cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching practical leadership in MIT satellite development class: CASTOR and Exoplanet projects

Abstract For more than a decade, the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department at MIT has offered undergraduate students the opportunity of conceiving, developing, implementing and operating new spacecraft's missions. During a three term class, junior and senior students experience all the challenges of a true engineering team project: design, analysis, testing, technical documentation development, team management, and leadership. Leadership instruction is an important part of the curricula; through the development of leadership skills, students learn to manage themselves and each other in a more effective way, increasing the overall productivity of the team. Also, a strong leadership education is a key factor in improving the abilities of future engineers to be effective team members and leaders in the companies and agencies in which they will work. However, too often leadership instruction is presented in an abstract way, which does not provide students with suggestions for immediate applicability. As a consequence, students underestimate the potential that leadership education can have on the development of their projects. To counteract that effect, a new approach for teaching “practical” leadership has been developed. This approach is composed of a set of activities developed to improve students' leadership skills in the context of a project. Specifically, this approach has been implemented in the MIT satellite development class. In that class, students experienced the challenges of building two satellites: CASTOR and Exoplanet. These two missions are real space projects which will be launched in the next two years, and which involve cooperation with different entities (MIT, NASA, and Draper). Hence, the MIT faculty was interested in developing leadership activities to improve the productivity of the teams in a short time. In fact, one of the key aspects of the approach proposed is that it can be quickly implemented in a single semester, requiring no more than 4 h of activity. Data collected show that the approach improved the ability of students to interact productively with each other. This suggests that the activity can also be used in different contexts where a rapid and effective way of improving leadership and team membership is required. The article presents an overview of MIT satellite development class and of the two missions used as test cases, a detailed description of the leadership approach implemented, and of the results obtained.
Nonseparable QMF Pyramids

It is widely recognized that effective image processing and machine vision must involve the use of information at multiple scales, and that models of human vision must be multi-scale as well. The most commonly used image representations are linear transforms, in which an image is decomposed into a sum of elementary basis functions. Besides being well understood, linear transformations which can be expressed in terms of convolutions provide a useful model of early processing in the human visual system. The following properties are valuable for linear transforms that are to be used in image processing and vision modelling:
A characterization of seminormal schemes

Abstract Given a Noetherian and Mori ring A, we show that the seminormalization of A is exactly the subring of ∏ p ∈ Spec A κ ( p ) consisting of pointwise functions which vary algebraically along DVRs. This characterization allows easy navigation among the various definitions of the seminormalization. We discuss applications to the Chow variety (functor of algebraic cycles).
Platelet-derived growth factor AA homodimer stimulates protein synthesis rather than DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats but not from normotensive rats.

Abstract Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) AB and BB isoforms were potent mitogens for cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). PDGF-AA promotes protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in SHR cells, whereas DNA synthesis was stimulated only slightly. However, this isoform did not activate either DNA or protein synthesis in WKY cells. PDGF-AA stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of its receptor protein and phospholipase C- γ 1 in SHR cell but not in WKY cells. These results indicate that vascular smooth muscle cell of SHR is uniquely responsive to PDGF-AA, presumably due to abnormality in receptor expression, in its hypertrophic response.
Preliminary assessment of the greenhouse warming implications of halocarbon substitutes for CFC-11 and CFC-12

Abstract The contributions to future surface temperature forcing of halocarbons (HCFCs) proposed to replace the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) CFC-11 and CFC-12 under the terms of the Montreal Protocol agreement have been assessed. Implementation of controls on the production, use and release of CFCs is predicted to reduce warming significantly. Computed temperature increases are sensitive to the assumed growth rates of CFC-11 and CFC-12 over the next 30 years, but thereafter the effects due to the possible substitutes HCFC-142b and HFC-134a become increasingly important. While the possible substitutes HCFC-123 and HCFC-141b are found to have a smaller warming influence, it is expected that HCFC-22 will assume a major future warming role, unless its anticipated production growth rate is reduced.
Detection of JC virus DNA sequences and expression of viral T antigen and agnoprotein in esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND The human polyomavirus JC virus (JCV) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Subclinical infection with JCV occurs in 85–90% of the population worldwide. The virus usually remains latent but can reactivate under immunosuppressive conditions, resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. JCV is oncogenic in experimental animals and is associated with human brain tumors. JCV is found in normal mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, and some colon carcinomas express the oncogenic JCV T-antigen protein. The objective of this study was to examine the presence of JCV DNA sequences and JCV protein expression in normal and malignant human esophageal tissues. METHODS The authors examined the presence of JCV DNA sequences and protein expression in normal and malignant human esophageal tissues. Seventy well characterized biopsy specimens from patients with a spectrum of esophageal disorders were studied by immunohistochemistry, and 18 specimens were analyzed further by polymerase chain reaction amplification. RESULTS JC viral DNA was isolated from 11 of 13 normal esophageal biopsy specimens (85%) and from 5 of 5 esophageal carcinomas (100%). Using immunohistochemistry, JCV T antigen was detected in 10 of 19 carcinomas (53%), agnoprotein was detected in 8 carcinomas (42%), p53 tumor suppressor was detected in 11 carcinomas (58%), and β-catenin was detected in 4 carcinomas (21%). Zero of 51 normal, benign, and premalignant esophageal samples expressed viral proteins. Laser-capture microdissection verified the presence and specificity of JCV DNA sequences. β-Catenin and p53 were colocalized with JCV T-antigen in the nuclei of neoplastic cells. CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence for infection of gastrointestinal tract cells by JCV and suggest a potential role of JCV in the development of upper digestive tract carcinomas. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Asteroids: Surface Composition from Reflection Spectroscopy

Minerals partly composing the surfaces of 14 asteroids are determined by using asteroid reflectance spectra and optical properties of meteorites and other materials. Individual electronic absorption features are identified in the asteroids' spectra. The energies, relative strengths, and shapes of these features are interpreted by using laboratory and theoretical studies. Analysis of the initial 14 asteroid reflectance spectra indicates the presence of the following types of surface materials: six carbonaceous chondrite-like; two stony-iron-like (metal/silicate ratio approximately equal to 1); one iron meteorite-like; one basaltic achondrite-like; and four silicate-metal assemblages (metal/silicate ratio approximately equal to 0.25). These results support the conclusion that the asteroid belt is a source of at least some meteoritic material, and they show a relation between certain asteroids and certain classes of meteorites.
Putative receptor for the plant growth hormone auxin identified and characterized by anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract The molecular mechanism of action of auxins, which are an important class of plant growth regulators, is not known. While they are thought to influence cellular processes such as gene expression and membrane hyperpolarization by binding to specific receptors, no receptor mediating these processes has been unambiguously identified. We describe the identification of a putative auxin receptor by using anti-idiotypic antibodies. We have demonstrated that a 65-kilodalton protein found in a wide range of plants specifically binds auxins. Furthermore, since it is localized to the nucleus, it is a candidate for an auxin receptor that mediates some nuclear process.
Determination of the WLF constants of cooked soy flour and their dependence on the extent of cooking

The Williams, Landel and Ferry (WLF) equation is useful in predicting the temperature-induced changes in foods near the glass transition temperature. WLF constants have been found to be material properties rather than ‘universal values’. Adequate information on the magnitude of the WLF constants as a function of polymeric property changes, such as degree of crosslinking, during processing and storage is not available in the food polymer literature. The objective of the present study is to determine the variation of the WLF constants of cooked soy flour with the extent of cooking (and therefore crosslinking) of the soy flour. WLF constants in this paper were determined using time–temperature superposition principles and Ferry’s reduction method. The WLF constants for soy flour were found to be different from the universal values reported for synthetic polymers and show significant differences across degree of crosslinking markers selected and the variation was correlated using available semi-quantitative methods.
Real-time 3D surface-image-guided beam setup in radiotherapy of breast cancer

We describe an approach for external beam radiotherapy of breast cancer that utilizes the three-dimensional (3D) surface information of the breast. The surface data of the breast are obtained from a 3D optical camera that is rigidly mounted on the ceiling of the treatment vault. This 3D camera utilizes light in the visible range therefore it introduces no ionization radiation to the patient. In addition to the surface topographical information of the treated area, the camera also captures gray-scale information that is overlaid on the 3D surfaceimage. This allows us to visualize the skin markers and automatically determine the isocenter position and the beam angles in the breast tangential fields. The field sizes and shapes of the tangential, supraclavicular, and internal mammary gland fields can all be determined according to the 3D surfaceimage of the target. A least-squares method is first introduced for the tangential-field setup that is useful for compensation of the target shape changes. The entire process of capturing the 3D surface data and subsequent calculation of beam parameters typically requires less than 1 min. Our tests on phantom experiments and patient images have achieved the accuracy of 1 mm in shift and 0.5° in rotation. Importantly, the target shape and position changes in each treatment session can both be corrected through this real-time image-guided system.
Simple Procedures for Quantification and Reuse of Common Organic Solvent Mixtures

A recycling protocol is described for the recovery and reformulation of common solvents in teaching and research laboratories. Recovery of mixed solvents is shown to be facilitated by the use of solution density as a convenient and accurate assay method. The procedure is explicitly illustrated for mixtures of ethyl acetate/hexane. An effective procedure is also reported for recovery of wash acetone.
Temperature and supersymmetry

Abstract We study equal-time correlation functions at finite temperature in field theories with global supersymmetry. Global supersymmetry is found to be broken at finite temperature; the ground state is not supersymmetric but no Goldstone fermion appears. The temperature dependence of the mass spectrum in the one-loop approximation and leading order in temperature is investigated in several models. In the models that we consider with spontaneous supersymmetry breaking we find that the Goldstone fermion remains massless at the one-loop level. Ward identities describing the supersymmetry of the underlying theory are checked at the one-loop level. We also discuss the situation in supergravity.
Women's Humor in the Age of Gentility: The Life and Works of Frances Miriam Whitcher

This work, the winner of the John Ben Snow Prize, demonstrates the sardonic and anti-sentimental wit of Frances Miriam Whitcher, who was writing in mid-1880s north-east America. She exemplifies the emergence of a distinctive tradition of women's humour in America.
Studies on non-heme iron proteins and the piericidin A binding site of submitochondrial particles from Candida utilis cells grown in media of varying iron concentrations.

EPR spectra of iron sulfur proteins associated with succinate dehydrogenase, glycerol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, and, perhaps, the cytochromes b and c1 in submitochondrial particles from Candidautilis are presented. The piericidin A sensitive site is assigned to the oxygen side of the iron sulfur protein associated with NADH dehydrogenase. Virtually no correlation of piericidin A sensitivity with the EPR signal of the NADH dehydrogenase-linked iron sulfur protein is indicated from comparison of these parameters as a function of iron concentration in the growth medium.
Maternal mood and sleep in children of women at risk for perinatal depression.

Few studies have examined relationships between perinatal depression and sleep in offspring beyond very early childhood. Eighty-five women classified as high risk for major depressive disorder during pregnancy completed measures of mood and their child’s sleep 4–7 years postpartum. Mothers with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥20 reported more sleep problems in their child, and child sleep disruption was a reasonable predictor of maternal BDI-II. More research is needed to determine causal relationships between perinatal depression and sleep in offspring.
A single route, full decomposition model of morphological complexity: MEG evidence

Against longstanding assumptions in the psycholinguistics literature, we argue for a model of morphological complexity that has all complex words assembled by the grammar from lexical roots and functional morphemes. This assembly occurs even for irregular forms like gave. Morphological relatedness is argued to be an identity relation between repetitions of a single root, distinguishable from semantic and phonological relatedness. Evidence for the model is provided in two MEG priming experiments that measure root activation prior to lexical decision. Both regular and irregular allomorphs of a root are shown to prime the root equally. These results are incompatible both with connectionist models that treat all morphological relatedness as similarity and with dual mechanism models in which only regular forms involve composition.
Fabricating polycrystalline high-Tc superconductors

Many applications of high-temperature superconductors require the ability to carry large currents in high magnetic fields. Electrical properties of single crystals and thin films offer hope that suitable electrical properties will be obtained in polycrystalline materials. Novel microstructures can be produced by melt-recrystallization processes that can be characterized by oriented crystallites. The large critical current densities required for many applications have been demonstrated by powder-in-tube and melt-texturing processes. There are several competing processes to form bulk polycrystalline materials. Plastic forming techniques, such as extrusion and tape casting, offer the advantage of fabricating long and continuous coils. Nearterm products that operate in low magnetic fields include current leads, shielding devices and high-quality resonant cavities.
Milk Fat Globule EGF Factor 8 Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Apoptosis and Organ Injury in Alcohol-Intoxicated Rats

Background Despite advances in our understanding of excessive alcohol intake-related tissue injury and modernization of the management of septic patients, high morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases in alcohol abusers remain a prominent challenge. Our previous studies have shown that milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFG-E8), a protein required to opsonize apoptotic cells for phagocytosis, is protective in inflammation. However, it remains unknown whether MFG-E8 ameliorates sepsis-induced apoptosis and organ injury in alcohol-intoxicated rats. The purpose of this study was to determine whether recombinant murine MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8) attenuates organ injury after acute alcohol exposure and subsequent sepsis.
Late Pleistocene-Holocene Sedimentation History of Cape Kennedy Inner Continental Shelf: ABSTRACT

Lithologic analyses of 91 cores averaging 10 ft in length, radiocarbon dates of in situ peat deposits from the shelf, and interpretation of 360 mi of high-resolution continuous seismic profiling indicate a complex sedimentation history for the Cape Kennedy inner continental shelf. Two prominent and continuous acoustical horizons in the upper subbottom can be traced throughout the 200 sq mi grid studied. The lower reflector lies at -60 to -110 ft MLW and is characterized by an irregular surface probably resulting from erosive processes during long-term subaerial exposure. The upper horizon lies at depth of -40 to -90 ft MLW and generally 2-15 ft below the existing bottom. This horizon is relatively smooth and dips seaward at a low angle. Internal reflectors between the upper and lower horizons suggest prograding beds. Cores penetrating the upper reflector contain subaerially cemented sands and recrystallized shells. End_Page 337------------------------------ Subsurface sediments in the Cape Kennedy area are widely diversified in sorting, texture, composition, and macrofauna. Major lithologic types are commonly correlative between cores; however, individual cores commonly contain several distinct changes in sediment type. Lithologic characteristics and thickness of strata suggest rapid changes of depositional environment; marsh, lagoon, littoral, and open-shelf facies are represented. Most of the sediments studied were produced by bottom erosion of Pleistocene surfaces and by shoreward migration and mixing of an outer-shelf oolitic sand with an inner-shelf quartzose-molluscan sand during the Holocene transgression. End_of_Article - Last_Page 338------------
Green accounting: from theory to practice

A decade has passed since Wasting Assets, a study of Indonesia by Robert Repetto and colleagues at the World Resources Institute, drew widespread attention to the potential divergence between gross and net measures of national income. This was by no means the first ‘green accounting’ study. Martin Weitzman, John Hartwick, and Partha Dasgupta and Geoffrey Heal had all conducted seminal theoretical work in the 1970s. But the World Resources Institute study demonstrated that data were adequate even in a developing country to estimate adjustments for the depletion of some important forms of natural capital and that the adjustments could be large relative to conventional, gross measures of national product and investment. The adjusted, net measures suggested that a substantial portion of Indonesia's rapid economic growth during the 1970s and 1980s was simply the unsustainable ‘cashing in’ of the country's natural wealth.
Experimental, numerical and analytical studies of the staggered double vane structure for THz application

In our prior work, PIC simulation analysis predicted that half-period-staggered (HPSed) double grating arrays, the so-called “Barnett-Shin (BS) circuit”, can produce a few hundred watts at 0.22 THz with greater than 12 dB/cm growth rate. Also, the saturated conversion efficiency is predicted to be 3 to 5.5% corresponding to an output power of 150 to 275 W, assuming a beam power of 5 kW. Subsequent study of this circuit structure has shown that experimental measurements are in good agreement (within 2%) with both a theoretical model and simulation analysis and that this periodic phase shift supports a dynamic bandwidth exceeding 25% with attenuation of less than 0.15 dB∼cm (at Ka-band). FDTD analysis revealed that this low dispersion and low-loss optical response can be ascribed to point-contact hopping motion of widespread resonant waveguide modes with the same phase velocity. The external coupler of our design provides more than 90% (63 GHz) matching coverage of intrinsic bandwidth. This planar circuit has a simple, two-dimensional geometry which is thermally and mechanically robust as well as being compatible with various MEMS fabrication techniques. The LIGA-fabricated G-band (0.22 THz) circuit will be characterized by signal transmission and dispersion test and fabrication accuracy and surface roughness measurement.
Temporal fluctuations in the acoustic scattering from bottom-deployed objects and localized biological treatments

A field experiment was carried out to examine the time variation of scattering from man-made objects placed near the water-sediment interface and within the sediment. The objects (spheres) were monitored for a period of about two months using a sonar system capable of measuring scattering levels, bottom bathymetry, and correlation of scattering over time. In addition, divers performed focalized biological treatments that were also monitored over extended periods. The results of these monitoring activities are presented and related to previous studies that used the same data sets for other purposes. One notable result is that the buried sphere becomes undetectable (by scattering level alone) within two days of deployment. The rapid changes in the first few days after the buried sphere is introduced are quantified relative to the rate of changes for undisturbed regions of the sediment.
Effects of temperature and ferromagnetism on the γ-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al interfacial free energy from first principles calculations

The temperature dependencies of the γ(f.c.c.)-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al(L12) interfacial free energy for the {100}, {110}, and {111} interfaces are calculated using first-principles calculations, including both coherency strain energy and phonon vibrational entropy. Calculations performed including ferromagnetic effects predict that the {100}-type interface has the smallest free energy at different elevated temperatures, while alternatively the {111}-type interface has the smallest free energy when ferromagnetism is absent; the latter result is inconsistent with experimental observations of γ′-Ni3Al-precipitates in Ni–Al alloys faceted strongly on {100}-type planes. The γ(f.c.c.)-Ni/γ′-Ni3Al interfacial free energies for the {100}, {110}, and {111} interfaces decrease with increasing temperature due to vibrational entropy. The predicted morphology of γ′-Ni3Al(L12) precipitates, based on a Wulff construction, is a Great Rhombicuboctahedron (or Truncated Cuboctahedron), which is one of the 13 Archimedean solids, with 6-{100}, 12-{110}, and 8-{111} facets. The first-principles calculated morphology of a γ′-Ni3Al(L12) precipitate is in agreement with experimental three-dimensional atom-probe tomographic observations of cuboidal L12 precipitates with large {100}-type facets in a Ni-13.0 at.% Al alloy aged at 823 K for 4096 h. At 823 K this alloy has a lattice parameter mismatch of 0.004 ± 0.001 between the γ(f.c.c.)-Ni-matrix and the γ′-Ni3Al-precipitates.
Immunohistochemical Abnormalities of Fibrillin in Cardiovascular Tissues in Marfan’s Syndrome

Abstract Background . Molecular defects in the glycoprotein fibrillin are believed to be responsible for impaired structural integrity of cardiovascular, skeletal, and ocular tissues in Marfan's syndrome (MFS). Traditionally, excellent results have been achieved with the Bentall composite graft repair of aneurysms of the ascending aorta in MFS. However, because of the potential complications associated with prosthetic valves, there is growing interest in techniques that preserve the native aortic valve. Methods . Between May 1994 and February 1995, 15 patients with a history of concomitant or remote aortic root aneurysms or dissection underwent operation for valvular heart disease. Specimens of aortic valve, ascending aortic wall, and mitral valve were obtained specifically to observe differences in fibrillin content and architecture between patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 6) MFS. In addition, control specimens of aortic valve, aortic wall, and mitral valve were obtained from 4 patients with isolated valvular or coronary artery disease but no evidence of connective tissue disorders or other aortic pathologic conditions. Fibrillin immunostaining using indirect immunofluorescence was used. Specimens were coded and graded by a blinded observer to determine quantity, homogeneity, and fragmentation of fibrillin. Results . Observed fibrillin abnormalities in MFS and control patients were limited to the midportion (elastin-associated microfibrils) of the aortic valve, aortic wall, and mitral valve tissues. Fibrillin abnormalities of aortic valve, aortic wall, and mitral valve tissues were seen in all patients with MFS and were most severe in those older than 20 years. Similar fibrillin abnormalities of aortic valve and aortic wall specimens were observed in control patients more than 60 years old. Conclusions . Even in the setting of a normal-appearing aortic valve, the current rationale for widespread use of valve-sparing repairs of aortic root aneurysms in patients with MFS and patients older than 60 years should be carefully reexamined in light of these findings. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:1012–17)
Protein Translation and Cell Death: The Role of Rare tRNAs in Biofilm Formation and in Activating Dormant Phage Killer Genes

We discovered previously that the small Escherichia coli proteins Hha (hemolysin expression modulating protein) and the adjacent, poorly-characterized YbaJ are important for biofilm formation; however, their roles have been nebulous. Biofilms are intricate communities in which cell signaling often converts single cells into primitive tissues. Here we show that Hha decreases biofilm formation dramatically by repressing the transcription of rare codon tRNAs which serves to inhibit fimbriae production and by repressing to some extent transcription of fimbrial genes fimA and ihfA. In vivo binding studies show Hha binds to the rare codon tRNAs argU, ileX, ileY, and proL and to two prophage clusters D1P12 and CP4-57. Real-time PCR corroborated that Hha represses argU and proL, and Hha type I fimbriae repression is abolished by the addition of extra copies of argU, ileY, and proL. The repression of transcription of rare codon tRNAs by Hha also leads to cell lysis and biofilm dispersal due to activation of prophage lytic genes rzpD, yfjZ, appY, and alpA and due to induction of ClpP/ClpX proteases which activate toxins by degrading antitoxins. YbaJ serves to mediate the toxicity of Hha. Hence, we have identified that a single protein (Hha) can control biofilm formation by limiting fimbriae production as well as by controlling cell death. The mechanism used by Hha is the control of translation via the availability of rare codon tRNAs which reduces fimbriae production and activates prophage lytic genes. Therefore, Hha acts as a toxin in conjunction with co-transcribed YbaJ (TomB) that attenuates Hha toxicity.
Effect of Lameness on Culling in Dairy Cows

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of lameness on dairy cow survival. Cox's proportional hazards regression models were fitted to single-lactation data from 2520 cows in 2 New York State dairy herds. Models were controlled for the time-independent effects of parity, projected milk yield, and calving season, and for the time-dependent effects of lameness and culling. Other common diseases were found to be nonconfounding and so were not included in any of the final models. Survival was measured as the time from calving until death or sale. Cows were censored if they reached the start of the next lactation or end of the study, whichever occurred first. All models were stratified by herd. For all lameness diagnoses combined, survival in the herd decreased for those cows becoming lame during the first half of lactation, with a hazard ratio of up to 2 times that of a nonlame cow. Foot rot diagnosed during the second or third months of lactation decreased survival during the same time period (hazard ratio = 5.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.6 to 16.2). Sole ulcers diagnosed in the first 4 mo of lactation decreased survival in several subsequent periods in which the strongest association was between diagnosis in the third and fourth months of lactation and exit from the herd during that same period (hazard ratio = 2.7; 95% confidence interval = 1.3 to 6.0). Foot warts were not associated with decreased survival in this analysis. Lameness was never associated with increased survival in any of the models.
A digital receiver for demodulation of CDMA waveforms with a-priori unknown delays and amplitudes

A digital receiver is presented which provides near-optimum demodulation of code division multiple access (CDMA) waveforms, with simultaneous tracking of amplitudes and delays. It is shown that a CDMA waveform is equivalent to an M-ary symbol sequence, with intersymbol interference of no more than one duration. Thus, the individual users can be jointly demodulated using the Viterbi algorithm (VA), when the amplitudes and delays are known a priori. A modified VA is developed under the assumptions that the amplitudes are unknown, and the delay estimates initialized to within half a chip. The branch metrics of the VA are approximately given by the innovations likelihoods of a bank of extended Kalman filters (EKSs). Each EKF provides an estimate of the CDMA amplitudes and delays, conditioned on a particular survivor sequence. Thus, for binary modulation and N users, 2/sup N/ EKFs and nodes in the VA trellis are required, with 2/sup N/ branches from each node. Simulation results are presented which demonstrate that the algorithm successfully estimates delays and amplitudes, given suitable initialization of the CDMA delay estimates. >
MAP kinases and histone modification

Signal transduction pathways alter the gene expression program in response to extracellular or intracellular cues. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) govern numerous cellular processes including cell growth, stress response, apoptosis, and differentiation. In the past decade, MAPKs have been shown to regulate the transcription machinery and associate with chromatin-modifying complexes. Moreover, recent studies demonstrate that several MAPKs bind directly to chromatin at target genes. This review highlights the recent discoveries of MAPK signaling in regard to histone modifications and chromatin regulation. Evidence suggesting that further unknown mechanisms integrate signal transduction with chromatin biology is discussed.
Behavioral Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis and Paresis

Purpose: In this article, I will summarize the process of selecting appropriate voice therapy candidates and relevant treatment techniques for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis or paresis. Methods: I will present a review of the literature and pertinent clinical experience while laying out diagnostic tools, considerations for choosing voice therapy candidates, and specific therapy techniques that clinicians may employ. In addition, I highlight how these decisions are guided by a thorough behavioral diagnostic voice evaluation. Results: There are a number of publications in the literature that discuss the role of voice therapy and the types of voice therapy techniques commonly used in treating vocal fold motion impairment. However, little efficacy data exist about the utility of voice therapy alone in this population. Conclusions: Behavioral management of patients with vocal fold paralysis and paresis is widely accepted as part of the treatment process. With little efficacy data to support outc...
Characteristics of common mobility models for opportunistic networks

Understanding the characteristics of synthetic mobility models is important for the design and analysisof routing schemes for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). This is especially true for mobile opportunistic networks where node mobility is utilized to achieve message delivery. In this paper, we study the properties of common mobility models. Specifically, we analytically show that inter-contact times of mobile nodes can be closely approximated as exponentially distributed in Random Waypoint and Random Direction mobility models under typical opportunistic network settings. Analytical and experimental results are presented.
An output-whitening approach to adaptive active noise cancellation

An approach to adaptive active noise cancellation that is based on adaptive control principles is described. The approach aims at creating a physical noise-reduced environment in the vicinity of noisy machinery, for stochastic machine noise. The system described uses a single microphone, in contrast to previously described two-microphone systems. Computed results on two types of recorded industrial noise are presented to support the theoretical design. In one case, a reduction of the sample variance of noise by a factor of 500, i.e. about 54 dB, occurred; in the second case, a reduction factor of 17, i.e. about 25 dB, was achieved. >
Inheritance of Resistance to Pyriproxyfen in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Males and Females (B Biotype)

We evaluated effects of the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen on Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (B biotype) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) males and females in laboratory bioassays. Insects were treated with pyriproxyfen as either eggs or nymphs. In all tests, the LC50 for a laboratory-selected resistant strain was at least 620 times greater than for an unselected susceptible strain. When insects were treated as eggs, survival did not differ between males and females of either strain. When insects were treated as nymphs, survival did not differ between susceptible males and susceptible females, but resistant males had higher mortality than resistant females. The dominance of resistance decreased as pyriproxyfen concentration increased. Resistance was partially or completely dominant at the lowest concentration tested and completely recessive at the highest concentration tested. Hybrid female progeny from reciprocal crosses between the susceptible and resistant strains responded alike in bioassays; thus, maternal effects were not evident. Rapid evolution of resistance to pyriproxyfen could occur if individuals in field populations had resistance with traits similar to those of the laboratory-selected strain examined here.
Interpreting Bivariate Regression Coefficients: Going Beyond The Average

Statistics, econometrics, investment analysis, and data analysis classes often review the calculation of several types of averages, including the arithmetic mean, geometric mean, harmonic mean, and various weighted averages. This note shows how each of these can be computed using a basic regression framework. By recognizing when a regression model is computing one of these averages, students can properly interpret these types of regressions. Similarly, by seeing how these averages fit into a common framework, students can have a better understanding of the different calculations.
Multiperspective imaging

Our eyes have evolved with perspective optics. Because of this, perspective images seem somewhat natural to our eyes; they're well tailored for human vision. In a perspective image, the objects close to us appear large and in detail, yet we enjoy sweeping wide-range views of distant scenery. Cameras have also evolved with perspective optics. It's natural for the optics of cameras to mimic the human eye. However, our perspective has some unfortunate shortcomings. In particular, our eyes have a limited field of view, and we can only see the world in front of us. Ideally, we could see in all directions at once. Additionally, we can only see one side of an object at a time. But suppose you could see all sides at the same time. In the last few years, some researchers (including ourselves) have investigated techniques that capture multiple perspectives into a single image - a problem known as multiperspective imaging. Multiperspective images are useful for several reasons. The ability to capture a panoramic field of view or both the front and back of an object leads to richer and more complete visualizations. At the same time, these images are well suited for processing in computer vision problems such as stereo reconstruction and motion analysis. The article presents an overview of our work in this area, and our view of multiperspective imaging in general.
Interhemispheric intracranial pressure gradients in massive cerebral infarction.

Summary: We report continuous bilateral intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring immediately after transtentorial herniation in a patient with massive cerebral infarction to: 1) determine presence and time course of compartmental ICP differences, and 2) to study effects of therapy on both hemispheres. A 55-year-old man admitted with watershed infarctions in the left anterior-middle-posterior cerebral arteries distribution. Initial investigations demonstrated highly narrowed left extracranial internal carotid artery. Eight days later he developed unexplained lethargy and anisocoria. Head computerized tomography (CT) showed massive left hemispheric infarction, edema, and midline shift. Bilateral subarachnoid bolts demonstrated equally elevated ICP in both hemispheres. Hyperventilation and osmotic therapy produced near-identical ICP reduction bilaterally with resolution of anisocoria. Later, plateau waves and autonomic instability developed. Shortly before loss of brainstem function, interhemispheric ICP gradients (left greater than right) of 30–40 mm Hg developed. Intracranial pressure did not equalize prior to brain death determination. Bilateral ICP monitoring did not reveal an interhemispheric ICP gradient soon after transtentorial herniation in massive MCA infarction. The presence of interhemispheric ICP gradients in massive stroke remains unproven and further clinical study is necessary.
Band Gap Opening in the Cycloaddition Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes

Covalent functionalization represents a promising avenue to tailor the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes. Recent experimental work has shown that cycloaddition of fluorinated olefins represents an effective approach to reduce the off-currents of mixed nanotube mats for transistor applications. We have studied the electronic structure characteristics of the corresponding [2 + 2] cycloaddition using dispersion-corrected density functional calculations. The band gap opening in chemically functionalized tubes is associated with the sp2 to sp3 rehybridization. Our calculation reveals that the experimentally observed suppression of metallic conductivity can be attributed to a symmetry aligned cycloaddition scheme that effectively transforms metallic tubes to semiconducting ones.
Athletic Training: Rehabilitating Athletic Injuries with Cryotherapy

(1982). Athletic Training: Rehabilitating Athletic Injuries with Cryotherapy. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 53, No. 6, pp. 38-40.
El zurrón de Polifemo: naturaleza y alegoría en el "Polifemo" de Góngora

A Jose Munoz Millanes Existe la creencia de que Gongora es un poeta bucolico y que el Polifemo y las Soledades representan una Arcadia inocente y feliz en la que coexisten el mito de la Edad de Oro...
Effect of Cytochrome P450 Reductase Deficiency on 2-Amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole Metabolism and DNA Adduct Formation in Liver and Extrahepatic Tissues of Mice

2-Amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC), a carcinogen formed during the combustion of tobacco and cooking of meat, undergoes cytochrome P450 (P450) metabolism to form the DNA adduct N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (dG-C8-AαC). We evaluated the roles of P450 expressed in the liver and intestine to bioactivate AαC by employing male B6 wild-type (WT) mice, liver-specific P450 reductase (Cpr)-null (LCN) mice, and intestinal epithelium-specific Cpr-null (IECN) mice. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for AαC, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indol-3-yl sulfate (AαC-3-OSO3H), and N(2)-(β-1-glucosidurony1)-2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC-N(2)-Glu) with animals dosed by gavage with AαC (13.6 mg/kg). The uptake of AαC was rapid with no difference in the plasma half-lives (t1/2) of AαC, AαC-3-OSO3H, and AαC-N(2)-Glu among mouse models. The maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax) and the areas under concentration-time curve (AUC0-24h) of AαC and AαC-N(2)-Glu were 4-24-fold higher in LCN than in WT mice, but they were not different between WT and IECN mice. These findings are consistent with the ablation of hepatic P450 activity in LCN mice. However, the Cmax and AUC0-24h of AαC-3-OSO3H in plasma were not substantially different among the mouse models. Similar pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained with WT and LCN mice treated with a lower AαC dose (1.36 mg kg(-1)). dG-C8-AαC was detected at similar levels in the livers of all three mouse models at the high AαC dose; levels of dG-C8-AαC in colon, bladder, and lung were greater in LCN than in WT mice and were the same in colon of IECN and WT mice. At the low AαC dose, dG-C8-AαC occurred at ∼ 40% lower levels in liver of LCN mouse than in WT mouse liver, but adduct levels remained higher in extrahepatic tissues of LCN mice. Therefore, hepatic P450 plays an important role in detoxication of AαC, but other hepatic or extrahepatic enzymes contribute to the bioactivation of AαC. P450s expressed in the intestine do not appreciably contribute to bioactivation of AαC in mice.
Surgical Management of Convergence Insufficiency

(1978). Surgical Management of Convergence Insufficiency. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 106-109.
Rosacea Patient Perspectives on Homeopathic and Over-the-counter Therapies.

Rosacea is a frustrating, chronic condition for which prescription treatments yield variable results. Nonprescription skin care products and cosmetics, including mild cleansers and moisturizers, play a role in treatment of the disease.1-4 There is increasing use of over-the-counter products, complementary and alternative medicine, and homeopathic therapies.5 Understanding patients’ viewpoints surrounding nonprescription treatments may help physicians provide patients better guidance for rosacea management, especially considering the paucity of well-designed clinical trials demonstrating convincing efficacy in alternative treatments.6-8 Patients may be reluctant to share their interest in alternative treatments with their physicians. Online support groups are an increasingly popular arena for patients to share health information and can provide a window on patients’ perceptions.9 Eighty percent of Internet users living with a chronic condition contribute to an online discussion, a listserv, or another forum concerning health and personal issues.10 The authors used unscripted comments to a rosacea support site to assess patients’ perceptions of complementary and alternative rosacea treatments.
Homonationalism and sexual orientation-based asylum cases in the United States:

In this paper, I demonstrate that the adjudication of sexual orientation asylum is one of the processes made possible under what Jasbir Puar calls homonationalism. I make an analytical distinction ...
Rare Disease Clinical Research: Caregivers’ Perspectives on Barriers and Solutions for Clinical Research Participation (I8.001)

Objective: To identify barriers and potential solutions to participation in clinical research for people with rare diseases. Background: Clinical research is vital to developing new treatments for rare diseases, and maximizing recruitment and participation feasibility are imperatives for small populations. We sought to characterize barriers and opportunities to clinical research participation and hypothesized that modern technologies might ameliorate some of these barriers. Methods: We conducted an online survey to ascertain disease burden, factors influencing clinical research participation, and access to technology. Subjects were recruited via ResearchMatch and National Organization for Rare Diseases organizations who disseminated the survey to their memberships. Results: Respondents included 221 caregivers of individuals with a rare disease. Many diagnoses were represented; the average number of organ systems affected = 3.86 (SD=2.25), and 49[percnt] of affected individuals required medical equipment (N=113). Affected individuals attended a median of 4 medical appointments monthly, and lived a median of 250 miles from the nearest research center studying their disease. 100 (45[percnt]) caregiver respondents were previously approached concerning research participation by the affected individual; 81[percnt] agreed to participate. The most important factors for those who participated were: altruism (99[percnt]), low risk (98[percnt]), and time with the researcher (90[percnt]). The most important factors for those who declined participation were: travel burden (79[percnt]), time with the researcher (67[percnt]), and inability to take time off work (63[percnt]). Of the 221 respondents, many had access to the internet (98[percnt]), a smartphone (86[percnt]), tablet (80[percnt]) or laptop (78[percnt]). 54[percnt] reported that home-based research visits would increase the likelihood of research participation. Conclusions: Patients with rare diseases experience high medical burden, and live at a distance from research centers. However, their caregivers have high access to technology and many support home visits. Use of remote technologies might broaden the scope of interest and engagement in clinical research. Disclosure: Dr. Amengual has nothing to disclose. Dr. Adams has received personal compensation for review of documents pertaining to a legal case. Dr. Mink has received personal compensation for activities with Edison Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic, and Biomarin, Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Mink has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity as the Associate Editor of Neurology. Dr. Augustine has received personal compensation for grand rounds and as a consultant.
A voltammetric electronic tongue for detecting energetic compounds in water

A voltammetric electronic tongue was developed for detecting energetic compounds in water, providing a rapid, real time method. For the presented study, a glassy carbon electrode, a platinum electrode, and a gold electrode were used to analyze target explosives, nitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in water. A compact potentiostat was developed to conduct cyclic voltammetry and for extracting data from the electrode sensor array. Finally, pattern recognition methods, such as principal components analysis and a decision tree method are presented for interpretation and discrimination of results.