cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cosmological perturbations without the Boltzmann hierarchy

Calculations of the evolution of cosmological perturbations generally involve solution of a large number of coupled differential equations to describe the evolution of the multipole moments of the distribution of photon intensities and polarization. However, this ``Boltzmann hierarchy'' communicates with the rest of the system of equations for the other perturbation variables only through the photon-intensity quadrupole moment. Here I develop an alternative formulation wherein this photon-intensity quadrupole is obtained via solution of two coupled integral equations---one for the intensity quadrupole and another for the linear-polarization quadrupole---rather than the full Boltzmann hierarchy. This alternative method of calculation provides some physical insight and a cross-check for the traditional approach. I describe a simple and efficient iterative numerical solution that converges fairly quickly. I surmise that this may allow current state-of-the-art cosmological-perturbation codes to be accelerated.
On Coding for an Abstracted Nanopore Channel for DNA Storage

In the emerging field of DNA storage, data is encoded as DNA sequences and stored. The data is read out again by sequencing the stored DNA. Nanopore sequencing is a new sequencing technology that has many advantages over other methods; in particular, it is cheap, portable, and can support longer reads. While several practical coding schemes have been developed for DNA storage with nanopore sequencing, the theory is not well understood. Towards that end, we study a highly abstracted (deterministic) version of the nanopore sequencer, which highlights key features that make its analysis difficult. We develop methods and theory to understand the capacity of our abstracted model, and we propose efficient coding schemes and algorithms.
Numerical evolution of the interior geometry of charged black holes

Previously, we developed a late time approximation scheme to study the interior geometry of black holes. In the present paper we test this scheme with numerical relativity simulations. In particular, we present numerical relativity simulations of the interior geometry of charged spherically symmetric two-sided black holes with a spacelike singularity at $$r = 0$$ . Our numerics are in excellent agreement with the late time approximatoin. We also demonstrate that the geometry near $$r = 0$$ is a scalarized Kasner geometry and compute the associated Kasner exponents.
The nuclear transport factor CSE1 drives macronuclear volume increase and macronuclear node condensation in Stentor coeruleus

Summary The giant ciliate, Stentor coeruleus, provides a unique opportunity to study nuclear shape because its macronucleus undergoes a rapid, dramatic, and developmentally regulated shape change. During a 2 hour time period within cell division and regeneration, the 400 um long moniliform macronucleus condenses into a single mass, elongates into a vermiform shape, and then renodulates, returning to its original beads-on-a-string morphology.1 Previous work from the 1960’s - 1980’s demonstrated that the macronuclear shape change is a highly regulated part of cell division and regeneration, but there were no molecular studies into this process.2,3 With the recent availability of a sequenced Stentor genome, a transcriptome during regeneration, and molecular tools like RNAi, it is now possible to investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive macronuclear shape change.4–6 We found that the volume of the macronucleus increases during condensation, suggesting an inflation-like mechanism. When the nuclear transport factor, CSE1, is knocked down by RNAi, this volume increase is reduced, and the nodes are unable to fuse. This leads to a long-lasting change in nuclear morphology. We found that CSE1 is mainly cytoplasmic during interphase and in early regeneration, and then accumulates inside the macronucleus during condensation. At the end of regeneration CSE1 is degraded while the macronucleus returns to its pre-condensation volume. We propose a model in which nuclear transport via CSE1 increases the volume of the macronucleus, driving the condensation of the many nodes into a single mass.
Split Duty Cycle Coupled Multi-phase Boost-Buck Converter

The classic boost and buck cascaded converter has inductors at the input and output ports of the converters, which makes it ideal interface for bidirectional battery charging applications where accurate current control and low ripple currents are required. This paper proposes a split duty cycle coupled multi-phase variant applied to the cascaded boost-buck converter and utilizing coupled inductor features to achieve very lower current ripples at the output,lower power losses, reduction in magnetic component volume. Moreover, current sharing between each phase is inherently implemented, making it suitable for high conversion ratio bidirectional operation in a systematic energy storage applications where the low voltage port has very high current. The paper covers split duty cycle converter operation principle using coupled inductors between input and the multi-phase output. Magnetic component design and selection guidelines are presented. The proposed control method and coupled inductor structure are validated by simulation and experimental results.
Planning for Multi-stage Forceful Manipulation

Multi-stage forceful manipulation tasks, such as twisting a nut on a bolt, require reasoning over interlocking constraints over discrete and continuous choices. The robot must choose a sequence of discrete actions, or strategy, such as whether to pick up an object, and the continuous parameters of each of those actions, such as how to grasp that object. In forceful manipulation tasks, the force requirements substantially impact the choices of both strategy and parameters. To enable planning and executing forceful manipulation, we augment an existing task and motion planner with controllers that exert wrenches and constraints that explicitly consider torque and frictional limits. In two domains, opening a childproof bottle and twisting a nut, we demonstrate how the system considers a combinatorial number of strategies and how choosing actions that are robust to parameter variations impacts the choice of strategy. https://mcube.mit.edu/forceful-manipulation/
On identifiability and consistency of the nugget in Gaussian spatial process models

Spatial process models popular in geostatistics often represent the observed data as the sum of a smooth underlying process and white noise. The variation in the white noise is attributed to measurement error, or micro-scale variability, and is called the "nugget". We formally establish results on the identifiability and consistency of the nugget in spatial models based upon the Gaussian process within the framework of in-fill asymptotics, i.e. the sample size increases within a sampling domain that is bounded. Our work extends results in fixed domain asymptotics for spatial models without the nugget. More specifically, we establish the identifiability of parameters in the Matern covariance function and the consistency of their maximum likelihood estimators in the presence of discontinuities due to the nugget. We also present simulation studies to demonstrate the role of the identifiable quantities in spatial interpolation.
FedV: Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning over Vertically Partitioned Data

Federated learning (FL) has been proposed to allow collaborative training of machine learning (ML) models among multiple parties to keep their data private and only model updates are shared. Most existing approaches have focused on horizontal FL, while many real scenarios follow a vertically-partitioned FL setup, where a complete feature set is formed only when all the datasets from the parties are combined, and the labels are only available to a single party. Privacy-preserving vertical FL is challenging because complete sets of labels and features are not owned by one entity. Existing approaches for vertical FL require multiple peer-to-peer communications among parties, leading to lengthy training times, and are restricted to (approximated) linear models and just two parties. To close this gap, we propose FedV, a framework for secure gradient computation in vertical settings for several widely used ML models such as linear models, logistic regression, and support vector machines. FedV removes the need for peer-to-peer communication among parties by using functional encryption schemes and works for larger and changing sets of parties. We empirically demonstrate the applicability for multiple ML models and show a reduction of 10%-70% of training time and 80% to 90% in data transfer to the comparable state-of-the-art approaches.
Attacks on Onion Discovery and Remedies via Self-Authenticating Traditional Addresses

Onion addresses encode their own public key. They are thus self-authenticating, one of the security and privacy advantages of onion services, which are typically accessed via Tor Browser. Because of the mostly random-looking appearance of onion addresses, a number of onion discovery mechanisms have been created to permit routing to an onion address associated with a more meaningful URL, such as a registered domain name. We describe novel vulnerabilities engendered by onion discovery mechanisms recently introduced by Tor Browser that facilitate hijack and tracking of user connections. We also recall previously known hijack and tracking vulnerabilities engendered by use of alternative services that are facilitated and rendered harder to detect if the alternative service is at an onion address. Self-authenticating traditional addresses (SATAs) are valid DNS addresses or URLs that also contain a commitment to an onion public key. We describe how the use of SATAs in onion discovery counters these vulnerabilities. SATAs also expand the value of onion discovery by facilitating self-authenticated access from browsers that do not connect to services via the Tor network.
Variational Self-Consistent Theory for Beam-Loaded Cavities

A variational theory is presented for beam loading in microwave cavities. The beam-field interaction is formulated as a dynamical interaction whose stationarity according to Hamilton's principle will naturally lead to steady-state solutions that indicate how a cavity's resonant frequency, $Q$, and optimal coupling coefficient will detune as a result of the beam loading. A driven cavity Lagrangian is derived from first principles, including the effects of cavity-wall losses, input power, and beam interaction. The general formulation is applied to a typical klystron input cavity to predict the appropriate detuning parameters required to maximize the gain (or modulation depth) in the average Lorentz factor boost, $⟨\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\ensuremath{\gamma}⟩$. Numerical examples are presented, showing agreement with the general detuning trends previously observed in the literature. The developed formulation carries several advantages for the analysis and design of beam-loaded cavity structures. It provides a self-consistent model for the dynamical (nonlinear) beam-field interaction, a procedure for maximizing gain under beam-loading conditions, and a useful set of parameters to guide cavity-shape optimization during the design of beam-loaded systems. Enhanced clarity of the physical picture underlying the problem seems to be gained using this approach, allowing straightforward inclusion or exclusion of different field configurations in the calculation and expressing the final results in terms of measurable quantities. Two field configurations are discussed for the klystron input cavity, using finite magnetic confinement or no confinement at all. Formulating the problem in a language that is directly accessible to the powerful techniques found in Hamiltonian dynamics and canonical transformations may potentially carry an additional advantage in terms of analytical computational gains, under suitable conditions.
A Public Transit Network Optimization Model for Equitable Access to Social Services

We present a flexible public transit network design model which optimizes a social access objective while guaranteeing that the system’s costs and transit times remain within a preset margin of their current levels. The purpose of the model is to find a set of minor, immediate modifications to an existing bus network that can give more communities access to the chosen services while having a minimal impact on the current network’s operator costs and user costs. Design decisions consist of reallocation of existing resources in order to adjust line frequencies and capacities. We present a hybrid tabu search/simulated annealing algorithm for the solution of this optimization-based model. As a case study we apply the model to the problem of improving equity of access to primary health care facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area. The results of the model suggest that it is possible to achieve better primary care access equity through reassignment of existing buses and implementation of express runs, while leaving overall service levels relatively unaffected.
Learning Equilibria in Matching Markets from Bandit Feedback

Large-scale, two-sided matching platforms must find market outcomes that align with user preferences while simultaneously learning these preferences from data. However, since preferences are inherently uncertain during learning, the classical notion of stability (Gale and Shapley, 1962; Shapley and Shubik, 1971) is unattainable in these settings. To bridge this gap, we develop a framework and algorithms for learning stable market outcomes under uncertainty. Our primary setting is matching with transferable utilities, where the platform both matches agents and sets monetary transfers between them. We design an incentive-aware learning objective that captures the distance of a market outcome from equilibrium. Using this objective, we analyze the complexity of learning as a function of preference structure, casting learning as a stochastic multi-armed bandit problem. Algorithmically, we show that "optimism in the face of uncertainty," the principle underlying many bandit algorithms, applies to a primal-dual formulation of matching with transfers and leads to near-optimal regret bounds. Our work takes a first step toward elucidating when and how stable matchings arise in large, data-driven marketplaces.
Can fMRI reveal the representation of syntactic structure in the brain

While studying semantics in the brain, neuroscientists use two approaches. One is to identify areas that are correlated with semantic processing load. Another is to find areas that are predicted by the semantic representation of the stimulus words. However, in the domain of syntax, most studies have focused only on identifying areas correlated with syntactic processing load. One possible reason for this discrepancy is that representing syntactic structure in an embedding space such that it can be used to model brain activity is a non-trivial computational problem. Another possible reason is that it is unclear if the low signal-to-noise ratio of neuroimaging tools such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) can allow us to reveal correlates of complex (and perhaps subtle) syntactic representations. In this study, we propose novel multi-dimensional features that encode information about the syntactic structure of sentences. Using these features and fMRI recordings of participants reading a natural text, we model the brain representation of syntax. First, we find that our syntactic structure-based features explain additional variance in the brain activity of various parts of the language system, even after controlling for complexity metrics that capture processing load. At the same time, we see that regions well-predicted by syntactic features are distributed in the language system and are not distinguishable from those processing semantics.
The polarization dependence of 2D IR cross-peaks distinguishes parallel-stranded and antiparallel-stranded DNA G-quadruplexes.

Abstract Guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences have a tendency to form four-stranded non-canonical motifs known as G-quadruplexes. These motifs may adopt a wide range of structures characterized by size, strand orientation, guanine base conformation, and fold topology. Using three K+-bound model systems, we show that vibrational coupling between guanine C6=O and ring modes varies between parallel-stranded and antiparallel-stranded G-quadruplexes, and that such structures can be distinguished by comparison of the polarization dependences of cross-peaks in their two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectra. Combined with previously defined vibrational frequency trends, this analysis reveals key features of a 30-nucleotide unimolecular variant of the Bcl-2 proximal promoter that are consistent with its reported structure. This study shows that 2D IR spectroscopy is a convenient method for analyzing G-quadruplex structures that can be applied to complex sequences where traditional high-resolution methods are limited by solubility and disorder.
Transcendental Julia sets with fractional packing dimension

We construct a family of transcendental entire functions whose Julia sets have packing dimension in $(1,2)$. These are the first examples where the computed packing dimension is not $1$ or $2$. Our construction will allow us further show that the set of packing dimensions attained is dense in the interval $(1,2)$, and that the Hausdorff dimension of the Julia sets can be made arbitrarily close to the corresponding packing dimension.
CrossFit: A Few-shot Learning Challenge for Cross-task Generalization in NLP.

Humans can learn a new language task efficiently with only few examples, by leveraging their knowledge obtained when learning prior tasks. In this paper, we explore whether and how such cross-task generalization ability can be acquired, and further applied to build better few-shot learners across diverse NLP tasks. We introduce CrossFit, a problem setup for studying cross-task generalization ability, which standardizes seen/unseen task partitions, data access during different learning stages, and the evaluation protocols. To instantiate different seen/unseen task partitions in CrossFit and facilitate in-depth analysis, we present the NLP Few-shot Gym, a repository of 160 diverse few-shot NLP tasks created from open-access NLP datasets and converted to a unified text-to-text format. Our analysis reveals that the few-shot learning ability on unseen tasks can be improved via an upstream learning stage using a set of seen tasks. We also observe that the selection of upstream learning tasks can significantly influence few-shot performance on unseen tasks, asking further analysis on task similarity and transferability.
Self-referential discs and the light bulb lemma

We show how self-referential discs in 4-manifolds lead to the construction of pairs of discs with a common geometrically dual sphere which are homotopic rel $\partial$, concordant and coincide near their boundaries, yet are not properly isotopic. This occurs in manifolds without 2-torsion in their fundamental group, e.g. the boundary connect sum of $S^2\times D^2$ and $S^1\times B^3$, thereby exhibiting phenomena not seen with spheres. On the other hand we show that two such discs are isotopic rel $\partial$ if the manifold is simply connected. We construct in $S^2\times D^2\natural S^1\times B^3$ a properly embedded 3-ball properly homotopic to a $z_0\times B^3$ but not properly isotopic to $z_0\times B^3$.
Ballistic ΔS = 2 intersystem crossing in a cobalt cubane following ligand-field excitation probed by extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy

Femtosecond M2,3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy is used to probe the excited-state dynamics of the cobalt cubane [CoIII4O4](OAc)4(py)4 (OAc = acetate, py = pyridine), a model for water oxidation catalysts. After ligand-field excitation, intersystem crossing (ISC) to a metal-centered quintet occurs in 38 fs. 30% of the hot quintet undergoes ballistic back-ISC directly to the singlet ground state, with the remainder relaxing to a long-lived triplet.
Defect coverage of boundary-scan tests: what does it mean when a boundary-scan test passes?

A new coverage definition and metric, called the 'PCOLA/SOQ" model, introduced in K. Hird et al. (2002), has great utility in allowing the test coverage of defects on boards to be measured and compared rationally. This paper discusses the general topic of measuring test coverage of boundary-scan tests within this framework. A conclusion is that boundary-scan tests offer a large amount of test coverage when boundary-scan is implemented on a board, even if that implementation is partial. However, coverage is not perfect for certain defects in the PCOLA/SOQ model, as shown by example.
Differential chromosomal effects of carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic substances: An experimental study on the mouse☆

Abstract In the mouse, lesions resembling carcinoma in situ are induced by repeated topical application of methylcholanthrene and podophyllin. Methylcholanthrene is a known carcinogen, podophyllin is not. The present study was undertaken to compare the chromosomal effects of these substances. A single application of methylcholanthrene induced no discernible differences when compared with controls. A single application for podophyllin produced numerous mitotic figures. All but two were metaphases and all nuclei contained the species chromosome number. Among the animals receiving repeated methylcholanthrene applications, most chromosomes appeared morphologically identical to the controls; however, a number of metaphase figures had grossly distorted chromosomes and appeared dead or dying or entirely beyond the usual mitotic controls. Among the animals receiving repeated podophyllin applications a large number of nuclei contained twice the species chromosome number (80). Chromosome coalescence was found only in this group and probably is the phenomenon responsible for the malignant appearance of podophyllin-treated cells.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in patients with previous abdominal surgery: single center experience

Background The aim of this study is to report our single center experience with robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients with history of previous abdominal surgery (PAS). Methods Medical records of patients who underwent RPN for a single renal mass in our center from 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients were divided in two groups: those who had history of PAS and those without history of PAS. Within the PAS group, four sub-groups were considered: (a) remote site of PAS in relation to RPN; (b) PAS in the proximity of RPN site; (c) previous umbilical hernia/abdominal hernia mesh repair; (d) major PAS. Results In total 627 patients were analyzed, and of these 321 patients had history of PAS (51.2%). On univariable and multivariable analyses, only Charlson Comorbidity Index, estimated blood loss, and tumor size were the significant predictors of complications. Conclusions RPN can be safely performed in patients with history of PAS with surgical outcomes comparable with those obtained in patients without history of PAS. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Hull Normal Approach for Determining the Size of Cylindrical Features

In coordinate metrology, discrete data is sampled from a continuous form to assess the manufactured feature’s deviation from its design specifications. Although coordinate measuring machines have a high degree of accuracy, the unsampled portion of the manufactured object cannot be completely described. The definition of cylindrical size for an external feature as specified by ASME Y14.5.1M-1994 [1,2] matches the analytical definition of a minimum circumscribing cylinder (MCC) when Rule #1 is applied. Even though the MCC is a logical analysis technique for size determination, it is highly sensitive to the sampling method and any uncertainties encountered in that process. Determining the least-sum-of-squares solution is an alternative method commonly utilized in size determination. However, the least-squares formulation seeks an optimal solution not based on the cylindrical size definition [1,2], and hence has been shown to be biased [6,7]. This research presents a novel Hull Normal method for size determination of cylindrical bosses. The goal of the proposed method is to recreate the sampled surface using computational geometry methods and determine the cylinder’s axis and radius based upon the reconstructed surface. Through varying the random sample size of data from an actual measured part, repetitive analyses resulted in the Hull Normal method having a lower bias and distributions that were skewed towards the true value of the radius.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Reconstruction of an Entire Metacarpal and Metacarpophalangeal Joint Using a Fibular Osteocutaneous Free Flap and Silicone Arthroplasty

Radical resection of the entire ring finger metacarpal for a giant cell tumor resulted in a bony defect extending from the distal surface of the hamate to the proximal surface of the proximal phalanx. We reconstructed the metacarpal with a custom-contoured free fibular osteocutaneous flap and maintained motion at the new fibulophalangeal joint using a silicone arthroplasty. At 4.5 years postoperatively, the patient has shown no signs of recurrence of the giant cell tumor. The silicone arthroplasty has maintained 15° to 85° of motion at the new joint. Because of its similar shape to a metacarpal and because it allows faster bony healing compared with a nonvascularized fibular bone graft, a free vascularized fibular bone graft is an ideal candidate for reconstruction of extensive defects of the metacarpals, and placement of a silicone spacer in its distal medullary cavity can preserve motion at the new metacarpophalangeal joint.
Validating techniques to sample behavior of confined, young pigs

Abstract Ten 1-h segments of videotaped behavior served as the population from which behavior was sampled. Half of the videotape segments were behaviors of recently re-grouped and aggressive pigs and the remaining segments were of the later socially-stable groups. Attack, feeding, drinking, lying, moving and standing were recorded. Time-sampling (recording less than the full periods) resulted in acceptable correlations and mean values when sampling periods were greater than 20 min per hour. Focal animal sampling was an accurate sampling technique for all behaviors except attack. Observing videotapes at 4 times faster than life provided an accurate sample of all behaviors, but viewing tapes 24 times faster than life was inaccurate for drinking and feeding behavior. These results highlight the need for validation of sampling techniques for studies measuring pig behavior.
DISTRIBUTIONAL TESTING OF DATA FROM MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

A common characteristic of classical variance investigation models includes the assumptions that the in-control cost observations from manufacturing processes are independently and normally distributed. The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the appropriateness of the above assumptions in an accounting setting. Several sets of data generated from manufacturing processes were examined, with the following results. First, normality and independence assumptions appeared to be violated with the daily data. In addition, several transformations commonly employed in the statistics literature did not alter this conclusion. Second, the above assumptions were not violated with the weekly data. It was then demonstrated that these findings will, in general, hold. These results, subject to the inherent limitations of a case study approach, led to the following inferences and recommendations. Using classical statistical techniques and daily data to control a process incurs costs that have been previously overlooked, costs resulting from distributional assumption violations. If these costs exceed the benefits of using daily data, a manager should (1) use classical techniques to monitor weekly data, (2) use Tchebycheff inequalities to monitor daily data, and/or (3) use variance investigation models that more formally incorporate the serial dependencies of daily data.
Experimental MOS C-V data in strong inversion

Experimental capacitance-voltage ( C-V ) data are presented to verify recent theories of surface minority carrier redistribution in MOS capacitors biased near strong inversion. The surface layer of minority carriers shunts a portion of the surface space-charge layer resulting in a small capacitance minimum and a slightly larger asymptotic capacitance in strong inversion than predicted by older theory. The agreement between the experiment and the recent theory is very good. The experimental asymptotic capacitance in strong inversion is slightly larger than predicted. This discrepancy is attributable to the surface quantization effect not contained in the recent theory.
Reduction of layover distortion in SAR imagery

Abstract Layover distortion in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery is interpreted as the result of the inability of an obliquely oriented remote sensor to distinguish the horizontal and vertical components of its range measurement. A geometric model of the SAR imaging process is employed in conjunction with digital terrain elevation data to simulate the layover distortion inherent in a Seasat SAR image of a mountainous scene. The simulated layover database is then used to solve the inverse imaging problem, which is to reduce layover distortion by geographically redistributing concentrations of the SAR image amplitude that can be attributed to the focusing influence of mountain slopes that face the radar. Cross-correlation and classification statistics are used to compare the results with an aerial photograph. Two classes of terrain are distinguished. These correspond to positive and negative correlations of radar and optical reflectivities for different surface textures. They also correspond to higher and lower scene elevations. These two classes of terrain reflectivity are misregistered by about 160 m along the SAR track and are separated by about 60 m in mean elevation. The misregistration is shown to be consistent with the clutterlock and autofocus procedures employed by the SAR scene correlator as it responds to the variance in the earth's relative rotational velocity over the three-dimensional terrain.
Role of annexin II in estrogen-induced macrophage matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity: The modulating effect of statins

Annexin II (ANXII) is a receptor for tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen for the conversion to plasmin, which, in turn, induces metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). 17beta-Estradiol (E(2)) is reported to decrease plasminogen activity inhibitor-1 and increase plasmin and matrix metalloproteinase activity. However, the combined effects of estrogen and statins on macrophage MMP-9 activity and ANXII expression remain unclear. Treatment of J774A.1 macrophages with 1.0-100 nM of E(2) for 24h increased both MMP-9 activity and ANXII expression in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Preincubation with EGTA (10mM) released ANXII from the cell membrane and inhibited the E(2)-mediated MMP-9 activity as did incubation of macrophages with anti-annexin IgG. In the presence or absence of E(2) (5 nM), simvastatin treatment in the range of 0.1-5.0 microM significantly reduced macrophage MMP-9 enzymatic activity (p<0.005) in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence or absence of E(2), simvastatin also decreased ANXII expression (p<0.05). These findings indicate that ANXII plays a central role in modulating the enzymatic activity of MMP-9 in response to E(2) and that E(2)-mediated ANXII expression and MMP-9 activity can be prevented by simvastatin. Prevention of E(2)-mediated activation of MMP-9 by simvastatin suggests that concurrent statin use may account for early event risk of myocardial infarction seen with hormone therapy in recent clinical trials.
Soil solution and extractable calcium in gypsumamended coastal plain soils used for peanut culture

Abstract Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fruits absorb Ca directly from the soil solution; therefore, the concentration of soil solution Ca in the fruiting zone (0–8 cm) is important in determining the availability of adequate Ca during fruit development. Since the critical period for Ca requirement for peanut fruit may extend from 25–65 d after flowering, a measure of extractable Ca (Quantity factor) is also important in determining the replenishment of soil solution Ca over the fruiting period. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying soil moisture regimes on soil solution and extractable Ca in gypsumamended Bonifay sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic, grossarenic, Plinthic Paleudult) and Greenville sandy loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Kandiudult) soils over a 70‐d period. Soil solution Ca increased in both soils with increasing soil moisture, 14 d after incubation of gypsum‐amended soils. Subsequently, the soil solution Ca decreased for all moisture regimes in the Bonifay...
Magnetic-amplifier design part I ¿ The core

A practical approach is developed for the design of the toroidal magnetic amplifier, based on synthesizing the design from design charts, and thus avoiding the necessity of having available detailed data from previous equipment. Starting with a known power supply frequency, together with a desired gain and time constant, the load voltage and current are utilized in determining the core. With the core specified, additional charts are presented for the winding layout design. The usual heat transfer and resistance computations serve as a check on the initial design synthesis and these complete the design process. A straightforward and practical step-by-step design procedure is outlined. This paper, the first of two on this subject, is concerned with the design approach and the core determination. Part II will cover the windings and the completion of the design.
Pine genes regulated by the necrotrophic pathogen Fusarium circinatum

A targeted genomics approach was used to construct a cDNA array of potential pathogen-regulated genes for investigating host–pathogen interactions in pine trees (Pinus species). This array, containing a nonredundant set of 311 cDNAs, was assembled by combining smaller sets of cDNAs generated by differential display or suppression subtraction hybridization using a variety of pathogen treatments and elicitors. The array was probed to identify host genes regulated by Fusarium circinatum, a necrotrophic fungus that incites pitch canker disease on pine stems. A set of 29 cDNAs were induced during the disease state. Notably, cDNAs on the array that were derived from experiments with fusiform rust, incited by Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme (a biotrophic fungus) were unregulated by Fusarium. The results imply distinct genetic responses in pine to diseases incited by necrotrophs and biotrophs. This cDNA collection expands the genomics toolkit for understanding interactions between conifers and their microbial associates in forest ecosystems.
Strong Transfer Function Links Thin-Section Data to Reservoir Physics: ABSTRACT

Thin sections carry considerable precise quantitative information concerning physical properties of the rock such as permeability, log response, and acoustic phenomena. This information is not obtained through conventional petrographic procedures such as point counting or simple linear measurements made with a graduated ocular. Instead, multispectral-image-analysis techniques are required. Critical parameters of such a system include: (1) selection of correct magnifications; (2) selection of proper spectral bands; (3) construction of a high precision digital filter able to define precisely grain and pore boundaries at the upper surface of the section; (4) identification of an algorithm to express in useful fashion the complex geometries of grain and pore as well as correc ly identify minerals and mineral phases; and (5) development of software to analyze such data. Output data is copious--for example, more than 80 variables are used to describe pore size and geometry. The result, however, is precise estimation of such properties as permeability and identification of pore characteristics associated with enhanced or reduced permeability. The procedure at present requires minicomputer-level hardware for optimal data acquisition and processing. End_of_Article - Last_Page 473------------
Minimum reconstruction error in feature-specific imaging

We describe theoretical and experimental results for a new class of optimal features for feature-specific imaging (FSI). In this paper, we theoretically solve the reconstruction problem without noise, and find a more general solution than principle component analysis (PCA). We present a generalized framework to find FSI projection matrices. Using Stochastic Tunneling, we find an optimal solution in the presence of noise and under an energy conservation constraint. We also show that a non-negativity requirement does not significantly reduce system performance. Finally, we propose an experimental system for FSI using a polarization-based optical pipeline processor.
High Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Analysis of the Entire Range of Intact Singly-Charged Proteins

The proof of principle for high-resolution analysis of intact singly charged proteins of any size is presented. Singly charged protein ions were produced by electrospray ionization followed by surface-induced charge reduction at atmospheric pressure. The inlet and trapping system "stops" the forward momentum of the protein ions over a very broad range to be captured by the digitally produced electric fields of a large radius linear ion trap whereupon they are moved into a smaller radius linear ion trap and collected and concentrated in front of its exit end-cap electrode using digital waveform manipulation. The protein ions are then ejected on demand from the end of the small radius linear quadrupole in a tightly collimated ion beam with an instrumentally defined kinetic energy into the acceleration region of an orthogonal acceleration reflectron time-of-flight mass analyzer where their flight times were measured and detected with a Photonis BiPolar TOF detector. We present results that clearly prove that massive singly charged ions can yield high-resolution mass spectra with very low chemical noise and without loss of sensitivity with increasing mass across the entire spectrum. Analysis of noncovalently bound protein complexes was demonstrated with streptavidin-Cy5 bound with a biotinylated peptide mimic. Our results suggest proteins across the entire range can be directly quantified using our mass analysis technique. We present evidence that solvent molecules noncovalently adduct onto the proteins while yielding consistent flight time distributions. Finally, we provide a look into future that will result from the ability to rapidly measure and quantify protein distributions.
Monitoring flow rates and retention of inhalation techniques using the in-check dial device in adult asthmatics

The In-Check-Dial (Alliance Tech Medical, Granburg, TX) was used to determine adequacy of inhalation techniques and teaching of two different devices. Retention of adequate techniques, was assessed in 234 moderate to severe asthmatics. Inhalation techniques were assessed at periodic follow-ups divided into less than 1 month return visit, between 1 and 3 months, 3 to less than 6 months, and 6 months to less than 1 year. Proper inhalation techniques worsened at greater than 3 months after the last instruction. The use of the In-Check-Dial is a useful tool in teaching proper technique and monitoring the patient's ability to correctly use inhalation devices.
Born Amid Bullets

Different forms of violence are enveloping territories of urban relegation in Latin America. Sociologist Javier Auyero examines how children and adolescents have become familiarized with diverse ty...
A 768-lane microfabricated system for high-throughput DNA sequencing

A 768-lane DNA sequencing system based on microfluidic plates has been designed as a near-term successor to 96-lane capillary arrays. Electrophoretic separations are implemented for the first time in large-format (25 cm × 50 cm) microdevices, with the objective of proving realistic read length, parallelism, and the scaled sample requirements for long-read de novo sequencing. Two 384-lane plates are alternatively cycled between electrophoresis and regeneration via a robotic pipettor. A total of greater than 172000 bases, 99% accuracy (corresponding to quality score 20) is achieved for each iteration of a 384 lane plate. At current operating conditions, this implies a system throughput exceeding 4 megabases of raw sequence (Phred 20) per day on the new platform. Standard operation is at “1/32×” Sanger chemistry, equal to typical genome center operation on mature capillary array machines, and a 16-fold improvement in scaling relative to previous microfabricated devices. Experiments provide evidence that sample concentration can be further reduced to 1/256× Sanger chemistry in the microdevice. Life-testing indicates a usable life of >150 hours (more than 50 runs) for the 384 lane plates. The combined advances, particularly those in read length and sample requirement, directly address the cost model requirements for adaptation of the new technology as the next step beyond capillary array instruments.
Absorption saturation and gain in pulsed CH3F lasers

Abstract A time dependent, rate equation model is proposed to describe the main features of pump absorption and gain in pulsed CH 3 F lasers. The agreement with recent absorption and output power measurements indicates that the concepts derived from this theory are relevant to the design of more efficient pulsed FIR sources.
Differences in Fracture Characteristics and Related Production: Mesaverde Formation, Northwestern Colorado

Etude des fractures naturelles et de leur importance dans la production de gaz. Analyse de quatre types de roches magasins dans la formation Mesaverde: strate de gres, gres lenticulaire d'une plaine deltaique et d'une region cotiere, gres fluvial
Left vs. right‐hemisphere regulation of aggressive behaviors in Anolis carolinensis: Effects of eye‐patching and fluoxetine administration

Two experiments examined aggressive responding in Anolis carolinensis. In experiment one, ten adult male anoles had either their left (LEP) or right (REP) eye patched and were then subjected to ten behavioral trials during which a second male was introduced into the cage. Greater numbers of headbobs, or bites, were observed during the LEP condition, while greater numbers of dewlaps and head bobs were observed during the REP condition. In addition, while baseline skin color showed no difference between groups, by the completion of the trials LEP greened, while REP browned. Changes in skin color were correlated with aggressive responding, with a “greening effect” showing high correlation with increased aggression, while browning was associated with decreased responding. In experiment two, 15 unpatched A. carolinensis males served as subjects and were subjected to 19 5 min trials during which an antagonistic male was placed into the cage. In these subjects, a preference for left-eye aggression was found to develop over the course of the first 6 days of training, while a decrease in use of the right eye simultaneously occurred. Following injection with fluoxetine, a decrease in aggressive responding in both the right and left eyes was found in comparison to the control group. Collectively, these results suggest that the lateralized control of aggression in A. carolinensis is more complicated than suggested by observation of unpatched subjects, although in both conditions the social assertation response (i.e., dewlaps plus headbobbing) is predominantly under the control of the left eye/right hemisphere. J. Exp. Zool. 278:9–21, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of layer properties on stress evolution, intermetallic volume, and density during tin whisker formation

Compressive stress due to intermetallic (IMC) growth appears to be the main driving force for whisker formation, but many of the underlying mechanisms relating the IMC to stress and whisker formation are not understood. To better understand these fundamental processes, we have measured IMC, stress and whisker evolution in Sn layers deposited on Cu. We present systematic results of the effect of changing the Sn layer structure by modifying the grain size, thickness, Pb content, microstructure, and IMC morphology/growth kinetics. We have also made corresponding measurements of the mechanical properties of the Sn with similar changes in the structure and composition without the growth of IMC. We show that modifications that enhance the stress relaxation in the Sn also lead to reduced whisker growth.
Agricultural price policies and political interest group competition

Abstract A conceptual model is specified that expresses gains from policy as a function of interest group political expenditures. The model is used to derive relationships between market structure and nominal protection for agricultural commodities. The model accounts for variables that affect the relative political power and the deadweight costs associated with policy to tax or subsidize farm products. Reduced-form equations are tested to explain adjusted nominal protection in a pooled sample of commodities from 34 countries. Measures of market structure, net trade with the rest of the world, government consumption, and the level of development of each country are included as explanatory variables.