cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smart greenhouse control under harsh climate conditions based on data-driven robust model predictive control with principal component analysis and kernel density estimation

Abstract Efficient greenhouse climate control under harsh climate conditions at locations such as Qatar is a challenge because of the high temperature and high relative humidity. This work presents an application of a data-driven robust model predictive control for intelligent control of greenhouse indoor climate in Qatar. The framework integrates dynamic control models of temperature, CO2 concentration level, and humidity of a greenhouse with a data-driven robust optimization framework that accurately and rigorously captures uncertainty in weather forecast error. A machine learning approach combining principal component analysis (PCA) with kernel density estimation (KDE) is adopted to construct data-driven uncertainty sets for temperature, solar radiation, and humidity from historical data. The optimal control inputs that minimize control costs and state violations are obtained by solving a data-driven robust optimization problem at each time step. The application of controlling a greenhouse growing tomatoes located in Doha, Qatar is presented. The results suggest that the proposed PCA and KDE-based data-driven robust model predictive control approach needs lower total control cost than rule-based control and other model predictive control to maintain the greenhouse climate for supporting crop production under harsh climate conditions.
Surgical Management of the Overactive Bladder: Evacuation Disorders

For evolving strategies to effectively address the growing number of refractory cases of OAB, they must have widespread, practical application that translates therapeutic effectiveness to the patient as defined by clinical efficacy, tolerability, and persistence. Although many options seem limited in scope or complex in application, most are inspirational to specialists seeking optimal outcomes for people with refractory and complex conditions. The available strategies outlined above are a reflection of our current understanding of the pathophysiology of OAB and attendant refractory conditions. The promise for future successful strategies lies not only in the successful translation of our basic science knowledge of the OAB to date, but advancement of our basic and clinical science research of refractory conditions for the future.
Cerebellar precursors transplanted to the neonatal dentate gyrus express features characteristic of hippocampal neurons

During the development of the CNS, a salient issue is whether neuronal phenotype is defined by the lineage or by the environment of precursor cells. Transplants permit these two possibilities to be tested, as cell fate can be examined in a new location. Dissociated cerebellar cells from newborn rats treated with tritiated thymidine or from NSE-lacZ transgenic mice were grafted into the dentate gyrus of the developing hippocampus. Implanted cells integrated into the granule cell layer, which contains the cell bodies of host granule neurons. Immunohistochemistry showed that grafted cells in the granule cell layer, like the host hippocampal granule neurons, were calbindin positive and upregulated FOS in a seizure paradigm. Electron microscopic analysis also showed that cells grafted to the dentate gyrus share features with host dentate neurons. These assays indicate that transplanted cerebellar cells acquired morphological and antigenic features characteristic of hippocampal neurons. These results show that metencephalic precursors are capable of differentiating in response to signals in the telencephalon, suggesting that the environment controls the regional fate of neuronal precursor cells during neurogenesis.
Minimizing setup and beam-on times in radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is one of the commonly used cancer therapies. The radiation treatment poses a tuning problem: it needs to be effective enough to destroy the tumor, but it should maintain the functionality of the organs close to the tumor. Towards this goal the design of a radiation treatment has to be customized for each patient. Part of this design are intensity matrices that define the radiation dosage in a discretization of the beam head. To minimize the treatment time of a patient the beam-on time and the setup time need to be minimized. For a given row of the intensity matrix, the minimum beam-on time is equivalent to the minimum number of binary vectors with the consecutive “1”s property that sum to this row, and the minimum setup time is equivalent to the minimum number of distinct vectors in a set of binary vectors with the consecutive “1”s property that sum to this row. We give a simple linear time algorithm to compute the minimum beam-on time. We prove that the minimum setup time problem is APX-hard and give approximation algorithms for it using a duality property. For the general case, we give a $\frac {24}{13}$ approximation algorithm. For unimodal rows, we give a $\frac 97$ approximation algorithm. We also consider other variants for which better approximation ratios exist.
Brief announcement: configuration of actuated camera networks for multi-target coverage

In various domains, including public safety, first-responder, and security applications, an important task is monitoring a public space for events of interest, using sensors of various types, including e.g. networks of cameras installed on the ground or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which may be either autonomous or not. In the settings we consider here, cameras are characterized by a family of parameters, some fixed, some settable, including location, viewing range, and so on. The task is to deploy the sensors, i.e., set the applicable parameters, in order to optimize an objective function capturing the quality with which we observe a set of targets. In a dynamic scenario, we may wish to observe a large set of targets (or a continuous region) with observation quality passing some low threshold, sufficient for surveillance; upon request (i.e., when events are detected), we may then be obliged to observe a small number of distinguished targets to a higher level of quality, sufficient for identification and localization. An example objective function might maximize the total observation quality of all targets, conditioned on the hard constraint that each target is observed to the appropriate minimum quality threshold.
Structuring Text within a Relational System

We introduce a preprocessor that uses a relational system and semantic modeling to impose structure on text. Our intent is to show that document retrieval applications can be easily developed within the relational model. We illustrate several operations that are typically found in information retrieval systems, and show how each can be performed in the relational model. These include keywording, proximity searches, and relevance ranking. We also include a discussion of an extension to relevance based on semantic modeling.
SOME RECENT RESULTS IN THE THEORY OF ADIABATIC INVARIANTS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a few recent results in the theory of adiabatic invariants. The chapter explores the asymptotic properties of differential equations by highlighting the intriguing and potentially rewarding mathematical questions connected with the physical concept of adiabatic invariance. To a physicist, an adiabatic invariant is a quantity that depends on the state of a physical system in such a way that it remains unchanged even under substantial modifications of that system, provided these are performed infinitesimally slowly.
The effect of substrates/ligands on metal nanocatalysts investigated by quantitative Z-contrast imaging and high resolution electron microscopy

Our direct density function-based simulations of Ru-, Pt- and mixed Ru-Pt clusters on carbon-based supports reveal that substrates can mediate the PtRu5 particles [1]. Oblate structure of PtRu5 on C has been found [2]. Nevertheless, the cluster-substrate interface interactions are still unknown. In this work, we present the applications of combinations of quantitative z-contrast imaging and high resolution electron microscopy in investigating the effect of different substrates and ligand shells on metal particles. Specifically, we developed a relatively new and powerful method to determine numbers of atoms in a nanoparticle as well as three-dimensional structures of particles including size and shape of particles on the substrates by very high angle (~96mrad) annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging [2-4] techniques. Recently, we successfully synthesize icosahedra Au13 clusters with mixed ligands and cuboctahedral Au13 cores with thiol ligands, which have been shown by TEM to be of sub-nanometer size (0.84nm) and highly monodisperse narrow distribution. X-ray absorption and UV-visible spectra indicate many differences between icosahedra and cuboctahedral Au13 cores. Particles with different ligands show different emissions and higher quantum efficiency has been found in Au11 (PPH3) SC12)2C12. We plan to deposit those ligands-protected gold clusters onto different substrates, such as, TiO2 and graphite, etc. Aforementioned analysis procedure will be performed for those particles on the substrates and results will be correlated with that of our simulations and activity properties. This approach will lead to an understanding of the cluster-substrates relationship for consideration in real applications.
Curvilinear polyadic moments of the boltzmann equation. I. Polyadic hierarchy for an N-species, dilute, “point” plasma

Abstract The Maxwell transport equation is rederived, using a general curvilinear polyadic moment S(r, v , t ) of the Boltzmann equation. When this moment is specified in turn to be the velocity polyads S = m , m v, m vv,···, m vv ··· v, the coupled hierarchy of velocity moments for an N species, dilute, point plasma is thereby obtained. For suitable choices of S and proper polyadic contractions, all of the dilute, point-plasma transport equations can be derived. Explicit results include: (1) The polyadic transport equation, with arbitrary acceleration a , for the l -th order poly-pressure Γ l = ϱ 〈 ννν ··· ν 〉 ( l terms). (2) The first seven moment transport equations, for both arbitrary acceleration a and electromagnetic acceleration q ( E + v × B ) , governing the flow of mass density ϱ, continuum velocity V , energy density e , heat flux vector q , pressure tensor P , heat flux tensor Q , and moment of momentum r × m V. Included, also, is a brief outline of future papers in this series and an appendix summarizing the curvilinear polyadic calculus used throughout the series.
A single institution's experience with single incision cholecystectomy compared to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background The advent of single incision laparoscopic surgery has brought renewed attention to cholecystectomy due to the promise of improved cosmesis and less parietal trauma. Small series have demonstrated the feasibility of single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Our series adds to the literature by demonstrating a variety of ancillary techniques that may be employed to perform single incision LC safely, and compares our early experience with that of our standard LC. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent single incision LC between February 2008 and April 2009. These patients were compared with an equal number of randomly selected patients undergoing LC during the same period. We identified 25 attempted single incision LC, which were included in our analysis. Results Single incision LC was successfully performed in 21 patients, with only 4 patients requiring conversion to LC. No patients in either group had acute cholecystitis. The critical view of safety was documented in 20 of 21 patients undergoing a successful single incision LC compared with all patients undergoing LC. Operative time was significantly longer in the single incision group. Complications were minor and comparable between the 2 groups. In 9 patients (43%), a suture passer helped to retract the gallbladder. In 8 patients (38%), 1 or 2 Prolene sutures placed by means of a Keith needle helped to retract the gallbladder over the liver and/or helped to retract the infundibulum. In 2 patients, ≥1 supplemental 5-mm port was utilized. In 5 patients (24%), no supplementary retraction was necessary. Conclusion Single incision LC is technically more challenging than LC, but can be performed safely by experienced laparoscopic surgeons with results comparable with LC.
The Infinite Resource: Creating and Leading the Knowledge Enterprise

Executive Overview This article presents a review of the book “The Infinite Resource: Creating and Leading the Knowledge Enterprise,” by William Halal.
Scanning electron microscopy of the egg of Cheyletiella yasguri Smiley (Acari : Cheyletiellidae) with a description of the egg burster

Abstract The egg and hatching device of Cheyletiella yasguri Smiley (Acari), were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The egg is encased within 2 layers, consisting of an outer chorion and an inner vitelline membrane. The chorion is irregularly tuberculated on the outer surface and relatively smooth on the inner surface. The outer surface of the vitelline membrane is covered with stalked nodular caps. These capped projections are covered in various areas by patchy roughened material. The egg burster consists of a dorsal pair of lancet-shaped blades, side by side and directed cephalad. Each blade exhibits a ventrally directed flange and 2 knob-like projections on each margin of the blade flanks.
An existence result on positive solutions for a class of p-Laplacian systems

Abstract Consider the system −Δ p u=λf(v) in Ω, −Δ p v=λg(u) in Ω, u=v=0 on ∂Ω, where Δpz=div(|∇z|p−2∇z),p>1, λ is a positive parameter, and Ω is a bounded domain in RN with smooth boundary ∂Ω . We prove the existence of a large positive solution for λ large when lim x→∞ f(M(g(x) 1/(p−1) ) x p−1 =0 for every M>0. In particular, we do not assume any sign conditions on f(0) or g(0).
Continuous baseload renewable power using chemical refrigeration cycles

Abstract We propose a cycle to store and supply GWh of electricity from intermittent renewable energy by transforming carbon atoms between carbon dioxide and methane. Among hydrocarbons, methane is associated with the highest energy content per mole of carbon. Therefore, for a given electricity supply, it requires the least amount of carbon circulation. To minimize storage volumes, both carbon dioxide and methane are stored as liquids. When renewable energy is available, methane is synthesized from vaporizing carbon dioxide, and subsequently purified, liquefied and stored. When renewable energy is unavailable, liquid methane is vaporized and oxidized for electricity supply. The produced carbon dioxide is purified and liquefied for storage and subsequent usage. In each case, the electricity required for purification and liquefaction is minimized by integrating the vaporization and liquefaction steps of carbon dioxide and methane. The cycle can achieve ∼55% storage efficiency with much reduced storage volumes compared to other options.
Abstract 2532:In vitrocytotoxicity, and pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and metabolism of the protein kinase D inhibitors, kb-NB142-70 and kb-NB184-43, in mice bearing human cancer xenografts

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Introduction: Protein kinase D (PKD) contributes to prostate and pancreatic cancer cell growth and survival. Therefore, PKD inhibitors are potential anticancer agents. kb-NB142-70 (NB142) and its methoxy-analogue, kb-NB184-43 (NB184), inhibit PKD in vitro. Methods: The in vitro inhibition of growth of Pc 3 prostate cells and Panc-1 pancreatic cells by NB142 and NB184 was evaluated by MTT assay. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of NB142 in SCID mice bearing Pc 3 human prostate cancer xenografts and of NB184 in SCID mice bearing Panc-1 cancer xenografts. NB142 or NB184 was administered i.v. at 25 mg/kg. Three mice per time point were euthanized at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 960 and 1440 min after dosing. Plasma, tissues and urine were collected, and concentrations of NB142 and NB184 were quantitated by HPLC-UV. Metabolites in plasma and urine were characterized by LC-MS/MS. Results: The IC50s of NB142 and NB184 were 21.0 µM and 24.3 µM, respectively, against Pc 3; and 33.7 µM and 27.4 µM, respectively, against Panc-1. After dosing NB142, the plasma NB142 Cmax (at 5 min) was 36.9 µM, and the NB142 Pc 3 tumor Cmax was 11.8 µM. NB142 was not detected in plasma, liver, kidney, spleen, or heart beyond 30 min. After dosing NB184, the plasma, liver, and kidney NB184 Cmax, (at 5 min) were 61.9 µM, 42.6 µM, and 94.8 µM, respectively. The NB184 Cmax in Panc-1 tumors (at 15 min) was 8.0 µM. Areas under the concentration vs time curves of NB142 and NB184 in plasma were 409 and 782 nmol·min/ml, respectively. The plasma half-lives of NB142 and NB184 were 6 and 14 min, respectively. The major metabolite of NB142 was a glucuronide. Between 0-6 h, urinary excretion of NB142 and metabolites accounted for 2.5 % and 7.6%, respectively, of the administered dose. NB184 underwent oxidation and glucuronidation, and more than 10 metabolites were observed. NB142 was not detected in plasma after administration of NB184. Between 0-16 h, urinary excretion of NB184 and metabolites accounted for 2.1 % and 5.3%, respectively, of the administered dose. Conclusions: Although the inclusion of a methoxy group in NB184 increased its plasma half-life approximately 3-fold compared to NB142, metabolic and urinary elimination of both compounds was relatively rapid. Peak tumor concentrations of NB142 and NB184 were of the same order of magnitude as the concentrations required in vitro for cytotoxicity. (Support: P30-CA47904 and P01-[CA078039][1]) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2532. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GEN&access_num=CA078039&atom=%2Fcanres%2F70%2F8_Supplement%2F2532.atom
Lumbar Spondylolysis in Pediatric and Adolescent Soccer Players

BackgroundLumbar spondylolysis in young soccer players has not been studied extensively.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to review lumbar spondylolysis in young soccer players, describe the causes, and report the results of nonoperative treatment emphasizing the cessation of activity for 3 months.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsThe authors reviewed 57 child and adolescent soccer players (35 boys and 22 girls) with lumbar spondylolysis who came to their outpatient clinic for back pain evaluation. These patients received different modalities of nonoperative treatment, including cessation of sports and wearing a thoracolumbosacral orthosis. Soccer skills, field position, side of dominant leg, age, initiating event of low back pain, duration of symptoms, and nonoperative treatment were reviewed. Clinical outcome of treatment was assessed by the Steiner-Micheli criteria at the most recent follow-up (minimum 2 years). The Fisher exact test was used to compare all the data.ResultsOf the ...
Dynamics of pseudo-partial wetting studied by neutron reflectometry

Abstract The structural changes occurring in oil layers during condensation of deuterated octane (C 8 D 18 ) on the surface of a solid (single-crystal silicon) and a liquid (water solution with low (0.08 wt%) concentration of a non-ionic surfactant (C 10 E 4 ) have been studied by neutron reflectometry. The results demonstrate the presence of pseudo-partial wetting during condensation. The van der Waals attractive potential stabilizes a thin oil film coexisting with the residual droplet. We report a study of the growth dynamics of the residual droplet.
Role of intracellular Ca2+ stores in smooth muscle contractions of the guinea pig vas deferens.

Guinea pig vas deferens was used as an animal model for alpha-1 adrenoceptor (α1-receptor) mediated contractions in human hyperplastic prostatic tissue. The selective α1-receptor agonist, phenylephrine (PE), induced fully reversible, dose-dependent contractions antagonized by increasing concentrations of the α1-receptor blockers prazosin (1–100 nM) and YM 617 (0.1–10 nM). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced PE-evoked contractions in a time-dependent manner. Nifedipine (1–1000 nM), a blocker of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels (VDCC), inhibited the PE-induced response by up to 65%. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished the α1-agonist reactivity in a time-dependent fashion. To elucidate the participation of intracellular Ca2+ stores in α1-receptor contractions, the tissue was pretreated with ryanodine (10 μM) or thapsigargin (0.1 μM), established inhibitors of Ca2+ release from intracellular pools. Both substances reduced the PE contractions by up to 80%. Nifedipine suppressed the remaining contractions completely. This provides evidence that Ca2+ influx through VDCC and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores contribute to α1-receptor contractions in the guinea pig vas deferens and may be important in obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Elasticity and rigidity percolation in flexible carbon nanotube films on PDMS substrates

The evolution of wrinkles and folds in compressed thin films of type-purified single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates is used to study the mechanical response of pristine nanotube networks. While the low-strain moduli are consistent with the exceptional mechanical properties of individual nanotubes, the films are remarkably fragile, exhibiting small yield strains that decrease with increasing thickness. We find significant differences in the mechanical response of semiconducting as compared to metallic SWCNT networks, and we use simple scaling arguments to relate these differences to previously determined Hamaker constants associated with each electronic type. A comparison with conductivity measurements performed on identical films suggests more than a two-fold variation in the onset of rigidity vs. connectivity percolation, and we discuss the potential implications of this for both rigid-rod networks and the use of type-purified SWCNTs in flexible electronics.
Hypertrophic chondrocyte volume and growth rates in avian growth plates

Abstract In growing mammals there is a positive linear relationship between the mean hypertrophic chondrocyte volume and the rate of bone elongation. This suggests that the control of chondrocytic volume in the growth plate, is a major determinant in controlling bone elongation in mammals. In the present study the existence of such a relationship was tested for in birds. A scheme of fluorochrome labelling was devised to enable direct measurement of bone elongation per unit time. Four weight-bearing growth plates from two-week-old mallard ducklings and the corresponding four growth plates from two-week-old leghorn chicks were studied. Growth plate cartilage was fixed in the presence of ruthenium hexamine trichloride and embedded in Epon araldite. Estimates of mean cell volume, v (chondr) , and mean cubic intercept ( l 3 ) were calculated by applying the stereological relationship: v (chondr) =(π/3) × ( l 3 ). Regression analysis revealed a positive linear relationship between the two parameters, rate of bone elongation and mean hypertrophic cell volume in both species (squared correlation statistics: 65 per cent for mallards, 54 per cent for leghorns). There was a wide range in rates of bone elongation among growth plates studied (318 to 1418 μm 24 h−1 for mallards, 77 to 445 μm 24 h−1 for leghorns) and compared to mammals (such as rabbits, rats, swine and dogs), a small range in mean cell volume (2709 to 4786 μm3 for mallards, 3663 to 5719 μm3 for leghorns). Although there was a positive linear correlation between these two parameters, because of the small range of mean hypertrophic cell volumes, it is important to consider additional factors, other than cellular hypertrophy, that might also be related to avian long bone growth.
A Novel High-Order Accurate Compact Stencil Poisson Solver: Application to Cavity Flows

In this paper, a fourth-order compact stencil finite difference scheme is developed for solving elliptic Poisson equation. The scheme presented here is based on a modular approach using a linear combination of compact difference algorithms that results in different discrete formulation than the well-known Mehrstellen scheme. An adjoint optimal V-cycle multigrid (MG) iterative solver are developed, implemented, and tested. The robustness of the adjoint Poisson solver is illustrated by solving incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in vorticity-stream function formulation. Using a fully implicit factorized delta-scheme algorithm for the time integration, benchmark quality results of the cavity flow problem are presented and compared to existing literature for various Reynolds numbers.
Citizen versus administration in the USSR

(1965). Citizen versus administration in the USSR. Soviet Studies: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 226-237.
Encapsulated cells for sustained neurotransmitter delivery to the central nervous system

Recent studies evaluating the therapeutic usefulness of an implantable, bioartificial prosthesis for treating Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders are reviewed. A description of the implant along with advantages over conventional technology is presented. Experimental evidence from in vitro and in vivo experiments suggests the potential usefulness of this approach in the treatment of such CNS disorders as Parkinson's disease and chronic pain that may be treated by the sustained release of one or more neuroactive agents in a specific location.
"Prophylactic" tricuspid repair for functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Background The optimal management of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) in the setting of mitral valve operations remains controversial. The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of congestive heart failure patients who underwent a prophylactic tricuspid operation for FTR as a component of their initial mitral valve procedure with those who underwent a redo tricuspid operation at a later date for residual FTR. Methods Patients with FTR repaired as a redo operation between 2004 and 2012 were identified. These patients were propensity-matched 1:2 with contemporaneous patients with FTR or tricuspid dilatation who underwent tricuspid repair at the same time as mitral valve repair. Demographic information, postoperative complications, and short-term and long-term mortality rates were compared between groups. Results There were 21 patients treated with redo tricuspid valve repair matched with 42 patients treated prophylactically. There were 3 deaths at 30 days in the redo group (14%), compared with zero in the prophylactic group ( p = 0.03). Overall long-term mortality in the redo group was 29% (6 of 21), with a mean 31 months of follow-up, but was only 14% (6 of 42) in the prophylactic group, with a mean 25 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier long-term survival analysis did not reveal a difference between groups (log-rank p = 0.37) once the perioperative period was survived. Conclusions Redo tricuspid valve repair for residual FTR can be performed with acceptable short-term and long-term mortality. However, treatment of FTR at the time of the initial intervention should be considered, because it is safe and effective. A randomized, controlled trial of prophylactic tricuspid operation for FTR at the time of the mitral operation may be warranted.
Can we get 3D-CD metrology right?

Our world is three-dimensional, and so are the integrated circuits (ICs), they have always been. In the past, for a long time, we have been very fortunate, because it was enough to measure a simple critical dimension (CD), the width of the resist line, to keep IC production under acceptable control. This requirement has changed in the last few years to contour and now to three-dimensional measurements. Optical lithography is printing photoresist features that are significantly smaller than the wavelength of the light used, and therefore it is indispensable to use optical proximity correction (OPC) methods. This includes modeling and compensation for various errors in the lithography process down to sub-nanometer, essentially atomic levels. The process has to rely on sophisticated and complex simulations and on accurate and highly repeatable dimensional metrology. The necessary dimensional metrology is beyond the conventional one-dimensional line width measurements, and must include two - and three-dimensional measurements of the contours and shapes of structures. Contour metrology needs accurate and highly repeatable measurements on sets and individual OPC structures, for which the critical dimension measurement scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM) is the key metrology tool. Three-dimensional (3D) metrology is now indispensable for IC technology, but current metrology tools and methods cannot fulfill the requirements. We believe that with the implementation of new methods it is feasible to develop 3D metrology that will well serve IC production, even on structures in the few nanometer-size range.
Institutional change and variation in 19th-century southern blacks' and whites' body mass indices

Little research exists on the body mass index (BMI) values of 19th-century Southern blacks and whites. Using a new BMI data set and sensitivity analysis, this paper demonstrates that Southern blacks´ BMIs were greater than whites´ and both declined throughout the 19th century; therefore, the 20th-century increase in Southern BMIs did not have its origins in the late 19th century. Farmers had greater BMIs than nonfarmers, and biological differences explain more of the black-white BMI differential than socioeconomic characteristics.
Human Detection and Discrimination of Tactile Repeatability, Mechanical Backlash, and Temporal Delay in a Combined Tactile-Kinesthetic Haptic Display System

Many of the devices used in haptics research are over-engineered for the task and are designed with capabilities that go far beyond human perception levels. Designing devices that more closely match the limits of human perception will make them smaller, less expensive, and more useful. However, many device-centric perception thresholds have yet to be evaluated. To this end, three experiments were conducted, using one degree-of-freedom contact location feedback device in combination with a kinesthetic display, to provide a more explicit set of specifications for similar tactile-kinesthetic haptic devices. The first of these experiments evaluated the ability of humans to repeatedly localize tactile cues across the fingerpad. Subjects could localize cues to within 1.3 mm and showed bias toward the center of the fingerpad. The second experiment evaluated the minimum perceptible difference of backlash at the tactile element. Subjects were able to discriminate device backlash in excess of 0.46 mm on low-curvature models and 0.93 mm on high-curvature models. The last experiment evaluated the minimum perceptible difference of system delay between user action and device reaction. Subjects were able to discriminate delays in excess of 61 ms. The results from these studies can serve as the maximum (i.e., most demanding) device specifications for most tactile-kinesthetic haptic systems.
Colony-stimulating and inhibiting factors in sera from normal and endotoxin-treated CF 1 mice.

SummarySera from normal and endotoxintreated CF1 mice were fractionated by Sephadex chromatography. CSF activity was demonstrated in the prealbumin region in serum obtained from mice that had previously received endotoxin. Identical fractions from mouse embryo conditioned medium also displayed CSF activity. Normal serum had very low or no detectable CSF levels. An inhibitor was demonstrable in the high molecular weight fractions from both normal and endotoxin serums. Its effect is decreased by utilizing a double-layer technique. These results suggest that there is an increase in CSF levels after endotoxin administration rather than a decrease of serum inhibitory factors. Furthermore, the increase in CSF detected in sera after administration of endotoxin does not depend on the presence of endotoxin in such sera.
Capacity of avalanche-photodiode-detected pulse position modulation

The capacity is determined for an optical channel employing Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) and an Avalanche PhotoDiode (APD) detector. This channel is different from the usual optical channel in that the detector output is characterized by a Webb-plus-Gaussian distribution, not a Poison distribution. The capacity is expressed as a function of the PPM order, slot width, laser dead time, average number of incident signal and background photons received, and APD parameters. Based on a system using a laser and detector proposed for X2000 second delivery, numerical results provide upper bounds on the data rate and level of background noise that the channel can support while operating at a given BER. For the particular case studied, the capacity-maximizing PPM order is near 2048 for nighttime reception and 16 for daytime reception. Reed-Solomon codes can handle background levels 2.3 to 7.6 dB below the ultimate level that can be handled by codes operating at the Shannon limit.
Development of a model that contains both multipole moments and gaussians for the calculation of molecular electrostatic potentials

The electrostatic interaction is a critical component of intermolecular interactions in biological processes. Rapid methods for the computation and characterization of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) that segment the molecular charge distribution and replace this continuous function by a series of multipole moments for each segment have been described. There are two sources of error in these techniques: 1( The truncation of the expansion after just a few terms, and 2) the charge in the segmental distribution that is more distant from the expansion center than the observation point. The first may be eliminated by finite expansion methods where truncation is unnecessary or performed in a manner that gives errors that are acceptably small. The second is inherent in the multipole expansion and results from the assumption in performing the expansion that the distance to the observation point is larger than the distance to all points inside the charge distribution. As the basis functions used in molecular wave functions have infinite extent, this will never be the case and the multipole expansion is never strictly valid. In practice this inherent error limits the range of usefulness of all multipole expansion techniques. To expand this range we have introduced a method that uses exact techniques to compute the MEP for the part of the molecular charge distribution described by the gaussians on each atom with the smallest exponential parameter and uses segmental multipole methods for the remainder of the charge. Using pyrrole with an STO-3G wave function as an example, this method significantly improves the potential in the range 1.4–2.0 A from atoms with only a small increase in computational effort. If other basis sets are used with more diffuse gaussians the convergence of the multipole expansion will be at greater distances from the atoms and this type of correction will be more important.
The Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes of Pediatric Renal Injuries

Most pediatric renal trauma is minor and poses no significant danger to the child. A small percentage of children sustain a severe renal injury that demands immediate evaluation and decision of operative versus nonoperative management. Selective management of pediatric renal trauma based on mechanism of injury, hemodynamic stability, associated nonrenal injuries, and CT imaging has led to a renal exploration rate of 5% to 11% with renal salvage rates of more than 98%.
Effects of the water-soluble fractions of No. 2 fuel oil on the cytokinesis of the quahog clam (Mercenaria mercenaria).

The effects of petroleum and petroleum products on the embryonic and larval stages of marine zooplankton have been studied extensively over the past decade. Research has concluded that these stages are among the most sensitive to petroleum pollution in the marine environment. However, one of the areas of toxicological study which has received little attention has been that of the distortions of cellular components within the developing stages of the marine zooplankton in response to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. The purpose of this report is to examine the cytokinetic effects of exposure of the water-soluble fractions of No. 2 fuel oil on the embryonic development of the quahog clam Mercenaria mercenaria.
Partial characterization of a basic protein from Crotalus molossus molossus (northern blacktail rattlesnake) venom and production of a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract The venom of Crotalus molossus molossus (blacktailed rattlesnake) is very basic compared to that of other Crotalinae venoms. Unlike other Crotalinae venoms that are separated by anion exchange chromatography, C. m. molossus venom must be fractionated by cation exchange chromatography. Electrophoretic titration (ET) was used to predict the isoelectric point (pI) and optimal conditions for isolation. The specific hemorrhagic activity for C. m. molossus venom was 7.5 mm/μg, making it one of the most hemorrhagic of Crotalinae venoms. Basic hemorrhagic and fibrinolytic proteins from the venom of C. m. molossus venom were further fractionated by cation exchange chromatography. A basic fibrinolytic/hemorrhagic protein (CMM4) was isolated. CMM4 has a molecular weight between 23 and 26 kDa and a pI of approximately 11.3. SDS electrophoresis revealed one band and ET curve revealed 3 bands with very similar surface charges at all pH. CMM4 did not activate plasminogen when tested with a Chrom Z-PLG assay. The proteins in CMM4 had similar N-terminal amino acid sequences to each other (D-Q-Q-N-L-P-Q-(S/A/R)-Y-(V/R/I)-E-L-V-V-V-A-D-H-R-L-F-M-K-Y-K-S-D-L-N-T). The differences in these proteins are in positions 8 and 10. CMM4 may contain isoforms that differ by minor sequence variations at their amino-termini. The amino acid sequences of CMM4 were very similar to other fibrinolytic and hemorrhagic metalloproteinases isolated from venoms of the genera Crotalus. The specific hemorrhagic activity of CMM4 decreased as the specific fibrinolytic activity increased. A monoclonal antibody (CMM1b) was produced against C. m. molossus venom that neutralized the hemorrhagic activity of some of its fractions. CMM1b also reacted with 11 of 29 venom samples tested via ELISA.
Estimation of the parameters and quantiles of the logistic distribution by linear functions of sample quantiles

Abstract This paper considers the problems of estimating the mean, standard deviation, and quantiles for the logistic distribution. A large sample estimation procedure is utilized which employs the asymptotically best linear unbiased estimators based on sample quantiles. An approximate procedure for optimal spacing selection for the sample quantiles is presented and its properties are discussed.
Sharing, Liking, Commenting, and Distressed? The Pathway Between Facebook Interaction and Psychological Distress

Abstract Studies on the mental health implications of social media have generated mixed results. Drawing on a survey of college students (N=513), this research uses structural equation modeling to assess the relationship between Facebook interaction and psychological distress and two underlying mechanisms: communication overload and self-esteem. It is the first study, to our knowledge, that examines how communication overload mediates the mental health implications of social media. Frequent Facebook interaction is associated with greater distress directly and indirectly via a two-step pathway that increases communication overload and reduces self-esteem. The research sheds light on new directions for understanding psychological well-being in an increasingly mediated social world as users share, like, and comment more and more.
Epigenetic modifications and improved regulatory T-cell function in subjects undergoing dual sublingual immunotherapy

Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only mode of therapy that has been demonstrated to offer a cure in patients with IgE-mediated respiratory allergies. Objective We sought to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of timothy grass (TG) and dust mite (DM) dual sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and to begin to investigate the immune mechanisms involved in successful immunotherapy with multiple allergens. Methods The safety and efficacy of dual SLIT with TG and DM in children and adults with demonstrated allergies to TG and DM were investigated in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled phase I study. Thirty subjects received either TG and DM dual SLIT (n = 20) or placebo (n = 10). Immune parameters were evaluated for differentiation of desensitized subjects from control subjects. Results Subjects treated with dual SLIT had decreased rhinoconjunctivitis scores ( P P P P 4 levels, reduced allergen-specific IgE levels, and subsequent basophil activation were observed in the active treatment group. Dual SLIT promoted allergen-specific suppressive CD4 + CD25 high CD127 low CD45RO + forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) + memory regulatory T cells with reduced DNA methylation of CpG sites within the Foxp3 locus. Conclusion The results of this pilot study suggest that dual SLIT could be an effective means to treat subjects with sensitivities to a variety of allergens and that long-term tolerance might be induced by epigenetic modifications of Foxp3 in memory regulatory T cells.
Cities and Calamities: Learning from Post-Disaster Response in Indonesia

The article examines the post-disaster response to recent urban-centered calamities in Indonesia, extracting lessons learned and identifying specific implications for public health. Brief background information is provided on the December 2004 tsunami and earthquakes in Aceh and Nias and the May 2006 earthquake in Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces. Another brief section summarizes the post-disaster response to both events, covering relief and recovery efforts. Lessons that have been learned from the post-disaster response are summarized, including: (a) lessons that apply primarily to the relief phase; (b) lessons for rehabilitation and reconstruction; (c) do’s and don’ts; (d) city-specific observations. Finally, several implications for urban public health are drawn from the experiences to address health inequities in the aftermath of disasters. An initial implication is the importance of undertaking a serious assessment of health sector damages and needs shortly following the disaster. Then, there is a need to distinguish between different types of interventions and concerns during the humanitarian (relief) and recovery phases. As recovery proceeds, it is important to incorporate disaster preparation and prevention into the overall reconstruction effort. Lastly, both relief and recovery efforts must pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups. In conclusion, these lessons are likely to be increasingly relevant as the risk of urban-centered disasters increases.
Shape sensitivity analysis in mixed-mode fracture mechanics

This paper presents a new method for continuum-based shape sensitivity analysis for a crack in a homogeneous, isotropic, and linear-elastic body subject to mixed-mode (modes I and II) loading conditions. The method is based on the material derivative concept of continuum mechanics, domain integral representation of an interaction integral, and direct differentiation. Unlike virtual crack extension techniques, no mesh perturbation is needed in the proposed method to calculate the sensitivity of stress-intensity factors. Since the governing variational equation is differentiated prior to the process of discretization, the resulting sensitivity equations are independent of approximate numerical techniques, such as the finite element method, boundary element method, meshless methods, or others. In addition, since the interaction integral is represented by domain integration, only the first-order sensitivity of the displacement field is needed. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method. The results show that the maximum difference in the sensitivity of stress-intensity factors calculated using the proposed method and reference solutions obtained by analytical or finite-difference methods is less than four percent.
Singular boundary value problems for ODEs

This paper is concerned with the numerical solution of a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), y^'=Sy/t+f(t,y,p), on an interval [0,b] subject to boundary conditions 0=g(y(0),y(b),p). The ODEs have a coefficient that is singular at t=0, but it is assumed that the boundary value problem (BVP) has a smooth solution. Some popular methods for BVPs evaluate the ODEs at t=0. This paper deals with the practical issues of solving this class of singular BVPs with such a method. The bvp4c solver of Matlab has been modified accordingly so that it can solve a class of singular BVPs as effectively as it previously solved non-singular BVPs.
Properties of a quinuclidinyl benzilate binding component in the bulb mite.

Abstract 1. 1. About 95% of the specific binding (defined by atropine) of the muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist [ 3 H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate occurred in the low speed pellet (5500 g , 10 min) of whole bulb mite homogenates and was heat sensitive, linear with tissue concentration and saturable. Rosenthal analysis indicated that [ 3 H]QNB was binding with high affinity ( K d 474 pM) to a single class of low density ( B max 202 fmol g −1 ) binding sites; the Hill coefficient was 1.0. 2. 2. Kinetic studies revealed that binding was rapid and reversible, with association ( K +1 ) and dissociation ( k −1 ) rate constants of 7.8 × 10 5 sec −1 M −1 and 3.1 × 10 −4 sec −1 , respectively. The K d from kinetic data ( k −1 k −1 ) was 414 pM. 3. 3. Muscarinic drugs generally were much more potent than were nicotinic drugs as inhibitors of [ 3 H]QNB binding, and muscarinic antagonists generally were more potent than were agonists. 4. 4. Binding was stereoselective because R (−)QNB was about 10,000 times more potent than S( + )-QNB, and dexetimide was about 1000 times more potent than its enantiomer levetimide as inhibitors of [ 3 H]QNB binding. 5. 5. Pirenzepine, a selective antagonist of mammalian M-1 muscarinic receptors was very effective in protecting against [ 3 H]QNB binding, whereas methoctramine, a selective antagonist of M-2 muscarinic receptors, was much less effective. 6. 6. Altogether these data suggest that the specific binding of [ 3 H]QNB is most likely to a popoulation of putative muscarinic ACh receptors, probably of the M-1 subtype.
The Influence of Status on Decisions to Help

Abstract Schemas influence interpersonal judgments in ways that can affect behavior toward members of various social categories. In this study, the “wrong number” technique was used to examine the effect of social status on U.S. subjects' decisions to help. The independent variables were the help requester's occupational status (lawyer, gas station attendant, or unspecified) and the helper's socioeconomic status (high or low median neighborhood income). Overall, 62.1% of the subjects helped by making a phone call. Although frequency of help was not affected by the helper's status, X 2(1, N = 240) = 0.64, p > .05, it was affected by the requester's status. Lawyers and requesters with unspecified occupational status received help significantly more often than gas station attendants, X 2(2, N = 240) = 14.90, p < .05. This finding did not support a “similarity effect” in helping.