cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergent 1/f Noise in Ensembles of Random Telegraph Noise Oscillators.

The emergence of $1/f$ noise from an aggregate of $1/{f}^{2}$ noise signals in magnetic nanodots undergoing random telegraph oscillations in their magnetization is reported. This emergence is found to occur with as few as two random telegraph noise (RTN) oscillators producing $1/f$ noise across two decades of frequency bandwidth, and with fewer than ten such oscillators producing $1/f$ noise across over four decades. The RTN fluctuations observed are as small as one part in 10 000 compared to dc voltage signals but still generate easily observable $1/f$ noise at up to ${10}^{5}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{Hz}$. These observations may explain the historic difficulty in identifying RTN oscillator sources of $1/f$ noise.
Using the Nonuniform Dynamic Mode Decomposition to Reduce the Storage Required for PDE Simulations

Partial Differential Equation simulations can produce large amounts of data. These datasets are very slow to transfer, for example, from an off-site supercomputer to a local research facility. There have been many model reduction techniques that have been proposed and utilized over the past three decades. Two of the most popular techniques are the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Dynamic Mode Decomposition. Nonuniform Dynamic Mode Decomposition (NU-DMD) is one of the newest techniques as it was introduced in 2015 by Gueniat et al. In this paper, the NU-DMD’s mathematics are explained in detail, and three versions of the NU-DMD’s algorithm are outlined. Furthermore, different numerical experiments were performed on the NU-DMD to ascertain its behavior with respect to errors, memory usage, and computational efficiency. It was shown that the NU-DMD could reduce an advection-diffusion simulation to 6.0075% of its original memory storage size. The NU-DMD was also applied to a computational fluid dynamics simulation of a NASA single-stage compressor rotor, which resulted in a reduced model of the simulation (using only three of the five simulation variables) that used only about 4.67% of the full simulation’s storage with an overall average percent error of 8.90%. It was concluded that the NU-DMD, if used appropriately, could be used to possibly reduce a model that uses 400 GB of memory to a model that uses as little as 18.67 GB with less than 9% error. Further conclusions were made about how to best implement the NU-DMD.
Migrant Marketplaces: Globalizing Histories of Migrant Foodways

This article develops a “migrant marketplace” model for globalizing histories of migrant foodways. It defines migrant marketplaces as transnational urban centers constituted by physical and imagine...
Prognostic utility of MELD-XI in adult congenital heart disease patients undergoing cardiac transplantation

BACKGROUND Model of End-Stage Liver Disease eXcluding INR (MELD-XI) at cardiac transplant has demonstrated prognostic survival utility, but has not been specifically validated in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) in a registry study. METHODS Adults undergoing first-time orthotopic heart transplant from 2005 to 2015 in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry were examined in parallel: ACHD (n = 543), ischemic-dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM, n = 6954) and valvular heart disease (VHD, n = 355). Our primary endpoint was a composite of death, graft failure, and retransplantation assessed at 3 months (early), and those with freedom from early endpoint were reassessed at 5 years (late). Interactions between hepatorenal indices and waitlist time were examined. Secondary outcomes relating to long-term morbidity were assessed at late endpoint. Freedom from endpoint analysis in ACHD at clinically relevant endpoints was also conducted. RESULTS Model of End-Stage Liver Disease eXcluding INR score at transplant associated with an increased risk of early endpoint in all cohorts. At late endpoint, bilirubin level associated with increased risk uniquely in ACHD. CONCLUSIONS Model of End-Stage Liver Disease eXcluding INR holds prognostic application to ACHD in early time points and demonstrates unique waitlist interactions. Transplant bilirubin level may hold significance in long-term risk stratification of the ACHD population. Time on waitlist is an important consideration to contextualize these values.
Synchronization of Neural Firing Patterns by Relatively Weak ELF Fields

Usually, when the effects of ELF fields on neural activity are discussed it is pointed out that current densities of the order of 10−3 A/cm2 are required to produce direct excitation of quiescent neural tissue. By contrast, we have shown that spontaneously firing (pacemaker) neurons can be affected by ELF current densities down to 10−6 A/cm2. This effect takes the form of “phase-locking” wherein the neural firing rate is synchronized to the ELF frequency or a multiple of it. In this paper we review the evidence for this ELF synchronization phenomenon including recent extension of our findings by Sheppard et al[2]. We also propose a model to show how phase-locking of individual nerve cell firing rates could lead to “population synchrony” among large numbers of neurons. The possible relevance of this phenomenon to other reported low level ELF effects on the nervous system as well as its relevance to human ELF exposure conditions is discussed.
Changing Attitudes and Performance with Computer-generated Social Models

Women's under-representation in fields such as engineering may result in part from female students' negative beliefs regarding these fields and their low self-efficacy for these fields. Empirical evidence indicates that computer-generated interface agents are effective in influencing students' interest, motivation, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Hence, in this experimental study, we investigated the potential of interface agents to serve as effective social models for changing attitudes regarding the utility of math and the hard sciences and self-efficacy for these fields. 113 middle-school students interacted with either a female or a male computer-generated interface agent or they did not interact with an interface agent. The findings from this study indicate that interface agents may be used effectively as social models for influencing middle school students' attitudes and beliefs about mathematics and the hard sciences and their mathematical ability. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the agent depended on the characteristics of the agent with the female agent tending to be the most effective regardless of the subject gender.
Sister chromatid exchange studies in the chick embryo and neonate: actions of mutagens in a developing system.

The embryonic and neonatal periods represent times when the disease process may be initiated as a result of exposure to environ mental mutagens and teratogens. We are using the chick embryo/neo-nate as an experimental system to detect and study the genotoxicity of environmental chemicals in developing tissues and the resultant biological alterations in survivors of perinatal chemical exposure. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) labeling of replicating DNA has been employed to measure basal and induced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), a candidate cytogenetic endpoint in genetic toxicology testing. Additionally, SCE induction studies with model promu-tagens have permitted the detection and study of components of the developing mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system of the liver and other organs. The relationship between specific MFO enzyme induction and SCE generation by promutagens has been studied in ovo and using in vitro assays.
What is molecular imaging

711 Objectives: Molecular imaging is the visualization, characterization, and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels in humans and other living systems. Molecular imaging typically includes two- or three-dimension imaging as well as quantification over time. Methods: The techniques used include radiotracer imaging/nuclear medicine, MRI, MRS, optical imaging, ultrasound, and others, all of which have differing sensititivities, spatial resolutions, agents, and primary uses. Molecular imaging represents the future of diagnostic imaging: It evolves from both anatomic and functional imaging as well as advances in genomics, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, and physics. Results: Molecular imaging is used in preclinical research to understand animal models of disease but is directly relevant to clinical medicine in that it can aid in the early diagnosis and/or identification of changes occurring in tissue; enable changes in individual patient management in real time (personalized medicine); and facilitate drug development. Molecular imaging offers unique insights that allow a more personalized approach to evaluation and management of cardiovascular disease conditions, such as: ischemic injury, heart failure and left ventricular remodeling; thrombosis, atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque; angiogenesis, transplant rejection, and arrhythmic substrates. Molecular imaging is a very important diagnostic tool in the early assessment, risk stratification, evaluation, and follow up of patients with neurological diseases, such as tumors, dementias (Alzheimer’s and others), movement disorders, seizure disorders, and psychiatric disorders. By accurately characterizing tumor properties or biological processes, molecular imaging plays a pivotal role in guiding cancer patient management: diagnosing, staging (extent and location), assessing therapeutic targets, monitoring therapy, evaluating, and prognosis. Conclusions: The purpose of the poster is to define molecular imaging, describe the evolution of diagnostic imaging, illustrate several molecular imaging techniques, and provide specific examples of clinical applications.
The SML language for structured modeling: levels 1 and 2

This is the first of two articles on the principal features of SML, a language for expressing structured models. SML is presented in terms of four "levels" of increasing expressive power; this article covers the first two levels, while the sequel covers levels 3 and 4. The lower levels, at least, are easy to learn. Both articles rely entirely on examples and give special attention to the characteristics of SML that, collectively, make it unique. The intended audience includes evaluators of other modeling languages, designers of modeling languages and systems, and those who follow the development of structured modeling.
RELATIONSHIP OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS, CORONARY LUMEN, AND CORONARY ISCHEMIA: RESULTS FROM THE PROSPECTIVE, MULTICENTER, INTERNATIONAL CREDENCE TRIAL

To explore the relationship between coronary atherosclerotic plaque volume, coronary lumen volume and coronary ischemia by coronary CT angiography (CCTA). 612 patients with suspected coronary artery disease at 17 sites (64 ± 10 years, 30% women) underwent CCTA, invasive coronary angiography and 3-
Addressing ecological, economic, and social tradeoffs of refuge expansion in constrained landscapes

Conservation planning increasingly needs to be effective in areas that are influenced by anthropogenic land uses, yet many planning tools do not give equal consideration to ecological, social, and economic objectives, nor do they enable identification or comparison of tradeoffs among objectives. We explore outcomes and tradeoffs for the proposed expansion of a US wildlife refuge in a region characterized by strong town character and high human population density, development, and property values. Our objectives were to: (1) determine whether acquisition targets could be achieved given competing objectives; (2) evaluate tradeoffs between social, economic, and ecological objectives; and (3) evaluate how landscape development influences tradeoffs. We used genetic algorithms to generate and evaluate outcomes for refuge expansion that could systematically navigate multi-objective tradeoffs. Ecological objectives included maximizing total protected habitat, priority habitats, and connectivity between protected properties. Economic and social objectives included minimizing acquisition cost, loss of areas under high development pressure, and town character conflict. Land acquisition targets could be met, though not without economic and social tradeoffs. Positive outcomes for area protected and connectivity resulted in poor outcomes for the other four objectives. Win–win refuge expansion solutions were available for some objectives, but there were also consistent tradeoff relationships, which were exacerbated in areas with high development pressure. This multi-objective approach allows decision makers to account for tradeoffs and hard choices between social-ecological objectives. Explicit consideration of multiple, competing objectives and their benefits, losses, and costs increases transparency and improves decision making.
β-Catenin/Tcf7l2–dependent transcriptional regulation of GLUT1 gene expression by Zic family proteins in colon cancer

The zinc finger of the cerebellum (ZIC) proteins has been implicated to function in normal tissue development. Recent studies have described the critical functions of Zic proteins in cancers and the potential tumor-suppressive functions in colon cancer development and progression. To elucidate the functional roles of Zic proteins in colorectal cancer, we knocked out the Zic5 gene and analyzed the chromatin localization pattern and transcriptional regulation of target gene expression. We found that Zic5 regulates glucose metabolism, and Zic5 knockout is accompanied by an increased glycolytic state and tolerance to a low-glucose condition. Furthermore, loss of β-catenin or TCF7l2 diminishes the chromatin binding of Zic5 globally. Our studies suggest that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has a strong influence on the function of Zic proteins and glucose metabolism in colorectal cancers through GLUT1. Interfering Wnt/-catenin–Zic5 axis–regulated aerobic glycolysis represents a potentially effective strategy to selectively target colon cancer cells.
Myocardial protection with complementary dose of modified Del Nido cardioplegia during heart transplantation

Myocardial protection during heart transplantation is achieved by a first dose of heart preservation solution during donor heart harvesting, while there is no consensus about the management of complementary doses during implantation in the recipient. We describe a preliminary case series where modified Del Nido Cardioplegia was used as complementary dose at the time of donor heart implantation.
Factors associated with choice for surgery in newly symptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears: a prospective cohort evaluation

Background The patient-related factors for the perceived need for surgery for degenerative rotator cuff tears are not known. The purpose of this study is to examine patient- and tear-specific factors leading to surgery in newly painful degenerative rotator cuff tears. Methods Asymptomatic, degenerative rotator cuff tears were followed prospectively to identify the onset of pain and tear enlargement. Newly painful tears were continually monitored with a focus on identifying patient-specific (age, occupation, activity level) and tear-specific (tear type and size, tear progression, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, muscle degeneration) factors that are associated with surgical intervention. Results Forty-eight of 169 newly painful shoulders were eventually managed surgically. Factors associated with surgical treatment included younger age (P = .0004), pain development earlier in surveillance (P = .0002), a greater increase in pain (P = .0001), a decline in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P Discussion For newly painful rotator cuff tears, patient-specific factors such as younger age and prior surgery on the contralateral shoulder are more predictive of future surgery than tear-specific factors or changes in tear size over time.
Visible Light Positioning for Location-Based Services in Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to the evolution in manufacturing from computerization to fully cyberphysical systems that exploit rich sensor data, adaptive real-time safety-critical control, and machine learning. An important aspect of this vision is the sensing and subsequent association of objects in the physical world with their cyber and virtual counterparts. In this paper we propose Visible Light Positioning (VLP) as an enabler for these Industry 4.0 applications. We also explore sensing techniques, including cameras (and depth sensors), and other light-based solutions for object positioning and detection along with their respective limitations. We then demonstrate an application of positioning for real time robot control in an interactive multiparty cyber-physical-virtual deployment. Lastly, based on our experience with this cyberphysical-virtual application, we propose Ray-Surface Positioning (RSP), a novel VLP technique, as a low cost positioning system for Industry 4.0.
Seed investment bounds for viral marketing under generalized diffusion

This paper attempts to provide viral marketeers guidance in terms of an investment level that could help capture some desired γ percentage of the market-share by some target time $t$ with a desired level of confidence. To do this, we first introduce a diffusion model for social networks. A distance-dependent random graph is then considered as a model for the underlying social network, which we use to analyze the proposed diffusion model. Using the fact that vertices degrees have an almost Poisson distribution in distance-dependent random networks, we then provide a lower bound on the probability of the event that the time it takes for an idea (or a product, disease, etc.) to dominate a pre-specified γ percentage of a social network (denoted by $R$ γ ) is smaller than some pre-selected target time $t > 0$ , i.e., we find a lower bound on the probability of the event {R γ ≤ t}. Simulation results performed over a wide variety of networks, including random as well as real-world, are then provided to verify that our bound indeed holds in practice. The Kullback-Leibler divergence measure is used to evaluate performance of our lower bound over these groups of networks, and as expected, we note that for networks that deviate more from the Poisson degree distribution, our lower bound does worse.
Synthesis and characterization of semiconducting sinnerite (Cu6As4S9) thin films

Sinnerite (Cu6As4S9) is a semiconductor computed to have attractive optoelectronic properties, but little attention has been paid to its experimental synthesis and characterization. Here, the authors report the first synthesis of polycrystalline sinnerite thin films. By heating Cu3AsS4 nanoparticles in sealed ampoules with As2S2 powder, a phase transformation to Cu6As4S9 is achieved along with the formation of micronsized dense grains appropriate for device applications. The films display a bandgap of ~1.2 eV, significant photocurrent generation under simulated AM1.5 illumination, and carrier lifetimes nearing 1 ns, demonstrating the promise of sinnerite for use in photovoltaic applications.
NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Client Impact Survey: Presentation

Created in 1988, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides knowledge and problem-solving services to improve the productivity, economic competitiveness, and technological capabilities of America's manufacturers, particularly small manufacturers. Since 1996, NIST MEP has used an independent third-party organization to conduct national research with clients who have completed their first projects with local NIST MEP centers. The surveys collect aggregate information on program performance indicators to report to stakeholders, and provide center-specific program performance and impact information for center use.
Controlled Substance Disposal Practices of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Purpose The goal of this study was to examine the medication wasting and disposal practices of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) who deliver outpatient anesthesia using controlled substances, and to determine what factors, if any, influence those practices. Methods The investigators composed an anonymous online survey that was emailed to OMSs currently practicing in the United States. Participants were questioned about their length of practice experience, drug disposal training, specific methods employed for medication disposal, and the use of a witness during the disposal process. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed. The P value was set at 0.05. Results A total of 5,551 surveys were sent, yielding 719 responses (13%) and 656 completed surveys. The most common disposal methods reported were pouring the unused medications into an absorbent (n = 207, 32.4%), pouring into the sink (n = 196, 30.7%), placing into the sharps container (n = 141, 22.1%), and pouring into the trash (n = 32, 5%). Most respondents (n = 543, 84.7%) utilize a witness during the drug inactivation process. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between years of practice experience and receiving formal training in guidelines for the disposal of controlled substances during residency (P Conclusions Medication disposal practices vary widely among OMSs who deliver outpatient anesthesia using controlled substances. Formal training in this area is associated with a greater likelihood of maintaining a standardized disposal method that utilizes a witness during drug disposal but is not associated with rendering the medications nonretrievable during the process. Further educational opportunities among OMSs and residents may help to improve compliance with drug disposal regulations.
Predictors of an Extended Length of Stay following an Elective Craniotomy in Children and Young Adults.

Background Length of stay (LOS) is now a generally accepted clinical metric within the USA. An extended LOS following an elective craniotomy can significantly impact overall costs. Few studies have evaluated predictors of an extended LOS in pediatric neurosurgical patients. Objective The aim of the study was to determine predictors of an extended hospital LOS following an elective craniotomy in children and young adults. Methods All pediatric patients and young adults undergoing an elective craniotomy between January 1, 2010, and April 1, 2019, were retrospectively identified using a prospectively maintained database. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and surgical data were collected. The primary outcome was extended LOS, defined as a postsurgical stay greater than 7 days. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Results A total of 1,498 patients underwent 1,720 elective craniotomies during the study period over the course of 1,698 hospitalizations with a median LOS of 4 days (interquartile range 3-6 days). Of these encounters, 218 (12.8%) had a prolonged LOS. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that non-Caucasian race (OR = 1.9 [African American]; OR = 1.6 [other]), the presence of an existing shunt (OR = 1.8), the type of craniotomy (OR = 0.3 [vascular relative to Chiari]), and the presence of a postoperative complication (OR = 14.7) were associated with an extended LOS. Conclusions Inherent and modifiable factors predict a hospital stay of more than a week in children and young adults undergoing an elective craniotomy.
Intubating with C-Spine Precautions

An unstable cervical spine poses several challenges to the anesthesiologist. It restricts the neck range of motion, thereby limiting the ease with which an optimal view of the larynx can be obtained. This chapter reviews essential questions that must be addressed when presented with an unstable cervical spine. In answering these questions, the anesthesiologist can gather essential information and make an informed decision on how to proceed safely with intubation. Ultimately the goal is to secure the airway without causing harm to the patient.
Qué es una categoría ontológica

In this article, I examine the concept of a natural class and propose a definition of "ontological category" in terms of that concept. Let's say a class is "large" if its membership comprises a significant proportion of the things which are there. Let's say a class is "high" if it is not a proper subclass of any natural class. Then a natural class is a primary ontological category if and only if (a) there are large natural classes, and (b) it is a high class. (Secondary, tertiary, etc., ontological categories are defined by an extension of this definition). I defend the definition, consider various ways in which it might be modified, and apply it to the problem of constructing a taxonomy of ontologies.
Digest: Recurrence of sexually dimorphic neurological structure in neotropical butterflies.

Although many traits can be gained or lost over evolutionary time, it has long been unclear whether complex sensory processing structures, such as brain neuropils, can be regained after having been lost. Morris et al. show that a part of the brain once lost in butterflies, a macro-glomeruli complex (MGC) in the antennal lobe, is prevalent and has diversified in the Ithomiini tribe. This structure is sexually dimorphic in some species. This re-emergence of a complex sensory processing structure is likely driven by ecological factors.
On relay node placement problem for survivable wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are widely applied to many fields such as animal habitat monitoring, air traffic control, and health monitoring. One of the current problems with wireless sensor networks is the ability to overcome communication failures due to hardware failure, distributing sensors in an uneven geographic area, or unexpected obstacles between sensors. One common solution to overcome this problem is to place a minimum number of relay nodes among sensors so that the communication among sensors is guaranteed. This is called Relay Node Placement Problem (RNP). This problem has been proved as NP-hard for a simple connected graph. Therefore, many algorithms have been developed based on Steiner graphs. Since RNP for a connected graph is NP-hard, the RNP for a survivable network has been conjectured as NP-hard and the algorithms for a survivable network have also been developed based on Steiner graphs. In this study, we show the new approximation bound for the survivable wireless sensor networks using the Steiner graphs based algorithm. We prove that the approximation bound is guaranteed in an environment where some obstacles are laid, and also propose the newly developed algorithm which places fewer relay nodes than the existing algorithms. Consequently, the main purpose of this study is to find the minimum number of relay nodes in order to meet the survivability requirements of wireless sensor networks.
Ca2+-Permeable AMPA Receptors and Spontaneous Presynaptic Transmitter Release at Developing Excitatory Spinal Synapses

At many mature vertebrate glutamatergic synapses, excitatory transmission strength and plasticity are regulated by AMPA and NMDA receptor (AMPA-R and NMDA-R) activation and by patterns of presynaptic transmitter release. Both receptors potentially direct neuronal differentiation by mediating postsynaptic Ca2+influx during early development. However, the development of synaptic receptor expression and colocalization has been examined developmentally in only a few systems, and changes in release properties at neuronal synapses have not been characterized extensively. We recorded miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) from spinal interneurons in Xenopus embryos and larvae. In mature 5–8 d larvae, ∼70% of mEPSCs in Mg2+-free saline are composed of both a fast AMPA-R-mediated component and a slower NMDA-R-mediated decay, indicating receptor colocalization at most synapses. By contrast, in 39–40 hr embryos ∼65% of mEPSCs are exclusively fast, suggesting that these synapses initially express predominantly AMPA-R. In a physiological Mg2+concentration (1 mm), mEPSCs throughout development are mainly AMPA-R-mediated at negative potentials. Embryonic synaptic AMPA-R are highly Ca2+-permeable, mEPSC amplitude is over twofold larger than at mature synapses, and mEPSCs frequently occur in bursts consistent with asynchronous multiquantal release. AMPA-R function in this motor pathway thus appears to be independent of previous NMDA-R activation, unlike other regions of the developing nervous system, ensuring a greater reliability for embryonic excitatory transmission. Early spontaneous excitatory activity is specialized to promote AMPA-R-mediated synaptic Ca2+ influx, which likely has significant roles in neuronal development.
Intermodulation components in the transmitter RF output due to high voltage power supply ripple

The economic feasibility of eliminating the 400-Hz motor-generator sets used to provide power to the high-voltage power supplies of the 20-kW transmitters and replace them with a 60-Hz high-voltage power supply was investigated. The efficiency of a power supply that runs from the 60-Hz line directly would pay for itself in about seven years and could be designed so that the transmitter would meet all the incidental phase and amplitude modulation specifications.
Survivability schemes for optical backbone and access networks

Network survivability, reflecting the ability of a network to maintain an acceptable level of service during and after failures, is an important requirement for WDM optical networks due to the ultrahigh capacity. The most common network failure is the link failure which could cause enormous data loss and lots of service disruption to Internet users. Although single-link failures are the most common failure scenarios, double-link failures can occur in some cases and cause more severe problem. Compared to unicast sessions, multicast sessions suffer more seriously from link failures because a link may carry traffic to multiple destinations rather than to a single destination. Hence, multicast sessions demand more effective and efficient protection against link failures. With the increasing demand for access bandwidth, the access networks draw more attention. The hybrid wireless-optical broadbandaccess network (WOBAN) is a promising architecture for future access networks because it combines the high capacity of optical communication and the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of a wireless network. First, we consider the problem of protecting unicast connections against double link failures. The basic idea is to use two p-Cycles, with link-disjoint protection segments, to protect each working link. To utilize spare capacity more efficiently, we also propose a new hybrid protection/restoration scheme to handle two-link failures. Our scheme uses protection to ensure that most of the affected demands can be restored using the pre-planned backup paths upon a two-link failure. For the demands not restorable with protection, we use dynamic restoration to find new backup paths for them. Second, we propose protection schemes for multicast sessions under one link failure. An intelligent p-Cycle (IpC) scheme is presented to provide p-Cycle protection for dynamic multicast sessions. When a multicast request arrives, a multicast tree is computed for it and then the IpC scheme is used to compute a set of high efficient p-Cycles on-demand to protect each link on the multicast tree. Then we
Continuous polymerization of vinyl acetate—II: On-line estimation of process drift

Abstract The parametric sensitivity of a linearized extended Kalman filter estimating drift rates of inhibitor feed concentration, reactor residence time and capillary pressure-drop measurement was studied by computer simulation. No more than two parameters could be successfully estimated at the same time. Limited-memory filters were not as effective as the filter with unlimited memory.
Mode of action of the competence-inducing factor of Bacillus stearothermophilus.

Abstract Development of competence in the noncompetent mutant of Bacillus stearothermophilus 4S requires a soluble competence-inducing factor (CF). This study describes several observations that define the mechanism of action of this factor. (i) CF interacts with cells, protoplasts, or cytoplasmic membranes in a temperature-dependent reaction; incubation of CF with cells alters the sedimentation properties of the cells. (ii) Association between CF and the cytoplasmic membrane appears to be the first and rate-limiting step in the process of transfection with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from bacteriophage TP-IC. (iii) The membrane-CF complex is capable of removing infectious DNA from the supernatant fraction in vitro. (iv) Twenty phage-resistant mutants are unable to undergo the above reactions. A model is developed in which CF serves as a dynamic mediator of the reaction between the transfecting DNA and the cell surface.
Technical Note: Initial characterization of the new EBT-XD Gafchromic film.

Purpose: To assess the dosimetric accuracy and energy dependence of the new EBT-eXtended Dose (XD) Gafchromic film and to compare the lateral response artifact (LRA) between EBT-XD and EBT3 film. Methods: EBT3 and EBT-XD calibration curves were created by exposing films to known doses from 0 to 3000 cGy using a 6 MV beam. To assess the accuracy and dynamic range of EBT-XD, a 60° enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) was used to deliver a dose range of approximately 200–2900 cGy. Comparison to treatment planning system (TPS) calculation was made using a gamma analysis with 2%/2 mm passing criteria. To assess and compare the LRA between EBT3 and EBT-XD, 21 × 21 cm2 open fields delivered doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 cGy to both types of film. Films were placed at the center of the scanner, and ratios of measured to TPS predicted doses were calculated at 50 and 80 mm lateral from the scanner center in order to quantitatively assess the LRA. To evaluate the energy dependence of EBT-XD film, seven known doses ranging from 400 to 3000 cGy were delivered using both 6 and 18 MV beams and the resulting optical densities (ODs) compared. Results: The gamma passing rate was 99.1% for the 6 MV EDW delivery. EBT-XD film exhibited minimal LRA (<1%) up to 3000 cGy. In contrast, EBT3 demonstrated an under-response of 11.3% and 22.7% at lateral positions of 50 and 80 mm, respectively, for the 3000 cGy exposure. Differences between ODs of the EBT-XD films exposed to known doses from 6 to 18 MV beams were <0.8% suggesting minimal energy dependence throughout this energy range. Conclusions: The LRA of EBT-XD is greatly reduced when compared to EBT3. This in combination with its accuracy from 0 to 3000 cGy and minimal energy dependence from 6 to 18 MV makes EBT-XD film well suited for dosimetric measurements in high dose SRS/SBRT applications.
Peruvian Infotainment: From Fujimori's Media Dictatorship to Democracy's Satire

This article explores how Peruvian sensational and spectacular media served the authoritarian discourse of Alberto Fujimori's government (1990–2000), and how TV infotainment evolved under democracy after 2000. Through interviews with producers and hosts of the TV shows and by reviewing specific episodes and media events, this article analyses five of the most representative Peruvian infotainment TV shows of the last two decades in Peru. Building upon a theory on media spectacle, infotainment and tabloidisation, this research shows how an increasing process of media hybridity–the blending of journalism, entertainment, politics, and popular culture–has challenged traditional notions of journalism and has become a prevalent strategy of new political communication forms in Peru, connecting with the global trend towards political infotainment in the media.
Generation Chick: Reading Bridget Jones's Diary, Jessica, 30., and Dies ist kein Liebeslied as Postfeminist Novels

This article examines Helen Fielding’s, Marlene Streeruwitz’s, and Karen Duve’s novels in the context of the literarisches Frauleinwunder, the generic conventions of chick lit, and postfeminism, relating all three to the globalization of the book publishing industry and its effects on German-language fiction. I argue that Duve’s and Streeruwitz’s texts can be understood as responses to the Anglo-American chick lit that flooded the German-language book market in the 1990s, of which Fielding’s novel is one of the best-known. Close readings situate both German-language novels firmly within the generic conventions of chick lit, and then look at the ways the texts relate to postfeminism, as well as secondand third-wave feminism. I conclude by arguing that our concept of Frauenliteratur should be expanded to include chick lit as well as more overtly political feminist texts. This article is available in Studies in 20th & 21st Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol35/iss1/9 Generation Chick: Reading Bridget Jones’s Diary, Jessica, 30., and Dies ist kein Liebeslied as Postfeminist Novels Brenda Bethman University of Missouri-Kansas City Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, the novel widely considered one of chick lit’s founding texts, was published in 1996, the same year that Anne Strelau travels to London to reunite with loveof-her-life Peter Hemstedt in Karen Duve’s Dies ist kein Liebeslied ‘This is not a Love Song’ (2000). In 1999, Volker Hage published his now notorious Spiegel articles introducing the phrase “literarisches Frauleinwunder” ‘literary miracle girl’; one of the Frauleins mentioned by Hage was Karen Duve.1 Marlene Streeruwitz’s Jessica, 30. was published in 2004. While at first glance, these publishing events seem to have little or nothing in common, they are in fact linked through their relationship to the global phenomenon of chick lit. In this article, I read these three novels in the context of the literarisches Frauleinwunder, chick lit’s generic conventions, and postfeminism, connecting them to the globalization of the book publishing industry and its effects on German-language fiction. Both Duve’s and Streeruwitz’s novels can be understood as a response to the Anglo-American chick lit that flooded the German-language book market in the 1990s, of which Fielding’s novel is one of the best-known. I relate the German-language texts to chick lit in three ways: 1) via the literary market: both novels respond to chick lit as a global phenomenon, while also reacting to the calls for a return to storytelling in German-language literature; 2) generically: Fielding, Duve, and Streeruwitz employ similar narrative strategies (first-person narration) and themes (weight and the body); 3) the relationship of the texts and authors to feminism/postfeminism: to varying degrees, all three can be read as postfeminist novels. Final1 Bethman: Generation Chick: Reading Bridget Jones’s Diary, Jessica, 30., an Published by New Prairie Press
On the squared unsymmetric Lanczos method

The biorthogonal Lanczos and the biconjugate gradient methods have been proposed as iterative methods to approximate the solution of nonsymmetric and indefinite linear systems. Sonneveld (1989) obtained the conjugate gradient squared by squaring the matrix polynomials of the biconjugate gradient method. Here we square the unsymmetric (or biorthogonal) Lanczos method for computing the eigenvalues of nonsymmetric matrices. Three forms of restarted squared Lanczos methods for solving unsymmetric linear systems of equations were derived. Numerical experiments with unsymmetric (in)definite linear systems of equations comparing these methods to a restarted (orthogonal) Krylov subspace iterative method showed that the new methods are competitive and they require that a fixed small number of direction vectors be stored in the main memory.
Fischer-tropsch synthesis over zeolite-supported ruthenium catalysts derived from Ru3(CO)12

Abstract A set of zeolite-supported Ru catalysts was prepared from Ru 3 (CO) 12 using zeolites NaX, NaY, KL and NaMordenite. These catalysts were characterized and studied under Fischer-Tropsch conditions in order to determine their unique properties and the effect of the zeolite support. For comparison, a catalyst using SiO 2 as support was also used. Ru 3 (CO) 12 did not appear to be able to diffuse into NaX. Overall, the best catalyst in terms of high Ru dispersion, low methane selectivity and high olefin selectivity was Ru/NaY. The type of zeolite used as the support had a strong effect on methane selectivity. This method of preparation, compared to the ion-exchange method, is much superior in producing low yields of methane and high yields of olefins.
FFT Length in Digital Filtering

When the FFT is employed for nonrecursive digital filtering, the time required to process one block of input data, N samples long, is often approximately of the form N(logr (N) + Q), where Q ≥ 0. Earlier results on determining optimum N have assued Q ≥0, becauese it has long been informally observed that typically little is to be gained by taking the value of Q > 0 into account, and because the assumption that Q = 0 permits determination of N without reference to machine dependent parameters
Calcium Citrate Markedly Enhances Aluminum Absorption From Aluminum Hydroxide

The effect of calcium citrate on intestinal aluminum absorption, assessed by the increment in urinary aluminum excretion, was evaluated in eight normal men. Baseline urinary aluminum excretion was determined for 2 days; thereafter, subjects ingested aluminum hydroxide for 3 days. In a cross-over study, subjects were given either calcium citrate, 950 mg four times a day, or placebo during the 3 days of aluminum hydroxide ingestion (2.4 g/d). Plasma aluminum levels were measured on the second control day and the third day of aluminum hydroxide ingestion. Baseline urinary aluminum excretion was 0.02 ± 0.004 (6.5 ± 1.1 μg/g creatinine) and 0.03 ± 0.005 μmol/mmol creatinine (7.4 ± 1.3 μg/g creatinine). These values increased during aluminum hydroxide therapy, but values were much greater when calcium citrate was ingested with aluminum hydroxide. On 3 consecutive days, urinary aluminum excretion levels were 11.1 ± 3.23, 8.8 ± 2.9, and 5.3 ± 0.7 times greater during the administration of calcium citrate with aluminum hydroxide than with aluminum hydroxide alone. Plasma aluminum levels did not differ in the two treatment groups. Thus, calcium citrate markedly enhances the absorption of aluminum from aluminum hydroxide and the two must not be prescribed together in patients with renal failure.
Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vagina

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a recently described pathological condition which affects mainly the soft tissues of the pelvis and perineum in women. It is neither encapsulated nor circumscribed and has a tendency for local recurrence. We report a 50-year-old woman who presented with a mass arising within the vaginal wall and extending to the perineum which appeared cystic on ultrasound. The mass was excised and there is no evidence of recurrence 40 months after surgery.
THE BIOACTIVITY OF IMMUNOREACTIVE ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN IN HUMAN BLOOD IS DEPENDENT ON THE SECRETORY STATE OF THE PITUITARY GLAND

A highly sensitive bioassay, using preincubated purified isolated rat adrenal cells, has been developed for measuring plasma ACTH. This bioassay enables detection of ACTH in plasma of about 0.9 pmol/l. Bioactive ACTH (B-ACTH) plasma levels were determined during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in 12 female subjects and the values were compared with immunoreactive ACTH (I-ACTH) levels. The mean (+/- SD) basal B-ACTH level amounted to 1.7 +/- 0.8 pmol/l, the mean I-ACTH to 2.9 +/- 1.4 pmol/l. The highest mean B-ACTH plasma value was found 30 min after insulin injection: 14.7 +/- 15.7 pmol/l (I-ACTH: 12.8 +/- 9.9 pmol/l). By 90 min the B-ACTH level had returned to baseline (1.6 +/- 0.8 pmol/l), whereas the I-ACTH level was still significantly higher (5.4 +/- 2.7 pmol/l) than at time zero. Remarkably, the B-ACTH to I-ACTH ratio (B/I ratio) showed a biphasic profile during the insulin tolerance test, the ratio increasing from 0.60 +/- 0.77 at time zero to 1.08 +/- 0.35 at the ACTH peak, and decreasing after that to a lower value of 0.33 +/- 0.11 at 90 min. From these results it is concluded: (1) in the morning hours a considerable amount of circulating I-ACTH has no steroidogenic activity; (2) the B/I ratio temporarily increases immediately after insulin injection but gradually decreases afterwards to values half the baseline level at 90 min. Whereas this decrease at 90 min can be explained by differences in disappearance rates, the increase of B-ACTH relative to I-ACTH at 30 min indicates that estimations of immunoreactive ACTH reflect the biological activity of newly released ACTH with greater precision than at steady state level. Thus, the B/I-ACTH ratio can be used as a tool for measuring the state of the pituitary releasing activity.
miR-27b Targets KSRP to Coordinate TLR4-Mediated Epithelial Defense against Cryptosporidium parvum Infection

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal epithelium and causes a diarrheal disease. Toll-like receptor (TLR)- and NF-κB-mediated immune responses from epithelial cells, such as production of antimicrobial peptides and generation of reactive nitrogen species, are important components of the host's defense against cryptosporidial infection. Here we report data demonstrating a role for miR-27b in the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB-mediated epithelial anti-Cryptosporidium parvum responses. We found that C. parvum infection induced nitric oxide (NO) production in host epithelial cells in a TLR4/NF-κB-dependent manner, with the involvement of the stabilization of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA. C. parvum infection of epithelial cells activated NF-κB signaling to increase transcription of the miR-27b gene. Meanwhile, downregulation of KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) was detected in epithelial cells following C. parvum infection. Importantly, miR-27b targeted the 3'-untranslated region of KSRP, resulting in translational suppression. C. parvum infection decreased KSRP expression through upregulating miR-27b. Functional manipulation of KSRP or miR-27b caused reciprocal alterations in iNOS mRNA stability in infected cells. Forced expression of KSRP and inhibition of miR-27b resulted in an increased burden of C. parvum infection. Downregulation of KSRP through upregulating miR-27b was also detected in epithelial cells following LPS stimulation. These data suggest that miR-27b targets KSRP and modulates iNOS mRNA stability following C. parvum infection, a process that may be relevant to the regulation of epithelial anti-microbial defense in general.
Future linear-algebra libraries

The ultimate development of fully mature, parallel scalable libraries will necessarily depend on breakthroughs in many supporting technologies. Scalable library development cannot wait, however, until all the enabling technologies are in place for two reasons: the need for such libraries for existing and near-term parallel architectures is immediate; and progress in all the supporting technologies depends on feedback from concurrent efforts in library development. The paper considers the future of linear algebra libraries.
SNAREs can promote complete fusion and hemifusion as alternative outcomes

Using a cell fusion assay, we show here that in addition to complete fusion SNAREs also promote hemifusion as an alternative outcome. Approximately 65% of events resulted in full fusion, and the remaining 35% in hemifusion; of those, approximately two thirds were permanent and approximately one third were reversible. We predict that this relatively close balance among outcomes could be tipped by binding of regulatory proteins to the SNAREs, allowing for dynamic physiological regulation between full fusion and reversible kiss-and-run–like events.