cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle re-emission during irradiation

Abstract A model of implanted gas concentration leading to surface blistering and re-emission of particles during irradiation is presented. The model assumes that particles diffuse from a Gaussian source which is independent of time and involves the solution of the time-dependent diffusion equation with a source term. The source is calculated assuming a Gaussian form with range and straggling obtained from Lindhard-Scharff-Schiott theory. The solution involves the Green's function for a general source term and finally a numerical integration. The re-emitted flux due to diffusion is also calculated as a function of time. The maximum concentration C m (x,t) of particles in the solid at distance x from the surface at any time t is the crucial parameter. When C m ⩾ p c NA anywhere in the implanted material, an interconnected region is assumed to form. N is the atomic density of the target material and A the area of implant. The critical concentration p c is taken to be the concentration required for the onset of percolation ( p c ≅ 0.24 for a b.c.c. lattice). An effective diffusion coefficient for He in Nb at ≈400° C (and Pd at −170°C) is extracted from experimental data and used to predict the dependence of the critical dose on the current density. The fractional release and rate of re-emission during irradiation are also calculated as a function of implanted dose.
Policy-Based Adaptive Routing in Mobile Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

This paper investigates policy-based adaptive routing for mobile ad hoc networks (MANET's), in which routing metric, routing algorithm parameters and/or protocol selection can be controlled in response to observed performance and external service needs. We propose an adaptive routing framework which allows introduction of adjustable parameters and programmable routing modules. Control information is disseminated through the network to exchange state variables, and a global distributed policy manager is responsible for the adaptive operations at nodes of the network. The proposed architecture can support two types of adaptive mechanisms: the first involves switched selection between a set of routing protocols options or metrics, while the second is based on an integrated routing algorithm which incorporates adaptation of key network state parameters such as link speed or congestion. Example algorithms and simulation results are given, which show that adaptive routing help achieve the desired system performance under the dynamically changing network conditions.
A 100-kV, 2-kA, 2.5-/spl mu/S pulser for developing and calibrating long-pulse diagnostics

The development of voltage and current probes for measuring an electron beam's current and position associated with several microsecond-long pulses from advanced linear induction accelerators requires a precision pulser that can deliver both high voltages and high currents to a diagnostics test line. Seven-stage, type-E PFNs have been utilized in both a transformer and 4-stage Marx (plus/minus) configuration. The resulting 50-ohm pulser delivers to the test line a repeatable 100 kV, /spl sim/2 /spl mu/s flat-top (/spl plusmn/1%), 2.5 /spl mu/s FWHM pulse with a rise time of 500 ns and 175 ns for the transformer and Marx options, respectively. Methods of reducing the rise time for both options are discussed and modeled. The coaxial test line is insulated at up to two atmospheres with SF/sub 6/ and includes two transition regions to hold and test different diameter beam current and position monitors (BPMs). The center conductor incorporates both translation and tip/tilt with an accuracy of 100 /spl mu/m. Finally, the line is terminated in a matched radial resistor that provides a planar region at fields up to 40 kV/cm for the testing of voltage probes. Both the transformer and Marx options are modeled and compared to experimental results.
Effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in sterilizing cervical nodal disease in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Objective: Determine effects of chemoradiotherapy on nodal disease in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Study Design: Matched case-control study. Methods: A series of neck dissections (ND) performed for SCCA of the head and neck was retrospectively reviewed. Three groups were identified: 1) planned ND after chemoradiotherapy, 2) ND after radiotherapy alone, and 3) ND before adjuvant therapy (control group). Demographic data, tumor-node-metastasis stage, and pathology were reviewed. Total number of nodes recovered, number of positive nodes, and extracapsular spread (ECS) were recorded. To each patient in the chemoradiotherapy group, a randomly matched dissection in the control group was identified, matching for preoperative N stage and ND type (comprehensive, supraomohyoid, or selective). Comparisons were conducted for total nodes, presence of positive nodes, and ECS. Similar matched comparisons were conducted for ND after radiotherapy alone versus the control group. Results: Ninety-seven NDs (NO = 10 cases, N1 = 9, N2 = 69, and N3 = 9) were matched to control NDs without previous therapy. Total nodal yield was not statistically different between chemoradiotherapy and control groups (23.5 vs. 23.0 nodes, respectively, P = .77). Positive nodal yield was significantly lower for chemoradiotherapy versus control dissections (0.76 vs. 3.0, P < .001). The percent of chemoradiotherapy dissections recovered as positive nodes was 24.7% versus 68.0% of the control group (P <.001). ECS was identified in 13.4% of the chemoradiotherapy group versus 32.0% of the control group (P =.002). Radiotherapy alone produced less pronounced nodal reductions. Conclusions: Chemoradiotherapy substantially decreases nodal disease and ECS in SCCA. However, a significant percentage of necks contain positive nodes after therapy, meriting consideration for ND.
Effect of Phase Delay on Low Frequency Operation of Flux Focusing Eddy Current Probe

The operation of the Flux Focusing Eddy Current Probe has been found to yield critical information on the thickness of the material being inspected [1–2]. The design of the probe forces the low frequency magnetic fields to diffuse through the sample in order to link with the pickup coil. An attenuation of the magnetic field results such that the pickup coil output is inversely related to the material thickness [2]. In extending the technique to thicker and/or layered materials, however, an apparently anomalous behavior is sometimes seen in which a small increase in the probe output occurs with increasing material thickness. This paper will clarify the underlying principles involved with the probe during low frequency operation and explain the apparent anomaly in terms of the phase shifting of the magnetic field with diffusion depth. A phasor addition model will be presented which accounts for the observed experimental results, and implications of the phenomena on material testing will be discussed.
Integrating multi-platform genomic data using hierarchical Bayesian relevance vector machines

Recent advances in genome technologies and the subsequent collection of genomic information at various molecular resolutions hold promise to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic targets. A critical step in achieving these goals is to develop efficient clinical prediction models that integrate these diverse sources of high-throughput data. This step is challenging due to the presence of high-dimensionality and complex interactions in the data. For predicting relevant clinical outcomes, we propose a flexible statistical machine learning approach that acknowledges and models the interaction between platform-specific measurements through nonlinear kernel machines and borrows information within and between platforms through a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Our model has parameters with direct interpretations in terms of the effects of platforms and data interactions within and across platforms. The parameter estimation algorithm in our model uses a computationally efficient variational Bayes approach that scales well to large high-throughput datasets. We apply our methods of integrating gene/mRNA expression and microRNA profiles for predicting patient survival times to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) dataset. In terms of prediction accuracy, we show that our non-linear and interaction-based integrative methods perform better than linear alternatives and non-integrative methods that do not account for interactions between the platforms. We also find several prognostic mRNAs and microRNAs that are related to tumor invasion and are known to drive tumor metastasis and severe inflammatory response in GBM. In addition, our analysis reveals several interesting mRNA and microRNA interactions that have known implications in the etiology of GBM. Our approach gains its flexibility and power by modeling the non-linear interaction structures between and within the platforms. Our framework is a useful tool for biomedical researchers, since clinical prediction using multi-platform genomic information is an important step towards personalized treatment of many cancers. We have a freely available software at: http://odin.mdacc.tmc.edu/~vbaladan .
Endogenous versus Exogenous DNA Adducts: Their Role in Carcinogenesis, Epidemiology, and Risk Assessment

There is a strong need for science-based risk assessment that utilizes known data from diverse sources to arrive at accurate assessments of human health risk. Such assessments will protect the public health without mandating unreasonable regulation. This paper utilizes 30 years of research on three “known human carcinogens”: formaldehyde, vinyl chloride (VC), and ethylene oxide (EO), each of which forms DNA adducts identical to endogenous DNA adducts in all individuals. It outlines quantitative data on endogenous adducts, mutagenicity, and relationships between endogenous and exogenous adducts. Formaldehyde has the richest data set, with quantitative data on endogenous and exogenous DNA adducts from the same samples. The review elaborates on how such data can be used to inform the current risk assessment on formaldehyde, including both the biological plausibility and accuracy of projected risks. Finally, it extends the thought process to VC, EO, and additional areas of potential research, pointing out needs, nuances, and potential paths forward to improved understanding that will lead to strong science-based risk assessment.
Viral DNA Replication-Dependent DNA Damage Response Activation during BK Polyomavirus Infection

ABSTRACT BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) reactivation is associated with severe human disease in kidney and bone marrow transplant patients. The interplay between viral and host factors that regulates the productive infection process remains poorly understood. We have previously reported that the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) is activated upon lytic BKPyV infection and that its activation is required for optimal viral replication in primary kidney epithelial cells. In this report, we set out to determine what viral components are responsible for activating the two major phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-like kinases (PI3KKs) involved in the DDR: ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase and ATM and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase. Using a combination of UV treatment, lentivirus transduction, and mutant virus infection experiments, our results demonstrate that neither the input virus nor the expression of large T antigen (TAg) alone is sufficient to trigger the activation of ATM or ATR in our primary culture model. Instead, our data suggest that the activation of both the ATM- and ATR-mediated DDR pathways is linked to viral DNA replication. Intriguingly, a TAg mutant virus that is unable to activate the DDR causes substantial host DNA damage. Our study provides insight into how DDRs are activated by polyomaviruses in primary cells with intact cell cycle checkpoints and how the activation might be linked to the maintenance of host genome stability. IMPORTANCE Polyomaviruses are opportunistic pathogens that are associated with several human diseases under immunosuppressed conditions. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) affects mostly kidney and bone marrow transplant patients. The detailed replication mechanism of these viruses remains to be determined. We have previously reported that BKPyV activates the host DNA damage response (DDR), a response normally used by the host cell to combat genotoxic stress, to aid its own replication. In this study, we identified that the trigger for DDR activation is viral replication. Furthermore, we show that the virus is able to cause host DNA damage in the absence of viral replication and DDR activation. These results suggest an intricate relationship between viral replication, DDR activation, and host genome instability.
On the Resonant Orbit of a Solar Companion Star in the Gravitational Field of the Galaxy

Abstract For the motion of a weakly bound solar companion star, we have investigated the resonance effects that arise when the Keplerian period of the system is half the period with which the system oscillates through the galactic plane. This resonance could be important in the motion of the putative solar companion star Nemesis. The resonant perturbation of the Keplerian motion is a dynamic tidal compression of the Sun-Nemesis system by the galactic field. We have expressed the Hamiltonian in terms of the action-angle variables that describe the unperturbed Keplerian motion and the oscillation through the galactic plane. By averaging the Hamiltonian over the fast angle variables, we have reduced the problem to a motion in two degrees of freedom. Our study of the averaged motion includes the isolation of the periodic orbits, the determination of the stability of the periodic orbits, and numerical solutions for the nonperiodic orbits. We have delineated the resonance phenomena with the aid of surfaces of section and other diagnostic tools. We have tested the orbits derived from the averaged Hamiltonian with the said of numerical solutions of the equations of motion derived from the "exact" Hamiltonian of the system. The resonance is strong enough to produce a well-defined population of resonant orbits in which the Keplerian motion of Nemesis locks onto the oscillation of the system through the galactic plane. Orbits of large inclinations relative to the galactic plane tend to be chaotic. Only a small population of resonant and nonresonant orbits with low inclinations would penetrate the Oort cloud and trigger comet showers at every perihelion passage.
Popular sports supplements and ergogenic aids.

This article reviews the evidence-based ergogenic potential and adverse effects of 14 of the most common products in use by recreational and elite athletes today. Both legal and prohibited products are discussed. This is an aggressively marketed and controversial area of sports medicine worldwide. It is therefore prudent for the clinician to be well versed in the more popular supplements and drugs reputed to be ergogenic in order to distinguish fact from fiction. Antioxidants, proteins and amino acids are essential components of diet, but additional oral supplementation does not increase endurance or strength. Caffeine is ergogenic in certain aerobic activities. Creatine is ergogenic in repetitive anaerobic cycling sprints but not running or swimming. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine may be ergogenic but have detrimental cardiovascular effects. Erythropoietin is ergogenic but increases the risk of thromboembolic events. β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate has ergogenic potential in untrained individuals, but studies are needed on trained individuals. Human growth hormone and insulin growth factor-I decrease body fat and may increase lean muscle mass when given subcutaneously. Pyruvate is not ergogenic. The androgenic precursors androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone have not been shown to increase any parameters of strength and have potentially significant adverse effects. Anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis and muscle mass but with many adverse effects, some irreversible. Supplement claims on labels of product content and efficacy can be inaccurate and misleading.
MR‐spectroscopic findings in juvenile‐onset Huntington's disease

Seven HD gene positive individuals under the age of 21 years are described with clinical examination and proton-MR-spectroscopy (1H-MRS) profiles of the putamen. Despite clinical variability, the predominate 1H-MRS abnormality is elevated glutamate, expressed well beyond the confines of the basal ganglia, and low striatal creatine. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
In vitro Uptake of Isotopically Labeled RNA by Mammalian Spleen Cells

SummarySuspensions of rat spleen cells were found to incorporate P32 labeled rat spleen RNA. A maximal incorporation of 2.4% of the input RNA was obtained when 4 × 107 viable cells were cultured in the presence of 200 μg of P32 labeled RNA. Larger amounts of RNA appear to inhibit uptake. It was shown also that the uptake of P32 labeled RNA is competitively inhibited by unlabeled RNA, and that inhibition of uptake is proportional to the competitive RNA concentration. It was concluded that the majority of the radioactivity obtained from treated cells may be attributed to the uptake of RNA.
Exploration of the structural features defining the conduction properties of a synthetic ion channel

The finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann methodology was applied to a series of parallel, alpha-helical bundle models of the designed ion channel peptide Ac-(LSSLLSL)3-CONH2. This method is able to fully describe the current-voltage curves for this channel and quantitatively explains their cation selectivity and rectification. We examined a series of energy-minimized models representing different aggregation states, side-chain rotamers, and helical rotations, as well as an ensemble of structures from a molecular dynamics trajectory. Potential energies were computed for single, permeating K+ and Cl- ions at a series of positions along a central pathway through the models. A variable-electric-field Nernst-Planck electrodiffusion model was used, with two adjustable parameters representing the diffusion coefficients of K+ and Cl- to scale the individual ion current magnitudes. The ability of a given DelPhi potential profile to fit the experimental data depended strongly on the magnitude of the desolvation of the permeating ion. Below a pore radius of 3.8 A, the predicted profiles showed large energy barriers, and the experimental data could be fit only with unrealistically high values for the K+ and Cl- diffusion coefficients. For pore radii above 3.8 A, the desolvation energies were 2kT or less. The electrostatic calculations were sensitive to positioning of the Ser side chains, with the best fits associated with maximum exposure of the Ser side-chain hydroxyls to the pore. The backbone component was shown to be the major source of asymmetry in the DelPhi potential profiles. Only two of the energy-minimized structures were able to explain the experimental data, whereas an average of the dynamics structures gave excellent agreement with experimental results. Thus this method provides a promising approach to prediction of current-voltage curves from three-dimensional structures of ion channel proteins.
Error correction for free-space optical interconnects: space-time resource optimization.

We study the joint optimization of time and space resources within free-space optical interconnect (FSOI) systems. Both analytical and simulation results are presented to support this optimization study for two different models of FSOI cross-talk noise: diffraction from a rectangular aperture and Gaussian propagation. Under realistic power and signal-to-noise ratio constraints, optimum designs based on the Gaussian propagation model achieve a capacity of 2.91 × 1015 bits s-1 m-2, while the rectangular model offers a smaller capacity of 1.91 × 1013 bits s-1 m-2. We also study the use of error-correction codes (ECC) within FSOI systems. We present optimal Reed–Solomon codes of various length, and their use is shown to facilitate an increase in both spatial density and data rate, resulting in FSOI capacity gains in excess of 8.2 for the rectangular model and 3.7 for the Gaussian case. A tolerancing study of FSOI systems shows that ECC can provide tolerance to implementational error sources. We find that optimally coded FSOI systems can fail when system errors become large, and we present a compromise solution that results in a balanced design in time, space, and error-correction resources.
Operative and Nonoperative Treatment Options for ACL Tears in the Adult Patient: A Conceptual Review

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is common among athletic individuals. Both nonoperative and operative treatment options exist. The optimal treatment of an adult with an ACL tear depends on several patient-specific factors, including age, occupation, and desired activity level. In less active patients with sedentary jobs, nonoperative management, consisting of physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification can yield successful results. In active patients who want to resume participation in jumping, cutting, or pivoting sports, patients who have physically demanding occupations, or patients who fail a trial of nonoperative management, ACL reconstruction is recommended. Reconstruction utilizing autograft tissue is preferred over allograft, especially in the younger athlete, but allograft tissue is a reasonable option in the older (aged > 40 years) and less active adult, as well. Successful results have been achieved with both patellar tendon and hamstring grafts. The optimal treatment in adult patients with ACL tears should be based on careful consideration of the patient's goals for return to activity, knee-specific comorbidities, such as coexistent meniscal pathology or osteoarthritis, and his or her willingness to follow a detailed rehabilitation regimen. Our article provides an overview of current nonoperative and operative treatment options for adults with ACL tears, considers the outcomes of both nonoperative and operative strategies, and provides general recommendations as to the ideal management for a given patient.
600 MHz DSP for baseband processing in 3G base stations

A 1.2 V 600 MHz 4800 MIPS DSP is a solution for baseband processing in 3G base stations. It is based upon a partitioning of the workload between a DSP core and two flexible forward error correction coprocessors. This allows the DSP to handle a larger number of channels and/or to incorporate advanced algorithms.
Rayleigh Waves Generated by Mining Explosions and Upper Crustal Structure around the Powder River Basin, Wyoming

Fundamental-mode, intermediate period Rayleigh waves generated by mining explosions are utilized to constrain the crustal structure of Wyoming. Broadband seismic stations recorded data during two regional seismic experiments conducted in Wyoming in 1996 and 1997. The stations were deployed in a ring surrounding the Powder River Basin (PRB) at ranges 100-360 km from the Black Thunder Coal Mine located in the northeast corner of Wyoming. Signals generated by four explosions with total explosive weight from 1.1 kiloton to 2.7 kiloton are analyzed with the goal of resolving the crustal structure in northeastern Wyoming. Data from the experiments show evidence that kiloton-sized millisecond-delay-fired cast blasts produce strong 1- to 15-sec period surface waves, some extending to 20-sec period. Group velocities of fundamental-mode Rayleigh waves were estimated using the Multiple Filter Analysis (MFA) technique and refined with Phase Matched Filtering (PMF). The surface waves are dependent on propagation direction and source orientation. The northwest-southeast trend of the PRB means that some propagation paths are parallel to the basin orientation and others perpendicular. Group velocities exhibit normal dispersion and range from 0.97 (1 sec) to 3.1 (20 sec) km/sec. A least square inversion technique was used to invert group velocity dispersion curves for the shallow shear-wave velocity structure. The average model consists of nine layers in the upper 20 km of the crust. The two top layers are thin (0.35 and 0.45 km) with slow velocities (1.0 to 1.6 km/sec) as a result of the basin sediments. At depths below 15 km, the shear velocity is nearly the same for paths parallel and perpendicular to the PRB axis. A possible low-velocity zone is found along the PRB axis with a velocity contrast of 0.7 km/sec at depth of 9.8 km to 14.8 km. These detailed models give a much better fit to dispersion curves than the global CRUST2.0, particularly for periods below 5 sec, which indicates the need for path-specific models when analyzing mid-period surface waves. Comparison of theoretical seismograms using the empirically derived structure with the observed seismograms provides a basis for constraining the source processes of these mining explosions. The generation of the intermediate-period surface waves is directly related to the total source time duration that is on the order of several seconds for these cast blasts. Observational data suggest that source orientation is important as well, resulting from some combination of mine free face orientation, blasting direction, and material casting. Manuscript received 24 July 2003.
Functional and immune response to respiratory syncytial virus infection in aged BALB/c mice: a search for genes determining disease severity.

ABSTRACTBackground. Recent studies have demonstrated that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The cellular mechanisms that determine the host's susceptibility and severity of the disease are not well understood. In this study, we sought a mouse model of human respiratory disease by studying the functional and cellular response to RSV in aged animals. Methods. Aged BALB/c mice (>10 months of age) were infected with human RSV (strain A2) and compared with sham-infected mice. Clinical progress of the illness was monitored by daily assessment of weight changes and mortality. The animals were sacrificed four days postinfection. Lung pathology was obtained and viral titers were measured by plaque assay. Gene expression profiles were studied from lung tissue RNA using gene array. Results. RSV produced significant clinical illness in aged mice as evidenced by a 15% weight loss and a 10% mortality rate. Lung pathology revealed inflammatory changes wit...
Morphokinetic Reaction of Cells of Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 9790) to Specific Inhibition of Macromolecular Synthesis: Dependence of Mesosome Growth on Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis

The application of quantitative electron microscopy to thin sections of cells of Streptococcus faecalis specifically inhibited for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid, and protein synthesis shows that septal mesosomes (i) increase in size when protein synthesis is inhibited by at least 80% while DNA synthesis proceeds at no less than 50% of the control rate and (ii) decrease in size when DNA synthesis is inhibited 50% or more during the initial 10 min of treatment. This indicates that fluctuations in mesosome size are dependent on the extent of DNA synthesis. The fluctuations in mesosome areas observed on treatment do not correlate with the kinetics of glycerol incorporation per milliliter of a culture. However, when glycerol incorporation is placed on a per cell basis, a strong correlation is observed between increases in (i) the thickness of the electron-transparent layer of the cytoplasmic membrane and (ii) the amount of glycerol incorporated per cell. It seems that the electron-transparent membrane layer may thicken to accommodate changes in lipid content when protein and lipid synthesis are uncoupled.
Fungal Diversity in a Dark Oligotrophic Volcanic Ecosystem (DOVE) on Mount Erebus, Antarctica

Fumarolic Ice caves on Antarctica’s Mt. Erebus contain a dark oligotrophic volcanic ecosystem (DOVE) and represent a deep biosphere habitat that can provide insight into microbial communities that utilize energy sources other than photosynthesis. The community assembly and role of fungi in these environments remains largely unknown. However, these habitats could be relatively easily contaminated during human visits. Sixty-one species of fungi were identified from soil clone libraries originating from Warren Cave, a DOVE on Mt. Erebus. The species diversity was greater than has been found in the nearby McMurdo Dry Valleys oligotrophic soil. A relatively large proportion of the clones represented Malassezia species (37% of Basidomycota identified). These fungi are associated with skin surfaces of animals and require high lipid content for growth, indicating that contamination may have occurred through the few and episodic human visits in this particular cave. These findings highlight the importance of fungi to DOVE environments as well as their potential use for identifying contamination by humans. The latter offers compelling evidence suggesting more strict management of these valuable research areas.
Description of the warm core turbine facility and the warm annular cascade facility recently installed at NASA Lewis Research Center

The two new facilities have been installed and operated at their design or rated conditions. The important feature of both of these facilities is that the ratio of turbine inlet temperature to coolant temperature encountered in high temperature engines can be duplicated at moderate turbine inlet temperature. Included in the discussion are the limits of the facilities with regard to maximum temperature, maximum pressure, maximum mass flow rate, turbine size, and dynamometer torque-speed characteristics.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other disorders caused by JC virus: clinical features and pathogenesis

Summary Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but often fatal brain disease caused by reactivation of the polyomavirus JC. Knowledge of the characteristics of PML has substantially expanded since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy during the HIV epidemic and the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in patients with PML. Recently, the monoclonal antibodies natalizumab, efalizumab, and rituximab—used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, haematological malignancies, Crohn's disease, and rheumatic diseases—have been associated with PML. Additionally, the JC virus can also lead to novel neurological disorders such as JC virus granule cell neuronopathy and JC virus encephalopathy, and might also cause meningitis. The increasingly diverse populations at risk and the recent discovery of the presence of the JC virus in the grey matter invite us to reappraise the pathogenesis of this virus in the CNS.
The problem of interceptor top level domains

Misdirected communication has obvious security and privacy ramifications and is an age old problem that predates the Internet. In recent years it has been exacerbated by the arrival of electronic communication and the multitude of ways that communication can be misdirected. A new chapter in this age old problem is being written with the proliferation of top level domains (TLDs). This paper examines this problem in more detail and provides a full analysis of the current set of TLDs. In particular, we are concerned with TLDs that have a non-trivial probability of intercepting traffic intended for another TLD. Intercepting TLDs have the potential of intercepting a lot of traffic since a TLD can support many domain names.
INHOMOGENEOUS ENERGY DEPOSITION IN CRYSTALLINE SILICON WITH PICOSECOND PULSES OF ONE MICRON RADIATION.

In recent years, the extensive use of ultrashort laser pulses to time resolve the transmission and reflectivity of Si has led to a much improved understanding of the kinetics of energy deposition and redistribution immediately preceding and following optically induced phase transitions [1]. With few exceptions, visible sources of radiation with photon energies well above the indirect bandgap have been used for excitation in these studies. By contrast, because the interaction of near-bandgap picosecond 1 μm radiation with Si is more complicated, it has received little attention. We have recently presented preliminary results of the first studies of the pulsewidth dependence of the nonlinear absorption [2] and the various phase transitions and changes in surface morphology [3] for 1 μm excitation pulses in the 4–260 ps range. These measurements demonstrates that the absorption of 1 μm picosecond radiation below the melting point is strictly fluence dependent, with no observable intensity-dependent contributions. Moreover, the nonlinear behavior of the absorption in this regime can be completely accounted for by indirect and free-carrier absorption, when lattice-heating effects are included. In addition, the fluence required for single-shot melting of the Si at 1 μm is found to decrease significant with decreasing pulsewidth.
Book Review: Going to College: Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Authors: Elizabeth Evans Getzel & Paul Wehman Reviewer: Rhonda S. Black Publisher: Brookes, 2005. Paper, ISBN: 1-55766-742-X, 336 pages Cost: $34.95
The Detection of Mutagens in Human Feces as an Approach to the Discovery of Causes of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a major health problem. It is the second most prevalent organ-site cancer for both sexes in “Western societies”(35) (in the U. S. and Western Europe women get more breast cancer and men get more lung cancer than colon cancer). In the U. S. over 100,000 cases of colon cancer can be expected each year in the 1980s, and about 45% of the cases will be fatal.(19) The incidence of the disease in the U. S. appears to have stabilized since the 1930s. It is slowly increasing among white males and slowly decreasing among white females.(3) About 3% of the population will be affected some time during their lives. As the population of the U. S. shifts to larger proportions of older people, the number of colon cancer cases will steadily increase, and the many adverse effects of this disease on our society will multiply.
Environmental Monitoring—The Role of Electronic Systems

The successful implementation of any environmental programme crucially depends on the support offered by the monitoring network and careful planning is required. There are two major aspects of the network, one consisting of hardware and another for the software support. The planning for the hardware will cover areas like production and maintenance of different instrument systems, design of monitoring stations and their operation etc. The software aspects cover the problem of design of the network, maintenance and operation of centralized and regional information systems, evolving standards etc.The present paper aims at briefly reviewing some of the activities in this field. The design of a monitoring system for India, must take into account the problems peculiar to local conditions. A hierarchical system for monitoring network is suggested. The electronic instruments required are given. The implementation strategies and time frames involved are discussed from the point of view of economic viability and ov...
Changes in Vital Capacity in Scoliosis

1. Preliminary studies were made of vital capacity of forty-nine patients with scoliosis. Twenty-one who were treated by casts or Milwaukee frames and spine fusion were tested periodically for from one to five years after operation. 2. Before treatment the mean sitting vital capacity was found to be 64 per cent of the predicted normal in the patients with paralytic scoliosis and 80 per cent of normal in the patients with idiopathic scoliosis. 3. The average sitting value was less than the supine, which is contrary to the findings in normal subjects. 4. Correction of scoliosis by wedging or localizer casts produced a mean loss of vital capacity of 21 per cent in patients with paralytic scoliosis and of 29 per cent in patients non-paralytic scoliosis. 5. The use of a Milwaukee frame for correction was found to have less detrimental effect on vital capacity, which improved slightly in three of the five patients so treated. 6. Of the twenty-one patients, only three showed 10 per cent or more improvement in the predicted vital capacity; ten retained a reduction of less than 10 per cent; and eight failed to regain the pretreatment value by 10 per cent or more.
Analysis of Acquisition and Titer of Maize Mosaic Rhabdovirus in Its Vector, Peregrinus maidis (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).

The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), transmits Maize mosaic rhabdovirus (MMV), an important pathogen of maize and sorghum, in a persistent propagative manner. To better understand the vectorial capacity of P. maidis , we determined the efficiency of MMV acquisition by nymphal and adult stages, and characterized MMV titer through development. Acquisition efficiency, i.e., proportion of insects that acquired the virus, was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and virus titer of individual insects was estimated by quantitative RT-PCR. Acquisition efficiency of MMV differed significantly between nymphs and adults. MMV titer increased significantly over time and throughout insect development from nymphal to adult stage, indication of virus replication in the vector during development. There was a positive association between the vector developmental stage and virus titer. Also, the average titer in male insects was threefold higher than female titers, and this difference persisted up to 30 d post adult eclosion. Overall, our findings indicate that nymphs are more efficient than adults at acquiring MMV and virus accumulated in the vector over the course of nymphal development. Furthermore, sustained infection over the lifespan of P. maidis indicates a potentially high capacity of this vector to transmit MMV.
On the social welfare of mechanisms for repeated batch matching

We study hybrid online-batch matching problems, where agents arrive continuously, but are only matched in periodic rounds, when many of them can be considered simultaneously. Agents not getting matched in a given round remain in the market for the next round. This setting models several scenarios of interest, including many job markets as well as kidney exchange mechanisms. We consider the social utility of two commonly used mechanisms for such markets: one that aims for stability in each round (greedy), and one that attempts to maximize social utility in each round (max-weight). Surprisingly, we find that in the long term, the social utility of the greedy mechanism can be higher than that of the max-weight mechanism. We hypothesize that this is because the greedy mechanism behaves similarly to a soft threshold mechanism, where all connections below a certain threshold are rejected by the participants in favor of waiting until the next round. Motivated by this observation, we propose a method to approximately calculate the optimal threshold for an individual agent, based on characteristics of the other agents, and demonstrate empirically that social utility is high when all agents use this strategy.
Pensees on Integration: Where's the Reform?

The author revises a 1977 Tax Notes article in which he criticized giving tax breaks for dividends as a way to avoid double taxation. To forgive, in effect, the shareholder tax would be to grant a huge capital windfall to those who had received the maximum benefit from the separate entity theory of the current corporate tax, the author says. If the federal government approves such a plan, states can continue to tax their residents on dividends, the author suggests.
Concurrent Multiple-Time-Scale Simulations With Improved Numerical Dissipation for Structural Dynamics

Work presented in this paper describes the formulation for implementation of a concurrent multiple-time-scale integration method with improved numerical dissipation capabilities. This approach generalizes the previous Multiple Grid and Multiple Time-Scale (MGMT) Method [1] implemented for the Newmark family of algorithms. The framework is largely based upon the fundamental principles of Lagrange multipliers used to enforce workless nonholonomic constraints and Domain Decomposition Methods (DDM) to obtain coupled equations of motion for distinct regions of a continuous domain. These methods when combined together systematically yield constraint forces that not only ensure conservation of energy but also enforce continuity of velocities across the interfaces. Multiple grid connections between (non-conforming) sub-domains are handled using Mortar elements whereas coupled multiple-time-scale equations are derived for the Generalized-α Method [2]. We show that MGMT Method can be easily extended to incorporate the Generalized-α family of time integration algorithms, hence allowing selective discretization in space and time along with controlled numerical dissipation for distinct grids. We also show that interface energy across connecting sub-domains is identically zero, further assuring global energy balance and continuity of velocities across connecting sub-domains.© 2013 ASME
Wind-Stress Coefficients at Light Winds

Abstract The increase of the wind-stress coefficient with wind velocity was found to start with winds as light as 3 m s−1, below which, following the formula for aerodynamically smooth flows, the wind-stress coefficient decreases as the wind velocity increases. This therefore imposes a lower wind-velocity bound on some previously proposed formulae and modifies the interpretation of some others.
Honest Hypothesis Testing: A Parable

Typical empirical methods training for finance Ph.D students emphasizes theory and application of statistical tools, augmented by study of empirical applications published in the academic journals. But newly minted faculty/authors will also have to cope with opinions of their administrative and academic journal evaluators, something not as heavily stressed in the heavily methods-oriented curriculum. We put a humorous slant on this by providing a parable in which a seemingly simple, standard hypothesis test is subject to the crucible of peer opinion both within and outside the professor's domicile. The parable is used to teach that the interpretation of seemingly simple test statistics is not so simple, and is intended to help instructors augment traditional statistics pedagogy.
Causes of Technological Risks and Precautionary Countermeasures from the Perspective of STS

Technological risk is an important and real issue which needs to be dealt with urgently in China.Studies on technological risk from the perspective of STS focus on the characters of technological development,the impacts of traditional technological ideas,the functional absences of ethics of technology,and shortages of technological management.Based on analyses above,regarded precautionary countermeasures are also suggested.
Smokers with Self-Reported Mental Health Conditions: A Case for Screening in the Context of Tobacco Cessation Services.

People with mental health conditions (MHC) smoke at high rates and many die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses. Smoking cessation programs, however, generally do not screen for MHC. This study examined the utility of MHC screening in a large tobacco quitline to determine whether self-reported MHC predicts service utilization and quitting behaviors.A brief set of question on MHC was embedded in the routine intake of a state quitline, and 125,261 smokers calling from June 2012 to September 2015 were asked the questions. Quit attempt rate and 6-month success rate were analyzed for a random subset of participants. Overall, 52.2% of smokers reported at least one MHC. Demographic patterns like gender or ethnic difference in self-reported MHC were similar to that in the general population. Depression disorder was reported most often (38.6%), followed by anxiety disorder (33.8%), bipolar disorder (17.0%), drug/alcohol abuse (11.9%), and schizophrenia (7.9%). Among those reporting any MHC, about two-thirds reported more than 1 MHC. Smokers with MHC received more counseling than smokers with no MHC. Quit attempt rates were high for all three groups (>70%). The probability of relapse was greater for those with more than one MHC than for those with one MHC (p<0.005), which in turn was greater than those with no MHC (p < .01). The six-month prolonged abstinence rates for the three conditions were, 21.8%, 28.6%, and 33.7%, respectively. The main limitation of this study is the use of a non-validated self-report question to assess MHC, even though it appears to be useful for predicting quitting behavior.Smokers with MHC actively seek treatment to quit. Smoking cessation services can use a brief set of questions to screen for MHC to help identify smokers in need of more intensive treatment to quit smoking.
CHAPTER 5 – Multivariate Spectral Models and Their Applications

This chapter discusses the multivariate spectral models and their applications. Only those multivariate time series models are presented in the chapter for which the components are univariate time series, either all in continuous time or all in discrete time, possessing power spectra. The chapter presents the stochastic models for which the components are stationary processes. These models apply quite well to a variety of real phenomena. In geophysics, they are used, for example, to describe wind velocities, the oscillation of the earth at a given location, and sea state over a given region. Economic systems characteristically require several descriptive variables, such as price, available supply, and demand among others. Under stable conditions, the stationary models are reasonably accurate. Even when conditions are not stable, these models provide useful results over restricted time periods.
Factor VIII A2 Domain Residues 497–510 and 584–593 Comprise the R8B12 Epitope.

The murine monoclonal antibody R8B12 recognizes the C-terminal region (residues 563–740) of the A2 subunit of factor VIIIa (Fay et al. J. Biol. Chem. 266:20139, 1991), as judged by western blotting. The location of the R8B12 epitope within the A2 subunit is not known. In the present study we used affinity-directed mass spectrometry (Zhao et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA.93:4020, 1996) to map the R8B12 epitope. Purified A2 subunit was subjected to proteolytic digestion with trypsin. The digest was then subjected to immunoprecipitation (IP) using R8B12 IgG, in which peptide(s) are selected that bind the antibody. Subsequently the masses of the affinity-selected peptides were determined directly from the immune complex by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Proteolysis of A2 with trypsin generated a pre-IP peptide fingerprint that covered ~40% of the A2 domain sequence (Figure, left). Analysis of the post-IP peptide fingerprint showed two masses, 1309 and 1654, as representing affinity-selected peptide fragments (Figure, right). A theoretical database search identified the 1309 mass peak as A2 domain residues 584–593 and the 1654 mass peak as A2 domain residues 497–510. Direct sequencing of both mass peaks confirmed the results of the theoretical database search. These residues mapped to regions on the A2 domain of the factor VIII A domain homology model that are surface exposed and proximal to each other. Taken together, the above results suggest that A2 domain residues 497–510 and 584–593 represent a discontinous epitope for R8B12. Furthermore, based upon blotting specificity of R8B12 to the C-terminal portion of A2, we speculate that the latter sequence that forms this epitope makes a substantially greater contribution to the binding energy.