cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ethanol Fuel on the Emissions of Vehicles over a Wide Range of Temperatures

ABSTRACT The emissions from a fleet of 11 vehicles, including three from the State of Alaska, were tested at 75, 0, and -20 °F with base gasolines and E10 gasolines, that is, gasolines with 10% by volume ethanol added. The data for the changes in emissions for the test run at 75 °F are included, since most other studies on the effects of E10 gasoline on emissions were run at that temperature. The three Alaskan vehicles were also tested at 20 °F. The testing followed the Federal Test Procedure, and regulated emissions—CO, total hydrocarbons (THC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—CO2, speciated organics, and fuel economy were measured. A total of 490 FTP tests were run. The data obtained indicated that with most vehicles, at the temperatures tested, improvements in both CO and THC emissions were obtained with the use of E10 fuel. At the lowest temperature used, -20 °F, most vehicles had an increase in NO emissions with the use of E10 fuel. At the other temperatures, however, more vehicles showed a decrease in NOx...
Effects of upbeat stories in broadcast news.

This study examines the effects of upbeat news items on the assessment of the severity of the issues presented in hard‐news reports. The experimental newscast ended either without an additional item, with a human‐interest story, or with a humorous story. Respondents rated the severity of the issues addressed and the extent to which the issues might affect them personally. The humorous newscast‐closing story, but not the human‐interest story, led respondents to evaluate the issues as less severe. Assessments of personal vulnerability were not appreciably influenced by these newscast‐closing upbeat stories, however.
Atmospheric CO(2) Enrichment of Potato in the Subarctic: Root Distribution and Soil Biology

The effect of increasing atmospheric CO(2) concentration on fine root distribution of potatoes and associated soil biology activity under subarctic conditions has not been studied. Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) were grown in open top field chambers at three CO(2) concentrations [ambient (A); A + 175 µmol mol(-1) CO(2) (A+175); A + 350 µmol mol(-1) CO(2) (A+350)] and in ambient CO(2) plots with no chambers (ANC) on a Tanana silt loam (non-acid loamy, mixed Pergelic Cryaquept) at Fairbanks, AK in 1994. Soil cores to a depth of 60 cm were taken at 0, 19, and 38 cm perpendicular to row center; root variables were ascertained at four 15 cm depth increments. Soil cores to a depth of 15 cm were also collected to assess soil biology (dehydrogenase activity, nematodes, and soil microarthropods). Elevated CO(2) did not enhance root densities (i.e., both length and mass) at any depth or row position; there was no significant CO(2) X depth, CO(2) X position, or CO(2) X depth X position interactions for measured root variables. Significant depth X position interactions were noted. In general, a higher proportion of the potato root system grew closer to the row center (root length and mass bases) most notably at the uppermost soil depths. Elevated CO(2) had no impact on the soil biology parameters evaluated in this study. Our field results suggests that increased atmospheric CO(2) concentration did not alter belowground responses in potato under subarctic conditions of Alaska.
TU‐FF‐A4‐01: Respiratory‐Gated Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging for Positioning and Verification

Purpose: To improve the setup and verification of respiratory-gated treatments that use an external surrogate to track tumor motion. Method and Material: A system was designed to perform respiratory-gated dual fluoroscopic imaging either before or during treatment. The Varian RPM system is used to track the breathing signal, which is used to turn on and off two x-ray generators and acquire simultaneous fluoro from two directions. The operator can select between three operation modes: ungated fluoro controlled by the foot pedal, gated fluoro controlled by the foot pedal, and continuous acquisition of gated fluoro. Results: We have built a working prototype of this system, and have conducted early tests on phantoms. We have found that a gated fluoro system should include radiographic or fluoro capture capabilities, automatic and manual control of imaging, and on-line monitoring tools. Dual imaging allows 3D verification of gated treatment when implanted fiducial markers are used. Conclusion: Respiratory-gated radiation treatment has a great potential to increase the dose conformality for patients with large intrafractional tumor motion. When using an external surrogate to track the motion, the position of the internal anatomy relative to the surrogate can be verified using respiratory-gated fluoroscopy. For many applications, gated fluoro is superior to ungated fluoro because the imaging dose is reduced, data storage requirements are reduced, and on-line analysis is simplified. Conflict of Interest: This research was supported by Varian Medical Systems.
Active dendritic conductances enhance processing of plastic synaptic stimuli

The problem of gain control in a neuron that faces thousands of synaptic stimuli has received much attention. Studies of relatively simple models established that synaptic gain can be modulated by multiple factors, such as presynaptic plasticity and/or intrinsic neuronal nonlinearities [1,2]. However, most central synapses are characterized by small active zones and high stochasticity of vesicular release [3]. In addition, dendritic trees abound with active conductances [4]. All of the above calls for a revised look at the simplified mean-field models of gain modulation.
Gendered innovations: harnessing the creative power of sex and gender analysis to discover new ideas and develop new technologies

‘Gendered Innovations’ integrate sex and gender analysis into all phases of basic and applied research to stimulate new knowledge and technologies. In so doing, Gendered Innovations enhance creativity, innovation, and gender equality. This paper reports on the interdisciplinary, international collaboration that produced: 1) 12 state-of-the-art methods of sex and gender analysis for science, health and medicine, engineering, and environmental research; and 2) and 25 case studies to illustrate how gender analysis leads to discovery. The project moves gender studies beyond identifying gender bias to prioritizing sex and gender analysis as resources to fuel new discoveries.
Pedandragogy: A way forward to self-engaged learning

A debate that has engaged the attention of educators and scores of intellectuals is the longstanding issue of pedagogy versus andragogy. The nature of the debate, given the interdisciplinary theoretical assumptions that underpin the issue, has had a polarizing effect on these scholars; as a result, there has been the emergence of competing theories. This paper addresses the salient issues in the longstanding debate concerning the merits and demerits of pedagogy and andragogy and posits a new model, pedandragogy, which is a synthesis of the core elements of pedagogy and andragogy. Pedandragogy is a model that promotes and encourages the development of effective learning environments where self-engaged learning by individuals of all ages can be fostered.
Outcomes with an alternative anastomotic technique after radical retropubic prostatectomy: 10-year experience.

Abstract Objectives To review 10-year outcomes of an alternative vesicourethral anastomotic technique performed after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Methods With institutional review board approval, 307 consecutive RRPs performed by one surgeon (mean patient age, 63.5 years; range, 35 to 77 years) from November 1994 to December 2004 with an alternative anastomosis were reviewed. Cox proportional hazard models with forward selection were used to investigate associations with outcomes and operative parameters. Results Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 550 mL. Sixty-three patients (20.5%) required blood transfusion. Mean anastomotic time ranged from 8 to 22 minutes (median, 11 minutes). Nine patients (2.9%) required surgical drain for more than 2 days. A total of 246 patients were available for at least 1-year continence follow-up (mean, 51 months). Of these, 160 patients (65.0%) never leaked or required a pad at point of last follow-up; 25 patients (10.2%) required 1 non-insurance pad or more per day. Only 3 patients (1.2%) have had incontinence interventions (one artificial sphincter and two collagen injections). Operative parameters statistically associated with wearing 1 pad per day or more were EBL (P = 0.035) and time to continence (P Conclusions The alternative anastomotic technique is efficient and provides proper urethral alignment with a minimal rate of prolonged urinary extravasation. Long-term urinary continence is excellent, and stricture rates are acceptable compared with other anastomotic techniques.
Grafting cellulose acetate with styrene maleic anhydride random copolymers for improved dimensional stability of cellulose acetate

Graft copolymers of cellulose acetate (CA, d.s.:2.45) with styrene maleic anhydride random copolymers (SMAs) were synthesized by reacting the hydroxyls on CA backbone with the anhydride on SMA. The formation of graft copolymers leads to compatibilized blends with microscopic phase domains under appropriate conditions. The grafting reaction was studied in detail. The uniform dispersion of SMA in the CA matrix brings new properties to the grafting reaction products. Tests from acetone-cast films showed improved dimensional stability in comparison to cellulose acetate; i.e., in the presence of 50% SMA in the formulation, there is more than 50% reduction on the dimensional change as compared to CA. The dimensional stability of the grafting products is better or comparable to cellulose triacetate. There are, for the alloys, reduced moisture adsorption, improved tensile strength, tensile modulus, reduced elongation, as compared to cellulose acetate. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
They Might Be Giants: A Review of Small Presses and Little Magazines: An Interview with Susan Burmeister-Brown, Editor and Publisher of Glimmer Train Stories

Abstract Michael Brown goes for broke and contacts literary royalty, the co-publisher of Glimmer Train Stories . Talking to Susan Burmeister-Brown, Michael learns that little magazines are rarely little. Often, they are as big as the hearts that pour into them.
Mineral Loss in Cowpeas [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] by Pressure Heating in Water

White Acre cowpeas of four maturity levels were heated in water at 35 kPa for 0–40 min. As the cowpeas increased in maturity, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, and K increased, Fe decreased and Ca did not change. All minerals analyzed decreased with heating: Cu, Ca and Mg (p < 0.001), Zn, Fe and K (p <0.01) and Mn (P<0.05). Minerals leached from the cowpeas at different magnitudes and rates. For example, K lowered 70–80% within 10 min; others lowered 20% or less. Loss of minerals across maturity stages was not uniform. This method reduced loss of certain minerals when compared to published values for the boiling water method.
Polarization Control of Electron Tunneling into Ferroelectric Surfaces

We demonstrate a highly reproducible control of local electron transport through a ferroelectric oxide via its spontaneous polarization. Electrons are injected from the tip of an atomic force microscope into a thin film of lead-zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3, in the regime of electron tunneling assisted by a high electric field (Fowler-Nordheim tunneling). The tunneling current exhibits a pronounced hysteresis with abrupt switching events that coincide, within experimental resolution, with the local switching of ferroelectric polarization. The large spontaneous polarization of the PZT film results in up to 500-fold amplification of the tunneling current upon ferroelectric switching. The magnitude of the effect is subject to electrostatic control via ferroelectric switching, suggesting possible applications in ultrahigh-density data storage and spintronics.
Writing to Learn in a Business Economics Class

An intermediate course in macroeconomics that emphasizes teaching and learning with writing is described. The authors state that students' communication and thinking skills are increased by strategies that integrated writing into economics courses.
Use of the Diagnosis “Failure to Thrive” in Older Veterans

OBJECTIVES: To describe how physicians apply the term “failure to thrive” (FTT) to older patients. Specifically, to describe the clinical presentation, underlying etiologies, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, and discharge outcomes of veterans having the discharge diagnosis of FTT. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Portland, Oregon, a 400-bed referral and teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All veterans 65 years of age and older admitted to the Portland VAMC from October 1, 1990, through September 30, 1993, whose coded discharge diagnoses included FTT (n = 132). MEASUREMENTS: Medical records were reviewed by a trained abstractor to obtain key data about clinical presentation, etiologies, interventions, and discharge outcomes. RESULTS: Subjects were predominantly male (98%), with a mean age of 76 years ± 9 years. Weight loss was a key feature: 67% of subjects had evidence of weight loss by study criteria. Anemia was present in 55%, low cholesterol in 50%, and low albumin in 44%. Lymphopenia was common, present in 66% of subjects. Most patients were admitted from home (83%); only 7% came from nursing homes. On admission, the majority (82%) were dependent in at least One ADL, and 36% were cognitively impaired. Cancer was the most common underlying diagnosis (30%), followed by infection (18%), dehydration (13%), and depression (12%). Only 46% of subjects were discharged home, while 34% went to nursing homes. Fourteen percent of subjects died during the hospitalization, an additional 11% died within 30 days after discharge, and 32% died within 1 year after discharge. The subgroup of subjects with cancer and/or infection had increased mortality rates at 30 days and 1 year after hospitalization. CONCLUSION: We conclude that FTT may constitute a discrete syndrome with diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications in older people, but in the absence of consensus about diagnostic criteria, there is a large degree of subjective variation in how physicians apply the term. J Am Geriatr Soc 45:1113–1117, 1997.
Normal thymic cortical epithelial cells developmentally regulate the expression of a B-lineage transformation-associated antigen

Nonlymphoid, stromal cells in the mouse thymus are believed to be important in T cell maturation and have been proposed to play a central role in the acquisition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction and self-tolerance by maturing thymocytes. Both cortical and medullary epithelial cells in the thymus express high levels of class II (A) major histocompatibility antigens (MHC Ags). We show here that a specific subset of these A− epithelial cells express a transformation-associated antigen (6C3Ag) found previously on the surfaces of Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed pre-B cells and on those bone marrow-derived stromal cell clones which support normal and preneoplastic pre-B cell proliferation. Among solid lymphoid organs, only the thymus contains 6C3Ag1 cells and within the thymus, this antigen is found exclusively on A− epithelial cells in cortical regions. It is striking that the expression of the 6C3Ag on thymic epithelium is developmentally regulated, suggesting a role for this lymphostromal antigen in the maturation of the thymic microenvironment.
An approach for designing capacity and managing material flow in small-lot assembly lines

Abstract This paper describes an approach for modeling the transient performance of small-lot assembly lines; it can be applied by both manufacturing engineers and materials managers to unify decisions, thereby promoting effective performance. Techniques are presented for modeling realistic features such as random operation times, which represent operator variability or machine breakdown/repair, and parallel machines at a station. New computational procedures for estimating the correlation between certain operation finish times, and hence of transient performance, are described. Numerical tests demonstrate the use of a model as a decision aid for both manufacturing engineers and materials managers and also indicate that the new computational procedures give accurate estimates of transient performance. Compared with simulation, the approach is shown to offer a significant run time advantage.
Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the internal auditory canal

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as Masson's tumor, is a rare vascular lesion characterized by intravascular proliferation of endothelial-lined papillae and a propensity for manifestation in the head and neck. Signs and symptoms associated with IPEH generally occur due to compressive effects of the lesion on adjacent structures. A rare instance of IPEH occurring in the internal auditory canal is presented herein. Clinical presentation, radiographic and pathologic findings, and management strategies are discussed.
IONIZING RADIATION: EFFECT ON GENETIC TRANSCRIPTION.

Cells of Escherichia coli grown on maltose can be induced by the addition of thiomethyl galactoside to produce β-galactosidase. If cells are irradiated shortly after induction, the transcription of the DNA ceases, and the enzyme produced by the messenger RNA is observed to reach a maximum. From these data the calculated half-life of unstable messenger RNA is given over a temperature range from 8.1 minutes at 10°C to 0.7 minute at 45°C. The kinetics of cessation of transcription give information on both meassenger RNA decay and rate of transcription. Arrhenius graphs for both these rates are given, and the activation energies mtieasured are 11,000 calories per mole for decay and 22,000 calories per mole for transcription. This relation to temperature is characteristic of enzymatic behavior.
Two varieties of perceived length

The perception of length depends on the mode of stimulation. When Ss were asked to judge the apparent lengths of blocks presented either visually or proprioceptively (between thumb and finger of one hand), visual length was proportional to block length, whereas proprioceptive length was an accelerating function of block length. When both visual and proprioceptive stimulation occurred simultaneously (S both saw and felt a block), the visual input was preemptive.
MINMAX bit allocation for quantization-based video coders

Ringenburg et al. (2004) developed MultiStage, a bit-allocation algorithm for embedded video coders, that generates near-constant quality sequences. In this work, we show how the algorithm can be applied to quantization-based coders, and implement it for H.263. We also describe a novel approach for block-level bit allocation for H.263, cast as a variation on the multiple-choice knapsack problem, and show how to solve it efficiently with dynamic programming. Our results show that very stable quality can be achieved using relatively few coding iterations, with very little sacrifice in mean distortion.
Automated Quantitative Analysis of Tissue Microarray of 443 Patients with Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: Low Expression of Bcl-2 Predicts Poor Survival

Background Bcl-2 has been implicated in the development and progression of a number of cancers including colorectal cancer. Reports of Bcl-2 expression in colorectal cancer and patient outcomes have been inconsistent due to small cohorts and semi-quantitative grading methods. Study Design We used a high throughput tissue microarray system (automated quantitative analysis [AQUA]), analyzing colorectal adenocarcinoma samples from 443 patients resected during the period of 1967 to 1986. This system uses fully quantitative, automated fluorescent microscopy to accurately assess Bcl-2 expression in colorectal cancer samples. Clinicopathologic variables were collected prospectively and were assessed using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models. Results At a median follow-up of 54 months, the 5- and 10-year disease-specific survivals for all patients were 59.2% and 52.1%, respectively. Loss of Bcl-2 expression was seen in 70.4% of tumors and was associated with a decreased 5-year disease-specific survival (55.8% vs 75.6%, p = 0.001 and relative risk [RR] 1.8) and decreased 5-year overall survival (45.8% vs 56.5%, p = 0.046 and RR 1.2). On univariate analysis, T stage, N stage, and loss of Bcl-2 expression predicted poor disease-specific survival. On multivariate analysis, Bcl-2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival (p = 0.034). Conclusions Our results indicate that loss of Bcl-2 expression in colorectal cancer is associated with decreased disease-specific and overall survival. This finding may help identify a subset of patients with a more aggressive phenotype and guide adjuvant chemotherapy choices.
Did Investors Outsource Their Risk Analysis to Rating Agencies? Evidence from ABS-CDOs

Based on a sample of 3254 floating rate tranches from 617 ABS-CDOs (collateralized debt obligations backed by asset-backed securities), this paper tests the 'rating overdependence' hypothesis – i.e., that ratings of structured products are a sufficient statistic (in terms of predicting future credit performance) for yield spreads at origination. The paper’s findings are fourfold. First, yield spreads at issuance predict future performance of ABS-CDO tranches even after controlling for the information contained in ratings. Second, the ability of yield spreads to predict future performance, however, is driven exclusively by ratings below AAA (and, to a lesser extent, also by the lowest priority AAA tranches), whereas spreads of super senior AAA tranches show no information content. Third, the predictive ability of yield spreads is lower for tranches from later vintages and for tranches from deals with more complex collateral pools. Fourth, the conditional correlation between ratings and spreads, in turn, is increasing in time and higher for tranches from complex deals. In sum, the evidence indicates that investors in (especially AAA) tranches from later and more complex deals have avoided performing costly due diligence on the securities they bought.
Incomplete TCR‐β allelic exclusion accelerates spontaneous autoimmune arthritis in K/BxN TCR transgenic mice

Allelic exclusion of antigen receptor loci is a fundamental mechanism of immunological self-tolerance. Incomplete allelic exclusion leads to dual T-cell receptor (TCR) expression and can allow developing autoreactive αβ T lymphocytes to escape clonal deletion. Because allelic exclusion at the TCR-β locus is more stringent than at the TCR-α locus, dual TCR-β expression has not been considered a likely contributor to autoimmunity. We show here that incomplete TCR-β allelic exclusion permits developing thymocytes bearing the autoreactive, transgene-encoded KRN TCR to be positively selected more efficiently, thereby accelerating the onset of spontaneous autoimmune arthritis. Our findings highlight dual TCR-β expression as a mechanism that can enhance the maturation of autoreactive pathogenic T cells and lead to more rapid development of autoimmune disease.
The pitfalls of electronic health orders: development of an enhanced institutional protocol after a preventable patient death

Background: Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) is a long-standing treatment used in the setting of gross hematuria and other acute bladder issues. Its use has traditionally been reserved for patients under direct urologic care, but with the constraints of modern large-hospital healthcare, many patients have CBI administered by providers unfamiliar with its use and potential complications. Findings: There were 136 CBI orders placed in 2013 by non-urologic providers. The biggest hazard found in our analysis was the requirement for entering a rate of irrigation administration. Nurses with no experience with CBI viewed this order as an indication to administer via an infusion pump, which can easily exceed the mechanical integrity of the bladder and increase the risk of bladder perforation. Our panel also found that due to lack of experience by nurses and non-urologic providers, that signs and symptoms of CBI dysfunction were not common knowledge. Also we found that non-urologic providers were unfamiliar with administration and dosing of medications for CBI patients to help with the intrinsic discomfort with CBI administration. Conclusions: In our revised order set we found that removing the requirement for an infusion rate, along with placing warnings in the CPOE, helped staff better understand this possible complication. We created a best practice alert in our CPOE to strongly recommend the urology service be consulted. Communication text boxes were added to the order set to help staff be aware of the signs and symptoms of CBI dysfunction, along with a guide for trouble shooting.
Is there a role for adjuvant tamoxifen in progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer? An in silico clinical trial

Purpose: Subset analysis from the Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination trial, a major adjuvant therapy trial, suggests that progesterone receptor–negative (PR−) cases may derive greater benefit from aromatase inhibitor compared with tamoxifen than PR+ cases. We postulated that estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/PR+ patients might do as well or better by starting on tamoxifen and later switching to an aromatase inhibitor rather than by starting on an aromatase inhibitor as initial therapy. Experimental Design: We constructed a computer model using retrospective data to approximate exponential failure rates for PR+ and PR− in tamoxifen-treated and tamoxifen-untreated patients, adding the assumptions that about half of patients are cured at surgery and that ∼20% of postmenopausal ER+ early breast cancer cases are PR−. This model provided a very good approximation to the published overview data and to the clinical trials. We then used the failure rates to generate relapse times for a large number of cases ( n = 50,000) for each treatment scenario. Results: In PR− cases, initial therapy with an aromatase inhibitor is superior to tamoxifen and this advantage can never be made up by switching. In PR+ cases, tamoxifen is only modestly inferior to aromatase inhibitor at the outset, and after switching to an aromatase inhibitor at 3 or 5 years the tamoxifen relapse-free survival curve catches up and then begins to surpass the aromatase inhibitor curve at 7.5 or 12 years, respectively. Discussion: Although our in silico trial is based on many assumptions, it closely approximates results of the published trials and, therefore, suggests that an in vivo comparison in ER+/PR+ patients of aromatase inhibitor versus tamoxifen followed by aromatase inhibitor may be worth considering.
Addressing the Threat: An Examination of Science and Technology Policy Addressing Weapons of Mass Destruction

Recent history, including the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, and the Pentagon on September 11th, the Atocha commuter rail train in Madrid, the multiple London tube bombings, and the discovery of Anthrax within Washington, D.C., has reinforced the science and technology focus upon post event response capability and attribution. In fact, technologies in support of post event response capability and, in the case of terrorism, attribution, have been the key drivers in funding and policy. Unfortunately, the technologies, and methodologies, used to detect chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high explosive (CBRNE) weapons have not fundamentally changed in many years. Although there has been some confirmation of rogue nations and terrorists attempts to obtain WMD, there is substantial evidence of the use conventional explosives. While the use of WMD would be catastrophic (High risk, High impact), the difficulty in implementation makes the actual threat minimal compared to the historical and frequent success of terrorist organizations using relatively simple Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) on soft and/or highly populated targets (Low risk, Low-Medium impact). The benefit or effect from altering the focus, the funding, and changing the current policy toward a better use of current capabilities in detection, communications and decision support, and generation of nontraditional detection and disruption technologies is improved effectiveness and efficiency of limited specialized personnel assets, decreased response time, maximization of emergency responders effective reach, standardized detection and response methodology, and, ultimately, the possibility of mitigation and pre-emption.
The globalization of respiratory care.

Over the last few years, Respiratory Care has been fortunate to receive an increasing number of manuscripts from authors outside the United States. There is no one reason for this change, but I thought it appropriate to reflect on a few factors that contribute to the ever-growing international
Correlation Studies of Passive and Active Microwave Data in the Marginal Ice Zone

The microwave radiative and backscatter characteristics of sea ice in an Arctic marginal ice zone have been studied using near-simultaneous passive and active synthetic aperture radar microwave data. Intermediate-resolution multichannel passive microwave data were registered and analyzed. Passive and active microwave data generally complement each other as the two sensors are especially sensitive to different physical properties of the sea ice. In the inner pack, undeformed first-year ice is observed to have low backscatter values but high brightness temperatures while multiyear ice has generally high backscatter values and low brightness temperatures. However, in the marginal ice zone, the signature and backscatter for multiyear ice are considerably different and closer to those of first-year ice. Some floes identified by photography as snow-covered thick ice have backscatter similar to that of new ice or open water while brash ice has backscatter similar to or higher than that of ridged ice.
Three phases in the creation of information inequities: An empirical assessment of a prototype videotex system

The social impact of a videotex system is assessed by examining: (1) whose needs the system was designed to serve; (2) who were the early adopters; and (3) who most used and benefited from the system.
COUP-TFII controls amygdala patterning by regulating neuropilin expression

The development of the progenitor zones in the pallium, lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) in the subpallium has been well studied; however, so far the role of the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE), a posterior subpallial domain, in telencephalon patterning remains poorly understood. COUP-TFII, an orphan nuclear receptor, is preferentially expressed in the CGE. We generated COUP-TFII mouse mutants, using Rx-Cre (RxCre;COUP-TFIIF/F), to study its function in telencephalon development. In these mutants, we found severe defects in the formation of the amygdala complex, including the lateral (LA), basolateral (BLA) and basomedial (BMA) amygdala nuclei. Molecular analysis provided evidence that the migration of CGE-derived Pax6+ cells failed to settle into the BMA nucleus, owing to reduced expression of neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) and Nrp2, two semaphorin receptors that regulate neuronal cell migration and axon guidance. Our ChIP assays revealed that Nrp1 and Nrp2 genes are the direct targets of COUP-TFII in the telencephalon in vivo. Furthermore, our results showed that the coordinated development between the CGE originated subpallial population (Pax6+ cells) and pallial populations (Tbr1+ and Lhx2+ cells) was essential for patterning the amygdala assembly. Our study presented novel genetic evidence that the caudal ganglionic eminence, a distinct subpallial progenitor zone, contributes cells to the basal telencephalon, such as the BMA nucleus.
Motion-Induced Phase Error Estimation and Correction in 3D Diffusion Tensor Imaging

A multishot data acquisition strategy is one way to mitigate B0 distortion and T2* blurring for high-resolution diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging experiments. However, different object motions that take place during different shots cause phase inconsistencies in the data, leading to significant image artifacts. This work proposes a maximum likelihood estimation and k-space correction of motion-induced phase errors in 3D multishot diffusion tensor imaging. The proposed error estimation is robust, unbiased, and approaches the Cramer-Rao lower bound. For rigid body motion, the proposed correction effectively removes motion-induced phase errors regardless of the k-space trajectory used and gives comparable performance to the more computationally expensive 3D iterative nonlinear phase error correction method. The method has been extended to handle multichannel data collected using phased-array coils. Simulation and in vivo data are shown to demonstrate the performance of the method.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: effects on urodynamic parameters and voiding symptoms.

Abstract Objectives. To assess the effects of saw palmetto on voiding symptoms and urodynamic parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) presumed secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods. Fifty men with previously untreated LUTS and a minimum International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 10 or greater were treated with a commercially available form of saw palmetto (160 mg twice per day) for 6 months. The initial evaluation included measurement of peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, pressure-flow study, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Patients completed an IPSS, serum PSA was determined, and flow rate was measured every 2 months during the course of the study. A urodynamic evaluation was repeated at the completion of the 6-month trial. Results. The mean IPSS (±SD) improved from 19.5 ± 5.5 to 12.5 ± 7.0 ( P Conclusions. Saw palmetto is a well-tolerated agent that may significantly improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH. However, we were unable to demonstrate any significant improvement in objective measures of bladder outlet obstruction. Placebo-controlled trials of saw palmetto are needed to evaluate the true effectiveness of this compound.
Distribution and Physiological Functions of Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives in Leaves of Sweetpotato Genotypes

ABSTRACT: Six caffeoylquinic acid derivatives of sweetpotato leaves, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. were identifiedand quantified using 1389 genotypes collected worldwide. These were divided into 3 categories based on the leafpolyphenol content: high, medium, and low polyphenol accumulator. RP-HPLC analysis was used to quantifycaffeic acid, chlorogenic acid (3-o-caffeoylquinic acid), 3,4-di-o-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-o-caffeoylquinicacid, 4,5-di-o-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,4,5-tri-o-caffeoylquinic acid. The caffeic acid and derivatives were posi-tively correlated with the total polyphenol contents, and the correlation coefficients varied widely among thedifferent categories. The caffeoylquinic acid derivatives showed higher DPPH-radical scavenging activity (%),and higher antimutagenicity by showing effectively inhibiting the reverse mutation induced by Trp-P-1 on Salmonella typhimurium TA 98.Keywords: sweetpotato leaf, polyphenol, caffeic acid derivatives, antioxidant, antimutagenicity, physiological function
The Roles of Counterion and Water in a Stereoselective Cysteine-Catalyzed Rauhut–Currier Reaction: A Challenge for Computational Chemistry

The stereoselective Rauhut-Currier (RC) reaction catalyzed by a cysteine derivative has been explored computationally with density functional theory (M06-2X). Both methanethiol and a chiral cysteine derivative were studied as nucleophiles. The complete reaction pathway involves rate-determining elimination of the thiol catalyst from the Michael addition product. The stereoselective Rauhut-Currier reaction, catalyzed by a cysteine derivative as a nucleophile, has also been studied in detail. This reaction was experimentally found to be extremely sensitive to the reaction conditions, such as the number of water equivalents and the effect of potassium counterion. The E1cB process for catalyst elimination has been explored computationally for the eight possible stereoisomers. The effect of explicit water solvation and the presence of counterion (either K(+) or Na(+) ) has been studied for the lowest energy enantiomer pair (1S, 2R, 3S)/(1R, 2S, 3R).
Distribution of words with a predefined range of mismatches to a DNA probe in bacterial genomes

Motivation: Hybridization of oligonucleotides with longer nucleotide sequences is an essential step in nucleic acid biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo, in oligonucleotide-based diagnostics, and in therapeutic applications of oligonucleotides. A major factor determining sensitivity and selectivity of hybridization is the number of base pair mismatches that occur in an ungapped alignment of the oligonucleotide (probe) and a longer sequence (target). Results: The k-distance match count between the probe and the target is defined as the number of ungapped alignments between the two sequences that have exactly k mismatches, and the k-neighbor match count is defined as the sum of the j-distance match counts for j between 0 and k. We derive a novel formula for the probability of a k-distance match. This formula is based on the assumption that the target is strand-symmetric Bernoulli text (i.e. nucleotides are independently, identically distributed in the target and satisfy Chargaff's second parity rule). Our model predicts that the GC-content in both the probe and the target significantly affects the match count expectation. The ratio of k-neighbor match counts in two distinct genomes for a given probe is a measure of its specificity. We calculated such ratios for pairs of bacterial genomes with different combinations of length, GC-content and phylogenetic distance. Examination of the extreme values of these ratios indicates that probes with a high discriminative power exist for each tested pair. Supplementary information: Stowers Institute Technical Report No. 0002, C++ source code, Mathematica notebooks and other information is available at http://www.stowers-institute.org/labs/bioinformatics/omm/index.htm
A framework for adaptive voice communication over wireless channels

Time-varying channel error conditions of a wireless link do not allow for providing a steady service quality. Adaptability is one way to go around this problem since the quality of service (QoS) requirements can be changed as the channel status changes. In this paper, we propose a framework for adaptive voice over one-hop wireless communication between a source and a destination. Adaptability is achieved at two levels: (1) changing the voice-encoding rate, and (2) changing the signal modulation scheme. In addition to reacting to the channel conditions and hence achieving better quality, adaptation, will allow for the support of more of the offered load (i.e., higher multiplexing gain). This will introduce some issues and problems; the goal was to reach to a near-optimal operating point, where quality is not traded for bandwidth efficiency. We simulated a special case of the framework. Results show that the adaptive approach has a much less degradation in voice quality (DVQ) and allows for more voice communications to be supported.
Analysis of nonuniform nonlinear distributed feedback structures: generalized transfer matrix method

A new method for the analysis of almost-periodic, nonuniform, nonlinear distributed feedback (NLDFB) structures is presented. A grating segmentation technique used for linear DFB devices is combined with the analytic solutions corresponding to a strictly periodic, uniform NLDFB device. The method is demonstrated for tapered, chirped, and phase-shifted structures. New results describing the operation of single- and multiple-phase shifted NLDFB are reported. NLDFB structures with a axially-varying effective Kerr index are also considered. >
Parallel and Synchronized UCB2 for Online Recommendation Systems

As users' preferences shift continuously, recommendation system has to learn quickly from them. It is an interesting online learning problem as recommender does not have any prior knowledge about the distribution of items over the users. In this work, we generate a small recommendation set from a large number of items, with an intention that at least one of recommended items would satisfy the user and thus minimize user abandonment. We used multi-armed bandit algorithm for this purpose and avail multiple instances of Upper Confidence Bound2 (UCB2). Although UCB2 is theoretically proved to have a better regret bound than UCB1, unlike UCB1, it has not been used for parallel execution. We designed an efficient algorithm which runs multiple instances of UCB2 in parallel. Our algorithm suitably handles parameter synchronization, reward update and exploration decisions across multiple instances of UCB2 and ensures that they are capable of covering different types of users. While applied to real data, our method shows comparable performance over a recommendation system that runs multiple instances of UCB1 in parallel. We compared our results with Ranked Bandit Algorithm and Independent Bandit Algorithm.
U.S. missiles on hair trigger

(1989). U.S. missiles on hair trigger? Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 3-3.
Comment on De Genova's "Management of quality"

A double quality in Nick De Genova's remarkable account of race in the workplace is part and parcel of the richness of the analysis and observation that he provides. Race-thinking enters the point of production in ways fully useful for the extraction of production and in ways explosively troublesome to management. On the first hand, divisions among workers proliferate in ways that not only make class unity less realizable, but also enable management to make resonating claims: e.g. management's claim that the Black worker's imputed and real position of being "precisely mobilized (insubordinate) or at least always already mobilizable?as labor against capital" bespoke not a position of strength but the reason for their removal and replacement by Latino workers. Whether understood as a cautionary tale or whether reprocessed at times in a "profoundly self-defeating refraction" through which Latino workers gave the employer's "crude and overt strategy of racial management" the twist that Black workers were "lazy," the effect was not only to reinforce existing racial divisions but also to make militant class assertions, usually cast as the antidote to disunity, yet another alleged marker of race. If we add emphasis on language and on division in citizenship status and nationality among Latinos and consider the presence of Iraqi workers, the crosscutting of the working class constituted a powerful management tool.
The active transport of sodium and potassium ions.

Abstract A model of active ionic transport is presented that accounts for the oppositely directed countergradient flux of sodium and potassium ions through biological membranes. The model assumes the existence of a carrier molecule, but a carrier molecule showing no specificity between sodium and potassium ions. The selectivity of the membrane as predicted by the model is due to the relative sizes of the passive diffusion coefficients.
Phase Field Simulations of Autocatalytic Formation of Alpha Lamellar Colonies in Ti-6Al-4V

We present phase field simulations incorporating contributions due to chemical free energy, anisotropic interfacial energy, and elastic energy due to transformation strain, to demonstrate the nucleation and growth of multiple variants of alpha from undercooled beta in Ti-6Al-4V under isothermal conditions. A new composite nucleation seeding approach is used within the phase field simulations to demonstrate that the presence of a pre-existing strain field can cause the nucleation of specific crystallographic variants of alpha based on minimization of local elastic strain energy. Under conditions where specific combinations of elastic strains exist, for example in the vicinity of one or more pre-existing alpha variants, the nucleation of a new alpha variant is followed by the successive nucleation of the same variant in the form of a lamellar colony by an autocatalytic mechanism. At a given thermodynamic undercooling, the colony structure was favored at a nucleation rate that was low enough to allow sufficient growth of previously nucleated variants before another nucleus formed in their vicinity. Basket weave morphology was formed at higher nucleation rates where multiple nuclei variants grew almost simultaneously under evolving strain fields of several adjacent nuclei.
Seeds of Horror: Sacrifice and Supremacy in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Wicker Man, and Children of the Corn

Jeffrey Jerome Cohen (2012) has written that “things, especially things that appear to hold themselves in silence, must possess a power indifferent to language … must be able to speak, exert agency, propel narrative” (p. 6). Although Western thought seldom applies such notions of subjectivity and agency to plants, narratives that feature menacing plants (or imagined versions of plants) have an established place within the horror genre. Uncertainty about the plant–human relationship is already evident in early English literature, including the fourteenth-century verse romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight while, in modern times, this discomfort is expressed in such vegetal-themed films as The Wicker Man (1973) and Children of the Corn (2009). In these works, the vegetal is a powerful, dominant force that demands sacrifice. While human society has often associated sacrifice with fertility, abundance, and renewal, these narratives assert the autonomy and priority of the vegetal and connect plant domination with the tension between Christianity and heathen belief, suggesting that humankind is neither separate from nature, nor above it, contrary to some popular biblical interpretations. Despite religious validation of human hegemony, the echo of Gawain’s anxiety in later works suggests a persistent doubt, a fear that perhaps humankind does not, after all, enjoy divine preference—that ritual and sacrifice do not avail, for humans remain at the mercy of a vegetal world that will ultimately dismantle their illusory boundary between nature and culture.