cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparsity-Aware Sensor Collaboration for Linear Coherent Estimation

In the context of distributed estimation, we consider the problem of sensor collaboration, which refers to the act of sharing measurements with neighboring sensors prior to transmission to a fusion center. While incorporating the cost of sensor collaboration, we aim to find optimal sparse collaboration schemes subject to a certain information or energy constraint. Two types of sensor collaboration problems are studied: minimum energy with an information constraint; and maximum information with an energy constraint. To solve the resulting sensor collaboration problems, we present tractable optimization formulations and propose efficient methods that render near-optimal solutions in numerical experiments. We also explore the situation in which there is a cost associated with the involvement of each sensor in the estimation scheme. In such situations, the participating sensors must be chosen judiciously. We introduce a unified framework to jointly design the optimal sensor selection and collaboration schemes. For a given estimation performance, we empirically show that there exists a trade-off between sensor selection and sensor collaboration.
An attrition index to assess fines formation and particle size reduction in tapped agglomerated food powders

Abstract The feasibility of characterizing the attrition process in agglomerated food powders by using a novel attrition index was investigated. The index, where the effects of shattering and erosion are considered, was defined as the ratio between weight fraction of fines and the ASTM size stability index. Samples of two commercial brands of instant coffee and skim milk were exposed to attrition by tapping, and changes in the particle size distribution were monitored by sieving. Results show that the kinetics of the process, in the case of the products studied, can be described with the attrition index following a power law model.
Purification and characterization of a 65-kDa tumor-associated phosphoprotein from rat transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma 1682C cell line.

We have isolated a homogeneous tumor-associated phosphoglycoprotein of about 65 kDa (p65) by ammonium sulfate precipitation of proteins from conditioned medium containing the rat transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma 1682C cell line, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography on molecular-sieving and phenyl hydrophobic interaction columns. The protein was concentrated in a Rotofor isoelectric focusing cell and finally separated by isoelectrofocusing followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We achieved a purification of approximately 11,000-fold after the Rotofor concentration step. This protein migrated as a single band upon electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE and had a pI of 5.8 in isoelectrofocusing gels. The carbohydrate content of the blotted phosphoglycoprotein was analyzed by probing the blots with biotinylated lectins; a positive reaction was detected with concanavalin A, wheat-germ agglutinine, and Ricinus communis agglutinine. To confirm the tumor origin of this molecule, hepatocellular carcinoma cells were labeled in vivo using [32P]orthophosphate as well as [35S]methionine and cell culture medium was analyzed for the presence of radioactive band that corresponds with our protein. Phosphoamino acid analysis by thin-layer chromatography showed the presence of phosphotyrosine, phosphothreonine, and phosphoserine, which was later confirmed by analysis of the amino acid composition. Using the method described by Marchalonis and Weltman for comparative analysis of protein structure and evolution, we compared the protein isolated by us with other tumor markers and proteins showing similar properties and found no significant similarities.
The unsaturated fatty acid content of mitochondria in relation to oxidation of exogenous reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

Abstract Liver mitochondria isolated from essential fatty acid-deficient rats oxidize in hypotonic solution exogenous NADH more slowly than mitochondria isolated from normal rats. Because this difference becomes apparent with the onset of the essential fatty acid deficiency, and disappears when the deficient animal is fed a normal (essential fatty acid-sufficient) diet it appeared that measurement of NADH oxidation rates might be the basis of an in vitro assay for essential fatty acid deficiency. However, no close correlation between the pattern of mitochondrial fatty acid unsaturation and the ability to oxidize NADH could be observed. Indeed, diets could be manipulated in several ways to produce conditions wherein mitochondria presumably sufficient in essential fatty acids exhibited either a low capacity to oxidize NADH, similar to essential fatty acid-deficient mitochondria, or the reverse. It is concluded that the pattern of mitochondrial fatty acid unsaturation may vary widely without affecting the capacity to oxidize NADH, and presumably, therefore, the specific stability of the membrane.
A technique for distinguishing between bacterial and non-bacterial respiration in decomposing Spartina alterniflora

A number of antibiotics were used to suppress bacterial activity in decomposing Spartina alterniflora. The effectiveness of each treatment was quantified using INT formazan vital staining and epifluorescent microscopy. Bacterial suppression of selected treatments was verified using standard plate count procedures. Chloramphenicol treated samples (exhibiting 87–90% bacterial suppression) were analyzed respirometrically and found to consume only 30% less O2 than controls. Non-bacterial respiration (probably fungal) accounted for 70% of the respiration.
Thermodynamic and transport properties of RAgGe (R = Tb-Lu) single crystals

Abstract Single crystals of the title compounds were grown out of an AgGe-rich ternary solution. Powder X-ray diffraction data confirmed the hexagonal AlNiZr-type structure ( P 6 2 m space group), an ordered variant of the Fe2P structure type. Antiferromagnetic ordering can be inferred from magnetization, resistance and specific heat measurements, with values of TN between 28.5 K for TbAgGe and 1.0 K for YbAgGe, which scale roughly with the de Gennes factor. Anisotropic M(H) measurements indicate one or more metamagnetic transitions when the external field is applied along the c-axis (for R=Tb) or perpendicular to it (R=Ho, Er, Tm), or even in both orientations as in the case of DyAgGe. Furthermore, the extreme anisotropy of the magnetization in TmAgGe, where magnetic moments lie in the ab-plane, provides the possibility of studying the angular dependence of metamagnetism in hexagonal compounds with the rare earth in orthorhombic point symmetry. YbAgGe has distinct properties from the rest of the series: an enhanced electronic specific heat coefficient γ≈(154.2±2.5) mJ/mol K2 and apparently small moment magnetic ordering below 1.0 K. This compound appears to be close to a quantum critical point.
The local food environment and diet: A systematic review

Despite growing attention to the problem of obesogenic environments, there has not been a comprehensive review evaluating the food environment-diet relationship. This study aims to evaluate this relationship in the current literature, focusing specifically on the method of exposure assessment (GIS, survey, or store audit). This study also explores 5 dimensions of "food access" (availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodation, acceptability) using a conceptual definition proposed by Penchansky and Thomas (1981). Articles were retrieved through a systematic keyword search in Web of Science and supplemented by the reference lists of included studies. Thirty-eight studies were reviewed and categorized by the exposure assessment method and the conceptual dimensions of access it captured. GIS-based measures were the most common measures, but were less consistently associated with diet than other measures. Few studies examined dimensions of affordability, accommodation, and acceptability. Because GIS-based measures on their own may not capture important non-geographic dimensions of access, a set of recommendations for future researchers is outlined.
Phase-controlled light switching at low light levels

We report experimental observations of interference between three-photon and one-photon excitations, and phase control of light attenuation and/or transmission in a four-level system. Either constructive or destructive interferences can be obtained by varying the phase and/or frequency of a weak control laser. The interference enables absorptive switching of one field by another field at different frequencies and ultralow light levels.
Sunset as oversight : establishing realistic objectives

After an auspicious beginning, sunset reform remains an institutionalized form of legislative oversight in 26 states. This study moves beyond the simplistic notion that the success or failure of sunset review is a function of its ability to terminate agencies and toward a more complete understanding of the role that sunset review has come to play in state government. This understanding can help us establish more realistic objectives by which to judge the sunset process.
Managing the aspirating patient

The normal human larynx has three major functions consisting of airway maintenance, airway protection, and phonation. From the phylogenetic standpoint the most recent function of the larynx is its use as a means of voice production and communication.’ Phonatory ability is not essential for survival and, under certain circumstances, the voice must be compromised in an effort to preserve the airway and prevent aspiration. Incompetence of the larynx may be defined as failure to provide any of its three functions. However, in most clinical situations the term incompetent larynx implies failure to prevent aspiration of secretions, saliva, food, liquids, or blood into the tracheobronchial tree with inability to produce an effective cough. Aspiration occurs to some degree in all humans. The clinical significance of the aspirated material is dependent on a number of variables including incidence, volume, pH, consistency, chemical composition, and host immune status. Patients with neurologic dysfunction and those recovering from head and neck surgical procedures are at a unique risk for significant aspiration. It is important to view aspiration in the context of normal swallowing physiology, because aspiration represents a breakdown of this complex process.
Pathways to Recovery (PTR): Impact of peer-led group participation on mental health recovery outcomes.

Objective This study examined the positive effects on recovery outcomes for people with severe and persistent mental illness using peer-led groups based on Pathways to Recovery: A Strengths Recovery Self-Help Workbook (PTR). PTR translates the evidence-supported practice of the Strengths Model into a self-help approach, allowing users to identify and pursue life goals based on personal and environmental strengths. Methods A single-group pretest-posttest research design was applied. Forty-seven members in 6 consumer-run organizations in one Midwestern state participated in a PTR peer-led group, completing a baseline survey before the group and again at the completion of the 12-week sessions. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Spirituality Index of Well-Being, and the Modified Colorado Symptom Index were employed as recovery outcomes. Paired Hotelling's T-square test was conducted to examine the mean differences of recovery outcomes between the baseline and the completion of the group. Results Findings revealed statistically significant improvements for PTR participants in self-esteem, self-efficacy, social support, spiritual well-being, and psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions This initial research is promising for establishing PTR as an important tool for facilitating recovery using a peer-led group format. The provision of peer-led service has been emphasized as critical to integrating consumers' perspectives in recovery-based mental health services. Given the current federal funding stream for peer services, continued research into PTR and other peer-led services becomes more important.
Spatiotemporal Fluorescent Detection Measurements Using Embedded Waveguide Sensors

Integrated waveguide biosensors, when combined with fluorescent labeling, have significantly impacted the field of biodetection. While there are numerous types of waveguide sensors, the fundamental excitation method is fairly consistent: the evanescent field of the waveguide excites a fluorophore whose emission is detected, either directly via imaging or indirectly via a decrease in power transfer. Recently, a sensor device was demonstrated which is able to back-couple the emitted light into the waveguide, allowing the signal to be detected directly. However, this previous work focused on the development of an empirical model, leaving many theoretical questions unanswered. Additionally, the results from the novel back-coupling route were not compared with the results from the more conventional imaging technique. In this study, we develop finite difference time domain simulations to predict the sensor's performance both in air and aqueous environments. We also perform complementary experiments to verify the modeling, measuring the fluorescence coupled into the waveguide, and radiated perpendicular to the waveguide. Finally, we performed spatiotemporal measurements of the fluorescence on the waveguide. Utilizing these measurements, we are able to measure the fluorescent decay rate of the fluorescent dye at arbitrary points along the length of the waveguide.
Synaptotagmin-SNARE coupling enlightened

Synaptotagmins and SNAREs are known to couple Ca2+ sensing to membrane fusion during Ca2+-triggered exocytosis, but unraveling the mechanism of this coupling has proven extremely difficult. Two studies in this issue now provide crucial insights into the nature of synaptotagmin-SNARE interactions and reveal unsuspected similarities between synaptotagmins and viral fusion proteins.
Flash Memory Fabricated with Protein-Mediated PbSe Nanocrystal Assembly as Floating Gate

This work is based on our previously developed technique which used chaperonin protein as a template for NC assembly on MOS capacitors. Our study on floating gate flash memory fabricated with protein-mediated PbSe NCs applied to MOS transistors with greatly improved spatial uniformity will be presented in this paper. With these device characteristics, we expect PbSe NCs as floating gate to be promising for flash memories.
Formal analysis of firewall policies

This dissertation describes a technique for formally analyzing a firewall security policy using a quasi-reduced multiway decision diagram model. The analysis allows a system administrator to detect and repair errors in the configuration of the firewall without a tedious manual inspection of the firewall rules. We present four major contributions. First, we describe a set of algorithms for representing a firewall rule set as a multi-way decision diagram and for solving logical queries against that model. We demonstrate the application of these techniques in a tool for analyzing iptables firewalls. Second, we present an extension of our work that enables analysis of systems of connected firewalls and firewalls that use network address translation and other packet mangling rules. Third, we demonstrate a technique for decomposing a network into classes of equivalent hosts. These classes can be used to detect errors in a firewall policy without apriori knowledge of potential vulnerabilities. They can also be used with other firewall testing techniques to ensure comprehensive coverage of the test space. Fourth, we discuss a strategy for partially automating repair of the firewall policy through the use of counterexamples and rule history. Using these techniques, a system administrator can detect and repair common firewall errors, such as typos, out-of-order rules, and shadowed rules. She can also develop a specification of the behaviors of the firewall and validate the firewall policy against that specification.
High-Resolution Imaging of the Self-Assembly of Organic Monolayers

Thin films of organic molecules are useful for lubrication, as chemical sensors, and for optical applications. Controlled fabrication of these films requires an understanding of how they form on a surface. In her Perspective, Chiang discusses results by Poirier and Pylant ([p. 1145][1]) that show scanning tunneling microscope images of alkanethiol molecules on silver. The images show the details of nucleation, growth, and phase transitions of these films. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.272.5265.1145
Lifting the Fundamental Cone and Enumerating the Pseudocodewords of a Parity-Check Code

The performance of message-passing iterative decoding and linear programming decoding depends on the Tanner graph representation of the code. If the underlying graph contains cycles, then such algorithms could produce a noncodeword output. The study of pseudocodewords aims to explain this noncodeword output. We examine the structure of the pseudocodewords and show that there is a one-to-one correspondence between graph cover pseudocodewords and integer points in a lifted fundamental cone. This gives a simple proof that the generating function of the pseudocodewords for a general parity-check code is rational (a fact first proved by Li, Lu, and Wang (Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 5557, 2009) via other methods). Our approach yields algorithms for producing this generating function and provides tools for studying the irreducible pseudocodewords. Specifically, Barvinok's algorithm and the Barvinok-Woods projection algorithm are applied, and irreducible pseudocodewords are found via a Hilbert basis for the lifted fundamental cone.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF A BAN OF METHYL BROMIDE ON THE U.S. WINTER FRESH VEGETABLE MARKET

This study evaluates the economic impact of a ban on methyl bromide on the U.S. winter fresh vegetable market for six major crops: tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, and watermelons. Florida is the primary domestic supplier of these products. Mexico and Texas are the competing suppliers of the five vegetable crops and peppers, respectively. Leontief technologies represent both monocrop and double-crop production systems; linear inverse demand functions represent four demand regions in the U.S. and Canada. By increasing production costs and reducing yields, a ban on methyl bromide decreases Florida’s FOB revenues by fit~. and increases those of Mexico by 65fZ0.Price increases to U.S. fresh vegetable consumers range from near zero to over 10Yo,depending upon the commodity and location.
Structural determinants of gating in inward-rectifier K+ channels.

Abstract The gating characteristics of two ion channels in the inward-rectifier K + channel superfamily were compared at the single-channel level. The strong inward rectifier IRK1 (Kir 2.1) opened and closed with kinetics that were slow relative to those of the weakly rectifying ROMK2 (Kir 1.1b). At a membrane potential of −60mV, both IRK and ROMK had single-exponential open-time distributions, with mean open times of 279±58ms ( n =4) for IRK1 and 23±1ms ( n =7) for ROMK. At −60mV (and no EDTA) ROMK2 had two closed times: 1.3±0.1 and 36±3ms ( n =7). Under the same conditions, IRK1 exhibited four discrete closed states with mean closed times of 0.8±0.1ms, 14±0.6ms, 99±19ms, and 2744±640ms ( n =4). Both the open and the three shortest closed-time constants of IRK1 decreased monotonically with membrane hyperpolarization. IRK1 open probability ( P o ) decreased sharply with hyperpolarization due to an increase in the frequency of long closed events that were attributable to divalent-cation blockade. Chelation of divalent cations with EDTA eliminated the slowest closed-time distribution of IRK1 and blunted the hyperpolarization-dependent fall in open probability. In contrast, ROMK2 had shorter open and closed times and only two closed states, and its P o was less affected by hyperpolarization. Chimeric channels were constructed to address the question of which parts of the molecules were responsible for the differences in kinetics. The property of multiple closed states was conferred by the second membrane-spanning domain (M2) of IRK. The long-lived open and closed states, including the higher sensitivity to extracellular divalent cations, correlated with the extracellular loop of IRK, including the "P-region." Channel kinetics were essentially unaffected by the N- and C-termini. The data of the present study are consistent with the idea that the locus of gating is near the outer mouth of the pore.
Gender Differences in the Costs and Benefits of Peer Relationships During Adolescence

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in the impact of social stress and social support on adolescents' emotional well-being. Forty-eight males and 70 females in Grades 7 thro...
Blood culture contamination in hospitalized pediatric patients: a single institution experience

Purpose: Blood culture is the most important tool for detecting bacteremia in children with fever. How­ ever, blood culture contamination rates range from 0.6% to 6.0% in adults; rates for young children have been considered higher than these, although data are limited, especially in Korea. This study deter mined the contamination rate and risk factors in pediatric patients visiting the emergency room (ER) or being admitted to the ward. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of blood cultures obtained from children who visited Yonsei Severance Hospital, Korea between 2006 and 2010. Positive blood cultures were labeled as true bacteremia or contamination according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network definitions for laboratory­confirmed bloodstream infection, after exclusion of cultures drawn from preexisting central lines only. Results: Among 40,542 blood cultures, 610 were positive, of which 479 were contaminations and 131 were true bacteremia (overall contamination rate, 1.18%). The contamination rate in the ER was signifi­ cantly higher than in the ward (1.32% vs. 0.66%, P 6 years, respectively). Conclusion: Overall, contamination rates were higher in younger children than in older children, given the difficulty of performing blood sampling in younger children. The contamination rates from the ER were higher than those from the ward, not accounted for only by overcrowding and lack of experience among personnel collecting samples. Further study to investigate other factors affecting contamination should be required.
Role of Computational Simulations in Heart Valve Dynamics and Design of Valvular Prostheses

Computational simulations are playing an increasingly important role in enhancing our understanding of the normal human physiological function, etiology of diseased states, surgical and interventional planning, and in the design and evaluation of artificial implants. Researchers are taking advantage of computational simulations to speed up the initial design of implantable devices before a prototype is developed and hence able to reduce animal experimentation for the functional evaluation of the devices under development. A review of the reported studies to date relevant to the simulation of the native and prosthetic heart valve dynamics is the subject of the present paper. Potential future directions toward multi-scale simulation studies for our further understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of heart valve dynamics and valvular implants are also discussed.
Amino acid variations of cytochrome P-450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A1) from fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans

We studied six clinical isolates of Candida albicans. All six isolates showed high level resistance to fluconazole (minimum inhibitory concentrations 64 microg/ml) with varying degrees of cross-resistance to other azoles but not to amphotericin B. Neither higher dosage nor upregulation of the gene encoding the cytochrome P- 450 lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51A1 or P-450LDM) was responsible for fluconazole resistance. The resistant and the susceptible isolates accumulated similar amounts of azoles. To examine whether resistance to fluconazole in these clinical isolates of C. albicans is mediated by an altered target of azole action, we cloned the structural gene encoding P-450LDM from the fluconazole resistant isolates. The amino acid sequences of the P-450LDMs from the isolates were deduced from the gene sequences and compared to the P-450LDM sequence of the fluconazole-susceptible C. albicans B311. The enzymes from the clinical isolates showed 2 to 7 amino acid variations scattered across the molecules encompassing 10 different loci. One-half of the amino acid changes obtained were conserved substitutions (E116D, K143R, E266D, D278E, R287K) compared to the susceptible strain. Non-conserved substitutions were T128K, R267H, S405F, G450E and G464S, three of which are in and around the hemebinding region of the molecule. R287K is the only amino acid change that was found in all six clinical isolates. One or more of these mutational alterations may lead to the expression of an azole-resistant enzyme.
Hardness, toughness, and modulus of some common metamorphic minerals

Studies of the hardness and toughness of minerals have historically focused on minerals of the Mohs scale, although, with the exceptions of quartz, orthoclase, and calcite, Mohs phases are not common rock-forming minerals. We report new hardness ( H ), toughness (resistance to fracture, K IC), and indentation modulus ( E *) data obtained by microhardness and depth-sensing indentation (DSI, or nanoindentation) experiments for common metamorphic minerals: sillimanite, kyanite, andalusite, garnet, quartz, and orthoclase feldspar. Because the experimental techniques involve indentation-induced cracking as well as depth-sensing indentation, the new data set can be used to investigate a range of plastic behavior for minerals in the crust and mantle. The three Al2SiO5 polymorphs have similar H values (~10–12 GPa): kyanite has the largest values and andalusite the smallest. These values are similar to that of quartz (~12 GPa) and greater than that of orthoclase (~7 GPa). Garnet H values vary with composition: for grossular, H ~ 13 GPa, and for almandine-pyrope, H ~ 15 GPa. Although H values for the minerals we analyzed span a range of ~10 GPa, most fracture toughness values are between 1–1.8 MPa·m½. Garnet is much harder than Al2SiO5, but has a similar to slightly lower K IC (grossular ~1.2 MPa·m½; almandine-pyrope ~1.4 MPa·m½; andalusite 1.8 MPa·m½; sillimanite 1.6 MPa·m½); kyanite K IC is difficult to measure owing to the ease with which kyanite cleaves. Garnet has properties similar to those of cubic zirconia (ZrO2), which we measured as a reference. Another reference mineral, periclase (MgO), has the lowest H (~5 GPa) and the highest K IC (~4 MPa·m½) of minerals we measured. Among the silicates, E * varies significantly from orthoclase (~89 GPa) to quartz (~117 GPa) to garnet (245–260 GPa), and Al2SiO5 has intermediate values: kyanite ~ 186–253 GPa, sillimanite ~ 207 GPa, andalusite ~ 232 GPa.
Effect of insecticides on the short-circuit current and resistance of isolated frog skin

Abstract The effects of aldrin, carbaryl, α- and γ-chlordane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, lindane, methoxychlor, and nonachlor on the short-circuit current and resistance of the isolated intact frog skin were studied. The short-circuit current is approximately equivalent to the rate of active transport of sodium, while the resistance indicates the summed ionic permeability of the skin. At a concentration of 2 × 10 −4 M , only carbaryl, DDD, dieldrin, and lindane produced significant ( P t test) changes in the short-circuit current. Nonachlor produced a decrease ( P =0.12) in the short-circuit current and also increased the resistance ( P =0.07). DDD, dieldrin, and carbaryl caused significant increases in short-circuit current while at the same time the resistance was significantly decreased. Lindane increased both the short-circuit current and the resistance. It was concluded that the frog skin probably contains effective permeability barriers that prevent externally applied insecticides from reaching the site of active sodium transport. It appeared likely that most of the insecticides produced the observed effects on the frog skin by altering the sodium permeability of the outer barrier.
Pulse-train instabilities in a mode-locked argon laser: experimental studies

The output train of pulses from an acousto-optically mode-locked argon-ion laser was studied as a function of the loss modulation frequency for small detunings from the optimum c/2L modulation. A shift away from the optimum frequency by as little as 1 part in 104 was found to produce several strong lower-frequency components that amplitude modulate the mode-locked pulse train. Notably, the strongest subharmonic is a frequency near fopt/4. Further detuning results in an irregular, slow (of the order of 105 Hz) amplitude envelope on the pulse train. The homodyne spectrum of this phase of operation represents a progressive filling-in behavior reminiscent of deterministically chaotic systems.
Trade-offs of source location protection in globally attacked sensor networks: A case analysis

This paper studies source location anonymity in a large monitoring wireless sensor network with a single data collector, and under a global attack. The qualifier ”global” indicates the capability of the eavesdropper (attacker) to capture all network transmissions, and to discern their time and location. We propose a scheme for generating fake network traffic to disguise the real event notification. This scheme is particularly effective for the protection of the monitored asset in delay-intolerant applications monitoring rare and spatially sparse events. Unlike earlier work on this topic, we jointly consider the protection strength, events' dynamics, probability of the attacker's exposure during the attack, notification latency, network overhead, and scalability. The efficiency of the scheme that provides statistical source anonymity is achieved by partitioning network nodes randomly into several node groups. Members of the same group collectively emulate both temporal and spatial distribution of the event. Under such framework, we aim to better model the global eavesdropper, especially her way of using statistical tests to detect the real event. In addition, our approach aims to reduce the per-event work spent to generate the fake traffic while, most importantly, providing a guaranteed latency in reporting the event. The latency is controlled by decoupling the routing from the fake-traffic schedule. A good dummy-source group design also provides a robust protection of event bursts. This is achieved at the expense of the significant overhead as the number of dummy-source groups must be increased to the reciprocal value of the false alarm parameter used in the statistical test. Ultimately, our message is that designing a protection scheme to meet multiple requirements, imposed by realistic application scenarios, involves trade-offs among several performance measures, and calls for an evaluation framework that recognizes these challenges. We believe that the proposed source anonymity protection strategy, and the evaluation framework, are well justified by the abundance of the applications that monitor a rare event with uniform spatial distribution.
Differential Effect of Phenethyl Alcohol on Mycoplasmas and Enveloped Viruses

Mycoplasmas are totally inactivated by a 20-min treatment with 1% phenethyl alcohol, whereas suspensions of enveloped viruses resist the same treatment. This treatment has proved successful in eliminating mycoplasma contamination of a virus suspension.
Impact and management of depression in psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis causes emotional and social burdens [1,2]. Psoriasis patients are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression compared to those without psoriasis (odds ratio 1.57; 95% confidence inter...
Blood transfusion safety: A study of adverse reactions at the blood bank of a tertiary care center.

Background: An adverse transfusion reaction (ATR) is an unfavorable reaction to the transfused unit, the severity of which may be different among individuals depending upon the type of reaction and the patient's susceptibility. Transfusion reactions may be immediate or delayed type depending on the onset and immune or nonimmune type depending on the pathogenesis. A study was conducted to study the frequency of various transfusion reactions and the associated morbidity. Materials and Methods: All ATRs occurring over a period of 3 years at a tertiary care health center were studied in detail according to the institute's protocol. Results: Of 38,013 units of blood and components that had been issued, 101 (0.2%) cases had an ATR. The most common reaction was allergic - 34/101 (33.6%) followed by febrile - 26/101 (25.7%). Other reactions included transfusion-related acute lung injury in 6/101 (5.9%) cases, and immune reactions were seen in 19/101 (18.8%) cases. Conclusion: Allergic and febrile reactions are most common and least harmful, but fatal reactions can also occur, and preventive measures must be taken to avoid such reactions.
In Defense of the Billable Hour: A Monitoring Theory of Law Firm Fees

Critics often deride the billable hour as oppressive and inefficient. This Article presents a novel argument in the billable hour’s favor: clients use it to monitor their lawyers’ efforts, thereby mitigating the incentive problems that plague alternative fee arrangements. Prior literature has suggested that law firms use billable hours because they cannot bear the risk of cost overruns. I argue that this perspective is theoretically shaky, and I demonstrate through both historical and empirical evidence that monitoring best explains the popularity of the billable hour.
Within- and Between-Species Variation in Vegetative Phenology in Two Forest Herbs

We analyzed within- and between-species variation in vegetative phenology for two coexisting forest herbs, Aster acuminatus and Clintonia borealis. For each species, phenological variation was analyzed at three levels: pooled across all study areas, among study areas, and among patches at each study area. Aster acuminatus and Clintonia borealis differed in their mean phenological patterns, especially with respect to mean dates of emergence, maturation, and senescence. There was greater synchrony among ramets of C. borealis as compared with A. acuminatus for most phenological traits. Significant correlations between ramet (plant) size and a number of phenological traits were observed, particularly for the dates of emergence and death and total ramet lifespan. The same general patterns of correlation were evident within individual patches, within study areas, and for the pooled sample of all ramets for each species. Correlations between size and phenology were generally stronger for ramets of A. acuminatus than for ramets of C. borealis. There were few significant differences in phenology among study areas, especially after variation due to ramet size was removed by covariance analysis. In contrast, there was considerable variation among patches at each study area for both species. For A. acuminatus, differences among patches in mean ramet size explained much of the phenological variation. For C. borealis, patches differed in their phenological patterns independent of variation in mean ramet size. Some of the phenological differences between C. borealis and A. acuminatus may be causally related to differences in the extent to which ramets of one clone remain physiologically integrated.
Analysis of the sampling survey of tuberculosis among rural population in Hefei

Objective To study the epidemiological features of tuberculosis in Hefei,evaluate the implementation of the "National Tuberculosis Prevention Plan(2001-2010)",and lay the foundation for the next 10-year plan.Methods Stratified cluster random sampling was used for this survey.Patients were diagnosed through inquiry of suspected symptoms,chest X-ray,sputum smear test,culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug susceptibility testing.The questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate awareness rate.Results The prevalence of active pulmonary tuberculosis was 153.1/100 000,of which smear positive tuberculosis and bacteriologically positive tuberculosis was both 76.6/100 000.Elderly men were the main patients.The prevalence of active pulmonary tuberculosis decreased by 90% and 92% compared with that in 1990 and 2000 respectively.The highest awareness rate of key message on tuberculosis was 55.4% and the lowest rate was 7.5%.Conclusion The prevalence of tuberculosis decreased obviously in the rural area of Hefei.However,there was high prevalence but low detection rate among elderly people.Health promotion programs for elderly people left behind in the countryside should be strengthened
Diurnal temperature amplitude alters physiological and growth response of maize (Zea mays L.) during the vegetative stage

Abstract Global climate models predict increase in mean daily temperature to be mainly driven by rapid increase in nighttime temperature compared to daytime temperature, leading to narrowing diurnal temperature amplitude. Higher day and night temperatures induce significant negative impact on growth and development of different crops. However, limited studies have focused on quantifying impacts associated with different diurnal temperature amplitudes maintaining the same daily mean temperature. The main objectives were to (i) quantify the impact of diurnal temperature amplitudes on the carbon balance of the plant (photosynthesis versus night respiration rate) and (ii) evaluate the significance of variable day and night temperature with a common mean on the carbohydrate composition and overall plant growth. A maize hybrid (DKC47-27RIB) was grown in controlled environments at two mean daily temperatures (30 °C and 35 °C) with three different combinations of day and night temperatures resulting in diurnal temperature amplitudes of 2 °C, 10 °C and 18 °C. After 42 days of temperature treatments, lower diurnal temperature amplitude led to a linear increase in night respiration and a linear decrease in total sugars, non-reducing sugars, starch concentrations, plant height, total leaf area and total biomass accumulation. However, there was no significant change in photosynthetic rate among the treatment combinations, while photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll index decreased only with diurnal temperature amplitude of 18 °C and 2 °C, respectively. A significant negative relationship was found between night respiration and total biomass accumulation (R2 = 0.73; P
Regulation of enzymes that detoxify the electrophilic forms of chemical carcinogens.

Most chemical carcinogens require activation to reactive electrophilic forms by Phase 1 enzymes (cytochromes P-450) in order to exert their toxic and neoplastic effects. The resultant electrophiles are susceptible to metabolic conjugation and other types of detoxications by Phase 2 enzymes (glutathione transferases, NAD(P)H: quinone reductase, glucuronosyltransferases). The balance between Phase 1 and Phase 2 enzymes is an important determinant of whether exposure to carcinogens will result in toxicity and neoplasia. Measurements of the activity of quinone reductase (QR) provide an efficient method for studying the potency and mechanism of Phase 2 enzyme induction. QR can be measured easily in murine hepatoma cells (Hepa lclc7) grown in microtiter plate wells, and the inductive response of these cells closely parallels the behavior of rodent tissues in vivo. Some inducers (such as large planar aromatics) are bifunctional; they induce both Phase 1 and Phase 2 enzymes and require binding to the Ah receptor and enhanced transcription of the cytochrome P1-450 system. Other inducers (e.g., phenolic antioxidants, 1, 2-dithiole-3-thiones, coumarins, thiocarbamates) are monofunctional and are independent of Ah receptor function. Monofunctional enzyme induction protects against carcinogens. The induction of Phase 2 enzymes by monofunctional inducers depends on the presence, or acquisition by metabolism, of electrophilic centers, and many of these inducers are Michael reaction acceptors. Our search for chemoprotective enzyme inducers for potential use as chemoprotectors in man is currently focused on fumarate derivatives, as well as on the identification of other monofunctional inducers in extracts of vegetables.
Barriers to Interactions between Disability Studies and Disability Services

This chapter explores the difference in employer expectations for faculty [professionals in Disability Studies] and staff [professionals in Disability Services] and some of the ways this impacts efforts to share collaborative projects between the fields. With limited resources of time, funding, and professional development restraints, there are some specific challenges that stand between collaborative efforts between the two fields. Is the separation of fields making a difference that matters?
Damping the Dangers from Tectonics-Driven (Natural) Hazards: Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Our habitat Earth has a radius of 6370 km (3960 mi). If we were able to see a section cut through the center of the Earth we would see that it is comprised of nearly concentric layers of materials with different measurable properties that allow us to divide it into several parts. The outer rocky layer is the crust that is from 10 to 40+ km (6–24+ mi) thick depending on whether you measure it from the ocean floor or under mountainous region. It is made up of several large bordered masses called plates. The crust is underlain by a mainly rock layer called the mantle that reaches a depth to 2900 km (1800 mi). The upper 100–250 km (60–150 mi) of the mantle is comprised of non-rigid material (perhaps molten-like in nature) at 1300 °C that underlies the crust and is called the asthenosphere. Beneath the mantle lies the iron-rich molten outer core that reaches to 5000 km (3100 mi) and the solid inner core that extends to 6370 km (3960 mi).
The Indispensability of Experience

Experience is never limited, and it is never complete; it is an immense sensibility, a kind of huge spider-web of the finest silken threads suspended in the chamber of consciousness, and catching every air-borne particle in its tissue. … The power to guess the unseen from the seen, to trace the implication of things, to judge the whole piece by the pattern, the condtiion of feeling life in general so completely that you are well on your way to knowing any particular corner of it – this cluster of gifts may almost be said to constitute experience. Henry James It is more important to study men than books. La Rochefoucauld Following a Kantian line of thought, Anne Colby and Lawrence Kohlberg observe that “Moral judgments … direct, command, or oblige us to take some action. Moral prescriptions are not merely commands to perform particular actions, however. They are imperatives deriving from some rule or principle of action that the speaker takes as binding on his own actions.” Moral judgments, Colby and Kohlberg are saying, are products of the application of abstract laws to particular cases. This Kantian position has enjoyed widespread endorsement. Undoubtedly, some moral judgments do arise through a process that involves reflecting on and reasoning about general principles. But this is more the exception than the rule. For the most part, moral judgment is not a process of deriving imperatives for action from abstract propositions.
Zero-Hopf bifurcation analysis in delayed differential equations with two delays

Abstract In this manuscript, we provide a framework for zero-Hopf singularity for a general two dimensional system with two delays. The distribution of the eigenvalues for the linearized system at an equilibrium point is studied in detail. Explicit conditions for the system to undergo a zero-Hopf bifurcation are established and the corresponding normal form up to the third order terms is derived. Our theoretical results are applied to a Kaldor–Kalecki model of business cycles.
Impact of Health System Affiliation on Hospital Resource Use Intensity and Quality of Care.

Objective To assess the impact of hospital affiliation, centralization, and managed care plan ownership on inpatient cost and quality. Data Sources Inpatient discharges from 3,957 community hospitals in 44 states and American Hospital Association Annual Survey data from 2010 to 2012. Study Design We conducted a retrospective longitudinal regression analysis using hierarchical modeling of discharges clustered within hospitals. Data Collection Detailed discharge data including costs, length of stay, and patient characteristics from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases were merged with hospital survey data from the American Hospital Association. Principal Findings Hospitals affiliated with health systems had a higher cost per discharge and better quality of care compared with independent hospitals. Centralized systems in particular had the highest cost per discharge and longest stays. Independent hospitals with managed care plans had a higher cost per discharge and better quality of care compared with other independent hospitals. Conclusions Increasing prevalence of health systems and hospital managed care ownership may lead to higher quality but are unlikely to reduce hospital discharge costs. Encouraging participation in innovative payment and delivery reform models, such as accountable care organizations, may be more powerful options.
CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS | Antibiotics

This article summarizes the various CE techniques that have been applied to the analysis of antibiotics. Buffer systems, sample preconcentration and introducing methods, and detection schemes are discussed, as they are applied to screening protocols, assay methods, and to the monitoring of clinical, food and environmental sample.
The Medication Optimization Value Proposition: Aligning Teams and Education to Improve Care

United States health care lags behind other countries in quality and cost. The present health care system is unsustainable, and there is now a quick movement toward value-based care. This article lays out essential care delivery elements, and makes the case for medication optimization to enable new value-based models. Success factors include enhancing team-based care and interdisciplinary education to achieve patient-centered care.
Multidisciplinary surgical treatment of presacral meningocele and teratoma in an adult with Currarino triad.

BACKGROUND Currarino syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition that presents with the defining triad of anorectal malformations, sacral bone deformations, and presacral masses, which may include teratoma. Neurosurgeons are involved in the surgical treatment of anterior meningoceles, which are often associated with this condition. The accepted surgical treatment is a staged anterior-posterior resection of the presacral mass and obliteration of the anterior meningocele. CASE DESCRIPTION This case involved a 36-year-old female who presented with late onset of symptoms attributed to CS (e.g., presacral mass, anterior sacral meningocele, and sacral agenesis). She successfully underwent multidisciplinary single-stage approach for treatment of the anterior sacral meningocele and resection of the presacral mass. This required obliteration of the meningocele and closure of the dural defect. One year later, her meningocele had fully resolved. CONCLUSION While late presentations with CS are rare, early detection and multidisciplinary treatment including single-state anterior may be successful for managing these patients.