cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Dietary Patterns Represents a Potential, Yet Variable, Measure of Inflammatory Status: A Review and Update.

Chronic low-grade, systemic inflammation is a well-characterized risk factor in the development of chronic metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Diet could be an effective strategy for reducing inflammation associated with chronic disease. While anti-inflammatory properties of isolated dietary bioactive and functional foods have been routinely studied, the evaluation of dietary patterns on inflammation warrants further review—especially given the recent inclusion of dietary pattern recommendations into dietary guidelines and policies. Therefore, the objective of this narrative review is to examine current evidence linking diet to low-grade, systemic inflammation within the context of chronic disease. Specifically, we provide an update on the findings from human trials that have characterized anti-inflammatory properties of dietary patterns, defined by various methods and indexes. Given the complexity of interpreting results from dietary pattern analysis, we further present recent evidence on the anti-inflammatory roles of isolated bioactive nutrients and functional foods that are common components of distinct dietary patterns, in addition to considerations for interpreting dietary pattern research, population-specific dietary recommendations, and future studies. Overall, we observe a vast range of variability in the evidence from observational studies that have evaluated the relationships between healthy dietary patterns and inflammatory markers. These studies highlight the need for additional intervention studies with study designs that account for metabolic status, diversity in populations, breadth of inflammatory measurements, fasting vs. postprandial effects of diet, and control of confounding factors (e.g., genotype, microbiome profiles, and dietary adherence) in order to better understand the effect that diet has, as a whole, on inflammation. These strategies will help to strengthen diet recommendations aimed at reducing inflammation and chronic disease risk.
Spatial interdependence and instrumental variable models

Instrumental variable (IV) methods are widely used to address endogeneity concerns. Yet, a specific kind of endogeneity – spatial interdependence – is regularly ignored. We show that ignoring spatial interdependence in the outcome results in asymptotically biased estimates even when instruments are randomly assigned. The extent of this bias increases when the instrument is also spatially clustered, as is the case for many widely used instruments: rainfall, natural disasters, economic shocks, and regionally- or globally-weighted averages. Because the biases due to spatial interdependence and predictor endogeneity can offset, addressing only one can increase the bias relative to ordinary least squares. We demonstrate the extent of these biases both analytically and via Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, we discuss a general estimation strategy – S-2SLS – that accounts for both outcome interdependence and predictor endogeneity, thereby recovering consistent estimates of predictor effects.
{Preserving Privacy of Continuous High-dimensional Data with Minimax Filters}

Preserving privacy of high-dimensional and continuous data such as images or biometric data is a challenging problem. This paper formulates this problem as a learning game between three parties: 1) data contributors using a lter to sanitize data samples, 2) a cooperative data aggregator learning a target task using the ltered samples, and 3) an adversary learning to identify contributors using the same ltered samples. Mini
Domestic canines do not display evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in the presence of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, despite cellular susceptibility to its toxins.

Abstract Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an emerging public health threat and C. difficile is the most common cause of antimicrobial-associated diarrhea worldwide and the leading cause of hospital-associated infections in the US, yet the burden of community-acquired infections (CAI) is poorly understood. Characterizing C. difficile isolated from canines is important for understanding the role that canines may play in CAI. In addition, several studies have suggested that canines carry toxigenic C. difficile asymptomatically, which may imply that there are mechanisms responsible for resistance to CDI in canines that could be exploited to help combat human CDI. To assess the virulence potential of canine-derived C. difficile, we tested whether toxins TcdA and TcdB (hereafter toxins) derived from a canine isolate were capable of causing tight junction disruptions to colonic epithelial cells. Additionally, we addressed whether major differences exist between human and canine cells regarding C. difficile pathogenicity by exposing them to identical toxins. We then examined the canine gut microbiome associated with C. difficile carriage using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and searched for deviations from homeostasis as an indicator of CDI. Finally, we queried 16S rRNA gene sequences for bacterial taxa that may be associated with resistance to CDI in canines. Clostridioides difficile isolated from a canine produced toxins that reduced tight junction integrity in both human and canine cells in vitro. However, canine guts were not dysbiotic in the presence of C. difficile. These findings support asymptomatic carriage in canines and, furthermore, suggest that there are features of the gut microbiome and/or a canine-specific immune response that may protect canines against CDI. We identified two biologically relevant bacteria that may aid in CDI resistance in canines: 1) Clostridium hiranonis, which synthesizes secondary bile acids that have been shown to provide resistance to CDI in mice; and 2) Sphingobacterium faecium, which produces sphingophospholipids that may be associated with regulating homeostasis in the canine gut. Our findings suggest that canines may be cryptic reservoirs for C. difficile and, furthermore, that mechanisms of CDI resistance in the canine gut could provide insights into targeted therapeutics for human CDI.
Social network analysis of group position, popularity, and sleep behaviors among U.S. adolescents

Abstract Objective Studies have documented the salience of social networks for a range of health outcomes and behaviors among adolescents, but sleep has received far less attention. We examined whether adolescents' network positions relative to cohesive friendship groups and popularity among peers are associated with their sleep behaviors and whether the associations differ by gender. Methods We analyzed friendship data on 2,550 adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to identify participants' network group positions (member, isolate, liaison) and popularity (number of friendship nominations received). Respondents provided self-reports of sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and sleep insufficiency. We evaluated the relationships between respondents' group positions and popularity with their sleep behaviors using linear and Poisson regression, adjusting for socio-demographics, self-rated health, smoking and drinking status, integration in non-peer contexts (school, family, and religion), and friends' sleep. Results Results from the total sample show that liaisons report increased risk of sleep insufficiency compared to group members. Higher popularity status is associated with shorter sleep duration and greater sleep insufficiency. Stratifying by gender, popular girls report shorter sleep duration (β = -2.68 min for each additional friendship nomination; 95% CI [-4.75, -.61]) and greater sleep insufficiency (RR = 1.04; 95% CI [1.01, 1.07]) compared to less popular girls. Girls who are liaisons experience more sleep insufficiency (RR = 1.28; 95% CI [1.07, 1.53]) compared to group member girls. In contrast, isolated boys reported more insomnia symptoms (RR = 2.19; 95% CI [1.20, 3.98]) compared to group members. Conclusion Popularity may have hidden costs for girls' sleep, while social isolation seems to be detrimental for boys' sleep. These results suggest that a social network perspective is valuable for studying sleep health and might inform targeted interventions to improve adolescents' sleep outcomes.
Fournier Gangrene: A Review for Emergency Clinicians

Abstract Background Fournier gangrene (FG) is a rare, life-threatening infection that can result in significant morbidity and mortality, with many patients requiring emergency department (ED) management for complications and stabilization. Objective This narrative review provides an evidence-based summary of the current data for the emergency medicine evaluation and management of FG. Discussion Although originally thought to be an idiopathic process, FG has been shown to have a strong association for male patients with advanced age and comorbidities affecting microvascular circulation and immune system function, most commonly those with diabetes or alcohol use disorder. However, it can also affect patients without risk factors. The initial infectious nidus is usually located in the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or perineum. FG is a mixed infection of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora. The development and progression of gangrene is often fulminant and can rapidly cause multiple organ failure and death, although patients may present subacutely with findings similar to cellulitis. Laboratory studies, as well as imaging including point-of-care ultrasound, conventional radiography, and computed tomography are important diagnostic adjuncts, though negative results cannot exclude diagnosis. Treatment includes emergent surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and resuscitation with intravenous fluids and vasoactive medications. Conclusions FG requires a high clinical level of suspicion, combined with knowledge of anatomy, risk factors, and etiology for an accurate diagnosis. Although FG remains a clinical diagnosis, relevant laboratory and radiography investigations can serve as useful adjuncts to expedite surgical management, hemodynamic resuscitation, and antibiotic administration.
Static Analysis of the Human Body Balance Following an Induced Vertigo

This paper is aimed towards a static evaluation of the human body balance, on a force platform such as Kistler platform, following an induced vertigo by spinning the subject. Vertigo is the feeling of spinning even when the person stays in place. The environment seems to move vertically or horizontally. Some people feel like they’re spinning. The effect may be easy or hardly noticeable, or it may be so severe that the subject may fall to the ground. Vertigo is more severe than dizziness, described as a slight uncertainty in orthostatic position. Dizziness can make the movement difficult, as the feeling of rotation affects the balance. The recorded values were acquired at a frequency of 100 Hz for 30 s, which led to the recording of 3000 values for every different parameter. A specialized numerical analysis software, Interactive Data Language (IDL), was used for the realization of the graphs and the statistical analysis of the results obtained on the Kistler force platform.
Fibbing about your feelings: How feigning happiness in the face of personal hardship affects trust

Abstract Individuals who experience personal distress face a dilemma when they enter the workplace: should they authentically express their negative emotions when conversing with colleagues, or feign happiness? Across six experiments, using face-to-face interactions, as well as video and scenario-based stimuli, we explore how feigning happiness in the face of personal hardship affects trust among colleagues. We find that individuals who feign happiness in professional contexts are more likely to be hired and are trusted more by others, despite also being perceived as more dishonest. Our results suggest that these trust benefits are unique to professional (rather than personal) contexts, and are driven by perceptions of resilience, rather than conformity to display rules. This research deepens our understanding of emotion regulation, authenticity, and trust by exploring the consequences of feigned happiness in mixed motive settings and by demonstrating that emotional misrepresentation, unlike many other forms of misrepresentation, can increase trust.
Applying the Jurisdictional Provisions of the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005: In Search of a Sensible Judicial Approach

On February 18, 2005, President Bush signed the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (CAFA), which had been passed by the 109th Congress. The stated purpose of the legislation was “[t]o amend the procedures that apply to consideration of interstate class actions to assure fairer outcomes for class members and defendants, and for other purposes.”The Republican-controlled Congress was concerned that class actions were creating a drag on the economy by forcing corporate defendants to settle unwarranted suits in order to avoid the risk of exposure to possibly ruinous judgments. In many cases, such settlements provided nothing more than coupons of little or no value to the class members, while awarding excessively large attorneys' fees to class council. To make matters worse, plaintiffs' attorneys had been able to “game” the system by manipulating the named plaintiffs and defendants in order to avoid federal diversity jurisdiction. They then could bring a large number of such class actions in a handful of state court jurisdictions, where judges were known for providing inadequate supervision of class certification and approval of settlements.In addition to the question of how plaintiffs must prove the citizenship of the class members, other issues which will affect whether the home-state and local controversy exceptions have any effect will be the following: how the courts define “primary” or “significant” defendant and what proof they require of this; what kind of leeway the courts grant to plaintiffs in defining the class members; and how the courts apply the factors in the intermediate tier (when between one-third and two-thirds of plaintiffs are in-state citizens).This Article will examine these procedural issues involved in making the determination of whether a class action should be remanded to state court or remain in federal court. It will argue that in order to accomplish Congress's stated goal of allocating cases of an interstate nature to federal courts and truly local cases to state courts, the federal courts must not impose unreasonable or impossible standards of proof for plaintiffs to meet.
The Social Position of Daughters-in-Law and Domestic Violence: Patrilocal Marriage in Tajikistan

A longstanding tradition of patrilocal marriage – living in the husband’s natal household - affects every generation of Central Asian women and their choices regarding childbearing, employment and education. While anthropological evidence suggests that elder household members, especially the mother-in-law, play a key and often detrimental role in the lives of junior women in their households, empirical studies are scarce. We use Tajikistan 2012 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data to explore the correlation between domestic violence and daughters-in-law’s living arrangements. Controlling on observables, propensity score matching (PSM) technique yields a positive and statistically significant treatment effect. Women who live with the in-law family are at least 72% more likely to experience emotional abuse committed by their husbands. A similar treatment effect does not emerge between physical violence and the presence of parents-in-law in the household.
Walking through a ‘phoenix landscape’: hiker surveys reveal nuanced perceptions of wildfire effects

Public opinion of wildfire is often perceived to be negative and in support of fire suppression, even though research suggests public opinions have become more positive over the past few decades. However, most prior work on this topic has focused on homeowners in forested regions. In this study, we shift the lens to hikers in a chaparral- and oak-savannah-dominated landscape that burned at high severity in 2015. We surveyed hikers before and after their hike about their familiarity and perceptions of local fire, and wildfire in the nation at large. We found hikers were familiar with topics such as prescribed fire and basic fire ecology, but knew little about local ecology or fire regimes. Post-hike perceptions of fire and feelings about wildfire in the USA were complex and heterogeneous, not predominantly negative. Contrary to frequent media descriptions of post-fire landscapes as ‘devastated’ or ‘moonscapes,’ many participants described the burned landscape with awe and admiration. These results suggest that residents of fire-prone landscapes may benefit from programming that emphasises benefits and challenges of fire in the local landscape and incorporates visits to local burned sites throughout the recovery period.
Media politics in China: Improvising power under authoritarianism

In Media Politics in China, Maria Repnikova offers one of the best studies to date on the intriguing relationship between critical journalists and the Chinese Party-state, as well as its implicatio...
Intention to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the level of intent to receive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and demographical factors influencing vaccine uptake among pregnant individuals. STUDY DESIGN: PubMed, Scopus, and archive/pre-print servers were searched up to May 22nd, 2021. Cross sectional surveys reporting the percentage of the pregnant individuals intending to get a COVID-19 vaccine were considered eligible for meta-analysis. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021254484). The primary outcome was to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination intent among pregnant population. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the factors influencing the intention for vaccination. RESULTS: Twelve studies sourcing data of 16,926 individuals who were identified as pregnant were eligible. The estimated intention for the receipt of COVID-19 vaccine among women who were pregnant was 47% (95% CI: 38-57%), with the lowest prevalence in Africa 19% (95% CI: 17-21%) and the highest in Oceania 48.0% (95% CI: 44.0-51.0%). Uptake of other vaccines (influenza and/or TdaP) during pregnancy was associated with higher rate of intent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.37-6.73; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The intent to receive COVID-19 vaccine is relatively low among women who are pregnant and substantially varies based on the country of residence. In our meta-analysis, intent of women who were pregnant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with the history of receiving influenza or TdaP vaccine during pregnancy. Given that in every country only a minority of gravidae have received the COVID-19 vaccine, despite known risks of maternal morbidity and mortality with no evidence of risks of vaccination, it highlights the importance of revised approaches at shared decision making and focused public health messaging by national and international advisories. KEY POINTS: · The estimated global intention for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women was 47%.. · The lowest intention was in Africa and the highest in Oceania.. · These findings highlight the importance of public health messaging by by different agencies..
The Prince Against Prudence: On Textuality, Reading, and Politics in Rhetorical Theory

This article explores an alternative logic of imprudence at work in Machiavelli’s The Prince , a text seemingly defined by its prudence. Arguing that crucial engagements with The Prince by Eugene Garver and Robert Hariman operate as “prudent” readings, I note that the text offers durable resources for radical political and rhetorical imagination. Such resources are recoverable, however, only in and through an alternative, imprudent, reading strategy. Following the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, I read The Prince —particularly in its aesthetic and rhetorical articulation of “the people”—neither as a manual for princes or realpolitik but as both irreducible plurality and differential network, reflecting a political imagination at work in the text beyond modern calculation. Reading The Prince imprudently, I explore the necessary interconnection between rhetorical reading and political thinking—and the subsequent importance of understanding political theory as an aesthetic and textual practice.
Corporate Governance and Efficiency in Nepalese Commercial Banks

The 1997-1998 economic crises in the Asian countries highlighted the importance of corporate governance. In developing countries such as Nepal, a good governance of banks is crucial for the survival of its economy. This study investigates the impact of corporate governance on efficiency of Nepalese commercial banks and covers 29 commercial banks out of 31 banks from the 2005-2011 time spans. Corporate governance variables are represented by board size, independence and diligence, Audit Committee size, independence and diligence and ownership structure. The non-performing loan variable is used for bank’s efficiency. The regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between corporate governance and efficiency of bank. The findings show that bigger board and audit committee size and lower frequency of board meeting and lower proportion of institutional ownership lead to better efficiency in the commercial banks.
Characterization of Functional Domains within the Multifunctional Transcription Factor, YY1

YY1 is a multifunctional transcription factor capable of either activation or repression of transcription. Using a series of mutant proteins, we have characterized domains responsible for activation or repression. We found that the YY1 transcriptional activation domain lies near the amino terminus and requires amino acids 16-29 and 80-100 for maximal activity. The region between residues 16 and 29 has the potential to form an acidic amphipathic helix, whereas residues between 80 and 100 are rich in proline and glutamine. The YY1 repression domain lies near the carboxyl terminus and is embedded within the YY1 zinc finger region necessary for binding to DNA. Deletion of YY1 amino acids, which include zinc fingers 3 and 4, abolishes repression. However, site-directed mutagenesis, progressive deletion, and internal deletion mutant analyses indicate that the normal structures of zinc fingers 3 and 4 are not required for repression.
Factors Affecting the Conversion of Yellow to Red Marrow

The tail vertebrae of the rat contain fatty marrow. The unamputated distal tail was implanted into the peritoneal cavity and disarticulated tail vertebrae were transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen in an effort to study the effect of environmental factors such as temperature and blood flow on the cellularity of the marrow. Transplantation alone increased only slightly the cellularity while the addition of phenylhydrazine treatment increased it greatly. These observations indicate that there is an inherent determinant of the cellularity of marrow in different sites, although this can be modified to a certain extent by environment and by physiologic stimulation.
The Fractionation of Human Plasma Proteins: I. Affinity Purification of Human Complement Properdin

A method was developed for the affinity purification of human complement properdin. The preparation is part of an integrated scheme in which over 20 human plasma proteins can be recovered in a highly purified form. The yield of properdin was 5.9 mg from 3 liters of plasma, amounting to a 28% recovery. The crucial step in the purification was the application of affinity chromatography using C3b-ester-Sepharose.
A Nonlinear Hyperbolic Volterra Equation Arising in Heat Flow.

ABSTRACT A mathematical model for nonlinear heat flow in a rigid unbounded body of material with memory is analysed by an energy method developed jointly with C. M. Dafermos. Global existence, uniqueness, boundedness and the decay of smooth solutions at t → ∞ are established for sufficiently smooth and “small” data, under physically reasonable assumptions.
Valved apico-aortic composite conduits for left ventricular outflow tract obstructions: A 4 year experience with 27 patients

Abstract A double outlet left ventricle with a special composite prosthesis interposed between the left ventricular apex and the supraceliac abdominal aorta was created in 27 patients (16 male and 11 female). Their ages ranged from 4 to 72 years (mean 23). Preoperative hemodynamic studies demonstrated a mean (± Standard deviation) peak left ventricular systolic pressure of 213 ± 36 mm Hg with a mean left ventricular outflow gradient of 93 +- 33 mm Hg. Postoperatively, mean left ventricular systolic pressure decreased to 128 +- 26 mm Hg (p
Fabrication of microstructures in FOTURAN using excimer and femtosecond lasers

We discuss laser fabrication of microstructures in photoetchable glass-ceramics, FOTURAN. A KrF excimer laser (λ = 248 nm, τ = 25 ns) is used for surface micromachining, and a femtosecond laser (λ = 800 nm, τ = 80 fs) is used for fabricating three-dimensional structures. Other aspects of the machining, such as the fluence and crystallization depth resulting from these two methods are presented. A detailed analysis of the absorption process of both lasers in FOTURAN is discussed.
The CheC Phosphatase Regulates Chemotactic Adaptation through CheD

The bacterial chemotaxis system is one of the most extensively studied signal transduction systems in biology. The response regulator CheY controls flagellar rotation and is phosphorylated by the CheA histidine kinase to its active form. CheC is a CheY-P phosphatase, and this activity is enhanced in a CheC-CheD heterodimer. CheC is also critical for chemotactic adaptation, the return to the prestimulus system state despite persistent attractant concentrations. Here, CheC point mutants were examined in Bacillus subtilis for in vivo complementation and in vitro activity. The mutants were identified separating the three known abilities of CheC: CheD binding, CheY-P binding, and CheY-P phosphatase activity. Remarkably, the phosphatase ability was not as critical to the in vivo function of CheC as the ability to bind both CheY-P and CheD. Additionally, it was confirmed that CheY-P increases the affinity of CheC for CheD, the later of which is known to be necessary for receptor activation of CheA. These data suggest a model of CheC as a CheY-P-induced regulator of CheD. Here, CheY-P would cause CheC to sequester CheD from the chemoreceptors, inducing adaptation of the chemotaxis system. This model represents the first plausible means for feedback from the output of the system, CheY-P, to the receptors.
Soot and hydrocarbon formation in a turbulent diffusion flame

Formation and emission of soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PCAH) from a turbulent continuous flow combustor have been studied. Measurements included mass concentration of both soot and PCAH, composition of individual PCAH, and size distribution of soot particles, as a function of mixing intensity, fuel equivalence ratio and type of fuel (kerosene or benzene). Both soot and PCAH concentrations reach maxima early in the flame, after which PCAH decays rapidly and soot decays much slower. The maximum PCAH concentration always preceded that of soot in agreement with the concept that certain PCAH may serve as intermediates in soot formation. An approximate calculation based on the assumptions of local equilibrium with respect to soot formation and a Gaussian distribution of air-fuel mixedness gave satisfactory correlations of the data on soot formation at the higher cold gas velocity. At the lower velocity, the amount of soot and PCAH formed was drastically increased and strongly dependent on fuel atomization.
Triangular 7 and quadrilateral 5 subdivision schemes: Regular case

Abstract This paper is devoted to the study of triangular 7 and quadrilateral 5 surface subdivisions. Both approximation and interpolatory subdivision schemes are considered, with illustrative examples of both scalar-valued and matrix-valued 7 and 5 subdivision masks that satisfy the sum rule of sufficiently high orders. In particular, “optimal” Sobolev smoothness is determined and Holder smoothness estimates are presented.
SU‐E‐T‐90: Sensitivity of MatriXX 2D Array in Detection of MLC Leaf Positioning Errors

Purpose: MLC leaf positioning errors significantly impact the accuracy of IMRT delivery. This study was to investigate the detection sensitivity of a commercial MatriXX 2D ion chamber array for MLC leaf positioning errors. Methods: Systematic MLC leaf positioning errors (±1, ±2, ±3 mm) were purposely introduced on one side of the leaf bank in a square field (10 × 10 cm2) and a clinical prostate IMRT plan with 5 coplanar fields (0°, 50°, 100°, 260°, and 310°) within a clinical treatment planning system (TPS). To test the effect of the ion chamber resolution (7.62 mm), the center of the square field was shifted to different locations at 1 mm intervals in relationship to the chamber positions. Both treatment plans, with and without leaf positioning errors, were delivered and measured with a commercial MatriXX device. To eliminate potential beam modeling errors from the TPS, the Gamma index of each field was directly calculated between measured planar doses with and without errors. Results: For the square field with 1 mm and 2 mm leaf positioning errors, respectively, the Gamma indices of 3%/3mm were 99.8% and 98.8%; the Gamma indices of 2%/2mm were 98.8% and 97.5%. The Gamma index was independent of the error positions relative to the chamber positions. For the clinical prostate IMRT plan with 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm leaf positioning errors, respectively, the average Gamma indices of 3%/3mm for 5 fields were (100 ± 0.0)%, (99.8 ± 0.1)%, and (98.6 ± 1.2)%; the average Gamma indices of 2%/2mm were (99.8 ± 0.2)%, (98.3 ± 0.8)%, and (96.6 ± 1.8)%. Conclusion: With the Gamma index of 3%/3mm having a passing rate of 99%, the MatriXX 2D array can detect 2 mm leaf positioning errors for a single field, and 3 mm errors for IMRT plans with multiple fields.
Finite blocklength coding for multiple access channels

This paper studies the maximum achievable rate region of multiple access channels (MAC) for a given blocklength n and a desired error probability ∊. The inner region for the discrete memoryless MAC is approximated by a single-lettered expression I − 1/√n Q inv (V, ∊) where I is associated with the capacity pentagon bounds by Ahlswede and Liao, V is the MAC dispersion matrix, and Q inv is the complementary multivariate Gaussian cumulative distribution region. For outer regions, we provide general converse bounds for both average error probability and maximum error probability criteria, and a single-lettered approximation for the discrete memoryless MAC.
WE‐E‐330D‐07: Empirical Studies of Polycrystalline Silicon‐Based Flat‐Panel Imagers Incorporating Pixel‐Amplifiers

Purpose: To investigate the potential of achieving significant improvements in the DQE performance of active‐matrix flat‐panel imagers at low fluoroscopic exposures and high spatial frequencies through incorporation of novel pixel architectures based on polycrystallinesilicon thin‐film transistors(TFTs). Methods and Materials: Detailed empirical studies have recently been performed on the signal and noise characteristics of a series of arrays incorporating poly‐Si TFTs. These indirect detection designs involved three pixel architectures employing either a single TFT switch, a single‐stage amplifier, or a dual‐stage amplifier — along with a continuous photodiode structure. Determinations of MTF, NPS, and DQE, as well as of individual pixel properties (sensitivity, linearity, trapping, noise) were performed under fluoroscopic and radiographic conditions. Circuit simulations were also performed to explore the potential performance of these and other hypothetical array designs. Results: The studies indicate that the high mobilities of poly‐Si lead to potential frame rates of at least an order of magnitude greater than those of conventional arrays with a‐Si:H TFTs. In addition, the single‐ and dual‐stage pixel‐amplifier arrays demonstrate signal gain (∼×10 and ∼×25, respectively) very close to design expectations. Furthermore, empirical data taken from these early prototypes demonstrate a small, but non‐negligible enhancement in signal‐to‐noise performance compared to that of similar arrays using conventional designs, as a result of pixel amplification and the use of repeated, non‐destructive readout. Analysis based on these empirical results and circuit simulations indicates that, with circuit design optimization and improved TFT quality, further significant enhancement of performance should be possible. Conclusion: These results indicate that substantial improvements in DQE performance are possible through incorporation of poly‐Si circuits in flat panel pixel designs. Factors limiting the performance of present designs will be described and future steps in the development of this technology will be discussed. This work is supported by NIH grant R01 EB000558.
Cooperative behavior in biological systems

Abstract Frohlich's model of Bose condensation in biological systems is discussed. A criticism of the theory levied by Lifshits is examined utilizing microscopic techniques. It is subsequently concluded that the criticism is invalid.
Displacement separation of some of the component fatty acids of milk fat.

Summary With the technique of carrier displacement chromatography, the separation of some of the fatty acids of milk fat has been shown to be possible. Nine fatty acids, from butyric to stearic acids, have been separated by the proper choice of solvents and displacer concentrations. Losses of the shorter chain acids through volatilization could be overcome by introducing the sample as a soap, followed by acidification directly on the column.
X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of the resting ferrous and cosubstrate-bound active sites of phenylalanine hydroxylase.

Previous studies of ferrous wild-type phenylalanine hydroxylase, {Fe2+}PAH(T)[], have shown the active site to be a six-coordinate distorted octahedral site. After the substrate and cofactor bind to the enzyme ({Fe2+}PAH(R)[L-Phe,5-deaza-6-MPH4]), the active site converts to a five-coordinate square pyramidal structure in which the identity of the missing ligand had not been previously determined. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Fe K-edge further supports this coordination number change with the binding of both cosubstrates to the enzyme, and determines this to be due to the loss of a water ligand.
Models of health plan choice

This paper considers alternative approaches to accounting for consumer heterogeneity in econometric models of health plan choice. In particular, we compare and contrast approaches used by health economists and marketing researchers to explicitly allow for consumer heterogeneity in assessment of plan provider quality and characteristics. As a result, we are able to identify conditions under which approaches utilized by health economists are preferred over those utilized by marketing researchers, and vice versa. For example, we find that in the absence of data on prior year choice, which is often the case of models estimated in the health economics literature, it would be valuable to estimate random coefficient models, which have not been estimated in such works. And, in the presence of data on prior year choice, which is often the case of models estimated in the marketing literature, a model wherein consumer characteristics simply interact with plan specific constants and premium, and which has not been estimated in that literature, offers better fits than random coefficient, semi-parametric random coefficient, and latent class models which have been previously estimated in that literature. The model offers important managerial insights useful for targeting benefits of various plans to different customer segments.
Stochastic models in agricultural watersheds

Abstract A stochastic time-series approach using spectral analysis theory is developed and applied to drainage analysis of an agricultural watershed, Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico, U.S.A. The spectral theory demonstrates that a linear reservoir model is a suitable approximation to the Dupuit aquifer over a wide range of frequencies. A first-order perturbation of the variables allows the system parameters to be evaluated from both the stochastic solution of the fluctuating or zero-mean process, and the temporal-mean or steady-state solution. Deep percolation is estimated by first assuming a “no storage” situation in which recharge is a constant fraction (leaching fraction) of applied water. A second approach to deep percolation incorporates a soil-moisture reservoir to simulate storage in the soil zone. The equations developed are useful for characterizing drainage systems which exhibit a statistically stationary response to rainfall and/or irrigation.
Spectrophotometric determination of hydrazine and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, separately or in admixture

Abstract A rapid, sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of hydrazine and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, separately or in mixtures of varying proportions, is described. The analysis is based on the well-known reaction of these compounds with salicylaldehyde to form, in the case of hydrazine, a symmetrical azine, or with 1,l-dimethylhydrazine, a hydrazone. Absorbance measurements were made in the ultraviolet at wavelengths characteristic of the derivatives and of salicylaldehyde; the results were calculated by means of simultaneous equations. The procedure is sensitive to concentrations of hydrazine as low as 0.3 μg/ml and of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine as low as 0.25 μg/ml. This corresponds to initial sample solutions having a concentration of 3.0 mg of hydrazine and 1.25 mg of 1,1-dimethyl hydrazine per ml.
Zooplankton spin splitter

Abstract A new device for zooplankton subsampling uses the spinning of aliquot collecting chambers while the sample is mixed by a water jet and drains through a narrow tube. Aliquot chambers collect a small portion of the sample each cycle of rotation. The device reduces splitting time and obtains a variety of subsample sizes in one operation.
Potential Etiologic Agents in Sarcoidosis

The etiology of sarcoidosis remains uncertain. The hallmark of sarcoidosis is the epithelioid granuloma, which serves as a necessary starting point for considering disease etiology. Any etiologic agent of sarcoidosis must also explain the typical clinical behaviors and characteristic immunopathologic features of the disease. One clinical observation that serves as a bridge to the etiology of sarcoidosis is the Kveim reaction. In this reaction, local epithelioid granulomas develop several weeks after the intradermal injection of homogenates of sarcoidosis tissue. Our group capitalized on the known properties of the Kveim reagent to search for candidate pathogenic tissue antigens in sarcoidosis without other a priori hypotheses regarding possible microbial or autoimmune etiologies. Using a limited proteomics approach based on the physicochemical properties of Kveim reagent, we detected a limited number of poorly soluble antigenic proteins in sarcoidosis tissues by protein immunoblotting, using sarcoidosis sera. Matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry identified one of these antigens to be the Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalase-peroxidase protein (mKatG). We found IgG responses to recombinant mKatG in more than 50% of patients with sarcoidosis but rarely in purified protein derivative (PPD)-negative control subjects. These findings support the conclusion that mKatG is a tissue antigen and target of the adaptive immune response in sarcoidosis, providing further evidence of a mycobacterial etiology in a subset of sarcoidosis. More generally, the approach used in these studies might be employed to discover and validate other candidate pathogenic antigens in sarcoidosis or other granulomatous disorders.
Computed tomography findings in the Swyer-James syndrome

A case of hyperlucent lung, the Swyer-James syndrome, diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) scan is presented. The CT findings and the role of this modality in establishing the diagnosis are discussed.
Stochastic model theory of broadband shock associated noise from supersonic jets

A method based on the work of Tam and Tanna (1982) for calculating the near field noise spectrum and the spatial distribution of broadband shock associated noise from supersonic jets is proposed. Multiple-scales expansion is used to decompose the quasi-periodic shock cells into time-independent waveguide modes of the jet flow, and the interaction of the instability waves with each of the waveguide modes is shown to generate unsteady disturbances which become part of the broadband shock associated noise when radiated to the far field. The observed broadband shock associated noise is composed of a superposition of the various distinct spectra of the different waveguide modes, and the multispectra can be easily identified in many of the existing far and near field noise measurements.
Control of dichloromethane emissions using biofiltration

Abstract Inhibition has been observed in biofilters when multiple substrates are present in the inlet gases. This research evaluated the effects of toluene on the acclimation of microbial populations and biodegradation rate of dichloromethane in a compost biofilter. Experiments were performed in a laboratory scale biofiltration system. Greater than 98% removal efficiency was achieved for dichloromethane under the experimental conditions (1 min residence time and inlet concentrations of 3 and 40 ppm). Although acclimation to toluene occurred within two weeks of system start‐up, initial dichloromethane acclimation took place over a period of ten weeks. When a laboratory‐grown consortium of dichloromethane‐degrading organisms was introduced into fresh biofilter media, a 2–7 week acclimation period was still observed. The presence of toluene in the inlet gas stream inhibited dichloromethane degradation only when present at a high concentration. Overall dichloromethane removal remained constant as long as ther...
Morbidity and Comorbidity Among Great Lakes American Indians: Predictors of Functional Ability

This article explores patterns of morbidity and comorbidity and their ability to predict functional disability among American Indian elders, using data from a sample of urban, rural off-reservation, and reservation Great Lakes American Indians age 55 and older. Higher rates are reported of a number of chronic illnesses than found in overall samples of U.S. elders. Results of multiple regression analyses predicting Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) show age to be a consistent predictor of functional disabilities: The CMI (Index of Comorbidity) was found to be a more useful predictor of functional disability than was the simple summation of the number of chronic illnesses.
Risk of bladder cancer following external beam radiation for prostate cancer

Abstract Introduction: Increased rates of secondary malignancies of the bladder have been reported after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for gynecologic malignancies with relative risks varying from 3–57. This study will determine if there is increased risk of subsequent bladder cancer for men treated with EBRT for prostate cancer from 1970–1999. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the Mayo Clinic Cancer Registry for patients who received EBRT for prostate cancer, and isolated a cohort of patients with 10,000 man-years of follow-up after radiation. Medical histories of patients who developed subsequent bladder cancer were reviewed. Comparative cancer incidence rates were obtained from the SEER database (2000). Results: Of 3700 patients treated with EBRT for prostate cancer from 1970–1999, 806 patients (with 10,002 follow-up years) were randomly selected. 26 developed a subsequent bladder cancer. 20 sporadic cases of TCC were expected in a similarly aged population without radiation (from SEER data). Our data demonstrates the relative risk of developing a subsequent bladder cancer is 1.3 (CI 0.85–1.91) which is elevated but not statistically significant. Conclusions: This retrospective review shows the risk of bladder cancer in men who received radiation for prostate cancer is slightly higher than expected in a non-irradiated population. It is, however, lower than the risk reported in the gynecologic literature. Both radiation cystitis and bladder tumors can present with hematuria and irritative voiding. Urologists should be vigilant in evaluation of this subset of patients at increased risk for vesical neoplasms.
Urea-inducible Egr-1 transcription in renal inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD3) cells is mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation

Urea (200-400 milliosmolar) activates transcription, translation of, and trans-activation by the immediate-early gene transcription factor Egr-1 in a renal epithelial cell-specific fashion. The effect at the transcriptional level has been attributed to multiple serum response elements and their adjacent Ets motifs located within the Egr-1 promoter. Elk-1, a principal ternary complex factor and Ets domain-containing protein, is a substrate of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinases. In the renal medullary mIMCD3 cell line, urea (200-400 milliosmolar) activated both ERK1 and ERK2 as determined by in-gel kinase assay and immune-complex kinase assay of epitope-tagged] ERK1 and ERK2. Importantly, urea did not affect abundance of either ERK. Urea-inducible Egr-1 transcription was a consequence of ERK activation because the ERK-specific inhibitor, PD98059, abrogated transcription from the murine Egr-1 promoter in a luciferase reported gene assay. In addition, activators of protein kinase A, including forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP, which are known to inhibit ERK-mediated events, also inhibited urea-inducible Egr-1 transcription. Furthermore, urea-inducible activation of the physiological ERK substrate and transcription factor, Elk-1, was demonstrated through transient cotransfection of a chimeric Elk-1/GAL4 expression plasmid and a GAL4-driven luciferase reporter plasmid. Taken together, these data indicate that, in mIMCD3 cells, urea activates ERKs and the ERK substrate, Elk-1, and that ERK inhibition abrogates urea-inducible Egr-1 transcription. These data are consistent with a model of urea-inducible renal medullary gene expression wherein sequential activation of ERKs and Elk-1 results in increased transcription of Egr-1 through serum response element/Ets motifs.
The trend toward non-real-time attacks

Abstract A shift in the methodology of attacking networks is occurring. The shift is from real-time attacks via hacking into systems directly to non-real-time attacks through the use of viruses, worms and Trojans that can invade tens of thousands of systems over time. They perform all manner of mischief, including the collection and forwarding of information such as credit card data to the perpetrator to use at their convenience.
NOx and fuel emissions in combustion of hydrogen/air mixtures near inert surfaces

Combustion of premixed H 2 /air flames near inert surfaces was studied numerically using detailed chemistry and multicomponent transport. The roles of inlet composition, radiative loss from the surface, and thermal quenching by cold walls in NO x and fuel emissions were analyzed. It is shown that the bifurcation behavior in terms of extinguishability strongly determines the role of thermal quenching in emissions. For weak, extinguishable flames, thermal quenching at the surface effectively reduces NO x emissions, although at the cost of higher fuel emissions. Strong, nonextinguishable flames at low strain rates are practically unaffected by thermal quenching except for an increased NO 2 mole fraction near the surface.