cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The analysis and impact of simulated high-resolution surface observations in addition to radar data for convective storms with an ensemble Kalman filter

Observing system simulation experiments are performed using an ensemble Kalman filter to investigate the impact of surface observations in addition to radar data on convective storm analysis and forecasting. A multi-scale procedure is used in which different covariance localization radii are used for radar and surface observations. When the radar is far enough away from the main storm so that the low level data coverage is poor, a clear positive impact of surface observations is achieved when the network spacing is 20 km or smaller. The impact of surface data increases quasi-linearly with decreasing surface network spacing until the spacing is close to the grid interval of the truth simulation. The impact of surface data is sustained or even amplified during subsequent forecasts when their impact on the analysis is significant. When microphysics-related model error is introduced, the impact of surface data is reduced but still evidently positive, and the impact also increases with network density. Through dynamic flow-dependent background error covariance, the surface observations not only correct near-surface errors, but also errors at the mid- and upper levels. State variables different from observed are also positively impacted by the observations in the analysis.
Working on the Domestic Frontier: American Indian Domestic Servants in White Women's Households in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1920-1940

several letters to her, but finally gave it up as hopeless. She only paid me twelve a month." Opal also lamented that when Mrs. David "did let me go to Oakland for the dances she always wanted me to go up to the house to mow the land and kill fleas. The house was just infested with them. That is a terrible job by itself. That meant scrubbing all the ten rooms. She didn't give me a moment's rest, so I think it's terrible that she doesn't want to pay me. Will you please try and make her give me the $10." Opal added in a postscript, "I need the money terribly and I earned it, more than earned it so please make her pay me."1 On the face of it, Opal's predicament did not differ significantly from that of other domestic servants in the United States in the early years of the twentieth century. Like Opal, most were female, impoverished, and racially classified as nonwhite, and they had few options for employment other than working as domestic servants.2 Many other domestic servants also suffered from the same kinds of indignities and toiled for the same low wages as Opal. Moreover, the relationship between employer and servant within the household has always been riven with inequalities that have divided women by class and often by race.3 This is not a new story. However, household employment for Opal and other young Indian women did differ from that of other domestic servants in several key ways. First, Opal had not journeyed across the Atlantic or Pacific or trudged across a national
Young adults 16-21 years of age at diagnosis entered on Childrens Cancer Group acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloblastic leukemia protocols. Results of treatment.

Background. Scant data are available on event-free survival (EFS) for young adults with leukemia who were 16-21 years of age at diagnosis. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it is well recognized that children have a better EFS compared with adults, whereas for acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), EFS results seem to be similar. To determine the appropriate treatment for young adults with leukemia, outcome data are essential. Methods. Young adults entered on the Childrens Cancer Group (CCG) 100 series ALL protocols and the CCG 213 AML protocol were analyzed for EFS and survival. Prognostic factors for EFS also were determined. Results. The actuarial EFS for 143 young adults with ALL treated on the CCG 100 series ALL protocols was 64±4% at 4 years and 59±4% at 6 years
NMR Identification of an Acyl-adenylate Intermediate in the Aryl-aldehyde Oxidoreductase Catalyzed Reaction

A new one-pot synthesis was designed to prepare benzoyl-AMP under anhydrous conditions inN,N-dimethylformamide. Reaction of benzoic acid with N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole and subsequently with 5′-adenosyl monophosphate gave the mixed anhydride in 76% isolated yield. The structure of benzoyl-AMP was confirmed by mass spectroscopy and 1H-, 31P-, and13C-NMR. The purity of the preparation was greater than 98% as indicated by 31P- and 13C-NMR. Purified aryl-aldehyde oxidoreductase was incubated in NMR tubes together with either carboxy-13C-benzoyl-AMP or carboxy-13C-benzoic acid to demonstrate that benzoyl-AMP is an active intermediate during the enzymatic reduction of benzoic acid to benzaldehyde.
Respiratory muscle function and dyspnea in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND Patients with heart failure (HF) frequently experience exertional dyspnea. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, we have previously demonstrated accessory respiratory muscle deoxygenation during exercise in these patients by monitoring changes in light absorption at 760-800 nm. METHODS AND RESULTS To investigate whether low-frequency respiratory muscle fatigue occurs, we performed supramaximal bilateral transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation before and after maximal bicycle exercise in 10 patients with HF (age, 62 +/- 10 years; ejection fraction, 18 +/- 7%) and six normal subjects (age, 50 +/- 8 years). Maximal rates of contraction and relaxation, peak twitch tension, and maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) were derived before and after exercise from analysis of six to 12 twitches obtained at functional residual capacity. Pdi, time in inspiration (Ti), time per breath (TTOT), respiratory gases, ratings of perceived dyspnea and fatigue, and 760-800 nm near-infrared spectroscopy absorbency changes of the serratus anterior muscle were measured throughout exercise. The tension time index (TTdi) of the diaphragm was derived. In both normal and HF subjects, all parameters of diaphragmatic function (i.e., maximal rates of contraction and relaxation, peak twitch tension, and maximal Pdi) were unchanged before and after exercise. Mean Pdi was comparable at rest (normal, 3.7 +/- 1; HF, 5.8 +/- 2.9 cm H2O; p = NS) but significantly greater in patients with HF at peak exercise (normal, 12.1 +/- 3; HF, 18.3 +/- 6.6 cm H2O; p less than 0.05). Ti/TTOT of both groups was similar at rest and throughout exercise. TTdi was significantly greater at rest (normal, 0.01 +/- 0.01; HF, 0.03 +/- 0.02; p less than 0.05) and at peak exercise (normal, 0.03 +/- 0.02; HF, 0.10 +/- 0.03; p less than 0.04) in patients with HF. Significant accessory respiration muscle deoxygenation was noted only in patients with HF (peak exercise; normal, -1 +/- 13; HF, 28 +/- 15 arbitrary units; p less than 0.01). Linear correlation analysis was performed between ratings of perceived dyspnea and parameters of pulmonary and diaphragmatic function. Significant correlations were observed between ratings of perceived dyspnea and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, the TTdi of the diaphragm, near-infrared absorption changes, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (all r greater than 0.5; p less than 0.05). Thus, respiratory muscle strength, work, and oxygenation were significantly correlated with the degree of dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that low-frequency diaphragmatic muscle fatigue does not occur despite accessory respiratory muscle deoxygenation during exercise in patients with HF. However, diaphragmatic work as assessed by the TTdi is dramatically increased in patients with HF and approaches levels previously shown to generate fatigue. The sensation of dyspnea appears closely related to respiratory muscle function.
Mentors in life and at school: impact on undergraduate prote´ge´ perceptions of university mission and values

University undergraduates (84 women, 80 men: M age=19.1 years old) reported school mission and value perceptions, life and/or school mentor relationships, and social desirability tendencies. No significant social desirability effect was obtained. Prote´ge´s with mentors at school and in life (n=52) reported greater cognitive and informational support but equal rates of emotional and tangible support plus modeling of appropriate behaviors as prote´ge´s with mentors from life alone (n=55). Furthermore, prote´ge´s with a mentor in life and at school stated stronger perceptions of their institution's educational mission, a greater sense of campus altruism, and a commitment to lifelong engagement in education than prote´ge´s with mentors from life alone or students with no mentor (n=48). Implications for developing school‐based mentorship initiatives which augment life‐based mentor programs may enhance student understanding of a university's mission and its values are discussed.
An insertion vector for the analysis of gene expression during herpes simplex virus infection

Abstract A herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) insertion vector, pGal8, was designed for analysis of herpesvirus promoters during virus infection. This vector contains a multiple cloning site (MCS) positioned at the 5' end of the lacZ gene for the insertion of promoter sequences. The MCS and lacZ are flanked by sequences from HSV-1 thymidine kinase encoding gene ( tk ) to direct homologous recombination into the tk locus of the viral genome. The utility of this vector is demonstrated by construction and comparison of recombinant viruses that express lacZ from the promoters of the genes encoding glycoprotein C, glycoprotein H and glycoprotein E.
Mandibular metastasis of breast cancer.

Malignant tumors located elsewhere in the body often metastasize to the jaws. Consequently, clinical diagnosis of an oral lesion should not be made on the basis of radiographic examination alone. The patient's history and a microscopic examination are of great importance. Because metastatic lesions in the jaws often resemble periapical or periodontal inflammatory disease, incorrect diagnoses can be made. It is urged that radiographic studies be followed by histopathologic examination.
Leucocyte‐like cells of the vagina and uterus, and their modification during the normal estrous cycle and by progestin and estrogen treatment

Examinations of genital tract tissues and vaginal smears of normal cycling and progestin and estrogen treated cattle, sheep, and swine suggest that the majority of leucocyte-like cells appearing in the tissues and smears of non-infected animals are not of immediate blood origin, but originate from undifferentiated genital tract mesenchymal cells. During the luteal phase of the cycle, or during progestational treatment, plasma cells are produced in great numbers. They penetrate the stroma, epithelium, and lumen of the vagina as intact cells. Shortly after their entry into the vaginal lumen, they appear similar to polymorphonuclear leucocytes, as the result of dissolution of the nuclear membrane and scattering of the wedge-shaped nuclear masses throughout the cell. The relative paucity of leucocyte-like cells in the vaginal smear close to the time of ovulation results from interruption of the migration and differentiation of the plasma cells within the genital tissues, by estrogen induced fragmentation of the plasma cells. Eosinophilic polychromatin fragmenting plasma cells account for the majority of eosinophilic leucocytes in healthy genital tract tissues during proestrus and estrus.
Modeling octanol—water partition coefficients by reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Abstract The dynamic range of a polycratic reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) method for measuring hydrophobicity constants (log k ′ w ) for non-ionic, organic molecules was examined. Evidence is presented that indicates that the differential hydrogen bonding effect present in most RPLC methods has been minimized by selection of appropriate stationary and mobile phase conditions. Thus, values of log k ′ w determined for compounds of different net hydrogen bonding properties (non-congeners) can be compared directly. Results indicate that noncongeners congeners with hydrophobicities varying between −0.20 ≤ log k ′ w ≤ 5.27 can be measured by this procedure. Additionally, the net hydrogen bonding property of any solute molecule can be predicted from the chromatographic experiment. Finally, the suppression of hydrogen-bonding discrimination effects in this method is shown to be a result of the low levels of octanol and alkylamine added to the mobile phase.
Dancer in the Dark: Hypnosis, Trance-Dancing, and Weimar's Fear of the New Woman

Many writers in the Weimar press viewed the liberated New Woman as undermining traditional gender roles and, thus, as posing a threat to the entire social order. This article will demonstrate the cultural resonance found in the Weimar popular media through an analysis of Anita Berber's expressive dance and through female characters in films of the period (Fritz Lang's 1927 film, Metropolis , and Arnold Fanck's 1926 film, Der Heilige Berg [The Holy Mountain ]) that unleash evil consequences upon their male protagonists. As background to this analysis, the article provides a detailed study of women engaged in hypnosis and trance-dancing. Like the New Woman, the trance-dancer is both an object of men's desire and a femme fatale that threatens male subjectivity.
A consideration of caregiver age variables in day-care settings

The increasing demand for day-care services in the United States warrants a closer, more systematic examination of specific variables in day-care programming. With an emphasis on optimizing the day-care environment, observations and data from a variety of developmental disciplines are used to establish the significance of caregiver age/age-range as a plausible influence on child development and, hence, an important factor for consideration in day-care programming. Two conceivable pathways by which this variable may operate on child outcomes are outlined: (a)primary effects of providing young adult (preadolescent) role models, regular interaction with the elderly, and the simultaneous contrast of their attitudes, perspectives, and practices; and (b)secondary effects resulting from the enhancement or impairment of staff relations as a result of these contrasting styles. The marked absence of research relating caregiver or teacher characteristics, process variables, and outcomes for young children reinforces this topic and that of caregiver variables in general as a potentially productive field for further investigation, particularly in view of the growing impact of day care on American children.
Short-term follow-up of child psychiatric hospitalization : clinical description, predictors, and correlates

Short-term outcomes were evaluated for 65 children who were followed for 2, 4, or 6 months after psychiatric hospitalization. Child (e.g., aggression), parent (e.g., depression), family dysfunction (caretaker inconsistencies), and the modalities of treatment (e.g., point system) are described. Analyses of variance revealed no effects of follow-up interval or length of stay. A regression analysis revealed that low improvement was predicted by child attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity and depressive symptoms, older age, neurological dysfunction, and history of physical abuse. High improvement compared with low improvement children had a more successful adjustment in several critical roles and exhibited fewer individual problem behaviors.
Structure and Properties of the New PhosphidesM2M′P (M=Zr, Hf;M′=Co, Ni) and Their Relations to ZrNi and HfNi☆

The isostructural title compounds can be obtained by arc-melting of cold-pressed mixtures ofMP,M, andM′ in the ratio 1:1:1 (M=Zr, Hf;M′=Co, Ni). Their crystal structure (space groupP21/m, No. 11,Z=2) can be regarded as a new superstructure of the CrB structure type. Thus, the structure ofM2NiP can be derived formally from ZrNi or HfNi (both CrB type) by replacing every second Ni atom by P in such a way that P–P contacts are minimized. Condensed channels formed by zirconium and hafnium, respectively, build up an extended early-transition-metal framework. The late-transition-metal atoms and P are situated in singly capped trigonal prisms of theMsublattice, forming –Ni–P– zigzag chains. The expectation of metallic properties is confirmed by Extended Huckel calculations and experimentally observed Pauli paramagnetism. The differences between Co and Ni on the one hand and between Zr and Hf on the other hand are discussed, as well as the changes from MNi toM2NiP.
Association schemes, fusion rings, C-algebras, and reality-based algebras where all nontrivial multiplicities are equal

Multiplicities corresponding to irreducible characters are defined for reality-based algebras. These algebras with a distinguished basis include fusion rings, C-algebras, and the adjacency algebras of finite association schemes. The definition of multiplicity generalizes that for schemes. For a broad class of these structures, which includes the adjacency algebras, it is proved that if all the nontrivial multiplicities are equal then the algebra is commutative, and is a C-algebra if its dimension is larger than two.
Selecting the best system: selecting the best system: theory and methods

This paper provides an advanced tutorial on the construction of ranking-and-selection procedures for selecting the best simulated system. We emphasize procedures that provide a guaranteed probability of correct selection, and the key theoretical results that are used to derive them.
Improving the ICU: Part 2

ICUs are a vital but troubled component of modern health-care systems. Improving ICU performance requires that we shift from a paradigm that concentrates on individual performance, to a systems-oriented approach that emphasizes the need to assess and improve the ICU systems and processes that hinder the ability of individuals to perform their jobs well. This second part of a two-part treatise establishes a practical framework for performance improvement and examines specific strategies to improve ICU performance, including the use of information systems.
Controlled activation of morphogenesis to generate a functional human microvasculature in a synthetic matrix.

Understanding the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vascular morphogenesis has been possible using natural ECMs as in vitro models to study the underlying molecular mechanisms. However, little is known about vascular morphogenesis in synthetic matrices where properties can be tuned toward both the basic understanding of tubulogenesis in modular environments and as a clinically relevant alternative to natural materials for regenerative medicine. We investigated synthetic, tunable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels and determined both the adhesion and degradation parameters that enable human endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) to form efficient vascular networks. Entrapped ECFCs underwent tubulogenesis dependent on the cellular interactions with the HA hydrogel during each stage of vascular morphogenesis. Vacuole and lumen formed through integrins α5β1 and αVβ3, while branching and sprouting were enabled by HA hydrogel degradation. Vascular networks formed within HA hydrogels containing ECFCs anastomosed with the host's circulation and supported blood flow in the hydrogel after transplantation. Collectively, we show that the signaling pathways of vascular morphogenesis of ECFCs can be precisely regulated in a synthetic matrix, resulting in a functional microvasculature useful for the study of 3-dimensional vascular biology and toward a range of vascular disorders and approaches in tissue regeneration.
How corundum refractories are wetted by molten steel

We studied corundum refractories, modified with additions of Mg, Cr, and Zr oxides and silicon-containing substances designed for making the tiles of gate valves, on the wettability of steel 45 at 1550°C. It was established that within the limits studied the incorporation of oxides of Zr, Cr; mixtures of Cr, Mg and Zr oxides; and also silicon-containing additives, increases the wetting angle of corundum refractories. The low wettability of these refractories by steel to a significant degree determines the high metal resistance in service of the gate-valve tiles made on their basis.
Regional Foot Pressure During Running, Cutting, Jumping, and Landing

Background:Evaluating shoes during sport-related movements may provide a better assessment of plantar loads associated with repetitive injury and provide more specific data for comparing shoe cushioning characteristics.Hypothesis:Accelerating, cutting, and jumping pressures will be higher than in straight running, differentiating regional shoe cushioning performance in sport-specific movements.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Materials and Methods:Peak pressures on seven anatomic regions of the foot were assessed in 10 male college athletes during running straight ahead, accelerating, cutting left, cutting right, jump take-off, and jump landing wearing Speed TD and Air Pro Turf Low shoes (Nike, Beaverton, Ore). Pedar insoles (Novel, Munich, Germany) were sampled at 99 Hz during the 6 movements.Results:Cutting and jumping movements demonstrated more than double the pressure at the heel compared with running straight, regardless of shoe type. The Air Pro Turf showed overall lower pressure for all mo...
What to Do About Primary-Prevention Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators in Patients with Improved Ejection Fraction

Approximately 20–40 % of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) demonstrate substantial improvements in their EF during follow-up. A subset of these patients who had originally received implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (i.e., patients with EF < 35 %) pose a challenge to cardiologists when they present with improvements in EF to above 35 % at the time of their battery depletion. Little is known about the risk of sudden cardiac death in these patients. Is the risk high enough to warrant the replacement of the ICD generator? In the following article, we review the available data on the risk of sudden cardiac death in these patients, and aim to assist the clinician and the patient in making informed decisions about whether the ICD therapy should be continued.
Secret Keepers: Children's Theory of Mind and Their Conception of Secrecy.

In this mixed methods study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 3–5-year-olds (n = 21) in a university-sponsored preschool programme and children completed a theory of mind (ToM) task. After grouping children into pass/no pass groups for the ToM tasks, analyses using interpretive phenomenology indicated that preschool children explain their understanding of secrets and secret hiding places differently, depending on their ToM ability. Children in the ‘pass' group had more detailed narratives, showed more imagination, and required less prompting in their discussions of secret hiding places, regardless of age. Those in the ‘no pass' group had more concrete examples of secret hiding places and relied more heavily on their drawings to explain those places. Implications for children's social competence are discussed.
On Mukharji's “cyclodecadienone”

Abstract Contrary to reports by Mukharji et al ., cis -tosyloxydecalone 1 reacts with base to yield predominately the tricyclic ketone 3 , along with minor amounts of octalone 18 , rather than cyclodecadienone 2 .
The effects of verapamil on the locomotor-activating properties of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the rat.

Abstract CRF was administered to rats following intracerebroventricular administration of the calcium antagonist verapamil. Treatment with verapamil elicited biphasic dose - response effects on rat locomotor activity: doses equimolar to CRF treatment slightly increased CRF-stimulated locomotion, while doses of verapamil ten times greater slightly depressed CRF-stimulated locomotion. These results suggest that CRF-stimulated locomotion, unlike other effects of CRF, is not mediated in a simple way by processes dependent on neuronal calcium influx.
An ISP-friendly inter-overlay coordination framework for multiple coexisting P2P systems

As Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems are widely deployed in the Internet, P2P traffic control becomes a challenge for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and P2P system vendors. Some recent works consider the interaction between ISPs and P2P systems, and propose ISP-friendly P2P traffic control mechanisms for reducing cross-ISP P2P traffic. In this paper, we consider another fundamental problem: the performance optimization and the interaction among multiple coexisting P2P systems. Specifically, we propose an ISP-friendly inter-overlay coordination framework (COOD) for controlling P2P traffic. The COOD framework consists of three important components: network traffic optimization, P2P service differentiation, and ISP policy enforcement. Our packet-level simulation results show that, compared with current P2P traffic control mechanisms, the COOD framework can provide better overall performance to multiple coexisting P2P systems, achieve service differentiation, and implement flexible mechanisms to effectively control cross-ISP P2P traffic.
Structural disordering in WC thin films induced by SiC additions

An investigation has been conducted into the structural disordering in WC thin films induced by SiC additions. The effect of this disordering on film hardness is also reported. In this investigation, WC-SiC films with a SiC content varying from 11.6 to 38.2 pct were deposited using dual rf magnetron sputtering. The relative Si and W content in the films was determined using electron microprobe analysis. Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that, within this compositional range, the film structure transformed from crystalline to amorphous. The XRD patterns showed that the crystalline films consisted primarily of WC1−x, along with a small amount of W2C; no clear evidence for a separate crystalline SiC phase was found. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies showed that with a lower Si content, the films consisted of crystallites 3 to 5 nm in diameter embedded in an amorphous phase. As the Si content increased, the amorphous phase content increased, both as interlayers between crystallites and as particles within the crystallites. Further Si increases led to a structure consisting of a high density of interconnected amorphous particles within well-defined semicrystalline domains separated by a thin amorphous interlayer. At the highest Si content, a clear two-phase morphology evolved, consisting of two nearly amorphous but distinct phases, which suggests a fine-scale partial-phase separation between the WC and the SiC. At the atomic level, it was found that Si decreased the coherence length within the crystalline phase, resulting in a structure of mixed crystalline/highly disordered phases scaled in the range of 2 to 4 nm. Despite the significant alterations in the film structures due to SiC additions, the hardness and modulus of the films were essentially constant within the compositional range of the transition, although films with SiC contents of less than ∼11 pct had significantly lower hardness levels. It is proposed that the effects of Si on hardness can be explained in terms of competition between the percolation threshold and the amorphization-inducing effect of Si.
Magnetic properties of some rare earth tellurate garnets

Abstract The magnetic properties of the lanthanide tellurate garnets Ln 3 Te 2 Li 3 O 12 for Ln=Pr, Nd, Gd–Er, and Yb are found to exhibit similarities in many cases to the related aluminum or gallium garnet compounds. Magnetic exchange is also roughly comparable in magnitude, despite the systematic difference in exchange pathways.
Linkage and retention in care and the time to HIV viral suppression and viral rebound – New York City

The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as treatment for the individual patient and as prevention requires the achievment and maintenance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral suppression. Linkage to and retention in care are required for access to ART. We describe the impact of care on viral suppression using routinely reported surveillance data. We included New York City residents ≥13 years of age, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2009 with a viral load (VL) or CD4 reported within six months of diagnosis and ≥1 VL reported from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2011. To examine viral rebound, we restricted the analysis to those who achieved viral suppression and had a subsequent VL measure reported by 30 June 2011. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate factors associated with time to viral suppression (VL ≤ 400 copies/mL) and rebound (VL > 1000 copies/mL). Initiation of care within three months of diagnosis (CD4/VL report within three months of diagnosis), female sex, and an initial CD4 < 350 (cells/mm(3)) at diagnosis significantly increased the likelihood of viral suppression. Irregular care (no CD4/VL reported every six months), younger age, non-white race/ethnicity, having an initial CD4 ≥ 350 at diagnosis, and AIDS diagnosis by 2010 increased the likelihood of rebound. These findings lend support to interventions for improving linkage to and maintenance in regular care as a way to achieve and maintain suppression. Surveillance data represent an ideal means for monitoring engagement in care and viral suppression at the population level.
On the Laguerre representation of noisy EMP signals

The notion of representing discrete-time electromagnetic pulse (EMP) signals using orthonormal Laguerre sequences for the noiseless case was introduced by Mandyam, Ahmed and Armstrong (see ibid., vol.37, no.11, p.592-95, 1995). The motivation for doing so is that EMP signals and Laguerre sequences are both characterized by decaying exponentials. Very efficient representation of EMP signals is possible using this approach. The paper extends this representation to noisy EMP sequences where the noise is often additive and white-it is shown that noise suppression is possible using Laguerre representation.
Herd-Based Diagnosis of Neospora Caninum-Induced Endemic and Epidemic Abortion in Cows and Evidence for Congenital and Postnatal Transmission

Aborting and nonaborting cows and their dams or daughters were studied to determine if herd abortion problems were associated with the presence of Neospora caninum antibodies and to estimate when aborting cows may have acquired the infection. Cows were sampled from 20 herds that had experienced an abortion epidemic presumed to have been caused by N. caninum and from 2 herds experiencing endemic abortion. Seroprevalence for 14 herds experiencing an epidemic ranged from 7% to 70%, as estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A strong association between seropositivity and abortion was found for only 5 of 14 herds with a presumed diagnosis of N. caninum abortion ( P ≤ 0.015, lower 95% confidence interval of odds ratio ≥ 1.2), indicating N. caninum may be overdiagnosed as the cause of an abortion epidemic in some herds. No association was found between dam and daughter seropositivity for herds experiencing an epidemic (P ≥ 0.17), suggesting that most cows aborting during an epidemic were infected postnatally. For the 2 herds with endemic abortion (A, B), odds of an aborting cow having N. caninum antibodies were 3.4-fold (herd A) and 7.0-fold (herd B) higher than odds for nonaborting cows ( P ≤ 0.05). Cows that aborted a fetus infected with N. caninum were more likely to have had a previous seropositive daughter than were nonaborting sero- negative cows (P ≤ 0.0025), suggesting that infection had been acquired before conception of the aborted fetus.
Complete Deletion of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus HC-Pro: a Null Mutant Is Viable for Systemic Infection

A Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) genome lacking HC-Pro was constructed and confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR to systemically infect wheat, oat, and corn. Coupled in vitro transcription/translation reactions indicated that WSMV P1 proteinase cleaved the polyprotein at the P1/P3 junction of the HC-Pro null mutant. The WSMV HC-Pro null mutant was competent for virion formation, but the virus titer was reduced 4.5-fold relative to that of the wild type. Collectively, these results indicate that WSMV HC-Pro is dispensable for replication and movement, two essential processes that are disrupted by point and small-insertion mutations introduced into potyvirus HC-Pro.
Pure Rotational CARS Measurements of Thermal Energy Release and Ignition in Nanosecond Pulse Burst Air and Hydrogen-Air Plasmas

Pure rotational Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS), complemented by UV emission and ICCD imaging, is used to study low-temperature plasma assisted fuel oxidation kinetics and ignition in a repetitive nanosecond pulse discharge in hydrogen-air at stoichiometric and fuel lean conditions at 40 Torr pressure. Air and premixed fuel-air mixtures are excited by a burst of high-voltage nanosecond pulses (peak voltage 20 kV, pulse duration ~25 nanoseconds) at a 40 kHz pulse repetition rate and burst repetition rate of 10 Hz. The number of pulses in the burst is varied from a few pulses to a few hundred pulses. The results are compared to a new hydrogen-air plasma chemistry model which incorporates nonequilibrium plasma processes, low temperature H2 – air chemistry, non-empirical scaling of nanosecond discharge pulse energy coupled to the plasma with the pulse waveform and the number density, and quasi-one-dimensional conduction heat transfer. Experimental centerline time-resolved temperature and O2 mole fraction, determined as a function of number of pulses in a burst, are found to agree well with model predictions. The results demonstrate that the heating rate in low temperature hydrogen-air plasmas is much faster than in pure air plasmas, primarily due to energy release from the exothermic reactions of fuel with O and H atoms generated in non-equilibrium quantities in the plasma. Specifically, it is found that the initial heating rate at room temperature is controlled by the low temperature processes, O + HO2 → OH + O2 and OH + H2 → H2O + H, where HO2 is formed by three-body recombination of O and H2. At intermediate temperatures, 500 – 600 K, significant chain branching, with associated additional energy release, occurs in reactions of O with HO2, as well as in O + H2 → OH + H reaction. Both chain branching and net exothermic heat release in plasma chemical reactions becomes more pronounced at higher temperatures, eventually resulting in ignition. Sensitivity analysis also shows that generation of radicals in the plasma is key to low-temperature plasma chemical fuel oxidation and associated heat release, while ignition is primarily controlled by the well known chain branching sequence O + H2 → OH + H and H + O2 → OH + O. Rapid plasma chemical hydrogen oxidation, in ϕ = 0.5 and ϕ = 1.0 mixtures, leads to a distinct maximum in temperature which is both predicted, and observed, after approximately 700 discharge pulses (17.5 msec), concurrent with a predicted and observed rapid loss in O2. UV emission and ICCD imaging provides further evidence that plasma chemical reactions lead to volumetric ignition at pressures in the approximate range 40 - 100 Torr, and equivalence ratios in the approximate range φ = 0.3 to φ = 1. Experimental ignition delay times are found to be a strong function of pressure, but a weak function of equivalence ration, general trends which are consistent with modeling predictions.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF COMPARTMENT DEACIDIFICATION ON THE TARGETING OF MEMBRANE AND SOLUBLE PROTEINS TO THE VACUOLE IN YEAST

Lysosomal/vacuolar protein targeting is dependent on compartment acidification. In yeast, sorting of soluble vacuolar proteins such as carboxypeptidase Y is sensitive to acute changes in vacuolar pH. In contrast, the vacuolar membrane protein alkaline phosphatase is missorted only under conditions of chronic deacidification. We have undertaken a temporal analysis to define further the relationship between compartment acidification and sorting of soluble and membrane vacuolar proteins. Depletion of either the Vma3p or Vma4p subunits of the yeast vacuolar ATPase over time resulted in loss of vacuolar ATPase activity and vacuolar acidification. A kinetic delay in processing of carboxypeptidase Y occurred concomitant with these physiological changes while transport of alkaline phosphatase remained unaffected. Carboxypeptidase S, another vacuolar hydrolase that transits through the secretory pathway as an integral membrane protein, displayed a pH sensitivity similar to that of soluble vacuolar proteins. These results indicate that compartment acidification is tightly coupled to efficient targeting of proteins to the vacuole and that there may be multiple distinct mechanisms for targeting of vacuolar membrane proteins.
Unified frequency and time-domain antenna modeling and characterization

A new methodology is presented for characterizing an antenna system in both the time and frequency domains with one set of parameters using a singularity expansion method representation. A minimal parameter set for modeling antenna systems has been demonstrated using the matrix-pencil method. It has been shown that it is possible to obtain frequency-domain patterns from pole/residue models of antenna realized effective length. Thus, a pole/residue model of the antenna realized effective length presents a complete description in both the time and frequency domains. Once such a model is available, one can obtain the antenna pattern, directivity, and gain in the frequency domain and the radiated transient waveform for an arbitrary excitation waveform and an arbitrary antenna orientation.
DADO: A Novel Programming Model for Distributed, Heterogenous, Late-Bound QoS Implementations

Quality of service implementations, such as security and reliability, are notoriously difficult for software engineers. They have fragmented, cross-cutting implementations, with elements required in application components on both client and server sides. Heterogeniety and distribution make things even more difficult. To cap it all, precise requirements, specially for security, are often deployment-specific. DADO is a new programming model, with roots in aspect-oriented programming, that aims to improve matters. The goal of DADO is to provide a CORBA-like programming model to the developers of distributed, heterogenous QoS features. DADO comprises a modeling language, a deployment language, code generators, and a run-time environment. DADO allows QoS features to be modeled at the IDL level. Communication between QoS elements is explicitly modeled, as is the interaction between QoS elements and applications (viz., advice). Model-driven code-generation handles the mundane details of marshaling, despatch, and heterogeniety. DADO has a separate deployment language that allows QoS services to be deployed against applications. The DADO run-time also has several interesting features: clients can dynamically respond to QoS features at the server by deploying matching client-side service elements at run-time. DADO supports various interception mechanisms, such as proxies, interceptors, and code transformation, and all mechanisms are inter-operable. DADO currently works on TAO and JacORB, and supports QoS implementations in both Java and C++.
Leveraging Trends in Online Searches for Product Features in Market Response Modeling

Evolving tastes can change the relative importance of product features in shaping consumers' purchase decisions, which in turn can shift the relative attractiveness of products with different feature levels. The challenge lies in finding a reliable yet cost-effective way to monitor the weights consumers place on various product features. In the context of the U.S. automotive market, the authors explore the potential of using trends in online searches for feature-related keywords as indicators of trends in the relative importance of the corresponding features (e.g., fuel economy, acceleration, cost to buy, cost to operate, body type). By augmenting marketing-mix data with feature search data in a market response model, they show substantial improvements in goodness-of-fit both in and out of sample. The authors find empirical support for the hypothesis that feature search trends are positively correlated with feature importance trends. They discuss how managers may make better decisions by monitoring featur...
The Role of the Public Health System in Child Day-Care Health

Why have we not convinced our citizens that day-care for children warrants greater attention, given the demonstrated needs in day care and the importance of this issue for the future of the world? Some reasons are obvious; other issues compete for our attention. Still, our children are our future, and we increasingly depend on day-care providers to nurture and protect this investment. If that is the case, then we must empower them for the benefit of the children. Yet, before high-quality day care can even be considered for the nation9s children, before appropriate resources can be brought to bear on this issue, our society must first recognize that there is a problem—the solution for which requires collective involvement of the people in your community, your state, and in your country. Researchers must continue to do excellent science. Clinicians must continue to provide the best-quality patient care. Day-care providers must seek to continue giving the best possible care to the children entrusted to them. At the same time, if we focus only on what directly relates to our immediate responsibilities, many years will pass before high-quality day care for children becomes an integral part of our global society. The consequences of such inaction are frightening; the children deserve better. The time has come to move forward. I challenge the CDC to convene a workshop that includes the cosponsors of this conference to begin establishing a global agenda for preventing disease and injury and promoting health in child day-care settings. All of us are eager to work with other members of the global community to continue this critical effort on behalf of our children. When all of us go back to our states, to our communities, to other countries, to our families, our impressions will be that we came together because we had a purpose, because we had a mission, but most importantly, because we care for our children.
Performance of Methods for Analysis of Relative Floor Elevation Measurements in Residential Structures

Forensic evaluations of residential structures often make use of relative elevation surveys of the floor slab. The objective for the analysis of these data is to estimate the postconstruction distortions which have occurred to the floor slab, in order to determine if such distortions might result from excessive movements of the supporting soils. However, such estimates are complicated by the findings of several recent studies that residential slab-on-grade floors exhibit substantial deviations from level at the time of construction, and by the expectation of some postconstruction movements in response to structural loads. In this study, commonly used methods were used to back-analyze relative elevation data from slabs with known distortions as a means to check the performance of these methods. The results strongly suggest that relative elevation surveys may be overemphasized in current practice, as (1) maximum elevation differences significantly overestimate distortions; (2) maximum slopes are quite insensitive to distortions; and (3) pattern recognition approaches are unreliable as an indicator that distortions have occurred.
Analysis of a Scientific Protocol: Selecting Suitable Resources

We analyze a scientific protocol developed to support a service devoted to alternative splicing analysis. We explain the process of selection of resources to implement each scientific task and present a methodology for scientific tools analysis and benchmarking to produce sound and efficient scientific protocols.
Oxidative stress causes ERK phosphorylation and cell death in cultured retinal pigment epithelium: Prevention of cell death by AG126 and 15-deoxy-delta 12, 14-PGJ2

The retina, which is exposed to both sunlight and very high levels of oxygen, is exceptionally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which makes it a favorable environment for the generation of reactive oxygen species. The cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced oxidative stress on retinal pigment epithelium were characterized in this study. The MTT cell viability assay, Texas-Red phalloidin staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to assess the effects of oxidative stress on primary human retinal pigment epithelial cell cultures and the ARPE-19 cell line. The treatment of retinal pigment epithelial cells with H2O2 caused a dose-dependent decrease of cellular viability, which was preceded by a significant cytoskeletal rearrangement, activation of the Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase, lipid peroxidation and nuclear condensation. This cell death was prevented partially by the prostaglandin derivative, 15d-PGJ2 and by the protein kinase inhibitor, AG126. 15d-PGJ2 and AG126 may be useful pharmacological tools in the future capable of preventing oxidative stress induced RPE cell death in human ocular diseases.
Improved stability of nano-Sn electrode with high-quality nano-SEI formation for lithium ion battery

Abstract Sn materials offer high theoretical capacities in lithium ion batteries, but they must have good cycling stability and high rate-capability in order to be commercialized. Complex and costly material treatments of Sn have been effective in reducing capacity fade, but conventionally produced bare Sn is desired for reducing cost. One simple method is to form a high-quality solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Sn particles with low resistance and high passivation. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) added to the electrolyte forms a protective and less-resistant SEI on Sn particles during the in-situ electrochemical SEI formation cycle. FEC is a good oxidizing agent that removes highly oxidized carbon compounds and makes a SEI thinner during an oxidation process (delithiation) of SEI formation cycle. The high-quality SEI greatly improves the rate-capability and capacity of nano-sized bare Sn electrodes without any treatments: minimal capacity fade (0.014% cycle −1 ) at 320 mA h g −1 (1.3 C) for 150 cycles. The mitigating effect of FEC on capacity fade is not seen with electrodes fabricated from micro-scale (0.1~0.2 μm) Sn. The long lithium-ion diffusion path makes these micro-sized materials susceptible to decrepitation during repeated volume changes.
THE ROLE OF INTESTINAL BACTERIA IN THE RECOVERY FROM WHOLE BODY RADIATION

Non-absorbable antibiotics, neomycin sulfate or polymyxin B, prevent death from an otherwise lethal dose of whole body radiation by suppressing the activity of the Gram-negative bacterial flora of the intestinal tract. The protective effect of such suppression has been evaluated over a range of radiation exposure from 325 to 675 r. Coliform-free animals uniformly survive exposure to 550 r, a dose which is regularly lethal for coliform bearing animals. When antibiotic treatment is begun within 1 hour after 550 r whole body radiation, survival is the rule. Delay in starting treatment is critical, for the longer the delay, the higher the mortality, even though the stool cultures meanwhile become coliform-free. When antibiotic is started prior to or immediately after radiation exposure, it must be continued for at least 3 weeks if maximum effectiveness is to be obtained. The shorter the postradiation period of treatment, the greater the mortality. This suggests that the defense systems involved require protection for at least 3 weeks in order to permit return of maximal function. The non-absorbable intestinal antibiotics are effective only when cultural data demonstrate successful elimination of the coliform flora in the gut.