cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trophoendodermal stem cell-derived extracellular matrices: Absence of detectable entactin and presence of multiple laminin species

Abstract Extracellular matrices (ECM) generated by trophoendodermal stem cells transplanted into the peritoneum of host rats were investigated. Two types of trophoendodermal transplants were studied: (1) free-floating cystic structures, and (2) solid masses adherent to various abdominal organs. Trophoendodermal stem cell ECM obtained from either transplant source was dominated by the presence of laminin similar to Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumour ECM. However, in contrast to EHS tumour ECM, another ECM component, entactin, was below the level of detection in trophoendodermal stem cell ECM. The laminins present in the two types of trophoendodermal stem cell transplants exhibited distinct differences. Tissues used as sources of one type of laminin were devoid of the other type of laminin. The two species of rat laminin behaved similarly on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gels and had virtually identical amino acid compositions. The laminins also had similar cruciform patterns when examined by rotary shadowing. Rat laminins differed in their binding to an ion exchange resin: laminin isolated from peritoneal cysts bound to the resin (acidic laminin); laminin isolated from solid masses failed to bind (basic laminin). Acidic rat laminin showed reduced capacity to form laminin-laminin associations when compared with basic rat laminin. Acidiclsoluble laminin proved to be a useful reagent in the development of a radio-immunoassay for laminin. Laminin concentrations in the peritoneal fluid of transplant-bearing rats was very high (approximately 400 μg/ml) and entirely of the acidiclsoluble form. In summary, trophoendodermal stem cell ECM possesses a distinct composition with a lack of detectable entactin, and trophoendodermal stem cells are capable of modulating the characteristics of laminin, depending upon their organization. These features of trophoendodermal stem cell ECM may represent signals responsible for at least some of the unique features of the trophoendodermal stem cell transplants.
An Evaluation of the Effect of Treatments for Pond Water Reuse on Zooplankton Populations

Abstract Reuse of pond water is becoming more common in the culture of baitfish and hybrid striped bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). Water conservation is important because of declining aquifer levels and increasing demand for groundwater. One challenge to this practice is the presence of predaceous copepods in pond water held from previous production operations (old water), which results in variable larval fish survival and fingerling production. This study evaluated methods of restarting zooplankton succession in old water. The concentrations of cladocerans, adult copepods, copepod nauplii, and rotifers from untreated old water, chemically treated old water (0.25 mg of the active ingredient Dylox per liter), mechanically treated old water (i.e., water filtered through a 60-μm screen with a drum filter), and ponds filled with new well water were compared. All ponds were fertilized twice a week with cottonseed meal and inorganic liquid fertilizer (10:30 [N:P]). Pon...
Day‐of‐the‐Week Effects in the Long‐Run Performance of Initial Public Offerings

This study examines the influence of day-of-the-week patterns in security returns on long-run IPO underperformance. Comparisons are made between the IPOs in Ritter's [20] database, and a constructed set of matching firms based on SIC code and size, using NYSE, AMEX, and NASDAQ securities. It is found that virtually all of the IPO underperformance occurs on Mondays and Tuesdays and that the degree of underperformance significantly differs from other days. Thus, a common explanation may exist for the general day-of-the-week pattern in security returns and IPO long-run underperformance.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF FAMILY PLANNING TO SAVINGS AND CONSUMPTION IN TAIWAN

This study relates fertility behavior to modern economic behavior, namely, saving and consumption of modern durables, for a sample of couples in Taiwan. It uses only couples who say they want no more children, and these couples are further classified by current use of contraception and by whether or not they already had excess fertility. Couples who are successful fertility planners, i.e., those who have no unwanted children and are current users of contraception, are distinctive with regard to modern economic behavior as compared to couples who do not use contraception or have excess fertility. Successful planners are more likely to save and to have more modern durables; these differentials remain when adjustments are made for the effects of family income, wife’s age, wife’s education, and duration of marriage. It seems that the kind of planning behavior which enables a couple to successfully plan their family size also enables them to manage their economic affairs so that they can save and enjoy more modern consumption goods.
On the Marzke-Wheeler and Desloge constructions

There is no indication of time dilation of clocks or of length contraction of rods in Marzke and Wheeler's clock or in Desloge's metrosphere.
Enzymatic cyclizations of 26- and 29-hydroxy-2,3-oxidosqualenes give 19- and 21-hydroxylanosterols

Abstract 29-Hydroxy-2,3-oxidosqualene is converted in near quantitative yield (based on the utilization of the (3 S ) enantiomer) to 21-hydroxylanosterol using a Baker's yeast suspension. Similarly, 26-hydroxy-2,3-oxidosqualene is efficiently cyclized to 19-hydroxylanosterol.
Ultrasound Echo Envelope Analysis Using a Homodyned K Distribution Signal Model

The statistics of ultrasound echo envelope signals can be used to characterize scattering media. The Rayleigh distribution and its generalized forms, the K and Rice distributions, have been previously used to model the echo signal. A more generalized statistical model, the homodyned K distribution, combines the K and Rice distribution features to better account for the statistics of the echo signal. We show that this model can give two parameters that are useful for media characterization: k, the ratio of coherent to diffuse signals, and, β, which characterizes the clustering of scatterers in the medium.
Intermolecular zero-quantum coherences of multi-component spin systems in solution NMR

Abstract Intermolecular zero-quantum coherences (iZQC) induced by the dipolar demagnetizing field can give both P - and N -type cross peaks. This paper shows that the relative intensities of the two types of iZQC peaks follow a simple relation, tan 2 (θ/2), from both the quantum (spin density matrix) and classical (modified Bloch equation) calculations. The experimental data and numerical simulations agree well with the prediction. In addition, higher-order iZQCs are experimentally examined for the first time and are explained by the quantum picture in which dipolar couplings convert four-spin operators into observable magnetization.
A Weight-Scaling Algorithm for Min-Cost Imperfect Matchings in Bipartite Graphs

Call a bipartite graph G = (X, Y, E) "balanced" when |X| = |Y|. Given a balanced bipartite graph G with edge costs, the "assignment problem" asks for a perfect matching in G of minimum total cost. The Hungarian Method can solve assignment problems in time O(mn + n^2 log n), where n := |X| = |Y| and m := |E|. If the edge weights are integers bounded in magnitude by C > 1, then algorithms using "weight scaling", such as that of Gabow and Tarjan, can lower the time to O(m sqrt(n) log(nC)). There are important applications in which G is "unbalanced", with |X| not equal |Y|, and we require a min-cost matching of size r := min(|X|, |Y|) or, more generally, of some specified size s than or equal to r. The Hungarian Method extends easily to find such a matching in time O(ms + s2 log r), but weightscaling algorithms do not extend so easily. We introduce new machinery to find such a matching in time O(mps log(sC)) via weight scaling. Our results provide some insight into the design space of efficient weight-scaling matching algorithms.
High-temperature series for the susceptibility of the spin-S Ising model

We have extended the series for the zero-field susceptibility of the spin-$S$ Ising model to eighth order in the reduced temperature $K$, on the triangular, simple cubic, body-centered-cubic, and face-centered-cubic lattices. The coefficients of these series ${h}_{n}(S)$ are expressed as simple polynomials in $X=S(S+1)$. For the face-centered-cubic lattice, an accurate polynomial fit to the critical point ${K}_{c}(S)$ is presented; and the apparent spin dependence of the critical exponent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is briefly discussed. The series are quite well behaved for all $S$. However, the large-$S$ series seems to exhibit more rapid apparent convergence.
Amino acids in amniotic fluid in the second trimester of gestation.

ABSTRACT.: The concentrations of amino acids in amniotic fluid have been used in the prenatal diagnosis of several inherited metabolic disorders. However, previous studies have usually examined only a small number of control amniotic fluid samples. We have, therefore, measured the amino acids in amniotic fluid samples from 183 normal pregnancies between the 13th and 23rd wk gestation of women ranging in age from 17 to 43 yr. The concentrations of Ala, Lys, Val, Glu, Pro, Thr, and Gly, in descending order, accounted for about 70% of the amino acids in amniotic fluids. A negative correlation with gestational age (-0.34 to -0.24) was found for Leu, Val, Ile, Phe, Lys, Ala, Asp, Tyr, Glu, and Pro, with Leu showing the greatest rate of change. The concentration of Gin increased slightly (r=0.18), whereas the other amino acids did not change significantly during this period. Statistically significant positive correlations, at all gestational ages, were observed among Val, Leu, and Ile. These branched-chain amino acids also correlated positively with Phe, Lys, Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, Pro, Gly, Ala, and Tyr, and the amino acids within this group correlated with each other. Additionally, strong positive correlations were observed between Phe and Tyr and between Gly and Ser. No significant correlations were found between any of the amino acids and maternal age or fetal sex. Significant positive correlations between amino acids may be indicative of common transport or degradative pathways and suggest that maintenance of specific relative concentrations in amniotic fluid may be essential for normal fetal development. These data provide normative values for evaluating abnormal amino acid concentrations or ratios, which will be useful for studying their possible role as teratogenic agents as well as for the prenatal diagnosis of specific inborn errors of metabolism.
Demonstration of megapixel dual-band QWIP focal plane array

There are many applications that require mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) dual-band focal plane arrays (FPAs). For example, a dual-band FPA camera would provide the accurate temperature of a target with unknown emissivity which is extremely important to the process of identifying objects based on their surface temperature. Dual-band infrared FPAs can also play many important roles in Earth and planetary remote sensing, astronomy, etc.
The future of library specification

Programming language technology has started to achieve one of the dreams of software engineering -- large scale utilization of reusable components. This is due to the standardization of large libraries and frameworks in popular programming languages such as C++, Java, C#, and Python. This standardization and widespread use of libraries will continue to make module specification more and more important. Yet most libraries and frameworks are only specified informally using natural language. This position paper explores research questions related to the specification of such libraries and frameworks.
Gliomas following organ transplantation: analysis of the contents of a tumor registry

Object. The author and others have described a series of patients in whom gliomas have developed following solid organ transplantation. Additionally, patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus reportedly have an increased incidence of gliomas. The author sought to examine the association between the immunosuppressive state in organ transplant recipients and the development of gliomas. Methods. Reported cases of tumor in the transplant population of the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry (IPITTR) were examined. These cases were compared with predicted cases in the 2001 American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates. Of the 7256 malignant tumors listed in the IPITTR database, 19 (0.3%) were primary brain tumors, including 14 gliomas. Tumors known to occur at an increased frequency in transplant recipients accounted for a 1.6- to 2.9-fold increased percentage of cases in the IPITTR compared with 2001 ACS estimates. Tumors not thought to occur with an increased frequency in this population,...
High-energy colliders as black hole factories: The End of short distance physics

If the fundamental Planck scale is of order of a TeV, as is the case in some extra-dimension scenarios, future hadron colliders such as the CERN Large Hadron Collider will be black hole factories. The nonperturbative process of black hole formation and decay by Hawking evaporation gives rise to spectacular events with up to many dozens of relatively hard jets and leptons with a characteristic ratio of hadronic to leptonic activity of roughly 5:1. The total transverse energy of such events is typically a sizable fraction of the beam energy. Perturbative hard scattering processes at energies well above the Planck scale are cloaked behind a horizon, thus limiting the ability to probe short distances. The high energy black hole cross section grows with energy at a rate determined by the dimensionality and geometry of the extra dimensions. This dependence therefore probes the extra dimensions at distances larger than the Planck scale.
Light-neutralino interactions in matter in an extended supersymmetric standard model

Abstract We consider the elastic interaction with matter of the light neutral fermion that arises as a natural candidate for dark matter in an extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. We particularly address its detectability in proposed cryogenic detectors and find that the rates to be expected are O(1)/kg day, if the particle's mass, Mx, is in the range Mx≈5–20 GeV. These rates are within reach of cryogenic detectors, and the mass range is not excluded at present by the experiments at LEP.
Human chromosome classification using discriminant analysis and Bayesian probability

Abstract A computer-aided method of karyotyping human chromosomes was presented which utilized the probability of classification in a discriminant analysis as a measure of the confidence of correct identification. The program assigned each chromosome to one of two partial karyotypes based on a high or low probability of identification. A secondary discriminant analysis classification was then carried out on chromosomes identified with low confidence to determine whether additional chromosomes could then be reclassified with a higher level of confidence. The method was tested using 20 GTG-banded cells and 44 RFA-banded cells. The latter were divided into a 34-cell learning set and a 10-cell test set. Among the GTG-banded chromosomes used, 90.6% were classified with high confidence; of these, 93.5% were correct. A total of 88.6% were correct, however, if the confidence level was not considered. 77.3% of the RFA-banded learning set and 75.2% of the RFA-banded test set chromosomes used were classified with high confidence; 94.1% and 85.8%, respectively, were correct. If the confidence level was not considered, 86.1% of the learning set and 79.7% of the test set chromosomes were correctly identified.
Use of Archived Bus Location, Dispatch, and Ridership Data for Transit Analysis

Some of the novel ways archived computer-aided dispatch (CAD), automatic vehicle location (AVL), and automatic passenger counter (APC) information have been used by the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District in Illinois in the past year are described. Geographic information system (GIS) tools were used to visualize and understand schedule deviation and passenger flow information for a bus route experiencing regular delays, and various ridership and operational performance analyses were performed. GIS made it easy to identify the problem blocks (bus assignments) and trips while allowing data visualization regarding spatial location and passenger flow. Another innovative application has used the archived screen messages in the CAD-AVL system to analyze the response times of dispatchers in the control room when an operator has initiated a request to talk to a supervisor. A Visual Basic script was developed to parse the extensive data, calculate response times for all requests, determine whether any requests ...
A Study of the Accuracy of Some Approximations for t, χ2, and F Tail Probabilities

Abstract This article summarizes an empirical study on the numerical accuracy of some computational formulas for the tail probabilities of t, χ2, and F distributions, in terms of the maximum absolute error for all p, 0 < p ≤ 1. The results are intended to fill a conspicuous gap in the statistical literature concerning the empirical quality of the approximations, and they are useful for designing efficient and accurate computing algorithms for such probabilities.
Mathematical model and computer simulation of the population dynamics of zooplankton in lake and estuary ecosystems

Abstract A mathematical model is developed for the population dynamics and survival probabilities of zooplankton in lake and estuarine. Basic digital computer simulation methodology is used for systematic application of the mathematical model for analysis of the population dynamics of zooplankton. In the analysis of this theoretical modelling, attention is focused on the production and destruction processes of the animal. Both processes are assumed stationary. The birth (production) rate is constant and life-span distribution is independent of time. It is also assumed that the different zooplankton species are independent and share a common aquatic ecosystem, and what happens to one of them does not influence the fate of any other in this system.
Measurement of high Rydberg states and the ionization potential of H 2

We have measured numerous transitions from the E,F state of H/sub 2/ to the singlet np Rydberg states with an accuracy of 0.01 cm/sup -1/. The data have been analyzed to obtain values for the ionization potential of H/sub 2/ relative to the v = 0, N = 0 and 1 levels of the E,F state. By combining these results with previous measurements of the E,F state, a value of 124 417.524 +- 0.015 cm/sup -1/ is obtained for the ionization potential of H/sub 2/. This result is in good agreement with previous work but nearly an order of magnitude more accurate, and is very close to the best theoretical value.
Observation and Feedback during Student Teaching: Learning from Peers.

Abstract This exploratory study investigated the perceptions of preservice teachers regarding peer observation and feedback during student teaching. Student teaching pairs traveled to each others' placement where they observed each other teaching a lesson and gave written feedback. The quantitative data collected demonstrated that students had positive perceptions of the helpfulness of peer observation and feedback in improving their teaching and the comfort level they experienced being observed and being the observer. Furthermore, qualitative data suggests that most students felt that the content and quality of the feedback they received from peers improved their own teaching and the experience of evaluating a peer was valuable as well.
Soman increases neuronal COX-2 levels: Possible link between seizures and protracted neuronal damage

Abstract Nerve agent-induced seizures cause neuronal damage in brain limbic and cortical circuits leading to persistent behavioral and cognitive deficits. Without aggressive anticholinergic and benzodiazepine therapy, seizures can be prolonged and neuronal damage progresses for extended periods of time. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the nerve agent soman on expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the initial enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of the proinflammatory prostaglandins and a factor that has been implicated in seizure initiation and propagation. Rats were exposed to a toxic dose of soman and scored behaviorally for seizure intensity. Expression of COX-2 was determined throughout brain from 4 h to 7 days after exposure by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Microglial activation and astrogliosis were assessed microscopically over the same time-course. Soman increased COX-2 expression in brain regions known to be damaged by nerve agents (e.g., hippocampus, amygdala, piriform cortex and thalamus). COX-2 expression was induced in neurons, and not in microglia or astrocytes, and remained elevated through 7 days. The magnitude of COX-2 induction was correlated with seizure intensity. COX-1 expression was not changed by soman. Increased expression of neuronal COX-2 by soman is a late-developing response relative to other signs of acute physiological distress caused by nerve agents. COX-2-mediated production of prostaglandins is a consequence of the seizure-induced neuronal damage, even after survival of the initial cholinergic crisis is assured. COX-2 inhibitors should be considered as adjunct therapy in nerve agent poisoning to minimize nerve agent-induced seizure activity.
Systemic review: Natural history of irritable bowel syndrome.

Summary Background: The natural history of irritable bowel syndrome is unclear, including the likelihood that these patients will be diagnosed with an alternative organic or functional gastrointestinal disorder. Understanding the stability of an irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis may limit repeated diagnostic evaluation among these patients. Methods: The inclusion criteria included observational longitudinal studies of clinic-based samples of adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Only studies published in the English language in full manuscript form were included. Literature searches, selection and review of eligible articles, and data abstraction were performed in a duplicate, independent manner. Results: Fourteen studies met study selection criteria. In six studies with relevant information, 2–5% of irritable bowel syndrome patients were diagnosed with an alternative organic GI disorder after 6 months to 6 years of follow-up. Long-term follow-up indicated that 2–18% of patients developed worse irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, approximately 30–50% of patients had unchanged symptoms, and the rest either improved or had symptoms disappear. Prior surgery (one study), higher somatic scores (one study), higher baseline anxiety (two studies), depression scores (one study) were predictive of worsening of symptoms during long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic disorder, is a stable diagnosis. Once initial investigations are negative, fewer than 5% are diagnosed with an alternative organic GI disorder. Repeated diagnostic evaluations of patients with recurrent or persistent symptoms similar to their baseline symptoms are not warranted.
The growth of and organ formation from callus tissue of sorghum.

Successful culturing of callus has recently been reported for the following monocotyledonous species: corn (Reference 2, and Linsmaier Bednar, E. M., personal communication), oats (1, 6), rice root (8), asparagus (7), wheat (5), and sorghum (4). For the culture of sorghum callus from roots and tillering nodes, Strogonov et al., (4) used Murashige and Skoog's basal medium plus calcium pantothenate, 5 mg/liter; 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1 mg/liter; kinetin, 1 mg/liter; casein hydrolysate, 0.5 g/liter; and ascorbic acid, 1 mg/liter. The same basal inorganic medium was also used for the culture of oats (1), asparagus (7), and by Linsmaier Bednar for corn. Corn callus was also cultured on White's medium (2), oats and rice root on Heller's medium (6, 8), and wheat on Hildebrandt's D medium (5). Generally, 2,4-D was used as the auxin, but a-naphthaleneacetic acid as well as 2,4-D was used for corn (2). In other respects the same nutrients and growth conditions were used as those required for the culture of dicotyledonous callus. The ability of monocotyledonous callus tissue to form organs has been demonstrated by the production of embryoids and plantlets from asparagus cells (7), many shoots but few roots from oats (1), roots from wheat callus (5), and roots (2) and both roots and shoots from corn callus (Linsmaier Bednar, E. M., personal communication). This report describes the culture of sorghum callus, the initiation of shoot primordia, and development of plants from callus tissue of this species.
The effect of defects on the photoconductivity of solids

Previous surveys and reviews of the effect of defects on the photoconductivity of solids are listed in the Bibliography. Out of the large number of possible topics, eight have been more or less subjectively selected for discussion here.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Lanthanum Stabilized Amorphous Hafnium Oxide Thin Films

Hafnium dioxide deposited on n-Si(100) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was incorporated with La2O3 to stabilize the amorphous phase during high-temperature annealing. The incorporation of La was achieved by depositing HfO2 and La2O3 in different ALD cycles that likely produced a HfO2−HfLaxOy periodic structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy compositional analysis shows that the Hf and La atomic percentage ratio can be controlled by varying the Hf and La ALD cycle ratios. Microstructure was determined with X-ray diffraction and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The introduction of La increases the film crystallization temperature from 500 °C for a HfO2 film to 800, 900, and 950 °C for 10 nm films containing 13% La (metal basis), 25% La, and 43% La, respectively. The results indicate that ALD incorporating La is a potential method to grow amorphous HfO2−La2O3 high-κ dielectric thin films.
Operating times of experienced cataract surgeons beginning femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery

Purpose To compare the time a patient spent in the operating room during femtosecond laser–assisted with that during traditional cataract surgery. Setting Academic tertiary referral center. Design Retrospective review. Methods Data from 3 attending surgeons who operated in the room that housed the femtosecond laser were collected from the first 6 months of the femtosecond laser's use. The time in the operating room was measured from when the patients entered the room to the time they left. Traditional-approach cases done in the room were compared with cases performed using the femtosecond laser (Catalys Precision Laser System). Results During the first 6 months, 420 cataract cases were performed in the operating room housing the femtosecond laser; the femtosecond laser was used in 162 cases (38.6%). Femtosecond laser–assisted surgeries were 11.1 to 12.1 minutes longer than traditional surgeries (P Conclusion The additional steps required to perform femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery resulted in a statistically significant longer time per case than the time required with a traditional approach. Financial Disclosures Dr. Culbertson is a consultant to Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., and Optimedica Corp. Dr. Yoo is a consultant to Alcon Laboratories, Inc., and Abbott Medical Optics, Inc.. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Laser photon statistics in high-β quantum-dot photonic-crystal nanocavities

We demonstrate characteristics of InAs/GaAs quantum-dot photonic-crystal lasers with high spontaneous emission coupling efficiencies and soft-turn-on behaviors. Pronounced bunching signals subside with the increase of pumping, revealing the onset of lasing operations.
Off-label use of rFVIIa in children with excessive bleeding: A consecutive study of 153 off-label uses in 139 children

Background Recombinant factor VIIa is a general hemostatic agent. Randomized trials have demonstrated effectiveness in adults; however, data in children are confined to case reports and series subject to publication bias. Procedures A consecutive cohort of children treated with rFVIIa was identified via inspection of pharmacy records. Data collected included demographic data, underlying disorders, reason for rFVIIa use, dosing, thrombotic events, and mortality. Efficacy was scored subjectively on a 3-point scale (complete, partial, or no response) and supported by a measurement of transfusion of red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate in the 3 days prior to and following use of rFVIIa. Patients with hemophilia and congenital factor VII deficiency were excluded. Results Sixty-five percent had a complete response and 26% had a partial response. Following treatment, there was a mean reduction in transfusions of 14.2 ml/kg for red blood cells, 10.9 ml/kg for platelets, 9 ml/kg for fresh frozen plasma, and 4.6 ml/kg for cryoprecipitate. Thrombosis occurred in 4.3% of patients with the highest rate being in neonates (17.6%). Conclusions rFVIIa is an effective general hemostatic agent for management of excessive bleeding in children and that with the exception of neonates has excellent safety. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:179–183. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Statistically robust design for the all-electric ship from a network theoretic perspective

Recent progress in understanding the robustness properties of large-scale networks leads one to consider how such results can inform design of the all-electric ship. Network robustness seems to be correlated with certain statistical properties, which may give rise to a natural design procedure wherein the statistics of the network become the main design goals. This would represent a departure from the current design paradigm. We have performed systematic cascading failure simulations based on a notional cruiser topology, in comparison with equalcost random and scale-free networks. Although preliminary, our results show that some advantage can be obtained through the alternative designs.
Improving unmanned aerial vehicle pilot training and operation for flying in cluttered environments

Future applications will bring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to new environments such as urban areas, causing a change in the way that UAVs are currently operated. However, UAV accidents still occur at a much higher rate than the accident rate for commercial airliners. Therefore, there is a need to better train UAV pilots and augment their performance to minimize accidents. In this paper, the authors present two methods for generating a chase view point (similar to the view of being towed behind the aircraft). Through use of these viewpoints, the authors propose to increase the situational awareness of UAV operators when flying in cluttered environments. The chase view combines a rotated onboard camera view with a virtual representation of the vehicle and the surrounding operating environment. Experiments were conducted evaluating a chase view versus a traditional onboard camera view during UAV flights using a 6 DOF gantry system. Results showed that the chase view improved UAV operator performance.
Extracting information-dense vectors from images for neural network classifiers

Summary form only given. Neural network classifiers are being developed to score biomedical antigen/antibody reactions used in blood typing. Images of the reactions are captured and digitized with a high-resolution charge-coupled device camera using microscope optics. These 262, 144 element image arrays are too large for direct input to present-day backpropagation neural networks. Digital sampling detector architectures have been synthesized which are applied to the two-dimensional Fourier transform of the original image, yielding dense vectors several orders of magnitude smaller than the input image. These vectors are then applied to multiple three- and four-layer backpropagation networks. A typical network has an input layer of 48-280 elements, hidden layers of 12-64 elements, and an output layer of 8-20 elements. The multiple neural nets classify the reactions into categories with associated confidence scores and check for the presence and extent of a variety of flaw and error conditions such as poor focus, inadequate sample or reagent, cracks in the plastic tray, and bubbles or shadows in the sample. >
Student Perception of Instruction Utilizing a Compressed Video Network.

The delivery of instruction within education is going through a process of change at the presrnt time. One development that has had an impact on instruction delivery is interactive distance education. There are however, questions that need to be answered concerning the different components which are a part of this form of distance education. One such component relates to the attitudes of students who are receiving instruction through interactive distance education. It was the purpose of this study to ascertain student attitudes as they related to the different aspects of taking a course in this type of educational environment.
FLAME STERILIZATION OF SOME TOMATO PRODUCTS AND FRUITS IN 603 × 700 CANS

Processing of fruits and vegetables in 603 × 700 cans for institutional use is a common commercial practice. The present time-temperature treatments for assuring commercial sterility are often excessive and unavoidably detrimental to product quality. Using the count reduction system of process lethality evaluation, canned whole peeled tomatoes packed in juice and fruits packed in syrup were experimentally flame sterilized as rapidly in 603 × 700 cans as in 303 × 406 cans.
Viscoelastic behavior of polyvinylcyclohexane

The tensile stress relaxation master curve for polyvinylcyclohexane (completely hydrogenated polystyrene) has been measured. Direct relaxation experiments were carried out at several temperatures above the glass transition temperature over the rather long time range of four orders of magnitude. This long time span was realized by calculating the modulus during the period when a constant small strain rate was applied to the sample as well as during the usual constant strain interval. A computer solution to the Boltzmann superposition equation allowed data from these two regions to be joined into a smooth curve representing E(t), a parameter indicative of an instantaneous strain experiment. The measured Ti was found to be 143°C; Tg is expected to fall within several degrees of this temperature. This result is apparently at odds with a previously reported Tg value of 120°C. More importantly, the maximum value of the negative slope of the stress relaxation master curve of polyvinylcyclohexane in the primary transition region was only slightly different from that for polystyrene. This observation clearly indicates that the molecular factors which result in the highly coupled nature of the primary transition in polystyrene are not strongly dependent upon any side-chain π–π interactions which might be present in polystyrene.
1‐Hydroxy‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3(1H)‐one

[131-62-4] C7H5IO3 (MW 264.02) InChI = 1S/C7H5IO3/c9-7-5-3-1-2-4-6(5)8(10)11-7/h1-4,10H InChIKey = AZJIXRYFAZOEMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N (cleavage of phosphates,2 oxygenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds,3 α-hydroxylation of ketones,4 methoxylation of steroids,5 oxidation of sulfides,6 chemical cleavage of proteins,7 palladium-catalyzed coupling with arylboronic acids,8 preparation of iodonium salts,9 synthesis of benziodoxole derivatives10) Alternative Names: 2-iodosobenzoic acid; 2-iodosylbenzoic acid; o-iodosobenzoic acid; o-iodosylbenzoic acid; IBA [304-91-6]. Physical Data: mp 231–232 °C (dec). Solubility: soluble in H2O, DMSO, alcohol; insoluble in ether, CH2Cl2, MeCN, and nonpolar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: white microcrystalline solid; commercially available; typical impurities: 2-iodobenzoic acid and 2-iodoxybenzoic acid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: iodometric titration,11 elemental analysis, 1H NMR. Preparative Methods: oxidation of 2-iodobenzoic acid with fuming nitric acid at 50 °C;12 chlorination of 2-iodobenzoic acid followed by hydrolysis with aq NaOH;13 oxidation of 2-iodobenzoic acid with NaIO4 in boiling 30% aq acetic acid;14 oxidation of 2-iodobenzoic acid with potassium persulfate in H2SO4 at 0 °C.14 Purification: dissolution in aq NaOH followed by acidification to pH 3 by addition of 5% aq acetic acid.11 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: can be stored indefinitely long in the dark; refrigeration should be used for long-term storage.
The ROCO Kinase QkgA Is Necessary for Proliferation Inhibition by Autocrine Signals in Dictyostelium discoideum

AprA and CfaD are secreted proteins that function as autocrine signals to inhibit cell proliferation in Dictyostelium discoideum. Cells lacking AprA or CfaD proliferate rapidly, and adding AprA or CfaD to cells slows proliferation. Cells lacking the ROCO kinase QkgA proliferate rapidly, with a doubling time 83% of that of the wild type, and overexpression of a QkgA-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein slows cell proliferation. We found that qkgA− cells accumulate normal levels of extracellular AprA and CfaD. Exogenous AprA or CfaD does not slow the proliferation of cells lacking qkgA, and expression of QkgA-GFP in qkgA− cells rescues this insensitivity. Like cells lacking AprA or CfaD, cells lacking QkgA tend to be multinucleate, accumulate nuclei rapidly, and show a mass and protein accumulation per nucleus like those of the wild type, suggesting that QkgA negatively regulates proliferation but not growth. Despite their rapid proliferation, cells lacking AprA, CfaD, or QkgA expand as a colony on bacteria less rapidly than the wild type. Unlike AprA and CfaD, QkgA does not affect spore viability following multicellular development. Together, these results indicate that QkgA is necessary for proliferation inhibition by AprA and CfaD, that QkgA mediates some but not all of the effects of AprA and CfaD, and that QkgA may function downstream of these proteins in a signal transduction pathway regulating proliferation.
Active mean fields: solving the mean field approximation in the level set framework

We describe a new approach for estimating the posterior probability of tissue labels. Conventional likelihood models are combined with a curve length prior on boundaries, and an approximate posterior distribution on labels is sought via the Mean Field approach. Optimizing the resulting estimator by gradient descent leads to a level set style algorithm where the level set functions are the logarithm-of-odds encoding of the posterior label probabilities in an unconstrained linear vector space. Applications with more than two labels are easily accommodated. The label assignment is accomplished by the Maximum A Posteriori rule, so there are no problems of "overlap" or "vacuum'. We test the method on synthetic images with additive noise. In addition, we segment a magnetic resonance scan into the major brain compartments and subcortical structures.
Olivary morphology and olivocerebellar topography in adult lurcher mutant mice

In adult lurcher mice, in which virtually all cerebellar Purkinje cells have degenerated as a direct consequence of mutant gene action, the inferior olivary complex suffers a severe retrograde transneuronal atrophy. Our analysis indicates a 63% cell loss in the lurcher inferior olive, homogeneously distributed between the medial and dorsal accessory, and principal olivary subdivisions. Olivary neurons are reduced in cross-sectional area by 30% in lurcher mice, compared to normal controls. All olivary subdivisions morphologically identifiable in normal mice are also found in the lurcher inferior olive. Analysis of olivocerebellar topography by retrograde transport of lectin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase and fluorogold, in both single and double labeling paradigms, reveals no abnormalities in the general organization of this highly ordered projection. This stability may be based on the initial establishment of the topographic pattern in late embryogenesis or early postnatal periods, prior to the onset of lurcher Purkinje cell degeneration, or, alternatively, the lurcher gene may not alter critical afferent and target characteristics at stages when the topographic relationship is being established. Once established, the olivocerebellar projection is apparently not dependent on the Purkinje cell for long-term maintenance of its general topographic organization.
A process model of adolescents' triangulation into parents' marital conflict: the role of emotional reactivity

This study examined adolescents' emotional reactivity to parents' marital conflict as a mediator of the association between triangulation and adolescents' internalizing problems in a sample of 2-parent families (N = 416)[corrected]. Four waves of annual, multiple-informant data were analyzed (youth ages 11-15 years). The authors used structural equation modeling and found that triangulation was associated with increases in adolescents' internalizing problems, controlling for marital hostility and adolescent externalizing problems. There also was an indirect pathway from triangulation to internalizing problems across time through youths' emotional reactivity. Moderating analyses indicated that the 2nd half of the pathway, the association between emotional reactivity and increased internalizing problems, characterized youth with lower levels of hopefulness and attachment to parents. The findings help detail why triangulation is a risk factor for adolescents' development and which youth will profit most from interventions focused on emotional regulation.
Inferring the everyday task capabilities of locations

People rapidly learn the capabilities of a new location, without observing every service and product. Instead they map a few observations to familiar clusters of capabilities. This paper proposes a similar approach to computer discovery of routine location capabilities, applying machine learning to predict unobserved capabilities based on a combination of a small body of local observations and a larger body of data that is not specific to the location. We propose using the time and place of deleting items from a to-do list application to provide the local data. For reminder purposes, an area within easy walking distance is a single location, but may contain many different shops and services, collectively offering its own combination of capabilities. Truncated singular value decomposition maps the observations to combinations of features, rather than to a single cluster. Simulations, using distributions derived from real world data, demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
EFFECT OF BLADE TENDERIZATION ON STORAGE LIFE RETAIL CASELIFE AND PALATABILITY OF BEEF

Boneless strip loins (n = 90) and inside rounds (n = 90) from Heavy-Choice, Heavy-Good and Light-Good carcasses were randomly assigned to one of six treatments representing combinations of storage interval (7 or 14 days), blade tenderization (prior to or following storage) and packaging (vacuum packages or polyethylene bags). Vacuum packaging was much more satisfactory than polyethylene packaging for maintaining appearance of subprimal cuts following storage and for assuring desirable overall appearance of steaks during retail display. Subprimal cuts should be blade tenderized after, rather than prior to, storage to minimize weight losses of subprimals during storage, but time of blade tenderization did not affect retail caselife or palatability traits. Light-Good beef was not generally inferior to that from Heavy-Choice or Heavy-Good carcasses in storage-life, retail caselife or palatability if subprimal cuts were stored in vacuum packages. However, Light-Good strip loins which were blade tenderized prior to storage and stored in polyethylene bags were discolored and unattractive following storage and produced steaks which had very limited retail caselife. Blade tenderization increased tenderness above that achieved by aging alone but did not otherwise affect palatability.
Comparison of the conformational dynamics of the (1 → 4)‐ and (1 → 6)‐linked α‐D‐glucans using 13C‐NMR relaxation

The conformational dynamics of alpha-(1----4)- and alpha-(1----6)-glucan homooligomers in the nanosecond time domain have been compared by measuring the 13C-nmr longitudinal relaxation times T1 for carbons of the terminal and interior sugar residues. Measurements are reported on monomeric glucose and on oligomers containing up to ten glucose residues at room temperature in aqueous solution at concentrations of 3 and 20 g/dL. The carbons of terminal residues display longer relaxation times than do those of interior residues, presumably as a consequence of a greater degree of conformational mobility of the chain ends. The T1s of the reducing terminal residues of all oligomers are significantly longer than those of the corresponding nonreducing termini, a phenomenon that we associate tentatively with the anomeric equilibrium at the reducing end. Carbons of the reducing terminal residues in the beta-anomeric form relax more slowly than their alpha-anomeric counterparts. At 20 g/dL the mean T1s for carbons of the terminal and interior residues attain asymptotic behavior with increasing chain length at a chain length of about six residues, and carbons of the alpha-(1----4)-linked maltooligomers relax significantly more slowly than those of the corresponding alpha-(1----6)-linked isomaltooligomers. The T1s of both glucan series increase with decreasing concentration. This concentration dependence disappears below 3 g/dL, where the T1s of the two series of homoligomers are no longer distinguishable. This suggests that in dilute aqueous solution at room temperature viscous damping effects predominate over contributions to the T1-sensitive conformational dynamics from structural differences in the glycosidic linkage region. At 3 g/dL the approach to long chain-length asymptotic behavior is more protracted than at 20 g/dL, and the T1s of carbons of interior oligomeric residues appear to match the corresponding high-polymer behavior at a chain length of eight and greater.
Ultramark 1621 as a calibration/reference compound for mass spectrometry. II. Positive‐ and negative‐ion electrospray ionization

Electrospray ionization of solutions of Ultramark 1621, a commercially available mixture of fluorinated phosphazenes, in solution of 50:23:23:4 v/v of acetonitrile+water+methanol+acetic acid, produced a series of intense singly charged peaks in the m/z range of 900 to ca. 2200 in both positive- and negative-ionization modes. The chemical compositions and accurate masses of ions in both positive- and negative-ion spectra have been reported. An accuracy of approximately 2 ppm has been achieved for the average molecular weight of bovine insulin using Ultramark 1621 peaks as reference standards.
Impulse Radio UWB or Multicarrier UWB for Non-GPS Based Indoor Precise Positioning Systems

: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for indoor precise positioning systems that can be used by fire fighters. Two promising techniques to achieve indoor positioning accuracy of better than 1 m are Impulse Radio Ultra Wideband (IR-UWB) and Multicarrier Ultra Wideband (MC-UWB). This paper provides insight into key concepts such as receiver synchronization and practical system implementation for both these techniques from the positioning system perspective. This is followed by a system level comparison listing advantages and disadvantages of both these techniques. Basic simulation results comparing performance of a precise positioning system using IR-UWB and MC-UWB are presented, followed by indoor ranging test results using a MC-UWB based prototype. It is demonstrated that such an MC-UWB based positioning system achieves ranging accuracy of better than 1 m in indoor multipath environments without occupying GHz of bandwidth and without interfering with other existing wireless systems.