cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Landmark detection for distinctive feature-based speech recognition

This thesis is a component of a proposed knowledge-based speech recognition system which uses landmarks to guide the search for distinctive features. In an utterance, landmarks identify localized regions where the acoustic manifestations of the linguistically-motivated distinctive features are most salient. This thesis describes an algorithm for automatically detecting landmarks associated with segments having abrupt acoustics. As a consequence of landmark detection, the algorithm also provides hypotheses about the underlying broad phonetic class at each landmark. The algorithm is hierarchically-structured, and is rooted in linguistic and speech production theory. It uses several factors to detect landmarks: energy abruptness in five frequency bands and at two levels of temporal resolution, segmental duration, specific broad phonetic class constraints, and articulatory constraints. Landmark detection experiments were performed on clean speech (including TIMIT), speech in noise, and telephone speech. On clean speech, the landmark detector performed relatively well, with a detection rate of about 90% if correct landmark type was required, and 94% if correct landmark type was not required. The insertion rate was 6%-9%. An analysis of the temporal precision of the landmark detector showed that a large majority of the landmarks were detected within 20 ms of the landmark transcription, and almost all were within 30 ms. For either speech in noise or telephone speech, performance understandably degraded due to the reduced information content in the speech signal. For each set of experiments, the landmark detection algorithm was manually customized to the database using knowledge about speech and the operating environment. One consequence of this knowledge-driven approach is that there is no degradation in performance between what is typically called the "training" data set and the test data set. This approach also allows careful evaluation and further improvements to be made in a methodical manner. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
SU‐GG‐T‐354: Development and Evaluation of a Low Cost, EBT2 Film‐Based Real‐Time Dosimeter

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a low‐cost GafChromic film‐based real‐time dosimeter for practical radiation dosimetry.Method: The dosimeter employs EBT2 film chips, LEDs at 680 nm and 618 nm, a photodiode, and plastic optical fibers. Red light from the LED, modulated by sinusoidal signal, is guided with a φ=1 mm fiber toward a film chip as small as 2×2 mm2. Transmitted light is carried by another φ=0.5 or 1 mm fiber toward the photodiode. A Java program generates the sinusoidal signal, samples the photodiode signal and computes its amplitude in real time via FFT. Dose response to 6MV photon beams was characterized with a Siemens Primus linac and a Varian Novalis radiosurgerylinac. Scp of the Novalis linac was measured down to 0.6×0.6 cm2 using multiple film chips. Results: The dosimeter has 16‐bit resolution with a SNR of ∼80 dB. At 680 nm, optical density responded to dose linearly at ∼10−4/cGy up to 75 Gy. At 618 nm, response was approximately 30 times greater. Response was non‐linear but easily approximated with a cubic polynomial. The accuracy of the dosimeter was estimated to be better than 2% if the film is allowed to settle for one day. The accuracy of the real‐time dosimetry is affected by the settling time the optical density takes to reach asymptotic value. The Scp, measured by the dosimeter was comparable to ion chamber and diode detectors down to sizes of 4.2×4.2 cm2, but was reduced as field size decreased, e.g. by ∼4% at 1.2×1.2 cm2. Conclusions: A real‐time, low‐cost dosimeter was developed based on radiochromic‐film at 618 nm. It can be easily implemented and conveniently used for in‐vivo dosimetry given its demonstrated accuracy. Research is supported by Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center. GafChromic film is provided by the International Specialty Products.
Studies on a biomimetic approach to aerothionin and psammaplysin-A

Abstract Oxidation of a plausible biological precursor for the spirocyclic systems of aerothionin (1) and psammaplysin-A (2) is described.
An Addendum to “Linear Estimation of the Weibull Parameters”

Linear, asymptotically normal and efficient estimators are given for the shape parameter of the two parameter Weibull distribution when the scale parameter is known and for the log of the scale parameter when the shape parameter is known. The weights of the ordered observations and other constants needed for these estimators are readily obtainable from a previous article of the author.
Delivering nanoparticles to lungs while avoiding liver and spleen through adsorption on red blood cells.

Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are one of the most widely investigated approaches for developing novel therapies for a variety of diseases. However, rapid clearance and poor targeting limit their clinical utility. Here, we describe an approach to harness the flexibility, circulation, and vascular mobility of red blood cells (RBCs) to simultaneously overcome these limitations (cellular hitchhiking). A noncovalent attachment of nanoparticles to RBCs simultaneously increases their level in blood over a 24 h period and allows transient accumulation in the lungs, while reducing their uptake by liver and spleen. RBC-adsorbed nanoparticles exhibited ∼3-fold increase in blood persistence and ∼7-fold higher accumulation in lungs. RBC-adsorbed nanoparticles improved lung/liver and lung/spleen nanoparticle accumulation by over 15-fold and 10-fold, respectively. Accumulation in lungs is attributed to mechanical transfer of particles from the RBC surface to lung endothelium. Independent tracing of both nanopart...
Lipid peroxidation in cord blood and neonatal outcome

Background: Periventricular–intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease and retinopathy of prematurity have been referred to as oxygen radical diseases (ORD) because they are thought to be related to excess oxidant stress relative to anti-oxidant defenses in premature infants. 8-Isoprostane is a product of lipid peroxidation that can be used as a measure of free radical exposure or injury. The aim of the present study was to determine whether fetal oxidant stress is associated with adverse effects in preterm infants. Methods: Mothers delivering at gestational age <37 weeks were recruited. Umbilical arterial and venous cord blood samples were collected and 8-isoprostane levels measured. Levels of 8-isoprostane in cord blood were correlated with maternal and perinatal variables, neonatal mortality, and the development of one or more ORD. Results: Umbilical cord venous, but not arterial, 8-isoprostane levels were associated with mortality and the development of one or more of the ORD. After controlling for gestational age, for each unit change in the log value of 8-isoprostane in venous cord blood the odds of mortality were 12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–223) and oxygen radical disease were 2.7 (95%CI: 1–7.2). Isoprostane levels were not related to gender, method of delivery, use of maternal magnesium or steroids, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or delivery room resuscitation. Conclusion: Oxidant stress in utero may be an important determinant of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Elevated umbilical venous isoprostane levels suggest that oxidative injury to maternal and placental tissues predispose to adverse neonatal outcomes.
Symptomatology and health care utilization of women primary care patients who experienced childhood sexual abuse

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the symptomatology of women primary care patients who experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA), using both a self-report survey and a chart review, and (2) determine their health care utilization patterns, using chart and information system reviews. METHOD: An ex post facto research design was used. Women primary care patients who experienced CSA were compared with those who reported no CSA. Participants were recruited from a random sample of women patients from a large primary care clinic. They were mailed the survey; chart and information system reviews were conducted on those who returned surveys. RESULTS: Of the 395 participants, 23% reported past CSA on the survey. Women who experienced CSA reported 44 out of 51 physical and psychosocial symptoms more frequently than their counterparts who reported no past CSA. Further, they experienced these symptoms more intensely and in greater number. In their charts, however, far fewer differences in symptoms between groups were found. Nonetheless, women who experienced CSA visited the primary care clinic an average of 1.33 more times than women with no CSA, and they incurred an average of $150 more in primary care charges over a 2-year period. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that many women primary care patients who experienced CSA suffer multiple symptoms that are not reflected in their charts. In addition, the findings demonstrate that not only is CSA associated with increased primary care visits, but also increased primary care costs, as measured by charges. Language: en
The performance of new, redesigned ignitron tubes in axial magnetic fields

The test results from two special ignitron tubes exposed to axial magnetic fields are described. The experiments were made using a capacitor bank with 2.56 mF total capacitance and 128 kJ maximum energy at 10 kV. To study the effects of axial magnetic fields on the switching characteristics, including the self-breakdown voltage of the tubes, the test specimens were mounted inside four high-power, water-cooled electromagnets. The highest magnetic field which can be generated by this arrangement is 0.7 T for conduction tests and 1.0 T for high-voltage tests. The test results include voltage and current measurements along with optical diagnostics performed on a special tube which provides optical access to the discharge volume. The ignitron tubes tested were a small, glass-walled tube and one experimental size-D tube with stainless steel walls. Particular attention is given to the failure of the glass tube and the change in holdoff ability with and without magnetic field for both the metal and glass ignitrons. >
Near-Term Procedural Enhancements in Air Traffic Control:

As the National Airspace System (NAS) of the United States grows in usage and complexity, there is continuous improvement in the procedures that support it. Of particular interest are the improvements that can be made without acquiring new automation or systems. Fundamentally, these improvements are changes to the performance of operations that make better use of the tools and capabilities currently available to the users and service providers. These changes are collectively called "procedural enhancements." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified a number of procedural enhancements that can be implemented in the 1998-2002 time frame, which has been labeled the "near-term" time frame. Due to financial constraints, not all the enhancements can be implemented, so FAA has selected several that could yield efficiency benefits to the NAS. In partnership with FAA, MITRE's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) is assisting with the implementation of several of these near-term p...
Investigating the effect of antibiotics on quorum sensing with whole-cell biosensing systems

Quorum sensing (QS) allows bacteria to communicate with one another by means of QS signaling molecules and control certain behaviors in a group-based manner, including pathogenicity and biofilm formation. Bacterial gut microflora may play a role in inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis, and antibiotics are one of the available therapeutic options for Crohn's disease. In the present study, we employed genetically engineered bioluminescent bacterial whole-cell sensing systems as a tool to evaluate the ability of antibiotics commonly employed in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions to interfere with QS. We investigated the effect of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tinidazole on quorum sensing. Several concentrations of individual antibiotics were allowed to interact with two different types of bacterial sensing cells, in both the presence and absence of a fixed concentration of N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) QS molecules. The antibiotic effect was then determined by monitoring the biosensor's bioluminescence response. Ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tinidazole exhibited a dose-dependent augmentation in the response of both bacterial sensing systems, thus showing an AHL-like effect. Additionally, such an augmentation was observed, in both the presence and absence of AHL. The data obtained indicate that ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tinidazole may interfere with bacterial communication systems. The results suggest that these antibiotics, at the concentrations tested, may themselves act as bacterial signaling molecules. The beneficial effect of these antibiotics in the treatment of intestinal inflammation may be due, at least in part, to their effect on QS-related bacterial behavior in the gut.
Electromigration Damage Mechanics of Interconnects

Current density levels are expected to increase by orders of magnitude in nanoelectronics. Electromigration which occur under high current density is the major concern for the nanoelectronics industry. Using a general purpose computational model, which is capable of simulating coupled electromigration and thermo-mechanical stress evolution, several dual damascene copper interconnect structures have been investigated for electromigration damage. Different diffusion boundary conditions including blocking and non blocking boundary conditions, current crowding effects, interface diffusion effects and material plasticity have been considered. Different damage criteria are used for quantifying material degradation. The computational simulation results match the experimental findings; therefore the model proves to be a useful tool for quantifying damage in nanoelectronics interconnects.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Inverse monoids and rational Schreier subsets of the free group.

An inverse monoidM is an idempotent-pure image of the free inverse monoid on a setX if and only ifM has a presentation of the formM=Inv , whereei,fi are idempotents of the free inverse monoid: every inverse monoid is an idempotent-separating image of one of this type. IfR is anR-class of such an inverse monoid, thenR may be regarded as a Schreier subset of the free group onX. This paper is concerned with an examination of which Schreier subsets arise in this way. In particular, ifI is finite, thenR is a rational Schreier subset of the free group. Not every rational Schreier set arises in this way, but every positively labeled rational Schreier set does.
The Importance of Begging Earnestly

The author focuses on the potential for many healthcare institutions currently called ‘Catholic’ to lose their genuine Roman Catholic identity, and he offers suggestions for the future of the Catholic identity of Catholic healthcare institutions. The author then considers one particular task of the Catholic hospital, that of showing a preferential option for the poor. Some of the threats to this task are highlighted. The author concludes with some suggestions for the renewal of Catholic identity in Catholic healthcare institutions.
Article not available electronically

This article is not available electronically because the copyright is held by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and permission was only granted for print publication. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials go to http://harvardbusiness.org . The Publisher regrets any inconvenience this may cause.
The nature of the ferrite layer on lithium corroded type 304L austenitic stainless steel

A series of type 304L austenitic stainless steel coupons have been exposed to molten lithium at test temperatures of 600 to 900 °C. Weight loss rates found in this study are compared with those reported by previous investigators. Analysis of sample surfaces indicates the presence of a solute-depleted ferritic surface layer. The role of this ferrite layer on the weight loss kinetics is discussed in view of a previously proposed model.
Magnetic resonance of fluorine-containing intercalation compounds of graphite

Abstract Graphite will react with both reductants and oxidants to form intercalation compounds which are chemically analogous to ions of aromatic molecules. Specifically, many fluorine-containing molecules will oxidize graphite to make new compounds, and fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance has proved useful in characterizing such products with respect to oxidation state and mobility of the inserted species. Non-oxidizing fluorides (as BF 3 or PF 5 ) can be introduced into graphite only with an oxidant (as ClF) to yield highly mobile anions and/or anion-neutral mixtures within the graphite planes. The weakly oxidizing fluoride AsF 5 directly intercalates graphite to yield a composite AsF 5 /AsF 3 /AsF 6 − inserted product, which exhibits high molecular mobility within the planes. Strong oxidants as KrF 2 , XeF 6 , and IF 7 intercalate graphite with correlative formation of covalent CF bonds. In cases in which molecular fluorine is used, either alone (at 24°C, as done by H. Selig) or with a non-oxidizer as WF 6 , one observes a symmetric electron spin resonance signal whose area obeys the Curie-Weiss Law. This behavior, which is in contrast to that found for the graphite/AsF 5 product, suggests that fluorine gas will have a deleterious effect on the electronic conductivity of graphite.
Potential sex differences remain understudied: A case study of the inclusion of women in HIV/AIDS-related neuropsychological research.

As an illustration of women's representation in clinical research, a comprehensive literature review of HIV/AIDS-related neuropsychological research was conducted. The goals of this study were to d...
Histone deacetylase inhibitors modulate renal cell carcinoma sensitivity to TRAIL/Apo-2L-induced apoptosis by enhancing TRAIL-R2 expression.

Every year, 12,000 people in the U.S. die from renal cell carcinoma. Current therapies include partial or complete nephrectomy or treatments such as administration of IFN-? and/or interleukins that are moderately effective, at best. Moreover, the current therapies are invasive and inefficient and new therapies are needed. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have recently been found to sensitize cells to apoptosis-inducing agents, although the mechanism of this action is largely unknown. The current study has investigated the potential of using five different histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI) (depsipeptide, MS-275, oxamflatin, sodium butyrate, and trichostatin A) to sensitize TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/Apo-2L-resistant renal cell carcinoma cells to TRAIL/Apo-2L-induced apoptosis. Sodium butyrate and trichostatin A each enhanced TRAIL/Apo-2L-mediated tumor cell death to a greater extent than the other HDACI. Annexin V staining and caspase activity demonstrated the mechanism of cell...
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELASTIC CRACK TIP INTERACTIONS WITH TRANSFORMATION STRAINS AND DISLOCATIONS

Abstract Three-dimensional elastic interactions between a half-plane crack and sources of internal stress such as transformation strains and dislocations are analyzed. These interactions include the stress intensity factors induced along the crack front by the source and the overall energy change and stress field induced in the source region owing to the presence of the crack. The analysis is based on the author's recent extension of “weight function” methods of threedimensional crack analysis[1] and principal results of that extension are summarized at the outset here.
Analysis of a non-linear frequency diverse clutter suppression algorithm

Abstract The target signal is often received in the presence of coherent noise resulting from a large number of complex and randomly distributed scatterers known as clutter, whose echoes can suppress or mask the actual target echo. This is a fundamental limitation which exists in all imaging and detection applications and cannot be removed by conventional techniques, such as time averaging. This paper examines a non-linear signal processing algorithm (polarity thresholding) used in conjunction with a frequency diversity technique (split-spectrum processing), which decorrelates clutter. Since the target echo exhibits significantly smaller amplitude variations with frequency compared to clutter, the polarity thresholding algorithm can achieve flaw enhancement by setting the output to zero at time instants where phase reversal occurs. Theoretical derivations are provided to determine the signal to noise ratio enhancement capabilities of the algorithm. Ultrasonic data obtained from large grained stainless-steel samples with flat-bottom holes are used to verify the theoretical results and demonstrate the grain echo suppression capability of the algorithm in imaging applications.
The rise of European venture capital for biotechnology

Changes in economic institutions and the entrepreneurial climate, together with a growth in venture capital funds, have greatly increased European biotechnology venture formation in recent years.
Late outcome of patients with Braunwald-Cutter mitral valve replacement

Abstract Eighty patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) with Braunwald-Cutter prostheses (54, single valve replacement; 26, multiple valve replacement) between December, 1972, and September, 1975, are discussed. The period of follow-up ranged from 72 to 120 months with a mean of 84.6 months. For the hospital survivors, actuarial survival at ten years was 73 ± 6.7% for patients with MVR alone and 30 ± 17.5% for those with multiple valve replacement. The linearized rate of embolic complications in patients with MVR was 3.2% per year and in patients with multiple valve replacement, 1.5% per year. These low rates of embolism allow a favorable comparison of the Braunwald-Cutter valve with other mechanical prostheses. There was no evidence of serious poppet wear or poppet escape after ten years of the valve in the mitral and tricuspid positions. Thus, elective replacement of the Braunwald-Cutter valve from the atrioventricular position because of this potential problem is not considered necessary. In the aortic position, escape of the poppet from the valve has occurred as late as 101 months. The overall morbidity for the group was high. Only 34% of the patients having MVR and 12% of those with multiple valve replacement are expected to be alive and to remain free from any major complication ten years after operation.
A Genetic and Physiological Study of Within Sex Variation in the Morphology of the Genital Eminence of the Chicken

Abstract VARIATIONS in the morphology of the genital eminence of chickens have been described by several workers. This structure has received little attention other than in classification studies and as a tool for commercial vent sexing. Dove (1928) found that the diminutive copulatory organ in adult domestic fowl was associated with sterility and small testes size. Hammond and Burrows (1937) classified genital eminence types of pullets into two, and later three, major groups. The two-group classification of female chicks included type A, chicks with no eminence, and type B, chicks with eminence. The three-group classification consisted of type A, chicks with no eminence; type B, presence of a “tiny-point” eminence; and type C, chicks with a male-like eminence. Using the A, B, and the A, B, C type classifications, they reported that eminence type was not related to adult mortality, age of sexual maturity, rate of lay, persistence of lay, broodiness,…
Desensitization of fire bell phobia

Abstract This case study is presented as an example of how one school psychologist helped a child-and an entire class-solve a problem. Although the techniques used are not unique to school psychological practice, the problems presented by their use are.
PERIODATE OXIDATION STUDIES OF HUMAN BRAIN GANGLIOSIDES.

Abstract 1. 1. Four chromatographically homogenous gangliosides (FM, 1-G, 3-G, 4-G) and the ceramide-tetrose (asialoganglioside) were isolated and subjected to periodate oxidation. 2. 2. Periodate reduction was quantitatively determined with the mon-, di-, and trisialoganglioside (1-G, 3-G, 4-G) preparations. 3. 3. The periodate-resistant carbohydrate residues were determined in all five preparations. 4. 4. The results are consistent with the structure monosialoganglioside proposed by Kuhn and Wiegandt . 5. 5. The disialo- and trisialongangliosides (3-G and 4-G) isolated contained a sialic acid residue resistant to periodate oxiation. Ganglioside 4-G is apparently a previously unreported trisialogangliosides, since one of the galactose residues was subject to periodate oxidation. 6. 6. Structures for the ganglioside preparations are proposed.
Point-of-care tests for sexually transmissible infections: What do 'end users' want?

Background: Clinicians and developers identify sensitivity as an important quality in a point-of-care test (POCT) for sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Little information exists regarding what patients want for STI POCTs. Methods: A qualitative study, encompassing five focus groups among attendees of STI and adolescent health centres in Baltimore, Maryland, and Cincinnati, Ohio, were conducted between March 2008 and April 2009. Discussion topics included advantages and disadvantages of having a POCT, perceived barriers to using POCTs in the clinic setting and at home, priorities for the development of new POCTs for STIs, and envisioned characteristics of an ideal POCT. All discussions wererecorded andtranscribed. A qualitativecontent analysiswas performed toexaminefrequencies orpatterns of recurring codes, which were regrouped and indexed to identify salient themes. Results: Patients attending STI and adolescent outpatient clinics are in favour of diagnostic tests that are rapid, easy to read and simple to use. Home testing options for POCTs were acceptable and provided better confidentiality, privacy and convenience, but clinic-based POCTs were also acceptable because they offer definitive results and ensure immediate treatment. Barriers to home POCTs centred on cost and the ability to read and perform the test correctly at home. Opinions did not differ by patient ethnicity, except that Hispanic participants questioned the reliability of home test results, wanted high sensitivity and desired bilingual instructions. Conclusions: Patients attending STI and adolescent medical centres are in favour of STI POCTs if they are affordable, rapid, easy to read and simple to use.
New Haven survey of joint diseases—XIII. Institutional and social care for the arthritic

Abstract The results of a survey of institutions and community-based services in the New Haven area which provided care for arthritics resident in New Haven between the end of 1963 and March 1967 are presented. A university teaching center, a church-affiliated general hospital, 2 hospitals geared to the treatment of chronic illness, a Veteran's Administration hospital, 41 nursing homes, 2 voluntary community agencies (the Visiting Nurse Association and the New Haven Rehabilitation Center) and the Connecticut and New Haven Departments of Welfare were included. It was not possible to survey the non-specialist services provided by the out-patient department of one hospital or the services of the private physicians. In all, 2264 case records were reviewed and 118 patients interviewed 31 physicians and other professional personnel were also interviewed. If it is assumed that the prevalence of arthritis in New Haven is the same as that found in the National Health Service Examination Survey, it may be estimated that approximately 4 per cent of middle-aged arthritics and 2 per cent of those aged 65 and over use services provided by the institutions studied in a year (excluding the nursing homes). It is assumed that it is unlikely that the annual use of non-specialist services for arthritis per 1000 population at risk was greater than that described by Logan and Cushion in Britain, and so shown that a maximum of 14 per cent of middle-aged arthritics and 25 per cent of those aged 65 and over with this disorder seek medical advice in a year. The pattern of in-patient care changes with increasing age. The mean age of those admitted to the general hospitals is in the late fifties, with an average stay of less than 2 weeks; that in the special hospitals over 65, with a stay of months. People admitted to nursing homes with arthritis were still older on average and stay for years. Finally there was little evidence that the care offered most of the arthritics who did seek it was carried out according to any integrated long-term plan.
The scientific imperative for utilization of human cells and tissue in virology research.

I understand my role in this conference to be one of explaining why I think it is essential that scientists continue to have reasonably easy access to human cells and tissues for use in research. My view is that of a virologist who works in the area of human diseases caused by viruses, one who daily uses a variety of human cells and tissues. I believe the use of such tissues to be so important and necessary that I have some difficulty in understanding how anyone could think otherwise. Assuming that most people think it important to curb disease, my natural tendency is to feel that if there are people who would consider placing major restrictions on the use of human cells and tissues in such areas as virus research, it must be because they do not have the appropriate information available to them. It seems to me that if one knows even rudimentary things about viruses, the necessity for cells and tissues in research becomes clear. I propose, therefore, to tell you a few things about viruses and the problems which are faced by virologists in the expectation that you will then see the need. It is difficult to provide a simple definition of a virus. Most commonly today we say that a virus outside a cell, i.e. in a test tube, consists of genetic material enclosed in a protective coat of protein. In cells, however, most of the protein is unnecessary and there the virus is a package of genetic information, i.e. a set of genes, with the potential for multiplication and for transfer to another cell. Viruses have no metabolism of their own, no motility, and they do not multiply and grow in the manner of other microorganisms. Viruses multiply only within living cells and they do so by making their genes functional parts of the cell and thereby using the synthetic apparatus of the cell to produce more virus. The cells of which I am speaking may be ones in the tissues of an animal or person or they can be ones removed and cultivated in tubes or other containers. For certain viruses they can be cells of bacteria, plants or insects; but cells are the natural habitat of viruses to the degree that it has appeared reasonable to many virologists that viruses have been derived by some unknown mechanism from the genes of cells. Since viruses which we find outside cells are relatively inert particles in a transport phase-on their way from one cell to another-the virologist is quite dependent upon cells. Living, viable cells are required for production of quantities of a virus and for study of the processes of viral multiplication. Furthermore, we are dependent upon cells for measurements of numbers of virus particles and for recognition and identification of viruses. We can recognize certain chemical and structural characteristics which are virus-like, but it is the effect of viruses upon cells that is of utmost importance. Multiplication of some viruses in cells causes death of the cells, but cell death is not the only possible effect. The presence of viral genes in a cell may alter cell function or cell behavior 662
Combustion of vertical cellulosic cylinders in air

Theoretical and experimental studies are reported on the combustion of vertically oriented cylinders of α-cellulose and birchwood in air. Cylinder diameters from 1/8 to 1 in. and lengths from 1 to 6 in. were investigated. A similarity theory for the natural-convection boundary layer adjacent to a vertical flat plate is developed for conditions of large temperature variations, of wall mass transfer and of boundary-layer combustion. The theory is used to calculate the standoff distance of the envelope flame that surrounds burning α-cellulose cylinders. Experimental measurements of the flame standoff distance are reported which support the similarity hypothesis used in the theory and which agree resonably well with the theoretical calculation. Experimental measurements of flame-plume heights for birchwood and α-cellulose cylinders are correlated with the experimental mass-loss rates by use of Froude number. These last results can best be fitted by means of a formula which differs from that of Thomas and from that of Putnam and Speich.
The influence of scaling and assortativity on takeover times in scale-free topologies

In evolving systems, the topological characteristics of population structure have a pronounced impact on the rate of spread of advantageous alleles, and therefore affect selective pressure. One common method for quantifying the influence of population structure on selective pressure is through the analysis of the expected number of generations required for a single favorable allele to saturate an entire population (a.k.a. takeover time analysis). While takeover times have been thoroughly investigated in regular population structures, the selective pressures induced by irregular interaction topologies, such as scale-free graphs, have received much less attention. In this study, we systematically investigate the influence of scaling and assortativity, two frequently overlooked topological properties, on takeover times in scale-free population structures. Our results demonstrate that the scaling parameter and the magnitude and sign of assortativity have profound and unexpected nonlinear influences on takeover times in scale-free interaction topologies. We explore the reasons behind these results and suggest ways in which they may be exploited in future studies.
Robustness of a local Fermi Liquid against Ferromagnetism and Phase Separation

We study the properties of Fermi liquids with the microscopic constraint of a local self-energy. In this case the forward scattering sum rule imposes strong limitations on the Fermi-liquid parameters, which rule out any Pomeranchek instabilities---both ferromagnetism and phase separation are suppressed. Superconductivity is possible in an $s$-wave channel only. We also study the approach to the metal-insulator transition, and find a Wilson ratio approaching 2. This ratio and other properties of ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{La}}_{x}{\mathrm{TiO}}_{3}$ are all consistent with the local Fermi-liquid scenario.
FASTCHI: AN EFFICIENT ALGORITHM FOR ANALYZING GENE-GENE INTERACTIONS

Recent advances in high-throughput genotyping have inspired increasing research interests in genome-wide association study for diseases. To understand underlying biological mechanisms of many diseases, we need to consider simultaneously the genetic efiects across multiple loci. The large number of SNPs often makes multilocus association study very computationally challenging because it needs to explicitly enumerate all possible SNP combinations at the genome-wide scale. Moreover, with the large number of SNPs correlated, permutation procedure is often needed for properly controlling family-wise error rates. This makes the problem even more computationally demanding, since the test procedure needs to be repeated for each permuted data. In this paper, we present FastChi, an exhaustive yet e‐cient algorithm for genome-wide two-locus chi-square test. FastChi utilizes an upper bound of the two-locus chi-square test, which can be expressed as the sum of two terms { both are e‐cient to compute: the flrst term is based on the single-locus chi-square test for the given phenotype; and the second term only depends on the genotypes and is independent of the phenotype. This upper bound enables the algorithm to only perform the two-locus chi-square test on a small number of candidate SNP pairs without the risk of missing any signiflcant ones. Since the second part of the upper bound only needs to be precomputed once and stored for subsequence uses, the advantage is more prominent in large permutation tests. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our method is an order of magnitude faster than the brute force alternative.
Runaway Pacemaker with Demonstration of Supernormal Period of Excitation

This report documents the presence of supernormal conduction in the normal heart. A 26-year-old woman with congenital heart block treated with a fixed-rate permanent pacemaker returned to the hospital with evidence of pacemaker failure. Pacemaker spikes occurred regularly at a rate of 140 per minute, eliciting ventricular responses only when they occurred during the supernormal period of the cardiac cycle. Telemetric cardiac monitoring revealed complete pacemaker capture, at a rate of 140 per minute when the patient was walking. Following replacement of the pulse generator, the pacemaker performed effectively.
Tunable solvation effects on the size-selective fractionation of metal nanoparticles in CO2 gas-expanded solvents

This paper presents an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, rapid, and efficient process for size-selective fractionation of polydisperse metal nanoparticle dispersions into multiple narrow size populations. The dispersibility of ligand-stabilized silver and gold nanoparticles is controlled by altering the ligand tails−solvent interaction (solvation) by the addition of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas as an antisolvent, thereby tailoring the bulk solvent strength. This is accomplished by adjusting the CO2 pressure over the liquid, resulting in a simple means to tune the nanoparticle precipitation by size. This study also details the influence of various factors on the size-separation process, such as the types of metal, ligand, and solvent, as well as the use of recursive fractionation and the time allowed for settling during each fractionation step. The pressure range required for the precipitation process is the same for both the silver and gold particles capped with dodecanethiol ligands. A change in ligand ...
Geometric Approaches to Solve the Chebyshev Traveling Salesman Problem

Abstract: Several heuristic procedures based on geometric concepts have been developed for the Chebyshev (or too) Traveling Salesman Problem (CTSP),which has numerous applications in materials handling and information storage-retrieval. The following study is concerned with evaluating the performance of geometric approaches as a function of the shape of the service region and the number of points to be sequenced. A new approach, the band insertion heuristic, is also introduced and compared with existing procedures. Trade-offs in tour quality and solution effort are the primary focus of the study, which is empirical in nature; however, the results generally apply to a wide range of configurations.
Hunting increases phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II in adult barn owls.

Juvenile barn owls readily adapt to prismatic spectacles, whereas adult owls living under standard aviary conditions do not. We previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of the cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) provides a readout of the instructive signals that guide plasticity in juveniles. Here we investigated phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKII) in both juveniles and adults. In contrast to CREB, we found no differences in pCaMKII expression between prism-wearing and control juveniles within the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICX), the major site of plasticity. For prism-wearing adults that hunted live mice and are capable of adaptation, expression of pCaMKII was increased relative to prism-wearing adults that fed passively on dead mice and are not capable of adaptation. This effect did not bear the hallmarks of instructive information: it was not localized to rostral ICX and did not exhibit a patchy distribution reflecting discrete bimodal stimuli. These data are consistent with a role for CaMKII as a permissive rather than an instructive factor. In addition, the paucity of pCaMKII expression in passively fed adults suggests that the permissive default setting is “off” in adults.
A Framework of Participation in Community Organizations

This article presents an organizing framework of participation in community organizations which uses an interdisciplinary perspective and attempts to provide a map of the major dimensions that characterize the complex phenomenon of participation. The major elements of the framework include: 1. environmental, ecological, and social characteristics of the community,2. individual differences,3. parameters of participation,4. mediators, and5. the effects of participation. Some potential uses of the framework are suggested.
“… Change and Sameness …” Reconsidered

This paper acknowledges and responds to Jack Block's statistical critique of the author's previously reported study of changes and sameness in personality development. The critique was apt, and calls attention to the difficulty of working appropriately with numerous, multiply-assessed variables. A re-analysis of the data is presented here. The general pattern of findings remains consistent with the original interpretations, but the re-analysis produced some differences as well.
Thermal management strategy for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system with a large active cell area

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for transportation applications have relatively large active areas to meet the power demand and they require thermal management not only to maintain a proper operating temperature but also to manage the temperature distribution within the fuel cell. In this study, a thermal model of a PEM fuel cell and a thermal management system has been developed to investigate the criteria of thermal management and develop a thermal management strategy for fuel cells with large active cell areas. The fuel cell model consists of three sub-models to simulate the temperature-sensitive electrochemical reaction and capture the thermal management effect on the performance; a water transport model, an agglomerate structure electrochemistry model and a two-dimensional heat transfer model. The thermal management system model including radiator, cooling pump and fan is also employed for the investigation of the trade-off between the temperature distribution effect and the parasitic loss. The fuel cell operating temperature as a criterion for the thermal management is discussed related to the membrane durability and the safety margin during transient operations. Thermal management strategy for minimum cooling parasitic loss is proposed based on the simulation results in conjunction with the criterion of the operating temperature.
Automatic Detection and Classification of Coronal Mass Ejections

We present an automatic algorithm to detect, characterize, and classify coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in Large Angle Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) C2 and C3 images. The algorithm includes three steps: (1) production running difference images of LASCO C2 and C3; (2) characterization of properties of CMEs such as intensity, height, angular width of span, and speed, and (3) classification of strong, median, and weak CMEs on the basis of CME characterization. In this work, image enhancement, segmentation, and morphological methods are used to detect and characterize CME regions. In addition, Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers are incorporated with the CME properties to distinguish strong CMEs from other weak CMEs. The real-time CME detection and classification results are recorded in a database to be available to the public. Comparing the two available CME catalogs, SOHO/LASCO and CACTus CME catalogs, we have achieved accurate and fast detection of strong CMEs and most of weak CMEs.
Neurological Deterioration due to Cerebral Hyperperfusion following Carotid Endarterectomy

Recently attention has been drawn to postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) associated with a preoperative state of impaired cerebral hemodynamics. Rarely postoperative neurological deficits are caused by cerebral edema due to hyperperfusion. The patient was a 65-year-old male with dysarthria and right hemiparesis. Because of the presence of severe stenosis of the left carotid artery, CEA was performed. On the 6th postoperative day, he developed severe right hemiparesis and aphasia due to cerebral edema in the subcortical region of the left cerebral hemisphere. Left carotid angiography showed normal circulation without evidence of the carotid stenosis. Later the cerebral edema and the neurological deficits gradually disappeared.
Journal policies on conflict of interest: if this is the therapy, what's the disease?

Accessible online at: www.karger.com/journals/pps The editorial by Giovanni Fava in a recent issue of this journal [1] brings to our attention the multifarious effects of corporate, for-profit interests on scientific research and clinical medicine. Some of these influences are, to use a medical metaphor, at the subclinical level. We suspect, but cannot detect, the salient effects on research and the enterprise of science resulting from the growing influence of industry on academic scientists and researchers at nonprofit institutes. In the United States it has been the goal of several federal policies through laws, economic tax incentives, legal decisions and executive orders to create closer linkages between universities and for-profit companies [2]. Other countries are following, albeit more slowly, the academic-industry model currently in fashion in the United States [3, 4]. Three areas of possible impact are the selection of research questions, biasing of research outcomes, and public perception of science. It is difficult to study private funding influences on the choice of research questions. In some fields, such as weed science, where private funding is extensive, the influences may be fairly obvious. For one prominent journal, we documented a significant bias toward studies involving high input chemical weed control, over alternative methods, including integrated pest management deploying nonchemical methods [5]. In the field of weed science the choice of research questions is heavily influenced by the interests of chemical-industry benefactors. In certain fields of biomedical sciences where research and journals are strongly influenced by private interests, it is reasonable to expect similar effects on the skewing of research strategies. As Fava notes, certain data do not get published because the gatekeepers of ‘worthy knowledge’ have a financial interest in marginalizing research agendas that threaten corporate profits. Potential relationships between funding source and bias are also fairly complicated to study. The few studies that have been published suggest that researchers studying a drug and funded by manufacturers are more likely to reach a favorable interpretation of its safety, efficacy, or cost-effectiveness than those studying the same drug but funded by not-for-profit institutions [6–10]. The reason we haven’t found more evidence of bias associated with financial conflicts of interest is that we haven’t looked. The cases that do come to light usually are revealed in the aftermath of a drug withdrawal [11, 12]. A third potential outcome of conflicts-of-interest among independent scientists is the impact they may have on the public’s trust in science. While the erosion of trust in science has been cited as an outcome of academic entrepreneurship, no credible studies have documented the effect. Nevertheless, some journal editors are sufficiently moved by the prospect that their journal will lose