cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated determination of adenosine aminohydrolase in human plasma and erythrocytes by continuous flow analysis.

Abstract The determination of adenosine aminohydrolase has been automated for use with an Autoanalyzer. Ammonia produced from adenosine by the enzyme is quantitated by Nesslerization. Plasma from 10 normal males showed a mean of 1.1 μmole ammonia produced per hour per ml. Erythrocyte lysates showed a mean of 17.5 μmole ammonia produced per hour per ml packed cells.
Chemical and Serological Relationships of Certain Bacterial Polysaccharides Containing Sialic Acid

Chemical and Serological Relationships of Certain Bacterial Polysaccharides Containing Sialic Acid
Geomys bursarius (Rodentia: Geomyidae)

Geomys bursarius (Shaw, 1800) is a geomyid commonly called the plains pocket gopher. A stocky rodent morphologically adapted for a fossorial life, it is 1 of 11 species in the genus Geomys. It occurs in southern Manitoba, Canada, and throughout the central United States southward to Texas. It prefers open grasslands and agricultural fields and is considered an economic pest. The subspecies G. bursarius ozarkensis is considered a species of special concern only occurring in Arkansas and G. bursarius illinoensis is considered a species of special concern in Indiana.
Carrying and hand-use patterns in Panamanian white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus).

The aim of this project was to examine the potential influence of postural regulation on capuchin hand-use patterns by focusing on tasks that involved the carrying of objects. Two months were spent on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, collecting data on ten white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucicus) (four adult males/six adult females). Over 215 contact hours were spent with the monkeys, and a total of 213 carries were recorded. No hand preference bias at the population level was found for the carry task; and no detectable hand-use patterns for carry were correlated with the weight of the object carried (except a right-hand bias for carrying medium-sized objects), the plane of the monkey's movement, its locomotor pattern, or its height above the ground. Therefore, the results of this study do not support the hypothesis that the need for postural regulation while carrying an object influences hand-use patterns in free-ranging capuchins. Our results are especially important because they are contrary to the results of the only other free-ranging capuchin laterality study conducted to date (Panger, 1998).
A relict population of the mottled sculpin,Cottus bairdi, from the Maryland coastal plain

A population of mottled sculpin,Cottus bairdi, in the central Delmarva Peninsula (Nanticoke drainage) is the only record of this species from the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Examination reveals that specimens have characteristics of bothC. bairdi and the problematicC. girardi. The presence of other Piedmont indicator-species in this general area suggest a relict Piedmont community.
Occupational mobility as measured by Holland's theory of career selection

Abstract This study examined the occupational mobility of men ages 45–59 as measured by Holland's theory of career selection and its relationship to men in the work force. Stability was discussed in two distinct ways: (1) stability within a job, and (2) stability in the kind of work a man does over a career. In his research Holland concluded that Realistic and Investigative personality types would change personality type less often and have more stable job choices in comparison to other personality types. The results of this study supported these findings to some extent, but also concluded that stability in a personality type was strongly influenced by the number of jobs available in a particular personality type and the structure of the labor market demand. In addition the results showed that psychological concepts seem to be more important in changing jobs than in selecting initial jobs.
On the capabilities of neural networks using limited precision weights

This paper analyzes some aspects of the computational power of neural networks using integer weights in a very restricted range. Using limited range integer values opens the road for efficient VLSI implementations because: (i) a limited range for the weights can be translated into reduced storage requirements and (ii) integer computation can be implemented in a more efficient way than the floating point one. The paper concentrates on classification problems and shows that, if the weights are restricted in a drastic way (both range and precision), the existence of a solution is not to be taken for granted anymore. The paper presents an existence result which relates the difficulty of the problem as characterized by the minimum distance between patterns of different classes to the weight range necessary to ensure that a solution exists. This result allows us to calculate a weight range for a given category of problems and be confident that the network has the capability to solve the given problems with integer weights in that range. Worst-case lower bounds are given for the number of entropy bits and weights necessary to solve a given problem. Various practical issues such as the relationship between the information entropy bits and storage bits are also discussed. The approach presented here uses a worst-case analysis. Therefore, the approach tends to overestimate the values obtained for the weight range, the number of bits and the number of weights. The paper also presents some statistical considerations that can be used to give up the absolute confidence of a successful training in exchange for values more appropriate for practical use. The approach presented is also discussed in the context of the VC-complexity.
Security Variability Design and Analysis in an Aspect Oriented Software Architecture

Developing secure systems at software architecture stage presents additional challenges: a system may demand multiple security capabilities and each security capability can be realized by many security solutions. Effective techniques are needed to assist software architects in modeling and evaluating security capabilities. The benefits of such techniques include enabling software architects to create an optimized security architecture design. This paper presents a modeling approach to support security variability design and analysis. In the approach, security capabilities are modeled as aspects and alternative security solutions are reflected. This allows to effectively perform interaction analysis among security solutions, e.g., determining supporting or conflicting solutions etc. A Health Watcher system is used to illustrate the approach, where the system is designed with two security aspects, data origin authentication and non-repudiation. The proposed security variability design approach has been showed to effectively support the interaction analysis between data origin authentication solutions and non-repudiation solutions.
Fluorescence detection of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts in human lung

Improved techniques are described for the specific identification of benzo[a]pyrene-diolepoxide (BPDE)--DNA adducts in human tissues. Immunoaffinity chromatography, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and second-derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy have previously been used to detect BPDE-DNA adducts in human placenta. Here we report how these methods, together with HPLC and the generation of complete fluorescence excitation--emission matrices, have been used to identify unequivocally BPDE-DNA adducts in samples of human lung. BPDE nucleotide adducts were isolated with immunoaffinity chromatography columns bearing antibodies raised against the (+/-)anti-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-deoxyguanosine adduct of benzo[a]pyrene. These adducts were hydrolyzed to tetrahydrotetrols and the hydrolysis products subjected to HPLC. The major product isolated by HPLC, benzo[a]-pyrene-7,10/8,9-tetrahydrotetrol, was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. Using this method, levels of BPDE-DNA adducts in the range of 1-40 in 10(8) nucleotides were measured in 6 out of 25 samples, with a lower detection limit of one adduct in 10(8) nucleotides. The data may also indicate that adduct levels show regional variation in different parts of the same lung.
Solutions for Improving Spark Plug Life in High Efficiency, High Power Density, Natural Gas Engines

Short spark plug life, resulting in increased engine downtime and operating costs, is the primary factor limiting the power density and thermal efficiency in lean burn natural gas engines. Fundamentally, as engine power density increases, spark plug life decreases. Common approaches to increasing spark plug life include use of high melting temperature electrode materials and increased electrode surface area. However, future targets for engine efficiency and power density require more effective system solutions. In order to achieve these system solutions, work has been focused on developing an empirically derived electrode erosion model. This model quantifies spark plug life as a function of spark discharge characteristics, spark plug electrode design, and flow fields in the vicinity of the spark plug gap for different engine power densities. Furthermore, quenching effects resulting from large surface electrodes and smaller spark gaps have been included to verify ignitability for given in-cylinder charge density and air/fuel ratio conditions. A good agreement between experimental data and model predictions has been demonstrated. Finally, a solution for extending spark plug life in high efficiency, high power density, natural gas engines has been proposed. This solution combines high spark power with a spark plug design consisting of small electrode gap, large electrode surface, and with enhanced flow fields at the electrode gap.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Synaptic plasticity: A role for nitric oxide in LTP

Nitric oxide is back in the spotlight with a new series of studies showing that it plays an important role in long-term potentiation, the best-studied type of synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system thought likely to play an important role in learning and memory.
Ethical Issues in Cancer Screening and Prevention

November 2009 ’ s announcement of the USPSTF ’ s recommendations for screening for breast cancer raised a fi restorm of objections. Chief among them that the Panel had insuffi ciently valued patients ’ lives or allowed cost considerations to infl uence recommendations. The publicity about the recommendations, however, often either simplifi ed the actual content of the recommendations or bypassed signifi cant methodological issues, which a philosophical examination of both the science behind screening recommendations and their import reveals. In this article, I discuss two of the leading ethical considerations at issue in screening recommendations: respect for patient autonomy and benefi cence and then turn to the most signifi cant methodological issues raised by cancer screening: the potential biases that may infect a trial of screening effectiveness, the problem of base rates in communicating risk, and the trade-offs involved in a judgment of screening effectiveness. These issues reach more broadly, into the use of “ evidence-based ” medicine generally, and have important implications for informed consent.
Engineering reactions in crystals: gem-dialkoxy substitution enables the photodecarbonylation of crystalline 2-indanone

The photochemical reactivity of three 1,1,3,3-tetrasubstituted 2-indanones was investigated in solution and in crystals. While solution irradiation of tetramethyl-2-indanone 2 leads to 1-isopropenyl-2-isopropyl benzene 5 in high yield, crystals of 2 were completely inert. In contrast, samples of 1,3-bis(ethylenedioxy)-2-indanone 3 reacted efficiently in both media. While solution irradiation yielded benzocyclobutane 7 and o-xylylene 8, only the former was formed in the solid state. Finally, the 1,3-bis-thioke- tal analog 4 reacted sluggishly in solution but not at all in the solid state. Differences in reactivity between the three indanones were analyzed in terms of radical stabilization effects and possible intramolecular quenching mechanisms. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Although many reactions in crystals proceed with remarkably high selectivity and specificity, 1 their limited predictability has prevented chemists from exploiting their potential in synthetic applications. With the pur- pose of identifying reliable solid state reactions, we have explored the use of compounds that form high- energy species such as carbenes, 2 biradicals, and radical pairs. 3 We anticipate that highly reactive intermediates will break weak bonds and make new stronger ones despite having severely limited motion in the solid state. To generate radical pairs and biradicals in crystals, we have analyzed the stepwise -cleavage (Norrish type-I reaction) 4 and decarbonylation of triplet dialkyl ketones. 3,5 We have shown that cyclic and open chain ketones with ,-diphenyl and ,-diester substituents can react smoothly in the solid state (Scheme 1). As the bond dissociation energies of the -bonds are reduced by the -substituents, the bond cleavage reactions become more exothermic from the triplet excited state. 6 The more exothermic these reactions, the earlier and lower their transition states, and the higher their rate constants and quantum efficiencies. 4a,6,7
Ultrastructural alterations in ileal M cells of rats after chronic ethanol ingestion: reversal after cessation of ethanol.

Membranous (M) cells within the dome epithelium of ileal Peyer's patches have been shown to provide selective antigen entry for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. This study produced morphologic evidence of ethanol-induced disruption of the architecture in follicle-associated epithelium. The adherens type junctions of the lateral plasma membranes between M cells and columnar absorptive cells were disrupted. A 45-day exposure by ingestion of ethanol also produced marked changes in the ultrastructure of M cells. All experimental animals showed mitochondrial swelling with loss of matrix density, dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic vacuolization. The ethanol content of serum and chyme samples were 180 mg/dl and 160 mg/dl, respectively. This was well below the 4,280 mg/dl of the diet therefore a systemic mechanism was implicated for the changes observed. Membranous cells from the recovery group were normal 15 days after withdrawal from ethanol. We concluded that the ethanol-induced cytopathol...
Actin Cytoskeleton Regulates Calcium Dynamics and NFAT Nuclear Duration

T-cell activation by antigen-presenting cells is accompanied by actin polymerization, T-cell receptor (TCR) capping, and formation of the immunological synapse. However, whether actin-dependent events are required for T-cell function is poorly understood. Herein, we provide evidence for an unexpected negative regulatory role of the actin cytoskeleton on TCR-induced cytokine production. Disruption of actin polymerization resulted in prolonged intracellular calcium elevation in response to anti-CD3, thapsigargin, or phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin, leading to persistent NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) nuclear duration. These events were dominant, as the net effect of actin blockade was augmented interleukin 2 promoter activity. Increased surface expression of the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase was observed upon stimulation, which was inhibited by cytochalasin D, suggesting that actin polymerization contributes to calcium export. Our results imply a novel role for the actin cytoskeleton in modulating the duration of Ca2+-NFAT signaling and indicate that actin dynamics regulate features of T-cell activation downstream of receptor clustering.
Fully implicit one-step methods for neutral functional-differential equations

The author discusses the class of fully implicit one-step methods of any order for the numerical solution of neutral functional-differential equations. For judicious choices of the parameters these methods are NP-stable, which means that the numerical approximation to the solution Y of the linear test equation y'=ay(t)+by(t-d) +cy'(t-d), t>or=0, is bounded whenever Y is bounded. This property is an analogue of A-stability of ordinary differential equations. The local discretization error of these methods can be estimated by comparing two approximations of successive orders. This can be done in a very efficient way, and these methods can be implemented in variable-step mode with a step-changing strategy based on this estimate. Numerical results are presented that illustrate the high potential of fully implicit formulas. >
Hopf-algebraic structure of combinatorial objects and differential operators

A Hopf-algebraic structure on a vector space which has as basis a family of trees is described. Some applications of this structure to combinatorics and to differential operators are surveyed. Some possible future directions for this work are indicated.
Double-blind controlled trial of bethanechol and antacid versus placebo and antacid in the treatment of erosive esophagitis

To determine the value of bethanechol in the treatment of erosive esophagitis, a double-blind study was undertaken in which 28 patients were randomized to either bethanechol and antacid, or placebo and antacid. Patients were evaluated clinically, endoscopically, and by esophageal manometry before and after 8 wk of therapy. After treatment both groups showed significant improvement in heartburn and in healing of esophageal lesions. Patients who received bethanechol plus antacids did not show a greater improvement than patients who received placebo plus antacids in any category, nor did patients in the bethanechol-treated group have a greater incidence of complete healing. In addition, pretreatment mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was normal in approximately 30% of patients with erosive esophagitis and this finding was associated with a greater chance for complete healing of esophageal lesions. These results fail to show that the addition of bethanechol to an intensive antacid regimen is more effective than the antacid regimen alone in the treatment of erosive esophagitis and that patients with esophagitis and normal lower esophageal sphincter pressures respond more favorably to medical treatment.
Field-evolved resistance to four modes of action of herbicides in a single kochia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.) population.

BACKGROUND Evolution of multiple herbicide resistance in weeds is a serious threat to weed management in crop production. Kochia is an economically important broadleaf weed in the US Great Plains. This study aimed to confirm resistance to four sites of action of herbicides in a single kochia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.) population from a crop field near Garden City (GC), Kansas, and further determine the underlying mechanisms of resistance. RESULTS One-fourth of the GC plants survived the labeled rate or higher of atrazine [photosystem II (PSII) inhibitor], and the surviving plants had the Ser-264 to Gly mutation in the psbA gene, the target site of atrazine. Results showed that 90% of GC plants survived the labeled rate of dicamba, a synthetic auxin. At least 87% of the plants survived up to 72 g a.i. ha−1 of chlorsulfuron [acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor], and analysis of the ALS gene revealed the presence of Pro-197 to Thr and/or Trp-574 to Lue mutation(s). Most GC plants also survived the labeled rate of glyphosate [5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitor), and the resistant plants had 5–9 EPSPS gene copies (relative to the ALS gene). CONCLUSION We confirm the first case of evolution of resistance to four herbicide sites of action (PSII, ALS and EPSPS inhibitors and synthetic auxins) in a single kochia population, and target-site-based mechanisms confer resistance to atrazine, glyphosate and chlorsulfuron. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Lyapunov redesign for structural convergence improvement in adaptive control

The relative improvement of the convergence rate in adaptive error models is discussed. It is shown how to improve convergence, positive realness, and robustness by modifying the structure of the error model. The proposed approaches to designing adaptive control algorithms using the Lyapunov method not only improve the rate of convergence but also provide flexibility in choosing nonlinear control inputs. Boundedness of the nonlinear functions of the modified schemes is shown. >
ERP investment analysis using the strategic alignment model

Purpose – To develop a model to assist in the analysis of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems based upon a validated approach to aligning information systems with enterprise strategies.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a proposed analytic network process (ANP) model built on the strategic alignment model (SAM) to support the alignment of ERP investment decisions to strategies. The model developed is generic enough to be applied to a wide range of enterprises and applications while being based on the well‐documented SAM. A small illustrative example is provided to show the use and applicability of the model.Findings – The SAM is found to provide a useful framework for investment analysis. ANP provides a conceptually easy to use but decisionally robust model which can be used to operationalize the SAM for investment analysis.Practical implications – The model provides practitioners a flexible tool for making investment decisions not only for ERP systems but also for other IS investmen...
Multi-Resolution Real-Time Dense Stereo Vision Processing in FPGA

High-performance dense stereo is a critical component of computer vision applications like 3D reconstruction, robot navigation, and augmented reality. In this paper, we present a low-power, high performance FPGA implementation of a stereo algorithm suitable for embedded real-time platforms. The design is sca lable for higher resolution images and frame rates and supporting different cameras and application requirements. We achieve this by designing highly parallel computation cores with very efficient memory access to the image data. Using a prototype board, we demonstrate real-time stereo processing with 640x480 pixel GigE Vision cameras at 30 frames per second. We show that this FPGA design is 10 times lower power, more scalable and has lower latency, as compared to a GPU based implementation of the same ster eo algorithm.
Control of Varroa jacobsoni Oud. resistant to fluvalinate and amitraz using coumaphos

We conducted laboratory tests investigating the mortality of mites infesting honey bee colonies in Minnesota after exposure to fluvalinate, amitraz, or coumaphos. Results indicated that these mites were not only resistant to fluvalinate, but also to amitraz. Coumaphos was effective against these resistant mites. A separate field trial was conducted with the same hives as those used in the laboratory test. The field trial supported the laboratory results, showing that mites in Minnesota are resistant to both fluvalinate and amitraz, and that coumaphos is effective in controlling these mites. This represents the first known reported case of amitraz resistance in Varroa jacobsoni in the U.S.A.
Laboratory Infections Due to Brucella

The first laboratory infection (case of Dr. Semple) was reported from London by A. E. Wright1 in 1897. In rapid sequence, others occurred on the Maltese Island and in England2 and unfortunately climaxed in 1907 (March 1st) in the untimely death of Alan MacFadyen,3 the Head of the Bacteriological Laboratory at the Lister Institute. According to McCulloch,4 the most probable explanation of the infections of the 3 R. A. M. C. laboratory attendants at Malta, one in 1905 and two in 1906, was contact with infected material.
Psychosocial distress and functioning of Greek youth with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.

To assess psychosocial functioning and distress of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis compared to healthy controls. Thirty-six patients with cystic fibrosis aged 8–18 years (24 boys, mean age ± SD: 11.5 ± 2.6 years) and 31 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects (18 boys, mean age ± SD: 12 ± 2.5 years) were enrolled in the study. In order to assess the self-esteem, social adjustment, and family functioning of these young people, the Culture-free Self-esteem Inventory, the Social Adjustment Scale–Self-Report, and the Family Assessment Device were administered. Emotional/ behavioral problems were assessed through the Youth Self Report and the Child Behavior Checklist given to both the subjects and their parents. No significant differences were found for self-esteem between the two study groups. Regarding social adjustment, children with cystic fibrosis reported significantly worse friendship and overall adjustment (P < 0.05). Moreover, no difference was found in the levels of family functioning between the two groups. No significant differences between the groups were found in emotional/ behavioral problems from the self-reports. On the contrary, parents of children with cystic fibrosis reported significantly higher levels of withdrawal/ depression, thought problems, and delinquent behavior (P ≤ 0.01) as compared to controls. Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis appear to be a psychosocially vulnerable group. A biopsychosocial approach should emphasize the assessment and treatment of the psychosocial distress of these patients alongside multiple somatic treatments.
Ein Tricarbonyleisen‐π‐Komplex mit einem Silacyclohexadienyl‐Liganden

A Tricarbonyl Iron-π-Complex with a Silacyclohexadienyl-Ligand. The triphenylmethyl cation abstracts a hydride ion from 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclohexa-2,4-diene-tricarbonyl iron to give the 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclohexadienyl-tricarbonyl iron cation.
Automated benchmarking of peptide-MHC class I binding predictions

Motivation: Numerous in silico methods predicting peptide binding to MHC class I molecules have been developed over the last decades. However, the multitude of available prediction tools makes it non-trivial for the end-user to select which tool to use for a given task. To provide a solid basis on which to compare different prediction tools, we here describe a framework for the automated benchmarking of peptide-MHC class I binding prediction tools. The framework runs weekly benchmarks on data that is newly entered into the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), giving the public access to frequent, up-to-date performance evaluations of all participating tools. To overcome potential selection bias in the data included in the IEDB, a strategy was implemented that suggests a set of peptides for which different prediction methods give divergent predictions as to their binding capability. Upon experimental binding validation these peptides entered the benchmark study. Results: The benchmark has run for 15 weeks, and includes evaluation of 44 data sets covering 17 MHC alleles and more than 4000 peptide-MHC binding measurements. Inspection of the results allows the end-user to make educated selections between participating tools. Of the four participating servers, NetMHCpan performed the best, followed by ANN, SMM and finally ARB. Availability and Implementation: Up-to-date performance evalua
Daughter Zion and Weeping in Lamentations 1–2

Weeping is a powerful non-verbal behavior by which people signal their pain and distress, and communicate a need for comfort and assistance. The book of Lamentations verbalizes the phenomenon of we...
The trophic role of a forest salamander: impacts on invertebrates, leaf litter retention, and the humification process

Woodland (Plethodontid) salamanders are the most abundant vertebrates in North American forests, functioning as predators on invertebrates and prey for higher trophic levels. We investigated the role of Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii) in regulating invertebrate numbers and leaf litter retention in a northern California forest. Our objective was to examine how salamander predation on invertebrates affects leaf litter retention and the amount available for soil-building and carbon capture at the litter-soil interface. We used field enclosures to quantify the effects of Ensatina on invertebrates and litter retention over two wet seasons, using moisture as a covariate. In the first year Ensatina reduced Coleoptera (beetles) and Diptera (flies) larvae >2 mm, adult Coleoptera, Collembola (springtails), and Formicidae (ants), and increased Oribatid mites, larvae <2 mm (Diptera and Coleoptera), Diplopoda (millipedes), and Aranaea (spiders) <2 mm by reducing their competitors and predators. A single Ensatina in ...
Effects of dominance and size of population on response to mass selection

A theory of mass selection in a small population was developed, and the mean change in gene frequencies, the variance of gene frequency changes and the expected gain in the mean phenotypic value of an offspring population were formulated in terms of a generalized selection differential and the additive and dominance effects of genes. The magnitude of the variance of changes in gene frequency was compared with the magnitude of the variance expected from the genetic random drift in a population with the same gene frequency and of the same size in absence of selection. The former was found to be usually smaller than the latter when the gene frequency ranged from intermediate to high and when selection was directed for a high performance. The usual prediction equation for gain from selection in an infinite population was compared with the expected gain formula derived for a small population. The size of the population did not cause a serious difference between the two expected gains when there was no dominance effect of genes. Dominance alone could cause the usual prediction to be slightly more biased. The joint effects of the finite size of population and dominance gene action could amount to a considerable bias in the usual prediction equation. Such a bias can be, in the main, accounted for by the inbreeding depression.
Auto-coding UML statecharts for flight software

Statecharts have been used as a means to communicate behaviors in a precise manner between system engineers and software engineers. Hand-translating a statechart to code, as done on some previous space missions, introduces the possibility of errors in the transformation from chart to code. To improve auto-coding, we have developed a process that generates flight code from UML statecharts. Our process is being used for the flight software on the Space Interferometer Mission (SIM).
Game theoretic analysis of joint link adaptation and distributed power control in GPRS

In this paper, using non-cooperative game theory, we present a joint link adaptation and power control algorithm for GPRS (general packet radio service). We propose a utility model and analytically verify the existence of a Nash equilibrium (NE) in the network. We then propose a solution method and validate our work by simulating a seven-cell distributed system. Non-unique NE are shown to exist. The effects of the key parameters of the game are evaluated. We introduce three figures of merit (FOMs) that express the tradeoff between throughput and energy efficiency for the entire network. The FOMs are used to calculate the optimal values of penalty function parameters and to compare different NE. The proposed scheme is finally compared with another multirate power control technique.
Vividly colorful hybrid perovskite solar cells by doctor-blade coating with perovskite photonic nanostructures

The colors of solar cells are very important when adopting them for future indoor and outdoor light energy harvesting devices with smart designs. Here we report the formation of vividly colorful hybrid organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells by a low-cost and scalable doctor-blade coating method. The perovskite films have a combination of a hundred micrometer size large domain structure and a concentric ring photonics structure in each domain which generates the vivid color. The convection during precursor solution drying in the doctor-blade coating process has been found to be responsible for the formation of the large domains and the coffee-ring like perovskite photonic structures after solvent drying, whose periodicity can be well tuned by the substrate temperature and the precursor solution concentration. Both the perovskite films and the finished devices are very colorful, and the efficiency of the vividly colorful solar cells is close to the optimized doctor-blade coated perovskite solar cell.
Rural-Urban Differences in Sexual Victimization and Reporting - Analyses Using UCR and Crisis Center Data

In this study, the authors analyzed data from Uniform Crime Reports and from rape crisis centers in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Although absolute numbers of sexual victimization cases reported to rape crisis centers were higher in urban counties, rates of sexual victimization were higher in rural counties, particularly those with above median proportions of female officeholders in the county. Subsequent analyses indicated this effect was not related to the provision of victim services but could be related to a better educated population being more likely to use such services. In terms of reporting to the police, urban counties and counties with higher levels of assaults by strangers had higher rates of reporting to the police, although these effects were somewhat qualified by an interaction of the two variables. Additional analyses suggest that whether the county is urban or rural is related to the amount of funding allocated to victim services programs.
Scalable, versatile and simple constrained graph layout

We describe a new technique for graph layout subject to constraints. Compared to previous techniques the proposed method is much faster and scalable to much larger graphs. For a graph with n nodes, m edges and c constraints it computes incremental layout in time O(n log n+m+c) per iteration. Also, it supports a much more powerful class of constraint: inequalities or equalities over the Euclidean distance between nodes. We demonstrate the power of this technique by application to a number of diagramming conventions which previous constrained graph layout methods could not support. Further, the constraint-satisfaction method-inspired by recent work in position-based dynamics--is far simpler to implement than previous methods.
Fast Manhattan sketches in data streams

The L1-distance, also known as the Manhattan or taxicab distance, between two vectors x, y in Rn is ∑_{i=1}overn |xi-y_i|. Approximating this distance is a fundamental primitive on massive databases, with applications to clustering, nearest neighbor search, network monitoring, regression, sampling, and support vector machines. We give the first 1-pass streaming algorithm for this problem in the turnstile model with O*(1/e2) space and O*(1) update time. The O* notation hides polylogarithmic factors in e, n, and the precision required to store vector entries. All previous algorithms either required Ω(1/e3) space or Ω(1/e2) update time and/or could not work in the turnstile model (i.e., support an arbitrary number of updates to each coordinate). Our bounds are optimal up to O*(1) factors.
The Dynamics of Intraseasonal Atmospheric Angular Momentum Oscillations

Abstract The global and zonal atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) budget is computed from seven years of National Centers for Environmental Prediction data and a composite budget of intraseasonal (30–70 day) variations during northern winter is constructed. Regressions on the global AAM tendency are used to produce maps of outgoing longwave radiation, 200-hPa wind, surface stress, and sea level pressure during the composite AAM cycle. The primary synoptic features and surface torques that contribute to the AAM changes are described. In the global budget, the friction and mountain torques contribute about equally to the AAM tendency. The friction torque peaks in phase with subtropical surface easterly wind anomalies in both hemispheres. The mountain torque peaks when anomalies in the midlatitude Northern Hemisphere and subtropical Southern Hemisphere are weak but of the same sign. The picture is different for the zonal mean budget, in which the meridional convergence of the northward relative angular moment...
Diagrams and Parastatistical Factors for Cascade Emission of a Pair of Paraparticles

The empirical absence to date of particles obeying parastatistics in high-energy collider experiments might be due to their large masses, weak scale couplings, and lack of gauge couplings. Paraparticles of order $p=2$ must be pair produced, so the lightest such particles are absolutely stable and so are excellent candidates to be associated with dark matter and/or dark energy. If there is a portal to such particles, from a new scalar ${A}_{1}$ boson they might be cascade emitted as a pair of para-Majorana neutrinos as in ${A}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{A}_{2}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \u\else \textasciibreve \fi{}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \u\else \textasciibreve \fi{}}{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ or as a pair of neutral spin-zero paraparticles such as in ${A}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{A}_{2}\stackrel{\ifmmode \u\else \textasciibreve \fi{}}{A}\stackrel{\ifmmode \u\else \textasciibreve \fi{}}{B}$, where $\stackrel{\ifmmode \u\else \textasciibreve \fi{}}{B}$ is the anti-paraparticle to $\stackrel{\ifmmode \u\else \textasciibreve \fi{}}{A}$. In this paper, for an assumed supersymmetric-like ``statistics portal'' Lagrangian, the associated connected tree diagrams and their parastatistical factors are obtained for the case of order $p=2$ parastatistics. These factors are compared with the corresponding statistical factors for the analogous emission of a nondegenerate or a twofold degenerate pair which obey normal statistics. This shows that diagrams, and diagrammatic thinking, can be useful in perturbatively analyzing paraparticle processes. The parastatistical factor associated with each diagram does require explicit calculation.
Three-Body Bound State in He 4

The binding energy of three He/sup 4/ atoms, subject to pair forces, is investigated numerically for a number of proposed intermolecular potentials and for a series of square wells. For some potentials a 3-body bound state is found, for others not. However, a direct correlation is found between 2-body and 3-body binding. The need for more accurate experimental data is discussed. (auth)
Invited Editorial on “Detection of expiratory flow limitation during exercise in COPD patients”

in humans, expiration during quiet breathing is usually considered passive, since expiratory muscles are not active. Expiration is driven by elastic energy stored in the respiratory system at end inspiration. Inspiratory muscles relax gradually, reducing flow in the early part of expiration so that
The Rel/NF-κB/IκB Signal Transduction Pathway and Cancer

As outlined herein, there is now much evidence that increased Rel/NF-κB signaling contributes to human cancer, and that this pathway will continue to receive attention as a promising molecular target for cancer therapy and prevention. However, there remain many molecular details to resolve. Moreover, at least in some cases, constitutive p50-RELA activity may be an adaptation of certain tumor cell lines to growth in tissue culture or may be a symptom of an abnormal, tumor-induced differentiation program. For example, Cogswell et al. (2000) found that primary human breast cancer tumor cells have active p52, REL, and BCL-3, whereas breast cancer cell lines have constitutively active RELA. Consistent with that finding, over-expression of RELA reduces the tumorigenicity of one breast cancer cell line in vivo (Ricca et al., 2001). Finally, given that the Rel/NF-κB pathway can have opposite effects on growth and apoptosis in different cell types, all cancers may not respond in the same way to inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Indeed, overexpression of the IκBα super-repressor promotes skin carcinomas in one transgenic mouse model system (van Hogerlinden et al., 1999). Thus, the growth and survival of a given tumor cell type is likely to depend on a balance between the activity of the Rel/NF-κB pathway and the activity of many other signaling pathways in ways that are not always easy to predict. In addition, as documented in this collection of articles, it is likely that the Rel/NF-κB pathway is only one of several signaling pathways that are commonly activated in human cancers
Shell Structure and Growth in the Base Plate of the Barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite

The base plate of the acorn barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite (equivalent to Balanus amphitrite) is composed of hierarchically scaled, mutually aligned calcite grains, adhered to the substratum via layered cuticular tissue and protein. Acorn barnacles grow by expanding and lengthening their side plates, under which the cuticle is stretched, and adhesive proteins are secreted. In barnacles with mineralized base plates, such as A. amphitrite, a mineralization front follows behind, radially expanding the base plate at the periphery. In this study, we show that the new mineralization develops above the adhesion layers in a unique trilayered structure. Calcite crystallites in each of the layers have distinct sizes, varying from coarse-grained (>1 μm across) in the upper layer, to fine-grained (∼1 μm) in the middle layer, to nanoparticulate (∼40 nm) in the basal layer. The fine-grained crystallites dominate the growth front, comprising the bulk of the shell at the periphery, with later coarse grain development o...
Modulation of Ca2+ Signaling by K+Channels in a Hypothalamic Neuronal Cell Line (GT1–1)

The pulsatile release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is driven by the intrinsic activity of GnRH neurons, which is characterized by bursts of action potentials correlated with oscillatory...
A Big-Data Centric Framework for Smart Systems in the World of Internet of Everything

Current research and development efforts for integrating Everything -- heterogeneous objects, devices, and people -- in the Internet have advanced network technologies and protocols to develop the Internet of Everything (IoE). The emergence of smart systems such as Smart Cities and Smart Traffic Management Systems have been proposed to gather data from relevant sources via IoE. Recently, cloud computing has been introduced into the IoE paradigm to provide a multitude of services necessary to compose a smart system that utilizes big data. In this paper, we propose a big-data centric framework for smart systems that encompasses four phases: data collection, processing, management, and interpretation. The proposed framework facilitates a modular architecture for smart systems where security and cognition are interactive modules.
EXCITATION FUNCTION OF THE C$sup 12$(p, pn)C$sup 11$ REACTION IN THE BEV REGION

The ratio of the cross section of the ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(p, pn){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ reaction to the cross section of the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(p, 3pn){\mathrm{Na}}^{24}$ reaction has been measured in the energy range 400 Mev to 3 Bev. This ratio as well as the excitation curve of the ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(p, pn){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ reaction appear to be quite insensitive functions of the energy in the range studied. A possible interpretation is discussed.
Transverse Relaxivity Changes after Layer-by-Layer Encapsulation of Multicomponent DNA Templated Nanostructures

We examine the effects on transverse proton relaxivity after layer-by-layer encapsulation of one-dimensional (1D), DNA templated nanostructures for potential applications as magnetic resonance imag...
Reduction of Corn Virus Disease Incidence and Control of Southwestern Corn Borer with Systemic Insecticides

Six systemic insecticides, Azodrin® (3-hydroxy- N -methyl- cis -crotonamide dimethyl phosphate), Baygon® ( o -iso-propoxyphenyl methylcarbamate), disulfoton, NIA 10242 (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate), phorate, UG 21149 (Temik®) (2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl) oxime), were tested in 1965 and 1966 at Portageville, Missouri, to evaluate the possibility of reducing the incidence of corn virus disease symptoms through the control of disease vectors, and to study their effects on the southwestern corn borer, Zeadiatraea grandiosella (Dyar). Five systemic insecticides were tested in 1965 on 2 hybrids susceptible to and 2 resistant to corn virus disease. The systemic insecticides were placed in the furrow with the seed at planting. NIA 10242 at 2.0 and 3.0 lb technical material per acre gave promising results. Tests with 4 systemic insecticides and 1 hybrid susceptible to corn virus disease in 1966 gave similar results. Corn virus disease symptoms were present each year in all treated plots, but the severity and incidence of infection were decreased, especially by NIA 10242. These results reflect the possibility that a portion of the virus disease syndrome present in southern Missouri is due to infections by a persistent virus transmitted by 1 or more vectors. The most effective control of southwestern corn borer was obtained by NIA 10242.
SE-ORAM: A Storage-Efficient Oblivious RAM for Privacy-Preserving Access to Cloud Storage

Oblivious RAM (ORAM) is a security-provable approach for protecting clients' access patterns to remote cloud storage. Recently, numerous ORAM constructions have been proposed to improve the communication efficiency of the ORAM model, but little attention has been paid to the storage efficiency. The state-of-the-art ORAM constructions have the storage overhead of O(N) or O(N log N) blocks at the server, when N data blocks are hosted. To fill the blank, this paper proposes a storage-efficient ORAM (SE-ORAM) construction with configurable security parameter &#x03BB; and zero storage overhead at the server. Extensive analysis has also been conducted and the results show that, SE-ORAM achieves the configured level of security, introduces zero storage overhead to the storage server (i.e., the storage server only storages N data blocks), and incurs O(log N) blocks storage overhead at the client, as long as &#x03BB; &#x2265; 2 and each node on the storage tree stores 4 log N or more data blocks.
Legionella jamestowniensis fatal pneumonia in an immunosuppressed man

A fatal case of Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella jamestowniensis is reported in a severely immunocompromised patient with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver and kidney transplants. L. jamestowniensis was cultured from two separate respiratory tract specimens and a PCR test for Legionella species was also positive from the same specimens. This is apparently the first reported case of human infection caused by L. jamestowniensis.
Measurement and Prediction of SaaS Reliability in the Cloud

Reliability is one of the most important attributes of quality for SaaS (Software as a Service). We develop a method of measuring and predicting the reliability of SaaS through analyzing web server logs. The observed failures in conjunction with the workload are analyzed for reliability assessment and prediction. The workload is measured by counting the number of system invocations and the time taken for each invocation. Operational reliability is measured using IDRM (input domain reliability modeling). Potential reliability change or growth is estimated through SRGM (software reliability growth modeling). We applied our proposed method to a CMS (content management system) installed on a Cloud configured using Amazon web services to demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness.