cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Dynamical Method for Measuring the Masses of Stars with Transiting Planets

As a planet transits the face of a star, it accelerates along the line of sight. The changing delay in the propagation of photons produces an apparent deceleration of the planet across the sky throughout the transit. This persistent transverse deceleration breaks the time-reversal symmetry in the transit light curve of a spherical planet in a circular orbit around a perfectly symmetric star. For "hot Jupiter" systems, ingress advances at a higher rate than egress by a fraction of ~10-4-10-3. Forthcoming space telescopes such as Kepler or COROT will reach the sensitivity required to detect this asymmetry. The scaling of the fractional asymmetry with stellar mass M* and planetary orbital radius a, as M*/a2, is different from that of the orbital period, which scales as (M*/a3)-1/2. Therefore, this effect constitutes a new method for a purely dynamical determination of the mass of the star. Radial velocity data for the reflex motion of the star can then be used to determine the planet's mass. Although orbital eccentricity could introduce a larger asymmetry than the light-propagation delay, the eccentricity is expected to decay by tidal dissipation to negligible values for a close-in planet with no perturbing third body. Future detection of the eclipse of a planet's emission by its star could be used to measure the light-propagation delay across the orbital diameter, 46.7(a/7 × 1011 cm) s, and also determine the stellar mass from the orbital period.
Some causal lessons from macroeconomics

Causality has long been regarded among economists as a metaphysical mine'eld, best to be avoided. Yet, at the same time, the notion of cause and e*ect structures our ordinary lives and seems essential for understanding policy actions. Peter Adams et al.’s “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise?” is welcome as an example of the relatively recent interest of microeconomists in overcoming their metaphysical aversions in order to say something useful about cause and e*ect. Their study is carefully executed and aims to resolve a well-posed causal question. The authors’ panel-data approach is closely analogous to the vector-autoregression (VAR) framework of macroeconomists. I want to pursue some of those analogies as they relate to causal inference. It is important to acknowledge that, because of the small number of periods, some of the technical issues in the estimation of panel data are di*erent from typical time-series data. The issues related to casual interpretation, however, do not depend on these di*erences. Adams et al.’s notion of cause can be summarized as time order plus explanatory power plus invariance. I have argued (Hoover, 2001) for a structural account of causation to which each of these three elements is related in a complex way. Macroeconomic examples demonstrate that none of these elements adequately de'nes causality (see Hoover, 2001, especially Chapters 6 and 7). But some of the special features of macroeconomics are less salient in microeconomic contexts, and it is at least plausible that Adams et al.’s criteria are discriminating enough for their application. To clarify ideas, consider a schematic structural model in which health (H) and wealth (W ) are related in time as
Analyticity and duality in the OZI rule violation

Abstract Mutual relationship between the Steinmann decomposition and different contributions to certain OZI rule violating Reggeon couplings is discussed. It is shown that only the mixing term contributes to the decay coupling constant when the Reggeon is on shell.
Theoretical investigation of the binding energies of the iodide ion and xenon atom with decaborane.

The interaction of decaborane (B10H14) with the I- ion and the (isoelectronic) Xe atom is investigated using a number of theoretical methods: MP2, CCSD(T), CCSD, spin−orbit CISD, and DFT using the B3LYP, B3PW91, PW91PW91, and PBE0 methods. All non-DFT and some DFT methods agree that B10H14I- is bound by charge−dipole electrostatic forces, charge− and dipole−induced-dipole forces, and dispersion forces, while B10H14Xe is bound by dipole−induced-dipole forces and dispersion forces. Counterpoise corrections are necessary to obtain reliable results. Relativistic effective core potentials were used for the I, Xe, and B atoms. Basis sets for use with these potentials are discussed as is the question of basis set balance in molecules. We find B10H14I- to be bound by 19.8 kcal/mol and B10H14Xe by 1.1 kcal/mol, indicating that the charge and polarizability of I- play the major role in the interaction energy.
Utilization of waste-grown algae for feeding freshwater shrimps

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using waste-grown algae as feeding materials for a freshwater shrimp ( Macrobrachium hainanense ). Chlorella pyrenoidosa cultured in 1% aqueous extracts of soybean waste and refuse compost waste materials were used to feed the shrimp. Five experimental groups were designed: (1) 100% commercial fish food (control group); (2) 50% algal product from soybean waste extract with 50% commercial fish food; (3) 100% algal product harvested from soybean extract; (4) 50% algal product from refuse compost extract with 50% commercial fish food; and (5) 100% algal product from refuse compost extract. After a feeding trial of 20 days, the contents of protein, lipid and soluble carbohydrates of the muscle of shrimps were analysed. The nutrient contents (protein, lipid and soluble carbohydrates) of different feeds were also measured. It was found that shrimps fed with waste-grown algae seemed to maintain a similar nutrient level as the control group. Measurements of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb) in the culture media, algae, commercial fish food, muscles, and cephalothorax and exoskeletons of shrimps were conducted. It was found that the algal product harvested from the refuse compost extract contained a higher metal content. The metals were mostly incorporated in the cephalothorax and exoskeleton of waste-grown shrimps.
Application of metastable transformation of mechanically alloyed Fe-Zn-Si in equilibrium phase studies

A series of six Fe-Zn-Si alloys was investigated with Fe content varying through the range 5.60 to 25.37 wt.% and fixed Si content of 0.12 wt.%. These alloys were formed by mechanical alloying of pure elemental powders—specifically by ball milling. After preparation, uniformity of microstructure was verified by electron microscopy and microprobe analysis. Annealing progress was followed by DSC and XRD. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements through the range 200 to 600 ‡C were used to locate the temperatures of relaxation phenomenon and the structural evolution. X-ray diffraction patterns were used to identify the phases present at various stages of the evolution. An invariant reaction was found near 423 ‡C and was identified as the peritectic melting of Zn. Identification of the formation of FeSi in a broad composition range below 9.1 wt.% Fe and at temperatures through 400 ‡C suggests the existence of phase field change. The formation of this FeSi phase is suggested as a possible cause for the Sandelin effect.
Mysteries of adaptation to hypoxia and pressure in marine mammals : The Kenneth S. Norris lifetime achievement award lecture

Presented on 12 December 2005 San Diego, California Abstract This paper reviews past and current work on diving behavior, effects of pressure, and the aerobic diving limit from the perspective of the Ken Norris Lifetime Achievement Award. Because of the influence of Norris to marine mammalogy in general, and to my career in particular, I want to emphasize the important tradition of mentors and colleagues as keystones to a successful career in science, and ultimately to the success of science itself. These two related activities are illustrated by studies on marine mammals that were conducted in an endeavor to understand: (1) the behavioral traits associated with deep diving, (2) the mechanical and physiological effects of pressure during routine dives to great depth, and (3) the degree of oxygen depletion that they routinely endure while diving. The search for answers has resulted in numerous physiological and ecological experiments, along with accompanying theoretical analyses. Currently it appears that some deep-diving mammals may suffer from bends, and some may resort more often than what seems physiologically possible to anaerobic metabolism while diving. Above all, the way divers manage their nitrogen and oxygen stores remains a mystery.
Stratospheric ClO and ozone from the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite

Concentrations of atmospheric ozone and of ClO (the predominant form of reactive chlorine responsible for stratospheric ozone depletion) are reported for both the Arctic and Antarctic winters of the past 18 months. Chlorine in the lower stratosphere was almost completely converted to chemically reactive forms in both the northern and southern polar winter vortices. This occurred in the south long before the development of the Antarctic ozone hole, suggesting that ozone loss can be masked by influx of ozone-rich air.
Amyloid β oligomers in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, treatment, and diagnosis

Protein aggregation is common to dozens of diseases including prionoses, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Over the past 15 years, there has been a paradigm shift in understanding the structural basis for these proteinopathies. Precedent for this shift has come from investigation of soluble Aβ oligomers (AβOs), toxins now widely regarded as instigating neuron damage leading to Alzheimer’s dementia. Toxic AβOs accumulate in AD brain and constitute long-lived alternatives to the disease-defining Aβ fibrils deposited in amyloid plaques. Key experiments using fibril-free AβO solutions demonstrated that while Aβ is essential for memory loss, the fibrillar Aβ in amyloid deposits is not the agent. The AD-like cellular pathologies induced by AβOs suggest their impact provides a unifying mechanism for AD pathogenesis, explaining why early stage disease is specific for memory and accounting for major facets of AD neuropathology. Alternative ideas for triggering mechanisms are being actively investigated. Some research favors insertion of AβOs into membrane, while other evidence supports ligand-like accumulation at particular synapses. Over a dozen candidate toxin receptors have been proposed. AβO binding triggers a redistribution of critical synaptic proteins and induces hyperactivity in metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors. This leads to Ca2+ overload and instigates major facets of AD neuropathology, including tau hyperphosphorylation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and synapse loss. Because different species of AβOs have been identified, a remaining question is which oligomer is the major pathogenic culprit. The possibility has been raised that more than one species plays a role. Despite some key unknowns, the clinical relevance of AβOs has been established, and new studies are beginning to point to co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia as etiological factors. Because pathogenic AβOs appear early in the disease, they offer appealing targets for therapeutics and diagnostics. Promising therapeutic strategies include use of CNS insulin signaling enhancers to protect against the presence of toxins and elimination of the toxins through use of highly specific AβO antibodies. An AD-dependent accumulation of AβOs in CSF suggests their potential use as biomarkers and new AβO probes are opening the door to brain imaging. Overall, current evidence indicates that Aβ oligomers provide a substantive molecular basis for the cause, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
A BAYESIAN APPROACH FOR QUANTILE AND RESPONSE PROBABILITY ESTIMATION WITH APPLICATIONS TO RELIABILITY

In this paper we propose a Bayesian approach for the estimation of a potency curve which is assumed to be nondecreasing and concave or convex. This is done by assigning the Dirichlet as a prior distribution for transformations of some unknown parameters. We motivate our choice of the prior and investigate several aspects of the problem, including the numerical implementation of the suggested scheme. An approach for estimating the quantiles is also given. By casting the problem in a more general context, we argue that distributions which are IHR or IHRA can also be estimated via the suggested procedure. A problem from a government laboratory serves as an example to illustrate the use of our procedure in a realistic scenario.
Geochemical constraints on the distribution of gas hydrates in the Gulf of Mexico

Gas hydrates are common within near-seafloor sediments immediately surrounding fluid and gas venting sites on the continental slope of the northern Gulf of Mexico. However, the distribution of gas hydrates within sediments away from the vents is poorly documented, yet critical for gas hydrate assessments. Porewater chloride and sulfate concentrations, hydrocarbon gas compositions, and geothermal gradients obtained during a porewater geochemical survey of the northern Gulf of Mexico suggest that the lack of bottom simulating reflectors in gas-rich areas of the gulf may be the consequence of elevated porewater salinity, geothermal gradients, and microbial gas compositions in sediments away from fault conduits.
Crystal Structures of a Quorum-Quenching Antibody

A large number of Gram-negative bacteria employ N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signaling molecules in quorum sensing, which is a population density-dependent mechanism to coordinate gene expression. Antibody RS2-1G9 was elicited against a lactam mimetic of the N-acyl homoserine lactone and represents the only reported monoclonal antibody that recognizes the naturally-occuring N-acyl homoserine lactone with high affinity. Due to its high cross-reactivity, RS2-1G9 showed remarkable inhibition of quorum sensing signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen in humans. The crystal structure of Fab RS2-1G9 in complex with a lactam analog revealed complete encapsulation of the polar lactam moiety in the antibody-combining site. This mode of recognition provides an elegant immunological solution for tight binding to an aliphatic, lipid-like ligand with a small head group lacking typical haptenic features, such as aromaticity or charge, which are often incorporated into hapten design to generate high-affinity antibodies. The ability of RS2-1G9 to discriminate between closely related AHLs is conferred by six hydrogen bonds to the ligand. Conversely, cross-reactivity of RS2-1G9 towards the lactone is likely to originate from conservation of these hydrogen bonds as well as an additional hydrogen bond to the oxygen of the lactone ring. A short, narrow tunnel exiting at the protein surface harbors a portion of the acyl chain and would not allow entry of the head group. The crystal structure of the antibody without its cognate lactam or lactone ligands revealed a considerably altered antibody-combining site with a closed binding pocket. Curiously, a completely buried ethylene glycol molecule mimics the lactam ring and, thus, serves as a surrogate ligand. The detailed structural delineation of this quorum-quenching antibody will aid further development of an antibody-based therapy against bacterial pathogens by interference with quorum sensing.
Cadmium activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway via induction of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of protein phosphatases 2A and 5

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic environmental pollutant, induces neurodegenerative diseases. Recently we have demonstrated that Cd may induce neuronal apoptosis in part through activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) pathways. However, the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. Here we show that Cd induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis of PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells. Pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) scavenged Cd-induced ROS, and prevented cell death, suggesting that Cd-induced apoptosis is attributed to its induction of ROS. Furthermore, we found that Cd-induced ROS inhibited serine/threonine protein phosphatases 2A (PP2A) and 5 (PP5), leading to activation of Erk1/2 and JNK, which was abrogated by NAC. Overexpression of PP2A or PP5 partially prevented Cd-induced activation of Erk1/2 and JNK, as well as cell death. Cd-induced ROS was also linked to the activation of caspase-3. Pretreatment with inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) and Erk1/2 (U0126) partially blocked Cd-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and prevented cell death. However, zVAD-fmk, a pan caspase inhibitor, only partially prevented Cd-induced apoptosis. The results indicate that Cd induction of ROS inhibits PP2A and PP5, leading to activation of JNK and Erk1/2 pathways, and consequently resulting in caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis of neuronal cells. The findings strongly suggest that the inhibitors of JNK, Erk1/2, or antioxidants may be exploited for prevention of Cd-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
The preparation and properties of rhenia-alumina catalysts

Abstract A series of rhenia-alumina catalysts were made using an equilibrium adsorption technique. These were characterized by laser Raman, infrared, and visible reflectance spectroscopy. Only a monomeric rhenia species was found bound to the alumina of the resulting catalysts. The visible reflectance spectra showed, however, that the symmetry around the Re was lower than tetrahedral, possibly C 2 v or C 3 v , i.e., distorted tetrahedral. The laser Raman spectra were sensitive to moisture; the alumina-bound rhenia could be readily hydrolyzed to HReO 4 . The extremely broad band (hump) between about 300 and 800 cm −1 decreased with increase in loading and nearly disappeared from spectra of samples evacuated at temperatures above 350 °C. It may therefore be attributed to fluorescence from the surface hydroxyl groups on the alumina support. A brief temperature programmed reduction (TPR) study revealed that most of the rhenia could be reduced to Re 0 at 275 °C, but a very small amount appeared to resist reduction up to 500 °C.
Photon-induced ionization changes in a neon discharge

Abstract Photon-induced voltage changes occur upon irradiation of a gaseous discharge with a tunable dye laser whose wavelength corresponds to an electronic transition of an atomic species in the discharge. The important, and likely dominant, role of ionization changes in producing these voltage changes in demonstrated directly for the first time using a hollow cathode lamp with neon fill gas coupled to a mass spectrometer. Changes in the Ne + concentration are found to correlate with the observed changes in voltage across the discharge when a number of excitec state absorption transitions of neutral neon are irradiated.
Endorectal ultrasound-directed biopsy: a useful technique to detect local recurrence of rectal cancer

This study assesses the value of endorectal ultrasound (ERUS)-directed biopsy in detecting local recurrence of rectal cancer. We reviewed the records of patients undergoing ERUS by a single surgeon for surveillance after treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma. Lesions suggestive of local recurrence underwent ERUS-assisted core-needle biopsy (EAB) via a proctoscope after precise ERUS localization or direct ERUS-guided biopsy (EGB) via a BK 22 (43%) were female. Only 11 patients (22%) had undergone prior radical resection of their primary tumor. No patient experienced a complication from the biopsies despite five being anticoagulated. Of 39 patients whose cancer recurrence was documented during follow-up, 32 (82%) were diagnosed at the initial biopsy session, and in five (13%), recurrence was detected only with ERUS. The combined sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EAB and EGB in detecting recurrence was 83, 100, and 87%, respectively. In 26 patients with local recurrence, resection was performed with curative intent. ERUS with biopsy is useful in detecting local recurrence after treatment of rectal cancer. It is safe, with a high diagnostic yield. It may be particularly useful in patients at higher risk for local recurrence (i.e., after endocavitary radiation and local excision) and may allow early detection of local recurrence, thereby permitting attempts at curative resection.
Solvation dynamics of the hydrated electron: A nonadiabatic quantum simulation.

A new algorithm for the quantum dynamical simulation of a mixed classical-quantum system that rigorously includes nonadiabatic quantum transitions is applied to the problem of the solvation dynamics of an initially energetic excess electron in liquid water. Computed results reveal a major channel associated with the appearance of a relatively long-lived solvated excited state postulated earlier; this state is identified as a distorted form of the equilibrium first excited state. The transient spectra evaluated directly from the simulation compare well with experimental data.
Medtronic freestyle valves in right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction.

Abstract Background Various pulmonary valve substitutes, with their inherent limitations, have been used in children and young adults. We chose the Medtronic Freestyle (Medtronics, Minneapolis, MN) valve because of its excellent hemodynamics, known durability in adults, and design features that allow modifications during implantation. Methods Over a 3 1/2 year period the Freestyle valve was implanted in 47 patients age 2 to 58 years (mean 14.2, median 12.0) in the pulmonary position. All patients had pulmonic stenosis and(or) insufficiency from previous operations for tetralogy (27), pulmonary atresia (6), truncus (4), or other diagnosis (10). The indication for surgery was pure pulmonary insufficiency in 11 patients, pulmonic stenosis in 3, and mixed stenosis and insufficiency in 33. Root replacement technique was used with additional enlargement of the pulmonary artery branches in 10 patients. Results Intraoperatively, one patient sustained a right ventricle tear and one a circumflex coronary artery injury during the dissection. There was one postoperative death. Two patients developed late subvalvular pannus formation, one of whom required reoperation. One patient was found to have an echo gradient of 95 mm Hg due to decreased leaflet motion and underwent cardiac catheterization at which the peak systolic gradient was determined to be 50 mm Hg. He has not required reintervention during his 3 1/2 years of follow-up. The remaining 43 patients have minimal gradients or insufficiency. All surviving patients are in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I. Conclusions The Medtronic Freestyle valve is an attractive alternative for RVOT (right ventricular outflow tract) reconstruction in children. It is readily available, versatile, and has excellent hemodynamic characteristics. Although long term follow-up is not yet available, longevity of this prosthesis, and freedom from complications, will hopefully be superior to valves with stents.
Physicians' Silent Decisions: Because Patient Autonomy Does Not Always Come First

Physicians make some medical decisions without disclosure to their patients. Nondisclosure is possible because these are silent decisions to refrain from screening, diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Nondisclosure is ethically permissible when the usual presumption that the patient should be involved in decisions is defeated by considerations of clinical utility or patient emotional and physical well-being. Some silent decisions—not all—are ethically justified by this standard. Justified silent decisions are typically dependent on the physician's professional judgment, experience and knowledge, and are not likely to be changed by patient preferences. We condemn the inappropriate exclusion of the patient from the decision-making process. However, if a test or treatment is unlikely to yield a net benefit, disclosure and discussion are at times unnecessary. Appropriate silent decisions are ethically justified by such considerations as patient benefit or economy of time.
Complexity-Constrained Video Bitstream Shaping

In scalable or layered video coding, bitstreams that fulfil specific rate or distortion profiles can be derived (shaped) postencoding, i.e., at transmission time. This can also be a very effective method for real-time adjustment of the decoding complexity to bounds specified by the decoding processor or operating system. In this paper, a new type of bitstream shaping is discussed, which is able to fulfil various instantaneous complexity profiles/constraints imposed by the decoder. Complexity is estimated by modeling generic metrics that can be translated into receiver-specific execution-time or energy-consumption estimates. For various bitstream-shaping alternatives, we associate their corresponding complexity estimates with the decoder modules via a decomposition into complexity coefficients and complexity functions. This process drives bitstream shaping according to joint distortion and complexity constraints, while the proposed model incurs limited online computational and storage overhead. In addition, our experiments demonstrate that the proposed method that is based on offline training can outperform various online training methods commonly used for resource prediction in the literature. For each group of pictures, our bitstream-shaping experiments indicate that the accuracy of the proposed method permits adaptation to real-time imposed constraints on the complexity metrics within a 10% error margin
Effects of Porcine Hypothalamic Extract on Prolactin Release in the Rat

The effect of crude extract of porcine stalk-median eminence (SME) on release of prolactin, measured by radioimmunoassay, has been studied in the rat. In male rats, intravenous administration of 3–4 SME equivalents caused an acute increase in serum prolactin levels. This prolactinreleasing factor (PRF) effect was observed in rats anesthetized with either pentobarbital or ether, and was not dependent upon estrogen pretreatment of the animals. Prolactin release was not seen with doses of 5 or 50 μg of synthetic thyrotropinreleasing hormone (TRH). The presence of porcine SME extract enhanced the release of prolactin by male rat pituitary halves incubated for 2 h in Medium 199. This effect was observed whether or not pituitary donors were pretreated with estrogen. In contrast to the observations in male animals, administration of 3 porcine SME equivalents to lactating rats separated from their litters for 4 h did not elevate serum prolactin. Failure to observe PRF activity could not be accounted for by the an...
A sector nulling technique revisited

Er's (1990) Lagrangian multiplier quadratic constraint technique for broad sector nulling in linear array antenna patterns is modified in several ways to increase its applicability.
Gyrase Inhibitors and Thymine Starvation Disrupt the Normal Pattern of Plasmid RK2 Localization in Escherichia coli

Multicopy plasmids in Escherichia coli are not randomly distributed throughout the cell but exist as defined clusters that are localized at the mid-cell, or at the 1/4 and 3/4 cell length positions. To explore the factors that contribute to plasmid clustering and localization, E. coli cells carrying a plasmid RK2 derivative that can be tagged with a green fluorescent protein-LacI fusion protein were subjected to various conditions that interfere with plasmid superhelicity and/or DNA replication. The various treatments included thymine starvation and the addition of the gyrase inhibitors nalidixic acid and novobiocin. In each case, localization of plasmid clusters at the preferred positions was disrupted but the plasmids remained in clusters, suggesting that normal plasmid superhelicity and DNA synthesis in elongating cells are not required for the clustering of individual plasmid molecules. It was also observed that the inhibition of DNA replication by these treatments produced filaments in which the plasmid clusters were confined to one or two nucleoid bodies, which were located near the midline of the filament and were not evenly spaced throughout the filament, as is found in cells treated with cephalexin. Finally, the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein-RarA fusion protein was used to localize the replication complex in individual E. coli cells. Novobiocin and nalidixic acid treatment both resulted in rapid loss of RarA foci. Under these conditions the RK2 plasmid clusters were not disassembled, suggesting that a completely intact replication complex is not required for plasmid clustering.
On the maximum sum-rate of cognitive MIMO interference channels

In this paper, we address the problem of maximizing the ergodic sum-rate of an N-user cognitive MIMO Interference Channel (IC) formed by unlicensed (or secondary) users. We assume that N secondary users coexist in the same area and try to access the same set of frequency bands. In such a setup, we define a cognitive MIMO IC as an extension of a classical IC where each user has multiple antennas and multiple frequency bands for transmission. We further assume a typical cognitive radio scenario where the structure of interference signals is not known and interference cancelation is not possible. Therefore, interference is treated as Gaussian noise in this work. The problem of ergodic sum-rate maximization reduces to the problem of finding the optimal power allocation for each user over each spatial channel in each frequency band. This problem belongs to the class of non-linear non-convex optimization problems and is hence challenging to solve analytically. We extend a reformulation and linearization (RLT) based branch and bound (BB) method to solve this problem. BB/RLT was recently proposed to solve the sum-rate maximization problem of a single band MIMO IC with the guaranteed convergence to the global optimum. It should be noted that we are proposing an optimal power control scheme to perform power control simultaneously over spatial and spectral dimensions without any explicit interference cancelation or Interference Alignment (IA). We also present some interesting comparisons between the sum-rates achievable by the proposed scheme and those by IA.
Fast algorithm for computing discrete cosine transform

An efficient method for computing the discrete cosine transform (DCT) is proposed. Based on direct decomposition of the DCT, the recursive properties of the DCT for an even length input sequence is derived, which is a generalization of the radix 2 DCT algorithm. Based on the recursive property, a new DCT algorithm for an even length sequence is obtained. The proposed algorithm is very structural and requires fewer computations when compared with others. The regular structure of the proposed algorithm is suitable for fast parallel algorithm and VLSI implementation.
Geometric and illumination invariants for object recognition

We propose invariant formulations that can potentially be combined into a single system. In particular, we describe a framework for computing invariant features which are insensitive to rigid motion, affine transform, changes of parameterization and scene illumination, perspective transform, and view point change. This is unlike most current research on image invariants which concentrates on either geometric or illumination invariants exclusively. The formulations are widely applicable to many popular basis representations, such as wavelets, short-time Fourier analysis, and splines. Exploiting formulations that examine information about shape and color at different resolution levels, the new approach is neither strictly global nor local. It enables a quasi-localized, hierarchical shape analysis which is rarely found in other known invariant techniques, such as global invariants. Furthermore, it does not require estimating high-order derivatives in computing invariants (unlike local invariants), whence is more robust. We provide results of numerous experiments on both synthetic and real data to demonstrate the validity and flexibility of the proposed framework.
Very Low Fluoroscopy Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Can Be Fast and Safe

X-ray fluoroscopy is universally established as the primary imaging modality to guide electrophysiology procedures. These fluoroscopy systems have advanced significantly over the last decade and low frame rate digital fluoroscopy provides low radiation exposure with high resolution imaging. Both stochastic and deterministic effects of radiation are rare and mostly only manifest decades after exposure, and radiation dose is seldom a pressing concern of the operator. Avoiding complications (usually aided by significant fluoroscopy in complex cases) is a far more immediate priority. Yet the accumulation of radiation exposure over time is a growing concern, particularly in the United States. The rise of musculoskeletal injuries and reports of head and neck cancer among interventional cardiologists should caution the indiscriminate use of fluoroscopy. Moreover, we do not measure life time cumulative dose of medical radiation, despite the exponential increase in medical imaging in all specialties. Our radiation training teaches us the principle of ALARA—keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable, and it is good for us to pause and consider what that means for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. AF ablation, including the pre- and postprocedure imaging and potentially multiple long fluoroscopically guided ablation procedures, has the potential to significantly add to the life time radiation exposure of individual patients. It is our responsibility as electrophysiologists to mitigate this risk as much as possible. Most electrophysiologists are well aware of these risks but are faced with the real challenges of long and complex ablation procedures. There is no doubt that, if nonfluoroscopic ablation techniques were fast, safe, affordable, and effective, they would be widely used. …
The value of laboratory experiments for code validations

The validation of numerical codes used for rock mechanics and rock engineering involves establishing whether the codes do indeed represent reality. This is difficult to establish using full-scale field tests, and so initial validation using laboratory tests is recommended. In laboratory tests, the number of variables and the boundary conditions can be controlled. Good validation experiments will enhance confidence in the codes and indicate where problems might arise when they are used to simulate full scale in situ engineering.
Sequence analysis of the cis-regulatory regions of the bithorax complex of Drosophila

Abstract The bithorax complex (BX-C) of Drosophila, one of two complexes that act as master regulators of the body plan of the fly, has now been entirely sequenced and comprises approximately 315,000 bp, only 1.4% of which codes for protein. Analysis of this sequence reveals significantly overrepresented DNA motifs of unknown, as well as known, functions in the non-protein-coding portion of the sequence. The following types of motifs in that portion are analyzed: (i) concatamers of mono-, di-, and trinucleotides; (ii) tightly clustered hexanucleotides (spaced < or = 5 bases apart); (iii) direct and reverse repeats longer than 20 bp; and (iv) a number of motifs known from biochemical studies to play a role in the regulation of the BX-C. The hexanucleotide AGATAC is remarkably overrepresented and is surmised to play a role in chromosome pairing. The positions of sites of highly overrepresented motifs are plotted for those that occur at more than five sites in the sequence, when < 0.5 case is expected. Expected values are based on a third-order Markov chain, which is the optimal order for representing the BXCALL sequence.
N-Linked Glycosylation of CXCR4 Masks Coreceptor Function for CCR5-Dependent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Isolates

The chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 are the principal coreceptors for infection of X4 and R5 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates, respectively. Here we report on the unexpected observation that the removal of the N-linked glycosylation sites in CXCR4 potentially allows the protein to serve as a universal coreceptor for both X4 and R5 laboratory-adapted and primary HIV-1 strains. We hypothesize that this alteration unmasks existing common extracellular structures reflecting a conserved three-dimensional similarity of important elements of CXCR4 and CCR5 that are involved in HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) interaction. These results may have far-reaching implications for the differential recognition of cell type-dependent glycosylated CXCR4 by HIV-1 isolates and their evolution in vivo. They also suggest a possible explanation for the various observations of restricted virus entry in some cell types and further our understanding of the framework of elements that represent the Env-coreceptor contact sites.
Hierarchical symbolic analysis of large-scale systems using a Mason's signal flow graph model

The author presents an approach to the symbolic analysis of large-scale systems. The method depends on the partitioning of the system into smaller subsystems which are then symbolically analyzed individually and non-iteratively using Mason's signal flow graph models of these smaller subsystems. The resulting solutions which are reduced signal flow graphs (transfer functions) for the subsystems are then hierarchically combined to produce the final solution or solutions (transfer functions) for the whole system. The advantage of such an approach is the tremendous reduction in the number of symbolic terms compared to the conventional approaches that can only handle very small circuits. The result of the analysis is a series of equations that have an upward hierarchical dependency on each other. >
Enhanced responses of lumbar superficial dorsal horn neurons to intradermal PAR-2 agonist but not histamine in a mouse hindpaw dry skin itch model.

Chronic itch is symptomatic of many skin conditions and systemic diseases. Little is known about pathophysiological alterations in itch-signaling neural pathways associated with chronic itch. We used a mouse model of hindpaw chronic dry skin itch to investigate properties of presumptive itch-signaling neurons. Neurons in the lumbar superficial dorsal horn ipsilateral to hindpaw dry skin treatment exhibited a high level of spontaneous activity that was inhibited by scratching the plantar surface. Most spontaneously active units exhibited further increases in firing rate following intradermal injection of an agonist of the protease-activated receptor PAR-2, or histamine. The large majority of pruritogen-responsive units also responded to capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate. For neurons ipsilateral to dry skin treatment, responses elicited by the PAR-2 agonist, but not histamine or mechanical stimuli, were significantly larger compared with neurons ipsilateral to vehicle (water) treatment or neurons recorded in naive (untreated) mice. The spontaneous activity may signal ongoing itch, while enhanced PAR-2 agonist-evoked responses may underlie hyperknesis (enhanced itch), both of which are symptomatic of many chronic itch conditions. The enhancement of neuronal responses evoked by the PAR-2 agonist, but not by histamine or mechanical stimuli, implies that the dry skin condition selectively sensitized PAR-2 agonist-sensitive primary afferent pruriceptors.
Identifying Opportunities for Web Services Security Performance Optimizations

WS-Security is an essential component of the Web services protocol stack. WS-Security provides end-to-end security properties, thereby assuring the participation of non-secure transport intermediaries in message exchanges, a key advantage in Web-based systems. However, compared to point-to-point secure messaging with TLS, WS-Security has a significant performance penalty. In this paper, we identify several opportunities for optimizing WS-Security.
Max-min optimality of service rates in queueing systems with customer-average performance criterion

In this paper, we consider the optimization of service rates in queueing systems, especially in closed Jackson networks. The optimization criterion is the customer-average performance, which is another important performance metric compared with the traditional time-average performance. Based on the methodology of perturbation analysis, we can derive a performance difference equation when the service rates are changed. With this difference equation, we find the optimal service rates have a max-min property, i.e., the optimal service rates can be chosen from its maximal or minimal value. This property can reduce the complexity of this type of optimization problems. Moreover, we also prove the max-min optimality is valid for both state-dependent service rates and load-dependent service rates in queueing systems.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Bringing the Obstetric Emergency Team Together

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program Current evidence indicates that maternal mortality rates are increasing. The purpose of this project was to initiate a program that would improve multidisciplinary communication, increase efficiency, decrease staff confusion, and improve patient outcomes during an obstetric emergency. Proposed Change To quickly bring the integral maternal‐child personnel together in order to address the obstetric emergency, three separate unique codes (code Neo [neonatology], code OB [obstetric], and code LD time was potentially taken away from intervening and treating a patient in an emergent situation. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Implementation involved collaboration and coordination with several departments along with educating staff and physicians about the benefits of having OB specific code teams. A policy was written to specifically describe each code: Code Neo, an emergency involving the resuscitation of a neonate; Code OB, a emergent postpartum hemorrhage or ecliptic seizure; Code L&D, a crash cesarean. The new policy outlined the different roles of each team member and identified who was required to respond to each code. The Code Neo, Code OB, and Code L&D concept was presented at physician department meetings. A Mock Code Committee was developed involving RNs, physicians, and several ancillary departments. Maternal/child staff was educated, mock codes were performed, and a date was set for implementation. Pagers were distributed to everyone on the code teams. During implementation, meetings were continued to discuss and resolve issues and to promote full adoption. A survey was conducted to assess the maternal/child staff's ability to handle an emergency situation preimplementation and postimplementation. Between October 2013 (implementation) and August 15, 2014, a total of 27 mock codes had been completed and staff had responded to 39 obstetric emergencies. As a result of the program's implementation, response time during an obstetric emergency decreased significantly and team members have become more comfortable in their roles. Positive feedback also was obtained from the postimplementation staff survey. Implications for Nursing Practice Only one phone call is now needed to activate the OB emergency team. Implementation of this program has resulted in increased multidisciplinary communication, increased staff confidence, and improved patient outcomes.
Probability estimation for large-margin classifiers

SUMMARY Large margin classifiers have proven to be effective in delivering high predictive accuracy, par ticularly those focusing on the decision boundaries and bypassing the requirement of estimating the class probability given input for discrimination. As a result, these classifiers may not directly yield an estimated class probability, which is of interest itself. To overcome this difficulty, this article proposes a novel method for estimating the class probability through sequential classi fications, by using features of interval estimation of large-margin classifiers. The method uses sequential classifications to bracket the class probability to yield an estimate up to the desired level of accuracy. The method is implemented for support vector machines and +-learning, in addition to an estimated Kullback-Leibler loss for tuning. A solution path of the method is derived for support vector machines to reduce further its computational cost. Theoretical and numerical analyses indicate that the method is highly competitive against alternatives, especially when the dimension of the input greatly exceeds the sample size. Finally, an application to leukaemia data is described.
Tilt Aftereffects in a Self-Organizing Model of the Primary Visual Cortex

RF-LISSOM, a self-organizing model of laterally connected orientation maps in the primary visual cortex, was used to study the psychological phenomenon known as the tilt aftereffect. The same self-organizing processes that are responsible for the long-term development of the map are shown to result in tilt aftereffects over short timescales in the adult. The model permits simultaneous observation of large numbers of neurons and connections, making it possible to relate high-level phenomena to low-level events, which is difficult to do experimentally. The results give detailed computational support for the long-standing conjecture that the direct tilt aftereffect arises from adaptive lateral interactions between feature detectors. They also make a new prediction that the indirect effect results from the normalization of synaptic efficacies during this process. The model thus provides a unified computational explanation of self-organization and both the direct and indirect tilt aftereffect in the primary visual cortex.
Massachusetts Health Insurance Reform Legislation: An Effective Tool for Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care?

This article examines the potential of the Massachusetts insurance reform legislation enacted in 2006 to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care, by examining select provisions of the statute that establish programs or policies aimed at improving access to quality health care services delivered, and reducing racial and ethic disparities. The article begins with a brief summary of the history of efforts to eliminate legally sanctioned discrimination in health care and how these efforts parallel the impact and shortcomings of the law in eliminating segregation in public schools. Next, the article reviews the literature documenting how health disparities persist despite these efforts. Following this description, the article examines how efforts undertaken to improve overall quality in the delivery of health care services and in health outcomes do not adequately address racial and ethnic disparities. After examining the likely impact of several incentives aimed at improving the performance of institutional and individual health care providers in these respects, the article concludes that the Massachusetts statute will not meet its ambitious goals unless sufficient resources and attention are expressly focused on addressing disparities.