cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emission of particulate matters during construction: A comparative study on a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and a steel building construction project

Abstract Construction sites are responsible for generating a high concentration of pollutants in surrounding air. Emission level can be different depending on the materials used for the construction. One of the methods for quantifying air pollution is to measure particulate matters (PM) emitted on construction sites. This study aims to determine the concentration of PM produced from two construction sites using different materials; cross-laminated timber (CLT) and steel. A reference location was also used in order to compare the concentration level with the construction sites. A total of 900 data points of four different particulate matter sizes (PM 1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10 ) were collected from all three locations over a period of 5 days. Data analysis supports that construction sites emit significantly higher concentration of PM than other locations. In majority of the cases, concentration levels were found below the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard for particulate matters. The outcomes of this study provide a considerable understanding of PM emission in construction sites and relationship of emission level with different construction materials and activities. Furthermore, this study determines the correlations of different PM sizes measured for the study.
Vancomycin use in surrounding patients during critical illness and risk for persistent colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus

Summary The optimal duration of contact precautions for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE)-colonized patients is uncertain and individual patient characteristics alone may not predict risk of prolonged colonization. Using a cohort of adult patients who underwent testing for VRE at intensive care unit (ICU) admission, we tested the association between local (unit-level) vancomycin use and persistent colonization with VRE. Higher unit-level vancomycin use significantly prolonged VRE colonization (P=0.03) independent of patient-level vancomycin use and unit VRE density.
Neuroendocrine Tumors in Meckel’s Diverticulum: Recommendation for Lymphadenectomy Regardless of Tumor Size Based on the NCDB Experience

Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is an anomaly of the small intestine from which malignancy may arise. Among MD neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are considered the most common. However, their metastatic potential and optimal surgical therapy remain ill-defined. In a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (2004–2015), patients with a diagnosis of MD malignancy were identified. Clinicopathologic factors were extracted and tumors arising in MD were compared. In the subgroup of patients with NET, the association between tumor factors and node involvement was investigated. Three hundred twenty primary MD malignancies were captured in the National Cancer Database, consisting of 280 (87.5%) NET. The median age at diagnosis was 64 years. Patients were predominantly male (207, 73.9%) and white (269, 96.1%). Most tumors were well-differentiated (118, 42.1%) and sub-centimeter (median size, 0.7 cm). Distant metastasis was present in a minority (16, 5.7%), and the median overall survival was 114 months in the entire cohort. The regional lymph node status was known in 87 NET patients, out of which 39 (44.8%) harbored node metastasis. Although the risk of node involvement increased with larger tumor size, it remained significant even among sub-centimeter (9 out of 34, 26.5%) and well-differentiated (18 out of 44, 41%) tumors. Regional node involvement was associated with the presence of distant metastasis (p < 0.001). Lymph node involvement was common irrespective of the size and grade of NET arising from Meckel’s diverticulum. Therefore, regional lymphadenectomy should be considered in the curative-intent surgical management of these neoplasms regardless of tumor size and grade.
Methods for Estimating the Hurst Exponent of Stock Returns: A Note

This note is a further commentary on a previous paper on the chaos theory of stock returns that derives from the alleged detection of persistence in time series data indicated by values of the Hurst exponent H that differs from the neutral value of H=0.5 implied by the efficient market hypothesis (EMH) (Munshi, 2014). A comparison of four different methods for estimating H is presented. Linear regression of log transformed values (OLS) is compared against a numerical approach using the generalized reduced gradient (GRG) method. These methods are applied to two different empirical models for the estimation of H. We find that the major source of error in the empirical estimation of H is the insertion of the extraneous constant C into the empirical model.
Tumour vesicular micromachinery uncovered.

Tumour-secreted microvesicles carry bioactive molecules that can be transferred to recipient cells, impacting tumour progression. A study now shows that ARF6 drives miRNA loading into tumour microvesicles through interaction with pre-miRNA–Exportin-5 complexes, thus shedding light on specific cargo packaging mechanisms.
Data Management on Non-Volatile Memory

We are at an exciting point in the evolution of memory technology. Device manufacturers have created a new non- volatile memory (NVM) technology that can serve as both system memory and storage. NVM supports fast reads and writes similar to volatile memory, but all writes to it are persistent like a solid-state disk. The advent of NVM invalidates decades of design decisions that are deeply embedded in today's database management systems (DBMSs). These systems are unable to take full advantage of NVM because their internal architectures are predicated on the assumption that memory is volatile. With NVM, many of the components of today's DBMSs are unnecessary and will degrade the performance of data-intensive applications. Thus, the best way to resolve these shortcomings is by designing a new system explicitly tailored for NVM. In this talk, I will present our research on the design and development of an NVM DBMS, called Peloton. Peloton's architecture shows that the impact of NVM spans across all the layers of the DBMS. I will first introduce write-behind logging, an NVM-centric protocol that improves the availability of the database system by two orders-of-magnitude compared to the widely-used write- ahead logging protocol. I will then present the BzTree, an NVM-centric index data structure that illustrates how to simplify programming on NVM. In drawing broader lessons from this work, I will argue that all types of software systems, including file systems, machine-learning systems, and key-value stores, are amenable to similar architectural changes to achieve high performance and availability on NVM.
Nitroglycerin, or Not, When Treating Impending Filler Necrosis.

Background Dermal necrosis is a rare yet serious risk associated with cosmetic filler injections, and although current consensus recommends the use of hyaluronidase injections in cases of hyaluronic acid filler, the efficacy of topical nitroglycerin as a treatment has not yet been fully investigated. Objective To review the literature on tissue necrosis resulting from soft tissue augmentation and to highlight the use of topical nitroglycerin as a first-line treatment. Methods A review of the literature was performed with no time limitations resulting in 35 articles and 66 patients who experienced tissue necrosis secondary to injectable fillers. Articles were reviewed for pertinent information and presented. Results Only 7 of the 66 reported cases (10%) used topical nitroglycerin as a treatment. Six of 7 (85%) were successful in halting the impending necrosis. Fifty-nine patients received alternative treatments, with hyaluronidase injection being the most common. Few reports of novel treatments for necrosis included the use of topical growth factors and injection of adipose-derived stem cells. Conclusion Topical nitroglycerin is a potentially effective and underused treatment for tissue necrosis from soft tissue augmentation, but because data are very limited, topical nitroglycerin should be used in conjunction with hyaluronidase injections in cases of hyaluronic acid filler dermal necrosis.
Neurotoxicity from intrathecal gadolinium administration: Case presentation and brief review.

Intrathecal administration of gadolinium may result in catastrophic neurologic injury. Policies that prevent accidental injection of high-dose intrathecal gadolinium should be advocated.
The subgingival microbial community of feline periodontitis and gingivostomatitis: characterization and comparison between diseased and healthy cats

Periodontitis is a common and important health problem in domestic cats. The subgingival microbiota of cats diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (CP), aggressive periodontitis (AP), and feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) are not well characterized. Thus, the aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the periodontal microbiota of periodontally healthy cats versus cats diagnosed with CP, AP, and FCGS by using next-generation sequencing. In total, 44 domestic cats were enrolled, and 139 subgingival samples were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the microbiota composition of each periodontal group evaluated. Our results identified several key genera previously described in periodontal disease (e.g. Treponema and Filifactor) and in the oral microbiota (e.g. Moraxella and Capnocytophaga) of healthy cats. Phylogenetic beta diversity analysis showed that the microbiota of periodontally healthy cats were distinguishable from diseased cats. Even though most of the genera known to be associated with periodontal disease were also identified in healthy cats, they were present at significantly lower relative abundance. Remarkably, alpha diversity was found to be higher in the disease groups compared to healthy animals. These results suggest a pathological mechanism involving opportunistic behavior. Our findings corroborate those in the current literature regarding the complexity of the subgingival microbiota of the domestic cat and reveal both differences and similarities among periodontally healthy and diseased cats.
Automated monitoring for security camera networks: promise from computer vision labs

A substantial increase in the number of surveillance camera systems has not delivered the promised deterrent effects or investigative case evidence and their usefulness has been underwhelming. A potential solution to practical camera monitor needs is computer vision (CV)-enhanced camera networks that can provide automated real-time video analysis, quick processing of monitor query-based searches, and accurate summaries of archived video files. The development and testing of four CV algorithms in computer vision laboratories is presented and implications from their possible adoption by security agencies on society are discussed.
Prognostic significance of an invasive leader cell-derived mutation cluster on chromosome 16q.

Background Intratumoral heterogeneity is defined by subpopulations with varying genotypes and phenotypes. Specialized, highly invasive leader cells and less invasive follower cells are phenotypically distinct subpopulations that cooperate during collective cancer invasion. Because leader cells are a rare subpopulation that would be missed by bulk sequencing, a novel image-guided genomics platform was used to precisely select this subpopulation. This study identified a novel leader cell mutation signature and tested its ability to predict prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient cohorts. Methods Spatiotemporal genomic and cellular analysis was used to isolate and perform RNA sequencing on leader and follower populations from the H1299 NSCLC cell line, and it revealed a leader-specific mutation cluster on chromosome 16q. Genomic data from patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC; n = 475) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD; n = 501) from The Cancer Genome Atlas were stratified by 16q mutation cluster (16qMC) status (16qMC+ vs 16qMC-) and compared for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results Poorer OS, poorer PFS, or both were found across all stages and among early-stage patients with 16qMC+ tumors within the LUSC and LUAD cohorts. GSEA revealed 16qMC+ tumors to be enriched for the expression of metastasis- and survival-associated gene sets. Conclusions This represents the first leader cell mutation signature identified in patients and has the potential to better stratify high-risk NSCLC and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Chapter 3 – COLLISIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the fundamental aspects of collisions in plasmas by relating it to the collision frequency to the collision cross section and then to the differential scattering cross section, which contains the essential features of the collisional interaction between two particles. The collision cross section depends on electron velocity or energy. The dependence is because of the fact that electron–molecule collisions represent an interaction between the incoming electrons and the electrons, plus the nucleus of the molecule. This gives rise to a spatially varying interaction potential between the electron and the molecule that causes the cross section to vary with the relative velocities of the two collision partners. The chapter discusses the scattering of a particle by a central force, that is, the potential because of the scattering partner is purely radial. The scattering theory helps derive the differential and total scattering cross sections. The chapter also describes electron–molecule hard-sphere collisions.
A chromosomal inversion drives evolution of multiple adaptive traits in deer mice

Abstract A long-standing question in evolutionary biology is how differences in multiple traits can evolve quickly and be maintained together during local adaptation. Using forest and prairie ecotypes in deer mice, which differ in both tail length and coat color, we discovered a 41 Mb chromosomal inversion that is strongly linked to variation in both traits. The inversion maintains highly divergent loci in strong linkage disequilibrium and likely originated ~170 kya, long before the forest-prairie divergence ~10 kya. Consistent with a role in local adaptation, inversion frequency is associated with phenotype and habitat across both a local transect and the species range. Still, although eastern and western forest subspecies share similar phenotypes, the inversion is absent in eastern North America. This work highlights the significance of inversion polymorphisms for the establishment and maintenance of multiple locally adaptive traits in mammals, and demonstrates that, even within a species, parallel phenotypes may evolve through nonparallel genetic mechanisms.
Design considerations for chemically amplified EUV resist materials

The development of Chemically Amplified Resists (CARs) for Extreme Ultra-Violet Lithography (EUVL) requires unique molecular and macromolecular design considerations. The combination of photon-induced variation effect coupled with material and processing variabilities makes stochastic consequences in EUV resist significantly more severe than that in ArF resist. Among the other factors, conversion of the scarce number of absorbed EUV photons into imaging events is directly modulated by acid generation quantum yield. In this study, we measure the EUV acid generation efficiency of different Photoacid Generators (PAGs). Our results show that in addition to PAG electronic properties, other structural-driven PAG properties can have a significant impact on resist sensitivity. In a complementary part of this study, we have measured PAG acid generation efficiency under EUV exposure in newly designed polymer matrixes. Such polymers comprise high absorption EUV elements and EUV-specific sensitizers. Insights into the effect of the polymer matrix on EUV acid generation quantum yield are presented.
Da vinci's mona lisa: a modern look at a timeless classic

There has been some controversy over the true subject portrayed in Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. In particular, there are suggestions that the painting is in fact a self-portrait. In this paper, we analyze the shapes of the features in the Mona Lisa and a known self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci using active shape models. We conclude that the two faces have very distinct features and that they appear to be of different genders.
Intel's FLEXlogic FPGA architecture

Intel's FLEXlogic field-programmable gate array family is a segmented architecture, SRAM (static random-access memory)-based family with on-chip nonvolatile memory. The architecture is quick to learn and easy to use for designers with standard PLD experience. Devices are organized into configurable function blocks (CFBs). Each CFB can be configured as a PLD block or as a bank of SRAMs. CFBs configured as PLD blocks include advanced features that provide significant design flexibility and high integration. Truly predictable timing simplifies the design and simulation process. The inherent speed of the FLEXlogic FPGA family, together with its selectable 3.3-V or 5-V I/O, allows it to be used in areas where previous FPGA architectures cannot operate. The iFX780, the first member of the family, illustrates the architecture. >
Conditional Excluded Middle without the Limit Assumption

But Lewis famously objects that counterfactually supposing that a given line had been more than an inch long will not yield an A-world minimally different from i. ‘‘Just as there is no shortest possible length above 1¢¢,’’ he writes, ‘‘so there is no closest world to ours among the worlds with lines more than an inch long’’ (1973a, 20–21; see also 1981b, 228–230). Lewis and Stalnaker also agree about many features of our talk about modality. This paper starts by exposing one subtle, easily overlooked area of agreement, between Stalnaker’s theory of counterfactuals and Lewis’s theory of counterparts. In particular, I argue in §1 that despite his strenuous objections to the limit assumption for counterfactuals, Lewis endorses an analogue of the limit assumption in his counterpart theory. In §2 I transpose Lewis’s objection to the limit
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL? STATE OF THE DAMS AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Dams are a critical component of water infrastructure, providing services such as water supplies, recreational opportunities and flood control. At the same time, dams alter the flow regime of rivers and the biota that inhabit them. Large dams have been the subject of many studies because of their potentially significant impacts on stream hydrology and ecosystems. However, most dams are not large and consequently have received far less attention. Data for more than 5700 dams in New York State, USA located in 17 watersheds were used to develop watershed level metrics that relate the characteristics of the dams to the hydrology and demographics of each watershed. Metrics presented, stratified by watershed, include median structure age, density, dams per stream length, persons per dam, storage per drainage area, storage per person and percent high impact dams (high hazard and large). These metrics were used to perform a simple characterization of the 17 watersheds. Considerable regional differences in these parameters suggest varying management strategies in each watershed. A new era of river management has resulted in the removal of many dams, which is driven by the high cost of maintenance and state regulations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The CLEO-III RICH Detector and Beam Test Results

We are constructing a Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector (RICH) for the CLEO III upgrade for precision charged hadron identification. The RICH uses plane and sawtooth LiF crystals as radiators, MWPCs as photon detectors with TEA as the photo-sensitive material, and low-noise Viking readout electronics. Results of a beam test of the first two out of total 30 sectors are presented.
Loansome Doc®, Librarians, and End-Users in the Midwest

Abstract This study replicates and extends a previous study conducted in the Southeast on Loansome Doc services provided by libraries and the experiences and opinions of end-users. A total of 531 active Docline Libraries and 318 end-users were surveyed. Many of the findings from a previous study of Loansome Doc in the Southeast are duplicated in this study of Midwest libraries. Approximately half of all the libraries offered Loansome Doc services. Those that did not were not interested in adding the service in the future. Most libraries had minimal increases in number of users and interlibrary loan activity. Problems were rare and satisfaction was high. End-users were primarily physicians, residents, and medical students who found out about Loansome Doc through PubMed. Most end-users thought Loansome Doc was convenient and articles were received in a timely manner. The single improvement of Loansome Doc most often suggested by end-users was electronic delivery of articles. Libraries should be encouraged t...
Security Planning & Disaster Recovery, by Eric Maiwald and William Sieglein

Security Planning & Disaster Recovery is a textbook for information technology professionals who have been assigned the task of security planning. This audience is an important because many organiz...
Sugar transport by the bacterial phosphotransferase system. Characterization of the Escherichia coli enzyme I monomer/dimer transition kinetics by fluorescence anisotropy.

Enzyme I (EI), the first protein of the bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS), exists in a monomer/dimer (M/D) equilibrium. We have proposed that the two species are functionally different and that their interconversion may regulate sugar transport via the PTS. The C-terminal Cys of Escherichia coli EI was reacted with pyrene maleimide (Han, M. K., Roseman, S., and Brand, L. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 1985-1995), and the pyrene conjugate used to characterize the M/D equilibrium by fluorescence anisotropy. The properties of unlabeled and pyrene-labeled EI are indistinguishable. Values for the apparent association constant, K'eq, and the steady-state anisotropy of the monomer and the dimer were obtained under a variety of conditions. K'eq increases 23-fold, from 0.45 x 10(5) to 10.7 x 10(5) M-1, as the temperature increases from 6 to 30 degrees C; the association appears to be entropically driven. Under all conditions tested, the K'eq for phospho-EI is 6-12-fold less than for dephospho-EI. For phospho-EI, PEP and Mg2+ induce a 240-fold increase of K'eq when both ligands are present. Based on these data, EI was preincubated under conditions that change K'eq, and the initial activities of the different species were determined at 37 degrees C in a PTS sugar phosphorylation assay with PEP as the phosphoryl donor. The initial rate depends on the M/D ratio; it is maximal when EI is 100% dimer, and zero when EI is 100% monomer. In the latter case, the rate gradually increases in the assay mixture. The results have important implications for how the PTS regulates sugar transport and other physiological phenomena.
IL-8 activates endothelial cell CXCR1 and CXCR2 through Rho and Rac signaling pathways.

Stimulation of microvascular endothelial cells with interleukin (IL)-8 leads to cytoskeletal reorganization, which is mediated by combined activation of the CXCR1 and the CXCR2. In the early phase ...
GABA-induced chemokinesis and NGF-induced chemotaxis of embryonic spinal cord neurons

During CNS development, neuroblasts proliferate within germinal zones of the neuroepithelium, and then migrate to their final positions. Although many neurons are thought to migrate along processes of radial glial fibers, increasing evidence suggests environmental factors also influence nerve cell movement. Extracellular matrix molecules are thought to be involved in guiding neuronal migration, and molecules such as NGF and GABA exert trophic effects on immature neurons. The nature of the signals that initiate and direct neuroblast migration, however, is unknown. In vitro, NGF and GABA promote neurite outgrowth from cultured cells, and NGF induces axonal chemotaxis (directed migration along a chemical gradient). At earlier developmental stages, these molecules could influence neuroblast movement. Therefore, we investigated whether these molecules induce embryonic neuronal migration. Using an in vitro microchemotaxis assay, we show that rat embryonic spinal cord neurons migrate toward picomolar NGF and femtomolar GABA beginning at embryonic day 13 (E13). Cells exhibit chemotactic responses to NGF while GABA stimulates chemokinesis (increased random movement). GABA effects are mimicked by muscimol and inhibited by bicuculline and picrotoxin, suggesting GABA motility signals are mediated by GABA receptor proteins. Expression of GABA receptors by embryonic cord cells has been previously reported (Mandler et al., 1990; Walton et al., 1993). We used polymerase chain reaction analysis to demonstrate the presence of NGF and trk mRNA in E13 and E14 cord cells, indicating the cells express message for both NGF and high-affinity NGF receptors. Immunohistochemistry of E13 spinal cord sections indicates that NGF and GABA colocalize in fibers close to the target destinations of migrating neurons, suggesting diffusible gradients of these molecules provide chemoattractant signals to migratory cells. Thus, in vitro, neuroblast migration is induced by specific signaling molecules that are present in the developing spinal cord, and may stimulate migration of embryonic neurons prior to synaptogenesis.
Globus and PlanetLab resource management solutions compared

PlanetLab and Globus Toolkit are gaining widespread adoption in their respective communities. Although designed to solve different problems - PlanetLab is deploying a worldwide infrastructure testbed for experimenting with network services, while Globus is offering general, standards-based, software for running distributed applications over aggregated, shared resources - both build infrastructures that enable federated, extensible, and secure resource sharing across trust domains. Thus, it is instructive to compare their resource management solutions. To this end, we review the approaches taken in the two systems, attempt to trace back to starting assumptions the differences in these approaches, and explore scenarios where the two platforms can cooperate to the benefit of both user communities. We believe that this is a key first step to identifying pieces that could be shared by the two communities, pieces that are complementary, and how Globus and PlanetLab might ultimately evolve together.
Effects of Chronic Treatment with Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Cannabinoid-Stimulated [35S]GTPγS Autoradiography in Rat Brain

Chronic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) administration produces tolerance to cannabinoid effects, but alterations in signal transduction that mediate these changes are not yet known. The present study uses in vitro autoradiography of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding to localize cannabinoid receptor-activated G-proteins after chronic Δ9-THC treatment. Cannabinoid (WIN 55212-2)-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was performed in brain sections from rats treated chronically with 10 mg/kg Δ9-THC for 21 d. Control animals received saline or an acute injection of Δ9-THC. Acute Δ9-THC treatment had no effect on basal or WIN 55212-2-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding. After chronic Δ9-THC treatment, net WIN 55212-2-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was reduced significantly (up to 70%) in most brain regions, including the hippocampus, caudate-putamen, perirhinal and entorhinal cortex, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and cerebellum. In contrast, chronic Δ9-THC treatment had no effect on GABAB-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding. In membranes and brain sections, Δ9-THC was a partial agonist, stimulating [35S]GTPγS by only 20% of the level stimulated by WIN 55212-2 and inhibiting WIN 55212-2-stimulated [35S]GTPγS at high concentrations. Because the EC50 of WIN 55212-2-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding and the K D of cannabinoid receptor binding were unchanged by chronic Δ9-THC treatment, the partial agonist actions of Δ9-THC did not produce the decrease in cannabinoid-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding. These results suggest that profound desensitization of cannabinoid-activated signal transduction mechanisms occurs after chronic Δ9-THC treatment.
Effective Potential Theory: A Practical Way to Extend Plasma Transport Theory to Strong Coupling

The effective potential theory is a physically motivated method for extending traditional plasma transport theories to stronger coupling. It is practical in the sense that it is easily incorporated within the framework of the Chapman-Enskog or Grad methods that are commonly applied in plasma physics and it is computationally efficient to evaluate. The extension is to treat binary scatterers as interacting through the potential of mean force, rather than the bare Coulomb or Debye-screened Coulomb potential. This allows for aspects of many-body correlations to be included in the transport coefficients. Recent work has shown that this method accurately extends plasma theory to orders of magnitude stronger coupling when applied to the classical one-component plasma model. The present work shows that similar accuracy is realized for the Yukawa one-component plasma model and it provides a comparison with other approaches. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On exponential stability of linear networked control systems

This paper addresses exponential stability of linear networked control systems. More specifically, the paper considers a continuous-time linear plant in feedback with a linear sampled-data controller with an unknown time varying sampling rate, the possibility of data packet dropout, and an uncertain time varying delay. The main contribution of this paper is the derivation of new sufficient stability conditions for linear networked control systems taking into account all of these factors. The stability conditions are based on a modified Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. The stability results are also applied to the case where limited information on the delay bounds is available. The case of linear sampled-data systems is studied as a corollary of the networked control case. Furthermore, the paper also formulates the problem of finding a lower bound on the maximum network-induced delay that preserves exponential stability as a convex optimization program in terms of linear matrix inequalities. This problem can be solved efficiently from both practical and theoretical points of view. Finally, as a comparison, we show that the stability conditions proposed in this paper compare favorably with the ones available in the open literature for different benchmark problems.
Sex Dimorphisms in the Rate of Age-Related Decline in Spatial Memory: Relevance to Alterations in the Estrous Cycle

The present experiments demonstrate the existence of sex differences in the rate of development and the magnitude of age-dependent impairments in cognitive and sensorimotor abilities. Although no sex differences were found in spatial reference memory at a young age, the mnemonic ability of female rats deteriorated more rapidly than that of male rats. A major drop in reference memory of the females occurred at the age of 12 months, whereas in the males the onset of impairments occurred later, at the age of 18 months. In spatial working memory, on the other hand, the magnitude of decline was greater in females than in males, although the onset of these impairments occurred at the age of 24 months in both sexes. A sexual dimorphism-aging interaction also was observed in sensorimotor performance. Up to the age of 18 months the females outperformed the males. Subsequently, by the age of 24 months, the performance of the females declined to a level similar to that of the males. The deficits observed in reference and working memory seem to be cognitive in origin and not attributable to alterations in sensory and motor abilities. In addition, the earlier onset of reference memory impairments in females generally coincides with the onset of alterations in the estrous cycle, suggesting that a decline in the estrogenic milieu of the females could be a factor in accelerating the rate of age-related cognitive impairments in the female rat.
Brokeback Mountain and the Geography of Desire

Annie Proulx's “two-faced landscape” constitutes the geography of Brokeback Mountain on both the physical and emotional levels of Jack Twist and Ennis del Mar's relationship. The bifurcated narrati...
Pseudodifferential operators and linear PDE

In this preliminary chapter we give an outline of the theory of pseudodifferential operators as it has been developed to treat problems in linear PDE, and which will provide a basis for further developments to be discussed in the following chapters. Many results will be proved in detail, but some proofs are only sketched, with references to more details in the literature. We define pseudodifferential operators with symbols in Hormander’s classes S p,δ m , derive some useful properties of their Schwartz kernels, discuss their algebraic properties, then show how they can be used to establish regularity of solutions to elliptic PDE with smooth coefficients. We proceed to a discussion of mapping properties on L2 and on the Sobolev spaces H s , then discuss Garding’s inequality, and some of its refinements, known as sharp Garding inequalities. In §0.8 we apply some of the previous material to establish existence of solutions to hyperbolic equations. We introduce the notion of wave front set in §0.10 and discuss microlocal regularity of solutions to elliptic equations. We also discuss how solution operators to a class of hyperbolic equations propagate wave front sets. In §0.11 we discuss L p estimates, particularly some fundamental results of Calderon and Zygmund, and applications to Littlewood-Paley Theory, which will be an important technical tool for basic estimates established in Chapter 2.We end this introduction with a brief discussion of pseudodifferential operators on manifolds.
The Environmental Justification

(1983). The Environmental Justification. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development: Vol. 25, No. 8, pp. 7-43.
Femtosecond pump probe spectroscopy of the dendrimeric nanostar

Abstract The nonlinear exciton equations combined with the doorway–window formalism were used to calculate the pump–probe signal in the extended nanostar. The results are compared to previous time resolved fluorescence calculations. In addition to the signatures of single-exciton energy funneling from the periphery towards the center, the pump–probe signal also carries useful information about two exciton states.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of the related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase in megakaryocytes upon stem cell factor and phorbol myristate acetate stimulation and its association with paxillin.

We have characterized signaling pathways involving the related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK, also known as PYK2 or CAK-β) in CMK human megakaryocytic cells. Stem cell factor, which potentiates the growth of megakaryocytes and their progenitors, and phorbol myristate acetate, which causes differentiation of megakaryocytic cell lines, induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK but not of focal adhesion kinase. Stimulation of CMK cells with stem cell factor resulted in an increase in the autophosphorylation and kinase activity of RAFTK. Phosphorylation of RAFTK under these conditions was mediated by a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. Cytochalasin D, which disrupts the cytoskeleton, abolished the phosphorylation of RAFTK upon phorbol myristate acetate and stem cell factor stimulation, indicating that RAFTK association with the actin cytoskeleton appears to be critical for its phosphorylation. In addition, we observed an association of RAFTK with paxillin, a 68-kDa cytoskeleton protein. Using in vitro binding assays, RAFTK and paxillin were shown to bind directly through the C-terminal proline-rich domain. Transient overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of RAFTK inhibited significantly the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin upon phorbol myristate acetate stimulation. These observations indicate that RAFTK might play an important role in the phosphorylation of signaling pathways within the focal adhesions and that RAFTK participates in signaling events that link signals from the cell surface to the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, this study suggests that RAFTK might be involved in megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation.
Quality of occupational history assessments in working age adults with newly diagnosed asthma

Background Approximately 10 to 15% of new-onset asthma in adults is attributable to occupational exposure. The occupational history is the most important instrument in the diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA). Study objectives To assess the quality of occupational histories obtained by health-care providers and to measure the prevalence of clinician-diagnosed OA in a population at elevated risk for OA. Setting An academic US Department of Veteran Affairs medical center. Study population One hundred ninety-seven adults (age range, 18 to 55 years) with newly diagnosed asthma who had completed pulmonary function testing (PFT) and a structured respiratory health questionnaire. Measurements We conducted a structured retrospective comparison of occupational respiratory health history documented by clinicians with data documented by patients on a structured questionnaire. We analyzed PFT results to assess physiologic impairment. We also conducted a structured examination of the actions taken by health-care providers based on their occupational history assessments. Results Patient self-reports of respiratory exposures and symptoms were common. A job title was documented by one or more clinicians in 75% of patient medical records. Additional occupational history data were charted much less frequently. A diagnosis of OA was made in only 2% of patients. Clinical action to address OA was documented for only one patient. Conclusions Clinicians who manage adults with newly diagnosed asthma take incomplete occupational histories. We detected discordance between the occupational exposure histories documented by patients and those charted by clinicians. OA may go unrecognized and possibly undermanaged by clinicians.
Tunneling and anticrossing of edge magnetoplasmons in a quantum-dot superlattice

We calculate edge magnetoplasmons for a superlattice of quantum dots where a uniform magnetic field is applied along the superlattice direction. The confinement is assumed parabolic. We find (a) anticrossing of the edge magnetoplasmon modes and (b) splitting of the tunneling magnetoplasmon branch. Similarities with experimental data for a quantum-dot array within a plane are discussed.
The radiolysis and racemization of leucine on proton irradiation

D- and L-Leucine have been subjected to 39-55 percent radiolysis using 0-11 MeV protons, both with the proton beam passing through the sample or being absorbed by it, and with quenching the sample immediately on completion of irradiation or after a 21-day interval. Racemization was small (1.1-1.7 percent) and comparable in all cases, suggesting that radioracemization and secondary degradative effects were not important factors in our recent unsuccessful attempts to induce optical activity in DL-leucine by partial radiolysis using 0-11 MeV longitudinally polarized protons.
Unlikely teachers: redefining the best and the brightest

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to explore the unique perspectives of a teacher candidate who did not have the life experiences typical of most individuals who choose to become teachers. Specifically, the author was interested in exploring information that future teachers, practicing teachers, and teacher educators can learn from this atypical perspective to improve their practices.Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study of one teacher candidate. Specifically, it can be considered an instrumental case study because it can help the researcher better understand a theoretical question such as how to prepare new teachers for diverse classrooms. Data sources included five interviews and one written response. Member checks were conducted at each stage of the study.Findings – Findings and recommendations include information on how and why someone who dropped out of school after ninth grade became a teacher, important perspectives on educating Hispanic females, teaching students coping skil...
Tables of power for the F-test for comparing two exponential survival distributions.

Abstract Tables of power are given for the F-test for comparing two exponential survival distributions when actual death times are not always observed (i.e. when the observations are subject to right censoring). The tables and the algorithm associated with their use allows for the specification of accrual period, duration of study, expected patient accrual in each group and hypothesized median survival times in each group. The tables can then be used to determine the (conditional) power of the F-test, given the expected number of uncensored observations in each group. The approach differs from that of previously published work since it provides for the determination of power based upon specified sample sizes rather than the determination of sample size based upon specified power.
CHRONIC NEONATAL PHENCYCLIDINE TREATMENT PRODUCES AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN PENTYLENETETRAZOL-INDUCED SEIZURES

Abstract Although excitatory amino acids are known to play a critical role in the plasticity of developing brain, the behavioural effects of blocking the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor-gated ion channel during development are not clear. Here we report the effects of chronic postnatal administration of 1-phenylcyclohexylpiperidine (phencyclidine or PCP), a NMDA channel blocker, on seizure susceptibility. To study the short-term effects of chronic PCP administration on pentylemetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures, rats were treated with PCP (5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 11 days from postnatal days 5–15, 24–34 or 44–54 and tested in the PTZ-induced seizure paradigm on postnatal days 21, 40 and 60, respectively. Administration of PCP in 5–15-day-old rats resulted in increased seizure susceptibility at day 21, while administration of PCP in postweanling rats (days 24–34) markedly attenuated their susceptibility to seizures at day 40. PCP injection had little effect on the seizure susceptibility of older rats. To study the long-term effects of postnatal PCP treatment, rats were injected with PCP 15 mg/kg from postnatal day 5–15, i.p.) and were tested for PTZ-induced seizures on postnatal days 40 and 60: each rat was tested only once. When tested for PTZ-induced seizure on day 40, PCP-treated rats did not differ from saline-treated controls. When tested on day 60, PCP-treated rats had a lower incidence of seizures and in the rats that did have seizures their latencies were significantly prolonged compared to controls. Together, our data suggest that chronic PCP administration alters PTZ-induced seizure susceptibility in an age-dependent manner and chronic PCP administration in postnatal rats produces long-term changes that persist into adulthood.
Unequal crossing-over accounts for the organization of Drosophila virilis rDNA insertions and the integrity of flanking 28S gene

The majority of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis have an insertion in the 28S rRNA coding region, and such repeats are essentially inactive in transcription1. There are two unrelated types of insertion in D. melanogaster rDNA, one of which (type 1) has some homology with insertions in D. virilis2, and is located in precisely the same position as that in the D. virilis rDNA3–6. D. melanogaster type 1 rDNA insertions fall into three size classes of 5, 1, 0.5 kilobases (kb), and sequences of shorter insertions comprise the downstream end of longer ones4,5. Indeed, the points at which the sequences of longer type 1 insertions depart from shorter ones are oligonucleotides that are closely related to a 14-base pair (bp) rRNA coding sequence directly repeated at the flanks of D. virilis3 and some D. melanogaster4 rDNA insertions. It has been suggested that shorter D. melanogaster type 1 insertions derived from longer ones by unequal crossing-over that involved these homologies5, and I show here that long D. virilis rDNA insertions may have arisen from shorter ones in the same way. Also, I suggest that such unequal crossing-over can generate intact rDNA repeats from those with insertions.
Prediction of 10-mm Hydrocyclone Separation Efficiency Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract It has been estimated that particles within the flow field of a 10-mm or mini-hydrocyclone experience local accelerations as high as 10 000 gravitation units. Although their operation is simple, the turbulent, swirling flow field within these devices offers a unique challenge to computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In addition to the computational challenge, very few experimental measurements have been reported in the literature on the flow field of the mini-hydrocyclone to which the CFD results may be compared. This research addresses the issue of predicting the separation efficiency of a volute entry 10-mm hydrocyclone. The feed flow rate is 4.5 litres/m (l/m) yielding a Reynolds number (based on the hydrocyclone diameter) of 9500 and a swirl number of 8.4. Using previously published flow simulation data, a multiphase system (consisting of a discrete oil phase and a continuous water phase) was analyzed for the purpose of obtaining separation information. These separation data were compared with laboratory separation experiments. Results indicate differences less than 20% for each droplet diameter. This information increased the level of confidence in the simulated flow field since there are no published velocity field data for the 10-mm hydrocyclone.
Managers, Workers, and Authority

In this paper, I examine the case made by Christopher McMahon for managerial democracy. Specifically, I examine the extent to which McMahon’s account is able to address a series of objections against the case for managerial democracy as articulated by Thomas Christiano. Christiano articulates two sets of objections. First, Christiano argues that McMahon does not succeed in ruling out the possibility that managerial authority is best understood as promissory in its basis, in which case there is no presumption in favor of its democratic exercise. Second, Christiano raises a series of objections to the effect that even if we accept McMahon’s account of the nature of managerial authority, the conclusion for the democratic exercise of that authority by workers at the level of individual economic enterprises does not follow. In the end, I argue that McMahon’s account contains the resources to address these objections if one adopts a specific view about the moral limits to relationships that involve the submission of the will on the part of one person to another. Adoption of this view, however, appears to come at the expense of what I take to be the account’s commitment to liberalism. As such, what I understand this paper to reflect more generally is the apparent difficulty for liberals in arguing that there is something inherently morally troubling about capitalist work relations.