cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lattice-reduction-aided detectors for MIMO communication systems

Lattice-reduction (LR) techniques are developed for enhancing the performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) digital communication systems. When used in conjunction with traditional linear and nonlinear detectors, LR techniques substantially close the gap to fundamental performance limits with little additional system complexity. Results for individual channels and ensembles are developed, and illustrated in detail for the case of small (2 /spl times/ 2), uncoded, coherent systems. For example, we show that, relative to the maximum likelihood bound, LR techniques get us within 3dB for any Gaussian channel, and allow us to achieve the same diversity on the Rayleigh fading channel, when sufficiently large constellations are used.
Identification and analysis of the antigens detected by two commercial Bacillus cereus diarrheal enterotoxin immunoassay kits.

The usefulness of two commercial immunoassays for the detection of diarrheal enterotoxin of Bacillus cereus is unclear because the identity of the enterotoxin(s) has not been proven and the kits detect different proteins. We found that the Bacillus cereus Enterotoxin-Reversed Passive Latex Agglutination kit (Oxoid) detects the L2 component from hemolysin BL, and the Bacillus Diarrhoeal Enterotoxin Visual Immunoassay (Tecra) detects two apparently nontoxic proteins. Images
Driven tunneling: New possibilities for coherent and incoherent quantum transport

We study the conservative as well as the dissipative quantal dynamics in a harmonically driven, quartic double-well potential. In the deep quantal regime, we find coherent modifications of tunneling, including its complete suppression. In the semiclassical regime of the conservative system, the dynamics is dominated by the interplay of tunneling and chaotic diffusion. A strong correlation exists between the tunnel splittings and the overlaps of the associated doublet states with the chaotic layer. With weak dissipation, remnants of coherent behaviour occur as transients, such as the tunneling between symmetry-related pairs of limit cycles. The coherent suppression of tunneling observed in the conservative case is stabilized by weak incoherence. The quantal stationary states are broadened anisotropically due to quantum noise, as compared to the corresponding classical attractors.
Tubo-ovarian abscess: a retrospective review

The charts of 160 patients with tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs) were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to their response to initial medical therapy. Predictive factors were identified for the two groups. Prognosis was predictable on the basis of extent of disease at diagnosis and the initial response to medical therapy. There was no apparent association between a unilateral TOA and the use of an intrauterine contraceptive device. A minimum pregnancy rate of 8% was observed in patients maintaining reproductive function. No patient with a bilateral TOA conceived. Of all patients admitted to the hospital with TOA, 53% ultimately required surgical therapy. High residual morbidity and/or resultant infertility mandates more aggressive attempts at prevention.
The Facet: Syndrome Myth or Reality?

The lumbar facet joint has long been considered a significant source of low back pain (LBP). Facet blocks with anesthetic and cortisone, and even facet denervation procedures, have been recommended as treatment for patients with LBP. The literature, however, fails to conclusively document the role of the facet in the production of LBP. Based on a review of the literature and the author's clinical studies, the following statements appear to be appropriate and defensible: (1) The lumbar facet joints are very important biomechanically. (2) The facet is not a common or clear source of significant pain. (3) The facet syndrome is not a reliable clinical diagnosis. (4) Injection of intraarticular saline into the facets in control cases is as effective as local anesthetic and steroids in relieving the patient's pain temporarily. (5) Response to facet joint injection in patients with LBP does not correlate with or predict their clinical results after solid posterior lumbar fusion, and it should not be used preoperatively as a clinical criterion in selection of patients for fusion. (6) More prospective, controlled and randomized clinical studies are recommended.
A Reevaluation of Time Domain Reflectometry Propagation Time Determination in Soils

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is an established method for the determination of apparent dielectric permittivity and water content in soils. Using current waveform interpretation procedures, signal attenuation and variation in dielectric media properties along the transmission line can significantly increase sampling error in estimating the time, t2, at which the pulse arrives at the end of the probe. Additionally, manual adjustment of waveform analysis parameters is frequently required in current software to accommodate changes in media properties when processing large time series of TDR measurements. Our objectives were to reevaluate conventional propagation time analysis and difficulties with these methods, introduce the AWIGF (adaptive waveform interpretation with Gaussian filtering) algorithm that circumvents these problems, and compare interpretation methods using waveforms obtained with different TDR instruments and under widely varying media properties. The AWIGF algorithm filters signal noise using Gaussian kernels with an adaptively estimated standard deviation based on the maximum gradient of the reflection at the termination of the probe. Two fitted parameters are required to scale the smoothing level for a given step pulse generator. Additionally, the maximum second derivative is used to evaluate t2. The AWIGF-determined t2 was compared with TACQ, a standard waveform interpretation algorithm. The strategies of AWIGF permitted the determination of t2 without parameter adjustment when the loss characteristics of the medium changed, such as with an increase in soil water content and bulk electrical conductivity. Using the new method, the sampling error of t2 was <0.06 ns across a wide range of medium properties and less than or equal to that obtained with TACQ. In strongly attenuated waveforms, the water content sampling error determined with AWIGF was 0.005 m3 m−3 compared with 0.038 m3 m−3 obtained using TACQ.
Improvement in the Light Extraction of Blue InGaN/GaN-Based LEDs Using Patterned Metal Contacts

We demonstrate a method to improve the light extraction from an LED using photonic crystal (PhC)-like structures in metal contacts. A patterned metal contact with an array of Silicon Oxide (SiOx) pillars (440 nm in size) on an InGaN/GaN-based MQW LED has shown to increase output illumination uniformity through experimental characterization. Structural methods of improving light extraction using transparent contacts or dielectric photonic crystals typically require a tradeoff between improving light extraction and optimal electrical characteristics. The method presented here provides an alternate solution to provide a 15% directional improvement (surface normal) in the radiation profile and ~ 30% increase in the respective intensity profile without affecting the electrical characteristics of the device. Electron beam patterning of hydrogen silesquioxane (HSQ), a novel electron beam resist is used in patterning these metal contacts. After patterning, thermal curing of the patterned resist is done to form SiOx pillars. These SiOx pillars aid as a mask for transferring the pattern to the p-metal contact. Electrical and optical characterization results of LEDs fabricated with and without patterned contacts are presented. We present the radiation and intensity profiles of the planar and patterned devices extracted using Matlab-based image analysis technique from 200 μm (diameter) circular unpackaged LEDs.
State-based incremental testing of aspect-oriented programs

Taking aspects as incremental modifications to their base classes, this paper presents an incremental approach to testing whether or not aspect-oriented programs and their base classes conform to their respective behavior models. We exploit a rigorous aspect-oriented extension to state models for capturing the impact of aspects on the state transitions of base class objects as well as an explicit weaving mechanism for composing aspects into their base models. We generate abstract tests for base classes and aspect-oriented programs from their state models. As base class tests are not necessarily valid for aspect-oriented programs, we identify several rules for maximizing reuse of concrete base class tests for aspects according to the state-based impact of aspects on their base classes. To illustrate our approach, we use two examples that indicate distinctive types of aspect-oriented applications and exhibit fundamental features in complex applications: aspects removing state transitions from base classes and aspects adding and modifying state transitions in base classes. Our results show that majority of base class tests can be reused for aspects, but subtle modifications to some of them are necessary. In particular, positive (or negative) base class tests can become negative (or positive) aspect tests. We also discuss how several types of aspect-specific faults can be revealed by the state-based testing.
Lightcuts: a scalable approach to illumination

Lightcuts is a scalable framework for computing realistic illumination. It handles arbitrary geometry, non-diffuse materials, and illumination from a wide variety of sources including point lights, area lights, HDR environment maps, sun/sky models, and indirect illumination. At its core is a new algorithm for accurately approximating illumination from many point lights with a strongly sublinear cost. We show how a group of lights can be cheaply approximated while bounding the maximum approximation error. A binary light tree and perceptual metric are then used to adaptively partition the lights into groups to control the error vs. cost tradeoff.We also introduce reconstruction cuts that exploit spatial coherence to accelerate the generation of anti-aliased images with complex illumination. Results are demonstrated for five complex scenes and show that lightcuts can accurately approximate hundreds of thousands of point lights using only a few hundred shadow rays. Reconstruction cuts can reduce the number of shadow rays to tens.
Does Empirical Therapy with a Fluoroquinolone or the Combination of a β-Lactam Plus a Macrolide Result in Better Outcomes for Patients Admitted to the General Ward?

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide, in particular among older patients and those with significant comorbid conditions. Current guidelines recommend therapy with a fluoroquinolone or a ?-lactam plus a macrolide for the treatment of hospitalized adults with CAP who do not require admission to an intensive care unit. This article provides a brief summary and overview of the existing literature on this topic categorized by the main results; the potential implications for future clinical practice and research are discussed.
Spin observables in with a transverse initial state polarization

Abstract The formalism describing the scattering of two spin- 1 2 objects is reviewed for the case of p p→ Λ Λ . It is shown that an experiment utilizing a transverse target polarization can, in principle, completely determine the spin structure of the reaction. Additional measurements, even those using both beam and target polarizations, would not be sensitive to any additional spin dynamics. Thus, the transverse target polarization allows access to the complete set of spin observables, not just the subset upon which the literature has previously focused. This discussion is especially relevant in light of the data collected by PS185/3 at LEAR.
Multi-sensor fusion for interactive visual computing in mixed environment

Mobile Augmented Reality, as an emerging application for handheld devices, explores more natural interactions in real and virtual environments. For the purpose of accurate system response and manipulating objects in real-time, extensive efforts have been made to estimate six Degree-of-Freedom and extract robust feature to track. However there are still quite a lot challenges today in achieving rich user experience. To allow for a seamless transition from outdoor to indoor service, we investigated and integrated various sensing techniques of GPS, wireless, Inertial Measurement Units, and optical. A parallel tracking and matching scheme is presented to address the speed-accuracy tradeoff issue. Two prototypes, fine-scale mirror world navigation and context-aware trouble shooting, have been developed to demonstrate the suitability of our approach.
Assessing lymphatic response to treatments in head and neck cancer using near-infrared fluorescence imaging

ABSTRACT Care for head and neck (HN) cancer could be improved with better mapping of lymphatic drainage pathways in HN region as well as understanding the effect of the cancer treatments on lymphatics. In this study, near-infrared fluorescence imaging is being used to visualize the lymphatics in human subjects diagnosed with HN cancer before and after treatments. Imaging results show the lymphatic architecture and contractile function in HN. Reformation of lymphatics during the course of cancer care was also seen in the longitudinal imaging. This allows us to better understand the lymphatics in HN cancer patients. Keywords: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging, Lymphatics, Head and Neck cancer 1. INTRODUCTION With more than 50,000 new head and neck (HN) cancer cases each year in the US, it is expected that as many as 75% will encounter HN lymphedema (LE) following surgical dissection and/or radiation therapy. [1] Cancer-treatment-related toxicity to lymphatic tissues in the HN region coul d significantly diminish cancer survivors quality-of-life. As with many cancers, sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymph node dissection is part of an aggressive treatment scheme. Yet while lymphatic mapping is well established in other portions of the body, the lymphatic drainage in HN is less known and can widely vary in advanced cancers. [2,3] Recent studies suggest that upon using lymphoscintigraphy, metastatic lymph nodes are left behind due to the false negative results in one out of every three HNC patients who undergo lymph node dissection. [4] Better identification and mapping of lymphatic drainage pathways as well as understanding the effect of the cancer treatments on lymphatics would be important in efficient surgical and radiation treatment planning. Recently, the near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging technique has been successfully used to assess the lymphatic vasculature and its function in limbs. [5] In this pilot study, we sought to visualize lymphatic architecture and contractile function before and after cancer treatments using NIRF lymphatic imaging to allow better understanding of cancer treatment effects on the lymphatics and their recovery in HN cancer patients.
Photoionization of Fe XV

Relativistic and resonance effects in the photoionization of Mg-like Fe XV are investigated using the Breit-Pauli R-matrix method at near-threshold and intermediate energies, complemented by the relativistic random-phase approximation and multichannel quantum-defect theory in the energy region up to the L-shell ionization thresholds. The cross sections exhibit extensive resonance structures that considerably enhance the effective photoionization of Fe XV. These results should be of general interest in photoionization modeling of x-ray sources observed by space observatories.
Visuoconstructive and visuoperceptive deficit in patients with unilateral cerebral lesions

Abstract This investigation was undertaken in order to determine whether there are differential relationships between visuoconstructive deficit and perceptual ability as a function of hemispheric locus of lesion in cerebrally damaged patients. Visuoconstructive ability was assessed by performance on the Benton Visual Retention Test (Administration C) and a three-dimensional block building test. Perceptual ability was assessed by performance on an experimental multiple choice form of the Benton Visual Retention Test and a revised version of the Minnesota Paper Form Board. Failure on both constructional tasks was closely associated with perceptual dysfunction. This relationship obtained for patients with lesions in either cerebral hemisphere. Four patients (out of a total of 40 apraxic patients) showed visuoconstructive deficit in the presence of adequate perceptual ability. There was no significant relationship between visuoconstructive defect and aphasia. The findings were interpreted as indicating that failure on visuoconstructive tasks is typically an expression of perceptual dysfunction.
Depth-resolved degree of polarization of backscattered light and two-dimensional Mueller matrices of biological tissue measured by optical coherence tomography

Mueller matrices provide a complete characterization of the optical polarization properties of biological tissue. A polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was built and used to investigate the optical polarization properties of biological tissues and other turbid media. The apparent degree of polarization (DOP) of the backscattered light was measured with both liquid and solid scattering samples. The DOP maintains the value of unity within the detectable depth for the solid sample while the DOP decreases with the optical depth for the liquid sample. Two-dimensional depth-resolved images of the full Mueller matrices of biological tissues were measured with this system. These polarization measurements revealed some tissue structures that are not perceptible with standard OCT.
A Herpes Simplex Virus Vector Overexpressing the Glucose Transporter Gene Protects the Rat Dentate Gyrus from an Antimetabolite Toxin

The use of herpes simplex virus vectors offers an attractive means for the in vitro and in vivo transfer of novel genes into postmitotic neurons. Such an approach allows for the introduction of genes with the potential to protect neurons from necrotic insults. Toward that end, we have previously constructed a bicistronic herpes viral vector expressing the gene for the Glut-1 rat brain glucose transporter (GT), along with the Escherichia coli lacZ reporter gene. We observed that this vector enhances glucose uptake both in primary hippocampal cultures and in the hippocampus itself. Moreover, we have found that this vector will protect a variety of types of cultured neurons from necrotic insults and protect hippocampal neurons in vivo from seizure-induced damage. In the present report, we further demonstrate the neuroprotective potential of this GT-expressing vector. 3-Acetylpyridine, an electron transport uncoupler which is preferentially toxic to the dentate gyrus, was microinfused into the dorsal hippocampus of rats. Infection of dentate neurons with GT vectors at the time of exposure to the toxin significantly decreased damage, whereas infection with a physiologically neutral control vector did not. Moreover, there was a window of opportunity for this intervention, as microinfusion of the GT-expressing vector up to 1 h, but not 4 h, after the insult was still neuroprotective.
Vibrational spectroscopy of water at the vapor/water interface.

Using infrared-visible sum-frequency generation we have obtained the OH stretch vibrational spectra of water at the vapor/water interface. From the spectra, we deduce that more than 20% of the surface water molecules have one free OH projecting into the vapor. The spectrum is weakly temperature dependent from 10 to 80 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. A monolayer of fatty alcohol on water surface terminates the free OH groups and induces an icelike structure in the spectrum.
Abstract 2033: Protection of quiescent fibroblasts from proteasome inhibition-mediated proteotoxicity

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate quiescence-related resistance to proteasome-inhibition mediated proteotoxicity, and its regulatory mechanisms. Introduction: Quiescence, the reversible arrest of cellular proliferation, is critical for normal cellular development and tissue maintenance. Moreover, while proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are used to treat specific cancers, it has been shown that subsets of cells within a tumor, through quiescence, avoid PI-induced apoptosis and survive. Thus, deciphering the mechanisms through which quiescent cells resist proteasome inhibition is of basic and clinical relevance. Methods: Proliferating and quiescent primary human fibroblasts were used as a model system to study the effects of PIs (MG132, epoxomycin and Bortezomib). Flow cytometry, Western blots, microscopy and microarrays were used to identify specific pathways activated by proliferating and quiescent fibroblasts in response to proteasome inhibition. Results: We found that the proteasome-inhibited quiescent fibroblasts maintain viability while proliferating fibroblasts rapidly undergo apoptosis. We further found that proteasome-inhibited proliferating and quiescent fibroblasts up-regulate multiple protective pathways, including authophagy, chaperones and antioxidants, and evidence no observable difference in proteasome-mediated degradation pathway activity. However, we found that in proliferating fibroblasts, proteasome inhibition leads to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), peri-nuclear protein aggresomes, and apoptotic cell death. By comparison, proteasome-inhibited quiescent cells display selective up-regulation of MnSOD (a ROS detoxifying enzyme), dispersed protein aggregates, and less apoptotic cell death. Knockdown of p62/SQSTM1 (a protein important for aggresome formation) or treatment with an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine results in reduced aggresome formation and decreased apoptosis in response to proteasome inhibition. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy sensitizes serum-starved quiescent cells to proteasome inhibition induced apoptosis. This suggests that multiple mechanisms, including autophagy, ROS detoxification and differential subcellular trafficking of ubiquitinated proteins are implicated in quiescence-related resistance to PI-induced apoptosis. These results point to possible strategies for improving the effectiveness of PIs in cancer treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2033. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2033
Atomic events at lattice steps and clusters: a direct view of crystal growth processes

The ability of the field ion microscope to depict individual metal atoms adsorbed on metal surfaces has made it feasible to directly examine the atomic events participating in crystal growth. Of special interest are phenomena occurring at lattice steps, where atoms are incorporated into the crystal. Work to define these phenomena on the atomic level has revealed a variety of processes much larger than anticipated from classical theories of growth. Such studies are briefly surveyed, with special emphasis on the diffusion of adatoms toward steps, their subsequent incorporation, atomic motion along steps, and condensation of atoms from the vapor, both on clusters and on crystal terraces.
Personality Correlates of Alcohol Consumption and Aggression in a Hispanic College Population

The authors examined the association between alcohol consumption and aggression from a personality trait perspective with 92 self-identified Hispanic college students. They partially replicated a study by Quigley, Corbett, and Tedeshi, which examined the relationships between desired image of power, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol-related aggression. Among male participants, impulsivity did not correlate with either alcohol consumption or frequency of fighting, whereas with females there was a strong positive correlation between impulsivity and alcohol consumption and a weak positive correlation between impulsivity and frequency of fighting. When the results were compared to those of Quigley et al., it was found that the Hispanic participants drank and fought less. The best predictor variable for male alcohol consumption was the desire to be viewed as “tough.” “Activity” was the primary predictor for female alcohol consumption.
Frequency-domain method for measuring spectral properties in multiple-scattering media: methemoglobin absorption spectrum in a tissuelike phantom.

We have measured the optical absorption and scattering coefficient spectra of a multiple-scattering medium (i.e., a biological tissue-simulating phantom comprising a lipid colloid) containing methemoglobin by using frequency-domain techniques. The methemoglobin absorption spectrum determined in the multiple-scattering medium is in excellent agreement with a corrected methemoglobin absorption spectrum obtained from a steady-state spectrophotometer measurement of the optical density of a minimally scattering medium. The determination of the corrected methemoglobin absorption spectrum takes into account the scattering from impurities in the methemoglobin solution containing no lipid colloid. Frequency-domain techniques allow for the separation of the absorbing from the scattering properties of multiple-scattering media, and these techniques thus provide an absolute measurement of the optical absorption spectra of the methemoglobin/lipid colloid suspension. One accurately determines the absolute methemoglob in absorption spectrum in the frequency domain by extracting the scattering and absorption coefficients from the phase shift Φ and average light intensity DC (or Φ and the amplitude of the light-intensity oscillations AC) data with relationships provided by diffusion theory, but one determines it less accurately by using the Φ and modulation M (M ≡ AC/DC) data and the diffusion theory relationships. In addition to the greater uncertainty in the absorption and scattering coefficients extracted from the Φ and M data, the optical parameters extracted from the Φ and M data exhibit systematically inaccurate behavior that cannot be explained by random noise in the system. Possible reasons for the systematically lower accuracy of the methemoglobin absorption spectrum obtained from Φ and M data are discussed.
The protein's role in triplet energy transfer in bacterial reaction centers.

When photosynthetic organisms are subjected to high-light conditions in nature, electron transfer becomes blocked as the rate of conversion of light into charge-separated states in the reaction center (RC) exceeds the capacity of the soluble carriers involved in cyclic electron transfer. In that event, a well-characterized T{sub 0}-polarized triplet state {sup T}P, is formed on the primary donor, P, from the P{sup +}H{sub A}{sup {minus}} state (reviewed in [1]). In an aerobic or semi-aerobic environment, the major role of the carotenoid (C), also bound by the RC, is to quench {sup T}P prior to its sensitization of the {sup 1}{Delta}{sub g} singlet state of oxygen--a potentially damaging biological oxidant. The carotenoid performs this function efficiently in most bacterial RCs by rapidly accepting the triplet state from P and dissipating this excited-state energy into heat through internal conversion. The lowest-lying triplet states of P and the carotenoid are sufficiently different that {sup T}P can promote oxygen to its excited singlet state whereas {sup T}C can quench the {sup T}P state (reviewed in [2]).
Lack of staining of testicular tumors by anti-sperm and anti-testis antibodies.

SummaryThe fluorescent antibody technic was employed to determine the presence of normal antigens of sperm, seminal fluid, and testis in various testicular tumors. Ten testicular tumors showed no staining with any of the antisera made to the above normal antigens. These results show that there are components unique in testis which can be stained with antibody against testis, seminal fluid and sperm but these components were not present in the several testicular tumors tested at a concentration high enough to be observed. Some differences were noted between the anti-seminal fluid, anti-sperm and anti-testis sera. The 3 sera reacted with sperm cells. Anti-sperm and anti-testis in addition to staining sperm cells reacted with stromal elements in testis. The latter serum also contained antibodies to germinal epithelium.
The tecto-thalamic connections in the brain of the rabbit,

We have correlated the tectal connections and cytoarchitecture of regions in the rabbit's midbrain and caudal thalamus. The inferior colliculus projects ipsilaterally to the central gray, superior colliculus, and via the brachium of the inferior colliculus to its interstitial nucleus and the parabrachial region of the midbrain tegmentum. From the brachium, fibers fan out to the principal and internal divisions of the medial geniculate. A smaller contralateral pathway sweeps into the contralateral inferior colliculus and in its brachium to the interstitial nucleus, the parabrachial region, and the internal and principal divisions of the medial geniculate. The superior collicular projection is mainly ipsilateral. Medially, fibers terminate in the central gray and pretectal area. Laterally, fibers ascend in the superior brachium to parabrachial region, suprageniculate pretectal nucleus, posterior complex, caudodorsal internal division of the medial geniculate, and to a discrete part of the ventral nucleus of later geniculate. A component of the commissure of Gudden originates in the rostral superior colliculus and terminates in the contralateral ventral lateral geniculate, posterior complex, pretectal area and midbrain tegmentum. Interconnections between the colliculi and overlap of their projections in the parabrachial region, the central gray, and the internal division of the medial geniculate are described.
Low-latency Mix Using Split and Merge Operations

One of the methods to maintain the anonymity of communicating nodes in a network is the mix technique. Mix networks have been subject to various traffic analysis attacks that aim at compromising the identities of these communication nodes. Our focus in this paper is to propose mix network schemes that are more robust against these attacks. To this end, we propose using traffic re-distribution techniques. Traffic re-distribution involves changing the number and size of messages in the network by splitting and merging the messages at network nodes and using variable size messages to confuse the attacker. The security and anonymity of the proposed techniques are evaluated against traffic analysis attacks. Performance analysis is provided to determine the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Studies on the deiodination of thyroid hormones in Xenopus laevis tadpoles.

Liver and tail tissues from Xenopus laevis tadpoles possess deiodinating systems capable of degrading both thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3). Deiodinating activity in liver remains at a constant level throughout late development and metamorphosis with the exception of a transient increase at stage 59, the onset of metamorphosis. Tail activity remains constant during development but rises sharply during metamorphosis when the tail is undergoing regression. In contrast to these findings on spontaneously metamorphosing tadpoles, tail tips induced to regress in vitro do not exhibit any rise in deiodinating activity, even when the tail tips are undergoing extensive autolysis. These results indicate that, while a rise in deiodinating activity may coincide temporarily with hormone action during metamorphosis, the two phenomena may be separated. The deiodinating activity present in tadpole tissues appears to be enzymic and possesses properties characteristic of peroxidase activity. The reaction catalyzed by this mechanism does not appear to involve monodeiodination and hence cannot be considered a mechanism for the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
An objective structured clinical exam in a multisite obstetrics and gynecology clerkship

An Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) was developed to test students completing a multiple site clinical clerkship. Common ambulatory problems were emphasized. The exam was given in the outpatient department where 60 students rotated through approximately 10 short problem stations. Gynecologic teaching associates, clinical staff, and others served as simulated patients. The specific stations, exam logistics, and expenses are explained. OSCEs can consistently and specifically test important clinical skills. Subjectivity, variability, and lack of structure in many evaluation systems support the use of this and other objective tools. OSCE performances were compared at different sites and to other evaluation measures. The OSCE correlated with clinical performance evaluations, but not with the National Board of Medical Examiners Subtest. Development of the exam also necessitated clarification of learning objectives for the faculty. Implementation provided insight into curriculum deficiencies.
An explicit finite difference scheme with spectral boundary conditions for particulate flows

We present an explicit finite difference scheme for solving two-dimensional particulate flow problems with a special treatment of the boundary conditions on the particle surface based on spectral solutions to the Stokes equations. This scheme allows for accurate solution of particulate flows up to a particle Reynolds number of one hundred on coarse grids (10-20 grid spacings per particle diameter). The coarse grid provides additional computational benefit by allowing for larger time steps required by the stability constraint. The method is validated and demonstrated through a number of examples, which include flow over a stationary cylinder, a cylinder moving with constant velocity, sedimentation of a free particle, the drafting, kissing, and tumbling of two particles, and 248 particles falling in a closed box.
Density-wave oscillations

Abstract Boiling flow in a steam generator, a water-cooled reactor, and other multiphase processes can be subject to instabilities. It appears that the most predominant instabilities are the so-called density-wave oscillations. They can cause difficulties for three main reasons: they may induce burnout; they may cause mechanical vibrations of components; and they create system control problems. It is the purpose of this paper to present a comprehensive review of experimental and theoretical studies concerning density-wave oscillations.
Support for the Use of Force in War: The Effect of Procedural Rule Violations and Group Membership1

To examine whether support for force in war is influenced by the proportionality of combatants' force and subjects' group membership with combatants, 215 American college students were exposed to a news transcript that factorially varied an Invading Country (U.S., England, U.S.S.R.), Invader's Tactics (moderate violence, high violence) and Defender's Tactics (nonviolence, moderate violence). Results supported a proportionality hypothesis whereby invader's force was deemed inappropriate and deserving of a prison term to the extent that invader's force was disproportionately violent to defender's force. Also, group membership moderated this effect such that force by the Soviet Union was rated as more inappropriate than identical force by the U.S. or England. Discussion addresses the role of procedural rules of conflict in support for intergroup conflict, and evidence in the current study that the moderating effect of group membership was more consistent with Sherif and Sherif's (1969) Realistic Conflict Theory than Tajfel and Turner's (1979) Social Identity Theory.
Eye-contact and the recall of material involving competitive and noncompetitive associations

On the assumption that eye-contact and avoidance is associated with anxiety increase and decrease, respectively, it was predicted that Ss would make less eye-contact with the E when recalling material involving competing associations than with material involving noncompeting associations. Using an interview situation in which the E asked for five Christian names beginning with the letter T (competitive associations) and for recitation of the alphabet (noncompetitive associations) this prediction was confirmed. The presence of an O looking, as distinct from the O not looking, produced less eye-contact in the former than in the latter task.
IL-15 in the life and death of lymphocytes: immunotherapeutic implications.

Abstract Interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 play contrasting roles in the life and death of lymphocytes. IL-2 favors the death of self-reactive lymphocytes to yield self-tolerance, whereas IL-15 favors the survival of memory CD8 + T cells. The actions of IL-15 on memory cell persistence and its inhibition of the immunological checkpoint, activation-induced cell death, enable the maintenance of long-lasting immune responses to vaccines. This supports our view that IL-15 should be used in lieu of IL-2 in the treatment of cancer and as a component of vaccines for cancer and AIDS. Furthermore, we suggest that IL-15 plays a major role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and propose that therapy involving monoclonal antibodies directed at the IL-15 receptor be evaluated in the treatment of such disorders.
Effect of dietary vitamin E and irradiation on lipid oxidation, color, and volatiles of fresh and previously frozen turkey breast patties☆

Turkey breast meat patties, prepared from the turkeys fed diets containing 0, 50, 100, or 200 IU of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate (TA) per kg diet from 84 to 112 days of age, were aerobically packaged and irradiated at 0, 1.5, or 2.5 kGy. When dietary TA was increased from 0 to 200 IU/kg diet, plasma and muscle vitamin E levels increased by 5- and 4-fold, respectively. Dietary TA at 100 IU/kg diet significantly improved the storage stability of turkey breast, and it was more distinct in irradiated than nonirradiated meats. Both irradiation and dietary TA increased a*-values of turkey breast meat, but irradiation had a stronger impact. The redness of meat decreased during the 7-day storage, but irradiated meat maintained redder color than nonirradiated. Irradiated meat produced more sulfur volatiles and aldehydes than nonirradiated meats, and dietary TA effectively reduced these compounds during storage. The effects of dietary TA on the reduction of off-odor volatiles were more distinct in previously frozen-stored meats than in fresh meats.
Ultrasonic Welding of Aluminum 6111: Reliability and Maintainability Study of Robot Mounted C-Gun Welding System

Ultrasonic metal welding (USW) is a promising joining method for aluminum automotive body construction applications. During USW, aluminum weldments are joined together by applying high frequency vibrations while holding the parts together with a moderate clamping force. In an effort to further the development of USW for high volume robotic body construction applications, a reliability and maintainability study was performed using a robotic welding cell installed in the Ford Research and Innovation Center. The robot was equipped with a modified Sonobond ultrasonic metal welder, which was mounted on a C-frame. The study consisted of welding fully overlapped 550 mm × 350 mm × 0.9mm thick AA6111-T4 aluminum panels with 330 welds on each panel until 100,000 welds were made. Consistency in welder operation was monitored by welding fully overlapped AA6111-T4 aluminum strips (25mm wide × 550 mm long × 0.9mm thick) at the end of each day’s welding and then tensile testing the strips in a T-peel configuration. There was no statistical difference in average T-peel strength over the course of the 100,000 weld study. There was also no degradation noted in lap shear failure loads between samples welded at the end of the 100,000 weld study and those generated before initiation of the study. Reliability of the USW process during this study was monitored by periodic inspection of the robot and welder joints, attachments, fittings, tip, anvil, clamps, cables, etc. Only very minor wear of the welder tip and anvil contact surfaces were noted after the study was completed. However, during the study, after 82,000 welds a small piece of aluminum was removed from between the tip grooves, even though the weld strength was unaffected by the presence of the aluminum. There were no failures of any mechanical or electrical parts during the study. In addition, primary voltage and current signals of the ultrasonic welder’s power controller were periodically recorded during the weld study and it was determined that there was no change in the electrical behavior of the welder.Copyright © 2007 by Ford Motor Company
Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on RANK gene expression in osteoclast precursors and on osteoclastogenesis.

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to determine if vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can upregulate the gene expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) in osteoclast precursors, as does CSF-1. A secondary aim was to determine if VEGF can promote osteoclastogenesis in vitro comparable to CSF-1. Design Osteoclast precursors (mononuclear cells) were incubated with different concentrations of VEGF, CSF-1, or a combination of the two, and the gene expression of RANK was determined by RT-PCR. A TRAP assay also was conducted to determine their effect on osteoclastogenesis. An Alamar blue assay was done to analyse the effect of the molecules on proliferation of the osteoclast precursors. Results VEGF upregulated RANK expression in osteoclast precursors as effectively as CSF-1. VEGF did not promote osteoclastogenesis, as did CSF-1. A combination of the two did. CSF-1 enhanced proliferation of the osteoclast precursors but VEGF did not. However, VEGF in combination with CSF-1 did increase proliferation. Conclusions At the time of the secondary burst of osteoclastogenesis prior to tooth eruption, VEGF expression in the dental follicle is high but the expression of CSF-1 is low. This study demonstrates that VEGF can fully substitute for CSF-1 to upregulate the RANK expression in osteoclast precursors that is needed for osteoclastogenesis. However, VEGF alone neither can promote osteoclastogenesis nor stimulate proliferation of the osteoclast precursors in vitro. For proliferation and osteoclastogenesis, a low dose of CSF-1 in combination with VEGF is needed.
Who do students with mild disabilities nominate as cool in inclusive general education classrooms

Abstract Examined the nominations that elementary students with mild disabilities made for peers they perceived as cool. The total sample was comprised of 948 students (496 girls, 452 boys) from the metropolitan Chicago area and North Carolina and included 107 (11.3%) students with mild disabilities. Overall, students with mild disabilities nominated prosocial and athletic peers who affiliate with students with mild disabilities. However, aggressive boys who are central in the social network were highly likely to view aggressive peers as cool. Results are discussed in relation to implications for social interventions for students with mild disabilities.
Role evaluations and stressful life events: Aggregate vs. domain-specific predictors

This research tested hypotheses that negative evaluations of important roles predict vulnerability to stress-related increases in psychological distress, that stressful events are related to increases in distress in part by increasing negative role evaluations, and that domain-specific measures are superior to aggregate measures in making such predictions. In a prospective study controlling for social desirability and initial symptoms, negative role evaluations were associated with increased vulnerability to dysphoric, but not anxious, reactions to negative life events. Negative events were associated with increases in negative role evaluations over time, and these increases accounted for much of the stress—symptom relation. Aggregate measures were better predictors of stress vulnerability, but domain-specific measures had an advantage in analyses of cognitive mediators of life events. Thus, the advantages of using aggregate vs. domain-specific measures may depend upon the aspect of the stress process under investigation.
A SAR imaging model for large-scale atmospheric inhomogeneities

This paper addresses anomalies that occasionally appear in SAR images. The cause is assumed to be atmospheric inhomogeneities. The atmospheric effect is small and should be more noticeable at longer ranges. A first order model of the SAR image formation process is developed. This model predicts secondary effects in the image that are not directly observed. The secondary effects are attributed to coupling between the image and frequency (data) space.
EVIDENCE SUPPORTING AN INTRATRIAL INTERPRETATION OF DELAYED RESPONSE PERFORMANCE OF MONKEYS

Sumnzary.-Eight 4-yr.-old lab-reared Ss received delayed response problems which were factorial combinations of 3 intertrial intervals (8, 16, and 24 sec.) and 3 inrratrial delay intervals (0, 10, and 20 sec.). Errors were directly related to delay duration, but no effect of inrertrial interval was measured. Errors were not correlated with general activity during delay intervals, but errors were related to bodily positioning. In a second experiment 6 of the same Ss were given 18sec. delay trials interrupted by lowering the opaque screen at 1, 6, and 11 sec. for durations of 1, 4, and 7 sec. While both onset time and duration were significant dimensions of screen lowering, only the combination of earliest and longest screen interruption increased errors significantly. Activity increased directly with interruption duration. These results were interpreted as supporting an intratrial performance analysis of the delayed response. Though few writers today seriously contend that the delayed response (DR) measures memory per se, there is somewhat less than unanimous agreement concerning an analysis or interpretation of the DR problem. In a recent extensive review of the DR literature, Fletcher (1965) noted one interpretation, recurring frequently under many rubrics, is that which considers the DR to be primarily an inter~rial phenomenon. Whether in terms of dominance of primary over secondary reinforcement (Yerkes & Yerkes, 1928), or random series of position discrimination reversals (Cowles, 1941; Harlow, 195 1 ) , or failure of inhibition in frontal animals particularly (Stanley 8: Jaynes, 1949; Mishkin, et al., 1962), these interpretations all stress intertrial transfer effects on the DR. In the same paper the author argued against these intertrial interpretations, however, and offered instead an intratrial performance interpretation which is essentially as follows. In the adapted and adequately motivated S, the baiting operation of each trial is assumed to elicit completely and accurately orienting behavior directed toward the baited foodwell and all contiguous stimuli. The strength of this orienting behavior is empirically demonstrated when virtually errorless performance occurs under the limiting 0-sec. delay. During actual delay intervals this orienting behavior may remain covert or it may manifest itself in certain overt responses (e.g., visual orientation, bodily positioning, etc.), and the correct instrumental response reflects the degree to which this orientation has been maintained throughout the delay interval. This maintenance is in turn affected by competing response tendencies associated with organismic factors or 'This research was in part supported by funds from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.