cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE BEHAVIOR OF THE THORACOLUMBAR SPINE IN THE MAST* SUIT

Publisher Summary This chapter presents results of experiments conducted to study the behavior of the thoracolumbar spine in the medical anti-shock trousers (MAST) suit. Eight live and one fresh cadaveric specimen were studied in the MAST suit. The suit was used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Spatial motion was quantified by established computer algorithms and bi-planar radiography. No significant correlation between displacement, sex, weight, or height could be observed. The average displacement was .96 cm with a range from 0.0 to 2.0 cm. The spine moves as a unit although variation in degree of movement is seen between segments. The spine is shown to have movement in three planes and deflation does not necessarily return the spine to its original position. Inflation of the suit moves the spine into extension. The displacements of the segments tend to increase from proximal to distal. Lateral motion is less than anterior-posterior motion.
Health Literacy and Use and Trust in Health Information

There is a need to investigate which health information sources are used and trusted by people with limited health literacy to help identify strategies for addressing knowledge gaps that can contri...
Carbon Nanotubes for EMC Applications

Outline • Introduction • Rigorous Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Complex Permittivity over a Broadband of RF Frequencies • Engineered Carbon-Nanotubes Based Composite Material for RF Applications Future Work • Carbon-Nanotube Based Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices • Conclusion & Future work
Cardiac Muscle-cell Based Actuator and Self-stabilizing Biorobot - PART 1

Biological machines often referred to as biorobots, are living cell- or tissue-based devices that are powered solely by the contractile activity of living components. Due to their inherent advantages, biorobots are gaining interest as alternatives to traditional fully artificial robots. Various studies have focused on harnessing the power of biological actuators, but only recently studies have quantitatively characterized the performance of biorobots and studied their geometry to enhance functionality and efficiency. Here, we demonstrate the development of a self-stabilizing swimming biorobot that can maintain its pitch, depth, and roll without external intervention. The design and fabrication of the PDMS scaffold for the biological actuator and biorobot followed by the functionalization with fibronectin is described in this first part. In the second part of this two-part article, we detail the incorporation of cardiomyocytes and characterize the biological actuator and biorobot function. Both incorporate a base and tail (cantilever) which produce fin-based propulsion. The tail is constructed with soft lithography techniques using PDMS and laser engraving. After incorporating the tail with the device base, it is functionalized with a cell adhesive protein and seeded confluently with cardiomyocytes. The base of the biological actuator consists of a solid PDMS block with a central glass bead (acts as a weight). The base of the biorobot consists of two composite PDMS materials, Ni-PDMS and microballoon-PDMS (MB-PDMS). The nickel powder (in Ni-PDMS) allows magnetic control of the biorobot during cells seeding and stability during locomotion. Microballoons (in MB-PDMS) decrease the density of MB-PDMS, and enable the biorobot to float and swim steadily. The use of these two materials with different mass densities, enabled precise control over the weight distribution to ensure a positive restoration force at any angle of the biorobot. This technique produces a magnetically controlled self-stabilizing swimming biorobot.
Associations Between Diet Quality and Ovarian Dysmorphology in Premenopausal Women Are Mediated by Obesity and Metabolic Aberrations (OR36-03-19)

The link between diet quality and reproductive health in women is unclear. Ultrasonographic markers of ovarian morphology including ovarian volume (OV) and follicle number per ovary (FNPO) reflect disturbances in folliculogenesis and provide an objective and non-invasive means of gauging the severity of reproductive dysfunction. To test the hypothesis that lower diet quality is associated with adverse ovarian morphology, we evaluated the associations between dietary patterns with OV and FNPO in premenopausal women. One hundred and eleven women (18–45y) were evaluated for OV and FNPO 2–5, 6–9, and 2–9 mm by ultrasonography. Dietary patterns were scored by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015, alternative HEI-2010, alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) indices using a food frequency questionnaire. Linear regressions were used to test the direct effect of dietary patterns on OV and FNPO, and simple and serial mediation analyses tested the indirect effects of dietary patterns on OV and FNPO through obesity, insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, and oligo-anovulation (OA). There were no direct associations between dietary patterns and OV or FNPO (P ≥ 0.89). However, inverse indirect associations were observed between aMED and DASH scores with OV and FNPO (P < 0.05). The associations were individually mediated by waist circumference (WC) and free androgen index (FAI). Namely, a 1-unit increase in aMED score was associated with a 1% decrease in OV by reducing WC, whereas a 1-unit increase in DASH score was associated with a 0.4–0.5% decrease in FNPO (2–9 and 2–5 mm) by reducing FAI. Serial mediation analyses showed negative indirect associations between aMED and DASH scores with OV (0.2%) and/or FNPO (0.3–0.5%) sequentially through decreased WC, IR, FAI, and OA (P < 0.05). These findings provide novel mechanistic insights by which obesity and metabolic aberrations adversely impact reproductive health, as evidenced by ovarian dysmorphology. Strategies that promote healthy eating patterns (e.g., aMED and DASH) may also improve ovarian function and reproductive outcomes across the lifespan. Funded by Cornell University, National Institutes of Health, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Difference sets disjoint from a subgroup

We study finite groups G having a non-trivial, proper subgroup H and $$D \subset G {\setminus } H, D \cap D^{-1}=\emptyset ,$$ such that the multiset $$\{ xy^{-1}:x,y \in D\}$$ has every non-identity element occur the same number of times (such a D is called a difference set). We show that $$|G|=|H|^2$$ , and that $$|D \cap Hg|=|H|/2$$ for all $$g \notin H$$ . We show that H is contained in every normal subgroup of index 2, and other properties. We give a 2-parameter family of examples of such groups. We show that such groups have Schur rings with four principal sets, and that, further, these difference sets determine DRADs.
Meniscoplasty leads to good mid-term to long-term outcomes for children and adolescents with discoid lateral meniscus

To date, there have been limited studies reporting the mid- to long-term outcomes of meniscoplasties for discoid lateral meniscus. The current study aims to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of arthroscopic meniscoplasty for discoid lateral meniscus in children and adolescents. In the study, all patients under the age of 21 years who had undergone arthroscopic meniscoplasty with or without meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy for symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus were included. All patients were then followed up for a minimum of 5 years (median 84 months; range 68–110 months). The Lysholm scores and Ikeuchi scores were collected pre-operatively and at final follow-up and were compared. A total of 24 knees were included in the study. The median duration of follow-up was 84.0 months (range 68–110 months). The Lysholm score improved from 53 (range 11–95) pre-operatively to 100.0 (range 60–100) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Based on the Ikeuchi score pre-operatively, 15 knees were rated as poor (62.5%), 7 knees were rated as fair (29.2%), and 2 knees were rated as good (8.4%). The Ikeuchi score improved significantly at the final follow-up, such that 1 knee was rated as good (4.2%) and 23 knees were rated as excellent (95.8%) (p < 0.001). When analysing the effect of concomitant meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy on the outcomes at final follow-up, there was no apparent difference in the improvement in Lysholm score or Ikeuchi score when comparing between patients who had meniscoplasty alone and patients who had concomitant meniscal repair, as well as when comparing between patients who had meniscoplasty alone and patients who had concomitant partial meniscectomy. Meniscoplasty leads to good mid-term to long-term outcomes for children and adolescents with discoid lateral meniscus. Concomitant procedures such as meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy do not improve or worsen the mid- to long-term outcomes in these patients. IV.
Critical Analysis of a Challenging Case of Post-Infectious N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis:

Infections are increasingly recognized as a common trigger of autoimmune disease, including autoimmune encephalitis. A significant association is particularly shown between HSV-1 encephalitis (HSVE) and a post-infectious autoimmune encephalitis mediated by neuronal autoantibodies, most notably anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies. The clinical significance of these and other novel post-infectious autoantibodies has led to new diagnostic and treatment challenges for clinicians. Here we present a case of a 19-year-old female with premorbid psychiatric disease and neuropsychiatric sequelae from HSVE who presented over a year after her initial HSVE with behavioral changes and positive anti-NMDAR antibodies. The clinical challenges encountered during this case are explored in detail based on a review of the literature. Research is needed to help guide management in these complex clinical situations.
A Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Survey for O VI Absorption Systems at 0.12 < z ≲ 0.5. II. Physical Conditions of the Ionized Gas*

We present a complete catalog of 27 O VI absorbers at low redshift ( -->0.12 bnt. We show that in all 16 cases considered the observed line width is dominated by nonthermal motion and that gas temperatures are well below those expected for -->O5 + in collisional ionization equilibrium. This result reaffirms previous findings from studies of individual lines of sight but are at odds with expectations for a WHIM origin. At least half of the absorbers can be explained by a simple photoionization model. In addition, in some absorbers we find evidence for large variation in gas density/metallicity across components in individual absorbers. Comparisons of multiple associated metal species further show that under the assumption of the gas being photoionized by the metagalactic background radiation field, the absorbing clouds have gas densities --> L > 1 kpc . Finally, we compare our absorber selection with the results of other independent studies.
Abstract 1346: Direct targeting of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is a novel therapeutic approach for high-risk neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a highly heterogenous pediatric tumor that develops during the early embryonic stages, and accounts for almost 15% of pediatric cancer related deaths. Despite advanced and intensive therapeutic approaches that combine surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients9 long-term survival is still less than 50%. Tumor metastasis, relapse, drug-resistance, and treatment related toxicities mandate the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat NB patients. MAPK/ERK pathway plays an important oncogenic role in different types of cancers, including NB. Activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway is known to induce cancer cell proliferation, progression, metabolism, and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a small-molecule MEK inhibitor that targets MEK1 and MEK2 to block MAPK/ERK pathway in NB. Cytotoxicity assays using Cell-Titer One solution in different MYCN-amplified (NGP, LAN-5, CHLA-255-MYCN) and MYCN-non-amplified (SH-SY5Y, SK-N-AS, CHLA-255) NB cell lines show that MEK inhibitor significantly reduce the NB cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. We further performed clonogenic assays and 3D spheroidal assays to mimic the NB tumor growth, and our results show that MEK inhibitor significantly inhibit NB colony formation, inhibit 3D spheroidal tumor size by inducing cell death in 3D spheroidal tumors, in comparison to controls. Additionally, MEK inhibitor in a dose-dependent manner induces apoptosis and blocks cell cycle progression in NB cells in comparison to control, as determined by Annexin V apoptosis assays and Click-iT EdU cell proliferation assay respectively. Furthermore, gene expression analysis show that MEK inhibitor significantly reduce the mRNA expression of specific MAPK/ERK pathway targets such as MEK1, MEK2, and ERK2. Western blot assays further confirm the efficacy of MEK inhibitor in blocking MAPK/ERK pathway by significantly inhibiting the phosphorylation of key pathway proteins. Taken together, our results highlight that: a) MAPK/ERK pathway is implicated in NB growth, and b) direct targeting of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway by using a novel small molecule MEK inhibitor inhibit NB proliferation and 3D tumor growth. We will further combine this MEK inhibitor with current chemotherapy drugs to develop effective therapeutic approaches for NB patients. Citation Format: Rameswari Chilamakuri, Bharti Sharma, Danielle C. Rouse, Saurabh Agarwal. Direct targeting of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is a novel therapeutic approach for high-risk neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1346.
Some practical observations on the accelerated testing of Nickel-Cadmium Cells

A large scale test of 6.0 Ah Nickel-Cadmium Cells conducted at the Naval Weapons Support Center, Crane, Indiana has demonstrated a methodology for predicting battery life based on failure data from cells cycled in an accelerated mode. After examining eight variables used to accelerate failure, it was determined that temperature and depth of discharge were the most reliable and efficient parameters for use in accelerating failure and for predicting life.
Perturbation of folding and reassociation of lactate dehydrogenase by proline and trimethylamine oxide.

Investigations of protein–solute interactions typically show that osmolytes favor native conformations. In this study, the effects of representative compatible and counteracting osmolytes on the reactivation of lactate dehydrogenase from two different conformational states were explored. Contrary to expectations, proline and trimethylamine oxide inhibited both the initial time course and the extent of reactivation of lactate dehydrogenase from bovine heart following denaturation in guanidine hydrochloride, as well as following inactivation at pH 2.3. Reactivation of acid-dissociated porcine heart lactate dehydrogenase was inhibited by both proline and trimethylamine oxide (2 m). In all instances, trimethylamine oxide was the more effective inhibitor of reactivation. Analysis of the catalytic properties of the reactivating enzyme provided evidence that the molecular species that was enzymatically active during the initial stages of reactivation of acid-inactivated porcine heart lactate dehydrogenase reflects a non-native conformation. Proline and trimethylamine oxide stabilize polypeptides through exclusion from the polypeptide backbone; the inhibition of renaturation/reassociation described here is probably due to attenuation of this stabilizing influence through favorable interactions of the osmolytes with sidechains of residues that lie at the interfaces of the monomers and dimers that associate to form the active tetramer. In addition, these osmolytes may stabilize non-native intermediates in the folding pathway. The high viscosity of solutions containing more than 3 m proline was a major factor in the inhibition of reassociation of acid-dissociated porcine heart lactate dehydrogenase as well as other viscosity-dependent transformations that may occur during reactivation following unfolding in guanidine hydrochloride.
Absorption, translocation, and metabolism of14C-clomazone in soybean (Glycine max) and threeAmaranthus weed species

The patterns of clomazone (2-[(2-chlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone) absorption, translocation, and metabolism and their contribution to the plant selectivity of this herbicide were studied in tolerant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] andAmaranthus hybridus and in susceptibleA. retroflexus andA. lividus. Differential root absorption appeared to play a significant role in the differential response of these four plant species to clomazone. Absorption of root-applied14C-clomazone was greater by the two sensitiveAmaranthus weeds than by the tolerant soybean andA. hybri-dus. Following application of14C-clomazone to roots, most of the absorbed radioactivity was translocated to the leaves of all four species. Approximately 50% of the absorbed14C-clomazone was metabolized by all four plant species as early as 12 h after treatment. Thin layer Chromatographic (TLC) analysis of plant tissue extracts from all four species revealed the formation of two major metabolites of clomazone. These unidentified metabolites had Rf values of 0.4 and 0.8, respectively, in a butanol∶acetic acid∶water (12∶3∶5, vol/vol/vol) developing system. The Rf value of unaltered clomazone in this system was 0.95. Differential metabolism or differential rate of metabolism of clomazone was not observed in this study and did not seem to account for the tolerance of soybean andA. hybridus or the suceptibility ofA. retroflexus andA. lividus to this herbicide.
Validity of selected laboratory and field tests of physical working capacity.

Abstract The validity of selected laboratory field tests of physical working capacity was investigated. Male college students (N = 44, ages 17–30) were administered a series of laboratory and field tests of physical working capacity (PWC) Laboratory tests included were a treadmill test of [vdot]O2 max, the pwc,170 test, the Harvard Step Test, the Progressive-Pulse Ratio Test, the Margaria Test of Anaerobic Power, the All-Out Treadmill Run (10 mph and 8.6% grade), the Harvard Fitness Test (7 mph and 8.6% grade) and 02 debt following the Harvard Fitness Test. Field tests included were the 10-yd dash, the 50-yd dash, Sum 50's test, 300-yd run, 600-yd run, 1-mi run, and 12-min run. Significant correlation coefficients were found between [vdot]O2 max expressed in ml/kg/min and the 12-min run (.90), the 600-yd run (.78), the 1-mi run (—.74), the Balke Test (.77), the All-Out Treadmill Run (.74), the Harvard Fitness Test (.69), the 300-yd run (—.52), the Astrand-Ryhming Test (.62), the Harvard Step Test (.55), p...
Taxation and incentives in the business enterprise

This book chapter discusses the tax perspective on business enterprise law with a comparative focus on the U.S. and Japan.
Inflation and the Constant-Growth Valuation Model: A Clarification

We examine the effects of inflation on the standard, Constant-Growth valuation model found throughout the finance literature. We find that the presence of inflation vitiates the generally accepted expression of this model for the value of a firm that either makes no new investments or invests only in zero net present value projects. If expected inflation is positive, the generally accepted and widely used expression for the value of the firm under either of these two conditions seriously understates the true value of the firm, even at modest levels of inflation. For example, assuming zero net new investments, a real interest rate of 6% and a rate of inflation of 2%, the commonly accepted expression understates the true value of the firm by 25%. We also examine the effects of inflation on the firm's weighted-average cost of capital (WACC), which is an important parameter in the Constant-Growth model. We find that the popular WACC equation developed by Modigliani and Miller is not inflation-neutral when stated in nominal terms. Specifically, when expected inflation and corporate tax rates are positive, the nominal M&M WACC understates the firm's true nominal WACC by a non-trivial amount. We show how to adjust the standard M&M formula to correct for this understatement. In contrast to the M&M model, we find that the WACC equation developed by Miles & Ezzel is inflation-neutral when stated in nominal terms, and thus, there is no need to adjust the equation in the presence of positive expected inflation. We conclude the paper by documenting the widespread misapplication of the Constant-Growth model under conditions of inflation found throughout the finance literature and in the practical application of corporate valuation techniques.
Measuring the Electronic Properties of Materials at the Nanoscale

The general objective of electronic property measurements is to relate extrinsic characteristics of devices or test structures to the intrinsic properties of materials. When there are significant nanoscale inhomogeneities in macroscale materials, or the materials themselves are nanoscale, the measurement of electronic properties at high spatial resolution may be essential to the fundamental understanding of structure–property relationships. This chapter is intended to serve as a framework for the consideration of measuring the electronic properties of materials at the nanoscale, and as a guide to the use of other articles in this volume. Background is provided on general principles of nanoscale measurement, approaches to nanofabrication that enable investigation of nanoscale and nanostructured materials, and distinct regimes of transport that inform the interpretation of electrical measurements. Specific techniques that exploit local probe–sample interactions are introduced according to their principles of operation, to either locally measure characteristics of a material or to generate a local perturbation material that is detected remotely. This framework is used to organize the chapter in terms operational mechanisms of techniques, rather than outcomes of measurement. Noncontact measurements that generate knowledge of local electronic properties are also examined. The chapter is not strictly limited to techniques that provide nanoscale resolution, but rather techniques that resolve electronic properties on length scales over which said properties may vary. The chapter focuses on generally accessible measurements of practical importance to understanding and optimizing the properties of materials with readily envisioned applications. Keywords: nanomaterials; electrical characterization; scanning probe; semiconductors; nanofabrication; nanostructure; microscopy
Stream power, channel change, and channel geometry in the Blue River, Wisconsin

Discharge and bank resistance have long been considered two of the more important factors controlling downstream changes in stream channel geometry. Although stream power has been shown to have an important impact on many components of the fluvial system, it has received little use as an explanatory variable in the consideration of questions related to channel geometry. This study examines spatial and temporal changes in channel geometry and stream power in a moderate-sized watershed in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, USA. Pre-settlement (~1830) channel geometry and stream power estimates derived from General Land Office survey notes were compared with conditions obtained from modern field surveys. Comparison of pre-settlement and modern channels shows that channel width and cross-sectional area have increased considerably during the post-settlement period, producing on average a threefold increase in cross-sectional stream power. When compared to discharge, slope, and bank sediment variables, cross-sect...
The Species-Norm Account of Moral Status

Many philosophers have argued against Singer's claim that all animals are equal. However, none of these responses have demonstrated an appreciation of the complexity of his position. The result is that all of these responses focus on one of his arguments in a way that falls victim to another. This paper is a critical examination of a possible response to the full complexity of Singer's position that derives from the work of Carl Cohen, Kathleen Wilkes, and F. Ramsey. On this response, a being's moral status depends not on the capacities and abilities she does in fact have, but instead on the capacities and abilities normal for the members of her species. However, this response is ultimately unacceptable, for it depends on a faulty conception of loss and misfortune and its underlying moral principle is irrational at best and morally objectionable at worst. The failure of even this response to Singer gives us good reason to conclude with Singer that all animals are equal.
Heterogeneous (Loose) Culture

Heterogeneous or loose cultures have no clear or strict rules regarding how individuals should behave. If clear rules exist, members of the culture are unlikely to follow them or the culture is unlikely to enforce them. The opposite of a heterogeneous or loose culture is a homogenous or tight culture. However, cultures differ on the extent to which they are tight or loose. Some cultures are characterized as being tight in certain contexts (e.g., religious beliefs, child-rearing practices) and loose in other contexts (e.g., education, political orientation). The looseness or tightness of a culture may also vary according to geographical location. For example, areas in the Northeast of the United States are known for being more loose than areas in the South of the country. Keywords: collectivism; individualism
Run-time recognition of task parallelism within the P++ parallel array class library

This paper explores the use of a run-time system to recognize task parallelism within a C++ array class library. Run-time systems currently support data parallelism in P++, FORTRAN 90 D, and High Performance FORTRAN. But data parallelism is insufficient for many applications, including adaptive mesh refinement. Without access to both data and task parallelism such applications exhibit several orders of magnitude more message passing and poor performance. In this paper, a C++ array class library is used to implement deferred evaluation and run-time dependence for task parallelism recognition, to obtain task parallelism through a data flow interpretation of data parallel array statements. Performance results show that the analysis and optimizations are both efficient and practical, allowing us to consider more substantial optimizations. >
Integrating Many Techniques for Discovering Structure in Data

This paper describes a formal representation of the discovery process that integrates of any number of data analysis strategies, regardless of their differences. We have implemented a system based on this formalization, called the Scientist's Empirical Assistant (SEA). SEA employs several analysis strategies from the discovery literature, including techniques for function finding, causal modeling, and Bayesian conditioning. It uses high-level knowledge about the discovery process, the strategies, and the domain of study to coordinate the selection and application of analyses. It relies on the skills and initiatives of an expert user to guide its search for structure. Finally, it designs and runs experiments with a simulator to verify its findings. SEA's primary sources of power are its abstraction of the discovery process and its numerous analysis strategies.
Radon and Projection Transform-Based Computer Vision: Algorithms, A Pipeline Architecture, and Industrial Applications

1. Introduction.- 1.1 Machine Vision Architectures.- 1.2 The Radon Transform and the PPPE Architecture.- 2. Model and Computation of Digital Projections.- 2.1 Representation of Digital Lines.- 2.2 Generation of Projection Data.- 2.3 Noise Considerations.- 3. Architectures.- 3.1 The Contour Image Generator.- 3.2 The Projection Data Collector.- 3.3 Additional Hardware.- 3.4 Putting It All Together: P3E.- 3.5 Implementation in Commercially Available Pipelines.- 4. Projections Along General Contours.- 5. P3E-Based Image Analysis Algorithms and Techniques.- 5.1 Computing Convex Hulls, Diameters, Enclosing Boxes, Principal Components, and Related Features.- 5.2 Computing Hough Transforms for Line and Curve Detection.- 5.3 Generating Polygonal Masks.- 5.4 Generating Multi-Colored Masks.- 5.5 Non-Linear Masks.- 6. P3E-Based Image Processing Algorithms and Techniques.- 6.1 Non-iterative Reconstruction.- 6.1.1 Convolution Backprojection.- 6.1.2 Filtered Backprojection.- 6.2 Iterative Reconstruction.- 6.2.1 The Kacmarz Method.- 6.3 Two-Dimensional Convolution.- 6.4 Rotation and Translation.- 6.5 Computerized Tomography Reconstruction.- 6.6 Autocorrelation.- 6.7 Polar Fourier Transform and Object Classification.- 7. Radon Transform Theory for Random Fields and Optimum Image Reconstruction from Noisy Projections.- 7.1 Radon Transform Theory of Random Fields.- 7.2 Optimum Reconstruction from Noisy Projections.- 8. Machine Vision Techniques for Visual Inspection.- 9. Conclusion.
Quantitative analysis of transmission power control in wireless ad-hoc networks

In this paper, we address the issue of transmission power control in wireless ad-hoc networks. In general, it is assumed that the minimum transmission power required to keep the network connected achieves the optimal throughput performance in an ad-hoc network. In contrast, we show that using the minimal transmission range might not always result in optimal throughput performance. Using both throughput and throughput per unit energy as the optimization criteria, we demonstrate that the optimal transmission power is generically a function of the number of stations, the network size, and the traffic load. In particular, we observe that the optimal power is a function of the network load for typical network scenarios. To analyze these observations, we present an analytical model for throughput as function of the transmission power. The throughput model supports the results of our observations, i.e. for specific load conditions throughput is proportional to transmission power in typical ad-hoe networks. We conclude that the transmission power should be adaptive to the specific conditions in an ad-hoc network in order to maximize throughput performance.
Promoter polymorphisms of hepatic lipase gene influence HDL2 but not HDL3 in African American men: CARDIA study

Hepatic lipase encoded by the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) is involved in the metabolism of several lipo- proteins. Four promoter polymorphisms in LIPC have been found to be in complete disequilibrium and associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipo- protein (apo)A-I levels in both white and black populations. We investigated the association between the promoter poly- morphism and lipid profiles as well as anthropometric phe- notypes in African American men in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. We performed se- rial cross-sectional analyses and longitudinal analyses of lip- ids from 578 subjects in five examinations over 10 years of follow-up. Results showed that the allele frequency (0.52) in our black population was consistent with that reported in black subjects but much higher than that reported (~0.2) in white populations. Analysis of covariance tests of the three genotypic means in each examination showed that the P val- ues ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 for HDL-C (except P � 0.54 in the fourth examination), from 0.006 to 0.01 for HDL 2 -C, and from 0.06 to 0.07 for apoA-I. Mean HDL 3 -C levels were essentially identical among the three genotypes. Total cho- lesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycer- ides, and apoB, which are mainly involved in the very low density lipoprotein-LDL pathway, were not significantly dif- ferent according to the promoter polymorphism, except for triglycerides in the third examination ( P � 0.01). No signifi- cant association was found between anthropometric pheno- types and the LIPC polymorphism in any of five examina- tions. The change of the anthropometric variables was not significantly associated with genotypes. In conclusion, our results indicated that the LIPC promoter polymorphism has exclusive effects on HDL 2 -C but not HDL 3 -C levels. — Juo, S-H. H., Z. Han, J. D. Smith, L. Colangelo, and K. Liu. Promoter polymorphisms of hepatic lipase gene influence HDL 2 but not HDL 3 in African American men: CARDIA study. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 258-264.
School‐based Programs for Health‐risk Reduction

Based on implications from the pediatric studies of cardiovascular risk, it has become imperative that practical methods be developed to begin prevention of heart disease early in life. Schools provide an excellent setting for introducing comprehensive health education and promotion as a public health approach to the general population. A number of school-based health education programs have been developed (Heart Ahead/Heart Smart, CATCH, Gimme 5) for children in kindergarten through high school, in which education and environmental changes have been shown to be effective in promoting healthful behaviors. The effective implementation of health education depends to a large extent on the training and motivation of teachers, administrators, and food service staff. Training Institutes can be important for increasing personal awareness, disseminating information and materials, motivating health education efforts for teachers, food service staff and their students, and evaluating the health risk of school personnel.
Acquisition of a t(11;14)(q13;q32) in clonal evolution in a follicular lymphoma with a t(14;18)(q32;q21) and t(3;22)(q27;q11.2).

Chromosome translocations involving an immunoglobulin (IG) locus and another gene, either BCL or MYC, are common events in B-cell lymphoma. Occasionally, two IG loci, one with BCL and the other with MYC, are simultaneously involved; such cases are classified as double-hit (DH) lymphomas. These tumors often show intermediate histologic features between those of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and those of Burkitt lymphoma. Patients with DH lymphoma have a poor prognosis. Rarely, lymphomas in which three IG loci are simultaneously involved with two different BCL genes and MYC have been reported. These cases are classified as triple-hit lymphomas; virtually all these are aggressive tumors with an even worse prognosis. We present here a unique case of follicular lymphoma (FL) with rearranged BCL2, BCL6, and BCL1 (also known as CCND1) genes. Lymphoma cells at first clinical relapse had a complex karyotype that included a t(3;22)(q27;q11) and t(14;18)(q32;q21). About 15 years after initial diagnosis, the lymphoma cells showed clonal cytogenetic evolution and acquired a t(11;14)(q13;q32). This article is the first case report of a low grade B-cell lymphoma that had three lymphoma-associated reciprocal translocations not involving MYC and that had a long indolent clinical course.
Analysis of the contribution of skeletal vibrations to the heat capacity of linear macromolecules in the solid state

Automatic computer programs are developed to calculate one- two-, and three-dimensional Debye functions. Prior tables of these functions are critically reviewed. Also, strategies are derived to calculate Debye temperatures from heat capacities. Both, simple three-dimensional Debye analyses and Tarasov analyses were carried out on 35 linear macromolecules. The experimental heat capacities for these analyses were collected in the ATHAS data bank. It is shown that the skeletal heat capacity of linear macromolecules is often best represented by only two vibrations per chain atom. For most of the all-carbon chain macromolecules the intramolecular skeletal heat capacity can be given by Cvs=D1[520 (28/MW)1/2] whereMW is the molecular mass andD1 represents the one-dimensional Debye function. Polyoxides show a higher intramolecular theta temperature, but a lower intermolecular theta temperature. Double bonds and phenylene groups in the chain increase the intramolecular theta temperature.
Sectional Politics and the Rise of Judicial Supremacy

Frederick Turner in his study of The Significance of Sections in American History concluded that the shifting relationships between South, "Successive Wests" and Northeast, each with a distinctive economy and culture, furnish the key to national politics. As he put it, "We in America are in reality a federation of sections rather than of states. State sovereignty was never influential except as a constitutional shield for the section. In political matters the states act in groups rather than as individual members of the Union. They act in sections and are responsive to the respective interests and ideals of the sections. They have their sectional leaders, who, in Congress and party conventions, voice the attitude of the section and confer and compromise their differences, or form sectional combinations to achieve a national policy and position." It follows that "Statesmanship. in this nation consists not only in representing the special interests of the leader's own section, but in finding a formula that will bring different sections together in a common policy." 1 If, as Turner holds, national policy is (or once was) determined by shifting geographical alliances, surely the rise of judicial supremacy 2 as the final policy arbiter reflects the inhibition of sectional alignment and realignment that followed the Civil War. Nor can it be bare coincidence
Is group size related to longevity in mammals

Life-history theory predicts that reduced extrinsic risk of mortality should increase species longevity over evolutionary time. Increasing group size should reduce an individual's risk of predation, and consequently reduce its extrinsic risk of mortality. Therefore, we should expect a relationship between group size and maximum longevity across species, while controlling for well-known correlates of longevity. We tested this hypothesis using a dataset of 253 mammal species and phylogenetic comparative methods. We found that group size was a poor predictor of maximum longevity across all mammals, as well as within primates and rodents. We found a weak but significant group-size effect on artiodactyl longevity, but in a negative direction. Body mass was consistently the best predictor of maximum longevity, which may be owing to lower predation risk and/or lower basal metabolic rates for large species. Artiodactyls living in large groups may exhibit higher rates of extrinsic mortality because of being more conspicuous to predators in open habitats, resulting in shorter lifespans.
NOAA's AUV Vision: Status and Opportunities

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) is charged with a diverse set of missions. Many of which can be served by the appropriate application of new technologies, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). To capitalize on the rapidly evolving AUV technology base, NOAA chartered a cross-agency working group to coordinate AUV activities in the agency. This team has compiled results from pilot programs and analyzed operational results to understand the value of AUVs in NOAA missions. A report entitled Applying AUVs to NOAA Goals: Current Status and Future Opportunities was submitted to NOAA senior leadership on June 1, 2006. This paper provides an overview of the NOAA AUV opportunities report. It discusses the role of AUVs in major NOAA strategic goal areas such as ecosystem research and management, commerce and transportation and climate. Significant pilot programs discussed include coast survey, fisheries science and ecosystem research applications. Technical and operational challenges are discussed and recommended steps for further integration of AUVs in NOAA are described.
Discourses of land allocation and natural property rights: Land entrepreneurialism and informal settlements in Bogotá, Colombia

In planning theory, four discourses frame collective decisions about land allocation: market, rational-comprehensive, participation, and resistance. Ideally, these discourses should function as a s...
Processing of sentinel lymph nodes for detection of metastatic melanoma.

Within the last years, evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) has become the most popular method of early staging of several malignancies, including breast carcinoma and melanoma. Because SLN are reportedly the lymph nodes most likely to contain metastatic deposits, identification of such nodes allows pathologists to examine the tissue in a much more intense manner than with the usual lymphadenectomy specimens containing multiple lymph nodes. However, there is not a universally accepted standard protocol for pathologic processing of the SLN. Initially, the most popular protocols called for bisection of the SLN and examination of serial sections, with or without routinely performed immunohistochemistry. Lately, other protocols have been proposed to try to simplify the histologic analysis while providing at least equivalent results. Here we review the different protocols used for the evaluation of SLN and describe the protocol currently in use at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX).
Quantitative effects of juvenile hormone on reproduction in the cockroach Byrsotria fumigata

Abstract A dosage effect of dl -juvenile hormone and farnesyl methyl ether was determined in female Byrsotria fumigata with respect to hormonal control of vitellogenin secretion, yolk deposition, colleterial gland activity, and sex pheromone production. All four processes were enhanced in ligatured or allatectomized females by increased dosages and sequential applications of the hormone preparations. Titres of juvenile hormone which are required for maximal activity of colleterial glands and vitellogenesis appear to have an inhibitory effect on pheromone production. Inhibition of reproductive processes owing to pregnancy was partially overcome by injecting relatively large dosages of hormone mixtures, although pheromone production was slight and sporadic. The hormone requirements for enhancement of reproductive processes in cockroaches are discussed with reference to the schedule of events in the reproductive cycle.
Island Biogeography of Genes and Species

Biodiversity is manifested at two fundamental levels: species diversity and genetic diversity. However, despite important advances in other areas of evolutionary and conservation biology that have resulted from integration of ecological and genetic perspectives (e.g., Real 1994; Young and Clarke 2000), these two levels of diversity have traditionally remained the exclusive domains of community ecology and population genetics, respectively. A number of authors have noted strong parallels between the processes and concepts underlying theories of species diversity and genetic diversity (e.g., Harper 1977; Antonovics 1978; Huston 1994; Amarasekare 2000; Hubbell 2001), but the question of whether parallel process has led to parallel pattern has yet to be explored in a rigorous way. If there is generally a positive correlation between species diversity and genetic diversity, then the parallels between ecological and genetic theories not only may be of heuristic value but also may point to the potential for theories of biodiversity to be unified across organizational levels. This note is an exploration of the hypothesis that a common set of underlying processes results in correlated patterns of species diversity and genetic diversity (within species). Johnson (1973), in the only study whose primary focus was the relationship between species diversity and genetic diversity, predicted and reported a negative correlation between species diversity and the number of alleles at six allozyme loci for Drosophila species on four Hawaiian is-
Training for Collaborative Problem Solving Improving Team Process and Performance through Metacognitive Prompting

Increasing complexity in socio-technological systems of domains such as aviation, aerospace, and the military gives rise to equally complex problems. Solving these complex problems requires the col...
Editorial: Brain Plasticity: Has It a Role in Reducing Disability Related to Demyelinating Disease?

Abstract Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating conditions often show improvement from disease-related neurologic deficits. A number of factors have been proposed as contributing to this recovery. One possible mechanism that has received limited attention in the past is cortical plasticity, a process of active remodeling by which surviving resources are reorganized to maximize clinical status. Pilot studies of brain mapping in patients with MS and myelitis suggest that several motor cortex regions are organized differently than in healthy controls. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of cortical plasticity in reducing disability among patients with MS. If further evidence supports a role for cortical remodeling in recovery from MS attacks, then treatments targeting the processes underlying cortical plasticity, such as growth factors currently being evaluated in stroke models, may represent new therapeutic avenues for patients with demyelinating disease.
Induction of prophage λ without amplification of recA protein

The requirement for amplified synthesis of recA protein in the UV-promoted induction of coliphage lambda was studied. We confirmed that a low concentration of rifampicin inhibited specifically the increased synthesis of recA protein after an inducing treatment (Satta and Pardee, 1978). Under these conditions, using an optimal dose of UV, E. coli lysogens were induced, producing active phage. The drug delayed the onset of induction and with increasing concentrations affected the yield of phage, but all the cells lysed. These results established that induction can proceed without amplification of recA protein synthesis.
Design and Performance of a 20 Kva Ground Support Static Frequency Changer

This paper describes a static frequency changer which accepts a variable voltage and frequency input, and produces regulated 3-phase 400 cps at 20 kva. An important feature allows connection of any number of frequency changers in parallel, load division being automatically controlled. Auxiliary functions are provided including short-circuit current limiting, output voltage transient suppression, and protection. Both electrical and mechanical characteristics of production equipment demonstrate the inherent advantages of this power conversion approach.
Topological index-quantum chemical bond order relations

In this work the molecular connectivity indices calculated and are weighted by Mulliken and Lowdin (in parentheses) bond orders. We considered six simple hydrocarbons (ethane, ethene, propane, propene, 2-methylpropane, and 2-methlypropene) to try to relate these values to a physical property (in this paper to molecular volume) in order to establish a relation between the quantities.
Comparison of Leapfrog, Smolarkiewicz, and MacCormack Schemes Applied to Nonlinear Equations

Abstract The MacCormack scheme is a finite-difference scheme widely used in the aerospace simulations. It is a two-step algorithm, and contains a small amount of implicit numerical diffusion that makes it numerically stable without having to use any explicit filtering. It uses a nonstaggered grid. A detailed comparison with the leapfrog and Smolarkiewicz schemes is presented using the nonlinear advection equation and the Euler equations for a variety of conditions at different Courant numbers. Of the schemes tested, the unfiltered leapfrog is the least acceptable for the solution of nonlinear equations. Although it is numerically stable for linear problems, when used to solve nonlinear equations (without using any explicit filtering) it becomes numerically unstable or nonlinearly unstable. Furthermore, it introduces large phase errors, and produces better results with small Courant numbers. The MacCormack scheme is nonlinearly stable, produces modest amounts of numerical dispersion and diffusion, has no p...