cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy minimization by exploiting data redundancy in real-time wireless sensor networks

Abstract In this paper, we devise scheduling algorithms to minimize energy consumption in Real-time Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) by leveraging the energy-delay tradeoff. Spatial and temporal correlation exhibited by WSNs can be exploited to reduce energy consumption. Previous research works attempt to exploit this correlation by way of aggregation or adaptive sampling. We propose determination of the data correlation at each node by way of local computation and propose avoiding transmission of significantly similar data. This can lead to unused time slots at runtime (dynamic slack) which can be traded off for energy savings. Our approach uses techniques namely Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS) and Dynamic Modulation Scaling (DMS), which utilize the slack generated dynamically to reduce energy consumption in a real-time environment. We propose heuristics with varying complexities for efficient slack management. We evaluate the performance of these heuristics by simulating diverse network conditions while incorporating different overheads. Our results show that the proposed heuristics can achieve energy savings up to 40% more than the baseline algorithms employing DVS and DMS, and, can achieve performance competitive with a Clairvoyant algorithm under network scenarios with high volume of redundant messages.
Comparing Continuous Milking with Sixty-Day Dry Periods in Successive Lactations

Abstract Five pairs of identical-twin dairy cows were used in a continuous comparison of dry period effects through four lactations. Prior to the second and third parturition one of each pair was milked continuously but the mates were given 60-day dry periods. All twins were given dry periods of 60 days or more before the fourth lactation. Average milk yield of the continuously milked cows in the first lactation was 2.6% above the controls, because they lactated an average of 21 days longer. In the second and third lactation the continuously milked twins produced only 75 and 62% respectively, as much as the controls; and in the fourth lactation they yielded slightly more than the controls. Twins of each pair were fed alike, except that extra grain was fed prepartum only to those milked continuously. This feeding difference resulted in heavier body weights of the continuously milked cows during the second and third lactations, so nutrient reserve difference should have favored the cows milked continuously. The inhibiting effect of continuous milking on the next lactation is more likely due to effects on the mammary gland and its regulating factors than to nutritional factors.
Separation of synthetic cycloalkylated bases, nucleosides and nucleotides by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the elution profiles of a series of synthetic cycloalkylated bases, nucleosides, and their corresponding 5′-monophosphates. A 70% aqueous methanol solution proved to be the most efficient solvent system for the separation of a mixture of the bases, all of which were eluted in times ranging from 3.3 to 4.8 min at a flow-rate of 0.8 ml/min. Subsequently, the same percentage of methanol solvent, at 0.8 ml/min, eluted the nucleoside mixture as well, with retention times ranging from 3.3 to 5.0 min. Optimum separation and resolution were achieved with 70% methanol at a flow-rate of 0.6 ml/min for a mixture of the base and nucleoside series. A phosphate buffer, containing acetonitrile-tetrabutylammonium ion, was used to analyze the 5′-monophosphate derivatives. Elution times ranged from 2.6 to 6.1 min at a flow-rate of 1.0 ml/min. Three variables were considered in order to determine optimum conditions for separation and resolution: (a) the percentage of methanol in the solvent; (b) flow-rate of solvent; and (c) the size of the cycloalkylated group of each synthetic analogue. The procedures and conditions described herein have potential use as a monitoring system to detect modified nucleic acid derivatives which are prevalent in the body fluids of patients with certain metabolic disorders.
Exploring Computer Science: A Case Study of School Reform

This article will detail efforts to broaden participation in computing in urban schools through a comprehensive reform effort of curricular development, teacher professional development, and policy changes. Beginning with an account of the curricular development of Exploring Computer Science, we will describe the inquiry-based research that underlies these learning materials. Next, we argue that accompanying professional development that supports the curriculum is essential for supporting this inquiry-based approach to computer science instruction. We then explain the policy strategies used to designate this course as a college-preparatory elective and place it in 17 Los Angeles high schools. Finally, we share the initial results of how students experience this course and ongoing challenges encountered when working in the public school system. The article concludes with a discussion of how longitudinal reform effort requires a strong foundation and deep roots to successfully democratize computer science education.
Production and carrying capacity for the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris in culture

Abstract Approximately 8 h were required at 25°C for food to pass from mouth to anus in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Gut load per unit transit appeared inversely related to nitrogen content; values of about 2 and 44 mg dry castings per 100mg dry worm were obtained with activated sludge and mineral soil, respectively. Production of biomass was greater in a substrate of activated sludge and loam relative to activated sludge and cellulose, despite higher concentrations of nitrogen in the latter. Optimum population density was about 8 earthworms (31 g live wt) in 1000cm3 2:1 sludge:soil. Growth occurred at a maximum rate between 15 and 25°C. A yield of approximately 4% biomass (dry wt) was obtained on a mixture of activated sludge and loam, based on the content of organic matter present.
An analysis of F9 embryonal carcinoma cell differentiation into parietal endoderm using DNA microarrays

An analysis of F9 embryonal carcinoma cell differentiation into parietal endoderm using DNA microarrays
Effects of Thyrocalcitonin and Phosphate Ion on the Parathyroid Hormone Stimulated Resorption of Bone

The effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyrocalcitonin (TCT) and phosphate ion on the resorption of bone mineral and matrix were studied in cultures of fetal rat long bone. PTH stimulated the release of both pre-incorporated 45Ca and 3H-hydroxyproline. Sustained inhibition of these effects of PTH was obtained by increasing medium phosphate concentration from lmM to 2 or 3 HIM. Addition of TCT to PTH treated bones caused a sharp but transient reduction in PTH stimulated loss of mineral. TCT inhibition of matrix resorption was observed only when TCT was present from the onset of PTH treatment and appeared to be an indirect effect resulting from the block of mineral resorption. (Endocrinology 90: 479, 1972)
Transforming the doctorate from residential to online: A Distributed PhD Learning Technologies

This article discusses a systemic change that expanded the doctorate in Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas to include a distributed option, delivered primarily online. It provides an overview of the development process from concept to initial implementation. The article examines the specific differences that make the online version different from its residential counterpart. We share both the challenges that emerged as well as suggestions for improvement that have come from our experience.
Keratinocyte CDw60 expression is modulated by both a Th-1 type cytokine IFN-gamma and Th-2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13: relevance to psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with an immunocytic infiltrate, including activated T lymphocytes, producing multiple cytokines that can influence the phenotype of epidermal keratinocytes. In these studies we examined the effect of the cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin-13 or interleukin-4 on keratinocytes, alone and in combination, on surface levels of HLA-DR, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and CDw60, as well as the transcription factors STAT1, STAT6, and BCL-6. As CDw60 is an acetylated form of the GD3 ganglioside and may function as a T cell costimulatory molecule, the modulation of CDw60 expression by keratinocytes in psoriatic lesions was highlighted to gain insight into potentially important T cell-keratinocyte interactions. Interferon-γ was observed to block the interleukin-4- or interleukin-13-mediated induction of CDw60 on cultured keratinocytes, but not induction of the transcription factor STAT6. Interleukin-13 and interleukin-4 were unable to block interferon-γ-mediated induction of STAT1 or BCL-6, however, or the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and HLA-DR. In psoriatic plaques, CDw60 was not consistently detected on keratinocytes in acute lesions, but was detected predominantly on basal layer keratinocytes in chronic lesions. In addition we found that BCL-6 levels were increased in psoriatic lesions; in acute lesions BCL-6 was primarily localized in the basal layer keratinocytes, whereas in chronic plaques nuclear BCL-6 was predominantly expressed by keratinocytes in the suprabasal cell layers. These studies highlight the complex modulation of the keratinocyte phenotype by immunocyte-derived cytokines, in which induction of CDw60 involving interleukin-4, or interleukin-13 was antagonized by interferon-γ. We suggest in psoriatic plaques that the presence or absence of CDw60 expression by keratinocytes may reflect the dynamic interplay between Th-1-type cytokines such as interferon-γ and Th-2-type cytokines such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. The ability of interferon-γ to induce the transcription repressor BCL-6 may also contribute to the overall immunologic events in skin, including suppression of the intermediates in the synthetic pathway leading to expression of the T cell costimulatory ganglioside CDw60.
Study of active learning in the challenge

In the active learning challenge, we aim to improve the area under the learning curve (ALC), the global score in the challenge, by optimizing the classification methods and feature selection methods, and most importantly by refining the querying algorithm to select the most informative instances in the early iteration of active learning. For six different datasets in the development phase, we applied general and specific methods to resolve unbalanced class, sparse data, and missing value problems. We designed a voting system based on multi models to combine good prediction with robust performance in different types of datasets. For querying methods, we modified the approach of information density, firstly, to avoid the exhaustive comparison for all samples, and secondly to find more representative samples. We also propose two modified versions of uncertainty sampling based methods: uncertainty sampling with bias, which takes into account the high imbalance of data, and uncertainty sampling with prediction, which predicts the most uncertain samples based on the change of uncertain values during the active learning process. We present our preliminary results of the development datasets in the active learning challenge and discuss their significance in this paper.
Thermal Stability of p-type Bi 2 Te 3 /Sb 2 Te 3 and n-type Bi 2 Te 3 /Bi 2 Te 2-x Se x Thermoelectric Superlattice Thin Film Devices

Thermolectric devices have been constructed using Bi 2 Te 3 /Sb 2 Te 3 and Bi 2 Te 3 /Bi 2 Te 2-x Se x superlattice thin films. Since these devices are intended for use in systems that will operate at elevated temperatures over their lifetime as in many power conversion applications, thermal stability of the thermoelectric figure of merit is an important consideration. The ZT e of p-type and n-type superlattice thin film elements was evaluated at specific intervals during exposure to elevated temperatures of 150°C for up to 60 hrs. Results indicate that the figure of merit for p- and n-type superlattice films is not compromised over time when exposed to these operating temperatures. In fact, both p- and n-type superlattice thin film ZT e remains very constant or improves slightly when subjected to continuous exposure to elevated temperatures. Evaluation of these thin film thermoelements is reported and implications of these results are considered for thin film thermoelectric modules.
Self-management rehabilitation and health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether increasing hours of self-management rehabilitation had increasing benefits for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Parkinson's disease beyond best medical treatment, whether effects persisted at 2 and 6 months of follow-up, and whether targeted compared with nontargeted HRQOL domains responded more to rehabilitation. Participants on best medication therapy were randomly assigned to one of three conditions for 6 weeks intervention: 0 hours of rehabilitation; 18 hours of clinic group rehabilitation plus 9 hours of attention control social sessions; and 27 hours of rehabilitation, with 18 in clinic group rehabilitation and 9 hours of rehabilitation designed to transfer clinic training into home and community routines. Results (N = 116) showed that at 6 weeks, there was a beneficial effect of increased rehabilitation hours on HRQOL measured with the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 summary index (F(1,112) = 6.48, eta = 0.23, CI = 0.05-0.40, P = 0.01). Benefits persisted at follow-up. The difference between 18 and 27 hours was not significant. Clinically relevant improvement occurred at a greater rate for 18 and 27 hours (54% improved) than for 0 hours (18% improved), a significant 36% difference in rates (95% CI = 20-52% difference). Effects were largest in two targeted domains: communication and mobility. More concerns with mobility and activities of daily living at baseline predicted more benefit from rehabilitation.
The Effect of Demonstrator Gender on Wind Instrument Preferences of Kindergarten, Third-Grade, and Fifth-Grade Students.

This study examined possible influences of demonstrator gender on children’s instrument choices. Participants (N = 104) included boys (n = 53) and girls ( n = 51) in fifth grade (n = 27), third gra...
Macrostratigraphy of North America

Abstract The geological record is a three‐dimensional mosaic of gap‐bound rock bodies that, at any given scale of temporal resolution, were emplaced more or less continuously. At any geographic location, the irregular alternation of processes responsible for the formation and destruction of rock bodies results in the preservation of hiatus‐bound rock packages that have a distinct time of first occurrence (base, or oldest portion), a time of last occurrence (top, or youngest portion), and a suite of defining characters (e.g., lithologies, thickness, fossils, etc.). Many important aspects of the geologic record can be quantified by compiling the stratigraphic ranges of such gap‐bound rock packages. These include the quantity and spatial and temporal distribution of preserved rock, rates of rock formation, sequence stratigraphic architecture, and area‐weighted rates of expansion and contraction/erosional truncation of rock emplacement settings. This approach to characterizing the rock record is scalable, per...
SYNTHESIS OF THE LUX GENE AUTOINDUCER IN VIBRIO FISCHERI IS POSITIVELY AUTOREGULATED

The enzymes for luminescence in Vibrio fischeri are induced only after the accumulation of a sufficient concentration of a metabolic product (the autoinducer) generated by the bacteria themselves. Genetic analyses by others have previously suggested that biosynthesis of the autoinducer is catalyzed by a single gene product (autoinducer synthetase) presumably from precursors typically present in the bacterial cell. Also, the biosynthesis was predicted to be autocatalytic such that in the presence of autoinducer, more autoinducer synthetase should be produced. We have directly tested these predictions and found that autoinducer synthesis is indeed positively autoregulated. In addition, we have demonstrated autoinducer synthesis in vitro and have tentatively identified the substrates of autoinducer synthetase as S-adenosylmethionine and 3-oxohexanoyl coenzyme A.
Brief Report: Thin Slices of Racial Bias

The present work examined the detection of racial bias through thin slices of nonverbal behavior. Thirty Black and 30 White American judges rated the nonverbal behavior displayed by White individuals from 20-seconds of silent videotape of an interaction with either a Black or a White confederate. Correla- tions between judges' nonverbal ratings and targets' scores on a response latency measure of racial bias (i.e., Implicit Association Test, IAT) as well as on a self- report racial bias measure (i.e., Affective Prejudice Scale) were obtained. Results revealed that relative to White judges, Black judges' nonverbal behavioral ratings were better predictors of both White individuals' IAT and explicit racial bias scores, but only if those targets were engaged in an interracial dyad. The results are consistent with recent research finding that subtle forms of racial bias leak through nonverbal behavior, as well as with work noting the predictive accuracy of judgments made from thin-slices of nonverbal behavior.
Analysis and design of a novel noncontacting waveguide backshort

A new noncontacting waveguide backshort has recently been developed for millimeter- and submillimeter-wave frequencies. The design consists of a metal bar with rectangular holes cut into it, which is covered with a dielectric layer to form a snug fit with the broadwalls of a waveguide. It is mechanically rugged and can be readily fabricated for frequencies from 1-1000 GHz. This paper presents a technique for the theoretical characterization of the backshort, using an approach that combines the mode-matching method and a set of coupled space-domain integral equations. The convergence characteristics of the analysis are included, along with a set of general design guidelines. >
Intratumor C-Reactive Protein as a Biomarker of Prognosis in Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Serum C-reactive protein has been shown to have prognostic value in localized and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, the prognostic value of intratumor C-reactive protein remains unknown.Materials and Methods: A total of 95 patients with resected, clinically localized (T1–T4N0M0) clear cell renal cell carcinoma were followed postoperatively. Intratumor C-reactive protein expression was assessed in surgical specimens using immunohistochemical analysis. Patients were categorized by staining intensity into low risk (staining 0 to 1), intermediate risk (staining 2) and high risk (staining 3) groups. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to examine overall survival across patient and disease characteristics. Variables examined in multivariate Cox regression analysis included T stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade, tumor size, preoperative serum C-reactive protein and intratumor C-reactive protein staining.Results: Followup extended up to 46 months with a mean (SD) of 29.8 (11....
The Arabidopsis EIN3 Binding F-Box Proteins EBF1 and EBF2 Have Distinct but Overlapping Roles in Ethylene Signaling

Ethylene signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana converges on the ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3)/EIN3-Like (EIL) transcription factors to induce various responses. EIN3 BINDING F-BOX1 (EBF1) and EBF2 were recently shown to function in ethylene perception by regulating EIN3/EIL turnover. In the absence of ethylene, EIN3 and possibly other EIL proteins are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by Cullin 1-based E3 complexes containing EBF1 and 2. Ethylene appears to block this ubiquitination, allowing EIN3/EIL levels to rise and mediate ethylene signaling. Through analysis of mutant combinations affecting accumulation of EBF1, EBF2, EIN3, and EIL1, we show that EIN3 and EIL1 are the main targets of EBF1/2. Kinetic analyses of hypocotyl growth inhibition in response to ethylene and growth recovery after removal of the hormone revealed that EBF1 and 2 have temporally distinct but overlapping roles in modulating ethylene perception. Whereas EBF1 plays the main role in air and during the initial phase of signaling, EBF2 plays a more prominent role during the latter stages of the response and the resumption of growth following ethylene removal. Through their coordinated control of EIN3/EIL1 levels, EBF1 and EBF2 fine-tune ethylene responses by repressing signaling in the absence of the hormone, dampening signaling at high hormone concentrations, and promoting a more rapid recovery after ethylene levels dissipate.
CYTOTOXINS RELEASED FROM PLASTIC PERFUSION APPARATUS

Abstract Factors toxic to cell growth have been demonstrated in a plastic organ-perfusion apparatus. Such cytotoxins were shown to be released from ' Plexiglass ' but not from silicone. A method, using bone-marrow culture in agar gel, reliably detects these toxins. Plastic components of circuitry used for prolonged organ perfusion should be tested for cytotoxicity before use.
Director Elections and the Influence of Proxy Advisors

Using a dataset of proxy recommendations and voting results for uncontested director elections from 2005 and 2006 at S&P 1500 companies, we examine how advisors make their recommendations and how these recommendations and other factors affect the shareholder vote. Of the four firms we study, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), Proxy Governance, Glass Lewis, and Egan Jones, ISS is widely regarded as the most influential and its recommendation is claimed to sway 20-30% of the vote. We find that the four proxy advisory firms differ systematically from each other both in their willingness to issue a withhold recommendation and in the factors that affect their recommendation. We further find that all the proxy advisors, but particularly ISS, base their recommendations largely on factors that shareholders take into account (independent of the recommendation) in casting their vote. Once these factors are controlled for, overall voting outcomes are substantially similar whether or not a proxy advisor has issued a recommendation. Our analysis demonstrates that the reported influence of ISS is substantially overstated. Our evidence is consistent with the view that proxy advisors act primarily as agents or intermediaries which aggregate information that investors find important in determining how to vote in director elections rather than as independent power centers.
The Role of Language of Instruction and Vocabulary in the English Phonological Awareness of Spanish-English Bilingual Children.

This study explores influences on bilingual children's phonological awareness (PA) performance in English, examining the role of language of instruction and vocabulary. English monolingual and Spanish–English bilingual kindergartners and first graders receiving either English or Spanish literacy instruction were assessed in English PA and in English and Spanish vocabulary, as appropriate. Spanish-instructed bilinguals were more likely than English-instructed bilinguals or English monolinguals to treat diphthongs as two units, reflecting their analysis in Spanish phonology and orthography. Surprisingly, unbalanced bilinguals dominant in either English or Spanish scored better on English PA than children with approximately equal scores on the English and the Spanish vocabulary test. This finding suggests that familiarity with many lexical items within a language constitutes a source of analyzable phonological knowledge.
Evidence for NQO1 and NQO2 catalyzed reduction of ortho - and para -quinone methides

AbstractNAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) catalyze the two-electron reduction of quinones and thereby prevent generation of toxic radicals. Quinone methides (QMs) covalently react with cellular macromolecules to form DNA adducts and/or protein conjugates resulting in toxicity and carcinogenesis. Based on similar structural features of quinones and QMs, it is logical to assume that NQO1 and/or NQO2 could also catalyze the two-electron reduction of QMs. However, hitherto the reduction of QMs, as both endogenous and/or exogenous biological substrates, by either NQO1/NQO2 has never been demonstrated. Here we show for the first time that both NQO1 and NQO2 can catalyze the reduction of electrophilic ortho-/para-QMs. The involvement of the enzyme in the reduction of p-cresol quinone methide (PCQM) and o-cresol quinone methide (OCQM) was demonstrated by reappearance of NQO1/NQO2-FAD peak at 450 nm after addition of the QMs to the assay mixture. Further reduction of met...
Water filling may not good neighbors make

Consider a wireless system with multiple and independent user-base pairings over some region. Each user tries to greedily optimize its performance, and eventually a simultaneous water-filling fixed point is reached. Here we seek to analytically understand properties of different water-filling fixed points. In so doing we show that water-filling alone does not generally result in optimum resource sharing and in some cases is a poor solution. We close by suggesting dynamic strategies for performance enhancement.
Applying Minimal Manual Principles for Documentation of Graphical User Interfaces.

This study investigated the need to include computer screens in documentation for software using a graphical user interface. Minimal manual principles emphasize the need to reduce verbiage. However...
Effects of predator treatments, individual traits, and environment on moose survival in Alaska

We studied moose (Alces alces) survival, physical condition, and abundance in a 3-predator system in western Interior Alaska, USA, during 2001-2007. Our objective was to quantify the effects of predator treatments on moose population dynamics by investigating changes in survival while evaluating the contribution of potentially confounding covariates. In May 2003 and 2004, we reduced black bear (Ursus americanus) and brown bear (U. arctos) numbers by translocating bears � 240 km from the study area. Aircraft-assisted take reduced wolf (Canis lupus) numbers markedly in the study area during 2004-2007. We estimated black bears were reduced by approximately 96% by June 2004 and recovered to within 27% of untreated numbers by May 2007. Brown bears were reduced approximately 50% by June 2004. Late-winter wolf numbers were reduced by 75% by 2005 and likely remained at these levels through 2007. In addition to predator treatments, moose hunting closures during 2004-2007 reduced harvests of male moose by 60% in the study area. Predator treatments resulted in increased calf survival rates during summer (primarily from reduced black bear predation) and autumn (primarily from reduced wolf predation). Predator treatments had little influence on survival of moose calves during winter; instead, calf survival was influenced by snow depth and possibly temperature. Increased survival of moose calves during summer and autumn combined with relatively constant winter survival in most years led to a corresponding increase in annual survival of calves following predator treatments. Nonpredation mortalities of calves increased following predator treatments; however, this increase provided little compensation to the decrease in predation mortalities resulting from treatments. Thus, predator-induced calf mortality was primarily additive. Summer survival of moose calves was positively related to calf mass (b > 0.07, SE ¼ 0.073) during treated years and lower (b ¼� 0.82, SE ¼ 0.247) for twins than singletons during all years. Following predator treatments, survival of yearling moose increased 8.7% for females and 21.4% for males during summer and 2.2% for females and 15.6% for males during autumn. Annual survival of adult (� 2 yr old) female moose also increased in treated years and was negatively (b ¼� 0.21, SE ¼ 0.078) related to age. Moose density increased 45%, from 0.38 moose/ km 2 in 2001 to 0.55 moose/km 2 in 2007, which resulted from annual increases in overall survival of moose, not increases in reproductive rates. Indices of nutritional status remained constant throughout our study despite increased moose density. This information can be used by wildlife managers and policymakers to better understand the outcomes of predator treatments in Alaska and similar environments. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins): Novel central nervous system drug targets

Many drugs of abuse signal through receptors that couple to G proteins (GPCRs), so the factors that control GPCR signaling are likely to be important to the understanding of drug abuse. Contributions by the recently identified protein family, regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) to the control of GPCR function are just beginning to be understood. RGS proteins can accelerate the deactivation of G proteins by 1000-fold and in cell systems they profoundly inhibit signaling by many receptors, including mu-opioid receptors. Coupled with the known dynamic regulation of RGS protein expression and function, they are of obvious interest in understanding tolerance and dependence mechanisms. Furthermore, drugs that could inhibit their activity could be useful in preventing the development of or in treating drug dependence.
SLIM: a slender technique for unbounded-field problems

Electrostatic- and electromagnetic-field problems in unbounded regions are often solved using finite differences (FD's) or finite elements (FE) combined with approximate boundary conditions. Inversion of the sparse FD or FE matrix is then required. First-order or higher order absorbing boundary conditions may be used, or one can use more accurate boundary conditions obtained by the measured equation of invariance (MEI) or by iteration. The more accurate boundary conditions are helpful because they permit reduction of the size of the mesh and, thus, the number of unknowns. In this paper, we show that the process can be carried to a maximally simple limit in which the mesh is reduced to a single layer and the matrix-inversion step disappears entirely. This results in the single-layer iterative method (SLIM), an unusually simple technique for unbounded-field problems. Computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of SLIM in electrostatics, and also in electrodynamic examples, such as scattering of TM plane waves from a perfectly conducting cylinder. The technique is most likely to be useful in large or complex problems where simplification is helpful, or in repetitive calculations such as scattering of radiation from many angles of incidence.
Prognostic significance of preoperative molecular serum analysis in renal cancer.

Purpose: We evaluated the postoperative clinical course of patients with renal cancer identified preoperatively by microsatellite analysis to examine the correlation between microsatellite alterations and risk of disease recurrence and patient mortality 2 years after nephrectomy. Experimental Design: A panel of 28 microsatellite markers was used previously to assess loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability in urine, serum, and tumor DNA of 30 patients with clinically organ-confined renal masses who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy. The clinical reports and imaging data in the medical records of patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were retrospectively reviewed to determine their postoperative course. Results: Two-year follow-up was available for the 30 patients (100%) who entered the study. Mean age was 61.6 ± 12.9 years (range, 21–77 years). Tumor stage was associated with patient mortality ( P = 0.03). Tumor grade was associated with mortality ( P = 0.03) and disease recurrence ( P P Conclusions: Analysis of microsatellite alterations found in preoperative blood samples is a promising method for the detection of renal cancer. The presence of frequent molecular changes in preoperative serum was associated with disease recurrence. These findings suggest a role for microsatellite analysis in future studies attempting to stratify patients with clinically organ-confined renal cancer into low- and high-risk prognostic groups. Larger prospective randomized trials are needed to validate the clinical utility of this observation.
The performance of multilevel coding employing hard decision and hybrid decoders on fading and Gaussian channels

Considers the use of hard decision decoders and hybrid decoders employing both hard and soft decisions in a multilevel coding scheme. The multilevel code is applied to MPSK signaling on the Rayleigh fading channel. Using hard decisions, the authors give the error performance of this approach. Additionally, codes that perform well on both fading and non-fading channels are explored. >
Random lasing in closely packed resonant scatterers

We report experimental and theoretical studies of the random lasing threshold and its fluctuation in an ensemble of highly packed spherical dielectric scatterers. The ratio of the sphere diameter to the lasing wavelength was varied in a wide range, which covered the transition from the weak Rayleigh scattering regime to the strong Mie scattering regime. Experimentally, when the diameters of monodispersed ZnO spherical particles changed from less than 100 to more than 600 nm we observed a drastic decrease of the lasing threshold at small-particle size followed by a plateau at large particle size. We attribute this effect to the particle-size dependence of transport mean free path lt, which was deduced from coherent backscattering measurements. Theoretical calculation of lt reproduced experimental behavior. Using the finite-difference time domain method, we obtained the lasing threshold and its standard deviation as functions of particle size in two-dimensional systems. The results of our numerical simulations are in qualitative agreement with the experimental data.
Reply to Commentaries by Dant & Lapuka, Honeycutt & Thelen, Malhotra, Uslay, & Ndubisi, LaPlaca, and Woodside on “The Essence of Business Marketing Theory, Research and Tactics: Contributions by the Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing”

ABSTRACT In this reply to the commentary articles by Dant & Lapuka, Honeycutt & Thelen, Malhotra, Uslay & Ndubisi, LaPlaca, and Woodside, we acknowledge the many insights offered by these scholars into the positioning of the Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing (JBBM). In response to their comments on the theoretical and international orientation of research published in JBBM, we have provided an analysis of the theoretical and methodological approaches employed in the various articles and the cross-country collaborations among the authors. The directions offered by Malhotra et al. as well as Woodside regarding future research in the area of B2B marketing are discussed in this article.
Effects of Reversible Inactivation of the Primate Mesencephalic Reticular Formation. I. Hypermetric Goal-Directed Saccades

Single-neuron recording and electrical microstimulation suggest three roles for the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) in oculomotor control: 1) saccade triggering,2) computation of the horizo...
Clinical Trials in Retinal Dystrophies.

Research development is burgeoning for genetic and cellular therapy for retinal dystrophies. These dystrophies are the focus of many research efforts due to the unique biology and accessibility of the eye, the transformative advances in ocular imaging technology that allows for in vivo monitoring, and the potential benefit people would gain from success in the field – the gift of renewed sight. Progress in the field has revealed the immense complexity of retinal dystrophies and the challenges faced by researchers in the development of this technology. This study reviews the current trials and advancements in genetic and cellular therapy in the treatment of retinal dystrophies and also discusses the current and potential future challenges.
Relative bioaccessibility of Pb-based paint in soil.

The threat posed by lead (Pb) in soil for pediatric populations continues to be a public health issue. In long-established residential areas, a principal source of Pb in soil is likely to be old Pb-based paint originating from building surfaces. The health hazard posed by Pb from paint in soil will likely depend on quantity of paint incorporated, its Pb-mineral composition, whether the Pb is locked in some other material and the paint residence time in the soil (degree of aging). Here the relative bioavailability (RBA) of Pb in different types of Pb-bearing paint has been assessed. Tests were performed with individual paints, with paints mixed with a low-Pb soil, and with paints mixed with soil and the biogenic phosphate apatite II. Thirteen Pb-bearing paint samples were ground and passed through 250- and 100-µm screens. Samples nominally <100 µm from all the paints were analyzed, and six of the paints for which there was sufficient material in the 100- to 250-µm-size range were also tested. RBA extraction of Pb employed a simulated gastric fluid (SGF) of HCl and glycine adjusted to a pH of 1.5 in which samples were agitated (in an end-over-end rotator) for 2 h. Original paints were examined by SEM/EDX, and by XRD, residues collected after RBA extraction were examined by SEM/EDX. The concentration of Pb in the extraction fluid was measured by AAS. The quantity of Pb mobilized in each test batch was approximately an order of magnitude less in the paint-soil mix compared to the corresponding paint-only sample. The difference in the amount of Pb extracted from the paint-soil mix compared to the paint-soil-phosphate mix was minimal. However, in the post-RBA residues of the paint-soil mix, a PbCl precipitate was observed, and in the extraction residues of the paint-soil-apatite II mixes PbClP phases were recorded. Precipitation of these secondary phases obviously modified the amount of Pb in the extraction fluid, and this may need to be considered, i.e., under-reporting of extractable Pb, when this form of in vitro extraction is used to determine the RBA of Pb in environmental media.
Understanding phase separation and morphology in thermoplastic polyurethanes nanocomposites

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be effective in influencing the hard domain (HD) and soft domain (SD) morphology in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and their combination with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can maximize these effects in TPU composites. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated that TPU morphology exhibits multi-scale phase separation characterized by heterogeneous morphologies at the micro- and nano- scales. CNTs appear to preferentially aggregate in the HD regions, favoring the nucleation and growth of smaller and more distributed HD spherulites, while thermal analyses confirmed a significant changes in the crystallization behavior of TPU nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses performed on TPU nanocomposites prepared by in-situ polymerization and compression molding suggested that incorporation of a small amount of CNCs can have a positive effect on CNT dispersion and favor a more homogeneous distribution.
Regionalism v. Universalism

The debate surrounding regionalism and universalism in international organizations reflects the old dilemma between centralism and local governance at the domestic level. Local modes of problem solving are often seen to be more efficient, to be based on a better understanding of the specific circumstances and to be better placed to take account of local peculiarities, cultural or otherwise. Centralist solutions carry the expectation of a more homogeneous, effective and uniform method of government. Within Nation States the compromise between the two opposing principles has found its expression in various models of federalism. The diversity and ongoing evolution of domestic solutions for the allocation of functions between central and local decision-makers is a clear sign that there is no simple answer to this basic antithesis. The advent of international organizations with global pretensions has transposed the old dilemma to the international level and has added some new dimensions,' The universal arena is often seen as being too weak and incoherent for effective action. This has led to calls for a shift to regional institutions. Conversely, regionalism is said to carry the danger of fragmentation to the international system. Moreover, regional superpowers tend to distort or even abuse regional processes prompting calls for the involvement of a global mechanism with more 'democratic' or egalitarian structures. Both the Covenant of the League of Nations and the Charter of the United Nations display a clear preponderance of universalist features. The Covenant's reference in Article 21 to 'regional understandings like the Monroe Doctrine' was little more than a futile attempt to secure United States participation. The League never obtained universal acceptance due to its limited membership, mostly of
Optimal selection and placement of BMPs and LID practices with a rainfall-runoff model

A decision support tool, which links a hydrologic/water quality model (L-THIA-LID 2.1) with optimization algorithms (AMALGAM) using a computational efficiency framework (MLSOPT), was developed to optimally implement BMPs and LID practices to reduce runoff and pollutant loads. The decision support tool was applied in the Crooked Creek watershed, Indiana, USA. For initial expenditures on practices, the environmental benefits increased rapidly as expenditures increased. However, beyond certain expenditure levels, additional spending did not result in noticeable additional environmental impacts. Compared to random placement of practices, the optimization strategy provided 3.9-7.7 times the level of runoff/pollutant load reductions for the same expenditures. To obtain the same environmental benefits, costs of random practices placement were 4.2-14.5 times the optimized practice placement cost. The decision support tool is capable of supporting decision makers in optimally selecting and placing BMPs and LID practices to obtain maximum environmental benefits with minimum costs. A decision support tool was developed to optimally implement BMPs/LID practices.Decision support tool was applied at Crooked Creek watershed in Indiana, USA.Decision support tool is capable of optimally implementing BMPs/LID practices.
Investigation of Two-Phase Flow in Rectangular Micro-Channels

This study addresses air-water, two-phase flows in micro-channels fabricated on poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) with walls that are partially non-wetting (typical static contact angle 65° in stock form) and not molecularly smooth. Two different types of chips were prepared: Micro-milled micro-channels of aspect ratios 1, 2 and 3 with fixed hydraulic diameter on PMMA and micro-channels of unity aspect ratio replicated using hot embossing of PMMA with a micro-milled brass mold insert. Flow-maps obtained using the same gas-liquid injection geometry and method for the three aspect ratio micro-channels are presented, and regime boundaries are compared with those found by other investigations. The results indicate that the bubbly flow regime boundary is shifted to higher liquid and/or lower gas superficial velocities for the higher aspect ratio channels, while transition to the Annular and Annular-Dry regimes remains the same to within experimental uncertainty. The emphasis of what is presented is on the Segmented flow regime. Regular and irregular Segmented flow regimes of three types are assessed on the basis of the statistical variation in the associated phase length scales from flow observations over a substantial channel length. Comparison between results of the two different injection geometries and micro-channel manufacturing techniques indicate that feedback effects are a significant but not the only cause of segmented flow irregularity. The variability in the size of the liquid plug separating gas bubbles in Segmented flow is found to be substantially higher than that of the bubbles even when the flow is regular (low variability of bubble size). The average bubble length associated with a part of Segmented flows, regular and irregular alike is shown to scale approximately with the capillary number to the 2/3 power (liquid volumetric flow ratio to the −2/3). Irregular Segmented flow is favored by higher liquid superficial velocities, lower liquid volumetric flow ratios and lower channel aspect ratios. Of the three aspect ratios examined, the microchannel with aspect-ratio 3 displayed the broadest window of regular Segmented flow. Two-phase flow pressure drop was measured for test channels of unity aspect ratio. Each flow regime identified on the basis of topological observations is associated with different trends of the pressure drop variation with respect to volumetric flow ratio.© 2008 ASME
Developing research skills in emerging economies – a dilemma

This Viewpoint looks at how market research skills can be developed in emerging economies and the challenges facing research in these distinct environments. Market research 'pioneers' in new markets faced situations where there was no MR development history or infrastructure and often they had to set about creating the MR resources required from scratch. There hasn't been a lot of opportunity to develop local methods and this means there is now a dilemma about how to develop skills that can face both old and new challenges. To address this problem we must: stop turning a blind eye to the real methodological problems that exist in emerging markets and support more training for these particular markets.
Interaction Structure of Multi-Agent System Based on Generalized Correlation Coefficient

The study of interaction between agents is one of the most important areas in the research on multi-agent system. The process of decision making is such a key problem in the interaction that attracts much more endeavor. By now, the decision-making processes are limited to the specific environment or conditions, such as cooperation, negotia- tion, competition and so on. The framework of interaction based on generalized correlation coefficient unifies the all kind of interaction, from collaboration, selfishness to competition and antagonism. This paper is based on this frame- work. A model of agent based on generalized correlation coefficient is constructed. Furthermore, the process of deci- sion making based on this is analyzed. This process is more agile and more appropriate to the open and dynamic envi- ronment.