cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Picture compression based on two-dimensional adaptive sampling and adaptive quantization

A simple and universal technique is presented for compressing digital still pictures consisting of both graphics and natural images, each very different in nature. It is based on a nonseparable, two-dimensional, adaptive resampling scheme combined with adaptive quantization of the color intensity values. We show that the new method we propose encodes edges with high accuracy while compressing uniform regions with minimal contouring effects. A generalization of the concept yielding a modified quadtree-based coding scheme perfectly suited for two-dimensional data compression is also included. Finally, compression criteria that allow minimization of both the encoding time and the hardware complexity in the encoder is discussed.
Calcified Loose Bodies Trapped in the Lateral Synovial Recess of the Knee

Calcified loose bodies originate in the knee joint for a variety of reasons and are removed when symptomatic. We present the case of a 56-year-old man who had multiple calcified bodies located in a sac beneath the iliotibial band known as the lateral synovial recess of the knee. Despite the fact that these loose bodies likely arose from the joint, they were unable to be visualized during arthroscopy and required a separate lateral incision for removal.
A properly invariant theory of infinitesimal deformations of an elastic Cosserat point

In the context of a mechanical theory of a Cosserat point developed by Green and Naghdi [1=Quart. J. Mech. and Appl. Math.,44, 335–355 (1991)], this paper establishes a properly invariant theory for infinitesimal deformations. The invariant theory is valid for an elastic Cosserat point with an arbitrary number of directors. Its construction is based on a method developed by Casey and Naghdi [2=Arch. Rational Mech. Anal.,76, 355–391 (1981)] for unconstrained non-polar elastic bodies.
Effect of aldosterone on cyclic-AMP metabolism in the urinary bladder of the toad.

Abstract Recent studies regarding the mechanism by which adrenal steroid hormones influence the transport and permeability effects of cyclic-AMP (c-AMP) in the toad urinary bladder are summarized. Aldosterone increases the sodium transport and the water-permeability response of the toad urinary bladder to antidiuretic hormone and to its intracellular mediator, c-AMP. This action of the steroid appears to involve inhibition of the degradation of c-AMP. In response to vasopressin, or to theophylline, c-AMP levels are higher in aldosterone-treated tissue; and the activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase—the enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of c-AMP—is depressed.
A comparative analysis of thermogenic capacity and cold tolerance in small birds.

SUMMARY Small birds showing marked seasonal changes in cold tolerance also exhibit winter increases in summit metabolic rate ( M sum =maximum cold-induced thermogenesis or thermogenic capacity) relative to summer birds. However, some birds show modest seasonal changes in cold tolerance without winter increases in M sum and others exhibit large seasonal changes in cold tolerance with only minor changes in M sum . Thus, the degree of correlation between cold tolerance and M sum is uncertain and no interspecific study has directly addressed this question. In this study, we measured cold tolerance and M sum in summer- (21 species) and winter- (11 species) acclimatized birds from southeastern South Dakota. M sum was measured as the maximum oxygen consumption attained during exposure of individual birds to a declining series of temperatures in 79% helium/21% oxygen (helox). Cold tolerance was measured as the temperature at cold limit ( T CL ), which is the helox temperature that induced hypothermia in individual birds. Residuals from allometric regressions of log M sum and log T CL were significantly and negatively related for summer ( R 2 =0.34, P =0.006) and winter ( R 2 =0.40, P =0.037) birds. Data were also subjected to a comparative analyses with phylogenetically independent contrasts to remove potential confounding effects of phylogeny, and results were similar to the non-phylogenetic analyses, with significant negative correlations in both summer ( R 2 =0.47, P R 2 =0.40, P =0.049). Thus, birds with high M sum tended to show reduced T CL (i.e. high cold tolerance), suggesting that cold tolerance and summit metabolism are phenotypically linked in small birds.
The Continuity of Conflict and Compromise Formation From Infancy To Adulthood: a Twenty-Five-Year Follow-Up Study

This paper reports on one of fifteen subjects from the Mahler separation-individuation project who have participated in a twenty-five-year follow-up study. The focus is on the beginning transfer of interpersonal conflict to intrapsychic conflict and compromise formation early in the second year of life, and on the course and persistence of these into adulthood. Conflict and compromise, along with constitutional and environmental factors, were major determinants of the subject's personality and a major source of continuity in personality development from one-and-a-half to twenty-five years of age.
Separation of purine and pyrimidine bases by capillary zone electrophoresis with carbonate buffers

Abstract The separation of eight purine bases was achieved by capillary electrophoresis in 16 min using a voltage of 15 kV and a 50 mM sodium carbonate–hydrogencarbonate buffer at a pH of 10. Carbonate buffers have many advantages. They are non-toxic, inexpensive, easy to prepare and provide a stable, reproducible electroosmotic flow. Equilibration time after a sodium hydroxide rinse is minimal; thus the total analysis time is shorter than when an acidic buffer is used. No additives to the buffer are required to obtain the majority of the separations of interest and uncoated capillaries can be used. A group of eight purines and the naturally occurring pyrimidines were baseline separated. The linearity correlation for adenine in an optimized separation of the bases was 0.995 over two orders of magnitude. The daily reproducibility was 0.1% and day-to-day reproducibility was 2.5%.
Reproduction of Aphelenchus Avenae On Plant Tissues in Culture

The mycophagous nematode, Aphelenchus avenae, fed and reproduced readily on carrot, periwinkle, tobacco and tomato callus tissues. Maximum populations developed approximately 1 month after inoculation with a rapid decline occurring 1 to 2 weeks later. Reproduction rates were much higher on non-differentiated tissues growing on modified White's D-medium than on semi-differentiated tissues growing on a synthetic medium. Tissues became resistant to the nematode when they were allowed to grow for 2 or 3 weeks previous to inoculation.
Adrenal function in the carcinoid syndrome: Effects of the serotonin antagonist cyproheptadine☆

Results of evaluations of adrenal function in 11 patients with carcinoid tumors are presented. Nine patients had tumors that made and secreted serotonin resulting in elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), elevated serum serotonin, and the carinoid syndrome; while two patients had tumors that did not make serotonin and that did not cause elevated 5-HIAA excretion or elevated serum serotonin. All of the patients had normal 24-hr 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion. In the group of patients with tumors actively secreting serotonin, the correlation between 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and 5-HIAA excretion (r = 0.44) was not significant. Six of these patients pretreated with cyproheptadine (CYPRO), a serotonin antagonist, experienced a 36% mean decrease in 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion, a finding that was not present when three of them were treated with triprolidine (TPRO), an antihistamine. Serum cortisol at 8 a.m. was normal in all patients except two whose values were mildly elevated, and these two patients showed evidence of suppression of ACTH secretion secondary to dexamethasone treatment. There was a significant positive correlation between serum-cortisol concentrations and 5-HIAA excretions (r = 0.73, p less than .05). Normal diurnal variation was present in six patients in whom it was determined. The serum-cortisol response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in six patients who had carcinoid tumors actively secreting serotonin was not statistically different from that of 12 normal volunteers. Comparisons between these two groups were difficult because the carcinoid patients' fall in blood sugar was 50%, whereas that of the control group was to 38% of the fasting glucose concentration. Six patients with actively secreting carcinoid tumors responded to standard metyrapone testing with a mean increment of 22.8 +/- 2.5 mg/day in 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. This response was statistically different from the increment of 13.8 +/- 5.3 mg/day in 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion found in 34 age-matched hospitalized control patients. When the tests were repeated in four of the patients with carcinoid tumors after pretreatment with CYPRO, the increment in 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion was reduced well below the mean increment of the control group. Peak serum 11-deoxycortisol (Compound S) values during the test were also reduced. This decrease in the metyrapone response after CYPRO pretreatment was not due to changed peripheral cortisol metabolism, altered adrenal responsiveness to ACTH, interference with recovery of 17-hydroxysteroids by the Porter-Silber reaction, altered metyrapone metabolism, or reduced renal clearance of Compound S. These changes in adrenal response to metyrapone were not seen when the patients were pretreated with TPRO. Our data suggest that the alterations in adrenal function in our patients may be related to elevated serum serotonin. If CYPRO acts by antagonizing serotonin, these data may give support to the idea of serotoninergic control of cortisol secretion.
Ribulose-5-phosphate kinase from Chromatium sp. strain D

Abstract Ribulose-5-phosphate kinase has been suggested as a regulatory enzyme in bacterial autotrophic CO 2 fixation. To facilitate further studies on regulation, the enzyme from Chromatium , a purple sulfur photosynthetic bacterium, has been isolated. The enzyme was obtained in overall yield of 10%, and was at least 90% homogeneous after purification by salt and solvent fractionation and by ion-exchange chromatography. Some differences between the Chromatium enzyme and that from other sources were apparent in pH optima and K m . The enzymes resembled each other in requirement for divalent cations and substrate specificities. Sigmoid kinetics were observed at low concentrations of both ATP and Ru 5-P, and the enzyme was inhibited by 5′-AMP, and by 5′-ADP at higher concentrations. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate was also a potent inhibitor. Inhibition by both 5′-AMP and by GAP affected the affinity of the enzyme for its substrate rather than V max and was greater at or below the pH optimum of the enzyme than it was at higher pH. Phospho(enol)pyruvate, which inhibited at pH 7.2, but very little at pH 7.6, potentiated 5′-AMP inhibition by as much as 10-fold. Inhibitions by GAP and 5′-AMP or PEP were additive, and did not show any potentiation. Direct binding experiments confirmed the predictions from kinetic experiments. More [ 14 C]-5′-AMP was bound at pH 6.6 than at 7.6, and the presence of PEP also increased binding at pH 7.6. Mg 2+ , ATP, and Ru 5-P were not required for the binding of 5′-AMP to the enzyme. Ru 5-P kinase responded to energy charge and product inhibition in the way predicted for a biosynthetic enzyme. The concentrations required for in vitro modulation of Ru 5-P kinase activity are compatible with what is known of in vivo conditions.
Conditions for Co-teaching: Lessons from a Case Study

Co-teaching–general and special education teachers teaching together in a general education classroom–is frequently offered as a means of promoting inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education curriculum but few researchers have examined the context in which special educators co-teach. Six special educators at the middle school and high school level were observed and interviewed in their co-taught classrooms. Using grounded theory methods for data analysis, a description of the roles the special educators took in the co-taught classrooms, the influences upon those roles, and the reasons these teachers participated in co-teaching was developed. These special educators took on roles ranging from providing support to the general educator to team teaching, some of which deviated a great deal from the co-teaching literature. Knowledge of content, attitude of the general educator, and scheduling issues influenced the roles that each teacher took and most teachers felt pressured by administra...
Self-correcting, self-testing circuits and systems for post-manufacturing yield improvement

This paper presents a self-correcting and self-testing approaches for post manufacturing yield improvement of RF circuits embedded in the RF systems. In the proposed approaches, the test signature is self-generated from the Device-Under-Test (DUT) with the help of some additional circuitry. This self-generated test signature is analyzed by using on-chip resources for testing and controlling the DUT's calibration knobs to compensate for multi-parameter variations in the manufacturing process. Thus, the proposed approaches enable the self-healing (self-test and self-correction) for parametric defects in the DUT. This paper also presents the calibration algorithm based on performance curves, which enables the tuning of the DUT's calibration knobs for the yield improvement after the testing of the DUT is performed. Although this calibration algorithm is demonstrated for the healing of RF amplifier and RF mixer, this algorithm can also be used for other kind of circuits as well. The proposed approaches are demonstrated by simulations results of an RF amplifier and RF mixer. The hardware prototype of the self-healing RF LNA is also presented.
LP 01 –LP 02 interferometric fiber-optic sensing using phase-dependent loss in a light tap

The intensity of light radiated from a fiber-optic light tap is observed to depend sensitively on the phase difference between LP(01) and LP(02) modes in a few-mode fiber. This observation is used to design a novel dual-mode interferometer in which light loss through the light tap is monitored, eliminating the need for a bulky spatial filter at the exit end of the fiber. Application of the device as an interferometric temperature sensor is described.
MicroRNA-130a Is Up-regulated in Mouse Liver by Iron Deficiency and Targets the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Receptor ALK2 to Attenuate BMP Signaling and Hepcidin Transcription

Systemic iron balance is controlled by the liver peptide hormone hepcidin, which is transcriptionally regulated by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-SMAD pathway. In iron deficiency, liver BMP-SMAD signaling and hepcidin are suppressed as a compensatory mechanism to increase iron availability. MicroRNAs are small regulatory RNAs that have an increasingly recognized role in many biologic processes but are only recently implicated in iron homeostasis regulation. Here, we demonstrate that liver expression of the microRNA miR-130a is up-regulated by iron deficiency in mice. We identify the BMP6-SMAD signaling pathway as a functional target of miR-130a in hepatoma-derived Hep3B cells. Although the TGF-β/BMP common mediator SMAD4 was previously reported to be an miR-130a target to inhibit TGF-β signaling, we do not confirm SMAD4 as an miR-130a target in our biologic system. Instead, we determine that the BMP type I receptor ALK2 is a novel target of miR-130a and that miR-130a binds to two specific sites in the 3′-untranslated region to reduce ALK2 mRNA stability. Moreover, we show in mice that the increased liver miR-130a during iron deficiency is associated with reduced liver Alk2 mRNA levels. Finally, we demonstrate that down-regulation of ALK2 by miR-130a has a functional effect to inhibit BMP6-induced hepcidin transcription in Hep3B cells. Our data suggest that iron deficiency increases liver miR-130a, which, by targeting ALK2, may contribute to reduce BMP-SMAD signaling, suppress hepcidin synthesis, and thereby promote iron availability.
The Provider’s Voice: Patient Satisfaction and the Content-filtered Speech of Nurses and Physicians in Primary Medical Care

Two studies examined vocal affect in medical providers’ and patients’ content-filtered (CF) speech. A digital methodology for content-filtering and a set of reliable global affect rating scales for CF voice were developed. In Study 1, ratings of affect in physicians’ CF voice correlated with patients’ satisfaction, perceptions of choice/control, medication adherence, mental and physical health, and physicians’ satisfaction. In Study 2, ratings of affect in the CF voices of physicians and nurses correlated with their patients’ satisfaction, and the CF voices of nurses and patients reflected their satisfaction. Voice tone ratings of providers and patients were intercorrelated, suggesting reciprocity in their vocal affective communication.
Cancer Clinical Trials: Development and Implementation

Although much of the current standard of care in veterinary oncology is based on retrospective studies or transference from the human literature, a new era of clinical trial awareness brought on by new consortia and cooperative investigative groups is beginning to change this limitation. The use of controlled, randomized, blind multicenter trials testing new cytotoxics and cytostatic agents is now becoming the norm rather than the exception. Ultimately, advanced clinical trial design applied to companion animal populations should advance veterinary-based practice and inform future human clinical trials that may follow.
Embodied discourses of literacy in the lives of two preservice teachers

This study examines the emerging teacher literacy identities of Ian and AJ, two preservice teachers in a graduate teacher education program in the United States. Using a poststructural feminisms theoretical framework, the study illustrates the embodiment of literacy pedagogy discourses in relation to the literacy courses' discourse of comprehensive literacy and the literacy biographical discourses of Ian and AJ. The results of this study indicate the need to deconstruct how the discourse of comprehensive literacy limits how we, as literacy teacher educators, position, hear and respond to our preservice teachers and suggest the need for differentiation in our teacher education literacy courses.
Synthesis and characterization of copolymers of 5,6-benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane and n-butyl acrylate

Abstract The ATRP copolymerization of 5,6-benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (BMDO) with n-butyl acrylate (nBA) was studied by using ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (EBriBu) and N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA)/Cu(I)Br as the initiator and catalyst, respectively. The reactivity ratios of the monomers in the copolymerization were determined using the Kelen–Tudos method and were found to be rBMDO=0.08 and rnBA=3.7. The copolymer yield decreased with higher amounts of BMDO in the initial feed. The structure of these copolymers was thoroughly characterized by 1D and 2D NMR techniques and quantitative ring opening of BMDO in its copolymerization was demonstrated. The hydrolytic degradation behavior of the BMDO/nBA copolymers was also studied.
A kinetic model of metamorphism: an application to siliceous dolomites

We use a kinetic model of a metamorphic system to study the effect of competing rates of reaction, fluid injection, and heating on the evolution of the “reaction pathway” in temperature/composition space at constant pressure. We show that for rocks in contact with mixed volatile (e.g., CO2-H2O) fluids the reaction path may be quite different from what is expected from equilibrium-based petrologic models. Equilibrium-based models, used to understand the development of rock systems undergoing mineral reactions during a metamorphic event, rely on the Gibbs’ phase rule and only consider stable phases. For constant pressure, the temperature-composition paths follow univariant curves and significant reactions may occur at invariant points. By contrast, the more general kinetic treatment is not constrained by equilibrium, although with the proper competing rates equilibrium is a possible endmember of the kinetic approach. The deviation from equilibrium depends on the competing rates of reaction, heating, and fluid injection. A key element required by the kinetic approach is the inclusion of metastable reactions in the formulation, whereas such reactions are irrelevant for equilibrium-based models. Metastable reactions are often involved in a complex interplay with common prograde stable metamorphic reactions. We present model results for the well-studied CaO-MgO-SiO2-CO2-H2O (CMS) system to show how the system evolves under kinetic control. Our simulations and discussion focus on the behavior of the CMS system under a number of closed and open system conditions. Special attention is paid to closed system behavior in the vicinity of the (first) isobaric invariant point (with Dol, Qtz, Tlc, Cal, and Tr). Also, for open systems with massive fluid infiltration we consider heating rates varying from contact to regional metamorphic conditions. For some geologically reasonable rates of reactions, heating, and fluid injection, our results demonstrate that equilibrium conditions may be significantly overstepped in metamorphic systems. We used overall mineral reactions in this model with rates based on experimental results. Future models could rely on more fundamental dissolution and precipitation reactions. Such an extension would require additional kinetic rate data, as well as mineral solubilities in mixed volatile fluids.
Platelet-activating factor and endotoxin activate CCAAT/enhancer binding protein in rat small intestine

The transcription factor family CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBP) is involved in inflammation via the regulation of the gene expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins. PAF and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) are known agents causing intestinal inflammation and injury. In this study, we examined the binding activity of C/EBP isoforms in rat small intestine in response to PAF (1.5 microg kg(-1), i.v.) or LPS (5 mg kg(-1), i.v.). We found that C/EBP is constitutively active in normal small intestine, mainly as C/EBP-alpha and beta (C/EBP-beta>alpha). Both C/EBP-alpha and beta are localized in the intestinal epithelial cells: C/EBP-alpha mainly in the crypts, and C/EBP-beta in both villi and crypts, as well as in some lamina propria cells. Only minute amounts of C/EBP-delta were found. PAF rapidly upregulates the binding activity of C/EBP-alpha and beta within 30 min. The increase in C/EBP-alpha is prominent in the crypt cells, whereas the change of C/EBP-beta is more widespread. LPS also increases the binding activity of C/EBP-alpha and beta, and the response is slower than PAF. PAF synergizes with LPS to markedly activate all three subunits. The increase in C/EBP-alpha is transient, whereas the other two have a sustained elevation until 120 min. After challenge with PAF (but not LPS), small amounts of nuclear factor -kappaB (NF-kappaB) p50 and p65 subunits are found in the C/EBP-DNA binding complex, indicating cross-dimerization of the two transcription families. Pretreatment of rats with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) suppresses LPS-, but not PAF-, induced NF-kappaB and C/EBP binding activity, and significantly increases the C/EBP-delta subunit in LPS- or PAF-induced C/EBP complex. These results suggest that PAF and LPS activate intestinal C/EBP in vivo, probably via different pathways.
The Toxoplasma gondii centrosome is the platform for internal daughter budding as revealed by a Nek1 kinase mutant.

The pathology and severity of toxoplasmosis results from the rapid replication cycle of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii . The tachyzoites divide asexually through endodyogeny, wherein two daughter cells bud inside the mother cell. Before mitosis is completed, the daughter buds form around the duplicated centrosomes and subsequently elongate to serve as the scaffold for organellogenesis and organelle partitioning. The molecular control mechanism of this process is poorly understood. Here, we characterized a T. gondii NIMA-related kinase (Nek) ortholog that was identified in a chemical mutagenesis screen. A temperature-sensitive mutant, V-A15, possesses a Cys316Arg mutation in TgNek1 (a novel mutant allele in Neks), which is responsible for growth defects at the restrictive temperature. Phenotypic analysis of V-A15 indicated that TgNek1 is essential for centrosome splitting, proper formation of daughter cells and faithful segregation of genetic material. In vitro kinase assays showed that the mutation abolishes the kinase activity of TgNek1. TgNek1 is recruited to the centrosome prior to its duplication and localizes on the duplicated centrosomes facing the spindle poles in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. Mutational analysis of the activation loop suggests that localization and activity are spatio-temporally regulated by differential phosphorylation. Collectively, our results identified a novel temperature-sensitive allele for a Nek kinase and highlight its essential function in centrosome splitting in Toxoplasma . Moreover, these results conclusively show for the first time that Toxoplasma bud assembly is facilitated by the centrosome because defective centrosome splitting results in single daughter cell budding.
Ultrahigh-pressure phases of H 2 O ice predicted using an adaptive genetic algorithm

We propose three phases of H${}_{2}$O under ultrahigh pressure. Our structural search was performed using an adaptive genetic algorithm which allows an extensive exploration of crystal structure at density functional theory accuracy. The sequence of pressure-induced transitions beyond ice X at 0 K should be ice $\text{X}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Pbcm\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Pbca\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Pmc{2}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}P{2}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}P{2}_{1}/c$ phases. Across the $Pmc{2}_{1}$-$P{2}_{1}$ transition, the coordination number of oxygen increases from 4 to 5 with a significant increase of density. All stable crystalline phases have nonmetallic band structures up to 7 TPa.
Effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation Program in Preventing and Treating Substance Misuse: A Review

This article reviews 24 studies on the benefits of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in treating and preventing misuse of chemical substances. Studies cover noninstitutionalized users, participants in treatment programs, and prisoners with histories of heavy use. All the studies showed positive effects of the TM program. Some of the survey-type studies were unable to exclude the possibility of self-selection or responder biases. However, longitudinal, random-assignment studies with objective measures also showed positive results. Taken together, these and other studies indicate the program simultaneously addresses several factors underlying chemical dependence, providing not only immediate relief from distress but also long-range improvements in well-being, self-esteem, personal empowerment, and other areas of psychophysiological health.
Measuring the electronic third-order susceptibility of the silicon phthalocyanine-monomethacrylate molecule with quadratic electroabsorption spectroscopy

We report on a quadratic electroabsorption measurement of the electronic third-order molecular susceptibility of silicon phthalocyanine-monomethacrylate-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films. The results are compared with homogeneously broadened (Lorentzian) and inhomogeneously broadened theories of the second hyperpolarizability. For the first time to our knowledge the effect of distribution of sites in the polymer is taken into account and is found to be negligible on its effects on chi(3). We show that a three-level model of the third-order susceptibility is sufficient to characterize the electronic states of these dye-doped thin films in the visible regime. The limited spectral range of the experiment allows us to estimate only the zero-frequency third-order molecular susceptibility, which we find is below the quantum-mechanical limit.
High-power femtosecond dye-laser system

We describe a laser system that produces pulses with a duration of 106 fsec and an energy of 2.5 mJ at a wavelength of 619 nm. Low-energy pulses from a colliding-pulse mode-locked laser are amplified at a repetition rate of 10 Hz in a series of five dye amplifiers with a final dye-cell aperture of 2 cm. The system can also produce pulses with an energy of 3.5 mJ and a duration of 160 fsec.
Temporal-frequency spectra for waves propagating over straight and folded paths: a comparison

Expressions are determined for the relationship between the crosswind speed and the temporal-frequency spectra of the log-amplitude fluctuations of plane and spherical waves propagating over folded paths in a turbulent atmosphere. The results of the spherical wave indicate that in addition to information about turbulent motion, the spectral content contains a path position modulation that depends on the detector displacement from the center of the wave. This displacement may lead to errors in the determination of turbulent motion from optical measurements.
Horizon: balancing tcp over multiple paths in wireless mesh network

There has been extensive work on network architectures that support multi-path routing to improve performance in wireless mesh networks. However, previous work uses ad-hoc design principles that cannot guarantee any network-wide performance objectives such as conjointly maximizing resource utilization and improving fairness. In parallel, numerous theoretical results have addressed the issue of optimizing a combined metric of network utilization and fairness using techniques based on back-pressure scheduling, routing and flow control. However, the proposed theoretical algorithms are extremely difficult to implement in practice, especially in the presence of the 802.11 MAC and TCP. We propose Horizon, a novel system design for multi-path forwarding in wireless meshes, based on the theoretical results on back-pressure. Our design works with an unmodified TCP stack and on top of the existing 802.11 MAC. We modified the back-pressure approach to obtain a simple 802.11-compatible packet-forwarding heuristic and a novel, light-weight path estimator, while maintaining global optimality properties. We propose a delayed reordering algorithm that eliminates TCP timeouts while keeping TCP packet reordering to a minimum. We have evaluated our implementation on a 22-node testbed. We have shown that Horizon effectively utilizes available resources (disjoint paths). In contrast to previous work, our design not only avoids bottlenecks but also optimally load-balances traffic across them when needed, improving fairness among competing flows. To our knowledge, Horizon is the first practical wireless system based on back-pressure.
Theoretical considerations of Fisher's theorem in small at-risk populations.

Small populations at risk of extinction due to threshold or competitive exclusion have a vested interest in rapid growth. Taking chance of survival into account for diploid populations, Fisher’s theorem predicts a sex ratio favoring females under certain circumstances. Theoretical consideration of competitive exclusion shows such circumstances are reasonable under accepted modeling assumptions.
The role of anthropogenic influences in a mixed-conifer forest mortality episode

Anthropogenic influences on recent tree mortality in mid-montane mixed conifer forests of southern California, USA, and northern Baja California, Mexico, were investi- gated. The Pinus jeffreyi-Abies concolor phase of the mixed- conifer montane community was sampled at three sites, char- acterized by: (1) low levels of air pollution and long-term fire suppression (Holcomb Valley in the San Berardino Moun- tains, California); (2) chronic, severe air pollution and long- term fire suppression (Barton Flats in the San Bernardino Mountains, California); and (3) little air pollution and no fire suppression (La Corona Arriba in the Sierra San Pedro Martir in Baja California, Mexico). Similar percentages of dead standing trees, around 14 %, were found at both San Bernardino sites, but a comparatively low level, 4 %, was found in the Mexican forest. Anthropogenic effects, in particular fire sup- pression, may play an important role in enhancing the impact of natural stresses on the dynamics of mixed conifer forests.
Dissolved organic materials in surface microlayers: Temporal and spatial variability and relation to sea state

Microlayer samples were collected to assess the temporal and spatial variability of their dissolved organic materials (DOM). Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was often enriched in microlayers but concentration differences between niicrolayers and bulkwaters were generally small. Ranges of DOC enrichments were large in oceanic samples. Enrichments diminished with increasing bulkwater DOC concentrations in coastal waters and were not influenced by wave states from Beaufort 0 to 4. Microlayer depletions of DOC occurred, but the removal processes responsible for them are unknown. UV-absorbing phenolic fractions of microlayer DOM were consistently enriched, with the enrichments described by a partitioning relationship, and showed evidence of decreasing enrichment with increasing wave states. In general, over the temporal and spatial scales considered, microlayer DOM variabilities in clean surfaces were not greater than equivalent bulkwater variabilities.
Study protocol for Young & Strong: a cluster randomized design to increase attention to unique issues faced by young women with newly diagnosed breast cancer

Background: Each year, approximately 11% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States are 45 years of age or younger. These women have concerns specific to or accentuated by their age, including fertilityrelated concerns, and have higher rates of psychosocial distress than women diagnosed at older ages. Current guidelines recommend that fertility risks be considered early in all treatment plans; however, the extant research indicates that attention to fertility by the healthcare team is limited. Importantly, attention to fertility may be a proxy for whether or not other important issues warranting attention in younger women with breast cancer are addressed, including genetic risks, psychosocial distress, sexual functioning, and body image concerns. The Young & Strong study tests the efficacy of an intervention designed for young women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and their oncologists with the intention to: 1) increase attention to fertility as an important surrogate for other issues facing young women, 2) educate and support young women and their providers, and 3) reduce psychosocial distress among young women with breast cancer. Methods/Design: The study employs a cluster randomized design including 14 academic institutions and 40 community sites across the U.S. assigned to either the study intervention arm or contact-time comparison intervention arm. Academic institutions enroll up to 15 patients per site while community sites enroll up to 10 patients. Patient eligibility requirements include: an initial diagnosis of stage I-III invasive breast cancer within three months prior, without a known recurrence or metastatic breast cancer; 18–45 years of age at diagnosis; ability to read and write in English. The primary outcome is oncologists’ attention to fertility concerns as determined by medical record review. Secondary outcomes include differences in patient satisfaction with care and psychosocial distress between the two study arms.
Elements in Physician/Patient Interactions in Late Life

This article considers how physicians' and elderly patients' social and cultural backgrounds affect their interactions and how their power relationships can change the interactions. The author first examines how doctors establish power over elderly patients by using the patient's first name. Next, she identifies six elements to be used when assessing the physician-elderly patient relationship. She considers how the demographic backgrounds of both doctors and elderly patients can influence their understanding and expectations of each other and then explores the impact of the interaction location and the effects of the health of both participants. She discusses how patient caregivers can affect the physician-elderly patient relationship and how uncertainty about information exchanged can damage the relationship. Finally, the author projects how new technologies will be used to modify physician-elderly patient interactions in the future.
A heuristic for multi-constrained multicast routing

In contrast to the situation that the constrained minimum Steiner tree (CMST) problem has attracted much attention in the quality of service (QoS) routing area, little work has been done on multicast routing subject to multiple additive constraints, even though the corresponding applications are obvious. We propose a heuristic, HMCMC, to solve this problem. The basic idea of HMCMC is to construct the multicast tree step by step, which is done essentially based on the latest research results on multi-constrained unicast routing. Computer simulations demonstrate that, if there is one, the proposed heuristic can find a feasible multicast tree with a fairly high probability.
Acarbose, an α-Glucosidase Inhibitor, Attenuates Postprandial Hypotension in Autonomic Failure

Postprandial hypotension is an important clinical condition that predisposes to syncope, falls, angina, and cerebrovascular events. The magnitude of the fall in blood pressure after meals depends on enteric glucose availability. We hypothesized that acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that decreases glucose absorption in the small intestine, would attenuate postprandial hypotension. Acarbose or placebo was given 20 minutes before a standardized meal in 13 patients with postprandial hypotension in the setting of autonomic failure (age: 65+/-2.64 years; body mass index: 25+/-1.08 kg/m(2); supine plasma norepinephrine: 110+/-26.6 pg/mL). Four patients were studied in a single-blind protocol and 9 patients in a double-blind, randomized, crossover fashion. Patients were studied supine, and blood pressure, heart rate, and neuroendocrine parameters were obtained at baseline and for 90 minutes after meal intake. After adjusting for potential confounders, acarbose significantly attenuated the postprandial fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 17 mm Hg (95% CI: 7 to 28; P=0.003) and 9 mm Hg (95% CI: 5 to 14; P=0.001), respectively. Furthermore, acarbose effectively reduced plasma levels of insulin, a known vasodilator, by 11 microU/mL (95% CI: 5 to 18; P=0.001) compared with placebo. After adjusting for insulin levels, the attenuation of postprandial hypotension by acarbose remained significant, indicating that additional mechanisms contribute to this effect. In conclusion, 100 mg of acarbose successfully improved postprandial hypotension in patients with severe autonomic failure. This effect is not explained solely by a reduction in insulin levels.
Measuring the tyrosine kinase activity: a review of biochemical and cellular assay technologies

Background: The increasing number of kinases as potential drug targets, in combination with the need to screen large compound collections, demands the kinase assays to be homogeneous, non-radioactive, robust, sensitive, easy to miniaturize, and high-throughput. Objective: This review will focus on some of the chief biochemical and cellular kinase assay technologies and their applications in tyrosine kinase drug discovery. Methods: Recent literatures on these tyrosine kinase assay technologies are reviewed, each assay principle, advantages and drawbacks, as well as their potential utilities in tyrosine kinase drug discovery are discussed. Results/conclusion: There is no perfect assay yet; the choice of assay technology relies on the consideration of many factors including the intrinsic properties of the assay, intended application, cost, timeline, synergy with other in-house assay technologies and the expertise, familiarity and comfort level with certain technologies.
F-box protein specificity for G1 cyclins is dictated by subcellular localization

Levels of G1 cyclins fluctuate in response to environmental cues and couple mitotic signaling to cell cycle entry. The G1 cyclin Cln3 is a key regulator of cell size and cell cycle entry in budding yeast. Cln3 degradation is essential for proper cell cycle control; however, the mechanisms that control Cln3 degradation are largely unknown. Here we show that two SCF ubiquitin ligases, SCFCdc4 and SCFGrr1, redundantly target Cln3 for degradation. While the F-box proteins (FBPs) Cdc4 and Grr1 were previously thought to target non-overlapping sets of substrates, we find that Cdc4 and Grr1 each bind to all 3 G1 cyclins in cell extracts, yet only Cln3 is redundantly targeted in vivo, due in part to its nuclear localization. The related cyclin Cln2 is cytoplasmic and exclusively targeted by Grr1. However, Cdc4 can interact with Cdk-phosphorylated Cln2 and target it for degradation when cytoplasmic Cdc4 localization is forced in vivo. These findings suggest that Cdc4 and Grr1 may share additional redundant targets and, consistent with this possibility, grr1Δ cdc4-1 cells demonstrate a CLN3-independent synergistic growth defect. Our findings demonstrate that structurally distinct FBPs are capable of interacting with some of the same substrates; however, in vivo specificity is achieved in part by subcellular localization. Additionally, the FBPs Cdc4 and Grr1 are partially redundant for proliferation and viability, likely sharing additional redundant substrates whose degradation is important for cell cycle progression.
Some Applications of Mathematics for the Biology Classroom.

Biology and mathematics are inextricably linked. In this article, we show a few of the many areas in which this linkage might be made explicit. By doing so, teachers can deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of both subjects. In this article, we explore some of these areas, providing brief explanations of the mathematics and some of the applications in biology, with ideas for some of the investigations that teachers might wish to pose to their students.
Preparation of Wide Bandgap Cu(InGa)(SeS)2 Solar Cells with Improved Fill Factor

Cu(InGa)(SeS)2 absorber films with a band gap Eg ? 1.5 eV have been prepared using thermal co-evaporation with different sequences of Cu rich and Cu poor deposition. The composition through the film is, in some cases, non-uniform due to changes in relative S and Se incorporation. The compositional depth profile was characterized by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy with Ar sputtering. The composition ratio [S]/[S+Se]in the films depends on the process and the composition ratio [Cu]/[In+Ga] during deposition. Solar cells with a soda-lime glass/Mo/CIGSS/CdS/ZnO/ITO/(Ni-Al grid) structure were fabricated and a higher FF > 77 % than previous wide bandgap Cu(InGa)(SeS)2 devices has been demonstrated with these processes. The best Cu(InGa)(SeS)2 cell with Eg = 1.5 eV is prepared by the two-layer process, and shows an efficiency of 11.2 %, with VOC = 0.760 V, JSC = 19.2 mA/cm2, and FF = 77.3 %. Quantum efficiency of the CIGSS cells shows relatively poor response for wavelength > 600 nm compared to that with CuInS2.
Results in Combined Route Traversal and Collision Avoidance

This paper presents an outdoor mobile robot capable of high-speed navigation in outdoor environments. Here we consider the problem of a robot that has to follow a designated path at high speeds over undulating terrain. It must also be perceptive and agile enough to avoid small obstacles. Collision avoidance is a key problem and it is necessary to use sensing modalities that are able to operate robustly in a wide variety of conditions. We report on the sensing and control necessary for this application and the results obtained to date.
Transcription activating property of autoantigen SG2NA and modulating effect of WD-40 repeats.

Abstract Autoantibodies to intracellular proteins have been detected in sera of patients with various forms of cancer. Nuclear autoantigen SG2NA (S, G2 phase nuclear antigen) was isolated using autoantibodies from a patient with bladder and lung cancers and its expression is enhanced in the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. Molecular cloning revealed that the C-terminal region of SG2NA contains six WD-40 repeats, motifs that are present in a large family of proteins with diverse functions. We show that the N-terminal region of SG2NA (aa 1–391) acted as a strong transcriptional activator in both yeast and mammalian cells. In contrast, the C-terminal WD-40 repeats had an inhibitory effect on transcription activation. We performed molecular swapping experiments by substituting the WD-40 repeats of SG2NA with those of yeast Met30 and Cdc4 and showed that the WD-40 regions from either Met30 or Cdc4 were capable of reproducing transcription repression function. The SG2NA WD-40 repeats were also able to repress basal level transcription and transactivation function of a GAL4–VP16 chimera. These observations suggest that some WD-40 repeats may have, as one of their functions, a negative regulatory role in the biological activities of their own and perhaps other proteins.
Could Linear Hysteresis Contribute to Shear Wave Losses in Tissues

Abstract For nearly 100 y in the study of cyclical motion in materials, a particular phenomenon called “linear hysteresis” or “ideal hysteretic damping” has been widely observed. More recently in the field of shear wave elastography, the basic mechanisms underlying shear wave losses in soft tissues are in question. Could linear hysteresis play a role? An underlying theoretical question must be answered: Is there a real and causal physical model that is capable of producing linear hysteresis over a band of shear wave frequencies used in diagnostic imaging schemes? One model that can approximately produce classic linear hysteresis behavior, by examining a generalized Maxwell model with a specific power law relaxation spectrum, is described here. This provides a theoretical plausibility for the phenomenon as a candidate for models of tissue behavior.
Pathologic Studies: An Essential Guide

To emphasize the importance of pathologic studies to physicians and biomedical scientists should be “preaching to the converted.” Unfortunately there are disturbing signs that this is not so, particularly in clinical medicine. The autopsy rate is declining globally and some authors have even unwisely implied in print that modern diagnostic techniques render the autopsy and other pathologic studies superfluous. Fortunately, pathologists continue to expose and resist such attitudes by means of analytical discussion of the problem. The role of pathologic study remains an essential one in both clinical and experimental studies of therapy of all types. The term pathologic studies includes: pathologic anatomy (the autopsy and surgical biopsy); clinical pathology (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunologyl and experimental pathology.
Calculation of Recoil Ion Effective Track Lengths in Neutron-Radiation-Induced Nucleation

A theoretical model was developed to predict the amount of nucleation that occurs as a result of neutron interactions in superheated liquids. The model utilizes nuclear cross-section data, charged-...
A Documentary History of Naples: Ancient Naples, Chapter Eight - The Culture of Water

The history of ancient Naples is intertwined with its interaction with water, both as a seaport and an administrative center of thermal bathing establishments in the Phlegraean Fields. This chapter examines the city's recently discovered Greco-Roman harbor and especially the prevalent local bathing culture, which Naples shared with Puteoli, Baiae, and Pithecusae/Ischia.