight. A 3-hour postdose plasma sample was also collected. Subsequently at home, each subject collected one postdose saliva sample daily for the next 10 days. The 24-hour respiratory quotient (RQ) of each subject was measured by whole-room calorimetry. The 18O and 2H abundances of the plasma and saliva samples were measured by gas-isotope-rat...
SEMIPARAMETRIC SUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY CONDITIONS FOR MULTIOBJECTIVE FRACTIONAL PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS CONTAINING ARBITRARY NORMS

In this paper, we develop a fairly large number of sets of global semiparametric sufficient efficiency conditions under various generalized(θ, η, ρ)-V-invexity assumptions for a multiobjective fractional programming problem involving arbitrary norms.
Photoelastic analysis of inlay and onlay preparations

S i n c e the advent of the cast gold restoration in dentistry, many uses have been made of this method for restoring posterior teeth with proximal lesions. The restorations have ranged (rom simple intracoronal inlays to gold veneer crowns of various types. Of the designs that have been used, some have been based on scientific principles, while others have been rooted in empiricism and tradition. One of the more enduring of the cast restorations has been the Class II inlay? This restoration has been used extensively for 50 years, with many dentists attributing to it advantages which may, in fact, not exist. Cast gold has certain properties which make it superior to silver amalgam,, another material commonly used for Class II restorations. However, many clinicians and researchers have come to realize that, while gold may be stronger and harder, these assets alone do not assure a superior means of restoring Class II lesions. The material itself does not strengthen the remaining tooth structure in a Glass II restoration, that type of restoration being purely intracoronal. Modifications must be made in the design of the preparation to take advantage of the desirable physical properties of the material and to protect the tooth from further breakdown. °-, :~ The purpose of this investigation was to determine the stresses induced at certain critical areas of the tooth by various designs of cast gold restorations when subjected
Anterior segment ischemia after surgery on 2 vertical rectus muscles augmented with lateral fixation sutures.

Abstract Anterior segment ischemia is a rare but potentially serious complication of strabismus surgery. Anterior ischemia typically occurs after surgery on 3 or 4 rectus muscles. Advanced age, dysthyroid ophthalmopathy, and a history of previous strabismus surgery are known risk factors for this complication. This report reviews the case of a healthy 50-year-old patient who developed anterior segment ischemia after surgery on 2 rectus muscles. J AAPOS 2001;5:323-4.
Coronary Artery Spasm—1984

Coronary artery spasm was virtually unknown not long ago, but the intense, ongoing interest it has generated in the past decade has produced a number of specific diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches, as well as considerable insight into mechanisms of coronary vascular tone and various coronary syndromes. There is growing evidence that coronary artery spasm is involved in unstable angina, stable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. It is by no means a benign process and is associated with significant morbidity or mortality if misdiagnosed or untreated. It seems clear that what started as a mere clinical curiosity involving a minority of patients with the so-called Prinzmetal's variant angina is snowballing into a major arena for research, diagnosis, and treatment in the field of ischemic coronary artery disease.
Confidence intervals for the correlation coefficient

Abstract The most popular method of setting confidence intervals for the correlation coefficient is based on the normal approximation to the Fisher Z -transformation. In this paper a lesser known and minimally investigated method for the construction of confidence intervals for the correlation coefficient is reconsidered. These intervals are established to be conservative and numerically confirmed to be tight in the sense that the actual coverage probability is close to a preset value. For a given sample size and confidence coefficient, the interval based on the normal approximation to the Z -transformation either contains the reconsidered interval, or is liberal for at least some values of the population correlation coefficient.
The Bespoke 3DUI XNA Framework: a low-cost platform for prototyping 3D spatial interfaces in video games

This paper presents the Bespoke 3DUI XNA Framework, an open-source software platform for research in 3D user interaction. The Bespoke 3DUI XNA Framework distinguishes itself from other platforms, in that it provides 3D user interface machinery in a game development framework. This combination leverages low-cost, widely available game technologies, enabling researchers to investigate 3DUI techniques, and providing game developers a foundation for prototyping 3DUIs in commercial video games.The paper explores the functionality and utility of the software library and describes how researchers and game makers can leverage the platform to investigate 3D user interfaces in the context of prototypical interactive experiences.
The Effect of GDNF on Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Function in Response to a Two-Pulse K+ Stimulation

Abstract We examined the effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) upon nigrostriatal dopaminergic function in response to two-pulse potassium (K+) stimulation in rats under in vivo microdialysis conditions. The two-pulse infusion protocol permits us to focus upon the role of this neurotrophin as related to vesicular storage and release of dopamine (DA). The effects of two 20-min infusions of K+ (70 mM) upon DA and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) output from the striatum of rats which received a single ipsilateral intrastriatal injection of vehicle, 1 μg GDNF, or 10 μg GDNF 1 week before microdialysis were examined. In the 10 μg GDNF-treated rats, there was a significant increase in the peak DA output in response to the second versus first K+ infusion, a significant increase in both basal and overall K+-evoked DOPAC responses, and significantly increased striatal DA and DOPAC contents compared with vehicle- or 1 μg GDNF-treated rats. These data demonstrate that two-pulse K+ stimulation is a useful means to detect significant mechanistic changes in DA neurons resulting from GDNF treatment. These results suggest the possibility for GDNF to modulate vesicular pools of DA for release.
Spatial Variation Affects Precision of Perennial Cool-Season Forage Grass Trials

Randomized complete block (RCB) designs, although commonly used in testing forage grass cultivars, often are inefficient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the RCB design, the lattice design. trend analysis, and nearest-neighbor analysis (NNA) for their ability to account for spatial variability in 27 perennial cool-season forage grass cultivar evaluation trials conducted over a 15-yr period at Arlington, WI. Each trial was made up of cultivars or experimental populations of one of six species or groups of species: orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), ryegrasses [a group comprising perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L.; intermediate ryegrass, L. hybridum Hausskn.; and festulolium, × Festulolium braunii (K. Richt.) A. Camus], smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and timothy (Phleum pratense L.). Dry matter forage yield was determined for 3 yr on each trial and expressed, for each plot, as mean annual yield. Yield data for each trial were analyzed by the RCB or lattice model, trend analysis, and two NNA models (one or two covariates). Three incremental improvements in precision of entry means were observed: an average of 15due to the RCB design, an additional average of 17% due to the lattice design, and an additional average of 22 to 30due to trend analysis or NNA. Trials were highly variable in the relative efficiency of both their experimental design and the spatial analyses, but this variability was not related to species, planting years, or plot size. The only useful predictor of trial efficiency was number of entries: three of five trials with eight or fewer entries failed to show significant differences among entries, regardless of the analysis. Spatial analysis methods cannot overcome lack of true differences among entries or failure to detect differences due to low degrees of freedom. Trend analysis or NNA appear to be useful mechanisms to account for intrablock variability in fields where it is impossible or uneconomical to predict proper blocking patterns.
Magnetar activity mediated by plastic deformations of neutron star crust

We advance a "Solar flare" model of magnetar activity, whereas a slow evolution of the magnetic field in the upper crust, driven by electron MHD (EMHD) flows, twists the external magnetic flux tubes, producing persistent emission, bursts and flares. At the same time the neutron star crust plastically relieves the imposed magnetic field stress, limiting the strain $ \epsilon_t $ to values well below the critical strain $ \epsilon_{crit}$ of a brittle fracture, $ \epsilon_t \sim 10^{-2}\epsilon_{crit} $. Magnetar-like behavior, occurring near the magnetic equator, takes place in all neutron stars, but to a different extent. The persistent luminosity is proportional to cubic power of the magnetic field (at a given age), and hence is hardly observable in most rotationally powered neutron stars. Giant flares can occur only if the magnetic field exceeds some threshold value, while smaller bursts and flares may take place in relatively small magnetic fields. Bursts and flares are magnetospheric reconnection events that launch Alfven shocks which convert into high frequency whistlers upon hitting the neutron star surface. The resulting whistler pulse induces a strain that increases with depth both due to the increasing electron density (and the resulting slowing of the waves), and due to the increasing coherence of a whistler pulse with depth. The whistler pulse is dissipated on a time scale of approximately a day at shallow depths corresponding to $\rho \sim 10^{10} {\rm g cm}^{-3}$; this energy is detected as enhanced post-flare surface emission.
Precision Measurement of Particulates by Light Scattering at Optical Resonance

The efficiency of light scattering from individual aerosol spheres is markedly enhanced for certain combinations of the particle size and refractive index with the incident wavelength. Differential...
The incidence of enlarged chondrons in normal and osteoarthritic human cartilage and their relative matrix density.

Abstract Objective To quantitate changes in the pericellular matrix in osteoarthritic (OA) articular cartilage. Design Chondrons were enzymatically isolated from normal and OA human cartilage. The cross-sectional area of the chondrons were measured. After immunolabeling for keratan sulfate, type VI collagen and type II collagen, the relative matrix density was determined for different size classes of chondrons with quantitative fluorescence microscopy. Results For individual chondrons, the average cross-sectional area (344±28μm 2 , mean±SE) for the normal specimens was significantly smaller than the average area (439±30μm 2 ) for the OA specimens. Using 496μm 2 (mean+2SD of the normal area) as the cut-off for enlarged chondrons, 33% of individual OA chondrons were enlarged compared to 16% for the normal. Chondrons under 300μm 2 had a significantly higher density of keratan sulfate and type VI collagen than larger chondrons, while chondrons over 400μm 2 had similar matrix densities. Conclusions There is a higher incidence of enlarged chondrons in OA cartilage than in normal cartilage. The enlargement may initially be due to hydrodynamic swelling but further increases in size are due to increased matrix deposition.
Detection of Long Non-Coding RNA in Archival Tissue: Correlation with Polycomb Protein Expression in Primary and Metastatic Breast Carcinoma

A major function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is regulating gene expression through changes in chromatin state. Experimental evidence suggests that in cancer, they can influence Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRC) to retarget to an occupancy pattern resembling that of the embryonic state. We have previously demonstrated that the expression level of lncRNA in the HOX locus, including HOTAIR, is a predictor of breast cancer metastasis. In this current project, RNA in situ hybridization of probes to three different lncRNAs (HOTAIR, ncHoxA1, and ncHoxD4), as well a immunohistochemical staining of EZH2, is undertaken in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues in a high throughput tissue microarray format to correlate expression with clinicopathologic features. Though overall EZH2 and HOTAIR expression levels were highly correlated, the subset of cases with strong HOTAIR expression correlated with ER and PR positivity, while the subset of cases with strong EZH2 expression correlated with an increased proliferation rate, ER and PR negativity, HER2 underexpression, and triple negativity. Co-expression of HOTAIR and EZH2 trended with a worse outcome. In matched primary and metastatic cancers, both HOTAIR and EZH2 had increased expression in the metastatic carcinomas. This is the first study to show that RNA in situ hybridization of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded clinical material can be used to measure levels of long non-coding RNAs. This approach offers a method to make observations on lncRNAs that may influence the cancer epigenome in a tissue-based technique.
Using PLAPACK: parallel linear algebra package

Part 1 Introduction: why a new infrastructure? natural description of linear algebra algorithms physically based matrix distribution redistributing and duplicating matrices and vectors implementation of basic matrix-vector operations (preview) basic linear algebra subprograms message-passing interface parallel sparse linear algebra FORTRAN interface availability. Part 2 Templates and linear algebra objects: initializing PLAPACK distribution templates linear algebra objects example return values more operations and information. Part 3 Advanced linear algebra object manipulation: creating views into objects , splitting of linear algebra objects shifting of linear algebra objects determining where to split creating objects 'conformal to' other objects annotating object orientation casting object types more operations and information. Part 4 Application program interface: introduction API-activation opening and closing an object accessing a vector accessing a matrix completion and synchronization examples more operations and information. Part 5 Data duplication and consolidation: copy reduce pipeline computation and communication a building block approach to implementing copy and reduce more operations and information. Part 6 Vector-vector operations: copy swap scaling a vector (object) scaled vector (object) addition inner product of vectors norms of vectors maximum absolute value in vector example - parallelizing inner product example - parallelizing 'axpy' for vector objects more operations and information. Part 7 Matrix-vector operations: general matrix-vector multiplication symmetric matrix-vector multiplication triangular matrix-vector multiplication triangular solve Rank-1 update symmetric Rank-1 update symmetric Rank-2 update example - parallelizing matrix-vector multiplication example parallelizing Rank-1 update more operations and information. Part 8 Matrix-matrix operations: general matrix-matrix multiplication symmetric matrix-matrix multiplication symmetric Rank-k update symmetric Rank-2k update triangular matrix-matrix multiplication triangular solve with multiple right-hand-sides example - parallelizing matrix-matrix multiplication queering algorithmic blocking size more operations and information. Part 9 Application of the infrastructure: Cholesky factorization right-looking variant left-looking variant more operations and information. Summaries: PLAPACK routines and their arguments BLAS related routines.
Optimal stimulus encoders for natural tasks

Determining the features of natural stimuli that are most useful for specific natural tasks is critical for understanding perceptual systems. A new approach is described that involves finding the optimal encoder for the natural task of interest, given a relatively small population of noisy “neurons” between the encoder and decoder. The optimal encoder, which necessarily specifies the most useful features, is found by maximizing accuracy in the natural task, where the decoder is the Bayesian ideal observer operating on the population responses. The approach is illustrated for a patch identification task, where the goal is to identify patches of natural image, and for a foreground identification task, where the goal is to identify which side of a natural surface boundary belongs to the foreground object. The optimal features (receptive fields) are intuitive and perform well in the two tasks. The approach also provides insight into general principles of neural encoding and decoding.
Re: Comparing Taguchi and Lich-Gregoir ureterovesical reimplantation techniques for kidney transplants.

To the Editor. Although we continue to use the parallel incision extravesical ureteroneocystostomy as our primary method of ureteroneocystostomy for kidney transplants, we have had occasion to use the techniques so nicely described and illustrated by the authors.1 We believe that the incidence of significant reflux with the Lich-Gregoir technique can be decreased with the simple placement of a full thickness suture to anchor the toe of the ureter to the full thickness of the bladder.2 This application prevents the ureter from sliding within the submucosal tunnel. We have been pleased with the Taguchi technique, and use it as a secondary procedure when the bladder is small or when the mucosa is adherent to the bladder muscularis and it is difficult to develop a submucosal tunnel. The Taguchi procedure, as described in The Journal of Urology in 1968, was a stented procedure that used 2 U-stitches, 1 each on either side of the ureterotomy, rather than a single U-stitch as described by the authors. The single unstented U-stitch technique was probably first described by Schanfield in 1972.3
Can Topic Modeling Shed Light on Climate Extremes

Understanding changes in climate extremes is an urgent challenge. Topic modeling techniques from natural language processing can help scientists learn climate patterns from data. The authors' work extracts global climate patterns from multivariate climate data, modeling relations between variables via latent topics and discovering the probability of each climate topic appearing at different geographical locations.
EXACT EVALUATION OF THE LINE-NARROWING EFFECT OF THE LEE-GOLDBURG PULSE SEQUENCE IN SOLID-STATE NMR SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract Magic-angle irradiation or the Lee–Goldburg (LG) pulse sequence are routinely being used in high resolution NMR spectra of solids to suppresses the homonuclear dipolar interaction while simultaneously scaling the chemical shift and heteronuclear dipolar interactions. In this Letter, a general and detailed spin dynamics calculation procedure to evaluate the performance of the LG sequence is presented which yields an expression for the dipolar scaling factor for an arbitrary rf strength, rf offset and windowed observation. This analysis is expected to be useful in designing new multiple-pulse sequences for scaling the dipolar interaction.
Parathyroid cyst: current diagnostic and management principles.

Background Parathyroid (PTH) cyst is a rare lesion. Only about 200 cases have been reported to date. The diagnosis of a PTH cyst is difficult, particularly in its differentiation from thyroid cyst. It has clinical significance because PTH cysts can mimic a thyroid mass and can be associated with hyperparathyroidism. Methods This presentation illustrates an additional case of a PTH cyst. The importance of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of PTH cyst and its management are discussed. Results Fine-needle aspiration of clear fluid containing an elevated PTH hormone level proved to be diagnostic in the patient. Recurrence of the cyst after FNA required surgical resection. The current concepts of etiology and treatment are summarized. Conclusions PTH cyst should be in the differential diagnosis in any patient initially seen with an anterior cystic neck mass. Radiologic imaging and FNA can accurately diagnose PTH cysts. Surgical excision may be needed for recurrent cysts after aspiration. HEAD & NECK 1996;18:370–373 © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rapid methane oxidation in a landfill cover soil.

Methane oxidation rates observed in a topsoil covering a retired landfill are the highest reported (45 g m day) for any environment. This microbial community had the capacity to rapidly oxidize CH(4) at concentrations ranging from 10 ppm (k = -2.37 h). The physiological characteristics of a methanotroph isolated from the soil (characteristics determined in aqueous medium) and the natural population, however, were similar to those of other natural populations and cultures: the Q(10) and optimum temperature were 1.9 and 31 degrees C, respectively, the apparent half-saturation constant was 2.5 to 9.3 muM, and 19 to 69% of oxidized CH(4) was assimilated into biomass. The CH(4) oxidation rate of this soil under waterlogged (41% [wt/vol] H(2)O) conditions, 6.1 mg liter day, was near rates reported for lake sediment and much lower than the rate of 116 mg liter day in the same soil under moist (11% H(2)O) conditions. Since there are no large physiological differences between this microbial community and other CH(4) oxidizers, we attribute the high CH(4) oxidation rate in moist soil to enhanced CH(4) transport to the microorganisms; gas-phase molecular diffusion is 10-fold faster than aqueous diffusion. These high CH(4) oxidation rates in moist soil have implications that are important in global climate change. Soil CH(4) oxidation could become a negative feedback to atmospheric CH(4) increases (and warming) in areas that are presently waterlogged but are projected to undergo a reduction in summer soil moisture.
Effect of finite word length on the accuracy of digital filters--a review

The accuracy of a digital filter is limited by the finite word length used in its implementation. Techniques have been developed to analyze this problem. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results has been reported. This paper discusses some of these accuracy problems and reviews some of the approaches used in investigating them. The calculation of the statistical mean-squared error at the output of the filter is discussed in detail.
IgG Endopeptidase SeMac does not Inhibit Opsonophagocytosis of Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi by Horse Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

The secreted Mac protein made by group A Streptococcus (GAS) inhibits opsonophagocytosis of GAS by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). This protein also has the endopeptidase activity against human immunoglobulin G (IgG), and the Cys94, His262 and Asp284 are critical for the enzymatic activity. The horse pathogen Streptococcus equi subspecies equi produces a homologue of Mac (SeMac). SeMac was characterized to determine whether SeMac has IgG endopeptidase activity and inhibits opsonophagocytosis of S. equi by horse PMNs. The gene was cloned and recombinant SeMac was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Mice with experimental S. equi infection and horses with strangles caused by S. equi seroconverted to SeMac, indicating that SeMac is produced in vivo during infection. SeMac has endopeptidase activity against human IgG. However, the protein just cleaves a small fraction, which may be IgG1 only, of horse IgG. Replacement of Cys102 with Ser or His272 with Ala abolishes the enzymatic activity of SeMac, and the Asp294Ala mutation greatly decreases the enzymatic activity. SeMac does not inhibit opsonophagocytosis of S. equi by horse PMNs but opsonophagocytosis of GAS by human PMNs. Thus, SeMac is a cysteine endopeptidase with a limited activity against horse IgG and must have other function.
Stoichiometry of soil enzyme activity at global scale

Extracellular enzymes are the proximate agents of organic matter decomposition and measures of these activities can be used as indicators of microbial nutrient demand. We conducted a global-scale meta-analysis of the seven-most widely measured soil enzyme activities, using data from 40 ecosystems. The activities of b-1,4-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, b-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase and phosphatase g )1 soil increased with organic matter concentration; leucine aminopeptidase, phenol oxidase and peroxidase activities showed no relationship. All activities were significantly related to soil pH. Specific activities, i.e. activity g )1 soil organic matter, also varied in relation to soil pH for all enzymes. Relationships with mean annual temperature (MAT) and precipitation (MAP) were generally weak. For hydrolases, ratios of specific C, N and P acquisition activities converged on 1 : 1 : 1 but across ecosystems, the ratio of C : P acquisition was inversely related to MAP and MAT while the ratio of C : N acquisition increased with MAP. Oxidative activities were more variable than hydrolytic activities and increased with soil pH. Our analyses indicate that the enzymatic potential for hydrolyzing the labile components of soil organic matter is tied to substrate availability, soil pH and the stoichiometry of microbial nutrient demand. The enzymatic potential for oxidizing the recalcitrant fractions of soil organic material, which is a proximate control on soil organic matter accumulation, is most strongly related to soil pH. These trends provide insight into the biogeochemical processes that create global patterns in ecological stoichiometry and organic matter storage.
CCR8 on Human Thymocytes Functions as a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Coreceptor

To determine whether human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptors besides CXCR4 and CCR5 are involved in HIV-1 infection of the thymus, we focused on CCR8, a receptor for the chemokine I-309, because of its high expression in the thymus. Similar levels of CCR8 mRNA were detected in immature and mature primary human thymocytes. Consistent with this, [(125)I]I-309 was shown to bind specifically and with similar affinity to the surface of immature and mature human thymocytes. Fusion of human thymocytes with cells expressing HIV-1 X4 or X4R5 envelope glycoprotein was inhibited by I-309 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, I-309 partially inhibited productive infection of human thymocytes by X4, R5, and X4R5 HIV-1 strains. Our data provide the first evidence that CCR8 functions as an HIV-1 coreceptor on primary human cells and suggest that CCR8 may contribute to HIV-1-induced thymic pathogenesis.
Continuous-Wave Parametric Generation at Visible band in Photonic Crystal Fibers

Parametric generation in the visible range in PCFs is investigated by measuring the frequency shift of the modulation instability (MI) sidebands, using a narrow tunable continuous-wave 780 nm pump.
RESTRICTED TRACK ASSIGNMENT WITH APPLICATIONS

Consider a set of intervals S = {I1, I2, …, In}, where Ii = (li, ri), li, and ri are real numbers, and li < ri. We study a restricted track assignment problem (RTAP): if an interval Ia contains another interval Ib, then Ia must be assigned to a higher track than Ib, and the goal is to minimize the number of tracks used. The problem RTAP is shown to be NP-hard. An approximation algorithm that produces a solution within twice of the optimal is also presented and the bound is shown to be tight. The algorithm runs in O(n log n) time and requires linear space. The proposed approximation algorithm is employed to solve the problem of finding a maximum-weighted independent set in a circle graph, and related problems.
Divergence between motoneurons: gene expression profiling provides a molecular characterization of functionally discrete somatic and autonomic motoneurons

Studies in the developing spinal cord suggest that different motoneuron (MN) cell types express very different genetic programs, but the degree to which adult programs differ is unknown. To compare...
Optical tomography for flow visualization of the density field around a revolving helicopter rotor blade.

In this paper, a tomographic procedure for reconstructing the density field around a helicopter rotor blade tip from remote optical line-of-sight measurements is discussed. Numerical model studies have been carried out to investigate the influence of the number of available views, limited width viewing, and ray bending on the reconstruction. Performance is measured in terms of the mean-square error. It is found that very good reconstructions can be obtained using only a small number of views even when the width of view is smaller than the spatial extent of the object. An iterative procedure is used to correct for ray bending due to refraction associated with the sharp density gradients (shocks).
Abstract 1382: Increased expression of placental growth factor is linked with shortened survival of patients with advanced ovarian cancer

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in the United States. Survival in advanced OC is highly variable; some patients are cured of their disease with a combination of surgery and systemic chemotherapy, while the majority of patients develop recurrence and ultimately die of metastatic OC. While markers of poor prognosis within advanced OC exist, they have not translated to changes in therapy or outcomes. Vascular growth factors are important soluble mediators of tumor growth, vasculogenesis and angiogenesis that may be targeted therapeutically. We therefore explored the association between plasma levels of vascular growth factors and clinical outcomes in advanced OC. Methods: We enrolled 200 patients with OC or benign surgical conditions from the Mayo Ovarian SPORE Biospecimens Core. Presurgical plasma samples from patients with advanced OC (AJCC Stage III and IV, n = 100), early stage OC (Stage I and II, n = 50), and benign surgical conditions (n = 50) were assayed for vascular growth factors via multiplex electrochemiluminescence and by ELISA. Differences in plasma levels between benign, early, and advanced OC patient groups were assessed using plate-adjusted linear models. Associations between plasma levels of vascular growth factors and overall survival in advanced OC patients were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were increased in patients with advanced OC (mean ng/mL = 130.8, p = 0.004; mean ng/mL = 20.1, p = 0.025, respectively) compared to patients with early stage (mean ng/mL = 75.1 and 19.0 respectively) and benign conditions (mean ng/mL = 86.8 and 15.0, respectively). An increase in PlGF levels was associated with poor overall survival in patients with advanced OC (HR = 2.52, p = 0.005), while increase in VEGF levels were of borderline significance (HR = 1.21, p = 0.061) Conclusions: Soluble PlGF and VEGF are increased in the setting of advanced OC. Increased plasma PlGF is strongly linked to poor prognosis, while VEGF levels have a borderline association with prognosis. These data provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting of both VEGF and PlGF. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1382. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1382
Directed Block Copolymer Thin Film Self-Assembly: Emerging Trends in Nanopattern Fabrication

Block copolymers have garnered significant attention in the past few decades due to their ability to self-assemble into nanoscale structures (∼10–100 nm), making them ideal for emerging nanotechnologies, such as nanolithography, nanotemplating, nanoporous membranes, and ultrahigh-density storage media. Many of these applications require thin film geometries, in which the block copolymers form well-ordered nanostructures and/or precisely controlled domain orientations. In this Perspective, we discuss recent progress toward techniques that achieve directed self-assembly of block copolymer thin films. Substrate prepatterning, nanoimprint lithography, molecular transfer printing, solvent treatment, and zone processing approaches are highlighted. Finally, we comment on recent developments in high-throughput and in situ characterization methods, and we provide future research directions for thin film nanostructure refinement.
Numerical Simulation of Acoustic Wave Propagation in Layered Media With a Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method

Numerical modeling of acoustic wave propagation often faces significant difficulties in application to models with fine scale heterogeneity. In some cases averaging techniques allow a reduction of the complexity of the models. However, the range of applicability of the effective medium theories is often quite narrow. For example, even for the relatively simple case of a binary, layered medium, analytical upscaling can be used only for wavelengths that are large with respect to the thickness of strata (Backus, 1962; Schoenberg and Muir, 1989). We present results using a new multiscale finite element method designed to reduce the computational complexity of wave simulation. It uses multiscale basis functions capturing the information about fine scale heterogeneities. These basis functions are then used on a coarse grid to accelerate computations. We apply the method to layered media to compare the accuracy of the mulitscale result to effective medium solutions for the same models. The results show the breakdown in effective medium results as layer thickness increases, while the multiscale method produces accurate results. The multiscale method has strong potential for modeling problems that need to consider complex, fine-scale heterogeneity when upscaling is inaccurate or suitable averaging methods are unknown.