cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The learning curve revisited: Stapedotomy

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the outcome of stapedotomy changes with experience. Study Design and Setting: Retrospective case review of an academic otologic practice of a fellowship-trained otologist that consisted of 50 consecutive patients who underwent primary stapedotomy. The main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative audiograms for both the operated ear and the opposite ear (control). Results: There were no major complications or loss of hearing among the 50 patients. Minor complications included 1 middle ear infection, 2 torn flaps, and 1 tympanic membrane perforation. One patient had worse conductive hearing loss after surgery. The hearing of 2 patients was unchanged. Hearing for the entire group improved (P > 0.001) from a speech reception threshold of 55 dB (SD, 17 dB) to 30 dB (SD, 19 dB). Complete closure of the air-bone gap was achieved in 20% of the first 10 patients and 30% of the last 10 patients. Conclusions: The results of stapedotomy improve with experience, although the learning curve seems less steep than has been reported for total or near-total footplate removal. Significance: Stapedotomy can be successfully performed early in surgical experience, but the learning curve should be acknowledged and discussed with the patient. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126:20-25.)
Comparative genomics and evolution of molybdenum utilization

The trace element molybdenum (Mo) is the catalytic component of important enzymes involved in global nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon metabolism in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. With the exception of nitrogenase, Mo is complexed by a pterin compound thus forming the biologically active molybdenum cofactor (Moco) at the catalytic sites of molybdoenzymes. The physiological roles and biochemical functions of many molybdoenzymes have been characterized. However, our understanding of the occurrence and evolution of Mo utilization is limited. This article focuses on recent advances in comparative genomics of Mo utilization in the three domains of life. We begin with a brief introduction of Mo transport systems, the Moco biosynthesis pathway, the role of posttranslational modifications, and enzymes that utilize Mo. Then, we proceed to recent computational and comparative genomics studies of Mo utilization, including a discussion on novel Moco-binding proteins that contain the C-terminal domain of the Moco sulfurase and that are suggested to represent a new family of molybdoenzymes. As most molybdoenzymes need additional cofactors for their catalytic activity, we also discuss interactions between Mo metabolism and other trace elements and finish with an analysis of factors that may influence evolution of Mo utilization.
97. Impact of psychological stress on the adaptive immune system and disease progression in a triple negative breast and a transgenic ovarian cancer mouse model

Immune suppression plays a critical role in tumor progression, particularly in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ovarian cancer. However the role of stress in adaptive immunity is still unclear. We hypothesize that psychological stress can regulate T cell mediated immunity, thus contributing to disease outcome. To test this hypothesis, we used female BALB/c mice injected with TNBC 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma cells into the mammary fat pad and a LSLS-KrasG12D/+PtenloxP/loxp conditional transgenic mouse model for endometrioid ovarian cancer. For the TNBC model, mice were randomized into 4 groups (n = 10); (1) social isolation; (2) restraint stress for 1 h,3x/week; (3) restraint stress for 2 h, daily and (4) no stress. For the ovarian model, mice were restrained for 1 h,3x week. In the TNBC model, the stress groups demonstrated significantly reduced survival compared to non-stressed controls (p = 0.013) with none of the social isolation mice surviving. There was a significant difference across the groups for CD3 (p = 0.042), CD3CD69 (p = 0.047) and CD4FOXP3 (Tregs; p = 0.0014) in mouse spleens. In the ovarian mouse model, we found that stressed mice demonstrated early onset of tumors and a significant decrease in CD3CD69 (p = 0.006). These findings indicate that stress regulates T cell immunity in mice with TNBC and ovarian cancer and demonstrate the complexity of the stress response in tumor-bearing, immune competent mice.
Fully Distributed State Estimation for Wide-Area Monitoring Systems

This paper presents a fully distributed state estimation algorithm for wide-area monitoring in power systems. Through iterative information exchange with designated neighboring control areas, all the balancing authorities (control areas) can achieve an unbiased estimate of the entire power system's state. In comparison with existing hierarchical or distributed state estimation methods, the novelty of the proposed approach lies in that: 1) the assumption of local observability of all the control areas is no longer needed; 2) the communication topology can be different than the physical topology of the power interconnection; and 3) for DC state estimation, no coordinator is required for each local control area to achieve provable convergence of the entire power system's states to those of the centralized estimation. The performance of both DC and AC state estimation using the proposed algorithm is illustrated in the IEEE 14-bus and 118-bus systems.
Tungsten surface evolution by helium bubble nucleation, growth and rupture

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal sub-surface mechanisms likely involved in the initial formation of nanometre-sized ?fuzz? in tungsten exposed to low-energy helium plasmas. Helium clusters grow to over-pressurized bubbles as a result of repeated cycles of helium absorption and Frenkel pair formation. The self-interstitials either reach the surface as isolated adatoms or trap at the bubble periphery before organizing into prismatic ?1?1?1? dislocation loops. Surface roughening occurs as single adatoms migrate to the surface, prismatic loops glide to the surface to form adatom islands, and ultimately as over-pressurized gas bubbles burst.
Cavitation-induced drug delivery in tumors for cancer chemotherapy: Animal studies

Recently we proposed to use laser- and ultrasound-induced cavitation to enhance delivery of anti-cancer agents from blood into tumor cells through tumor capillary wall, interstitium, and cancer cell membrane. Cavitation threshold can be lowered by using microparticles (with certain optical and acoustic properties) which can accumulate in tumors after injection in blood. Lower cavitation threshold allows for local and pronounced cavitation in tumors and, therefore, may provide safe and efficient delivery of anti-cancer drugs in cancer cells without damage to normal tissues by laser or ultrasound radiation. In this paper, we studied enhanced penetration of model macromolecular (rhodamine-dextran) and real anti- cancer (5-FU) drugs and efficacy of cancer therapy with the use of this technique in nude mice bearing human colon tumors KM20. Our studies showed enhanced penetration of the drugs in irradiated tumors and significant improvement of cancer therapy when radiation was applied in combination with polystyrene particle and 5-FU injections. Complete tumor regression of irradiated tumors was obtained when optimum conditions were used. Our results suggest that this technique can potentially be used for efficient and safe cancer chemotherapy.
Higher-order structure of the Rous sarcoma virus SP assembly domain.

UNLABELLED Purified retroviral Gag proteins can assemble in vitro to form immature virus-like particles (VLPs). By cryoelectron tomography, Rous sarcoma virus VLPs show an organized hexameric lattice consisting chiefly of the capsid (CA) domain, with periodic stalk-like densities below the lattice. We hypothesize that the structure represented by these densities is formed by amino acid residues immediately downstream of the folded CA, namely, the short spacer peptide SP, along with a dozen flanking residues. These 24 residues comprise the SP assembly (SPA) domain, and we propose that neighboring SPA units in a Gag hexamer coalesce to form a six-helix bundle. Using in vitro assembly, alanine scanning mutagenesis, and biophysical analyses, we have further characterized the structure and function of SPA. Most of the amino acid residues in SPA could not be mutated individually without abrogating assembly, with the exception of a few residues near the N and C termini, as well as three hydrophilic residues within SPA. We interpret these results to mean that the amino acids that do not tolerate mutations contribute to higher-order structures in VLPs. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange analyses of unassembled Gag compared that of assembled VLPs showed strong protection at the SPA region, consistent with a higher-order structure. Circular dichroism revealed that a 29mer SPA peptide shifts from a random coil to a helix in a concentration-dependent manner. Analytical ultracentrifugation showed concentration-dependent self-association of the peptide into a hexamer. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence for the formation of a critical six-helix bundle in Gag assembly. IMPORTANCE The structure of a retrovirus like HIV is created by several thousand molecules of the viral Gag protein, which assemble to form the known hexagonal protein lattice in the virus particle. How the Gag proteins pack together in the lattice is incompletely understood. A short segment of Gag known to be critical for proper assembly has been hypothesized to form a six-helix bundle, which may be the nucleating event that leads to lattice formation. The experiments reported here, using the avian Rous sarcoma virus as a model system, further define the nature of this segment of Gag, show that it is in a higher-order structure in the virus particle, and provide the first direct evidence that it forms a six-helix bundle in retrovirus assembly. Such knowledge may provide underpinnings for the development of antiretroviral drugs that interfere with virus assembly.
Correlates and consequences of the disclosure of pain-related distress to one's spouse.

Abstract The communication of pain has received a great deal of attention in the pain literature; however, one form of pain communication—emotional disclosure of pain-related distress (e.g., sadness, worry, anger about pain)—has not been studied extensively. This study examined the extent to which this form of pain communication occurred during an observed conversation with one’s spouse and also investigated the correlates and consequences of disclosure. Individuals with chronic pain (ICP) and their spouses (N = 95 couples) completed several questionnaires regarding pain, psychological distress, and relationship distress as well as video recorded interactions about the impact of pain on their lives. Approximately two-thirds of ICPs (n = 65) disclosed their pain-related distress to their spouses. ICPs who reported greater pain severity, ruminative catastrophizing and affective distress about pain, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were more likely to disclose their distress to their spouses. Spouses of ICPs who disclosed only once or twice were significantly less likely to invalidate their partners whereas spouses of ICPs who disclosed at a higher rate were significantly more likely to validate their partners. Furthermore, spouses were more likely to engage in invalidation after attempting more neutral or validating responses, suggesting an erosion of support when ICPs engaged in high rates of disclosure. Correlates of spousal invalidation included both spouses’ helplessness catastrophizing, ICPs’ affective distress about pain, and spouses’ anxiety, suggesting that both partners’ distress are implicated in maladaptive disclosure-response patterns. Findings are discussed in light of pain communication and empathy models of pain.
Late entry into prenatal care in a rural setting.

Social support, behavioral risk, and structural or demographic variables as well as acceptance of pregnancy were tested as determinants of late entry into prenatal care in a sample of 176 women in a rural county in California. The respondents were all those over age 18 served by four obstetric practices during a 4-month period ending in February 2000. One nurse-midwifery practice was included. Late entry into prenatal care during the first trimester occurred in 27.3% of the cases overall. Statistically significant independent variables in bivariate analyses were modeled in multivariate logistic regression. Stress, lack of family and friend support, Medicaid enrollment, age under 20 or over 34, low acceptance of pregnancy, and lack of a high school diploma were all predictors of late entry. Lack of family and friend support modified the effects of stress and Medicaid as payer. Although the determinants of late entry were remarkably complex in this sample, they have potential for public health intervention.
PV-MCT working standard radiometer

Sensitive infrared working-standard detectors with large active area are needed to extend the signal dynamic range of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) pyroelectric transfer-standards used for infrared spectral power responsivity calibrations. Increased sensitivity is especially important for irradiance mode responsivity measurements. The noise equivalent power (NEP) of the NIST used pyroelectric transfer-standards is about 8 nW/Hz 1/2 , equal to a D*= 5.5 x 10 7 cm Hz 1/2 /W. A large-area photovoltaic HgCdTe (PV-MCT) detector was custom made for the 2.5 μm to 11 μm wavelength range using a 4-stage thermoelectric cooler. At least an order of magnitude lower NEP was expected than that of the pyroelectric transfer-standards to measure irradiance. The large detector area was produced with multiple p-n junctions. The periodical, multiple-junction structure produced a spatial non-uniformity in the detector response. The PV-MCT radiometer was characterized for spatial non-uniformity of response using different incident beam sizes to evaluate the uncertainty component caused by the spatial non-uniformity. The output voltage noise and also the current and voltage responsivities were evaluated at different signal gains and frequencies. The output voltage noise was decreased and the voltage responsivity was increased to lower the NEP of the radiometer. The uncertainty of the spectral power responsivity measurements was evaluated. It is recommended to use a bootstrap type trans-impedance amplifier along with a cold field-of-view limiter to improve the NEP of the PV-MCT radiometer.
Online Change Detection for a Poisson Process with a Phase-Type Change-Time Prior Distribution

Abstract We consider a change detection problem in which the arrival rate of a Poisson process changes suddenly at some unknown and unobservable disorder time. It is assumed that the prior distribution of the disorder time is known. The objective is to detect the disorder time with an online detection rule (a stopping time) in a way that balances the frequency of false alarms and detection delay. So far in the study of this problem, the prior distribution of the disorder time is taken to be exponential distribution for analytical tractability. Here, we will take the prior distribution to be a phase-type distribution, which is the distribution of the absorption time of a continuous time Markov chain with a finite state space. We find an optimal stopping rule for this general case. We illustrate our findings on two numerical examples.
Analysis, simulation, and experimental studies of YAG and CO2 laser-produced plasma for EUV lithography sources

Efficient laser systems are essential for the realization of high volume manufacturing in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL). Solid-state Nd:YAG lasers usually have lower efficiency and source suppliers are alternatively investigating the use of high power CO2 laser systems. However, CO2 laser-produced plasmas (LPP) have specific characteristics and features that should be taken into account when considering them as the light source for EUVL. The analysis of recent experimental and theoretical work showed significant differences in the properties of plasma plumes produced by CO2 and the Nd:YAG lasers including EUV radiation emission, source formation, debris generation, and conversion efficiency. The much higher reflectivity of CO2 laser from liquid, vapor, and plasma of a tin target results in the production of optically thinner plumes with higher velocity and in a better formation of plasma properties (temperature and density values) towards more efficient EUV source. However, the spikes in the temporal profiles of current CO2 laser will additionally affect the properties of the produced plasma. We have developed unique combination of state-of-the-art experimental facilities (CMUXE Laboratory) and advanced computer simulation (HEIGHTS) package for studying and optimizing various lasers, discharge produced plasmas (DPP), and target parameters as well as the optical collection system regarding EUV lithography. In this work, detailed characteristics of plasmas produced by CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers were analyzed and compared both experimentally and theoretically for optimizing EUV from LPP sources. The details of lower overheating of plasma produced by CO2 laser are given with time and explain how to utilize the high reflectivity of such lasers in plasmas produced in different target geometries to significantly enhance the conversion efficiency of EUV radiation.
Hydrogen passivation of PolySilicon MOSFET's from a plasma Nitride source

Improvements in polysilicon grain-boundary passivation techniques have made polysilicon MOSFET's increasingly attractive, as vertically stackable circuit components in applications, where high mobility is not a primary requirement. A simple method for the "last step" passivation of grain boundaries in polysilicon MOSFET's is presented. The method involves diffusion of atomic hydrogen at 450°C from a plasma-deposited compressive silicon nitride layer for reaction at silicon grain-boundary dangling bond sites. By use of this technique, ON/OFF current ratios of greater than 106can be achieved with drive currents that are sufficient for many circuit applications.
Salinity-temperature tolerance of two closely related triclad species, Dugesia lugubris and D. polychroa (Turbellaria), in relation to their distribution in The Netherlands

The tolerance of adult specimens of Dugesia lugubris and D. polychroa for 13 different chlorinities ranging from 15.0-3.8%o and for two temperatures, viz. 4 and 23 °C, was tested.
Spatio-temporal dynamics in a train of rising bubbles

Abstract It has been suggested that rising bubbles in dense fluids resemble an inverted dripping faucet and that they undergo analogues period-doubling bifurcations to chaos. We present experimental results that demonstrate that this analogy is weak because the dominant source of instability in the bubble train is inherently different — mutual interactions between spatially separated bubbles as opposed to nozzle dynamics. Unlike the dripping faucet, the initial instability in a bubble train develops at a location far from the injection nozzle and progresses toward the nozzle with increasing gas flow. From qualitative and rigorous quantitative observations, we conclude that rising-bubble dynamics are best described as ‘small-box spatio-temporal chaos’ with a flow instability. Such dynamics can superficially appear to be simple temporal chaos when considering spatially localized measurements. We show similarity between our experimental results and a bubble-interaction model that accounts for drag and coalescence effects without considering any nozzle dynamics.
Low‐Temperature Hydrothermal Synthesis of Phase‐Pure (Ba,Sr)TiO3 Perovskite using EDTA

A thermodynamic model was developed to describe the stability of (Ba,Sr)TiO 3 (BST) solid solutions in the Ba-Sr-Ti-K-(EDTA)-H 2 O (EDTA = ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) system. Phase diagrams were computed to identify the range of conditions suitable for making phase-pure BST. Hydrothermal experiments were performed to validate the thermodynamic model. The model was found to be more useful when an ideal solid solution was used to estimate the energetics for the BST phase instead of experimental thermodynamic data. In addition, EDTA was found to promote stable conditions for BST formation. When attempting to prepare Ba 0.50 Sr 0.50 TiO 3 without EDTA, BaTiO 3 -rich and SrTiO 3 -rich phases precipitated separately, at 70°-160°C. However, in the presence of EDTA, a phase-pure Ba 0.55 Sr 0.45 TiO 3 solid solution was obtained at 90°-120°C. EDTA is effective because it prevents phase heterogeneities from forming and equalizes the adsorption affinity of strontium and barium species.
Awareness and Intertrial Activity in Verbal Conditioning.

It was hypothesized that, in VOC, the relationship between awareness and performance gains would be a function of the experimental conditions during training. Fifty-six naive Ss were assigned to 1 of 4 experimental conditions. Each group performed the Taffel sentence-construction task. This was the only treatment given one group; a second group was required to perform a color-naming task between trials. A third group was required to write their “thoughts about the experiment” between blocks of trials, while a fourth group was required to perform both the intertrial and the inter-block tasks. All groups demonstrated significant performance gains. The color-naming task resulted in significantly less performance gain, as expected, but, contrary to expectation, did not significantly inhibit the development of awareness. The discrepancies between the present results and those of previous studies were explored as were the implications for understanding the VOC process.
Mitigation of liquefaction and associated ground deformations by stone columns

Soil liquefaction and associated ground failures have been a major source of damage during the past earthquakes. The risk of liquefaction and associated ground deformation can be reduced by various ground-improvement methods including the stone column (gravel drain) technique. This paper presents the current state of the stone column technologies as a liquefaction countermeasure. A comprehensive review is provided aiming to: (a) identify key considerations for the general use of stone columns as a liquefaction countermeasure, (b) provide insights for design and construction, (c) compile the latest research developments, and (d) identify sources of useful information. Case histories of field applications and observed field performance are cited to portray different stone column applications and observed effectiveness. The paper identifies areas where more research is needed and includes recommendations for future research and development.
Guidance of a Robotic Off-Road Tractor-Trailer System Using Model Predictive Control

This paper presents a nonlinear Model Predictive Control approach to controlling a tractor-trailer system. Using a nonlinear tractor-trailer model, the controller determines the optimal steer angle, based on the trailer’s measured position and heading, as well as information about the path geometry in front of it. Then, the computer determines the amount of voltage to apply to the steering wheel motor to achieve the necessary steer angle. In the simulation study, the controller algorithm is capable of guiding a 2-1/2 meter long trailer around a 5-meter radius turn, towed by a four wheel drive off-road utility vehicle, with a maximum error of 8.5 centimeters.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Navigating the genome.

![Figure][1] The complete sequencing of the DNA of multiple species has opened new avenues of research, enabling genomic studies into the complexity of biological function. Web-based genome browsers, such as those available at the NCBI ( ), UCSC (<http://
The structure of light radiance in the depth of the sea for the problems of horizontal visibility of submerged objects

The spatial and angular structure of light radiance in the depth of seawater can be precisely computed with such numerical programs like Hydrolight. Unfortunately such calculations demand a lot of computational time if used for problems of visibility of submerged objects. In this case, due to the much greater computational efficiency and logarithmic dependence of visibility parameters on radiance values, analytical radiative transfer methods are preferable. In this presentation a new analytical radiative transfer method is proposed to solve visibility problems in seawater. The angular structure of depth-dependent light radiance in the sea is obtained in the framework of previously published selfconsistent approximation. The analytical expressions proposed in this paper allow to compute a horizontal visibility of submerged objects. This approach can be applied to problems of diver visibility in shallow water bodies of arbitrary turbidity and illumination.
Compliance and public authority : a theory with international applications

Offers a theory of compliance and authority that wouild be applicable to behavior concerning economic contracts, law, enforcement, and international relations. It examiones the problem of compliance in centralized (e.g. national and state laws) and decentralized (international treaties) systems. Applies the theory to explain the level of compliance with Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty anf the International North Pacific Fisheries Convention. Originally published in 1979
PHOTOREACTIONS ON 3He AND 4He UP TO 1.6 GEV AT JEFFERSON LAB

We have measured photoreactions on 3He and 4He in Hall B at Jefferson Lab, using real photons from the Photon Tagger and the CEBAF Large-Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS). We obtained data over the full range of the Tagger — 0.33 to 1.56 GeV with an incident electron-beam energy of 1.645 GeV. Tagged, circularly polarized photons, produced by the 70% longitudinally polarized electrons, were incident on 1.2-g/cm2 liquid-helium targets positioned at the center of the CLAS. We were able to collect data at rates exceeding 3 kHz, and succeeded in collecting approximately 1.2 billion events for 3He and 0.8 billion for 4He. Over 5 Tb of data were obtained. The data show very good stability throughout the experimental run. Preliminary results from the analysis of several reaction channels are given here.
1-(5-Amino-1-β-D-Ribofuranosylimidazol-4-carbonyl)-3,5-dimethylpyrazole, a new Intermediate for the Preparation of Aicar Analogs

Abstract 1-(5-Amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylimidazol-4-carbonyl)-3,5-di-methylpyrazole (2a), which is readily prepared from inosine, is shown to be a useful precursor for the preparation of 5-aminoimidazole nucleosides and nucleotides.
Does diversity in novice teams lead to greater innovation

Design teams are commonly formed in engineering courses with the assumption that diversity leads to more innovative solutions. However, the literature indicates that this assumption is conditional, based on factors such as team effectiveness and how diversity is defined. Additionally, prior research has focused on expert teams, rather than the novice teams typical of many engineering courses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between team diversity, as a function of gender and race, team effectiveness, and innovation within novice engineering teams. First, we examined the relationship between diversity and team effectiveness. We used an established peer evaluation system to measure the team effectiveness ratings of 275 four-person teams. Gender heterogeneous teams were more effective than gender homogenous teams, but there was no significant difference between racially homogenous and heterogeneous teams. Second, we analyzed student team project reports for innovative design solutions. There was no correlation between team effectiveness and innovativeness, nor did gender heterogeneous teams produce more innovative solutions than gender homogenous teams. These results suggest diversity, defined by gender or race alone, may not increase innovation within novice engineering teams.
Effects of 4He coverage and interface condition on the spin relaxation in 3HeA1

Abstract Effects of moving magnetic field relative to sensor and coating cell surfaces with 4He on the spin density relaxation time in 3He-A1 were measured. In the upper temperature side of the phase, where A 1 N interface is presenf in the cell, the relaxation time is strongly modified by the the surface condition and magnet position changes. In the lower temperature side of the phase, where A 1 A 2 interface is present, the relaxation time is not affected by either changes.
Complications of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Analysis and comparison of early vs. latter experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test if the techniques learned during our early learning experience have proved to be effective in reducing the complications specifically related to the laparoscopic technique of colorectal surgery. METHODS: From October 1991 until July 1996, 195 laparoscopic operations were performed on the colon and the rectum. These data were divided into “early” and “latter” groups. The conversion reasons and early and late postoperative complications were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Incidence of conversions required because of iatrogenic injuries showed a decline from 7.3 percent in the early group to 1.4 percent in the latter group. Sixty-six postoperative complications were observed in 59 (30.3 percent) patients. Complications specifically related to the technique of laparoscopic surgery occurred in nine (4.6 percent) patients. These were postoperative bleeding in three patients, port site hernias in five patients, and left ureteric stricture in one patient. Eight (6.5 percent) of these complications occurred in the early group, whereas one (1.4 percent) occurred in the latter group. Analyzing the conversions caused by intraoperative iatrogenic injuries and the specific postoperative complications together reveals that the incidence of 13.8 percent (17/123) in the early group has been reduced significantly to 2.8 percent (2/72) in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our experience, we have identified techniques, which are discussed in detail, to make laparoscopic colorectal surgery safe. Strict adherence to these techniques has significantly reduced the incidence of complications, specifically those related to the laparoscopic technique.
Performance of an Ideal Quantum Receiver of a Coherent Signal of Random Phase

An ideal quantum receiver is to detect a coherent narrow-band optical signal in the presence of thermal background radiation. Curves are given both of the average probability of error in a binary communication system transmitting O's (blanks) and 1's (pulses) with equal probabilities, and of the probability of detection for various fixed values of the false-alarm probability.
The Rhetoric and Science of William Paley's Natural Theology

In this essay I suggest that William Paley's Natural Theology was rhetorical work written to appeal to an eighteenth-century British empiricist mindset. I begin by addressing the book's argument and audience. In particular, I pay close attention to Paley's adolescent exposure to rhetoric and Natural Theology's panegyric format. In addition to excavating the work's cultural context, I go on to explain why Paley's work appealed to a conservative, polite and economically comfortable audience. I then move on to address how he used the rhetorical practice of inventio to select scientific sources and examples, or commonplaces, intended to play on the heart-strings of his empirically minded readers. To illustrate this aspect of the book's rhetorical construction, the end of this essay shows that the scientific examples of his theological argument were taken from a wide variety of contemporary physiology, natural philosophy and natural history texts. Contrary to later nineteenth-century assessments of Natural Theology, I emphasise that these books and articles were standard sources for the practicing scientific community of Paley's generation. Moreover, throughout all of the following sections, I demonstrate that Paley specifically intended to shame atheism and to praise the attributes of God.
The structure of chips and links comprising the IBM eServer z990 I/O subsystem

The performance of large servers is to a high degree determined by their I/O subsystems. In the z990 server, nearly all of the components in the I/O path have been considerably improved in performance, capability, and cost. A 2-GB/s enhanced self-timed interface (eSTI) was introduced which is capable of absorbing the ever-increasing data rates of modern high-speed adapters. The I/O bandwidth available from a single node (three memory bus adapter, or MBA, chips, each with four eSTI ports) now equals 48 GB/s. As a consequence, both the MBA chip and the STI multiplexer switch (STI switch) chip had to be completely redesigned. In addition to these two chips, this paper describes the eSTI design itself and the Sweep chip, which integrates the function of four bidirectional adapter chips, one switch chip, and a clock chip.
Correlating Spam Activity with IP Address Characteristics

It is well known that spam bots mostly utilize compromised machines with certain address characteristics, such as dynamically allocated addresses, machines in specific geographic areas and IP ranges from AS' with more tolerant spam policies. Such machines tend to be less diligently administered and may exhibit less stability, more volatility, and shorter uptimes. However, few studies have attempted to quantify how such spam bot address characteristics compare with non-spamming hosts. Quantifying these characteristics may help provide important information for comprehensive spam mitigation. We use two large datasets, namely a commercial blacklist and an Internet-wide address visibility study to quanitify address characteristics of spam and non-spam networks. We find that spam networks exhibit significantly less availability and uptime, and higher volatility than non-spam networks. In addition, we conduct a collateral damage study of a common practice where an ISP blocks the entire /24 subnet if spammers are detected in that range. We find that such a policy blacklists a significant portion of legitimate mail servers belonging to the same subnet.
MULTIVARIATE ASSESSMENT OF CONFLICT IN DISTRESSED AND NONDISTRESSED MOTHER‐ADOLESCENT DYADS

A battery of measures was used to assess conflict between mothers and young adolescents (females and males, 11 to 15 years of age). Two groups of families, one composed of a distressed clinical sample (N = 38), the other a nondistressed normative sample (N = 40), participated. The assessment battery included retrospective judgments, frequency estimates, self-monitored home recording, and tape-recorded discussion of a home problem. Content of assessment measures tapped aspects of parental control, decision-making, self-reported interaction behavior, arguments, interaction behavior rated by independent "blind" observers, frequency and anger-intensity of specific problematic issues, and perceptions of positive and negative behaviors of the other family member. Based on univariate analyses, 21 of the 26 defined variables discriminated significantly in the predicted direction. Maternal and adolescent reports of behavior and independent ratings of tape-recorded interaction emerged as strong and consistent discriminators. Stepwise multivariate discriminant analysis provided successful classification of 100% of the families based on the inclusion of nine variables. In a cross-validation sample, 84% of the families were correctly classified. Implications for systematic outcome research as well as clinical application are discussed.
Kinesthetic Aftereffect, a Measure of Kinesthetic Awareness

It was hypothesized that scores on similar tests for kinesthetic awareness (KA) and kinesthetic aftereffects (KAE) should correlate negatively. 57 male university students were administered tasks d...
Ultrastructural features of minute chromosomes in a methotrexate-resistant mouse 3T3 cell line

Abstract The Miller spreading procedure was applied to mouse metaphase spreads of methotrexate-resistant 3T3 cells that contain large numbers of minute chromosomes and dihydrofolate reductase genes. There is substantial variation in both size and numbers of minutes in individual cells, the smallest of which (estimated as 5 × 103 kilobase pairs) would be undetected by standard light microscopic analyses. Minute chromosomes are composed of nucleosomal chromatin, which is organized into typical higher order fibers that are folded to form rosette-like structures characteristic of normal chromosome organization. There is no evidence that the DNA in minutes is linear. Minutes exist singly and in pairs, and members of a pair are connected by higher order chromatin fibers, suggesting that they are topologically interlocked. They are often closely apposed to chromosomal telomeres or arms, a configuration that may be involved in their distribution at mitosis. In addition to typical minutes, which do not possess kinetochores, a small marker chromosome possessing all of the features of a centromere region is present in parental and resistant cells. An unusual feature of this cell line is the retention of resistance, minute chromosomes, and amplified dihydrofolate reductase genes; most methotrexate-resistant mouse cell lines with minute chromosomes lose these properties when grown in the absence of methotrexate.
Distinct Apical and Basolateral Mechanisms Drive Planar Cell Polarity-Dependent Convergent Extension of the Mouse Neural Plate

The mechanisms of tissue convergence and extension (CE) driving axial elongation in mammalian embryos, and in particular, the cellular behaviors underlying CE in the epithelial neural tissue, have not been identified. Here we show that mouse neural cells undergo mediolaterally biased cell intercalation and exhibit both apical boundary rearrangement and polarized basolateral protrusive activity. Planar polarization and coordination of these two cell behaviors are essential for neural CE, as shown by failure of mediolateral intercalation in embryos mutant for two proteins associated with planar cell polarity signaling: Vangl2 and Ptk7. Embryos with mutations in Ptk7 fail to polarize cell behaviors within the plane of the tissue, whereas Vangl2 mutant embryos maintain tissue polarity and basal protrusive activity but are deficient in apical neighbor exchange. Neuroepithelial cells in both mutants fail to apically constrict, leading to craniorachischisis. These results reveal a cooperative mechanism for cell rearrangement during epithelial morphogenesis.
Particle Acceleration in Relativistic Magnetized Plasmas

We review the particle-in-cell simulation results related to the recently discovered particle acceleration mechanism called the Diamagnetic Relativistic Pulse Accelerator, or DRPA. This mechanism may be relevant to the prompt gamma-ray emission of gamma-ray bursts. It may also be testable with future laboratory experiments using ultra-intense lasers.
Traumatic death in urban children

Abstract Trauma has remained one of the leading causes of death in children in spite of improved medical care. A review of 911 pediatric trauma deaths which occurred over a 5 yr period in an urban setting revealed that almost 50% of these children died before receiving medical care. A significant improvement of the trauma mortality can thus only be accomplished by reducing the number of “DOAs”. We therefore analyzed the cause and type of injury and its relationship to age, sex, race, seasonal occurrence, and sociological circumstances. The following four categories are merely part of the overall material developed in this review. Even with improved medical care of trauma patients the overall pediatric trauma mortality cannot be significantly reduced unless the number of DOAs is decreased through prevention. Educational and family assistance programs can be designed for specific problem areas to reach identified susceptible groups through existing channels such as day care centers, schools, or welfare agencies. Statistical data, such as presented here (but not previously available) are essential to analyze the particular problems of specific geographic and sociologic areas. Since the vast majority of pediatric trauma deaths fall within the interest sphere of the pediatric surgeon, our active participation in accident prevention is essential to achieve a significant reduction of pediatric trauma mortalities.
Executive Stock and Option Valuation in a Two State-Variable Framework

Much has been written about how executive stock options should be valued. The options themselves are not that complicated, but they have a variety of special features that make valuing them difficult, like vesting rules and restrictions on selling them in the market. Forcing the option holder to keep a concentrated position in the firm9s equity and options, rather than diversifying into a broader portfolio, lowers the value of the options to the recipient. That, in turn, reduces the performance incentive that option grants are meant to produce, and raises the effective cost to the firm of providing that incentive. The problem is mitigated in many executive stock option valuation models, because they assume that the executive allocates his wealth portfolio between options and/or restricted firm stock, and a risk–free asset. Since there are no other equity instruments in the model, there is an extra demand for the options because they are the way the investor gains access to the equity market. In this article, Cai and Vijh broaden the range of available assets to include the ability to invest outside wealth in the market portfolio.
Clinical comparison of ertapenem and cefepime for treatment of infections caused by AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

There are no comparative data evaluating outcomes of ertapenem treatment for infections with AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This retrospective matched case-control study was conducted between 2009 and 2012. Sixteen cases treated with ertapenem were matched 1:2 with 32 control cases treated with cefepime based on age, culture source, and hospital service. There were more cefepime-resistant organisms in the ertapenem group (cefepime resistance present in 44% of patients treated with ertapenem compared with 0% of control patients, p < 0.001). Ertapenem was used empirically in 25% of patients compared with 88% who received cefepime empirically (p < 0.001). Consequently, 56% of patients on ertapenem received inappropriate initial therapy compared with 9% of patients on cefepime (p < 0.001). No differences in clinical success were identified (69% for ertapenem vs 88% for cefepime, p = 0.138). Although a trend favoring cefepime could be suspected, it should be noted that no statistically significant difference in clinical success was detected despite the presence of more resistant organisms and delays in initiation of appropriate therapy among patients receiving ertapenem.
Advances in pediatric liver and intestingal transplantation

Abstract Background: Significant progress has been made with liver and intestinal transplantation in pediatric patients. Shortage of whole-organ cadaveric grafts has resulted in a high mortality rate for children awaiting transplantation. New surgical procedures such as split-liver transplantation and living-related liver transplantation have evolved over the last decade to maximize donor utilization in pediatric patients. Methods: In this article we review the current indications and contraindications for liver and intestinal transplantation in children, the surgical innovations to expand an exceedingly small cadaveric liver pool, postoperative management, and the impact on patient and graft survival. Results: Reduced-size liver transplantation provides children with much needed small grafts; however, split-liver transplantation may eliminate the need for reduced-size and living-related liver transplantation except in urgent situations. Conclusion: Liver transplantation is a durable procedure that provides excellent long-term survival. The use of living-related and split-liver transplantation has dramatically reduced the waiting periods for children and improved survival. In the past decade significant progress has been made with intestinal transplantation owing to improvements in surgical technique, immunosuppressive agents, and early identification and treatment of postoperative complications.
Center points and grid equations from sub-grid equations

An operational method for central tendency yields estimates that compete with the mean and the median on sorted data. Combining operational equations for four-point grids yields new equations for six-point grids. The method is easy to apply and it can be used to generate equations for nine-point grids.
A Height-Dependent Model of Eddy Viscosity in the Planetary Boundary Layer

Abstract A height-dependent model of the vertical eddy diffusivity for momentum, K(Z), has been formulated for purposes of studying numerically the momentum (and heat) transfer arising from turbulent motions within the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The model possesses those features believed to be characteristic of the PBL: 1) an approximate linear increase in K through the surface boundary layer, 2) a local maximum value of K in the lower portion of the Ekman layer, 3) an exponential decrease in the profile above the level of maximum K, and 4) a K(Z) function that is continuously differentiable. Specifically the model is given aswhere Z represents height, ZT the top of the PBL and the scaling factor, and a, b and c are arbitrarily chosen parameters that specify a unique K profile. The applicability of the model to atmospheric data is shown by fitting curves to the K distributions derived by Pandolfo's study using BOMEX data.
Social ecology, individual risk, and recidivism: A multilevel examination of main and moderating influences

Abstract Purpose Despite a longstanding tradition in criminology to consider the impact of neighborhood context on crime-related outcomes, criminologists have largely ignored the influence of social ecology on recidivism until recently. The purpose of the present study was to examine the main and moderating influences of social ecology on recidivism. Materials and Methods The present study used hierarchical nonlinear modeling to estimate the effects of concentrated disadvantage, immigrant concentration, and residential stability on recidivism for a sample of offenders released from custody/supervision in 2006 and nested within Iowa counties. We controlled for individual-level risk for recidivism using the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R), a validated risk assessment instrument. We also examined whether the relationship between LSI-R score and recidivism varied across counties, and if so, whether this variation can be explained by social structural characteristics. Results Results indicate that residential stability was the only contextual variable significantly related to recidivism. The relationship between individual-level risk and recidivism did not vary across contexts. Conclusions The findings suggest that the social structural context has limited influence on recidivism, while the LSI-R is a robust predictor of recidivism across contexts. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory, practice, and future research.